Ash, Lillie and Dawn have arrived in the Hearthome City for the third time since they've started their journey through the Sinnoh Region.
The last two times, they've failed to find Fantina, so Ash, and Lillie weren't able to have their gym battles. Now though, it has been over a month since they've run into Fantina, and since she said that she will be back in Hearthome City in about a month; the three assumed that by now, she's there.
Then again, they already know that Fantina is back, as just a few days ago, Ash, and the girls have run into Paul, when they made a stop in a Pokémon Center on their way to the Hearthome City.
They made a stop there to watch Cynthia's battle again Aaron, a member of the Sinnoh Elite Four. They watched as Cynthia whipped the floor with the green-haired Bug Type Pokémon Trainer. Ash was happy, and smiling while watching this, while Lillie and Dawn were able to learn a lot about battling by watching a Champion against an Elite Four level trainer.
After the battle, Ash and Paul again ended up in an argument, as Paul wanted to know what has come of Chimchar's Blaze; and Ash said that nothing happened since the last time, and he really doesn't' care anyway. He said that he can make Chimchar powerful, even without the Blaze.
Being who he is, this didn't sit well with Paul, so the two of them ended up having another battle. This one was agreed to be a one-on-one battle. Paul chose his Honchkrow, while Ash was using his Turtwig.
In the middle of the battle, Turtwig evolved, much to everyone's surprise. As a Grotle, his body was much larger, and more durable, so he was able to tank Honchkrow's attacks, with little damage.
Paul was actually surprised by how well Grotle is doing, and he even voiced this, as he said that he thought that Grotle will have trouble with moving, as he was much larger now. At that, Ash said that he knew since the beginning that Turtwig will have that problem once he evolves, so he never actually bothered with training Turtwig's speed too much, and focused on power, and endurance.
It was when he heard that, that Paul realized that Ash's Turtwig has just about average speed for a Turtwig, but had a lot of power behind his attacks, and was able to take great damage from Flying Type attacks of Paul's Honchkrow.
The battle never ended with a winner, because Ash pulled back. He said that there is no need to finish the battle, and he would rather focus on his training for the battle against Fantina.
It was when he said that, that Paul revealed that he has a Relic Badge, which means that he has defeated Fantina. It was then, that Ash, Lillie, and Dawn knew that Fantina is back at her gym.
After that, Ash, and Lillie spent another day training near the Pokémon Center, before they continued toward the Hearthome City.
The last interesting thing that happened while there, is that Paul's Torterra showed up during the night when Ash was out training with his Pokémon. Torterra wanted to talk to Grotle, and gave him some advice, before he left.
Ash thanked Torterra for doing this, even though it was unnecessary.
Now, the gang of three have arrived in the Hearthome City, with Ash, and Lillie ready to get their hands on their fifth badges in the Sinnoh Region.
Deciding that it might be a good idea to first make a stop at the gym, before they settle in the Pokémon Center for a day or two; Ash – followed by Lillie and Dawn several steps behind – walked up the stairs in front of the Hearthome Gym's entrance, when the door suddenly opened up, and something slammed into Ash before he could even blink.
Ash stood there in front of the opened door, looking in front of himself, at what he considers to be a laughable scene.
Behind him, Lillie and Dawn actually thought that Ash is going to burst up and do something bad. They were both ready to react if that happens.
A blonde haired kid, around 10 years of age, stood up from where he was lying over the entrance to the gym, while holding his head. "Why don't you look where you are going?" The kid asked Ash. "I'm gonna have to give you a fine. You've got 10 seconds to pay," he looked at the Pokétch at his left wrist, and quickly counted down from 10. Considerably quicker than it should be.
By the time he got to three, he stopped counting, and yelled. "Don't just stand there! I'm gonna be the strongest trainer in the world, you know! LATER!"
And with that, he run off to who knows where.
Ash, Lillie and Dawn stood there in front of the entrance, and wondered. What the hell just happened?
"That kid is weird." Ash said.
"I really thought you are gonna snap, when he run into you like that." Dawn said, while Lillie agreed.
Ash looked at them both with raised eyebrows, before he said. "I don't snap at every single thing," Ash said. "I'm not going to beat-up a 10 year old kid just because he run into me. Do you really think so little of me?"
"Well… maybe not that little," Dawn spoke, while Lillie continued. "But you do have a temper."
Ash only shock his head, before he noticed something on the ground.
It was a yellow badge case. He took it off the ground, and opened it up. Inside, there were three badges. Two were a Forest, and a Mine Badge's, while the third, Ash didn't know.
At that moment, Fantina came out of the gym, all happy to see Ash and the girls. She was followed by her Mismagius, who was floating next to her.
"Why do you have that badge case," Fantina asked, after she saw a familiar badge case in Ash's hand? "It belongs to my previous challenger."
"A challenger, ha?" Ash spoke, as he looked at the case.
"Right," Fantina said. "He's from Twinleaf Town, and seems like he's full of life!"
"Twinleaf Town," Dawn spoke in surprise, as that was the name of her own Hometown.
"Yes," Fantina said. "He was not match for me, though. He lost, quite easily."
"He just dropped this after he bumped into me," Ash said. "I don't think he even noticed it, before he run off."
"Oh, well, I'm sure he will come back looking for it, and I'll tell him you have it." Fantina said.
Ash nodded, before he asked. "So, when can we have our battles?"
