Chapter 83: Trial by Tower Part 2

While Ash conquered the Tower of Waters, Goh and Chloe made their way to the Tower of Darkness. Like with Ash, a student guarded the entrance.

"Welcome, challenger Goh. You may enter with only Kubfu. In order to earn the knowledge that you seek, you must battle your way to the top floor."

Goh nodded, and was about to go inside when Chloe grabbed his hand.

"Goh, wait!"

Goh turned, and immediately got a kiss on the lips from Chloe, leaving him blushing as they broke apart.

"Good luck."

"Thanks. I'll be back before you know it."

Goh found the Tower to be dimly lit, even more so than the first. Instead of torches, candles were the only source of light aside from the windows. Still, he had no trouble spotting his first opponent.

"If you think you'll get past me, think again! My Pokemon and I have trained in darkness, accumulating ourselves to it so that we may defeat any foe!"

Goh just stared for a moment, not really sure how to respond to that.

"Ok. Are we doing this?"

"Of course! Go, Zorua!"

Goh was surprised to see a regular Zorua come out of the Pokeball.

"Huh. Most people would have their Zorua disguised as something else."

"I have no need for such tricks. Our skills are more than enough to defeat you!"

"We'll see. Go, Kubfu!"

"Zorua, use Night Daze!"

"Protect, Kubfu!"

Zorua howled, unleashing shockwaves of dark energy from his body at his opponent. Kubfu crossed her arms, forming a protective barrier just in time to protect her before the energy subsided.

"Fury Swipes, Zorua!"

"Bulk Up!"

Zorua pounced, swiping wildly at his opponent. Kubfu remained unfettered, crossing her arms and building up energy.

"You can't defend forever! Use Taunt!"

Zorua smirked, and wagged his tail mischievously in Kubfu's face. Kubfu roared in anger, falling for the taunt, making Goh grunt in frustration. He had planned on building up attack and defense with Bulk Up, but that plan was out the window.

"So much for that plan. Kubfu, use Dynamic Punch!"

Kubfu swung her arm around, smacking Zorua back to his trainer's side of the field.

"Zorua, are you alright?"

The illusion caster was quick to bounce back, yipping excitedly for more.

"Alright, then use Foul Play!"

"Focus Punch, Kubfu!"

Zorua charged, gaining speed and momentum as he barreled towards his opponent. Kubfu brought her fist back, concentrating hard as he prepared to strike. At the last moment, Zorua leapt to pounce…

Only to receive a punch to the gut from Kubfu, sending it flying backwards. When it landed, it tried to pick itself up, only to give up and faint, ending the battle. With a weary sigh, the student returned his Zorua to his Pokeball and bowed to Goh.

"Congratulations, challenger, you may proceed. But I must warn you that it will only get more difficult from here on out. I wish you and Kubfu a hearty good luck."

"Thank you, we'll do our best."

With one last bow, Goh made his way up the stairs, ready for the next battle.

Goh and Kubfu fought each of their opponents courageously. First was a Scraggy, then came an Inkay, which gave them the most trouble, and lastly they faced a Krokorok. Each one produced a different challenge, but through hard work and determination they managed to defeat all of them. Now only one last challenge stood before them.

As Goh reached the top of the final staircase, he surveyed the room awaiting him. Much like the rest of the tower, the only light was from the windows and the torches lining the walls. One the far wall were two scrolls with symbols marking them, before which stood…

"Honey? You're my last opponent?"

Mustard's wife giggled.

"Surprise! Are you ready?"

Goh grinned, not one to back down from a challenge.

"We're not giving up yet! Right, Kubfu?"

"Fu!"

"Glad to hear it! Go, Kubfu!"

Honey's own Kubfu burst out of its ball, roaring confidently and ready to fight.

"Alright Kubfu, Bulk Up!"

"Bulk Up as well!"

The two Kubfu crossed their arms and powered up, ready for action.

"Now use Close Combat!"

With their stats raised, the two fighting types charged and began going at it, throwing punches left and right and each other.

"Dynamic Punch!"

"Dodge, and use Focus Punch!"

Honey's Kubfu tried to deal a swift jab, only for Goh's to duck underneath and uppercut her opponent.

"Brick Break!"

After a quick recovery, Honey's Kubfu brought his arm down and dealt a hard chop to his opponent's neck, nearly making her collapse.

"Superpower!"

But she caught herself just in time, grabbing her opponent before spinning around and tossing him away. Her opponent landed at Honey's feet, but managed to bring himself to his feet.

"Kubfu, can you continue?"

"Kubfu!"

"Alright then, use Zen Headbut!"

"Bulk Up, Kubfu!"

Honey's Kubfu roared to psyche himself up, then charged forward head first, psychic energy building up around him. Goh's Kubfu remained calm, simply crossing her arms and building up energy.

"Just keep at it, Kubfu!"

The gap between the two got smaller, and smaller, until Honey's Kubfu was right on Goh's. Then…

"Low Sweep!"

Just as the attack was about to connect, Goh's Kubfu swung her leg out, tripping her opponent and making him fall towards the ground, his attack having fizzled out.

"Now use Focus Punch!"

Just before he could hit the ground, his opponent dealt a hard punch to his gut, sending him flying back to Honey's side of the battlefield. When the dust had settled, it was clear that Honey's Kubfu was unfit to battle. But despite her loss, Honey remained cheerful, clapping in acknowledgement of her opponent's success.

"Bravo! Waiting until your opponent reveals a weak spot and then striking, perfect for a master of the Tower of Darkness."

She walked over to the scroll on the wall and removed it before showing it to Goh's Kubfu.

"And now, for the moment you've both been waiting for."

Kubfu grasped the scroll, taking a good long look at the symbols printed on it. Suddenly, Kubfu began to glow and grow, becoming bigger and stronger. When the light finally died down, an Urshifu of the same style that Quillon had was now where his Kubfu had once stood.

"Urshifu!"

"Wow, so awesome!"

"Ah yes, and Urshifu, Single Strike Style. A Fighting and Dark type Pokemon. A perfect Pokemon for someone as cunning and intuitive as yourself."

Goh and Urshifu bowed to Honey, proud of how far they had come.

By the time Ash and Goh had returned to the dojo, the sun had begun to set. The students had made a lovely stew for dinner, which they ate on the terrace as they watched their Pokemon play. Currently, Ash's Lucario and Urshifu were sparring, with Dragonite and Pikachu acting to keep any stray attacks from hitting any of the spectators. Goh's Urshifu and Cinderace were playing a game of soccer, with a Pyro Ball as the ball and Dratini acting as goalie.

"Wow guys, your Pokemon are awesome!" Chloe said in awe.

"Yeah," Lillie agreed. "Who knew they could evolve like that."

"All I know is that with Urshifu and my other Pokemon, I'll climb through the ranks in no time!"

"Yeah! Watch out Project Mew, because here I come!"

Mustard cleared his throat, grabbing their attention.

"While I appreciate your enthusiasm, don't let strength become a replacement for skill. Remember: no matter how strong you become, eventually there will be someone to surpass you. Be sure to train not just your Urshifu, but your other Pokemon as well to ensure that day comes later rather than sooner."

Ash and Goh nodded in understanding, before continuing to watch their Pokemon play. With two new strong Pokemon on their sides, they were certain that they were ready to face any challenge the world could throw at them.