Donphan curled into a ball as he went rolling forward, starting the [Rollout] began.
Wattson kept smiling, "Good! I was hoping you'd do that," he extended his arm out, "Magneton, dodge, then [Tri Attack]!"
Magneton's central eye glowed as all three cores spun in unison. A swirling blast of red, blue, and yellow energy fired forward, but Donphan wasn't going directly at Magneton yet. Instead, he rolled around, spinning and managing to dodge the [Tri Attack]. Before you could ask, he was stalling.
For what? Well, that got answered when the screens around Magneton finally disappeared. It had been long enough, and now Donphan switched his spin, charging straight toward Magneton, but Magneton shot out another beam, this time slamming into Donphan mid-roll.
The impact staggered Donphan slightly, enough that when he came rolling in, Magneton managed to float high enough to dodge the attack. But what Wattson didn't expect was that when Donphan hit the wall, he ricocheted back and smashed into Magneton right out of the sky, also popping the Air Balloon.
Donphan uncurled and skidded along the field. Even though he took even more damage from the Life Orb, he finished his job of getting rid of that Balloon and stalling for the screens to run out. Donphan was, in gaming terms, on 1 HP, so yeah, there was no point keeping him out if it looked like a strong gust of air would take him down.
Ash recalled Donphan to his Poké Ball, "Guess that's two down for me," Ash said as he pulled out his next one and threw it with his other hand.
From the ball, Marshtomp jumped out and looked around, then slightly scratched his belly. An Eviolite bracelet was wrapped around his arm.
Wattson's smile widened, "Marshtomp, huh? Reminds me of when Brendan came around here. But don't think just because you have Ground types this will be easy. Magneton, [Tri Attack] again!"
Magneton's cores spun up, releasing another tri-colored blast straight at Marshtomp.
"Marshtomp," Ash said evenly, "brace yourself."
Marshtomp didn't dodge. The attack struck him head-on, sparks and frost flickering briefly across his body. He slid back a step, then planted his feet and exhaled slowly.
"Marsh," he said firmly, thumping one hand against his chest.
Wattson raised an eyebrow, "Tanking it, huh? Then try to stop this, [Flash Cannon]!"
Magneton's central eye glowed as it fired a silver beam straight at Marshtomp.
Ash snapped his fingers, "Marshtomp, [Muddy Water]!"
Marshtomp swept his arms forward, summoning a surge of thick, murky water that crashed into the Flash Cannon mid-shot. The attacks collided, the beam dispersing as the muddy wave slammed into Magneton, coating its body and throwing off its balance.
Magneton wobbled in the air, struggling to stabilize.
Ash followed up immediately, "Now, [Hammer Arm]!"
Marshtomp dashed forward with surprising speed, leaping up and bringing his arm down hard as it glowed bright red. The blow struck Magneton squarely on its central head, driving it into the field with a crash.
Magneton sparked weakly as it managed to levitate out of the crater its body had made.
Wattson watched closely, then laughed, "Hoho! Not bad, not bad at all, you've got me in a corner." He raised a hand, "Magneton, last push, [Body Press]!"
Magneton forced itself upward and slammed forward with its full weight.
Marshtomp crossed his arms, bracing, "Marsh."
The impact hit, but Marshtomp held firm, feet digging into the ground. When Magneton bounced back, Ash spoke again.
"Don't let it get away, [Earthquake]." Ash waved his hand.
Marshtomp nodded and ran after Magneton. As the magnet tried to fly up to reach safety, Marshtomp jumped and grabbed it. Magneton let out a shower of sparks, trying to loosen Marshtomp's grip, but Marshtomp wasn't affected, being a Ground type and all.
Marshtomp then pulled back, slamming Magneton into the ground and unleashing a point-blank [Earthquake], the force shaking the field beneath them.
That was too much for Magneton, especially since it was x4 weak to Ground-type moves. The magnets were out cold.
Wattson recalled Magneton to its Poké Ball. That meant he was down to his last Poké Ball, but he was still smiling.
"Ha! I knew this battle would be a good one. Come on, let's keep the fun going, we don't have to end it yet!" He snapped the ball forward, "Manectric, let's go!"
The Poké Ball burst open, and Manectric hit the field in a flash, landing lightly on all fours. Electricity crackled along his mane, then settled into a steady hum. A Sitrus Berry was strapped securely to his side.
