Greetings everyone. Mgunnels3 here, and welcome to Ash's Unova Journey My Version. Before we begin, I want to let you all know that the question about Ash vs. Damien mentioned in the last chapter has been decided and will be a thing in this story when we reach the Udella arc as a flashback chapter. We will see what Ash has been doing during those five to six months before coming to Unova. That said, let's get this chapter started, shall we?
Chapter 67: Battle on the Icy Battlefield
"Human Speech"
"Pokemon Speech"
With our hero's day off now done, Ash is setting his goal on a team for his upcoming gym battle at the Icirrus City gym.
"In a deep thought, Ash, you haven't been this worried since the Nimbasa gym?" Misty asked Ash, who sighed at this and nodded.
"Do we know what this gym uses?" Zorua asked, now in her human form.
"From what I remember, Brycen uses ice types, but many ice types use more than ice type moves given that they also have water types?" Ash said to Zorua. "I think Emboar needs a rest from his battle a few days ago," Ash said.
"Well, from what I do know. There are no water/ice types in this region, but I do get what you say about Emboar, as everyone from that battle is still recovering," Zorua said. Ash was about to say something when he heard that he had a phone call on the overhead speaker from Nurse Joy.
"Oh great, what is it now? Hopefully, it isn't about another trainer," Ash said, trying to rest from that battle and trainers like Shamus. Ash went to where the call was being held and answered it was Professor Oak. "Ah, Professor, I'm surprised to have a phone call from you?" Ash said to Oak, who nodded.
"I just got word about your battle against Shamus. You made the right call bringing Charizard to help with Emboar's situation. Don't worry; I'm not here to call about another league request, Ash?" Oak said to Ash, who was curious. "Right now, the league is willing to let you have the rest of the time off from all that, as there haven't been any sightings of issues," Oak said as Ash sighed.
"Then what is the phone call, Professor? It's normally out of the blue for you to call this late?" Ash asked.
"It's about Larvesta?" Oak said Ash was surprised by this and was now worried about something wrong. "Oh no, nothing is wrong. Thanks to his mother's training and a few of your fire types, he's now ready to participate in your Journey," Oak said to Ash, who smiled at this. "Whatever made you decide to have his mother take care of him and raise him was the right decision, given that most of your fire types had trouble with him as well as Heracross, given that he is a bug type," Oak said.
"Zebstrika mentioned that would be a thing when Larvesta hatched, given that his evolution line is tough to raise and all," Ash said to Oak, who nodded in agreement.
"Given that his evolution is extremely rare and near extinct, I can't agree more," Oak said.
"Speaking of Zebstrika, how is little Joltik doing, given that she just hatched as well?" Ash asked Oak.
"Surprisingly, unlike Larvesta, Joltik was getting along training-wise with Heracross, and both younglings also liked each other. Scraggy wants to take part in a battle soon as he's gotten stronger thanks to Garchomp," Oak said. Ash nodded.
"To be fair, Professor Scraggy hasn't been in a battle since the battle club, so I think his first gym battle is against Brycen here in Icirrus City," Ash said as Oak smiled.
"Ah, the actor figured he was still the city's gym leader. Best of luck, given that I heard that he's retiring real soon to continue his acting career," Oak said as he sent Scraggy and Larvesta to Ash as the call ended. Ash sent out both Pokemon as Larvesta happily hopped onto Ash's leg cutely and started to crawl all over him as Ash laughed at this.
"Hey, you two, we will be in a gym battle. You two should fit against an Ice type of gym," Ash said as both looked excited. Ash petted Scraggy's head as Larvest nuzzled Ash. "You two looked like you've been through a lot since we last saw each other," Ash said.
"Yeah, Uncle Garchomp and Heracross have been helping me out a lot more as I know a dragon-type move, not one that my sister knows, but I've gotten better," Scraggy said. Ash nodded as he turned to Larvesta.
"Thank you for letting me be with my mom and sister Ash," Larvesta said to Ash, who nodded.
"I'm sorry that we had to do that just when you hatched, little guy," Ash said as Larvesta shook his head.
"No, I understood why, and my mom explained everything about how rare my species is, and I know how tough I can be raised, but I want to make friends and battle. That is what I am known for," Larvesta said to Ash, who nodded. "I have no requirements or deals to stay. I want to battle and spend time with my mom and sister often," Larvesta said.
