Greetings, Mgunnels3 here, and welcome back to Ash's Unova Journey My Version. Let's get this Gym battle started, shall we?
Chapter 60: Ash vs. Skyla
"Human Speech"
"Pokemon Speech"
'Telepathy'
The next day as Ash and the gang learned about what had happened in Chargestone Cave, it was now shut down, and no one could go through it without running into brainwashed Pokemon.
"Man, we were just there. We should've done something to help the Pokemon in the cave," Ash said, unhappy with what he had learned.
"What can we do about this, Ash? We know that Emolga is behind this, but we can't just ask her what is happening for her sake," Servine said to Ash, who sighed.
"But we can't just let this go, Servine, and not sit and do nothing," Ash said.
"While I don't like this happening, either, Ash? We can't return to the cave because the league blocked it off. Even with your ties to the league, we can't help anyway," Brock said to Ash, who sighed.
'He's right, Ash. We will just go ahead and participate in the gym battle and try to get ahead of Team Rocket,' Zorua told Ash. Ash nodded only to hear some commotion from Nurse Joy and another person.
"You can't just hand out gym badges just because you don't feel like battling, predictions or not, Skyla," Nurse Joy said as Ash heard that name and knew who she was talking to.
"Look, I understand that you are with the league, but no one has shown me why I should battle against that, and I just wanted to fly my planes rather than battle. I was just offered to be a gym leader, not wanted to," Skyla said.
"That's still no excuse, Skyla, you are responsible regardless, and you have time off for that thing," Nurse Joy said.
'Wow, what an arrogant lady. Is she the person you knew, Ash?' Zorua asked Ash, who nodded and walked over to her.
"Maybe, I can provide you that battle, Skyla?" Ash said to Skyla, who turned around and recognized Ash.
"Well, well, Ash Ketchem, it's been a long time, six years if I remember correctly? So you are here to challenge me to a battle," Skyla said to Ash.
"You haven't changed, Skyla, as arrogant as a Charizard and stubborn as a Tauros," Ash said to Skyla, who chuckled.
"You want a battle, Ash. You got one without my prediction system. Stop by the gym, which is the building on the airstrip, tomorrow, and don't disappoint me," Skyla said, leaving the Pokemon center.
Later that night, Ash was thinking up a strategy against Skyla. Ash remembered that the gym was a flying-type gym and talked with Professor Oak about bringing Tranquil for the gym battle.
"Ah, Ash, good timing, as Tranquil wants to return to you for this gym battle and bring Archen with us to see how gym battles work," Oak said to Ash, who nodded.
"Thanks, Professor, and I have taken you gotten Zebstrika and Joltik?" Ash asked Oak, who nodded.
"Indeed, Ash, she's much different from a normal one and must say she's grown attached to many of the Electric-types, but no drainage was shown. She must want to make friends, especially her age," Oak said.
Ash nodded, figuring that Joltick might do that given, according to Zebstrika, she had just hatched when they met her. "Also, congratulations to Tranquil and Starraptor on their first batch of eggs, Ash," Oak said as this took aback Ash.
"That would explain why Zebstrika wanted to go to the lab other than raise Joltik?" Ash said in surprise, which Oak noticed and nodded.
"Right, now, Starraptor is taking care of them as Tranquil could use some time away from the lab anyway, and she is close to evolving as well," Oak said. Ash nodded understanding as Oak sent Tranquil and Archen's ball to Ash.
"Okay, Professor, I got their Pokeballs," Ash said to Oak, who nodded and wished Ash the best of luck in tomorrow's match. He hung up the call as Ash let out the two flying types. Tranquil and Archen came out as Servine noticed them and smiled, seeing they were doing well.
"Tomorrow, you two, is the gym battle, and it's against a flying type gym as well, and I'm counting on you, Tranquil," Ash said to the two of them, including Tranquil, who smiled and was ready to take part in this.
"Always ready to win this, Ash, and I know who you are referring to as Skyla has a Unfeazant known amongst my evolution line, and I know I wouldn't be good against him," Tranquil said. As Ash petted his head, Archen looked down, unsure of himself, confident about being as good as she was.
"Hey, don't worry about it, Archen. You've got time, and I know that you can do it. That is why I am willing to let you watch than battle today," Ash said to Archen, who sighed and nodded.
"Thanks, Ash, but I don't know if I can be as strong as my cousin here and father figure Starraptor," Archen said as Tranquil placed her wing on his back to comfort him, who happily accepted.
"Hey, don't be like that, and you have gotten better with flying thanks to the flying types Ash had, not just Starraptor and me," Tranquil said, to which Archen smiled and nodded.
"So what's this? I hear that you are with eggs, now Tranquil?" Ash asked as Servine squealed at this, knowing what was going on.
