Chapter 69: Showdown in the Opelucid City gym pt2: Clash of the Dragons.
"Human Speech"
"Pokemon Speech"
Druddigon and Garchomp were staring down, ready to face each other. Ash had one, knew that this battle wouldn't be easy, and seeing a Garchomp meant that Drayden had something up his sleeve when it came to the rest of his team.
"Garchomp, use Dragon Rush," Drayden commanded his Pokemon, who charged at Druddigon.
"Ice Punch now, Druddigon," Ash commanded his Pokemon as the two Pokemon clashed with each other blow for blow. Druddigon landed a blow at Garchomp, sending him back.
"Outrage now, Garchomp," Drayden commanded his Pokemon, who charged in at Druddigon, who slammed his claw on Druddigon.
"Superpower now," Ash commanded his Pokemon, who smashed his body into Garchomp. "I can see why this is the relative of Garchomp and Fraxure and Scrafty. From what I remember, Drayden's Pokemon are known to be the best of the best, so I can see why some of his Pokemon team is related to most Dragon types," Ash thought. "Now, use Dragon Claw," Ash commanded his Pokemon, who slashed at Garchomp.
"Iron Head, now Garchomp," Drayden commanded his Pokemon as his head slammed into Druddigon hard.
"Revenge now," Ash commanded his Pokemon.
"Outrage," Drayden commanded his Pokemon as the two slammed right into each other both were exhausted, as two passed out.
"Garchomp and Druddigon are unable to battle," Iris announced as Drayden and Ash returned their Pokemon to their Pokeballs. Drayden, as calm as ever, was surprised at how well Ash was doing against him.
"Well, nephew, I must admit you did well against my first Pokemon, and seeing your battle against Iris, I can see why she changed up her team today. Like her, I also planned on changing my team," Drayden said to Ash, who smiled, figuring this would be the thing. "Garchomp was one of which I haven't used in a long time, but it's time to take things seriously," Drayden pulled out his next Pokeball. "Haxorus, come on out," Drayden sent out his leading ace for his team.
Ash was surprised that he would use his Haxorus in the middle part of his team but knew that this would be challenging. Ash pulled out his next Pokeball.
"Samurott, come on out," Ash sent out his next Pokemon. Samurott was ready to battle today as the two Pokemon stared each other down.
"Samurott use, Mega Horn," Ash commanded his Pokemon, who charged in at Haxorus. Drayden didn't do anything as Ash figured out what was coming. "Ice Beam, now," Ash commanded him, who fired its close range.
"Night Slash now," Drayden commanded his Pokemon as the tusk Pokemon slashed its tusk into Samurott's mid-Ice beam, sending Samurott to the ground near Ash as Haxorus roared at Ash and Samurott.
"Humph, seem's like Haxorus is more ready to take on your Pokemon than most challengers he's faced, given that you've known him since you've been visiting Unova, Ash. I'd say he's not going to show any mercy during this fight," Drayden said, crossing his arms at Ash as Samurott got off, brushing that Night slash off. "Good, his fighting spirit hasn't faded. Let's see how you'll handle this, Earthquake," Drayden commanded as his Pokemon stomped on the ground, sending shockwaves throughout the gym.
"Aqua Jet get out of there, and then Revenge," Ash commanded his Pokemon, who charged right in at Haxorus, landing a blow right to Haxorus.
"Counter and Night Slash," Drayden commanded his Pokemon show and slammed his two tusks into Samurott.
"Air Slash," Ash commanded his Pokemon as Samurott slashed his Scalchop with air at Haxorus's Night Slash, causing an explosion.
"Giga Impact," Drayden commanded his Pokemon, who charged at Samurott, hitting him. Samurott was struggling to get up as Haxorus was panting like no tomorrow Samurott was doing a lot of work on him.
"I can see why he's the best of the gym leaders here in this region," Zorua said as the group nodded.
"That and he's one of the top six best gym leaders, period. The Elite Six gym leaders are the strongest of them all," Misty said to Zorua, surprised. "He's ranked one of us, and it shows Drayden isn't the one that shows any signs of fear or loss of stride. As the fourth-ranked member, I haven't faced him, but he's showing me why where I am at," Misty said.
Drayden, hearing this, glared at her and then Ash, seeing that Ash has a lot of good friends and this battle was different from his other challenges. In most battles, he has faced trainers who have shown small potential or given him a decent battle. Ash, maybe that trainer made him nervous or sweat, and it already shows.
