The morning light poured into the Tower of Mastery, washing the battlefield in golden warmth. The circular arena gleamed as if it had been polished just for this moment, and the ancient stone walls carried the echoes of history, reminding everyone of the importance of the battle about to unfold.
Ash stood firmly in the challenger's box, his cap turned backward, the familiar fire of determination burning in his eyes. Pikachu perched on his shoulder, tail swishing with anticipation. For Ash, every Gym Battle was another step closer to his dream, but this one carried an extra layer of excitement. He had seen the power of Mega Evolution, and now he was about to face it head-on.
On the opposite side, the rhythmic hum of skates against stone filled the air as Korrina made her entrance. She carved loops and sharp curves along the wall of the battlefield with effortless grace, twirling and leaping into the air before landing in the Gym Leader's box. The crowd of students and onlookers who had gathered at the Tower erupted in cheers at her flashy arrival. At her side stood Lucario, silent and composed, its piercing red eyes locked onto Ash.
Korrina raised an arm dramatically, striking a pose that reflected both confidence and joy. "Welcome, Ash! I hope you're ready, because today you'll be facing me at my absolute best. Since becoming Gym Leader, I haven't lost a single match." She leaned forward, her eyes glittering with competitive fire. "So, do you think you have what it takes to change that?"
Ash smirked, tugging the brim of his cap a little lower. "That's exactly why I'm here. Pikachu and I are ready to give you your first loss!"
Pikachu sparked in agreement, releasing a sharp "Pika!" as electricity crackled from its cheeks.
From the stands, Serena's eyes softened as she clasped her hands together. "He's so confident. No matter how strong his opponent is, Ash always finds a way to believe in himself and his Pokémon."
Clemont adjusted his glasses, observing the battlefield intently. "This is more than just a battle. It's Ash's first real test against Mega Evolution. He'll need every ounce of strategy and trust to win."
Bonnie leaned over the railing, bouncing with energy. "Go get 'em, Ash! Show Korrina what you're made of!"
Lucario shifted its stance beside Korrina, and she glanced down at her partner with a grin. "Looks like they're fired up, Lucario. We'll show them just how unbreakable our bond is."
The cheers and chatter dimmed as Gurkinn stepped forward. His mere presence silenced the arena, his voice echoing with authority.
"The rules of this Gym Battle are as follows. This will be a three-on-three match. Only the challenger, Ash, is permitted to make substitutions. The battle will conclude when all three Pokémon on one side are unable to continue."
He raised his hand high, the gesture carrying weight as though marking the start of something far greater than a simple match. "Both trainers, prepare your first Pokémon."
Ash clenched his fist, heart pounding in sync with the anticipation around him. Korrina's eyes narrowed, her smile unwavering.
Korrina reached for her first Poké Ball, spinning into a flourish before throwing it high. "Let's get things started! Mienfoo, I choose you!"
With a flash of light, the agile Fighting-type landed gracefully on the battlefield, its stance firm and focused.
Serena quickly held up her Pokédex.
"Mienfoo, the Martial Arts Pokémon. Though small, it specializes in rapid, precise strikes. It can overwhelm opponents with its relentless fighting style."
Ash's eyes narrowed with excitement. "Perfect! Hawlucha, I choose you!"
Hawlucha burst onto the field with a sharp cry, spreading its wings wide before striking a wrestler's pose, clearly eager for a showdown against another Fighting-type.
"Battle, begin!" Gurkinn announced.
Korrina wasted no time. "Mienfoo, use High Jump Kick!"
Mienfoo launched into the air, spinning and striking down like a missile.
"Hawlucha, dodge and counter with Karate Chop!" Ash ordered.
Hawlucha sidestepped but not fast enough—Mienfoo's leg clipped it hard, sending it stumbling back. Before Hawlucha could fully recover, Korrina pressed on.
"Now, Drain Punch!"
Mienfoo's fist glowed as it slammed into Hawlucha's guard. Even though Hawlucha tried to block, the impact forced it back, its strength visibly drained.