"So you just had them?" Servine ran over to ask Tranquil, and Tranquil nodded.
"I taken that you must have had them when you were at the preservation, huh?" Ash asked, and Tranquil nodded.
"Yeah, two eggs. But I'm still focused on battling for you, Ash, not just being a mother, and today is that day to show off how much stronger I've gotten," Tranquil said. Ash nodded as the group headed to the room to discuss a team and strategy against Skyla. Little did they know it, but someone was listening in on this and noticed how much Archen was having more trouble with his confidence than he was letting on.
Ash arrived at the airfield the next day, ready to take on this gym challenge. Archen was beside him, nervous but putting on a brave face. Ash smiled at him as the group head inside the gym. The gym battle was about to begin, and a gathering of young trainers watched the battle. The battlefield was an open hanger and wide fitting for a flying-type Pokemon. Ash and Skyla were in the trainer's box, and Skyla's grandfather was the judge for the gym battle.
"The Mistralliton city gym battle between Ash Ketchem from Pallet Town and gym leader Skyla will begin. Skyla requested that this gym battle be a four vs. four battle for Ash in particular," he said as this took Ash aback. Skyla smirked at the reaction. "During the battle, only the challenger can make any substitutions. Are both trainers ready for this battle?"
"Ready for this, Ash? I won't be holding back in this battle just because we were friends growing up," Skyla said to Ash, who nodded.
"Yeah, I'm always ready for this battle," Ash said.
"Now, will both trainers let out their first Pokemon," the ref said.
"Skamory, come on out," Skyla sent out her first Pokemon Ash thought she would use Unova's Pokemon but nodded.
"Eelektrik, come on out," Ash sent out his first Pokemon. Skyla was surprised that Ash had one but knew this wouldn't be as easy as she thought.
"Eelektrik vs. Skarmory, let this battle begin," Skyla's Grandfather announced. "Skyla, you can have the first move," Ash suggested, who nodded.
"Skarmory, use Automize, and then use Drill Peck," Skyla commanded her Pokemon, who used the moves and charged right at Eelektrik.
"Use Thunderbolt and then Wild Charge," Ash commanded his Pokemon, who used the said attacks at Skarmory, who dodged the Thunderbolt but collided head-on with the Wild Charge as the two were still standing and raring to go.
"Shadow Ball, Skarmory," Skyla commanded her Pokemon.
"Acrobatics now, Eelektrik," Ash commanded his Pokemon, dodging the attack and charging at Skarmory.
"Counter with your Acrobatics and then use Steel Wing," Skyla commanded. Skamory was trading blow for blow with Eelektrik as Steel Wing landed a blow to Eelektrik.
"Giga Drain now," Ash commanded, who circled Skarmory and drained her energy.
"Skarmory!" Skyla said that as the damage was too much, Skarmory was knocked out.
"Skarmory cannot battle Eelektrik wins," Skyla's Grandfather said.
"You did great, Eelektrik," Ash said, who nodded.
"Tough battle but a good one at best," Eelektrik said to Ash as Skyla returned her Pokemon and turned to Ash and Eelektrik.
"Not bad, Ash. I wasn't expecting you to match my Skarmory move for move, but this is just the beginning," Skyla said, pulling out her next Pokeball. "Unfeazant, come on out," Skyla sent her next Pokemon.
Ash knew that she had something up her sleeve later on her team.
"Eelektrik, use Wild Charge," Ash commanded his Pokemon, who charged in at the flying Pokemon.
"Mirror Move and Brave Bird," Skyla commanded him, who learned Wild Charge and charged right at Eelektrik, knocking him out.
"Eelektrik is unable to battle Unfeazant wins," the ref announced. Ash returned his Pokemon, congratulating him on a good battle. As this happened, Archen looked down, worried, and knew he might not get that strong.
"So far, Ash, you've met my expectations so far. But you'll need to do more than that to win against me," Skyla said to Ash. Ash pulled out his next Pokeball.
"Krokodile, come on out," Ash sent out his next Pokemon. Skyla wondered why Ash would use a ground type against a flying type, but Ash must have something up his sleeve against Unfeazant.
"Use Air Slash," Skyla commanded him, who launched a wave of air right at Krokodile.
"Dig now to get out of there," Ash commanded his Pokemon, who jumped underground just in time.
"Steel wing on the ground Unfeazant," Skyla commanded her Pokemon, who did as told.
"Jump out of there and use Stone Edge," Ash commanded him, who launched the attack right at Unfeazant, clipping his wing.
"Brave Bird," Skyla commanded him, who charged right at Krorkorok. Unfeazant was getting close to Krokorok.
