After a harrowing experience at the Glittering cave, our heroes have returned to their original goal, arriving in Cyllage city just after dawn breaks in, the cliffside houses stacked like colourful blocks against the pale stone of the mountain. Bicycles zipped past on winding streets, and in the distance, high above the town, a jagged peak jutted upward, crowned by a building that gleamed in the sunlight.
Ash's eyes lit up the moment they entered the city. "Alright! Next Gym, here we come!" He took off at a run, Pikachu bounding beside him with sparks of excitement in his cheeks.
Serena sighed, placing her hands on her hips. "Ash, wait! You're going the wrong way again."
Ash skidded to a halt. "Huh? But the Gym's gotta be straight ahead—"
"No," Serena pointed upward. "It's up there. On the mountain."
Ash craned his neck, eyes widening at the rocky cliff and the large building perched atop it. "Whoa... that's the Gym?!"
Korrina chuckled, her Lucario crossing its arms with a low hum. "Looks like it's not just your battling skills that'll get tested here."
The group made their way upward until they reached the entrance. Inside, the Gym was like nothing Ash had seen before—towering stone walls rose on all sides, shaped into a massive indoor climbing course. Handholds jutted out like jagged ledges, ropes dangled from high beams, and sunlight poured through wide skylights, illuminating the climb.
High above them, a figure scaled the wall with practiced ease. His dark skin glistened with sweat, his movements smooth and precise as though the rock itself guided him. When Ash called up, his voice echoed off the stone.
"Grant! I've come to challenge you to a battle!"
The Gym Leader turned his head, his calm eyes narrowing in recognition. "Ash Ketchum. I was hoping this day would come." He pulled himself onto a ledge with fluid grace before looking down. "If you want to battle me, then climb. Reach the top, and meet me on the battlefield."
Ash's jaw set in determination. "No problem! Come on, Pikachu—we've got this!"
Without hesitation, Ash grabbed the wall and began to climb, his movements clumsy at first but quickly steadied by pure willpower. Pikachu scrambled effortlessly beside him, using the stone ledges as springboards.
On the floor below, Serena clasped her hands tightly in front of her chest. "That wall looks so dangerous... what if Ash slips?" Her voice carried a thread of anxiety, her gaze never leaving Ash's form as he worked his way upward.
Korrina's eyes lit up, a grin spreading across her face. "This looks awesome! I want to try climbing too!"
"Me too!" Bonnie chimed in, bouncing on her toes. "I bet I could reach the top before you!"
Clemont's face went pale. "Absolutely not! That wall isn't a playground!" He seized Bonnie's hand with surprising firmness and tugged her toward the elevator. "You're both going up the safe way. And you too, Korrina—you're not setting a bad example!"
Korrina laughed, scratching the back of her head. "Alright, alright. You're no fun, Clemont."
Bonnie pouted but allowed herself to be pulled along, Dedenne squeaking indignantly from her shoulder.
Halfway up, Ash's foot slipped against the smooth stone, and for a terrifying moment his body lurched away from the wall. Serena gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. "Ash!"
But Ash gritted his teeth, slammed his palm against the nearest hold, and hauled himself back into place. "I'm fine! Don't worry!" he shouted down, his grin still fierce despite the scare.
Serena let out a shaky breath, her knuckles white as she clutched her skirt.
By the time Ash pulled himself over the final ledge, his palms raw and his shirt damp, Grant was waiting with calm composure.
"I climb to master patience and focus," Grant said, his voice steady, every word measured. "A battle is no different. A trainer who cannot steady his spirit cannot win."
Ash caught his breath, then nodded fiercely. "Then I'll show you how focused I can be!"
The rocky battlefield stretched before them, marked with boulders and ridges. The referee raised his flag. "This will be a three-on-three match. The Gym Leader cannot substitute Pokémon, but the challenger may. The match will begin when both trainers are ready!"
Grant reached for his first Poké Ball. "I've looked forward to this moment since the Battle Chateau. Amaura, stand tall!"