Ash clenched his fist. "Shake it off, Hawlucha! Hit back with Karate Chop!"
Hawlucha slashed forward with its glowing wing, but Mienfoo intercepted with a powerful kick, neutralizing the blow.
"You're wide open! Use Force Palm!" Korrina commanded.
Mienfoo's glowing palm struck Hawlucha square in the chest, sending it crashing back into the arena floor. Hawlucha groaned, wings trembling, but it pushed itself up, refusing to give in.
Ash gritted his teeth. "We're not done yet! Hawlucha, go for Flying Press!"
Hawlucha leapt high into the air, wings folding as it dived toward Mienfoo like a rocket.
"Intercept it with Swift!" Korrina countered.
Stars of golden light burst upward, pelting Hawlucha mid-dive. The impact broke its momentum, and it slammed hard into the battlefield, skidding across the stone floor.
Serena gasped softly. "Hawlucha..."
Ash clenched his fists, uncertainty flickering across his face. For a moment he felt lost—Mienfoo's movements were too precise, too quick. He glanced up at the stands, where Serena leaned forward.
Her voice cut through the noise of the crowd. "Ash, don't force it. Trust Hawlucha, and trust yourself. You always find the right way when it's your own."
Ash's eyes widened, the doubt lifting from his expression. "Yeah... that's right." He turned back to the field, determination blazing again. "We'll fight this our way!"
As Mienfoo charged again, Korrina called, "High Jump Kick!"
"Wait for it, Hawlucha," Ash muttered. At the last second, he shouted, "Now, dodge!"
Hawlucha rolled aside with perfect timing. Mienfoo crashed down hard, missing completely, the recoil leaving it wide open.
"Go! Karate Chop!"
Hawlucha struck cleanly across Mienfoo's shoulder, knocking it back.
Korrina thrust out her arm. "Fight back with Force Palm!"
"Counter with Flying Press!" Ash yelled.
Hawlucha leapt into the air, twisting past the oncoming palm strike before crashing down with full force. The impact sent up a shockwave across the field as Mienfoo crumpled to the floor, unable to battle.
"Mienfoo is unable to continue! Hawlucha wins!" Gurkinn declared.
Ash pumped his fist. "Great job, Hawlucha!"
Hawlucha struck a triumphant pose, wings spread proudly as the crowd cheered.
From the stands, Serena let out a relieved breath, a warm smile tugging at her lips. "That's the Ash I know... once he believes in himself and his Pokémon, there's no stopping him."
Clemont adjusted his glasses, nodding. "Impressive. Ash changed tactics at just the right moment. Waiting for the crash damage from High Jump Kick... that was a calculated move."
Bonnie leaned so far over the railing she nearly toppled forward, Dedenne squeaking in her pocket. "Woohoo! Go Ash! You and Hawlucha totally rocked it!"
Down on the field, Korrina knelt beside her fainted Mienfoo, giving it an encouraging pat before recalling it. She smiled across the battlefield, not discouraged in the slightest. "That was a smart win, Ash. You're better than I expected... but don't think you've seen the best of me yet."
Ash smirked, pointing forward. "Good, because I'm just getting warmed up too."
Gurkinn raised his arm. "Trainers, send out your next Pokémon."
"Machoke, it's your turn!" Korrina called.
With a burst of light, Machoke emerged, flexing its arms and stomping the ground with heavy force. Its presence filled the battlefield with raw power.
Ash thought quickly. Hawlucha was still standing strong, but he wanted a different matchup for this one. "You did great, Hawlucha. Return!" He pulled out another Poké Ball.
Before Ash could make his second choice, Gabite suddenly popped out of its Poké Ball on its own, chomping down on Ash's head.
"Gaaah! Gabite, not now!" Ash yelped, flailing his arms while his friends laughed.
Bonnie giggled uncontrollably. "Gabite never changes!"
Clemont adjusted his glasses. "Looks like he's eager to battle."
Serena smiled warmly. "Then maybe you should let him. He seems ready."
Ash pulled Gabite off his head and grinned. "Alright, buddy, you win. Let's do this! I choose you, Gabite!"
