Well, here it is, the forty-fourth part of the fifth and final installment in my 'Heart' series. I know that this is a lot later than I planned but alas sometimes life gets in the way. Hopefully my new writing schedule going forward will help but I can't make any promises on that front. Anyway, Ash and Dawn have made it to Spikemuth, seen the nature of the city, and met Piers. Now it's time for Ash to finally face Piers in battle and see if he can complete the set by defeating the only dark type gym in the world while in the process helping boost Spikemuth's image and maybe even win a bonus prize that will benefit him in any future battles in Galar. There really isn't much more than that because it's time for a good old fashioned gym battle so that is all the administrative stuff that I have for the Part and as there are no questions to answer or guest reviews to respond to I'll leave this off here. Do please keep your reviews coming as I love hearing from y'all. That is it for this pre-Part note which means that it is once again time to sit back which and enjoy the latest installment in Heart of Champions. Part CCXXXIII: Fighting Against Darkness.

Disclaimer: I do not own Pokémon.

Part CCXXXIII: Fighting Against Darkness

When Ash and Dawn reached the area of Spikemuth where they'd been told that the gym was they could see why it had the reputation that it did, as well as what the lack of a Power Spot could do to a city in Galar that had a gym in it. It was true that this was an official gym and the 7th in the sequence that was mandatory in Galar, which meant that it was the second toughest, but still, it was nothing like what Ash had seen from the outside in Circhester when he'd been there, mainly because it wasn't a stadium.

No, the Spikemuth Gym was, to Ash at least, more traditional in it's appearance and that is to say utterly unique and in a way fitting to the type that the leader specialized in. It was located not too far from the Pokémon Center and a few streets over in what was likely an empty lot accessible via back alley of sorts that had been with chain link barriers on either side blocking off the battlefield and the area around it. At one end was a raised dais with a TV on it, speakers to either side, lights shining at it from below and bright neon lights behind it that had the dark pink symbol of the gym in the center.

Given the covered nature of Spikemuth it was hard to say if the gym was an indoor or outdoor one as the only roof overhead was what was over the whole city but that wasn't really what Ash was focused on. No, he was focused on Piers who was standing on the dais and Ash got the clear impression that this also served as a concert stage for whenever Piers rocked out with his Pokémon. The comparisons to Virbank and Roxie were clear and Ash grinned as he got ready for the battle.

Dawn meanwhile was taking in the rest of the situation. On the other side of the battlefield from where they were approaching, and naturally behind the chain link barrier, was a horde of Team Yell supporters already cheering and making noise with their vuvuzelas with a few of them manning a fully set up camera station to film it. Meanwhile, on the side that they were coming in from were a gathering of reporters, commentators, cameramen and women, and even a few spectators and trainers who'd come into Spikemuth specifically for this battle.

Part of why they'd taken a few days in the city was to allow for all of this to be set up while word of the battle was circulated around Galar and the wider world but now that it was it was time for Ash to have his battle and he couldn't wait. Alas he'd have to because as he and Dawn showed up the reporters noticed that he'd arrived and suddenly they swarmed him.

"This just in!" One of the reporters, a local it seemed, said. "Ash Ketchum, the Champion of Kalos, has officially arrived at the Spikemuth Gym for his battle with the gym's leader, Piers. Mr. Ketchum, anything to say before the battler?"

"Just that I'm looking forward to a good, fun, and challenging battle." Ash said as Dawn took the moment to let go of his hand and slip away to find a spot where she could let out her Pokémon and set up her own cheer section for Ash, she was in her cheerleader outfit and this was tradition for them after all, while Ash handled the expected and impromptu press conference. "I've never faced a dark type Gym in my travels, I couldn't seeing as this is the only one I've ever heard of, so when I came to Galar for Dawn's ribbon I knew that I wanted to face it if I could."

"Is this your first battle in Galar?" Another reporter asked. "I know you don't need them being a regional Champion and all but you can still have them, right?"

"Anyone can challenge a gym as far as I know even if it's not with aim of qualifying for a Conference so I believe that I can face any gym leader that I want." Ash said. "And seeing as I need to stay in shape for the PWC I will do so when the opportunities present themselves and better way than to face off against some of the best that Galar has to offer."

"Is Piers the only Gym Leader you will face?" A third reporter asked. "Or are you looking to face Raihan as well? He is the only one ranked higher than Piers in Galar and is considered by Leon to be his rival."

"I am hoping that he will accept my challenge as I should have time to visit Hammerlock before Dawn and I have to leave Galar but first I've got to beat Piers." Ash said. "Anything can happen in a Pokémon battle so I'm focused on that right now."

"What about Leon?" A fourth reporter asked. "Will you face him as well? You did face the Alola Champion while you were there."

"As much as I'd like to, we've spoken and agreed to hold off until the PWC." Ash said shaking his head. "That will be the same for other Champions that I may encounter before the PWC as well. I will face other strong trainers in the various regions but other than Alola where the Champion is new and there are no Gym Leaders or Elite Four as of right now, I won't face my fellow Champions. We must save something for the PWC."

This got a lot of murmurs and agreements from the gathered reporters who were noting things down. Ash took this as his cue to walk forward and they respectively parted and let him enter the gym via a gap at the end opposite the dais while noting that there would be a basketball hoop behind him for some reason.

Once he was in the reporters quickly moved to their positions while the cameras rolled and several began to talk into cameras about the upcoming battle. This battle was at a set time in Galar and had been marketed nationally and internationally so many around the world were watching it but Ash wasn't focused on that. He was solely focused on the battle at hand and as he stepped into the large, dark, area behind the white lines that indicated his box, it was rather different to the standard battlefield markings he was used to but a clear rectangle of official size so Ash didn't mind that, he looked at Piers.

Piers hadn't said anything while Ash was being mobbed by the reporters but as Ash came to a stop and Pikachu leapt off his shoulder to stand next to him, Piers raised his microphone to his lips and began to walk forward and down the steps to his battlefield. As he did a hush fell over the area and Team Yell respectfully quieted down as they watched their leader make his way onto the battlefield.

"Welcome to my stage Ash." Piers said as he walked through his box and onto the battlefield, his voice amplified for all to hear while the cameras tracked him before switching to Ash and then back to Piers as he continued. "And to my gym, the Spikemuth Gym. Do you have your writ?"

"I do." Ash said walking out at the question and reaching into his pocket to pull out the paper that Leon had sent to him while he'd been in Wyndon and meeting Piers at the middle of the battlefield to hand it over. "Here it is."

"Thank you." Piers said as he took it and looked it over before nodding and handing it back to Ash and turning to the cameras as Ash head back to where he'd stand for the battle knowing that all this was to make things official and really play things up which would help the city. "I, Piers, Gym Leader of the Spikemuth Gym, formally recognize the writ that Ash Ketchum has from Monarch Leon entitling him to an official Gym Battle in any Galar Gym. Due to his status as a regional Champion, Ash is exempt from the order that one must normally follow in Galar and will not try for the Galar Cup should he beat all 8 Gym Leaders but if he beats me today I will present him with the Dark Badge."

This got plenty of murmurs from the reporters while Team Yell cheered loudly for their leader and proclaimed that they believed that he'd win. Piers ignored all of this as he pressed on while Ash retook his spot at the challenger's end of the battlefield.