With a cry, the long-necked Rock-Ice type materialized, its crystalline sails glowing in the light.
Ash clenched a fist, his excitement surging. "Alright, Froakie, I choose you!"
Froakie bounded forward, crouching low and ready.
And then came the announcement. "Begin!"
"Amaura, Reflect!" Grant commanded smoothly.
A shimmering barrier of light spread across the field in front of Amaura, warping the air like a glass wall.
"Alright, Froakie, let's go with Water Pulse!" Ash called.
Froakie gathered a sphere of water and hurled it across the battlefield. The orb smashed against the barrier, scattering into harmless droplets.
"Now, Amaura—Ancient Power."
Amaura's eyes glowed as stones rose from the ground, spinning in the air before launching toward Froakie. Froakie leapt high, dodging the projectiles, but Amaura's body shimmered faintly—its strength, speed, and resilience all rising from the successful technique.
"An omni-boost already," Clemont muttered tensely.
"Amaura, Freeze-Dry!"
A burst of icy energy shot across the field, striking Froakie midair. The Water-type cried out as frost clung to his limbs, slowing his movements as he landed heavily on the rocky floor.
"No, Froakie!" Serena's voice carried from the stands, her hands pressed tightly against her chest.
Ash leaned forward, determination sharpening his eyes. "Come on, Froakie, keep moving! Use your feet, heat yourself up—faster!"
Froakie forced himself upright, shaking free of frost. He began hopping rapidly from stone to stone, his pace quickening with each leap. Steam rose faintly from his body as exertion pushed away the chill.
Grant narrowed his eyes. "Then try to stop him again—Freeze-Dry."
Beams of freezing energy lanced toward Froakie, but this time his movements were sharp, his form splitting into multiple copies as he used Double Team. The ice beams struck illusion after illusion, each dissolving in a puff of smoke.
"Now, Froakie—close in! Use Aerial Ace!"
Froakie darted upward, sprinting across the jagged rocks Amaura had left behind with Ancient Power, using them like stepping stones. He shot forward in a white streak, zigzagging through the icy blasts.
Grant's expression barely shifted, though his eyes narrowed. "Block it, Amaura!"
But Froakie was already on top of the fossil Pokémon. At the final instant, Ash's voice rang out like a whipcrack. "Combine it—Water Pulse!"
From point-blank range, Froakie slammed into Amaura with Aerial Ace, while hurling a compressed orb of water directly into its chest. The double impact sent Amaura crashing to the rocky floor, the Reflect barrier shattering into sparks as it hit.
The Gym fell silent as smoke drifted upward. When it cleared, Amaura lay sprawled and unconscious, its sail dimmed.
The referee raised his flag toward Ash. "Amaura is unable to battle! Froakie is the winner! The first round goes to the challenger!"
"Alright!" Ash pumped his fist, grinning from ear to ear. "Great job, Froakie!"
"Froa!" The little Pokémon landed lightly on the battlefield, chest heaving but eyes bright with pride.
Grant's face remained unreadable as he recalled his Pokémon. "Well done, Ash. But the battle has only begun."
"Alright!" Ash pumped his fist, grinning ear to ear. "Great job, Froakie!"
"Froa!" The little Pokémon landed lightly, his chest heaving, but his eyes shining with pride.
Up in the stands, Serena finally let out a long, shaky breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. Her hands loosened from where they had been clutched tightly around the hem of her skirt. Relief washed over her face, though her shoulders still trembled faintly.
Bonnie tilted her head curiously, watching her. "You know, Serena... it feels like you're the one battling instead of Ash. You look way more tense than he does."
Serena's eyes widened. "I—I do?" She glanced down, embarrassed to see the creases where her fists had wrinkled the fabric of her dress. "I guess... I just don't want all of Ash's hard work to be in vain." Her voice lowered, hesitant. "He's trained so much for this... I really want him to succeed."
Before the silence could linger, Korrina clapped her on the back with playful force, making Serena stumble forward a step. "Relax! You've got nothing to worry about—Ash is going to win for sure! Just look at him—he's having the time of his life!"