"Not today, I'm afraid," Fantina said. "I've had many challenger, all day. My Pokémon need to rest, so we will have to leave it for tomorrow."
"Ok, that's fine," Ash said. "We'll be in the Pokémon Center. When can we come tomorrow?"
"You can come around 10 in the morning," Fantina said. "You and Lillie will be my first challengers tomorrow."
Ash, and Lillie nodded, before they left the gym.
XXX
While walking down the street toward the Pokémon Center, the kid from earlier came from the other street, and run right into Ash… again.
And again, he fell on his ass, while holding his head, while Ash just stood there, looking totally cool.
"You really need to watch where you are going, kid," Ash said to the body. "You'll lose your head like that one day."
The kid lifted himself up, and looked at Ash. "What the hell are you made off," he questioned while rubbing his head? "It's like I hit a brick wall."
"For all you know, I am," Ash said. "As I said. Watch where you are going, or the next time, you'll really hit a brick wall."
"Hey, I know you," the kid yelled, as he pointed at Ash. Ash lifted his eyebrows, and wondered where from this kid knows him. "You were in the Tag-Battle Contests, right? You were teamed-up with Paul. I watched it on the Tube. Oh, man, you couldn't even hold a candle to Paul."
"I think I actually did pretty well." Ash said coolly. He wasn't going to get angry over the words of a stupid kid who doesn't even watch where he's going.
"Now I remember," Dawn spoke, drawing everyone's attention. "You are Barry, aren't you?"
Berry was confused, and wondered how this girls knows him.
"How do you know him?" Lillie asked.
"I'm also from Twinleaf Town," Dawn said. "You are that guy who did the duet with an Exploud at the Town Festival. It's like it was yesterday."
"That was me," Barry said confused. "But I really don't know who you are…" but then he remembered something, before he smiled. "You are that hopelessly geeky trainer who lost to Paul in a Tag-Battle Contest."
Dawn definitely didn't like being called, geeky.
"I never thought I would meet both of you at the same place." Barry said.
"I was there as well, you know." Lillie said, drawing Barry's attention. He looked closely at her, and then he remembered.
"Wait, you are that trainer with that amazingly powerful Pidgeot, right," Barry said in awe, while pointing at Lillie!? "I remember your battle against Paul and his Torterra. It ended in a draw, but it was one of the best battles I've ever seen!"
Lillie smiled at that, before she heard Barry speak again. "You should learn something from her, you know," Barry said to Ash. "All you did in that battle is stand behind, and watch."
Ash just looked at Barry with raised eyebrows, for a few moments, before he turned and looked at Lillie. "Maybe he's right," he said. "Maybe I can learn something from you."
Lillie knew that Ash was just messing with her, AND Barry, so she didn't say anything.
Ash pulled out Barry's badge case, and held it so Barry can take it. "You dropped this when you bumped into me in front of the gym." Ash said.
Barry took the badge case, and breathed in relief. "Oh, good," he said. "I thought I lost it."
"You did lose it," Ash said. "You are just lucky I found it, and gave it back to you. You would be screwed otherwise. That's another reason for you to watch where you are running."
"Don't give me a lecture, Ok," Barry said! "How about we have a battle, instead? Come on! Let's see your Pokémon!" Then he started the countdown again.
He didn't get far, because Dawn noticed the Pokétch on his wrist, and jumped to him to see it. "Is that the brand new Pokétch," Dawn asked? "I've just got to have one of those!"
"Yeah, it's nice, isn't it," Barry said. "I just got it in Jubilife City last week."
Barry shock his head, and realized that he lost track of the countdown, so he yelled. "Look, you geek! I lost track of the countdown! This is all your fault!"
"Don't call me that, you idiot," Dawn yelled back! "The only geek here is you. My name is Dawn. Do you understand that you idiot geek?"
"Fine, fine, it's Dawn," Barry said, before he looked at Ash. "Now stop stalling, and call your Pokémon, so we can battle."
"You want us to battle here, in the middle of the street?" Ash questioned. "Besides, why would I battle against you?"
"WHAT," Barry snapped at that!? "I'm a good trainer. I've battled all over Sinnoh with many trainers and gym leaders, so I can become strong. I've already got three badges."
"Lillie and I got four," Ash said. "The only reason we don't have five already is because we weren't able to find Fantina due to her being on a training trip."
Barry backed away a little bit, due to shock, but still said. "Who cares? Numbers don't mean a thing. When it comes to the stronger trainer, I'm the man."
"Yeah… right." Ash said coolly. This infuriated Barry, who pulled out one of his Poke Balls, and released his Empoleon.
Ash looked at Empoleon, and was suddenly reminded of his own. It's been a while since he's last seen him, just like many of his other Pokémon.
"I still think that the middle of the street isn't the place for a battle." Ash said. "How about we find another place, and then you can battle against Dawn."
Dawn and Barry were surprised by this. Lillie was as well. "Why Dawn, and not you," Barry asked? "Are you scared, by any chance?"
"I don't care what you think," Ash said. "But the reason I want you to battle Dawn, is because I think that you are closer to each other in skill, then you are to me and Lillie. The battle will help you both. Besides, Lillie and I are going to battle against Fantina tomorrow, while Dawn won't have anyone to battle."