"Now, Thunder Fang," Ash commanded him. This shocked Skyla as Krokorok chomped down on Unfeazant's wing. "Now end this with Brick Break," Ash commanded his Pokemon, who slammed his arm into Unfeazant's head, sending him to the ground and knocking him out.
"Unfezant is unable to battle Krokorok wins," the ref announced. Skyla was still stunned, as that wasn't something she was expecting from a Pokemon like Krokorok. As she smiled and returned her Pokemon.
"Swanna, come on out," Skyla sends out her next Pokemon, which she is well known for using. Ash pulled out Krorkorok's Pokeball and returned him. "Tranquil, come on out," Ash sent out his next Pokemon. As both Pokemon were glaring each other down, these two female Pokemon were known for being fast and powerful.
"Swanna uses Ice Beam," Skyla commanded her Pokemon, who fired the attack at Tranquil.
"Double team and Steel Wing now, Tranquil," Ash commanded her, who dodged the clones and charged at Swanna quickly. Ash recognized Starraptor's method's speed and slammed her wing right into Swanna. "Now, Air Cutter," Ash commanded her, who launched a flurry of air right at Swanna, hitting her.
"Hurricane now, Swanna," Skyla commanded her, who launched a Hurricane stopping the Air Cutter and hitting Tranquil. Archen was worried about Tranquil as that was a nasty hit.
"Tranquil, use Steel Wing," Ash commanded her. She managed to maneuver out of her damage and slammed into Swanna hard.
"Use Water Pulse," Skyla commanded her Pokemon, who fired the attack at Tranquil.
"Double Team now," Ash commanded her.
"Hurricane now," Skyla commanded her Pokemon, who launched its attack at Tranquil, hitting all the clones and sending her to the ground. Tranquil was struggling to stand up.
"Tranquil, come on, I know that you can do this. I believe in you," Ash said, the exact words that helped her confidence. She got up quickly, staring at Swanna, who was flying around quickly. Ash was about to command her, but Tranquil started to glow and evolve. Ash and Skyla were surprised by this, and Archen, as this was the first time he watched an evolution, as Tranquil was now a Unfeazant but much different from Skyla. She didn't have a mask on her head.
Ash looked up this version of Unfeazant, known for being faster than the male Unfeazant. "Awesome, now we are at a fighting chance and a new move," Ash said. Skyla smiled at this. "Aerial Ace, and then use Sky Attack," Ash commanded, charging at Swanna.
"Brave Bird now," Skyla commanded her Pokemon as the two Pokemon clashed, causing an explosion as both Bird Pokemon were knocked out.
Ash, Skyla, and Archen were surprised by this.
"Both trainers' Pokemon are unable to battle. Ash is ahead by two Pokemon while Skyla has only one Pokemon left in this gym battle," Skyla's Grandfather announced. Ash and Skyla returned their Pokemon.
Ash turned to Archen, who looked down, realizing that even his cousin couldn't win after she evolved. How could he be as strong or good at flying as her?
"Hey, you should be happy for her, and don't worry about it. A loss doesn't mean the end of the world. She did her best, and that is what matters," Ash said to Archen, who was surprised by this.
"Ash is right, Archen, and I must admit an evolution wasn't part of what I expected in this battle," Skyla said to Archen and Ash. "And sadly, I know when I am beaten even if I use my last Pokemon, winning against two Pokemon isn't what I signed up for, but I did enjoy this battle," Skyla said and was about to ask for the match to end.
"Hey, come on, Skyla, you can't just quit. We promised to battle at our best, and I don't want to win a battle just for nothing. You said it yourself the other day you want a challenge, and you are getting it," Ash interrupted her. This took aback Skyla as this was indeed what she wanted, and she was running away from a good challenger compared to who she had faced in the past. Skyla turned to Ash.
"Your right, Ash," Skyla said to Ash. "I just told Archen that losing earlier wasn't the end of the world, and yet I'm admitting defeat without giving it my all," Skyla said as Ash smiled as she pulled out her last Pokeball. "You want my last Pokemon, Ash? You got it, Flygon comes on out," Skyla sent out her last Pokemon. Ash was surprised to see a Flygon as her last Pokemon; it looked like she had it for a long time.
"Krokorok comes on out," Ash sent out his Pokemon as both glared at each other and knew that this battle would be tough.
"Flygon, use Heat Wave now," Skyla commanded her Pokemon, who launched its attack.
"Dig now, Krokorok," Ash commanded his Pokemon, who barely went underground after being clipped on his tail.
"Oh no, you don't use Earthquake," Skyla commanded her Pokemon, who slammed its wings right into the ground, sending Krokorok out of the hole in the ground. "End this with Hyper Beam," Skyla commanded her Pokemon, who fired at Krokorok, knocking him out.