Serena blinked, following her gaze. On the battlefield, Ash was already bouncing on his heels, calling encouragement to Froakie with unbridled excitement, his smile wide and genuine.
"Yeah," Clemont agreed with a small nod. "Ash always battles best when he's enjoying himself."
Bonnie grinned, tugging at Serena's sleeve. "See? He's not thinking about pressure. He's just doing what he loves."
Slowly, Serena's chest eased, the tight knot of worry unraveling as she watched Ash laugh and cheer beside Froakie. The joy on his face was infectious. For the first time since the match began, Serena's lips curved into a smile—not one of nervousness, but of quiet admiration.
Grant's hand tightened on his next Poké Ball, his eyes steady on Ash. "You've done well to take the first round, but let's see how you handle this one. Go—Tyrunt!"
The Poké Ball burst open, and a small but fierce dinosaur emerged with a roar, its jagged teeth gleaming under the Gym's lights. Tyrunt stomped its feet, cracking the stone floor beneath it.
Ash's Pokédex chimed to life as he held it up.
"Tyrunt, the Royal Heir Pokémon. This Pokémon is considered to be over one hundred million years old. It has a violent disposition, and it won't listen to orders when it's unhappy."
Ash's eyes lit with excitement. "A fossil Pokémon... Awesome! Let's go, Froakie—you're staying in!"
"Froa!" Froakie crouched low, ready to spring into action.
Grant raised his arm. "Battle, begin!"
"Froakie, Double Team!" Ash shouted.
In a blur, Froakie split into a field of illusions, each darting across the rocky battlefield. Tyrunt snarled, eyes narrowing.
"Rock Tomb, Tyrunt!" Grant commanded.
The dinosaur roared, slamming its tiny arms against the stone floor. Jagged boulders shot up, raining down across the battlefield.
"Use the rocks, Froakie! Just like we practiced—the Rock Tomb Climb!" Ash called.
Froakie darted forward, hopping onto one falling boulder, then bounding to another, then another, climbing higher and higher with incredible agility. The illusions shimmered and danced around him, making it impossible for Tyrunt to track the real one.
"Yes!" Ash pumped his fist. "Now, strike back! Water Pulse!"
Froakie launched a spinning sphere of water downward, smashing against Tyrunt's rocky hide. The attack exploded in a burst of spray, drawing a low growl from the fossil Pokémon as it staggered back a step.
But Grant's eyes sharpened. "Not bad... but let's end this. Tyrunt—Draco Meteor!"
The little dinosaur leapt into the air with surprising power. Its body flared with a deep crimson glow before it unleashed a stream of blazing meteors, raining destruction down upon the field. The battlefield quaked as the projectiles hammered against the stone, explosions rocking every corner.
"Froakie, dodge it!" Ash yelled desperately.
Froakie tried to leap from boulder to boulder, but the meteors struck faster and harder than he could escape. One blazing rock caught him full-force, sending the small Water-type spiraling into the ground with a painful crash.
Dust and smoke billowed as the referee raised her flag. "Froakie is unable to battle! Tyrunt is the winner!"
Ash's fists clenched at his sides, worry flickering across his face as Froakie lay sprawled out. He quickly rushed forward, kneeling as the referee recalled the Pokémon to Grant's side.
Grant's expression softened, his voice calm but firm. "That was an excellent strategy, Ash. Your idea of using Rock Tombagainst me was ingenious." His eyes hardened, glancing at Tyrunt. "But now the real question is—how will you deal with Draco Meteor?"
Ash stood tall again, determination burning in his eyes. "I'll figure it out. I always do."
In the spectator stands, Bonnie's shoulders slumped, her usual energy dimmed. "Poor Froakie..." she murmured, her eyes downcast. "He trained so hard, and still..."
Serena's hands tightened in her lap, her chest heavy as she stared at the field. "He worked so much on countering Rock Tomb. And he did it... he really did it." Her voice softened, tinged with frustration. "But who could've guessed Tyrunt had something like Draco Meteor? That was Grant's hidden ace..."