Korrina smirked. "I like the enthusiasm. Machoke, get ready!"
The muscular Fighting-type pounded its chest and let out a low roar.
"Battle, begin!" Gurkinn declared.
"Machoke, Dynamic Punch!" Korrina ordered.
Machoke charged forward, fist glowing with explosive power.
"Gabite, dodge and use Dragon Claw!" Ash called.
Gabite sidestepped and slashed at Machoke's arm with glowing claws, forcing the Fighting-type back a step.
"Not bad," Korrina said. "But let's try this! Karate Chop!"
Machoke swung down hard.
"Block it, Gabite!" Ash shouted.
Gabite crossed its claws, bracing against the strike. The impact rattled the floor, but Gabite managed to push Machoke away.
"Great, now let's change the field. Use Sandstorm!"
Gabite let out a loud cry, whipping up a furious swirl of sand across the battlefield. The storm quickly reduced visibility, grains stinging the air and cutting across Machoke's skin.
Bonnie covered her eyes. "Whoa, it's so strong, I can barely see!"
Clemont nodded. "That's Gabite's specialty. Dragons like him thrive in these conditions. Machoke's accuracy will drop significantly."
Korrina frowned. "We'll fight through it. Machoke, Vital Throw!"
Machoke lunged into the storm, swinging blindly.
Ash grinned. "Now, Gabite, circle around! Stay out of its reach!"
Through the sand, Gabite darted in and out of view, its fin slicing through the storm like a shark's dorsal through water.
"Good! Close in with Scorching Sands!"
Gabite skidded across the ground, unleashing a wave of heated sand that struck Machoke square in the legs. Machoke winced and stumbled, struggling against the sting.
Serena clenched her fists. "Ash is using the storm perfectly. Gabite's attacks are landing, but Machoke can't get a clean hit."
"Machoke, Seismic Toss!" Korrina countered sharply.
Despite the storm, Machoke lunged and managed to grab Gabite by the arm. It spun the dragon high into the air and slammed it down hard onto the battlefield.
"Gabite!" Ash cried.
Gabite groaned, struggling to get up.
Korrina seized the moment. "Finish this with Low Sweep!"
Machoke dashed forward, leg sweeping in a powerful arc.
"Jump, Gabite! Then use Draco Meteor!"
With a fierce roar, Gabite leapt into the air, narrowly avoiding the kick. An orb of draconic energy swelled in its mouth before exploding into a storm of blazing meteors that rained down through the sand.
Several meteors struck the field, exploding around Machoke. The Fighting-type staggered, sand and smoke mixing with the shockwaves.
"Now's our chance! Dragon Claw!" Ash commanded.
Gabite descended from the air, claws glowing bright green, and slashed across Machoke's chest.
Machoke stumbled back, groaning, then collapsed onto the ground, unable to continue.
"Machoke is unable to battle. Gabite wins this round!" Gurkinn announced.
Ash pumped his fist. "Yes! Way to go, Gabite!"
Gabite roared proudly, then promptly turned and tried to chomp Ash's head again.
"Hey, cut it out!" Ash laughed, swatting him away.
Serena chuckled softly. "That's Gabite for you."
Bonnie cheered. "That was amazing! The sandstorm made it look so cool!"
Clemont smiled. "Ash used the environment to his advantage perfectly. A very clever strategy."
Korrina returned Machoke with a small smile. "Impressive. But don't get too comfortable, Ash. My last Pokémon will push you harder than ever before."
Ash smirked, eyes burning with determination. "Bring it on, Korrina. We're ready for anything."
Korrina clipped Machoke's Poké Ball back to her belt and reached for her final choice. Her expression hardened, though her eyes gleamed with determination.
"You've done well so far, Ash," she said, "but now you'll see my true strength. Lucario, it's your turn!"
Lucario landed on the battlefield with a calm, focused stance.
Ash grinned. "Alright, Gabite, let's keep it rolling!"
Gabite bared his teeth, growling at the aura Pokémon.