Barry thought about it, before he sighed, and returned his Empoleon back to its Poke Ball. "Fine," he said. "Let's go and find some battlefield. I guess I am interested in seeing what kind of trainer Dawn is, since we are from the same Town."
XXX
"So, you plan to have a gym battle against Fatima, right?" Barry asked Ash, as the two of them, Lillie and Dawn were walking through the Hearthome City.
"Yeah," Ash said. "And you are planning a re-match, aren't you?"
"You bet," Barry said. "If Empoleon is no good, then I'll find a stronger Pokémon, and if the new one is no good, I'll look for even stronger one. Then, I'll be able to beat any gym leader."
"When you catch a wild Pokémon, it can only be that strong," Ash said. "You actually have to put time and effort in training those Pokémon, so they can become strong to beat a gym leader. No wild Pokémon will be that strong.
"Another thing you need to keep in mind is that Pokémon actually try harder, and push themselves through training and battles, IF they have trust in you. If you treat them badly, or expect something that they can't do, then all of your Pokémon will stagnate, and will not try as hard as they would if they see your trust in them."
"I… don't think I get it." Barry said. "Besides, I don't treat my Pokémon badly. I would never do that."
"But you are expecting them to defeat Fantina, and any other gym leader, while barely putting time into training them," Ash said. "You just expect then to be invincible, but the fact is, all Pokémon are weak at first. They become strong over time, with training, care, and faith from their trainer."
"But I want to win now," Barry said. "What you are saying takes time. I want to become as strong as I can, and as quickly as I can. As strong as Paul."
"You want to be as strong as Paul?" Ash couldn't believe what Barry was saying.
"Paul is the coolest trainer there is," Barry said with starts in his eyes. "You must think so too. Right?"
"Not really." Ash said without even thinking about it for a second, making Barry step back in shock. "I told Paul when I first met him that the way he is, and with the way he sees the world, sees Pokémon, and how he trains them, and acts toward them; then he will never be anything more than a gym leader.
"Now, while being a gym leader is a big deal, a guy like Paul will never be satisfied with being just that. Unfortunately for him, that's as far as he will go, with the way he is right now."
"You don't know what you are talking about!" Barry yelled at Ash.
"I do know," Ash said. "I've run into Paul more times than I would want to, and I've seen him train, and how he acts. I've even battled against him several times. So yeah, I know him well enough to know what I'm talking about."
"You battled against Paul," Barry yelled! "What happened? Who won?"
"I won the first time," Ash said, much to Barry's surprise. "The other times it was undecided for one reason or another."
"I can't believe that." Barry said. He didn't know Ash, but he knew how good Paul is, and it's hard for him to accept that Paul could lose against Ash.
In the end, he decided to drop it… for now, and focus on something else. "Let's forget about that for now, and have that battle."
Ash looked at Dawn, who knew what he wants. She sighed. "Fine," she said. "Let's have that battle. I have to do something, first."
XXX
Not long later, Ash, the girls, and Barry were at the battlefield behind the Pokémon Center.
Barry, and Dawn were already at their positions on the battlefield, while Lillie is standing at the side of the battlefield, as she will act as the judge of the match.
Ash was just standing to the side.
"Each trainer will use three Pokémon," Lillie spoke! "When all three of one trainers Pokémon are unable to continue; the battle is over!"
Barry, and Dawn agreed on the rules, and then, Lillie started the battle.
Dawn went first, and let out her Onix.
Ash, and Lillie saw the Pokémon she released, and were surprised to see him.
"When did you get that Onix back from Professor Rowan's Lab?" Ash asked her.
"Just earlier," Dawn said. "I went and called Professor Rowan, to send me three of the Pokémon which were with him, so I can use them in this battle. As they love to battle, but not contests, I haven't put much training in them, so I want to see how they'll do in battle, and maybe train them a little while."
Ash nodded.
Barry went and released his Staraptor, as his first Pokémon. This got him raised eyebrows from everyone, as Staraptor would be all but completely useless against a Rock Type like Onix… unless of course it knows Steel Wing. That could work.
Barry immediately started the battle with his Staraptor using a Tackle.
The Flying/Normal Type flew fast toward Onix, who just stood there, and waited. Then, Staraptor crashed into Onix, hard, but only managed to push him back a little bit. Staraptor on the other hand, fell on the ground.
"Normal Type attacks won't work on a Rock Type." Dawn said to Barry, who frowned, before he told his Staraptor to get up, and use Close Combat.
Now this one, did work. Staraptor kept kicking and hitting Onix with its legs, and wings, until Onix fell to the ground.
He got up quickly, though. Then, Dawn told Onix to use Rock Throw.
Onix went and tried to hit Staraptor with his tail, but Staraptor flew out of reach.
Dawn frowned at this, only to tell her Onix to quickly use Dig, to escape from another Close Combat attack by Staraptor.
Now it was time for Barry to frown, and look around, wondering where Onix will come out from.
Moments later, Onix came out from the ground right below Staraptor, and hit it with its head.
Staraptor was thrown higher into the sky, before it then started to fall down.
Dawn reacted quickly, and told her Onix to use Rock Throw.
As Staraptor was falling down, stunned from the Tackle it was hit by moments before, there was no way for it to dodge Onix's tail, who slammed it mid-air, and sent the bird all the way out of the battlefield.
Staraptor fell on the ground outside of the battlefield, and stayed there.