"As such this battle will be conducted under the official rules of the Spikemuth Gym and to show that not even a regional Champion is exempt from them, nor am I exempt from following them simply because of the caliber of my opponent." Piers continued causing the mutterings and cheers to quiet down again. "Therefore, this will be a 4 on 4 battle with only the challenger, Ash, being allowed sub out Pokémon. He must show that he can beat me under these rules while I will prove the mettle of Spikemuth to all of Galar by going toe to toe with the Kalos Champion."

This got a lot of cheers from Team Yell and Ash smiled from where he was standing. Piers was good at working a crowd, likely because he was a performer, and he was really working it now though Ash knew that this was in part to help promote Spikemuth which needed it. That and it was going to be one of the host cities for the PWC, and the second seed bracket at that, so this was a chance to show off to the world what the city had to offer, which unfortunately wasn't much. Still, a good showing here would go a long way in promoting interest in visiting Spikemuth.

"That is all that I have to say about the upcoming battle." Piers said as the cheering died down. "It's time to let our Pokémon do the talking now."

With that Piers put his microphone away and turned to walk to his own end. As he did, a referee from the Galar League stepped forward and took his spot at the halfway point. Usually Piers would use a member of Team Yell that understood how to officiate and had proven himself or herself to be unbiased but this was going to be broadcast globally so he'd requested an official referee who'd usually be used in the Galar Cup for it and the Galar League had agreed. After all, this had to look as good as possible and as passionate as his supporters were, they weren't the most professional bunch out there.

"Right, as the Gym Leader said this will be a 4 on 4 battle with only the challenger allowed to sub out." The ref said as Piers took his spot opposite Ash. "Is that clear?"

"Yes." Ash said grinning as he pulled out his first Poke Ball indicating that he was not going to use Pikachu first. "Let's get this started, I've been waiting for this battle ever since I got to Galar."

"Good then we shall put on a grand performance Ash." Piers said as the TV behind him lit up with their faces and 4 slots coming from them in a typical battle graphic for all to see though the various stations broadcasting would have their own graphics for those watching at home. "And show the world what Spikemuth can offer."

"You know it, give me your best Piers." Ash said as Piers pulled out a green ball that was the same as one that Gladion had used in Ash's battle with the Alola Champion and which Ash had learned since then was called a Dusk Ball. "I need to stay sharp for the PWC."

"I will, I have the pride of Spikemuth riding on me just as Marnie does in Unova." Piers said and he knew that she was watching from Castelia City and that thanks to her growing reputation there that a lot of Unovans were tuning into this battle. "I can't let my people down."

"Very well then let the battle between the challenger, the Kalos Champion Ash Ketchum, and Gym Leader Piers…" The ref began as he raised his arm in the air and cutting off Ash before he could respond. "…begin!"

"Scrafty go!"

"Farfetch'd, I choose you!"

Piers and Ash spoke at the same time as they tossed out their Pokémon and the balls flew through the air before bursting open and disgorging light. A second later Ash's Galarian Farfetch'd was before him while a Scrafty stood before Piers. Ash had a Scraggy and had met a Scrafty in Unova, as well as facing Adam's in the Lumiose Conference last 16, so he knew the Pokémon pretty well and grinned. This was a good matchup for Farfetch'd's first official battle though none of them noticed the slight, involuntary, shiver that Farfetch'd had as Scrafty's Intimidate ability kicked in.

"Ah a fighting type, a good choice against a dark type that doesn't have a secondary type to negate that." Piers said as the images of both Pokémon appeared in the first slots on the TV. "But you can't expect a dark type genius like me to not know how to handle a weakness in any of my Pokémon."

"Of course not, you wouldn't be a gym leader if you couldn't overcome something as simple as that." Ash said. "And a dual fighting and dark type adds to it. Been a few months since I faced a Scrafty though the last one I faced is in Galar right now so a good challenge for me as well. As you can tell, Farfetch'd here is one of my new Pokémon that has joined me since I got to Galar."

"Normally that could be seen as a hinderance, or even arrogance, but someone capable of rising to the rank of Champion can overcome that and you did say that this was to keep you in shape so I know that you're serious." Piers said. "But determination alone won't be enough, let's see how you handle this. Scrafty, use Fake Out and then follow it up with Brick Break. We're a little limited but that won't stop us!"

"Dodge if you can and then counter with Fury Cutter!" Ash said. "No matter what happens, hold on and use it as soon as you can!"

Farfetch'd grunted as he got ready but before he could do so Scrafty was suddenly on him and struck him in the face with Fake Out. Farfetch'd wasn't resistant or weak to the normal type attack so it did average damage but the big concern with the move was that it causes the Pokémon hit by it to flinch if used when Piers did.

That was Pier's plan of course and as soon as Farfetch'd was hit he shivered in the tell-tale sign of flinching. That allowed for the opening that Piers wanted and as Farfech'd staggered back and shivered, Scrafty reared his head back and then slammed it down in a vicious headbutt directly to the top of Farfetch'd's head.

The blow knocked Farfech'd's head down but he grunted and pushed through the blow that again he wasn't weak or resistant to. He had his orders and he wasn't going to let his human down just because he couldn't stop himself from flinching and thus took a second blow. Instead, Farfetch'd just powered through the blow as his leak glowed with bug type power. Then, as Scrafty raised his head and tried to back up, Farfetch'd let out a caw and slashed his leak across his body.

Thanks to his last attack, Scrafty was too close to evade in time before the leak and thus the bug type attack slammed into his chest and he was blasted backwards from the force of the blow. His fighting type's resistance to bug type attacks negated his dark type weakness to them but it was still a strong hit and he let out a wail of pain as he was tossed back and as he did Ash pressed his advantage.

"Again!" Ash shouted as Scrafty was knocked back. "Use Fury Cutter! Keep it up and land as many as you can!"

"Sand Attack!" Piers said as Farfetch'd cawed and charged, his leak out to his side and glowing with bug type power again as he ran at Scrafty. "Blind Farfetch'd and evade!"

Scrafty couldn't do anything in the air and Farfetch'd used that to close but he didn't get there in time before Scrafty hit the hard ground of the battlefield and bounced off it. It wasn't a dirt battlefield but concrete so it was more durable and as such Scrafty was launched into the air from the bounce, flipping with it. That was just what Farfetch'd needed to finish closing the distance and as soon as he was in range, which thanks to his leak was larger than a normal Fury Cutter attack would have, he struck a second time.

Farfetch'd was only just in range but that was good enough for him and he swung his leak as he ran so that the tip of the leak slammed into Scrafty as he tried to right himself in the air. Again Scrafty wailed and was thrown back with Farfetch'd running through the attack and activating Fury Cutter again as he did ready for another attack that would keep his continued hits going and thus ensuring that the attack got stronger with each consecutive hit.

However Scrafty was ready now. The second hit had kept him in the air and he used it to roll around and get his feet under him so that he landed on them well into his half of the battlefield and slid over it as he continued to move backwards. He now had the distance and with a cry of his own he created and threw sand at the charging Farfetch'd.

