Hello again, and welcome back to another chapter of a promise kept. Let's get this gym battle going, shall we?
Chapter 6: Battle for the Zephyr Badge Fight fire with flyer Charizard vs. Pidgeot
"Human Speech"
"Pokemon Speech"
It's time, ladies and gents. Ash and Co finally arrived at Violet City in front of the gym.
"Wow, It's huge," Ash said as he looked at the top from the bottom of the gym.
"Brock, are you sure that this is the gym? It looks like a skyscraper than a gym," Misty asked Brock, who checked the guidebook.
"According to the guidebook, this is the gym, and according to the guidebook, this gym is like that cause the gym leader uses flying type. Sadly the original gym leader retired, and now his son is the gym leader," Brock said as he read the book, except for that last part.
"Huh, that's weird. Must be a similar situation like you, Brock," Ash said.
"Not really? I've met his father before with my dad, not the son, sadly, and he couldn't take losing as much. His family meant more to him than battling trainers. Must've passed it to him recently."
The group talked as they didn't notice something approaching Pikachu and grabbed him. "Hey, what the?" Ash said, looking at where Pikachu was being taken.
It was Team Rocket, and they were pretty high up. They didn't do the motto. Surprisingly, after being ridiculed last time, Ash would send out Charizard or Pidgeot. As he noticed something coming the ballon way, a paraglider picked up Pikachu.
"Hey, give that back," Jessie said as she sent out Arbok to shoot that down. "Uh oh," the gang said. It seems that person was trying to help but now looks in trouble.
"Pidgeot, let's go," He said as that caught Ash's eye. "Wing attack and quick attack," he said, sending them flying without any hassle as his Pidgeot landed after doing that. "I believe this Pikachu is your's young man," He handed Pikachu to Ash.
"Thank you. I was going to send out my Pidgeot to deal with them," Ash said.
"Oh, you have a Pidgeot of your own?" the young trainer said as Ash nodded and sent his Pidgeot out. She was smaller than the trainer; however, the two birds recognized each other.
"Well, it's been a long time," the trainer's Pidgeot said surprisingly. Ash's Pidgeot nodded.
"So I'm taken. He's your trainer now. I mean, I did hear your old trainer retired?" Ash's Pidgeot asked the other Pidgeot, who nodded. As the two caught up, it seemed this Pidgeot was related to Ash.
"Seems our Pidgeots know each other," The young trainer said.
"Looks like it. I'm surprised you did that, but it seems like it is for the best you helped," Ash said as the trainer chuckled.
"It may be a hobby, but it helps to bond at times," He said.
"I'm Ash. These are my friends Misty and Brock," Ash introduced.
"And I'm Falkner, the Violet gym leader," Falkner introduced himself. As all three gasped.
"So you're the new gym leader, I see," Brock said as Ash and Falkner returned their Pidgeots to their balls as the group headed inside.
"Yeah, I'm still getting the hang of being one. However, so far, I am prepared for different trainers depending on how long they've been one. You will be against my toughest team, Ash," Falkner said as they were almost up to the roof via the elevator.
"That's fine with me. A good challenge is what I need," Ash said as the elevator arrived. The gym had a stadium scoreboard and an open-roof battlefield. As the group was surprised by this, but it made sense.
Ash and Falkner get into the trainer's box opposite each other.
The RefRef lays out the battle rules, "The violet city gym battle between Ash Ketchum from Pallet town and gym leader Falkner will begin. Each trainer will use three Pokemon, and when both Pokemon of either side cannot continue, the match is over,' The Ref announced. "During the battle, only the challenger can make substitutions." As Ash was ready for anything, that's for sure.
"Noctowl, you're up," Falkner sent out as it was.
"Woah, a new Pokemon of the region, Pikachu. You're up first, buddy," Ash said to Pikachu and went out.
"Pikachu up the bat first, huh, Ash? Don't expect an easy win 'cause my Pokemon is weak to electric attacks," Falkner said. The referee said,
"Pikachu vs. Noctowl, let the battle commence."
"Pikachu used thunderbolt," Ash commanded Pikachu, who fired the electric attack at Noctowl, who wasn't doing anything.
"Light screen, let's go, Noctowl," Falkner said as it hit the barrier that Noctowl put up, doing minimal damage.