"Staraptor is unable to battle!" Lillie announced as soon as she saw that Staraptor is unconscious.
"You need to teach your Staraptor to use Steel Wing, if you want it to battle against Rock Types," Dawn said to Barry, just as he returned his defeated Pokémon. "Fighting Type attack like Close Combat will work, but it can't be the only one. You also need to teach it, Heat Wave, so it can deal with Ice Attacks, which is another of its weaknesses.
Barry thought about it, and realized that Dawn was right. He needed to teach his Staraptor some new moves.
"Let's keep this up," Barry said, after he thanked Dawn for the advice. "This first round, was just a warm-up," he pulled up another Poke Ball, and threw it. "You are up, Roserade!"
Roserade came out of its Poke Ball, and immediately, Barry told her to use Bullet Seed.
Roserade fired its attack from the flowers on its hands. Multiple gold seeds hit Onix, causing him damage and pain. His weakness against Grass Types is great, and he didn't even have time to dodge it.
Roserade followed Barry's commands, and used Sunny Day, by firing a two white beams from the two orbs which formed on its hands.
Dawn used the chance to attack, and told Onix to use Tackle.
Onix went toward Roserade as quickly as his body allows him to, but Roserade dodge this easily. Dawn followed with Rock Thrown right away, and this time, Roserade didn't dodge, and was sent flying, just like Staraptor was, minutes earlier.
Unlike Staraptor, Roserade wasn't defeated. Instead, it stood up, and Barry told it to use Solar Beam.
Due to the Sunny Day, the sun was strong, thus, Roserade powered up its attack in an instant, and sent a golden beam of energy at Onix.
Onix was hit by one of the most powerful Grass Type attacks, and was taken out instantly.
"Onix is unable to battle!" Lillie announced.
"Do you see that?" Barry taunted Dawn, as she retuned her defeated Onix.
"You did great, Onix," Dawn told her Pokémon, while holding the ball. "For the first battle, it was great."
She then took another Poke Ball, and released her Pineco.
Barry attacked with his Roserade using Poison Jab, but Dawn's Pineco used Iron-Defense, and just took the attack with no damage.
Roserade listened to Barry, and continuously used Poison Jab, hoping to make Pineco's defense drop. Unfortunately for Roserade, it was useless.
Pineco used Rollout as soon as Roserade backed away, and hit it full force, which sent Roserade flying.
Still, Roserade stood back up, and released a pink powder with light pink sparkles from the two flowers at the end of its hands.
Dawn recognized this as a Sweet Scent, as soon as her Pineco staggered a little.
This has given Roserade enough time to power another Solar Beam, and send it at Pineco.
Fortunately for Dawn, she had enough time to tell her Pineco to use Protect.
The green barrier which Pineco formed in front of himself was hit by a great force behind Roserade's Solar Beam. It held for a few moments, before the barrier broke, and Pineco was hit by the weakened Solar Beam.
It was due to the Solar Beam not being at full power, and due to his resistance to the Grass Type attacks; that Pineco wasn't taken out by Roserade's attack.
Pineco stood on the ground, barely holding himself from passing out. Due to sheer willpower, he held for a few moments, and then, much to everyone's shock; Pineco started to glow.
"Pineco is evolving." Dawn said with a smile. She was happy for her Pokémon, and because she now has a more powerful Pokémon, which will do well in battles, if not in the contests.
Barry on the other hand, wasn't happy. He knows that Forretress is a Bug/Steel type, which means that Poison attacks are completely useless, while Grass Types are all but completely useless.
Barry hoped that at least due to the damage it has received as a Pineco, he will be able to take out Dawn's Forretress via a force behind the Solar Beam.
By then, the Sunny Day has ended, so Roserade took longer to gather the power from the Sunlight to power up another Solar Beam.
Dawn used this to attack, but she was surprised when her Forretress pulled his horns into his body, and closed his shell, and then started to spin. Dawn realized that her Forretress has learned Rapid Spin upon evolving.
She was happy about it.
Pineco hit Roserade, hard, and sent her flying before she could finish gathering the power for the Solar Beam.
Dawn wanted to finish the round right away, so she told her Forretress to use Spikes.
Forretress started to spin around, once again, and by doing that he fired many glowing white spikes at Roserade, who has just started to get up from the previous attack.
Roserade was hit by many spikes, which dealt it enough damage to take it out of the battle.
"Roserade is unable to battle!" Lillie announced once again.
Barry returned his defeated Roserade. He was satisfied with the job it did, as it took down one of his opponents Pokémon, and would have taken down another if the damn thing didn't evolve in the middle of the battle.
Barry took his final Poke Ball, and released his third, and final Pokémon. "Empoleon, you are up!"
Dawn looked at Empoleon, and though about what to do. She is sure that it's Barry's first, and strongest Pokémon, thus, she has no chance to win this using her Forretress, who was barely still in the battle.
Thus, Dawn made a decision, and returned her Forretress back to his Poke Ball, and then took another one.
"Come out, Gible!" Dawn released her third Pokémon. Her Gible.
She knew that Gible isn't really strong, and might lose in the end, but she was fine with it. Gible hasn't had any battles so far, just like Onix, so she wanted to change that, and give him a chance.
Ash and Lillie saw Gible, and realized that this is a third Pokémon she returned from Rowan's Lab. They both wondered which two Pokémon she sent there, as she had five Pokémon with her before the battle against Barry.