Manectric lowered his stance, eyes locked on Marshtomp.
Marshtomp met the stare without flinching, arms relaxed, posture steady, like he was bracing against a coming tide rather than charging into one.
Wattson nodded, "You know better than anyone, no cheap shots here. Manectric, [Flame Burst]!"
Manectric barked once, then fired a compact burst of fire that arced straight toward Marshtomp.
"Marshtomp, block," Ash said, "Then [Rock Slide]."
Marshtomp raised his arms, taking the hit head-on. Flames splashed across his body, singeing his skin, but he held firm. He swept his arms upward, and rocks tore free from the field, crashing down toward Manectric.
Manectric leapt back, dodging most of it, but one rock clipped his side. He skidded, then shook it off.
Wattson snapped his fingers, "Good! Keep moving, [Overheat]!"
Manectric inhaled sharply, then unleashed a blast of intense fire straight ahead.
Marshtomp exhaled slowly, "Marsh…"
"[Muddy Water]," Ash said.
The murky surge rushed forward, colliding with the flames and dousing them midstream. Steam hissed across the field as the water washed over Manectric, forcing him back a step and dulling the heat around him.
Manectric growled. This wasn't really a fair battle for Wattson, Manectric was a special attacker, and all of his special moves were ones that Marshtomp resisted. That meant either using a strong but resisted special attack, or relying on a weaker physical one.
"Now use [Crunch]!" Wattson commanded.
Manectric darted forward, fangs glowing as he lunged in low.
"Marshtomp, meet him head-on. [Hammer Arm]."
Marshtomp stepped forward instead of retreating, timing it perfectly. His arm came down hard, colliding with Manectric mid-lunge. The impact sent both of them sliding back.
Manectric skidded to a stop first, claws digging into the field. He shook his head once, then snapped his jaws shut, growling.
Marshtomp rolled his shoulder, steadying himself. He took a breath to even his breathing, watching Manectric like he was waiting for it to make the first move.
Wattson's grin returned, "Heh… good instincts. Manectric, keep the pressure up, [Ice Fang]!"
Ice crept along Manectric's fangs as he lunged in again, faster this time.
"Marshtomp," Ash said calmly, "hold your ground."
Manectric clamped down on Marshtomp's arm. Sparks jumped, but the electricity dispersed uselessly against his body. Marshtomp grunted, feet sliding back a few inches, but he didn't cry out or panic. Instead, he tightened his grip.
"Marsh," he said quietly.
"Now," Ash continued, "throw him with [Seismic Toss]."
Marshtomp pivoted his hips and hauled Manectric high into the air. He waited, tapping his foot once as the Electric-type came crashing back down, then took a single step to the left. Manectric slammed into the ground hard.
Manectric hit, bounced once, then rolled back to his feet, shaking himself as he grabbed the Sitrus Berry and ate it quickly, healing up a bit.
Wattson nodded, then pointed again, "All right, Manectric, [Ice Fang] again!"
Ice flared around Manectric's jaws as he charged, teeth snapping.
"Marshtomp, [Rock Slide]," Ash said.
Marshtomp stomped once, and chunks of rock tore loose from the field, crashing down between them. Manectric leapt through, taking one glancing hit as he pushed forward anyway, reaching Marshtomp's side and landing the bite.
Marshtomp winced but didn't step back. He pushed through the pain as Ash called out, "[Muddy Water]!"
At point-blank range, the murky surge blasted Manectric square in the chest, knocking him backward and dousing the flames. Manectric slid across the field, breathing heavier now.
But Marshtomp wasn't in great shape either. Since he wasn't fast enough to dodge, he'd had to tank every hit, and the strain was catching up to him. Even with his extra defense, he wasn't invincible.
Wattson studied him closely, then pointed forward again, "You're getting slower. Manectric, [Flame Burst], then pull back."
Manectric barked once and fired a tight burst of fire, not meant to overwhelm but to force movement. Marshtomp crossed his arms and took it, sliding back half a step as the flames left burns across his body.
"Marsh," he rumbled, unimpressed, as he lunged forward and grabbed Manectric, preventing him from retreating.
"Don't let go now!" Ash called, seeing Manectric struggling to break free.