"Deal, given that we will try to get your father back one day, but right now, let's see how both of you do in tomorrow's battle," Ash said to his Pokemon, who nodded.
The next day comes as Ash arrives at the entrance of the gym. It was more covered in stone and had the official gym symbol, fitting that Ice types needed an area to keep their temperature at their level. Zorua was in the Pokemon form, given that she would be better than her human form for this place. On the other hand, Ash was ready for this battle as the group head inside, and boy, was it cold just from opening the door. The group made their way through the entrance of the gym.
"Zorua, you had the right idea about being in Pokemon form for this place," Brock said to Zorua, who snickered.
"Sorry, Brock, but my Illusions aren't strong enough to make you Pokemon just to help you," Zorua said as the group had a sweatdrop from her statement.
"While it's nice and all, I think we will pass as it doesn't feel the same when watching the gym battles," Misty said as Zorua smiled and nodded as the group arrived at the battlefield. As it was a massive ice rink with icicles and all that. A trainer noticed the group and walked towards them.
"Ah, I see you must be a challenger for the gym?" the older adult said to the group as Ash nodded.
"I have taken you are Brycen, the gym leader. My name is Ash Ketchem from Pallet Town, and I am here to challenge you to a battle," Ash explained as Brycen nodded.
"Ah, Ash, I was told by the league that you were in town for a few things, and I accept your challenge for the gym battle," Brycen said to Ash, who nodded as Misty, Brock, Pikachu, and Zorua went to the stands. Ash and Brycen went to the trainer's boxes as a ref went to the center of the sidelines, ready to start the battle.
"The Icirrus city gym battle between Ash Ketchem from Pallet Town and gym leader Brycen will begin. Each trainer will be allowed the maximum usage of three Pokemon, and the battle will be over when all three Pokemon on either side cannot battle," The ref announced. "During the battle, only the challenger can make substitutions."
"You ready for this young man?" Brycen said.
"You bet," Ash said to Brycen.
"Now, will both trainers let their first Pokemon, and we can get this battle started," The ref announced.
"Vanilluxe comes on out," Brycen sent out his first Pokemon Ash knew that these Pokemon knew some defensive moves but knew who to use in this battle.
"Scraggy, come on out," Ash sent out the first Pokemon. Ash knew that Larvesta would only do a little if Vanilluxe knew Mirror Coat fire type or not.
"Vanilluxe vs. Scraggy, let the battle begin," the ref announced.
"Vanilluxe, use Automize Mirror shot," Brycen commanded his Pokemon, who used the two moves.
"Dragon's dance and then use Brick Break," Ash commanded his Pokemon as the two Pokemon used their moves, and Scraggy jumped, dodged the Mirror shot, and slammed his fists right into the Ice cream cone Pokemon.
"Now, use Return," Brycen commanded his Pokemon, who slammed into Scraggy.
"Focus Blast now," Ash commanded his Pokemon, who fired a ball of energy right at Vanilluxe, who dodged it barely as Scraggy jumped at Vanilluxe. "Use Head Smash," Ash commanded, slammed right into Vanilluxe, sending it to the Ice hard and knocked out.
"Vanilluxe is unable to battle Scraggy wins," The ref announced as Scraggy puffed his chest, given that he's part Dragon in him for his win as Brycen returned his Pokemon.
"Not bad young man. I can see why you made it this far as a trainer, but the real battle begins. Cryoganal comes on out," Brycen said and sent out his next Pokemon, which Ash looked up to and had no experience battling against this Pokemon.
"Scraggy, use Dragons dance and then use Focus Blast," Ash commanded his Pokemon, who used the attacks at Cryogonal, who took the Focus Blast but brushed it off.
"Now use Signal Beam, Cryogonal," Brycen commanded his Pokemon, who launched the attack at Scraggy.
"Dodge it with Head Smash," Ash commanded his Pokemon, who barely dodged the attack as it hit Scraggy's leg, as he fell. "Scraggy!" Ash said.
"Use Acrobatics Crygoonal," Brycen commanded his Pokemon, who swiftly slammed itself into Scraggy, knocking him out.