"Krokorok is unable to battle Flygon wins. The match is tied," Skyla's Grandfather announced as Ash returned his Pokemon.
"Not going to lie, Ash, for a ground type, Krokorok is doing great in this gym battle. Electric attack in his arsenal or not, showing why he's that strong," Skyla said to Ash.
"Thanks, Skyla. He's been on my team since I started my Journey here in Unova along with Unfeazant, but I won't let this battle end like this," Ash pulled out his last Pokeball. "Samurott, come on out," Ash sent out his last Pokemon. Ash wasn't expecting to use Samurott in this battle but knew that Flygon would make this battle challenge. "Samurott, use Hydro Pump," Ash commanded him, who fired the attack right at Flygon.
"Flamethrower, now Flygon," Skyla commanded her Pokemon as the attacks collided.
"Now, Sandstorm," Skyla commanded her Pokemon, who launched the attack making the terrain to her advantage. Ash remained calm to this, and this took aback Samurott. "Now, Dragon Claw," Skyla commanded, charging at Samurott.
"Ice Beam, Ice Beam now," Ash commanded him, who fired the attack at the charging Flygon, who dodged it and slashed right at Samurott. "Revenge now," Ash commanded his Pokemon, who slammed his Schalchop into Flygon, sending her back.
Ash and Skyla smiled at this, knowing that this was an even battle. "Now, Heat Wave," Skyla commanded his Pokemon, who launched the attack, heating the Sandstorm and causing some damage to Samurott. "Now Earthquake," Skyla commanded her Pokemon, who slammed its wings on the ground and caused the Sandstorm to slam right into Samurott.
"Hydro Pump on the Sandstorm," Ash commanded Samurott, who fired the attack right into the heart of the storm, clearing it and hitting Flygon.
"Not bad, Ash. I'm impressed that you pulled that off, but this match will end soon. End this with Dragon Claw," Skyla commanded.
"Revenge and Razor Shell now," Ash commanded his Pokemon. Both of the Pokemon clashed and caused a shockwave of an explosion. The smoke cleared as both Pokemon were panting and were ready to collapse. As Flygon fainted, much to both Ash and Skyla's surprise.
"Flygon is unable to battle Samurott wins. The winner is Ash Ketchem from Pallet Town," Skyla's Grandfather announced. Ash ran over to Samurott and hugged him.
"You did great, Samurott. Nicely done," Ash said to Samurott, who nodded.
"Thanks, Ash, and that was close, but Flygon is well trained and worth the fight," Samurott explained to Ash, who laughed as Pikachu and Servine smiled at this Archen, on the other hand, was happy to see Ash win this but he still wasn't sure about his strength.
Meanwhile, outside the gym, Ash and the others were with Skyla. "Well, Ash, you convinced me to continue my gym leader status. Maybe there are some tough trainers like yourself," Skyla said to Ash, who nodded. "Here, the Jet badge is yours, Ash. You earned it," Skyla said, handing Ash the gym badge.
"Thanks, Skyla, and it is nice seeing you again after all these years. Here's hoping things will be different if we meet again?" Ash said to Skyla, who smiled.
"We might see each other sooner than you think, Ash. But that is something I rather not talk about until then. The next gym is the Icirrus City gym run by the actor Brycen," Skyla said.
"I think we all heard that name before. He's pretty well known as a star in Kanto, not just here. Fancy hearing that he's a gym leader?" Misty said to Skyla.
"Aside from Drayden. Brycen's been a gym leader for most of his career as an actor and just as long as Draydon himself," Skyla said to Ash and the others. "You'll need to head to Twist Mountain to get to Icirrus City, and it's past the Mistraliton Tower nearby. You can't miss it," Skyla said.
Ash and the others thanked Skyla as they returned to the Pokemon center. Little did they know, but a greenish orb-like Pokemon was watching the group from afar more at Archen. It was more interested in helping the little guy because he sensed his doubt and lack of confidence.
With a new gym badge in hand, Ash and his friends now set their sites on Icirrus City and the site of the following gym badge. But the question is who or what is watching the group and why is he interested in Archen as the Journey continues.
Stay Tuned.
Done and done. This was very hard to write, especially since this is my favorite gym leader, and I wanted to change her team slightly. It is probably my longest gym battle chapter, so you can see why it took me a whole week to write. Also, sorry for taking a whole month to write this, as I wanted to focus on catching my Johto story up to this, which is only two chapters off. Expect a chapter for both stories this week, but only for this week, as we will return to this story and how I wrote both stories next week. One story per week. That said, who is the Pokemon that is interested in Archen? That will be the next chapter, as it is a capture request. See you next time.