The Wild Duck Pokémon didn't stand a chance to evade it and took the sand full in the face as he ran. Farfetch'd let out a caw of annoyance but as the attack didn't do any damage he just plowed through the sand, focused on the task at hand, and swung the leak as soon as he was certain that he was in range.

Unfortunately for Farfetch'd, while Sand Attack didn't do damage it did reduce his accuracy and he swung far too early and the tip of the leak passed by in front of Scrafty as he came to a stop on his slide thus resetting his Fury Cutter's damage. Piers had already seen this coming and was ready with his own counter.

"Now's the time for Brick Break!" Piers shouted. "Then prepare Payback!"

"Fury Cutter missed!" Ash called as Scrafty pushed off the ground and at Farfetch'd using the missed swing to his advantage. "Use Rock Smash as soon as you can!"

Farfech'd let out a caw as he opened his eyes from the Sand Attack and then cawed again as Scrafty finished his leap and landed before Farfetch'd with his head cocked back. There was no way to evade it so Farfetch'd just kept running as he moved his leak so that it was in his left wing only and focused fighting type power in his right wing.

The goal was to charge under the Brick Break and use Rock Smash but he failed as his momentum was stopped by the swift chop from Scrafty's head which slammed into the top of his head and drove him beak first down into the ground with a caw. While it stopped his momentum, Farfetch'd was far from done and he just cawed as he bounced up off the ground and swung his right wing around with shattering blow that could break boulders.

Farfetch'd's wing slammed into the side of Scrafty's body and spun him around as he roared in pain from the super effective attack. It wasn't enough to take him down but it did do a lot of damage. However, because of that Piers had already planned ahead and had anticipated Ash landing a blow given how close the Pokémon were to each other and the range that Farfetch'd's leak granted it hence the call for Payback because now Farfetch'd's resistance to dark type attacks would be negated.

"Payback!" Piers called out as Scrafty spun having already begun to store power the moment after his Brick Break landed.

"Rock Smash!" Ash said. "We've got this Farfetch'd!"

Scrafty let out a cry and as Ash called to Farfetch'd planted his foot and pushed off the ground using the momentum from the blow he'd taken to launch himself head first at Farfetch'd. He'd stored the power as much as he could even while spinning and now Scrafty unleashed it as he slammed his now glowing mohawk into Farfetch'd's beak as hard as possible.

Farfetch'd let out a caw of pain and staggered back as Scrafty landed before him, the full potential of Payback having been properly used in this case so it was twice as strong as normal thus making it standard against Farfetch'd and therefore doing a decent amount of damage. However it wasn't enough to take down Farfetch'd and as he staggered he'd already built the fighting type power only this time it was in his leak not his wing and so as he staggered he cawed and swung it from left to right.

The greater range that the leak provided him was more than enough to reach Scrafty and he was too close to avoid it, and still staggering forward after landing his Payback, so the leak slammed into Scrafty's side with ease. The super effective fighting type attack was too much for Scrafty after taking two Fury Cutters back to back and a prior Rock Smash so he was knocked out cold from the blow.

As such Scrafty didn't let out a sound as he was launched sideways and into the chain link barrier in front of screaming Team Yell members with a clang that caused the Team Yell grunts there to back up before bouncing off it and back to the ground. The Hoodlum Pokémon hit it hard and rolled a few times but didn't make it back to the white line that was the edge of the battlefield, though the sides there were fair game like they were in all battlefields, before coming to a stop on his back, arms by his side, mouth open, and swirls for eyes.

"Scrafty is unable to battle!" The ref said raising his left hand, the one that faced Piers, the declaration causing Scrafty's image on the screen to turn gray and Team Yell to let out a few boos at that while Dawn and her Pokémon cheered as usual. "Farfetch'd is the winner!"

"Scrafty return." Piers said recalling Scrafty and looking at the Dusk Ball in his hand with a small smile. "You did well my friend, that was a tough Farfetch'd, kinda reminds me of the one that I heard was causing troubles in Wyndon actually so don't feel bad. We've got just the Pokémon to deal with it. Ash deserves that much from us after that matchup."

"Farfetch'd, return." Ash said recalling Farfetch'd having not heard what Piers said so couldn't confirm that this was indeed that very Farfetch'd from Wyndon. "You need a break and I want the others to get experience as well. Rest, if I need you again I'll bring you out."

"Not bad Ash and the right choice given who's next." Piers said looking at Ash as he put away Scrafty's Dusk Ball and pulled out another one causing Ash to look up as he put away Farfetch'd's Poke Ball. "There are three types strong against dark types, there were only two originally but you helped reveal a third that emerged a few years ago. However, there are ways to negate that even if they open up other weaknesses in the process. I find that most focus on pure weaknesses and forget about duel types."

"Oh I know that well, I've faced many who used duel types for that reason." Ash said grinning as he pulled out his next Poke Ball. "And I didn't doubt that you'd have a way to counter fighting types so I didn't plan solely around that type in this battle. As you said, there are other types strong against dark types, types that a negation to fighting type attacks doesn't effect."

"I'd expect no less from a regional Champion." Piers said as he tossed out his Dusk Ball and he meant it because Ash wouldn't have gotten to where he was now if he was solely reliant on one type to beat a gym leader. "Now, Malamar, go!"

"Florges, I choose you!" Ash said as second later before his grin broadened. "Alright a Malamar! Now that's a Pokémon I know really well."

"You do, do you?" Piers said as his Malamar, which was male, burst forth and appeared before him. "Well it is a Kalos Pokémon, at least originated there as far as we know, so I shouldn't be surprised."

"Oh that is where I met one but I know it so well because my fiancée has one that she blindly caught, long story there." Ash said as his Florges materialized and appeared before him while the images of the two Pokémon appeared in the second slots on the TV. "So I trained against hers to prepare as it's psychic type is a counter to fighting types. Course you did note that I revealed the third type strong against dark types and I do have one Pokémon that is of the new fairy type on me, two in total, and here she is. I didn't just bring fighting types after all; I've made that mistake in gym battles before but not anymore."

"I can tell and I recall your battle with Gladion, I did watch it to prepare for you, so I am aware of this Pokémon." Piers said as he looked at the blue flower Florges that Ash had as she stood ready before him and noted that she was a strong, confident, and battle hardened Pokémon. "So show me what she can do. Psycho Cut."

"Evade and use Grassy Terrain!" Ash said as Malamar charged forward as blades formed of psychic power appeared over Malamar's tentacles. "We got this."

"Florges!" Florges cried already tense as the other Pokémon closed in on her.

She recognized the Overturning Pokémon at once as she'd gotten to know her human's mate's Malamar pretty well over the last few months. While she respected Malamar's maternal instincts towards her trainer and fellow Pokémon, Florges did find her habit of slapping Ash's mate whenever she was out of line a bit much as sometimes Dawn didn't deserve it but she was all about kindness in her interactions, especially after what happened in the Wetlands.

Regardless, Florges knew the species well from her interactions with Dawn's Malamar, who wasn't present at the moment, and so knew what one of them was capable of. Of course this one was clearly male, she could just tell, and a stronger battler given that Dawn was a coordinator but that didn't matter to Florges, she'd beat it with ease and show off how she could handle it. This was her second official battle for Ash and she wasn't going to lose it.

