"Ash from Pallet Town versus the Goldenrod Gym Leader, Whitney!"
"The Pokémon battle for the Gym Badge will now begin!"
"The match will be three-on-three. Are both sides ready?" the referee announced, glancing at both trainers. The match was conducted with a high degree of fairness, allowing for any objections to be raised beforehand.
"Good luck, brother Ash!" Molly cheered from the sidelines.
"Even though we've become friends, I won't be holding back, Ash!" After spending the previous day together, Ash and Whitney had developed a good rapport, largely due to Whitney's fondness for Molly.
When they had returned to the hotel the previous night, Ash had brought back some milk and cheese for Brock and Misty, which they had thoroughly enjoyed. Brock even planned to buy more cheese to use as ingredients for his cooking before they left.
In response to Whitney's challenge, Ash replied, "I wouldn't have it any other way!"
And so, the battle began!
As per tradition, the Gym Leader took the first move. "First up is Nidorina! Go!"
The Goldenrod Gym specialized in Normal-types, but Whitney's first choice was the Poison-type Nidorina.
However, this didn't faze Ash at all. "I choose you, Quilava!"
Currently, the Pokémon Ash had on hand aside from Pikachu and Snorlax were Quilava, Bayleef, and the Heracross that Professor Oak had finally released back to him. Then, of course, there was Houndoom, who was currently serving as Molly's mount.
Professor Oak's research subjects had grown considerably, including a very intelligent, oddly colored Noctowl and the twenty-eight Unown Ash had captured.
"Nidorina, use Poison Sting!"
"Quilava, Flamethrower!"
The pillar of fire not only consumed the Poison Sting but engulfed Nidorina as well. With a single move, Nidorina was knocked out.
Despite being one-shotted right at the start, Whitney's expression remained unchanged. She recalled Nidorina and turned to the Clefairy by her side.
"Clefairy, use Metronome!"
Clefairy stepped in front of Quilava, wagging its tiny fingers back and forth. Metronome was an unpredictable move a phantom-like technique where the outcome was impossible to foresee. If it triggered a powerful Water-type move like Hydro Pump, Quilava would be in serious trouble.
Ash didn't order an immediate counterattack; he simply waited for Clefairy to finish the move.
The result was clear: when it came to luck, Ash completely crushed Whitney!
After a long wait, the Metronome finally activated... and resulted in a harmless Splash!
Whitney looked disappointed, while Ash let out a confident smile. "Quilava, use Flamethrower again!"
The flames engulfed Clefairy once more.
Things seemed to be going almost too smoothly, but there was a reason for it. Ash had realized the day before that Whitney had poured all her effort and passion into her ace Pokémon! The battle only truly began after her first two Pokémon were defeated.
"Come back, Quilava!" Ash recalled his Pokémon. As expected, Whitney's final Pokémon was Miltank!
"Ash, do you have a way to beat her?" Whitney was clearly brimming with confidence in her Miltank.
"I choose you, Heracross!"
[Heracross: 160/252]
This heroic Heracross still had a gap to close in its bond value, but its compatibility with Ash was exceptionally high. Ash believed that through their time together and this battle, it would soon achieve Bond Phenomenon!
"So, it's Heracross!" Whitney remained confident in her Miltank's secret technique, regardless of her opponent. "Miltank, use Rollout!"
It was the same Rollout Ash had seen her practicing on the farm's slopes the day before. This Miltank's Rollout carried immense momentum! Moreover, it was a move that grew more powerful the longer it was maintained.
"Dodge it!"
Facing the rolling Miltank, Ash simply ordered Heracross to step aside. By doing so, Miltank's Rollout continued to gain speed and power.
"Ash?" Whitney was confused by his refusal to attack. Then, she realized his intent. "Ash, you're letting the power of Rollout build up on purpose!"
"Hera!" Sensing Heracross's burning fighting spirit, Ash smiled but didn't answer.
"Then let's try again!" Whitney gritted her teeth and ordered Miltank to strike once more. This Miltank was exceptionally well-trained, able to control its trajectory even while rolling at high speeds. Upon receiving the command, it veered toward Heracross again!
Finally, Heracross dropped into a defensive stance. Ash's eyes gleamed. "Heracross, stop it!"
BOOM!
Miltank slammed into Heracross with a heavy thud. Any ordinary Pokémon would have been sent flying or knocked out instantly, but Heracross was a true powerhouse! Furthermore, as a Fighting-type, it had a natural advantage over the Normal-type Miltank.
"How is that possible?" Whitney couldn't believe her eyes. Her Miltank, which had been unstoppable until now, had been forced to a dead halt by Heracross.
"Lift it up!"
With its massive horn, Heracross heaved Miltank into the air. Miltank crashed back to the ground, completely dazed and disoriented.
"So strong!" Whitney cried out in concern. "Miltank, are you okay?"
But it was too late for her to do anything.
"Focus Punch!"
The powerful Fighting-type move landed squarely, instantly stripping Miltank of its ability to fight!
"Miltank is unable to battle! Heracross wins! Therefore, the winner is Ash from Pallet Town!" Ash had made the battle look easy. Heracross had been the perfect counter for Whitney's Miltank.
"Awesome! Big brother Ash won!" Molly was the first to cheer loudly from the stands.
Whitney recalled Miltank and handed the official Badge to Ash. "I lost to you, Ash. Please take this."
"By the way, Ash," Whitney suggested, "there's a Bug-Catching Contest being held at the National Park on the outskirts of Goldenrod tomorrow. You should enter! I assume you're heading toward Ecruteak City next?"
"Bug-Catching Contest?" Misty shuddered at the thought. Bug-type Pokémon were her greatest weakness.
Ash, however, was very interested. "I'll definitely enter. There happens to be a Pokémon I've had my eye on that I want to catch!"
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