Dawn started the round by having her Gible use Earth Power. Gible's eyes glowed gold for a moment, before the ground started to shake causing orange energy to erupt from the ground under Empoleon.
Barry's Pokémon was sent into the air, but it managed to right itself up, and then used Hydro Pump from up in the air.
A powerful jet of water flew from Empoleon's beak, and hit Gible before he could escape.
He wasn't defeated, though. Gible got up, and then jumped in the air, before he came down on the ground. This caused the ground to shake, as shockwaves of power hit Empoleon, and sent it flying backwards.
Being hit by two Earth Attacks, took its toll on Empoleon, but wasn't enough to be defeated. Barry told it to use Steel Wing, and attack Gible without stopping.
Gible jumped around, and dodged several attacks, but was also hit just as much as he dodged.
In the end, Dawn told Gible to use Dig, to escape from Empoleon.
Barry and Empoleon stood there, and waited for Gible to get out of the ground, while the Steel Wing was still ready to be used to attack.
Gible suddenly broke from the ground below Empoleon, and hit it in the chin, sending the larger Pokémon on its back.
"Get up and use Hydro Cannon!" Barry yelled, before his Pokémon quickly got up, and created a light blue ball of water in front of its beak. Then, it fired the ball at Gible, who was quickly hit by it, as neither he, nor Dawn were expecting Empoleon to get up that quickly.
Ash questioned Barry about the Hydro Cannon, and Barry told him that his Empoleon has learned that move in the Eterna Gym while fighting against Gardenia. He said that it has been very useful in defeating her.
By that point, Gible got up, Dawn told him to use Dragon Pulse. Gible created, and sent a turquoise orb from his mouth, at Empoleon.
Barry countered this with Hyper Beam. The two attacks clashed mid-air, and pushed at each other. Few moment later, the attacks exploded.
Knowing that Empoleon won't be able to move after it used Hyper Beam, Dawn told her Gible to hit it with Rock Smash.
Gible's right hand glowed yellow, before he jumped at Empoleon, and smashed it right on the face.
Empoleon's head flew to the side, before Empoleon fell on the ground.
Dawn immediately followed this with another Earthquake, which shock the ground, and the shockwaves hit the downed Empoleon.
Empoleon didn't get up, as swirls appeared in its eyes.
"Empoleon is unable to continue," Lillie called! "The winner of this match is, Dawn!"
Dawn was really surprised that she won, as she has used three Pokémon with barely any training, but she was happy to know that her Pokémon's natural power, and talent are that high. That means that with training, they will be much more powerful.
Dawn hugged her Gible, and thanked him for a great battle, while on the other side of the battlefield, Barry couldn't believe that he lost, as he fell on his knees.
"No way," Barry said. "I can't believe I lost."
"Great battle, Dawn," Ash said as he approached her. "To pull a win like that, with Pokémon which barely had any training, is amazing. Congratulations."
"Thanks, Ash," Dawn said with a smile. "I'm also surprised by the win. Pineco evolving was very much unexpected, but it came in the right time. I'm sure I would have lost that round if he didn't evolve. And I got to say, I really wasn't expecting to pull a win with Gible. It seems his powers and talent are very high."
"I agree," Ash agreed with everything that Dawn just said.
"What the hell are you so happy about," Barry suddenly asked. "You won as you got lucky. Even you know that."
"Well, sometimes luck is a major player in Pokémon battles," Lillie said. "You need to deserve luck, for her to follow you, though. And it seems that Dawn has earned her luck, while you didn't."
"I'm still much stronger then you are," Barry said to Dawn. "I will prove that the next time we meet."
"How about you come to watch mine, and Lillie's battles against Fantina," Ash asked Barry, much to the blonde-haired kids surprise. "You will be able to see what kind of trainers Lillie and I, really are."
Barry thought about it, and in the end he accepted. He would lie if he said he wasn't interested, and this will be a perfect chance for him to see how Ash, and Lillie battle against gym leaders. Not to mention that watching those battles, might give him an ideas on how to defeat Fantina.
"Fine," Barry said. "I accept."
XXX
The Hearthome Gym is a medium-sized gym mostly made out of stone. On one side of the battlefield, there are several lines of red bleachers, while in the middle of it, is a large battlefield. There are also two large metal doors behind the challenger, and behind the gym leader's standing spots.
Right now, Ash and Fantina are standing on their positions, ready to start their gym battle. The referee, a green haired man dressed in a white, and light blue suit, with a dark blue bow-tie; was standing on the side of the battlefield.
As for Lillie, Dawn, and Barry, they were seating on the bleachers.
As per the agreement with Fantina; Ash and Lillie have arrived for their gym battles exactly at 10 o'clock in the morning. It was also decided between Ash, and Lillie, that Ash will be the first one to have his battle, while Lillie will go after him.
"The Hearthome City Gym battle, between Ash, and Fantina, will now begin," the referee spoke! "Each trainer will use three Pokémon, and when all three of one trainers Pokémon are unable to continue, the battle is over. Only the challenger may substitute Pokémon at any time."
"Battle position, Gengar!" Fantina released her first Pokémon, a Gengar. Once it was out of the Poke Ball, Gengar levitated mid-air, as it looked down toward Ash.