As such, she tracked the tentacles with her eyes and then using her knowledge of how they worked while giving herself some leeway in case this Malamar was bigger or had a longer reach than the one that she knew, leapt back as the first one struck out at her before leaping upwards as soon as she landed to be clear of the second tentacle and fully evade the attack. Only then did the full scope of what she'd done hit Piers and Malamar as she'd activated Grassy Terrain as she leapt back thus turning the battlefield to grass before she leapt into the air boosting her grass type moves.

It was a strange choice to Piers; he'd expected Ash to use a fairy type attack but he hadn't and instead played into the misconception that Florges was at least part grass type due to her appearance. However, while he'd not opted to start with a fairy type attack, now that Malamar looking up at Florges and she was in the air Ash knew what to do. He trusted Florges and he wasn't going to pass up on what she'd just done.

"Moonblast!" Ash called out.

"Brace and store your power for Payback!" Piers said as Florges began to borrow the power of the moon and realizing that there wasn't a high chance of evading so using the move to his advantage as best he could. "Make sure to repay Florges for this!"

"Malamar." Malamar said as he began to store power.

He understood the order and agreed with his trainer on it. He was too close to avoid the attack but from this angle he'd still be in range for Payback after taking the hit and in a battle like this where he was at a disadvantage based on type he had to use all he had to win. Malamar would do just that as he continued to store power and braced himself as Florges unleashed her Moonblast from above.

A second later the blast of fairy type power slammed into Malamar's face and drove him down to the temporarily grassy battlefield. He let out a cry of pain at the super effective attack landing but that was more involuntary than anything else and he rolled with the blow to bounce off the ground, his odd body making it easier, and as he came up he lashed out his right tentacle at the falling Florges, the end glowing with dark type power.

Neither Florges nor Ash had time to react to the blow that slammed into Florges's face from below and sent her flipping up and backwards with a wail of pain before she hit the ground. Like Farfetch'd she was resistant to dark type attacks but just with Scrafty's attack, Malamar's was boosted by coming after a hit so the resistance was negated and it acted as normal on Florges. Still, it wasn't nearly enough to take down Florges as she flipped and Ash gave his next orders.

"Hold Malamar back with a quick Vine Whip!" Ash cried. "Then use Petal Blizzard as soon as you land."

"Take off and counter with Psycho Cut!" Piers shouted as a green vine shot out from Florges's flower. "Press out advantage and use it a second time as soon as you can!"

"Malamar!" Malamar cried in agreement as he set himself.

However, before he could move, the Vine Whip reached him and lashed him across the chest. It was an impressive hit as Florges was still flipping back but Ash trained all his Pokémon to fight like that and Florges was no exception so she'd focused on landing the move rather than correcting herself so as to land on her base. That and she'd trained with some of Ash's grass types to get a true feel and understanding for the move so she easily made sure that it reached Malamar and scored a hit.

Said hit was neither resisted nor super effective but that didn't matter, it imparted damage that was bolstered by the Grassy Terrain and staggered Malamar back a pace thus holding back his attack for a few seconds. That was all that Florges needed as she hit the ground and rolled a few feet over it while Malamar recovered and then pushed off the ground and rushed her.

As Malamar did, Florges pushed herself up onto her base, raised her arms, and a stirred up a violent blizzard of pink petals. Thanks to Malamar blasting her back, there was enough of a gap for the hit to land before Malamar reached her, the blades of psychic power already over his tentacles. Still, it wasn't enough to slow Malamar down even with the boost of Grassy Terrain and Malamar powered through Florges's Petal Blizzard attack to reach the Garden Pokémon and slash her across what passed for her chest with the psychic type attack as she lowered her hands.

Florges let out a cry of pain from the blow and staggered back a few paces but the Petal Blizzard was already over and Ash was ready for that. The moment he could he called out his next attack.

"Moonblast!" Ash shouted as Florges was hit. "We got this, send Malamar back and out of range of its tentacles even if it means taking another hit. I know that you can withstand it Florges!"

Florges understood as she set herself and borrowed power from the moon again while another set of psychic blades appeared over Malamar's tentacles. This wasn't a tactic that Ash used often, at least not with a Pokémon that had a move like Payback or Reversal where damage was part of the move, but sometimes it was worth it to take the hit for the greater scope of the battle, especially in a multi Pokémon battle where you could sub out. It was a tactic that Lucy used often and in this instance one that Ash did as well.

That was because the Psycho Cut was a shade faster than Moonblast at this close of a range and so Malamar landed a second one to Florges's chest as she borrowed the power of the moon that staggered her but Florges pushed through it. A hit like that wouldn't take her down. Florges would show that she was getting stronger with Ash and that her decision to join him, in part of her own atonement, was not just for show as she took the blow without an issue and then let out a cry and at near point blank range unleased her Moonblast.

The fairy type attack caught Malamar cleanly in the face and he was blasted backwards from Florges with a boom. The force of the blow was such that even Florges had to back up a bit due to the shockwave caused by the impact with Malamar but that was fine seeing as Malamar was sent end over end back to the center of the battlefield with a wail of pain from the super effective attack.

A second later Malamar hit the ground and rolled over it a few times before coming to a stop as the Grassy Terrain ended and the battlefield returned to normal. Malamar tried to get up as Piers encouraged him but he'd taken two super effective attacks and two boosted attacks that he wasn't resistant to and that was too much it seemed. All he managed was to get halfway up before he let out a wail and flopped backwards, hitting the ground with a soft thump on his back, his tentacles to the sides and eyes swirls.

"Malamar is unable to battle." The ref declared raising his left hand and getting some boos from Team Yell while the image of Malamar on the TV went gray. "Florges is the winner."

"Malamar return." Piers said recalling Malamar and smiling at the Dusk Ball in his hand. "That was well done my friend. You were against a tough opponent based on type but you landed a few blows. Take a rest, Ash is more than worthy of his reputation but he'll struggle against our next team member. After all, you may be my choice to counter fighting types but I also have one for fairy types as well."

"Sounds fun so stay in for now Florges." Ash said grinning. "We need the experience against Pokémon that you're not strong against."

"Florges." Florges said with a nod as she set herself, she was more than willing to face her own weaknesses if it meant getting stronger with Ash. "Flor, Florges."

"We'll see if you keep that decision when you see my next Pokémon." Piers said as he put away Malamar's Dusk Ball and pulled out his next one and tossed it out in a single, smooth, action. "Skuntank, go."

"I see, yes that will be a challenge for us." Ash said as the Dusk Ball burst open and the fully evolved Sinnoh Pokémon materialized before Piers while the image appeared in the third slot on the TV for those paying attention to which Pokémon were being used and who was still in the battle. "Just what I'd expect from a gym leader though. Florges, be wary, against you this is possibly one of the worst matchups for us if we go by type and moves."

"Florges." Florges said her tone serious as she looked at the Pokémon before her. "Flor, Florges."

It was one that she'd not seen before but whatever it was, it was a solid looking quadruped Pokémon with cream fur over it's legs and belly that went into dark purple on the sides, chest, neck, and under its jaw, then cream again for a streak before the spikey fur on its back returned to dark purple. The exception was the front of the back fur that lay on the top of the Pokémon's head and was cream.

