Part 39

The automatic doors of the Lumiose Gym slid open with a quiet hiss, revealing the grand, high-tech interior of Prism Tower. Unlike the last time Ash had come here, when he had been stopped before even stepping foot inside, this time was different.

Standing at the entrance, metallic and imposing, was the Gym's robotic gatekeeper—Clembot.

"Welcome, Challenger," the robotic voice echoed through the spacious lobby. "Trainer Ash Ketchum. Identification confirmed. You are permitted entry into the Lumiose Gym."

Ash blinked in slight surprise. "Huh. No four-badge requirement this time?"

"Affirmative," Clembot responded. "Gym Leader Clemont has authorized your challenge. Proceed to the battlefield."

Ash smirked, walking forward. "Guess I should thank him later."

With Pikachu still perched on his shoulder, Ash stepped through the archway and onto the battlefield. The arena was massive—bright, futuristic, and lined with neon-blue lights that pulsed gently along the walls. The ceiling stretched high above, and the floors gleamed under the gym's artificial lighting.

At the far end of the battlefield stood Clemont, already waiting with an eager expression. His signature blue jumpsuit stood out under the gym lights, and his glasses reflected a soft glow. The moment he saw Ash, his face lit up.

"You made it!" Clemont called, adjusting his glasses.

Ash chuckled lightly, stepping forward. "Yeah. Figured I couldn't back out after you went through all that trouble of inviting me."

Clemont grinned, pushing his glasses up. "I'm really glad you came. This is the perfect opportunity for both of us to grow stronger."

Up in the stands, two spectators watched with keen interest.

Meyer, Clemont's father, leaned back in his seat with a calm yet intrigued expression. The bearded man, clad in his rolled-up dark gray sleeves and light gray overalls, studied Ash closely. "Well, well," he murmured to himself. "Didn't think I'd be seeing this kid again so soon."

Bonnie, Clemont's little sister, sat beside him, swinging her legs excitedly. The tiny blonde girl wore a bright, eager smile as she watched her brother with uncontained enthusiasm.

"Clemont's totally gonna win this!" she cheered before casting a curious glance at Ash. "But that Ash guy looks kinda strong too. Hmmm."

Meyer chuckled at his daughter's commentary, crossing his arms. "One way or another, this'll be good for them both. A battle's about more than just winning, after all."

Back on the battlefield, Ash rolled his shoulders, shaking off the last bit of frustration from his long day. He looked across at Clemont and grinned, his competitive spirit finally sparking back to life.

"Let's give it everything we've got," he said firmly.

Clemont nodded with determination. "That's exactly what I was hoping for."

The atmosphere in the gym shifted, the weight of an impending battle settling between them. The time for talking was over.

Now, it was time to fight.

Clembot's metallic voice rang out crisply through the Lumiose Gym, echoing across the battlefield.

"This will be a three-on-three Pokémon battle between the challenger, Ash Ketchum, and the Gym Leader, Clemont. The battle will conclude when all three Pokémon on one side are unable to battle. Only the challenger is permitted to make substitutions."

Ash clenched his fists in anticipation. He could feel the weight of the moment settling on his shoulders, but instead of pressure, it only fueled his determination.

"Understood," Clemont said with a nod, adjusting his glasses. His normally shy and reserved demeanor had shifted into that of a Gym Leader—focused, serious, and ready.

Ash smirked. "Works for me."

Clemont reached for a Poké Ball at his waist, gripping it tightly before tossing it into the air. "Heliolisk, let's electrify this battle!"

In a burst of white light, Heliolisk materialized on the battlefield, its frilled neck flaring out as it let out a sharp, hissing cry. Sparks danced across its sleek, yellow-and-black scales, its beady eyes locked onto Ash with unwavering focus.

Ash's smirk widened. "Looks fast."

He reached for his own Poké Ball, spinning it once between his fingers before launching it forward. "Krookodile, let's do this!"

With a flash, the hulking, crimson-scaled Krookodile appeared, slamming its claws into the ground and flashing its signature toothy grin. Its sunglasses gleamed under the gym's bright lights as it locked eyes with Heliolisk, letting out a deep, guttural growl.

Clemont inhaled sharply, instantly aware of the type disadvantage. But instead of hesitation, a confident smile formed on his face. "Alright, Heliolisk! We'll just have to outmaneuver it!"

Ash's eyes flickered with excitement. The battle had begun.

Clemont adjusted his glasses, eyes sharp with focus. "Heliolisk, quick—Thunderbolt!"

Heliolisk's frills snapped open as a blinding arc of electricity surged forward, aimed directly at Krookodile. Ash raised a brow, knowing it wouldn't have any effect, but didn't hesitate.

Ash's reaction was immediate. "Krookodile, Dig—now!"

In a blur, Krookodile dove into the battlefield, disappearing beneath the surface just as the Thunderbolt struck where it had been standing, sending sparks scattering harmlessly into the air.

Clemont gritted his teeth. "Stay sharp, Heliolisk! It'll come up any second!"

But Ash was already one step ahead. "Now—strike from behind!"

The ground suddenly erupted, and Krookodile lunged out, claws glowing as it raked across Heliolisk's back with a brutal Dig attack.

Heliolisk let out a pained hiss, stumbling forward.

Clemont winced. "Darn it... Heliolisk, Volt Switch!"

Recovering quickly, Heliolisk spun, its body crackling with electricity before firing a powerful electric surge toward Krookodile.