"Battle, begin!" Gurkinn called.
"Unlock the Power Within!" Korrina shouted, as she tightened the glove embedded with her keystone. "Lucario! Mega Evolve!"
The Keystone glowed, resonating with Lucario's Mega Stone. A surge of energy surrounded Lucario, and in a flash of light, its form shifted into the mighty Mega Lucario.
Bonnie's eyes sparkled. "It's so cool! Mega Lucario looks unstoppable!"
Clemont adjusted his glasses nervously. "Its aura control and attack power are amplified many times over. This won't be easy for Gabite."
Ash smirked, unfazed. "Strong or not, we're not backing down! Gabite, use Dragon Claw!"
Gabite charged forward, claws glowing, and slashed across Mega Lucario's guard.
Korrina responded instantly. "Counter with Power-Up Punch!"
Mega Lucario's fist glowed orange as it struck Gabite in the chest, forcing him back.
"Hang in there! Use Scorching Sands!" Ash shouted.
Gabite stomped down, launching a surge of heated sand that erupted beneath Mega Lucario. The aura Pokémon winced, flames licking across its fur.
"Wait—Lucario's burned!" Serena gasped.
Clemont nodded. "That's huge! The burn will cut Lucario's physical strength in half, giving Ash a fighting chance."
Korrina frowned but kept her composure. "Even so, we won't lose. Lucario, Power-up Punch!"
Lucario blurred forward, striking Gabite multiple times before the dragon could recover.
"Shake it off, Gabite, and use Draco Meteor!"
With a roar, Gabite launched a glowing sphere skyward. Meteors rained down across the battlefield, shaking the walls and forcing Mega Lucario to weave between the strikes.
"Push through and finish it with Bone Rush!" Korrina commanded.
Mega Lucario summoned a glowing bone staff and swung it hard. The weapon connected with Gabite's side, sending him sprawling across the floor.
"Gabite, get up!" Ash called desperately.
The dragon staggered to his feet, determination blazing in his eyes. But as he tried to step forward, he collapsed, fainting.
"Gabite is unable to battle. Mega Lucario wins!" Gurkinn announced.
Ash returned Gabite with a small smile. "You were amazing, Gabite. That burn will make all the difference."
Bonnie clapped her hands. "He did so good!"
Serena leaned forward, her voice soft but steady. "Ash still has one more Pokémon. If anyone can push through this, it's him."
Ash looked up at Korrina, his smirk returning. "Mega Lucario's tough, no doubt about it!" He unclipped his next Poké Ball, eyes sharp with determination.
"Hawlucha, I choose you!"
Hawlucha burst out in a flash of light, striking a dramatic pose on the battlefield.
"Lucha!"
Bonnie bounced in place. "Go, Hawlucha! Show off those awesome moves!"
Korrina raised her arm. "Mega Lucario, we're not slowing down. Let's start strong with Power-up Punch!"
Lucario darted forward in a blur, fist glowing.
"Catch it with Karate Chop!" Ash countered.
Hawlucha swung his glowing arm down, clashing with Lucario's strike. The collision sent a shockwave across the field, forcing both back.
Clemont leaned forward. "Even with the burn, Mega Lucario's speed is still incredible."
"Then we'll match it!" Ash shouted. "Use High Jump Kick!"
Hawlucha soared high, leg glowing as he dived down toward Lucario.
"Intercept with Bone Rush!" Korrina commanded.
Mega Lucario summoned its glowing bone staff and swung upward, knocking Hawlucha out of the air and slamming him onto the floor.
"Hawlucha, up quick!" Ash called.
The Fighting-type struggled to his feet, battered but still determined.
"Alright, let's go with Flying Press!"
Hawlucha took to the skies, spinning before diving straight toward Lucario with glowing wings.
Korrina's eyes sharpened. "Meet it head-on with Power-Up Punch!"
Lucario charged forward, fist glowing orange. The two collided in midair, creating a blast of force that sent both sliding backward.
Serena gasped. "Hawlucha's keeping up!"