Florges could tell just by it's color and general posture, along with what Ash had told her about this battle, that it was a dark type but given his warning it had to be more than that and she had a very good feeling what the other type was and it was one of the two she was bad against. However, Florges trusted her trainer so while she was wary as she looked at the Pokémon before her, she was still ready for it and would give her all to beat it.

"I'm not surprised that you know this Pokémon." Piers said. "I don't use him often but as you know, for a dark type specialist, Skuntank's type combination is one of the best out there."

"I've encountered a few of them in my time but this will actually be my first battle against one so I'm eager to see how I'd fair against it." Ash said grinning. "However, I have faced a few Drapions over the years and they have the same combination so I know how tough they can be. Dark and poison is a combination that does a really good job at covering for each other's weakness. Ready for this Florges?"

"Florges." Florges said nodding again though at the other type mentioned she couldn't help but be a little nervous. "Flor, Florges."

"Alright, this will be a massive challenge for us but that is why I'm challenging strong trainers this year." Ash said. "We need to be able to overcome such odds if we're going to win the PWC. Start with Moonblast."

"Toxic." Piers said as Florges cried and began to borrow the power of the moon. "No point in not going all out at the start after what Ash has shown. Power through that Skuntank, this is about landing what is best to beat Florges."

Skuntank let out a rumble of agreement and opened his mouth as the Moonblast was unleashed. His poison type negated his dark type's weakness to the newest type in existence so he ignored it and focused on spewing forth his Toxic as the attack flew at him. He had to arc it over the blast and rain it down on Florges's head and flower but it worked as it ensured that the attack landed. Admittedly he didn't see it as the Moonblast took him right above his crest staggering him back a pace but grunted knowing that his move had landed.

Florges for her part staggered back and spluttered from the attack though she didn't feel any pain from it. Well, initially at least as a second later purple lines appeared under her eyes and she let out a wail of pain as she shuddered from a round of poisoning. Thanks to her type, the pain was even more intense and she staggered back even more barely able to hold onto consciousness.

"You can do it Florges!" Ash said encouragingly. "Moonblast again, that's our best bet!"

"Sucker Punch." Piers said. "Make sure that the next poisoning is the last. I doubt she can withstand a second, more intense, round but we have to make sure."

Skuntank growled at that and pushed off the ground. A second later he reached Florges as Florges was still borrowing power from the moon and slammed his head into her base staggering her back yet again. The high priority of the move ensured that he landed the hit first but Florges was resistant to the dark type attack so even in her current state she was able to hold on. It also meant the Skunk Pokémon was unable to avoid the blast of fairy type power that slammed into his back a moment later but that was nothing to him as he just watched Florges.

That was because as she came to a stop, she'd fired off the Moonblast as she staggered to ensure that she got the move off, a second wave of poisoning, one more intense than the first, rocked her. Thanks to the added damage of the Sucker Punch, along with the first poisoning and Malamar's 3 hits, Florges was pushed well over the edge and as she shuddered from the poisoning her eyes rolled up into the back of her head and she fell limply to the side. It was a graceful, slow flop and a second later she hit the ground and lay there on her side with swirls for eyes.

"Florges is unable to battle." The ref declared raising his right hand, the one on Ash's side, this time as Florges's image on the TV grayed out while Team Yell cheered loudly at Piers finally defeating one of Ash's Pokémon. "Skuntank is the winner."

"Florges return." Ash said recalling Florges and looking at the Poke Ball with a smile as Skuntank backed up to stand on his side of the battlefield though he never turned around, keeping his eyes on the human challenging his trainer the entire time. "You did well my friend, that was a super tough matchup and you lasted through a poisoning so don't feel bad for that. We'll get better and figure a way around this aspect of poison type moves in time but for now landing a few hits against that type combination will help as often they can only be brought down through attrition if you don't know a ground type move. Plus you beat Malamar so be proud. Take a rest, you earned it."

At that Ash put Florges's Poke Ball away and reached behind him for his next Pokémon. He wasn't ready yet to focus on taking down Skuntank, it was good but hadn't pushed him to break out a Pokémon that could easily beat it just yet, so it was time for a little more experience for one of his Pokémon.

"Alright, come on out again Farfetch'd!" Ash cried as he pulled his Poke Ball out, expanded it, and tossed it in a single, smooth, motion adding his orders as he threw the Poke Ball. "Fury Cutter! Keep it up to maintain a continuous streak!"

"Interesting." Piers said as the Poke Ball burst open and Farfetch'd came out with a cry, leak to the side and hit the ground running as fast as he could which showed good training for a fast transition in a multi Pokémon battle. "Evade them and use Toxic as soon as you know you've got the hit. Scrafty took a lot out of that Farfetch'd, let's ensure that it goes down no matter what."

Skuntank grunted in agreement at his orders. At the same time, Farfetch'd ran as fast as he could while infusing his leak with bug type power before he swung it with a cry. The added range of his long leak made it hard to predict for Skuntank and he mistimed his leap backwards and took the end of it to the side of his head causing him to grunt in pain from it and stagger back and slightly to the side from the hit. That stagger caused Farfetch'd to step forward a few paces to ensure that he was in range as he swung the leak back once again infusing it with bug type power.

However, this time Skuntank was ready. While he could absorb the hit just fine the damage from first Florges and now Farfetch'd was was piling up as he was neither resistant nor weak to their attacks and Fury Cutter would only get stronger now that a hit had been landed so it was prudent to do all he could to dodge the blow. Therefore, as Farfetch'd brought his leak back on the backswing and within range, Skuntank just tensed his legs and then leapt directly up in the air so that the leak passed under him.

It was an impressive move to avoid the attack and end the Fury Cutter streak before it got worse while also showing off that Skuntank had surprising leaping ability, albeit not the best hops as he only just cleared the leak. However, that was enough as Farfetch'd looked up in surprise at his miss and just in time to see Skuntank open his mouth and spew forth his Toxic down onto Farfetch'd as he stood below Skuntank.

Farfetch'd spluttered and staggered back as the Toxic attack took him full in the face, the purple lines appeared below his eyes a second later to show that he was poisoned. Ash knew that right away and acted to at least get something out of the exchange.

"Fury Cutter!" Ash shouted. "We don't have much time Farfetch'd! Any little helps!"

"Sucker Punch." Piers said as Skuntank landed before Farfetch'd. "Knock it back and retreat right away!"

Farfetch'd shuddered as poison rocked his body and Skuntank pushed off the ground as soon as he could. A split second later he slammed face first into Farfetch'd's beak and staggered the pure fighting type back a few paces. However, Farfetch'd had his orders and even as he was shuddering and nearing the end of his consciousness, he'd been infusing his leak with bug type power. As such, he was able to whip it around as he staggered back and use the long reach of his leak to hit Skuntank in the side as the Skunk Pokémon tried to fall back.

Skuntank grunted but he pushed through it glad that he'd broken the streak when he'd leapt over the leak a few seconds prior and just kept backing up until he was out of range of Farfetch'd's leak. As he did a second poisoning rocked through Farfetch'd and just like with Florges before him this, coupled with the damage from the first one, the Sucker Punch and all that he'd taken from Scrafty in the opening matchup of the battle pushed him well over the edge. So, even as he shuddered, Farfetch'd dropped his leak and fell to his side, his beak open and eyes swirls.

