Chapter 13: Ghostest with the Mostest

The next day, Ash and his friends were up bright and early for Gladion's gym battle. Morty greeted them outside, and quickly ushered them to the arena.

"I look forward to our battle, Gladion. I don't think I've ever fought someone from Alola before!"

"So am I, Morty. Once I win here, I'll be halfway to the Silver Conference!"

Morty turned to their audience, and pointed toward a balcony overlooking the battlefield.

"You guys will get the best view from up there. Jonah, could you show them the stairs?"

"Certainly. Right this way, please."

Ash, Lillie, and Goh followed the elder up the stairs, excited for the upcoming battle.

"I've never seen a Gym Battle before! Have either of you?"

"No, but I've always wanted to! But every time I tried to catch a battle in the gym, Lt. Surge would toss me out. Something about only trainers and onlookers traveling with them allowed in, or something..."

"I've seen a couple, but usually I'm the one battling. Still, its an interesting experience being a spectator to one."

By the time they had sat down, Gladion and Morty were all set to go. The battle judge stepped forward, flags at the ready.

"This gym battle between the leader Morty and the challenge Gladion will now begin. This will be a 3-on-3 battle with a 30 minute time limit. No substitutions, and the Gym Leader will send out his Pokemon first. Are the rules understood?"

Both Morty and Gladion nodded.

"Then let the battle, begin!"

"Go, Haunter!"

Gladion considered his options for a minute before making his decision.

"Crobat, I choose you!"

Crobat vs Haunter, begin!"

"Haunter, use Night Shade!"

"Dodge with Acrobatics, then use Astonish!"

Crobat gracefully weaved out of the way of Haunter's Eye Blasts before swooping in close, just barely hitting Haunter before flying back up, scaring the ghost type to do some damage.

"Shadow Ball, Haunter!"

"You too, Crobat!"

Their two attacks met in the middle, creating an explosion that covered the entire battlefield in smoke. Morty kept his eyes narrowed, trying to spot his enemy.

"Crobat, use Bite!"

"Haunter, behind you!"

Morty's warning came too late, as just before Haunted could duck out of the way Crobat struck, sinking his fangs into the Ghost type, causing him to shriek in pain .

"Now switch to Dark Pulse!"

Still latching onto Haunter, Crobat sent waves of dark energy into him, causing him even more pain. Eventually it became too much for him to handle, and the ghost type fainted.

"Haunter is unable to battle! Crobat is the winner!"

Morty smiled as he returned his Haunter.

"Get some rest, Haunter."

He then turned to Gladion, a fire in his eyes.

"Get ready, because my next Pokemon won't be so easy to get rid of. Go, Sableye!"

Gladion's eyebrow quirked at Morty's next choice, which would usually be found in Hoen. A tougher obstacle to overcome, yes, but not an impossible one.

"Sableye vs Crobat, begin!"

"Aerial Ace, Crobat!"

"Shadow Sneak!"

Just as Crobat was about to swoop in, Sableye disappeared into the ground. Confused, Crobat darted its gaze around, not seeing Sableye emerge from its shadow. By the time it had noticed, it was too late. Sableye slashed him across the back, sending him spiraling towards the ground. He managed to save himself just in time, but the damage was clear.

"Crobat, use Cross Poison!"

"Counter with Shadow Claw!"

Wing and claw met, each one struggling to maintain control until at last Crobat won out, dealing a hard blow to the ghost. While Sableye reeled in pain, Crobat moved in, trapping him with his wings as poison flowed into it. However, in doing so it gave Morty the opening he had been hoping for.

"Poison Fang!"

"Psychic, Sableye!"

Just before Crobat could bite his enemy, he was blasted back by psychic energy, hitting the wall hard and knocking him out. But he had not gone without leaving his mark, for Sableye had been left badly poisoned.

"Crobat is unable to battle! Sableye is the winner!"

Gladion smiled kindly as he returned his Pokemon.

"You did well, Crobat, get some rest. Go, Granbull!"

"Granbull vs Sableye, begin!"

"Sableye, use Sucker Punch!"

"Catch it with Bite!"

Sableye flinched in pain as the Fairy type's teeth sunk into his arm, flailing it about to try and throw the pit bull off him, but Granbull held firm.

"Toxic, Sableye!"

"Dazzling Glean, Granbull!"

His arm still trapped in Granbull's mouth, Sableye unleashed waves of poisonous energy into Granbull, causing him great pain. Granbull released his grip, allowing Sableye to pull his arm out. But before he could prepare another attack, Granbull unleashed a bright flash from its body, knocking Sableye out cold.

"Sableye is unable to battle! Granbull is the winner!"

"Good job, Sableye. Go, Gengar!"

"Gengar vs Granbull, begin!"

"Sludge Bomb, Gengar!"

"Jump and use Crunch!"

Granbull jumped out of the way just in time and snapped at Gengar, hitting him directly and sending him falling to the ground, though he quickly corrected himself.

"Venoshock!"

"Play Rough!"

Gengar brought his hands together, shooting out a plume of poison that hit Granbull head on. Fighting through the pain, Granbull charged through and grabbed the Ghost type, pulling him into a rather cartoonish dust cloud as they scuffled.

"Enough! Gengar, use Phantom Force!"

Just managing to get a break in the onslaught, Gengar unleashed all of his pent up energy, sending Granbull flying. Luckily, he landed on his feet, though he was panting heavily. Before either of them could issue another command, however...

"That's time! The challenger Gladion has 2 Pokemon left compared to the Gym Leader Morty's one. Therefore, Gladion is the winner!"

Gladion wiped the sweat off his brow, worn out. Still though, he was satisfied and happily shook Morty's hand.

"That was a good battle, Gladion. I know you'll go far."

"Thanks, Morty. I'd be proud to battle again sometime."

"I'd gladly accept that challenge."

Later at sunset, Gladion saw Ash, Goh, and Lillie off at the docks, him and Lillie sharing a long goodbye.

"It was great seeing you again, Lillie. I hope you can come again sometime."

"We will, I promise. And if you're ever in Kanto, come visit us sometime."

"Of course."

Gladion then turned to Ash.

"Take care of her, Ash. And if you ever break her heart, just remember-"

"...You know where I live. Don't worry, I wouldn't dream of it."

Gladion then turned to Goh, shaking his hand.

"It was good meeting you, Goh. Keep an eye on those two."

"You can count on it."

Just then, the ship's horn sounded, alerting them that it had arrived and was boarding.

"Well, I guess this is it. Bye, big brother!"

"Good luck in the Johto League!"

"Bye, guys! It was good seeing you again!"

Gladion waved until the ship was out of sight before leaving to get a room at the Pokemon Center. He still had a long journey ahead of him, but as long as he trusted his Pokemon, he was sure to win.