Clemont adjusted his glasses, his expression thoughtful but steady. "That's the nature of battles. They can swing wildly, sometimes in an instant." He paused, then looked reassuringly at the others. "But Ash still has every chance to win. Don't forget—he has two Pokémon that are still fresh, while Tyrunt's endurance must have dropped after using such a powerful move. Draco Meteor takes its toll, even on strong Pokémon."
Bonnie lifted her head, eyes widening with hope. "So you're saying..."
Korrina grinned, punching her palm. "Ash has got this. Tyrunt might look tough, but it's already wearing down. Now it's his turn to strike back!"
Serena glanced down at Ash, who was already preparing his next move with fire in his eyes. The tension in her chest loosened ever so slightly. She exhaled quietly. "Right. He can still win this."
Back on the battlefield, Grant faced Ash with a calm smile. "That was a clever strategy, Ash. Your Froakie turned Rock Tomb into an advantage I hadn't anticipated." His eyes sharpened, voice dropping lower. "But strength is more than countering a single move. Now you've seen it... the true power of Tyrunt's lineage. Draco Meteor is a devastating attack. If you can't withstand its force, you won't defeat me."
Ash gritted his teeth, determination blazing. "Then I'll just have to find a way to handle it. That's what battling's about! Finding a way to win, no matter how tough it gets!"
Grant gave a small nod, almost like an approving teacher. "Good. Show me, then. How will you overcome it?"
Ash pointed forward, voice rising with unshakable resolve. "Pikachu, I choose you!"
"Pika!" Pikachu bounded onto the field, sparks dancing across his cheeks.
The referee raised his flag. "Second round, begin!"
"Pikachu, Quick Attack!" Ash shouted.
Pikachu became a silver streak of light, dashing across the battlefield in a blur.
"Tyrunt, meet him head-on with Crunch!" Grant commanded.
The dinosaur lunged forward, jaws snapping shut with terrifying force. But at the last instant, Pikachu leapt, sailing gracefully over Tyrunt's head. He landed lightly behind the fossil Pokémon, tail flicking confidently.
"Not bad," Grant said calmly. "But let's see you handle this! Tyrunt, Draco Meteor!"
Tyrunt launched skyward once more, glowing with fiery energy as meteors rained from its maw.
Ash's voice cut through the explosions. "Pikachu, use Iron Tail to climb the Draco Meteor!"
Pikachu's tail gleamed metallic silver as he swung it upward, smashing through one falling rock after another. With a sharp cry, he struck the last meteor clean out of the air, the impact sending Tyrunt crashing down to the battlefield with a roar.
"Yeah! That's it, buddy!" Ash cheered as Pikachu's hardened tail used the meteors to gain height.
"Dragon Tail!" Grant ordered.
Tyrunt spun, its tail glowing with a dragon's aura as it whipped toward Pikachu.
"Counter it, Pikachu! Iron Tail!"
Steel clashed against dragon energy as the two tails collided midair, a shockwave rippling through the Gym. Both Pokémon were forced back, landing hard against the rocky ground, panting with effort.
Grant's eyes narrowed. "Tyrunt, finish this! Rock Tomb!"
Boulders erupted upward, raining toward Pikachu.
"Send it right back at them Pikachu! Iron Tail!"
"Pika—CHU!" Pikachu spun, tail glowing brightly as he shattered each stone midair, knocking them aside with rapid strikes. A final rock flew straight toward Tyrunt's mouth, wedging itself firmly between its jaws.
"Now's our chance!" Ash cried. "Go, Pikachu! Use Thunderbolt! Full Power!"
Electricity exploded from Pikachu's body, a roaring bolt of lightning striking Tyrunt square in the chest. Unable to block or dodge, the fossil Pokémon cried out in pain before collapsing to the ground in defeat, smoke rising faintly from its body.
The referee's flag cut through the air. "Tyrunt is unable to battle! Pikachu is the winner!"