"Yeah, but Lucario's aura is still overwhelming," Clemont muttered.
"Push through, Hawlucha!" Ash urged. "Use X-Scissor!"
Hawlucha's claws glowed in a cross pattern, and he slashed forward fiercely.
"Lucario, finish it with Aura Sphere!" Korrina shouted.
Mega Lucario leapt back, charging a glowing blue sphere between its paws. With a roar, it launched the attack straight at Hawlucha.
"Hawlucha, dodge it!" Ash cried.
Hawlucha tried to roll aside, but the Aura Sphere clipped his wing, sending him tumbling. He hit the ground hard, groaning before going limp.
"Hawlucha is unable to battle. Mega Lucario wins!" Gurkinn declared.
Ash recalled Hawlucha, looking down at the Poké Ball with a small, appreciative smile. "You did amazing out there, buddy. Thanks."
He looked back up at the battlefield, eyes narrowing at the sight of Mega Lucario still standing tall despite the burn. "You and Lucario have gotten much stronger, Korrina," Ash admitted, his tone firm yet admiring. "But now it's time for our last round."
With a burst of energy, he threw out his final Poké Ball. "Pikachu, I choose you!"
"Pika!" Pikachu landed lightly on the field, cheeks sparking as he stared down Lucario with unshakable determination.
A pause followed. Neither Ash nor Korrina moved. Both trainers stood locked in silence, eyes focused, calculating. Pikachu's tail twitched, while Lucario's aura pulsed faintly around its body.
Serena frowned, her voice breaking the quiet. "Why aren't they making a move yet?"
Clemont adjusted his glasses. "Because they can't afford to lose. At this stage, one wrong step could decide everything. Both Ash and Korrina are being extra careful."
Ash's eyes flickered with confidence. "Pikachu, go! Quick Attack!"
"Lucario, draw it in!" Korrina countered immediately.
Pikachu blurred forward, zig-zagging across the battlefield. Mid-run, Ash shouted, "Now, use Electro Ball!"
Electricity gathered into a glowing sphere between Pikachu's ears as he hurled it toward Lucario.
"Stop it with Bone Rush!" Korrina commanded.
Lucario spun its glowing bone staff, striking the Electro Ball with precise force. The attack was deflected upward, slamming into the ceiling in a crackling burst of light.
"Pikachu, get in there with Iron Tail!" Ash ordered.
Pikachu's tail gleamed metallic silver as he leapt, swinging down hard. But Lucario blocked with its bone weapon and followed through with a sharp kick to Pikachu's side, sending him flying.
"Pikachu, don't stop! Use Thunderbolt while you're in the air!"
Electricity burst forth in a golden surge, striking Lucario squarely before it could defend. The hit landed, sparks racing over Lucario's form.
Korrina's eyes widened. "What—? Using a move even when it's falling?"
Lucario roared, shaking off the lightning before thrusting its paws forward. "Aura Sphere!"
The glowing sphere of aura shot across the battlefield and exploded against Pikachu mid-air, blasting him to the floor.
"Pikachu!" Ash cried.
The mouse groaned but managed to stand, shaking his head, sparks already crackling again.
"Lucario, Metal Sound!" Korrina called, her voice sharp.
Lucario raised its head, letting out a piercing metallic screech. Pikachu winced, trembling as the noise rattled his body, freezing him in place.
Ash clenched his fist. "Pikachu, drown it out with Thunderbolt!"
With a desperate cry, Pikachu released another surge of lightning, the crackling power drowning out the metallic cry and forcing Lucario back a step.
"Lucario, Aura Sphere again!" Korrina pushed.
"Deflect it with Iron Tail!" Ash countered.
The shining silver tail swung wide, batting the Aura Sphere away into the wall.
Clemont's eyes widened in recognition. "That's the same trick Ash used against Grant's Draco Meteor! Redirecting the energy instead of dodging!"
Korrina's teeth gritted. "Lucario, close in with Bone Rush!"
"Meet it head-on, Pikachu! Iron Tail!"