"This is going to be a bit of a problem. We'll fight through it. Use a quick attack," Ash commanded Pikachu, who ran at it.
"Counter with psychic Noctowl," Falkner commanded his Pokemon.
"But HOW?" As was surprised by this as Pikachu was stopped in its tracks.
"Even as fast as Pikachu are, Noctowls have psychic moves and capabilities even though they're not part psychic Ash now sends Pikachu flying," Falkner said as it did as told.
"Pikachu used Thunder to get out of it," Ash commanded Pikachu, who did land a direct hit just before Pikachu landed hard.
"Clever Ash, but don't think that would end it. Use hypnosis," Falkner commanded his Noctowl.
"Uh-oh, Pikachu agility fast and then use quick attack" Pikachu barely managed to get out of there before hypnosis could hit.
"Keep on Pikachu and use psychic when you get him," Ash commanded Pikachu, who came in quickly before it could do that.
"Thunder Pikachu," Ash commanded Pikachu, who fired the massive electric attack at Noctowl.
"Shadow ball, Noctowl," Falkner commanded his Pokemon. Ash was surprised by this.
"What's that move?" Ash said the same move that his two Eevees used before. "That's what it was. I'll look into it later?" he thought as the moves clashed and knocked both Pokemon out.
"Pikachu and Noctowl both are unable to battle," both Pokemon on the screen were knocked out as Ash ran to Pikachu.
"You did great, buddy. Take a rest," Ash turned to Falkner, who had just returned to Noctowl.
"Not bad, Ash, but this battle has just begun," Falkner said to Ash, who nodded.
"Pidgeot, let's go," Ash sent out.
"Fearow, let's go" As both Pokemon came out, this was a surprise, but Ash had dealt with a Fearow before as the two stared down at each other.
"Begin," the referee said.
"Fearow Drill peck," Falkner commanded his Pokemon as its beak spun and charged at Pidgeot.
"Wing attack and quick attack, Pidgeot, "Ash commanded his Pokemon. The moves hit strength-wise. These two were even. However, Fearow had more experience.
"Hyper beam Fearow," Falkner said as Fearow built up the Hyper Beam and fired it at Pidgeot.
"Double team now, Pidgeot." As it managed to get out of the way, "Now, Steel wing, " both trainers said as the two had a mid-air crash.
"Falkner wasn't kidding when he said he was using his best team. I got to get the advantage somehow, "Ash thought as he noticed that the ground of the roof was dirt-like. "Use Gust on the ground," Ash commanded Pidgeot, who launched its attack, causing a sand-like gust on Fearow. It did some damage but not enough to deter Fearow.
"Not bad, Ash. However, I won't let you get the best of me, Fearow steel wing and drill peck," Falkner commanded his Pokemon, who used the two moves and charged right at Pidgeot.
"Steel wing and wing attack," Ash said as the two collided."Now, use a quick attack on the last second," Ash commanded Pidgeot, who landed a massive blow to Fearow, knocking it out as it fell to the ground.
"Fearow is unable to battle Pidgeot Win's," Ref said.
"All right, Pidgeot, that's the way to go," Ash said to Pidgeot. She smiled but was exhausted, Ash noticed.
"Well, Ash, you're something else. Pulling a mid-air boost like that is definitely what a flying-type user is known to do. You said that during my scuffle with Team Rocket there, but don't think this next Pokemon won't be as easy, and you know what I'm bringing out," Falkner said as he just returned Fearow Ash nodded. Pidgeot knew what was coming next.
"Pidgeot, let's go" As he sent out his Pidgeot, it was easy to tell who was what, both in size and the pattern of their hair.
"Pidgeot, you gonna be okay continuing?" Ash asked Pidgeon. Pidgeot wasn't sure but nodded to Ash. "Begin," the referee said.
"All right, Pidgeot, use steel wing, " Ash said. "Counter with twister," Falkner said, catching Pidgeot off guard and getting struck. Ash grunted.
"Another move I've never seen before. We're getting the best of what's in store for us," he thoughted. "Use quick..." As Pidgeot struggled to get up, Ash was about to recall her, but Pidgeot was knocked out."Pidgeot, no!" Ash said.