Wattson's eyes narrowed, "Manectric, get out of there with [Crunch]!"
Manectric lunged, jaws snapping as he bit into Marshtomp's shoulder. Marshtomp grunted in pain, but he didn't let go.
"Now," Ash said quietly, "[Hammer Arm]."
With his free arm, Marshtomp swung down and struck Manectric square in the jaw. The blow landed cleanly, sending Manectric skidding back, claws scraping as he barely stayed upright.
The only reason Manectric was still standing was the lucky burn, Marshtomp's attack power was cut in half. When Marshtomp tried to follow up, the burn's damage ticked again, and that was enough to send him collapsing, spirals forming in his eyes.
Wattson laughed, loud and genuine, "WAHAHAHA! That's it! Guess that means we're both down to one Pokémon!"
"Yeah, but you're not exactly in a good position," Ash said as he recalled Marshtomp into its Poké Ball, "Welp, time to use my boy. Sorry in advance, I didn't think I'd have to use him so soon."
He pulled out his last Poké Ball, and everyone could sense something big coming. If Ash was apologizing before the battle even started, then it couldn't be good.
Ash flicked his arm, sending the ball flying. Everyone leaned forward in their seats as it opened, and there in the center of the field was… Ash's shiny Slakoth.
Everyone blinked, except Brock, May, and Max, who remembered exactly what that thing had done to Corphish. They could only inhale and hope it didn't go too far.
Slakoth landed in the center of the field with a soft thud. He looked around slowly, blinked once at Manectric… then yawned and scratched his cheek.
"…That's it?" Brendan muttered.
"Don't underestimate that thing," Brock said, shaking his head, still remembering what happened last time.
Wattson burst out laughing, "WAHAHAHA! Ash, my boy, that's your last Pokémon? You're full of surprises! Manectric, this one's yours! [Thunder Fang]!"
Manectric snarled and lunged forward, electricity crackling around his jaws as he closed the distance fast.
"Alright, you know what to do, [Facade]," Ash said casually.
Slakoth didn't move. He didn't roll. He didn't dodge.
He just lazily raised one arm.
At the last second, Slakoth sat up far faster than anyone expected and slapped Manectric across the jaw.
The impact cracked through the Gym.
Manectric flew straight across the field, slammed into the far wall, and dropped to the ground without moving.
Silence.
Watt blinked, looked at Manectric, then back at Slakoth, who had already laid back down and folded his hands behind his head, and raised his flag.
"Manectric is unable to battle! The winner is the challenger, Ash Ketchum!"
Wattson stood there for a moment, then threw his head back and laughed harder than anyone, "WAHAHAHA! Fine, I lost! You ended up giving me a thrill!"
Slakoth waved one hand lazily in acknowledgment, then closed his eyes again.
Ash walked over and picked up Slakoth, "Good job, buddy."
Slakoth gave a lazy thumbs-up, then wrapped his arms around Ash and promptly fell asleep, clinging to him like a tree.
Ash wasn't surprised. After all, Ash had personally crafted Slakoth's mutation.
—
✨ Slakoth ✨ ♂
Ability: Truant
Nature: Adamant
Mutation – Stockpile: Slakoth can store energy over the course of days. When he releases this stored energy, he temporarily replaces his ability with Huge Power. For every day Slakoth uses 50% effort or less, he gains 1 minute of Huge Power. For every day he uses 0% effort, he gains 5 minutes.
-
Ash had designed it knowing Slakoth normally did almost nothing. Simply replacing Truant with Huge Power outright was too expensive, this was the next best thing.
And judging by the results, it was worth every single point.
Wattson walked forward, still grinning, "Ash, that was one of the most entertaining battles I've ever had. You earned this fair and square." He held out a badge, "The Dynamo Badge is yours."
Ash smirked and took the badge, holding it between his fingers. Then he looked up to the bleachers, where his friends were still staring. He gave a wink and flipped the badge, "What did you expect, anything else~?"
—
After a bit of banter, they eventually had to leave the Gym. Wattson still needed to help repair the town, so he couldn't join them for a celebration. He bid them goodbye, though Ash mentioned that next time they met, he wanted to talk to him about something.
After a visit to the Pokémon Center, the team sat at a restaurant, enjoying some dinner.