"So, it's a Gengar," Ash said to himself, as he though on which Pokémon to send out. He didn't see Gengar battle against Lillie, so he doesn't know what to expect, unlike with Mismagius, and Drifblim.
After few moments of thinking, Ash decided to start out with Buizel.
Buizel came out of his Poke Ball, and stood on the battlefield, while looking up at Gengar.
And so, the referee started the battle, with Ash being given the first move.
Ash started by having his Buizel use Aqua Jet. Buizel enveloped himself in water, and shot toward Gengar at an amazing speed. It was fast enough to surprise Fantina, and Gengar, but not fast enough to hit Gengar, who dodge Buizel, by simply moving to the side.
"The way Fantina's Pokémon keep floating all over the place, makes it near impossible for a challenger to hit them," Barry said. "She did that against me, and I couldn't do anything."
"Well, that's the ability Levitate," Lillie said. "It's a bothersome ability when used against you, and then there is the fact that Fantina's Pokémon are tricky, and have unpredictable moves. I'm not surprised you had a hard time. So did I, when we battled."
"This is how Ghost Pokémon move," Fantina said. "So, what will you do, Ash?"
"We'll see," Ash said, before he told his Buizel to use Sonic Boom.
Again, the attack missed as Gengar dodged it by spinning forward and above Buizel's attack, which went pass Gengar, and hit the wall of the gym.
"There won't be any battle to see, if this keeps up." Fantina said with a smile, taunting Ash by doing that. She had no idea how bad it is to taunt Ash. Luckily for her, she isn't his enemy, otherwise…
Gengar started to appear and disappear all over the place, showing its amazing speed. Buizel was caught off guard, as he tried hard to keep up with Gengar's speed, and to an extent, he was successful.
Gengar then used Shadow Punch, which managed to his Buizel in the chin, even though the Water Type dodged Gengar's fist. The fact is, Shadow Punch can't be avoided.
Buizel fell on the ground, but was still able to get back up. It will take more than a single Shadow Punch to take him out.
Fantina followed up by telling Gengar to use Hypnosis.
That was when Ash revealed his trump card for this match, and told his Buizel to use Spinning Water Gun. Buizel fell on his back, and then started to spin while at the same time, he used Water Gun.
The powerful jets of water shot out everywhere around the battlefield, and classed against the red energy fired by Gengar.
The Water Gun broke the Hypnosis, and then started to strike Gengar left, and right. Up and Down. It didn't allow the Ghost Type Pokémon to move anywhere, because every time it did, it was hit.
Barry and Fantina were shocked and impressed by the move. Fantina told her Gengar not to move, so it wouldn't be hit, but the unpredictable moving of the Spinning Water Gun, meant that Gengar is locked, and can't do anything to escape.
Eventually, Buizel stopped his attack, and Gengar fell on the ground. It got up quickly, though, and stood on the ground, ready to continue the battle.
"That's an impressive move, Ash," Fantina said. "To attack, and defend at the same time. It's really impressive. Now, how about we call that move a, Counter Shield?"
"Counter Shield, ha," Ash thought about it for a second, and nodded. "I can live with that."
The battle resumed instantly, with Gengar using Night Shade, and Buizel using Water Pulse.
The two Pokémon fired their attacks, and each hit the opponent, sending them both on the ground.
Everyone watched when the dust cleared, and they saw Buizel standing straight, while Gengar was lying on the ground, with swirls in its eyes.
"Gengar is unable to battle," The referee said! "Buizel is the winner!"
Fantina was shocked at the loss, as she screamed.
Ash on the other hands, was content with the first round win, and is ready to continue.
"Damn it," Barry yelled! "Ash didn't even break a sweat while I didn't beat even one of Fantina's Pokémon."
Ash decided to return his Buizel, and leave him for later if needed.
Fantina also returned her defeated Gengar, and congratulated Ash. She even said that he is a formidable challenger, much to Barry's ire, as Fantina didn't say anything nice to him.
"Mismagius, battle position!" Fantina released her second Pokémon. A Pokémon, which was very familiar to Ash, and from whom he knows what to expect, unlike with Gengar. "Now, Ash. You should know that Mismagius can't learn Hypnosis. Now, how are you planning to deal with this?"
Ash wouldn't be one of the best trainers in the world by not knowing stuff like that, so Fantina's information was unnecessary. Of course, he was sure that she told him this to throw him off, and make him confused.
"Why would she do that," Barry asked? "She's putting herself at a disadvantage."
"Actually, it's common for gym leaders to share their techniques in battle to see how the challengers handle it," Lillie explained to Barry, and Dawn. "After all, the goal of the gym leader is to present a broad range of challenges to each and every one of their opponents."
"Hm, from what I've seen of that Mismagius, it can use Psychic moves, as well as Magical Leaf," Ash said to himself. "I can assume it can use at least one ghost type attack as well, so… Chimchar, come on out!"
Chimchar came out to the battlefield, with a focused look on his face, as he stood on the ground. His opponent though, was floating mid-air.
"Let's see what you've got Chimchar." Fantina spoke, before Ash started the round.
Chimchar started with Flame Wheel, but Mismagius easily dodge that. Surprisingly for everyone but Ash, Chimchar turned around, and then flew through the air, right back toward Mismagius.
Barry and Fantina were surprised this, as Fantina didn't think that Chimchar can move like that, and Barry thought that this takes a lot of power. Barry was immediately educated by Lillie, who told him that this is rather easy for Chimchar.