Ash pumped his fist skyward, grinning wide. "Alright! Way to go, Pikachu!"
"Pika pika!" Pikachu bounced proudly back to his Trainer, cheeks still crackling faintly with residual sparks.
Up in the stands, Bonnie jumped to her feet, bouncing in place with excitement. "He did it! He really did it!" she cried, her voice echoing through the Gym. "Pikachu is the best!"
Clemont adjusted his glasses, his analytical tone carrying admiration. "It was brilliant. Pikachu's Iron Tail negated the force of Tyrunt's Draco Meteor. That's what allowed him to scale the falling rocks like Froakie did earlier. Ash and Pikachu just invented a brand-new tactic—the Draco Meteor Climb."
Serena clasped her hands together against her chest, her smile soft and filled with quiet admiration. She didn't cheer aloud, but her thoughts sang clearly in her heart. Ash... you never stop pushing forward, no matter how impossible things look. That tenacity—it's amazing.
Beside her, Korrina exhaled sharply, shaking her head with an incredulous grin. "What a monster..." she muttered. "He's tearing apart Grant's strategies like they're nothing. It's scary how fast he can adapt."
The group's chatter swirled together, pride and awe blending as Ash stood tall on the battlefield, Pikachu at his side, both of them already facing Grant with fire in their eyes.
Grant remained calm, though his lips curved into the faintest smile. "Impressive, Ash. Very impressive. But the battle isn't over yet. Let's see how you handle my last Pokémon."
The ground beneath the battlefield rumbled suddenly, and the stone floor began to split apart. The audience gasped as the arena sank lower, water rushing in from hidden channels until it filled the field. Jagged rocks jutted upward like islands, but the majority of the battlefield was now submerged.
"A water battlefield...?" Clemont murmured, eyes wide with surprise.
"Whoa!" Bonnie leaned forward, her hands gripping the railing. "A Rock-type Gym with water? That's crazy!"
Korrina grinned, her eyes narrowing with interest. "Guess this explains why Grant's so hard to beat."
Grant's smile widened as he raised his final Poké Ball. "This field represents adaptability, something every climber must have. Now... face my last Pokémon—Relicanth!"
A heavy splash shook the water as a mottled, ancient fish Pokémon emerged, its stony body glistening as it surfaced between the rocks. Relicanth's unblinking eyes locked onto Ash with quiet menace.
Ash glanced at Pikachu, who was still panting from the last battle. "You did amazing, buddy, but you need to rest now." Pikachu gave a weary nod before hopping back to the sidelines. Ash immediately drew out another ball. "Alright! Gabite, I choose you!"
With a roar, Gabite appeared, standing proudly on one of the stone outcrops. His claws flexed, his eyes sharp with resolve.
"Battle begin!" the referee announced.
Grant wasted no time. "Relicanth, Dive!"
The fossil fish vanished beneath the water with startling speed. The surface rippled, then stilled.
"Stay sharp, Gabite! Use Scorching Sands!" Ash called.
Gabite thrust his claws downward, glowing heat turning the stone beneath him into searing sand that poured into the water. Steam hissed upward as the attack spread out like a cloud. Suddenly, Relicanth burst out from below, wincing as the heated sand clung to its scales.
"Now—Scale Shot!"
Gabite unleashed a barrage of glowing green scales, peppering Relicanth as it tried to retreat back into the water. The ancient Pokémon grunted, then swam in a wide arc.
"Relicanth, Take Down!" Grant countered.
With shocking force, Relicanth launched from the water, slamming its entire weight against Gabite's rocky platform. Gabite was knocked back, barely managing to land on another stone before slipping into the water.
"Gabite, fight back—Dragon Claw!"
Gabite's claws gleamed a vicious green as he slashed across Relicanth's stony body, forcing it back into the water with a heavy splash.
Grant's eyes gleamed. "End this—Head Smash!"
Relicanth dove, then surged upward like a torpedo, its head glowing with tremendous energy. The entire arena shook as it rocketed toward Gabite.