May leaned back in her chair, stretching, "Okay, I'm officially exhausted. That Gym battle took it out of me, and I wasn't even the one fighting."
Max nodded eagerly, "Yeah, but it was awesome! Did you see Slakoth just smack Manectric like that?"
Brock chuckled, "I don't think I've ever seen anyone that happy after losing."
Ash grinned, poking at his food, "He's a good sport. Not like some people. Can't blame him," Ash said, thinking of a certain someone.
Across the table, Wally sat a little straighter than usual, hands folded, "That was really cool, Ash. Seeing you battle like that… it makes me feel like I can really do this."
"Same here. You've really got a way of making things brighter, even after all that happened to us today. I still don't even want to look at sand for a while," Brendan added with a shiver.
Ash looked between them, then shrugged casually, "Well, if you guys want, you could always come with us for a while. Traveling's more fun with friends."
Wally's eyes widened for a moment, then he smiled and looked down, "I… I really want to. But I already have a ticket to Dewford Town. My next Gym battle's there."
Ash smiled and waved him off, "That's fine. You've got your own journey. I'm just glad you're actually doing what you want to do."
Brendan let out a small sigh, "And I can't either. I need to head back to the lab and tell my dad about everything that happened, especially whatever's going on out in the desert. If something's wrong out there, we might need to send some people to check it out."
He paused, then smirked, "Besides, I've already got most of my badges. My next stop is Fortree City."
May blinked, "Wow, you're way ahead."
Brendan laughed, "I did tell you I started last year, didn't I?"
Wally broke the moment with a small smile, "Still… next time, let's travel together."
Brendan nodded, "Yeah. No excuses next time."
Ash raised his glass, "Deal. We'll make it happen."
They clinked glasses in the center of the table and kept eating together, knowing that tomorrow they would all be going their separate ways.
Still, as Ash sat there, he couldn't help but think of a certain trio. Honestly, not having them on his back and constantly annoying him was nice… but he did kind of miss them.
He wondered what they were doing now.
–
{Meanwhile}
Jessie slammed a stack of papers down on the desk, red nails flashing as she ran the numbers again, "…Nope. Still right."
James leaned over from the drafting table, blinking, "That's… that's actually correct. We're ahead of schedule."
Meowth, wearing a hard hat and an ill-fitting manager's suit, stood on a raised platform, barking orders at a group of workers, "Hey! You, yeah, you! Marble goes on da left, not da right! What do ya think dis is, a roadside diner?!"
One of the workers hurried to fix it.
Meowth turned, chest puffed out, "See? Dis is why ya need management."
Jessie adjusted her glasses, purely for the aesthetic, and smirked, "Construction efficiency is up twelve percent, labor costs are down, and supply waste is practically nonexistent."
James pushed his glasses up as he reviewed the blueprints, "And the layout actually works. Proper airflow, good visibility, emergency exits that meet regulations…" He paused, then smiled faintly, "This is… a really solid casino design."
Jessie leaned back in her chair, "Don't sound so shocked."
Meowth hopped down and strutted over, "Alright, let's hear it. How much did we save?"
Jessie tapped the final number, dramatic pause included, "Twenty percent."
Silence.
Then—
"TWENTY PERCENT?!" Jessie and James shouted together. Even Jessie hadn't expected that, and she was the one holding the paper with the numbers.
Meowth's jaw dropped, "You're tellin' me we ran dis place better than Team Rocket accounting?"
James stared at the blueprints, "We… we might actually be good at this."
Jessie smirked, flipping her hair, "Of course we are. We just needed competent leadership."
Meowth crossed his arms proudly, "And a manager who knows how ta yell."
"Ha! We're gonna knock Matori's stupid perfect hair right off her head when we report back!" Jessie pumped her fist, still totally not jealous that Matori never shared her hair routine with her.
"I think we have more important reasons to do this," James said, but Jessie was too high on her horse to listen.
Meowth patted James on the shoulder, "Jimmy, she's a lost cause. You know dis. Stop tryin'."
—
{Back to Ash}
Eh, they were probably fine. Maybe he'd send D over to check on them…eventually. That was a problem for another day.
Ash refocused on the gang and smirked. At least things were normal here for now.
But that didn't mean he wasn't prepared for when they weren't.