"Farfetch'd is unable to battle." The ref declared his voice almost lost over the cheers and sounds of vuvuzelas coming from Team Yell as he raised his hand to Ash's side and caused Farfetch'd's image to go gray on the TV. "Skuntank is the winner."

"Farfetch'd return." Ash said recalling his Pokémon and smiling at the Poke Ball as he held it. "You did really well for your first official battle my friend. You won your first matchup and then added to things with Skuntank. Still, that combination is tough and while I didn't exactly plan for it, I do have just the Pokémon who can deal with a poison and dark type and Piers has pushed me to that point."

"I see, so it looks like I've merited one of your stronger Pokémon." Piers called out, a small smile on his face at the achievement as it would certainly help Spikemuth look good while Ash put Farfetch'd's Poke Ball away and pulled out his next one. "Just what I was aiming for. Facing a Champion's top tier Pokémon will really help the gym."

"Oh it will because this is one of the 6 from my team that defeated Diantha and one of only two that was also on my Lumiose Conference winning team though I did limit myself to Pokémon that I either brought to, or caught in, Kalos as I often do for Conferences." Ash said getting a murmur from the crowd while Piers was pleased to have that confirmation as even if he couldn't do much against it, well he still forced a Champion to use one of his top Pokémon so that would help show off what Spikemuth was made of. "Lucario, I choose you! Start with Bone Rush!"

"Ah so it's your Lucario, thank you for this respect Ash." Piers said as the Poke Ball burst open and Ash's now well-known Lucario burst forth and rushed forward as his image appeared in Ash's third slot. "Skuntank, Toxic has been negated because of Lucario's steel type and that's a ground type move, evade as best you can and then counter with Snarl and Sucker Punch in that order. I know that you can manage it."

Skuntank let out a growl of agreement as he backed up while trying to figure out how to evade the incoming attack. Unfortunately for him, Lucario was significantly faster, his speed boosted even more as he drew on Ash's passive aura through their bond, and he reached Skuntank before the other fully evolved Sinnoh Pokémon could do more than move a few paces. As Lucario reached Skuntank, a bone made of blue aura formed in his paws and he swung it with well-honed ease.

The end of the bone slammed into Skuntank's left cheek and caused him to wail in pain from the super effective attack and that was just the start as Bone Rush struck at least two, and up to five, times. In this case it was four times as Lucario followed the first blow with a back swing to Skuntank's right cheek before spinning the bone in his paws and launching an upward swing under Skuntank's jaw that snapped Skuntank's head back and then reversing course for a final blow to the top of Skuntank's head that drove him down into the ground given how low his ground clearance was.

Four super effective blows was a lot and Skuntank was now near the edge of his health from all that he'd taken but he wasn't out of it and even as he raised his head, he yelled as if ranting at Lucario, the dark type attack hitting the Aura Pokémon though as he was part fighting type Lucario resisted the blow thus mitigating the damage it inflicted. It still lowered the power of his ranged attacks and staggered him slightly, enough for Skuntank to push off the ground and slam his head into Lucario's gut just as Ash gave his next order.

"Aura Sphere!" Ash called out.

Lucario understood and even as he was knocked back a few paces by the Sucker Punch, he got his hands up and formed the blue ball of fighting type power between them. Then, as he came to a stop, he let out the blast of aura that even if he was further back wouldn't miss, and sent it at Skuntank as Skuntank came to a stop after his Sucker Punch.

All Skuntank could do was look at the blue ball before it slammed into his face. He may have lowered the attack power of it, he may not be weak to fighting type attacks thanks to his poison type, but he was barely clinging on after Lucario's devastating Bone Rush so the hit was more than enough and he didn't let out a sound as the Aura Sphere hit him and caused him to slide back over the ground a few paces as it explode in a cloud of dust that obscured the Skunk Pokémon.

When the dust cleared, a clearly battered Skuntank was standing there, mouth open and eyes swirls as he stood before he toppled to the side with a dull thud. There was no doubt the result but formalities had to be recognized.

"Skuntank is unable to battle." The ref declared raising his left hand as boos from Team Yell filled the air and the image of Skuntank on the TV turned gray. "Lucario is the winner."

"Skuntank, return." Piers said recalling his Pokémon and looking at the Dusk Ball in his hand. "Well done, you backed up our team's efforts and took out two of Ash's Pokémon to bring us back to even with him, including a fully evolved one that is clearly a mainstay for him this year. To top it off, you held in against a ground type attack from one of Ash's best Pokémon, one which helped him win both the Lumiose Conference and the title of Kalos Champion. You've done really well and shown the spunk of Spikemuth for the world to see. Take a rest you eared it. It's time for our team leader to come out and end this. He too deserves this chance and there was no way that I wouldn't use him against Ash."

"Lucario, that's enough, return." Ash said recalling Lucario just as Piers was pulling out his fourth and final Dusk Ball and causing Piers to blink in surprise at him. "Sorry but Lucario was only in my rotation for a Pokémon like Skuntank or Drapion and even then only because I didn't see any other way forward against Skuntank. I have one more Pokémon that I was going to use regardless, one who I want to get experience as well so I'll be using it against your last Pokémon. If you want to face Lucario again then you have to beat this one as Lucario's officially in this battle after being used."

"Fine by me, that just makes things more interesting for those watching." Piers said smiling. "I earned your Lucario once; I'll earn it again. Let's see how you fair against my strongest, Ash. Obstagoon, go."

Ash grinned at that. Obstagoon was one of the Pokémon that he'd fully expected based on what dark types were considered natives to Galar and the only one of those dark types that he'd faced before back when he had a few sparing battles in Kalos with Max and Bonnie's friend Owen.

As such, he was more than ready for the bipedal Pokémon that was the unique and final evolution of a Galarian Zigzagoon. It was one of the many Pokémon that showed that unlike in Alola where the regional variants evolved into the same Pokémon, or were the evolutions of Kantonian Pokémon, only with different types, in Galar, and apparently Paldea as well, the regional variants could have originated in regions other than Kanto, have additional evolutions, actually evolve as was the case with his Galarian Farfetch'd, or evolve into different Pokémon entirely.

"Bring it on, I'm pleased to face your best." Ash said as Obstagoon appeared before Piers and his image on the screen in Piers's final slot on the TV. "It's just what I want for one of my oldest, and first ever fighting type Pokémon. Primeape, I choose you!"

"First ever?" Piers asked a little confused as Ash threw out his Poke Ball which burst open and disgorged the angry looking, fully evolved outside of Paldea, fighting type Pokémon in a flash of light. "I'll admit, I was expecting something new instead like your Farfetch'd or Florges but this is good as well because like your Florges against Skuntank, Obstagoon needs to be able to handle fighting types."