"Scraggy is unable to battle Cryogonal wins," the ref announced as Ash returned him to his ball.
"You did great for your first gym battle. We can do this," Ash said as he pulled out his next Pokeball. "Larvesta, come on out," Ash said of his next Pokemon.
"Wow, a rare Pokemon wasn't expecting you to own one, young man, as the highest-ranked trainers usually own one," Brycen told Ash.
"He was gifted to me by Larvesta's mother, actually," Ash said to Brycen, who nodded.
"Interesting, I wasn't expecting Ash to own one. This will be interesting," Zorua said out loud.
"Ash had him before we ran into you, Zorua. Larvesta's been raised by his mother, who is at Professor Oaks lab now, under his and the league's protection," Brock explained to Zorua, who was curious as she is also aware of this Pokemon and his evolution line.
"Larvesta use Flamethrower," Ash commanded his Pokemon, who fired a flamethrower right at Cryogonal.
"Acrobatics," Brycen commanded his Pokemon as the Pokemon spun towards Larvesta.
"Psychic now, Larvesta," Ash commanded him, who stopped Cryogonal, which Brycen was surprised.
"Use Zen Headbutt now," Ash commanded, who slammed into Cryogonal, sending it to the wall and knocking it out.
"Cryognal is unable to battle Larvesta wins," The ref announced as Brycen returned his Pokemon to its ball.
"You did great, Larvesta," Ash said as Larvesta let out a flame cutely from its antenna. Ash chuckled at this.
"Well, Ash, you are doing great, and I must admit Larvesta knowing Psychic was a big surprise to me but don't think that this battle is over as I still have one last Pokemon," Brycen said to Ash, who nodded. "Beartic, come on out," Brycen sent out the Pokemon he is known for as a gym leader and an actor.
"Ah, a man who knew what a good Ice type is," Zorua said as the group nodded.
"I thought that name sounded familiar. He's a well-known actor, and that man is as famous as he is, given that they are a duo that won't go down easily," Misty explained to Zorua, who glared at him, thinking about how much humans have used Pokemon other than battles is still stunning.
"Larvesta, you okay with still battling?" Ash asked Larvesta, who nodded. "Okay, use Flamethrower," Ash commanded him, who launched the attack right at Beartic.
"Use Night Slash," Brycen commanded his Pokemon, who slashed right through the flamethrower like it was nothing. It surprised everyone and slammed into Larvesta, whose ability managed to burn Beartic. "I was expecting that use Facade," Brycen commanded his Pokemon, who charged at Larvesta.
"Use Zen Headbutt," Ash commanded Larvesta, who charged right at Beartic as the two clashed with Beartic, only for Beartic to win the clash and knock Larvesta out.
"Larvesta is unable to battle Beartic wins. The match is tied with one Pokemon each," the ref announced as Ash returned Larvesta.
"I must admit, Ash, that Larvesta, for a youngling, did a great job, but right now, if you want to win, you will have to prove that you are willing to win," Brycen said to Ash, who nodded and pulled out his last Pokeball.
"Krokrok, come on out," Ash sent out his last Pokemon, which surprised Brycen.
Last night
"Huh? You want to battle in this gym battle Krokrok though it's an Ice-type gym?" Ash asked Krokorok, who nodded.
"Yes, Ash, I'm familiar with this gym leader and Beartic, as I used to watch his movies back at my old friend's house before we split," Krokrok said to Ash.
"I understand Krokrok, but even with Stone Edge and Brick Break, Beartic might have moves that can deal with you as well," Ash said as Krokorok crossed his claws and humphed an expression Ash knows all too well from Charizard. "Alright, you can take part in this battle. I'm not going to make you angry with me or not listen to me during the battle or when you evolve," Ash was interrupted by Krokork.
"I'm not planning on being disobedient to the trainer who took me and raised me since I was a Sandile. Ash, don't worry about me. I'm not the type to go against the trainer, just not happy that I'm not taking part in it, that's all," Krokorok said to Ash, who nodded.
"Alright, you'll battle last," Ash said to Krokrok, who smiled and nodded.
End Flashback
"He wants to be a part of this battle, and I won't let him pass this chance," Ash thought as Krokorok and Beartic glared at each other ready to clash. "Krokorok uses Stone Edge," Ash commanded his Pokemon, who slid on the Ice, not letting it slow him down.