Ash's voice rang out, fierce and unyielding. "Counter with Draco Meteor!"
Gabite leapt high, his jaws glowing with draconic power before unleashing a storm of blazing meteors. The projectiles slammed into Relicanth mid-charge, explosions tearing through the water and knocking it backward. When the spray cleared, Relicanth floated dazed, then slowly sank into the water, unable to battle.
The referee raised her arm. "Relicanth is unable to battle! The winner is Gabite! Victory goes to the challenger, Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town!"
Gabite bounded across the jagged rocks, leaping from platform to platform until he landed squarely in front of Ash. Without hesitation, the Dragon Pokémon leaned down—then promptly chomped onto Ash's head with his strong jaws.
"Gaaaah! Hey, cut it out, Gabite!" Ash yelped, flailing his arms as Gabite growled happily, shaking him around like a prize trophy.
The group on the sidelines burst into laughter.
"Looks like he's giving you a victory crown, Ash!" Korrina teased, wiping tears from her eyes as Lucario chuckled beside her.
Bonnie doubled over, clutching her stomach. "Gabite's saying you taste like victory!"
"Pika pika!" Pikachu giggled from Ash's shoulder, sparks flickering with delight.
Serena pressed a hand to her mouth, unable to hold back her laughter at the sight of Ash stumbling around with Gabite still latched onto his head. Her heart felt light, relief flooding through her now that the battle was over.
Finally, Ash managed to pry Gabite off, panting as he rubbed his sore scalp. "You're not a little Gible anymore, are you? That bite of yours is getting stronger every day."
Gabite rumbled with pride, eyes gleaming, before leaning down so Ash could pat him properly.
Grant, having recalled Relicanth, approached the group with a dignified smile. "That was a hard-fought victory, Ash. Your strategies were daring, unpredictable, and above all—you trusted your Pokémon with everything you had. You've earned this."
He held out a small badge shaped like jagged cliffs, its silver surface catching the gym's lights.
Ash took it reverently, holding it up high as it sparkled. "Alright! We just earned... The Cliff badge"
His friends hurried onto the battlefield to surround him, their laughter still lingering in the air. Pikachu leapt onto Ash's shoulder, chirping proudly, while Gabite puffed out his chest and Froakie silently gave a nod of satisfaction.
[Line Break]
Night had settled over Cyllage City, the stars twinkling faintly beyond the glass windows of the Pokémon Center. The group had just finished dinner, the warm aroma of stew and bread still clinging faintly in the air. The lobby was quiet now, save for the soft hum of ceiling lights and the occasional murmur of trainers passing by.
Nurse Joy had promised to keep Ash's Pokémon resting comfortably in the daycare wing overnight, so for once, Ash was walking without Pikachu perched on his shoulder. It left him feeling strangely light—though maybe it wasn't just Pikachu's absence that made his heart beat faster.
As the group strolled through the lobby, chatting idly about the day's battle, Ash suddenly reached out and caught Serena's hand.
"H-huh?" Serena gasped, heat rushing to her cheeks as his fingers closed around hers. She stumbled a little, her free hand flying to her chest as her heart thudded wildly.
"Come on," Ash said, glancing at her with that familiar, boyish grin. "I wanna talk to you about something. Something important."
Serena's breath caught. She could barely hear Clemont starting to ask where they were going, or Bonnie's curious little "ooh," because all she could focus on was the warmth of Ash's hand wrapped firmly around her own. Her face burned red as he gently tugged her away from the group, leading her toward the quieter corner of the lobby.
Serena's thoughts raced—what could Ash possibly want to say? Why now? And why... why did he have to hold her hand like this?
Her grip tightened slightly on his without even thinking.
Ash stepped outside the pokemon centre before he stopped, and turned to face her fully. His expression was more serious than usual, though the determination in his eyes was the same as when he faced a Gym Leader.
"Serena," he began, his voice steady. "There's something I've been meaning to ask you..."
AS THE JOURNEY CONTINUES!