"The challenger's Pidgeot is unable to battle. The match is tied with both trainers down to one Pokemon each" Ash ran to Pidgeot.
"You did well. Now take a rest, Pidgeot" As he was about to return her to her ball, she shook her head. She knew who Ash would use next and wanted to watch the two in action. Ash sighed.
"Okay, you can watch," Ash put Pidgeot on the side next to Misty and Brock, who were watching this all.
"Twister, huh? It's not a flying-type move. Ash, it's a dragon-type move. You better be on guard," Brock stated. Ash nodded. "Will do, Brock. This battle is far from over."
"My final Pokemon will be Charizard. Let's go," as Charizard was brought out, which caught Falkner's eye.
"So Charizard is up next, huh? Interesting choice, Ash," Falkner said as the Pidgeot smirked.
"Interesting, indeed. Let's see why she's interested in you, Charizard," Falkner's Pidgeot said, which got Charizard all wild up about who this Pidgeot is and how he knows Ash's Pidgeot.
"Bring it. I've known her enough," Charizard said as Falkner's Pidgeot smirked upon hearing that.
"Not long as I have," Falkner's Pigeot said to Charizard, who was curious as to why he said that.
"In the final battle, Charizard against Pidgeot, the sky, and battlefield are the same as long as it's in the gym's facility. Now that's out of the way. The battle begins, "the referee said.
"Charizard flamethrower," Ash commanded as he launched the attack.
"Pidgeot dodge it with agility and take it to the sky," Falkner said.
"Let's take it to the sky to Charizard dragon rage now," Ash said; Charizard managed to land a direct hit.
"Not bad, Ash; Pidgeot uses quick attack and steel wing, "Falkner commanded his Pokemon.
"Fight back with a mega punch, Charizard, "Ash commanded Charizard.
The moves clashed boy were the two not giving an inch as both were sent to the ground as Pidgeot managed to regain altitude.
"Now used twister," Falkner said, using the falling of Charizard to its advantage, striking him and sending him to the wall.
"Charizard, you okay?" Ash asked. Charizard managed to get up and was not happy about that attack.
"Cheap shot," Charizard snarled towards Falkner's Pidgeot, who smiled and chuckled.
"That's only a taste of what's to come, Johto boy," Falkner's Pidgeot said to Charizard as Charizard got up.
"I may be from here, but I'm still that of a Kanto starter. Don't underestimate me," Charizard said. He tried getting back up, but that fall did more than just hurt Charizard.
"Oh no, I think Charizard must've injured its wing during that fall," Brock said.
"This is bad," Misty said.
"Humph, well, that's something I didn't expect. You might as well forfeit, Ash. A Charizard can't and can't win," Falkner said as Charizard roared at him.
"DON'T UNDERESTIMATE ME, FLYING BOY," Charizard managed to get his wing working.
"That's the spirit Charizard let go," Ash said as Charizard was still feeling the effects of the Twister but could still keep going.
"Good, this battle would've been boring if you were moping with a damaged wing, but can Charizard keep up with Pidgeot's speed," Falkner said."Use Quick Attack, Pidgeot," Falkner commanded his Pidgeot, who was charging at Charizard.
"Charizard, block with your claws," Ash commanded Charizard as he managed to grab him. "Now seismic toss," Ash said as Charizard was about to start using that move.
"Oh no, you don't just twister," Pidgeot managed to counter Charizard.
"CHARIZARD," Ash screamed as Charizard was on the ground again. As Pidgeot was in the sky, Charizard got up just as the referee was about to call the victor, "Charizard, you going to be okay? That might be too much for you," Ash worried about him.
Charizard hated to admit it but was right but he's come this far. He will not let the team down as he lets loose a rage. This was shown in Charizard's tail flame.
"I see he's as stubborn as most Charizard, but all things come to an end using a Quick Attack. End this," Falkner said as Pidgeot was coming in fast.
"Dodge it quick," Charizard managed to get out of there quickly, just in time. As the two Pokemon were back in the air again as the same move was used before by Pidgeot, Charizard blocked it again.
"You never learn used Twister and gust end this, "Falkner said, commanding his Pokemon. "Not this time, Falkner Charizard Fire spin and dragon rage to time with it," Ash commanded Charizard. Charizard timed it just right as it made a harsher tornado than before.