"Brick Break," Brycen commanded his Pokemon, who used his arm to clash with Krokrok as the two landed blows. "Now Avalanche," Brycen commanded his Pokemon, who launched ice balls at Krokorok, hitting him but wasn't knocked out. "I admire his determination. He's doing better than a ground type would do against Beartic. Use Surf," Brycen commanded his Pokemon, and both Ash and Krokorok were surprised by this.
"Dodge it quickly," Ash said as the Surf approached Krokrok. The Surf slammed down on Krokrok Ash was worried as Krokrok was in the Air after being hit by that attack. "Stone Edge now," Ash commanded his Pokemon, who launched the attack at Beartic.
"Facade, now," Brycen commanded his Pokemon, still feeling the flame's effects, and went towards the Stone Edge as Beartic was taking damage from the Stone Edge and got to Krokrok.
"Thunder Fang now," Ash commanded, which surprised Brycen as Krokrok slammed his jaw on Beartic's arm and shocked him with the move. "Now send him flying and then use Payback," Ash commanded his Pokemon, who sent him to the ground and used Payback.
"Brick Break," Brycen commanded his Pokemon, who used the attack on Krokrok as the two Pokemon clashed in mid-Air. The two stood on opposite ends as the fighting-type attack hurt Krokrok. However, Beartic couldn't take it anymore and passed out.
"Beartic is unable to battle Krokrok wins, and the winner of the gym battle is Ash Ketchem from Pallet Town," the ref announced. Krokrok roared in celebration as Ash ran over to him and hugged him.
"You did great, Krokrok. It had me worried," Ash said to him, who sighed and nodded.
"Won't lie, that was tough, but thanks for letting me participate in this battle," Krokrok said to Ash, who nodded.
"Get a good long rest. You earned it," Ash said to him, who nodded. The group was outside the gym.
"Well, young man, I must admit you gave me a good battle that I had in a long time as this was my last one before retiring," Brycen said, which everyone was surprised by this.
"I'm sorry to hear that I have taken that you're career and gym battles are hard to maintain?" Ash said to him, who nodded.
"Sadly, yes, but I told the league that my next challenger will be my last one, and you, Ash, was mentioned, so I figured you would make a good challenge. And you didn't disappoint," Brycen said to Ash, handing over the gym badge. "The Icicle badge is yours," Brycen said as Ash happily accepted the gym badge. "The next gym is Oplucid City, as the gym has finally got done remodeling and will be taking over as the seventh gym once I retire," Brycen said to Ash, who was surprised.
"But who will take over for your places," Brock asked him.
"There's a set of gyms that just opened. Many of them are tough enough to take on the final gym challenge, but right now, Draydon and Iris will be taking challengers until the gyms are fully operable," Brycen said to Brock and then turned to Ash.
"I suggest that you might try to take on them as I heard that one is opening soon. Just because you have all eight gym badges doesn't mean that you can't try to give the new gym leaders a try, as two will be opening soon," Brycen suggested to Ash, who thought about it. "Only a suggestion, but the Pokemon World Tournament is in a few months, and the league won't be for another six months as the league is going on now, so it won't hurt," Brycen explained.
"So that's the Tournament happening in Udella town. I'll think about it and might do so. Thanks for the suggestion Brycen and good luck in your career, and maybe we might run into each other again," Ash said, holding out a hand for a handshake which Brycen accepted.
With a new gym badge in hand, Ash and his friends head toward the Pokemon center and then to Opulucid City and the site of the next gym battle. What is in store for our heroes, and who are the new gym leaders that Brycen mentioned? As the Journey continues.
Stay Tuned.
Done and done. This chapter was fun to do. I wanted to give Scraggy and Larvesta a chance in the gyms, and yes, I changed the part with Krokrok (If I spelled it wrong, sorry). But this is my version, after all, and I can't give that episode any more praise than it seems. As for the other gyms, we will be covering them soon. Sorry, Cherren fans, but he isn't since Bianca is in the story. I had no plans on that gym, given that this story will end after the league, which his debut was after. Next is the gym battle everyone's been waiting for and should've happened in the anime. We are heading into four two-parters, and one is one of the new gym battles. We're off to Opulucid City next. See you next time.