"Samurott, use Hydro Pump," Ash commanded his Pokemon, who fired the attack hitting Haxorus while recovering from the Giga Impact, sending him to the side. "Ice beam," Ash commanded Samurott, who fired the attack at Haxorus.
"Iron head now," Drayden commanded Haxorus, who slammed his head into the Ice Beam and charged at Samurott.
"Revenge now," Ash commanded Samurott, who slammed his Scalchop into Haxorus. The two Pokemon were panting as Haxorus fell to the ground. Drayden was surprised by this.
"Haxorus is unable to battle Samurott wins," Iris announced as Drayden returned Haxorus to his Pokeball. Ash, while remaining calm, was showing signs of relief and worry as he figured that Drayden had another Pokemon left on his team, and it wasn't Haxorus.
"Well, little nephew, you've impressed me so far. Far more than most challengers I've faced in years of my career as mayor and gym leader," Drayden said to Ash, who smiled.
"Thanks, sir. Hearing that from you means a lot," Ash said, bowing to him and showing respect to Drayden. Drayden smiled and pulled out his last Pokeball.
"You're in luck. This last Pokemon is the most recent member of my team and someone who, after learning that you were here in Unova, was saved for this gym battle in question," Drayden said as he tossed his last Pokemon. It was a slug-like Dragon Pokemon. As Ash looked it up, it wasn't part of his Pokedex. Drayden smirked.
"Your Pokedex won't tell you anything. This is a Pokemon outside of Unova from Kalos named Goodra. This Pokemon isn't the type to take lightly just from the look of him," Drayden explained to Ash, who was surprised by this. "If you want to beat me, this is the Pokemon to do so if you want this gym's badge."
"I wasn't expecting a new Pokemon from a region that I haven't been to taking part in this battle. I have to tread lightly. We don't know what Goodra is capable of," Ash thought. "Alright, use Ice Beam," Ash commanded Samurott.
"Rain Dance and then use Thunderbolt," Drayden commanded Groodra, who used both moves, and the Thunderbolt went through the Ice beam and hit Samurott. "Draco Meteor," Drayden commanded his Pokemon, who launched the attack at Samurott through the rain clouds and hit Samurott hard, knocking Samurott out. Everyone was surprised by this.
"Samurott is unable to battle. Goodra wins the match is tied with one Pokemon each on both sides," Iris announced as Ash returned Samurott. Ash looked at Goodra, enjoying the Rain Dance during all this, and smiled.
"Fraxure, come on out," Ash sent out his last Pokemon. Fraxure was ready to fight as she stared down at the Goodra and wondered who or what Goodra was. Drayden noticed and realized who Fraxure was now after seeing Scrafty battling.
"I see. This Fraxure is the daughter of the youngest Axew, given away a decade ago. And Granddaughter of my Haxorus, she's grown, that's for sure," Drayden said. Ash wasn't surprised by this as Ash figured that would be the case.
"Like you, I wanted to be unpredictable as well in this battle, and what way to do so was using another Dragon Pokemon that you are familiar with, not just Druddigon," Ash said to Drayden, who closed his eyes and sighed and nodded.
"I can see that you've raised her well, Ash," Drayden said before looking at Trip, who wasn't phased Drayden knew who Fraxure's father's trainer was meant for, and right now, he's seeing the growth of this new generation of dragon types. "Anyway, prepare yourself and show me how far you've come," Drayden told Ash and Fraxure. Ash nodded at Drayden as Scrafty watched from the sidelines rooting for his twin sister.
"Fraxure, use Bulldoze," Ash commanded, who slammed her feet on the ground, shaking up Goodra. "Now, Dragon Claw," Ash commanded her, charged at Goodra, and struck him as Goodra took it.
"Counter," Drayden commanded Goodra, who slammed his tail into Fraxure.
"Ugh, this going to be a problem as Fraxure's move set is mainly attacks that counter works against," Ash thought. Goodra laughed at this, showing he was having fun knowing he was in control of this fight.
"Ash, get it together," Fraxure said to Ash, who was surprised. "I'm not down and out, and my speed is fast enough to get around this Pokemon, have faith in me, please," Fraxure said to Ash, who smiled and nodded.
"I do. You've trained hard for this battle, girl, don't give up, and I have a lot of faith in all my Pokemon," Ash said to Fraxure, who smiled and turned to Goodra and growled at him. Ash was about to command Fraxure, only for her to start glowing and evolving.