This time with fire, it was hard to tell who was winning that fight as the wind settled as both Pokemon were down hard. As both Pokemon were struggling to get up.
"Come on, Charizard, I know you can do it," Ash said as Charizard struggled to get up, as did Pidgeot. Everyone on Ash's side was worried, even Ash's Pidgeot, for both of them.
"Pidgeot, Don't let him win. I know you're stronger," as both came up. However, Pidgeot managed to fall back down as Charizard managed to stand tall.
"Pidgeot is unable to battle Charizard's win, and the battle goes to the challenger Ash from Pallet town," the Ref announced as Charizard let out a flamethrower before almost passing out as Ash managed to get to him. Ash's Pidgeot flew over towards Charizard.
"You did great. Charizard didn't think you'd beaten my father of all Pokemon," Pidgeot said to Charizard, who was shocked by what Pidgeot just said to him as Falkner's PIdgeot chuckled watching this.
"Wait, your father? He's your father. I didn't know that, and why didn't you tell me that from the beginning I take that is why he knows about you and I know each other?" Charizard asked as Pidgeot giggled and nodded.
"Let's just say I told him about you before the battle," Pidgeot told Charizard. Charizard had a faint blush which Ash overlooked. However, Pidgeot didn't. "So he does have feelings for me. This will be interesting," she thought as Falkner returned Pidgeot as he walked over to Ash.
"Well, Ash, I must say you battled well. This was the team my father would use on serious challengers, and you didn't disappoint," Falkner told Ash.
"Thank Falkner, though. I must say, after Charizard acted like that, I'd probably call it the match if he hadn't. I'd rather not put my Pokemon that much in hurt for a badge. No badge is worth a permanent injury or worse," Ash said, looking at Charizard.
"I'll give you that, Ash, but you're doing what your Pokemon wanted, not what you wanted. You did the right thing here. The Zephyr badge is yours," Falkner said as he handed Ash the badge.
"Badge one, the Zephry badge I won," he did his usually winning pose as the Pokemon cheered. The party was on the streets in front of the gym.
"You're next gym battle will be Azalea town Ash," Falkner said.
"That's great. We were going that way anyway, so that'll make two things from there," Ash said.
"Misty might not like that one, sadly, according to the book," Brock said.
"You mean it's the bug gym, right?" Misty asked as Falkner nodded, which made Misty even more nervous.
"Like me, the gym leader there is also young; however, he's been a gym leader for only a year after I became one. Don't overestimate him, Ash, and train hard," Falkner said.
"Will do, Falkner," Ash said as the group was about to take their leave.
"Oh, one more thing before you go, I wanted to let you know since you have a Charizard, I'm taken Charizard is probably from here than Kanto," Falkner said.
"Huh, what made you say that," Ash said as Brock interrupted.
"You mean the Charizific Valley? Many known Charizard, even more, famous ones out there, are born and raised there," Brock said as Falkner nodded.
"It's on the outskirts of Violet City near the mountain pass. You'll be heading that way anyway to get to Azalea town. Don't be surprised if you run into a trainer who knows a lot about Charizard, as she's the place's owner," Falkner said.
"Will do. We'll see what that place is about. Until then, see you later," the group said their goodbye's as they left.
With a brutal first gym battle done, Ash has finally earned his first gym badge as the road to the Johto league has just begun. What else is in store for Ash?
Stay tuned
And Done; this chapter was a long time coming. Yes, expect a few changes to the teams of the gym leaders. You think that this will resemble the anime, you poor innocent readers. Yes, I'm still shipping Charizard and Pidgeot; I'm fully aware that it's not possible video game-wise, but this is fanfiction so that it can work. Please don't be hard on it in the reviews, guys. With this chapter out of the way, the capture requests are officially open for your readers. I've already gotten some request's already and remembered them well. Just remember that it's three requests per requester, and if it has already been taken, I'll let you know if it still needs to be added to the reviews. I'll be working on the next chapter of my Unova story. The next chapter for this is to the Charizific Valley for a change of Charizard's destiny as I'm doing something else. You'll see. It's part of the synopsis if you want to know. See you in Unova and later in this story.