"For many years Primeape was training with a fighting type specialist in Kanto who took Primeape under his wing shortly after I caught it." Ash explained as Primeape's image appeared in his final spot on the TV and the Pig Monkey Pokémon punched the air in front of him. "I only got it back around 2 years ago when I was traveling in Kanto again, this time with Dawn as she was challenging that Contest Circuit and I was gearing up for a second crack at the Indigo Conference. So it's not been back long and with this year being about the PWC I want to get a lot of my older Pokémon experience as well as I'll likely use many come the tournament. You're gym is perfect for Primeape and this matchup is a good one for it."

"Just because you have a massive type advantage doesn't mean you can win it." Piers said smiling. "So come at me with all you got."

"Oh I intend to because I know that the advantage is only useful if I can exploit it." Ash said grinning back at the Spikemuth Gym Leader. "Now Primeape, use Mega Kick!"

"Block it with Obstruct!" Piers said as Primeape roared and rushed forward at his opponent.

Primeape had no clue about the Pokémon that he was facing, he'd never seen one like it before, and frankly he didn't care. He'd been called back to Ash's active roster for this battle, only his third battle with Ash since he'd returned to his trainer's side, and so he was going to give it his all and show how much stronger he was thanks to his intense training over the years. This lolling tongued thing before him was just the latest obstacle in proving that.

As such, Primeape reached Obstagoon with ease before leaping up and bringing his right leg around at the right moment to land his Mega Kick on his opponent's head. He didn't know why the other Pokémon hadn't moved or attacked and he didn't care, he was going to land this blow and really make it pay seeing as he was certain that his opponent was a dark type what with Ash's description of the battle they were training for and Obstagoon's general appearance. Unfortunately for Primeape, the reason why Obstagoon hadn't moved soon became obvious as Primeape brought his intense kick to bear.

That was because just before Primeape's foot made contact, Obstagoon turned to it, his arms still crossed over his chest, and blocked the blow as if it was nothing. He didn't move and held the block while taking no damage and unbeknownst to Ash lowering Primeape's defense as he'd made contact with Obstagoon.

That was all part of Pier's strategy when dealing with a fighting type Pokémon, block physical attacks, which most fighting type attacks were, though as Lucario had just shown not all, and lower the defense of his opponents before using the closeness to counter attack. Naturally, Ash wouldn't let that just happen and had his own plan have anticipated this very move should Piers use an Obstagoon.

"Just as I expected." Ash said grinning as Primeape's kick was blocked. "And a move like that is tough to repeat consecutively so strike with Close Combat."

"I see, so you've either faced an Obstagoon before or at least know of its unique move." Piers said as Primeape landed and commending Ash on his strategy as it turned Piers's own one against him as there wasn't enough time to evade the move but Piers wasn't a gym leader for nothing and had a backup plan in case this very thing. "You can't avoid that Obstagoon so endure it and then respond with Counter. This still works to our advantage and I know that this won't down you."

Ash was surprised by that but as he tried to think on it, Primeape pushed off the ground and slammed into Obstagoon's gut with his right fist as he unleashed his Close Combat. The up close barrage of punches and kicks were unguarded but that didn't matter as Obstagoon could only wail in pain as he took Primeape's attack knowing that he had to survive despite being ultra weak to the fighting type attack. It was tough, and Obstagoon could only really take one strong fighting type attack of this caliber before he was in danger of passing out but he held out knowing that he had to for his human and team.

The Close Combat only lasted a few seconds but it was a violent, furious, blitz which did a tremendous amount of damage to Obstagoon. However in return it cut Primeape's defense to all attacks be they physical or ranged which added to what he'd lost when Obstagoon had used Obstruct to block Mega Kick. It was these cumulative effects that Piers was now exploiting as Obstagoon lashed out with the retaliatory move that was Counter. Thanks to the physical nature of Close Combat, Counter was twice as powerful though that was just another aspect of Piers's strategy.

Naturally Primeape was unable to block the attack, and Ash didn't have time to call out a move, before Obstagoon's right claw slammed into his face and blasted him back with the force of it. Primeape let out a wail of pain, surprised that it did more damage than it should seeing as he wasn't weak to his own type, but he didn't have time to really process that as he hit the ground back first and bounced off it, flipping in the air but thanks to his training with Anthony managing to get his feet under him. Of course neither Piers not Ash were letting up with both calling out their next moves at almost the same time.

"Throat Chop!" Piers shouted.

"Poison Jab!" Ash yelled.

Instantly Obstagoon launched himself at Primeape as Primeape twisted in the air, trying to close the distance before Primeape could recover as his right claw glowed with dark type power. However, the nature of the blow meant that when Primeape landed he slid back over the ground on his feet and thus gained a few seconds before Obstagoon reached him which gave Primeape the time he needed to infuse his right fist with poison type power.

Ash was going for the new move he'd taught Primeape recently to counter fairy types to intercept the coming attack, whatever it was as Ash had never heard of Throat Chop before, and set up for his next combo. At the same time Piers was closing the distance so as to finish the battle according to his own plan.

Admittedly he wasn't sure where the throat was on Primeape but he trusted that Obstagoon would know where to hit. Primeape would be resistant to it as it was a dark type move but it would set up for another Obstruct and that could clinch it for Piers, especially as the secondary effect of Throat Chop wouldn't be necessary unless Primeape's final move was sound based.

Of course neither Pokémon paid attention to this. They were just focused on landing their blows and helping their trainers win this matchup, and in Ash's case the battle as Piers was down to his final Pokémon. As such, as Primeape came to a stop he shifted his right leg back and jabbed out with his fist just as Obstagoon also came to a stop and thrust out with his claw.

The result was as expected, the blows slammed into each other and blew up shrouding both Pokémon in dust while canceling each other out so that neither Pokémon scored a hit. However, that was fine with Ash and Piers as they both called out their next moves at the same time.

"Mega Kick!"

"Obstruct."

It was the same two moves that this matchup had started with and even in the smoke both attacked with Primeape leaping up and launching an intense kick while Obstagoon crossed his arms and blocked it. Despite both Pokémon being obscured by the smoke, Ash and Piers knew what was going on and both pressed on trusting their Pokémon to land their next moves.

"Counter!"

"Seismic Toss!"

This time though Ash had gone for something else much Piers's surprise. He'd gambled on the move being Close Combat which sacrificed guarding against an attack for an all-out attack of its own, something that Obstagoon could take advantage of to land a blow that while it may not end Primeape would prevent Close Combat from landing and put Piers in a good spot to knock out Primeape. However, Ash had gone with his final move and grinned as the smoke cleared and Obstagoon's arm shot out for the retaliatory strike that was Counter.

Unlike before, though, the arm didn't hit Primeape but rather he shifted back and caught it in his arms which encircled the gray fur on Obstagoon's forearm. With Charizard having been around recently, Primeape had been coached on this move even though he'd known it for a while and had used it to secure two of his three victories for Ash since he'd returned and as such was now even better with it. That was why he was able to avoid the strike from Counter and catch Obstagoon's arm in his. The moment that he did, Obstagoon's eyes went wide and everyone knew that this was it.

Still, all they could do was watch as Primeape tensed his legs before he launched himself upwards with as much power as he could without hitting the ceiling all while dragging Obstagoon with him. The result was that Primeape almost reached the roof that covered Spikemuth before he flipped over and threw Obstagoon down to the battlefield below with all his strength.