Both attacks collided with a deafening crack, the force sending both Pokémon stumbling back, wincing but refusing to fall.
"Push forward, Lucario! Power-Up Punch!"
"Pikachu, keep fighting! Iron Tail again!"
Lucario's glowing fist clashed with Pikachu's shining tail, the impact flaring bright as both Pokémon slid across the floor.
Ash's voice rang out. "Pikachu, go with Electro Ball!"
"Lucario, Aura Sphere!"
The twin orbs of lightning and aura collided in mid-air, detonating in a dazzling explosion of light and smoke. The shockwave rattled the gym, and everyone shielded their eyes.
As the haze cleared, both Pokémon stood, breathing hard. Ash's gaze sharpened. "Now, Pikachu, finish this with Thunderbolt!"
"Lucario, dodge it!" Korrina snapped.
But Lucario hesitated, the lingering burn slowing its response. Pikachu's body shone bright as a massive Thunderbolt erupted from him, the lightning engulfing Mega Lucario in a blinding strike.
When the light faded, Lucario collapsed to one knee, aura flickering weakly before the Mega form dissolved. Lucario returned to its normal state, falling forward unconscious.
"Lucario is unable to battle," Gurkinn declared solemnly. "Pikachu wins. The victory goes to Ash!"
Ash pumped a fist, running forward as Pikachu leapt into his arms. "We did it, buddy!"
"Pika-pi!" Pikachu cried joyfully, nuzzling Ash's cheek.
Korrina knelt by Lucario, stroking its fur gently. "You did amazing. Thank you for everything." Standing, she turned to Ash with a smile of pride. "You've really grown strong, Ash. You and Pikachu... your bond is incredible."
Gurkinn nodded approvingly. "Korrina, you fought with all your heart. That battle was worthy of a true Gym Leader."
Korrina exhaled, stepping forward with a warm smile. "Ash, you've earned this." She held out the badge, gleaming in her palm. "The Rumble Badge."
Ash accepted it, holding it high with Pikachu on his shoulder. "Alright! We got the Rumble Badge!"
As everyone basked in the afterglow of the battle, Bonnie suddenly leaned forward with that familiar mischievous grin. "Sooo... Clemont," she sang, "remember what you promised Korrina before the battle? About your daaaate?"
Clemont froze mid-step, his face draining of color before quickly turning beet red. "B-Bonnie! Not here!" He tried to hush her, frantically waving his arms. "Y-you can't just say things like that out loud!"
Ash blinked. "Wait... a date?" His eyes widened as he looked between Clemont and Korrina. "With her?"
Serena covered her mouth, giggling. "Oh, Bonnie wasn't joking earlier..."
Korrina, caught between amusement and embarrassment, scratched the back of her head with a faint blush. "Well, Bonnie did ask me before the battle. I thought she was teasing, but... if Clemont is really asking..."
Bonnie clasped her hands, looking to Gurkinn with mock seriousness. "Grandpa Gurkinn! Clemont wants to officially ask Korrina out on a date. Do you approve?"
The old man raised his brows at that, his deep chuckle filling the hall. "So that is what this was all about." He looked over at Clemont, who was trembling so hard his glasses nearly slipped off his face. "Well, boy? Are you truly asking?"
Clemont swallowed hard, his knees wobbling. He adjusted his glasses with shaking hands. "Y-yes, sir. I mean... if Korrina herself is alright with it, I-I'd like the chance to... to take her out on a date."
There was a pause, and then Gurkinn smiled. "You've shown courage by saying that aloud. I see no harm in it. Permission granted."
"Wha—he actually said yes?" Clemont gasped, nearly losing his balance.
Korrina laughed, skating up beside him with a bright grin. "Then it's settled! After all, I did say before the battle that if you were the one asking, I might just agree."
Clemont's face went scarlet, and Bonnie pumped her fists in triumph. "Yes! Operation Clemont-and-Korrina is a success!"
Ash and Serena exchanged amused glances, while Pikachu tilted his head with a cheerful "Pika-pi!"
AS THE JOURNEY CONTINUES!
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