Unfortunately for Ash, and Chimchar, Mismagius used Psywave, which broke Chimchar's Flame Wheel, and sent the Fire Type to the ground.
Chimchar got up quickly, though. His training with Paul, and then with Ash has made him very durable, so a single Psywave, won't do anything to him. Ash then told him to use Flamethrower, while spinning.
Fantina saw a Fire Counter Shield, and was impressed. She countered it with Psywave, which blocked Chimchar's attack for a moment, but then the fire broke through, and hit the Ghost Type Pokémon, dealing it some damage.
"Well, it seems Ash has gotten rather good with attacking and defending at the same time," Lillie commented. "He didn't do that in the past, and relied on the Protect for defense, and high power for attack. This way, he's now doing both at the same time."
"Yeah," Dawn agreed. "I can see him do this often from now on."
Mismagius started to spin in the air, and used Magical Leaf. By doing this, it was actually able to break Chimchar's Fire Counter Shield, much to everyone's surprise. It takes real power for a Grass Type move to counter Fire Type Move.
"Come on, Ash," Fantina spoke. "You can't really think that you can take me out with just the Counter Shield. The truth is, I've already learned everything about the Counter Shield when you used it on Gengar."
"Did you now," Ash questioned with narrowed eyes, before he smiled. "Well, you are a gym leader. I can't expect anything less. Keep in mind though, just because you know how to counter my Counter Shields, doesn't mean that your Pokémon can pull it off."
Chimchar went with Flame Wheel, once again, while Mismagius countered it with Dark Pulse.
Before Mismagius's attack can hit Chimchar, Ash told Chimchar to use Flamethrower, at the same time as Flame Wheel. This caused the Dark Pulse to be stopped by the Flamethrower.
Fantina told Mismagius to use Psywave, but Ash smirked, as she knew she will do that. Psywave was able to break the Flamethrower, but not the Flame Wheel. Chimchar went through the smoke cloud, and slammed into Mismagius, who fell on the ground, defeated.
"Mismagius is unable to battle," the referee said once again! "Chimchar is the winner!"
Fantina screamed once again, while Chimchar jumped up and down in celebration.
"Figured you will use Psywave, if I block Dark Pulse," Ash said to Fantina. "Which is why I used Flamethrower to counter Psywave, and then defeat Mismagius with Flame Wheel."
"A perfect plan, and execution, Ash," Fantina said. "I congratulate you on an amazing show."
Seeing Chimchar jump up and down, all happy; Barry commented how he has seen Paul and Chimchar compete a while ago, and Chimchar didn't seem nearly as happy as he is now, even though he has won.
This drew Lillie's and Dawn's attention.
"And now for my third Pokémon," Fantina spoke, as she threw her Poke Ball. "Come out, Drifblim."
Ash saw Drifblim, and knew that this will be a hard battle. Last time he saw it fight, it took Lillie's Pidgeot to defeat it.
"I'm sure you remember my Drifblim, Ash," Fantina said. "Since the last time, it has gotten even more powerful, and beautiful."
Ash returned his Chimchar, and sent out his Shinx to the battlefield.
Ash started the round right away, with his Shinx using Thunder, by jumping in the air, and spinning forward.
The powerful electric type attack hit Drifblim, and dealt it damage, but also created an electric ring around its body.
This didn't last long though, as Drifblim used Psychic to break the ring, and free itself.
This was a surprise for Ash, but not that much. It's not like he expected that easy of a win. "Your Counter Shield strategy is good, but can't last forever," Fantina said to Ash. "It would seem, that your strategy has sprung a leak."
Ash said nothing at that, and just waited to see what Fantina will do.
He watched as Drifblim used Will-O-Wisp, which wasn't a surprise, as he knew Drifblim can do it. What was a surprise was when Drifblim used Psychic to control the Will-O-Wisp, and cause it to spin around its body, in a form of two rings.
The rings spread around, and Ash told his Shinx to use Thunder, once again.
The electric attack hit the rings from above, but it didn't destroy them. They stayed as they were.
"As you can see, my Drifblim is sealed in the Counter Shield," Fantina spoke. "Now, it's a Counter, Counter Shield. Drifblim's Psychic maintains a powerful rings of a Will-O-Wisp, and it will last much longer than any move of yours."
Fantina attacked right away, by having her Drifblim send the rings at Shinx.
The small electric type was hit by them, and then trapped inside of the rings. Ash told him to use Discharge to break the rings, but they were too powerful, so it was useless.
Drifblim appeared right away in front of Shinx, and held him by the cheeks. Ash knew what's about to happen, and told Shinx to use Thunder.
Shinx used his attack at the same time as Drifblim used Hypnosis.
Shinx was hit by the psychic attack, and his eyes crossed as he fell asleep, but his electric attack was still able to break the Will-O-Wisp rings, and strike Drifblim, much to Fantina's shock.
Drifblim fell on the ground, but managed to get back up quickly.
Shinx on the other hand, was asleep, much to Ash's anger, as he was caught by the damn Hypnosis.
Drifblim used Ominous Wind on Shinx, and threw the small electric type toward Ash. He fell near Ash's legs, and Ash looked down at him.
Surprisingly, Shinx still seems to be asleep, and wasn't defeated. The referee saw this, so he didn't call the round in Drifblim's favor.