Obstagoon was a nothing more than a black and white blur as he shot down though unlike when Ash used this move with Mega Charizard, there was no need to get out of the way as Obstagoon slammed back first into the battlefield just off the center of it with a large boom. There was some shaking and a small shockwave that blew about people's clothes and sent cement dust billowed into the air from the impact but it was nothing compared to what Ash had done in the past so everyone was fine as they rode out the wave while watching and waiting for the dust to clear.

As they did, Primeape fell down and landed on the edge of the dust cloud watching it billow up, bouncing on the balls of his feet with his fists up showing that he was ready to keep on fighting. That wouldn't be necessarily as the dust cleared and revealed Obstagoon in the center of a decently sized crater, arms splayed, tongue out, and eyes swirls. It was the result they all expected because even though he was Piers's best Pokémon, Obstagoon couldn't handle two strong fighting type attacks with his type combination.

"Obstagoon is unable to battle!" The ref declared raising his arm to Piers's side though Team Yell were too stunned to boo as Obstagoon's image went gray on the TV. "Primeape is the winner. Piers is out of Pokémon so the winner is the Kalos Champion, Ash Ketchum!"

At that Dawn cheered though she didn't rush out to embrace and kiss him as this was televised and there was still some formalities to take care of which shouldn't be interrupted. So she just cheered and planned to properly celebrate this later.

"Obstagoon, return." Piers said recalling Obstagoon and looking at the Dusk Ball in his hand with a small smile on his face. "You did well my old friend, hung in there through a strong Close Combat but as a dark and normal type it's hard to withstand that and a powerful Seismic toss as well and we all know how good Ash is with Seismic Toss. You have nothing to be ashamed of, take a good long rest."

"Primeape, return." Ash said at the same time as Primeape jumped up and down with his hands in the air and eyes smiling at his victory and smiling at his Poke Ball. "Well done, you won that for us and that was a lot tougher than it looked despite our advantage in that matchup. Thanks you, we've now finished the set and beaten the only dark type gym. Take a rest, we'll celebrate this with everyone later."

With that Ash put away his Poke Ball and looked up to see Piers doing the same with his Dusk Ball. Piers then walked out and onto the battlefield and Ash did the same taking his lead from the gym leader while the cameras tracked them for the world to see. They ignored the cameras as they walked until Piers had to navigate around the crater and Ash matched the gym leader so that they met in the middle of the battlefield though not the center. As soon as they did Piers extended his right hand to Ash.

"Well done Ash." Piers said and Ash took it. "You won, which is to be expected from a Champion, but I know that I put up a good fight and showed what Spikemuth can do so thank you for that."

"It was a good battle, thank you for the experience that you and your Pokémon gave me and mine." Ash said as they shook. "If I'd been challenging Galar the way I normally would then it could have been different but I did use a few seasoned Pokémon that were strong against dark types, or could at least get around Skuntank's duel type."

"As I'd expect though you'd need some even stronger ones for Raihan I believe." Piers as he ended the handshake. "He's going to be a tough battle when you reach Hammerlock but after this one, I'm almost certain that he'll want to face you."

"I'll be officially challenging him tonight so I'm hoping he'll say yes as I am looking forward to battling him as well." Ash said. "I've got some ideas for how to handle him so we'll see how they pan out."

"Well unlike here you'll be facing Dynamaxing there so for that you'll need this." Piers said as he reached into his jacket and pulled out a white band about the size of a sweatband with a dark pink border on one side and a blue one on the other and a raised diamond in the center that had a dark pink star-like design in the center of it that was identical to the one which Ash had seen on Leon's wrist when they'd met. "I don't Dynamax so I don't need this but you did come here in hopes of winning it off me and I must admit that you more than earned it. Consider it my personal thanks for this battle and what it will do for Spikemuth. I look forward to seeing how you use it going forward, just remember to mention where you got it."

"Thank you Piers and I will." Ash said as he took the Dynamax Band and he meant it. "This is something I was hoping to get while here as part of why I came to Spikemuth in hopes of winning it. I'm happy to have earned it and will put it to good use."

With that Ash pulled it onto his right wrist over the glove there. With that he had the three things that he needed for the PWC as his Z-Ring was on his left wrist and his Key Stone was set in his left glove. This was the final thing and he couldn't wait to try it out in Hammerlock when the time came, though he did need to confirm that battle and figure out how to use a Dynamax Band first.

"And now the final thing." Piers said as Ash lowered his arm and looked at the Spikemuth Gym Leader. "This is still an official battle and so here is your reward for winning in the Spikemuth Gym, the Dark Badge."

Ash turned and saw that one of the members of Team Yell had walked out with a tray in his hands and tears in his eyes at Piers's loss. Still, the man was respectful and he held it out to Ash to show Ash that in the center of the tray was an oddly shaped brownish badge with a black symbol on it that had to be the crest of the city or gym.

"The badges in Galar are use the same base color and they all come together to form a whole, it's part of how things are done here." Piers said as he noticed the confusion on Ash's face. "But you earned this fair and square so take it and display it as you see fit."

"I will and thank you, for everything." Ash said. "It will join all my others back in Pallet Town though naturally separate as it is from Galar and I do separate by region."

"It was a fun battle that will do a lot for Spikemuth." Piers said. "And look our for my sister when you get to Unova, she's watching right now and after this battle I'm sure that she'll want to face you there though if you don't run into her she'll be back for the PWC after Vertress as she's well above the cutoff point for a wildcard spot at the moment."

"I have a feeling that we will meet while Dawn and I are there." Ash said recalling that he'd heard that Marnie was traveling with Serena so there was no doubt that she'd tag along for the Wallace Cup when Serena reunited with him and Dawn. "So I'll face her if she wants, I'm always looking for people to help me get stronger."

"Very good, now enjoy your victory and the spoils that came from it." Piers said as he stepped back.

Ash nodded as he turned back to the tray and took the badge. He then turned towards the cameras and thrust his arm over his head to hold it up the way he did whenever he won a gym battle even though this wasn't really part of anything.

"Alright, I won the Dark Badge!" Ash cried out.

There were some cheers and a lot of camera flashes but Ash didn't mind. He'd had a good battle that had given him and his Pokémon some much needed experience against dark types while also securing him a victory in the world's only known dark type gym and that was all that mattered. This was just another stop in his journey to the PWC and with the time he and Dawn still had before she had to leave the region they would continue their Galar journey after celebrating tonight. Next stop Hammerlock.

I think that's a good place to end this Part on as it was all about the gym battle and what Ash would win out of it. Now it's over and Ash has beaten the only dark type gym in the world thus securing the set so to speak while also getting a Dynamax Band in the process that will be of use in the future. Now he and Dawn can carry on with their journeys this year. They have the time for the moment so it's off to Hammerlock and Ash's second and final battle in Galar there, so long as Raihan agreed to it. Surely he will but there is still the journey to Hammerlock and with Ash around who knows what will happen along the road there. Well stay tuned and find out but this all that I have for this Part so I will leave it off here. As always if you like my work then please favorite (both this story and me in general to be notified of any new content I post), if possible leave a review as I really like hearing what you think of my work and your suggestions that help complete this story (and respond as best I can) and just in general keep enjoying my work. Until next time

Stringdog