"Now, this might turn the tables," Drayden said as Fraxure grew and was now a Haxorus and roared at Goodra, who growled back at her. Trip was smiling to see the growth of Fraxure now.
"Show's how strong of a bond you have with Haxorus, not just her brother, Ash, "Trip said to Ash, now pleased that this was what Trip expected to see in this battle. Ash nodded as Drayden was also impressed by this development for Haxorus and Ash. The Rain Dance dissipates.
"Ash, I know a new move that I was training with Garchomp to learn from," Haxorus said to Ash, who knew what move it was and knew that this would be the move that would be used last.
"Alright, let's do this, use Dragon's dance and then Dragon Claw," Ash commanded her, who used the move and charged at Goodra.
"Flamethrower," Drayden commanded his Pokemon and fired the attack at Haxorus, who got away from the attack and slashed again at Goodra.
"Counter," Drayden said.
"Brick Brick," Ash commanded her, who slammed her arm into Goodra before the Counter was used to send him back.
"Draco Meteor," Both Ash and Drayden commanded their Pokemon, who launched the attacks right at each other as the moves hit both Pokemon.
"Dragon Claw," Ash commanded her, who went after Goodra, who was still recovering from the Draco Meteor attack Haxorus used on him. Haxorus managed to slam her claw right into Goodra, knocking him out.
Drayden was surprised by this, as was Ash.
"Goodra is unable to battle Haxorus. Win the winner of this gym battle challenge is Ash from Pallet Town," Iris announced as Ash celebrated as Scrafty ran over to his sister, who fell on her behind, panting in exhaustion. Scrafty and Ash hugged her.
"You did great, Haxorus," Ash said to her, who smiled and nodded.
"Thanks, Ash. I wasn't sure if I would win that battle if that last attack didn't knock Goodra out," Haxorus said to Ash, who nodded and petted her tusk, which she wagged her tail from that. Scrafty chuckled as Drayden returned his Goodra to his Pokeball and walked to Ash with Iris.
"Well, Ash, you did well. I'm sure you will do well in the next Unova league in six months," Drayden said to Ash, who nodded as Trip took his leave, satisfied from the battle. "Iris, the gym badge?" Drayden asked Iris, who grabbed it out of her pocket. "The legends badge is your's, little nephew. You earned it," Drayden said to Ash as Iris handed it to Ash, who happily accepted it.
Everyone except Trip was outside the gym as he was long gone now. "So I guess we should take some time off before the PWT comes up," Ash told Misty and Brock.
"Ah, you were invited to take part in that. Given that it's happening in four months, I'd suggest you try to take on a few new gyms," Iris suggested to Ash, who looked down.
"As you know, Brycen is retiring as a gym leader, and his gym badge will soon have no registration in the league. Once this league session is over, Ash, I'd suggest you try them out," Drayden said to Ash, who sighed and nodded. "Good, I suggest the Virbank gym. You'll have to take a plane as the gym fully opens."
"I've heard that City isn't the city that many movies were made as of late?" Ash asked Drayden, who nodded. "So a gym is opened up over there, huh? Okay, I'll challenge the gym, even the other new one, once the PWT is over," Ash said to Drayden, who smiled and nodded as he offered a handshake to Ash, who happily accepted it and then gave Iris a handshake as well who happily accepted it.
"We will meet again, Ash, as I will be taking part in the PWT as well," Drayden said to Ash, who was surprised by this. "Alder invited me to participate in this tournament, and I might not be the only one who will be there, so prepared for anything," Drayden told Ash and his friends. Ash nodded.
Ash and his friends returned to Mistraliton City to take a plane to Virbank City as they waved their goodbyes.
With a new gym badge obtained, Ash and his friends make their way to the new gym challenge in Virbank. What is in store for our hero? As the Journey continues.
Stay tuned.
Done and done. If I'd known this chapter would be short, I would've made it in one chapter. I won't lie. Oh well, I had fun writing this chapter. I'm going to get comments about Goodra being in this gym battle. Remember, this is Drayden, who has much experience with dragon-type Pokemon. I had planned on bringing Pokemon from Kalos to this story early, and this is just the beginning of my plans. That said, I want to bring attention to the need for reviews. I rarely get reviews; when I do, it's one at a minimum and two at most. We are almost seventy percent done with this story, and I will see it through to the end, but it doesn't matter. I'm not giving up on this story, folks. That said it's the Virbank Gym battle next in a two parter.