Still, Shinx was asleep, so what can Ash do. He could return him in the Poke Ball, and send another Pokémon… or he can get angry, not at his Pokémon, but at himself for falling for such a trick.
So, Ash got angry, and yelled. "GET UP!" His voice was very deep when he yelled, and the air seemed to shake a little bit, as Ash's eyes glowed.
Everyone was shocked by this, especially Fantina, Barry, and the referee, as they've never seen something like this. Dawn and Lillie were also surprised, though they've seen Ash do weird stuff, this was a bit different.
They were all especially shocked when Shinx stirred around, and opened his eyes. He looked around, and noticed Ash above him. He then remembered that he was hit by the Hypnosis, and realized that he must have fallen asleep.
This has made him angry, as he has trained so much to avoid this, and yet he was caught.
Shinx looked at Drifblim, and snarled, before he gave a cry, and started to glow.
Everyone was shocked by this development. Not only they don't know how Shinx was able to wake up from Hypnosis, but then to evolve. It's incredible.
Ash smiled when he saw his Shinx has evolved into Luxio, which means that his power is now higher. That also means that Luxio's attacks will be able to break through the Will-O-Wisp rings.
Ash told Luxio to use Charge Beam, which caused Luxio's body to become surrounded with yellow sparks, and then he fired a massive blast of electricity from his body toward the floating Drifblim.
Drifblim threw the Will-O-Wisp rings at Luxio, making the two attacks clash.
It didn't take long for Luxio's attack to overpower Drifblim's, and hit the Ghost/Flying type, dealing it a lot of damage.
Drifblim wasn't taken out just yet. Instead, Fantina told it to use Ominous Wing.
Ash tried to counter it with Wild Charge, which led to Luxio being surrounded with yellow electricity, and run toward Drifblim. He was hit by the Ominous Wind, though, and while he tried to push through, Luxio wasn't able to.
Still, Luxio wasn't damaged by the winds either. The wind extinguished the electricity around Luxio, and only stopped his attack.
Luxio used Thunder next, while Drifblim countered with Will-O-Wisp rings. The two attacks clashed and caused an explosion.
By the time the smoke from the explosion cleared, Drifblim was already in front of Luxio, and was about to grab him by the face.
At that moment, Ash said, 'Thunder Wave', which led to blue sparks to surround Luxio's body, just as Drifblim touched him by the cheeks. Drifblim was immediately shocked by the sparks, and fell on the ground.
Fantina was shocked when she saw this, especially since now, her Drifblim is paralyzed.
Ash saw this as a chance to end the battle, so he told his Luxio to use Thunder, which Drifblim wasn't able to dodge, or block. Drifblim was hit by the very powerful attack, which was then followed by Luxio using Wild Charge.
Once Luxio hit Drifblim again, Drifblim was sent flying while sparks of electricity were surrounding its body. The Ghost Type Pokémon fell in front of Fantina's legs, where it was revealed that Drifblim has passed out, thus, the battle was over.
"Drifblim is unable to battle, Luxio wins," the referee said! "The match goes to Ash, the challenger!"
Ash smiled at his Luxio, as he knelt down, and patted him. "That was a great battle, Luxio. Congratulations."
Fantina also thanked her Drifblim for the well-fought battle, before she returned it to its Poke Ball.
Dawn and Lillie were happy that Ash won, as they cheered for him, while Barry couldn't believe that Ash won.
A minute later, Ash, and Fantina met at the middle of the battlefield, where Fantina spoke. "Congratulations, Ash. You and your Pokémon were truly 'magnifique'. S'il vous plait, take the Relic Badge."
Fantina presented her gym's badge on a plateau, for Ash to take.
Ash took the badge, as he thanked Fantina for it, and for the great battle, which has helped him come up with new battle styles, and new moves. Not to mention a new Pokémon.
"So," Lillie spoke. "I'm assuming you want to let your Pokémon rest a little bit before our battle."
"That's right," Fantina said. "A couple of hours should be enough. You can come later today, and we can battle it then."
Lillie nodded, before she, Ash, Dawn, and Barry left the gym.
They'll come back later.
XXX
Lillie's battle against Fantina was finished later in the afternoon, and Lillie got her badge. She was able to defeat Fantina by using her Sealeo, Buizel, and finally Aerodactyl. She only ended up losing her Sealeo in the battle, while Ash didn't lose any of his Pokémon.
It was a tough match, but the skill of Sealeo, and Buizel, along with Aerodactyl's power, not to mention a liberal use of Protect to deal with Hypnosis; allowed Lillie and her Pokémon to overcome the trickiness of Fantina's Ghost types, thus, Lillie got her hands on the fifth Sinnoh Badge.
Right now, Ash, Lillie, Dawn, and Barry, were at the balcony of one of the rooms in the Pokémon Center. They were talking about their next plans, and where they are planning to go next.
Barry mentioned that he plans to go to Iron Island, and train there in preparation for the battle against the Canalave Gym, which is just a short ferry ride from the Iron Island.
Ash knew that Canalave City is in the western Sinnoh, and not exactly close to Hearthome City. It's also a Steel Type gym, which means that it will be a good choice for the next gym battle, and a chance for Ash, and Lillie to earn their sixth Sinnoh Badges.
As such, it was decided that Canalave City will be the next place the gang will go to, and Barry will join them, as it's on the way to Iron Island.