Ash's smirk didn't falter. "Counter with Stone Edge!"

Krookodile stomped the ground, sending jagged stone pillars hurtling forward, colliding with the Volt Switch and dispersing its energy in a spectacular explosion. Dust clouded the battlefield.

Heliolisk skidded back, panting but still standing.

Clemont's fist clenched. "Alright, let's use that speed! Agility, then Hyper Beam!"

Heliolisk became a yellow blur, zig-zagging across the battlefield at blinding speed before skidding to a stop, energy building in its mouth.

Ash's eyes flashed. "Intercept it! Krookodile, use Dragon Claw!"

The Hyper Beam erupted from Heliolisk's mouth in a devastating blast, but Krookodile rushed forward, claws glowing bright green.

"Jump through it!" Ash commanded.

With pure, reckless aggression, Krookodile powered through the tail end of the Hyper Beam, taking minimal damage as it emerged on the other side, its Dragon Claw slashing straight across Heliolisk's chest.

The Electric-type let out a strangled cry before collapsing to the ground, sparks flickering off its body.

Clembot's mechanical voice boomed across the gym. "Heliolisk is unable to battle. Krookodile is the winner."

Ash pumped his fist. "Yes! That's how we do it!"

As Clembot's mechanical voice echoed, declaring Heliolisk unable to battle, Clemont sighed but quickly regained his focus.

"Heliolisk, return!" Clemont recalled his Pokémon, gripping his next Poké Ball tightly. "You're strong, Ash, but let's see how you handle this one!" He tossed the ball into the air. "Luxray, let's go!"

A flash of light revealed Clemont's Luxray, its piercing yellow eyes glowing as it let out a low, electrifying growl.

Ash smirked, adjusting his cap. "Alright, buddy, time for you to shine. Frogadier, I choose you!"

The Poké Ball burst open, releasing Frogadier, who landed gracefully on the battlefield. Its sleek, dark-blue body tensed with anticipation, water droplets forming in the air around it.

The battle was set, both trainers locked in a fierce stare-down.

"Let's see what you've got, Clemont!" Ash grinned, his competitive spirit igniting once more.

Clemont adjusted his glasses, his expression sharpening. "Luxray and I are ready for you!"

Clembot raised its mechanical arms. "The battle resumes! Begin!"

And so, the next round was about to unfold.

Clemont adjusted his glasses, eyes narrowing. "Luxray, stay sharp. Don't let Frogadier's speed get the best of you!"

Ash smirked, his confidence unwavering. "Speed's what we do best! Frogadier, let's put it to the test!"

Frogadier crouched low, its webbed feet pressing against the battlefield, muscles coiled like a loaded spring. Luxray growled, golden eyes locked onto its opponent.

"Luxray, Thunderbolt!" Clemont commanded.

A surge of electricity exploded from Luxray's hair, lighting up the battlefield in a dazzling flash. The attack raced toward Frogadier like a thunderstorm closing in.

"Frogadier, Quick Attack—dodge it!" Ash shouted.

n the blink of an eye, Frogadier vanished, darting across the battlefield like a shadow in the wind. The Thunderbolt struck the ground, sending sparks flying, but the Water-type had already repositioned itself behind Luxray.

Clemont's eyes widened. "That speed...!"

"Now, Water Pulse!" Ash called.

Frogadier leaped high into the air, forming a swirling orb of water between its hands before launching it downward.

"Luxray, counter with Swift!" Clemont responded quickly.

Golden stars shot from Luxray's body, colliding with the Water Pulse mid-air. The resulting explosion sent a misty haze across the battlefield.

Ash grinned. "Frogadier, Double Team!"

Multiple Frogadiers emerged from the mist, surrounding Luxray in an unpredictable blur.

Bonnie clutched the railing in excitement. "Wow! Frogadier's so fast!"

Meyer chuckled, arms crossed. "Ash is pushing Clemont hard. That boy's got fire in him."

Clemont clenched his fists. "Stay calm, Luxray. Use Electric Terrain!"

Luxray slammed its paws onto the battlefield, sending electric currents rippling across the ground, causing the illusory Frogadiers to flicker and disappear.

"Smart move!" Ash admitted, his grin widening. "But speed's still on our side! Frogadier, Aerial Ace—full power!"

Frogadier rocketed forward like a bullet, moving so fast that Luxray barely had time to react.

"Luxray, Wild Charge!" Clemont shouted desperately.

Luxray cloaked itself in raging electricity and lunged forward, but Frogadier was faster. The Water-type zigzagged at impossible speeds, slipping past Luxray's attack before striking hard with a precise, blindingly fast slash.

Luxray skidded backward, its paws dragging against the battlefield before collapsing with a heavy thud.

Clembot's mechanical voice rang through the arena. "Luxray is unable to battle. Frogadier is the winner!"

Clemont sighed, recalling Luxray. "You were amazing, buddy. Take a good rest." He looked across the battlefield at Ash, a proud smile forming. "I've got to say, Ash—your Frogadier is on a whole different level."

Ash grinned, clenching his fist. "You put up a great fight, Clemont! But this battle's not over yet!"

Bonnie cheered. "Clemont, don't lose now!"

Meyer laughed. "Win or lose, this is a battle worth watching!"

"Alright," Clemont declared, his voice steady despite the pressure. "I'm not holding back anymore! Magneton, let's amp this up!"

With a flick of his wrist, Clemont launched the Poké Ball into the air. It snapped open, releasing a burst of crackling electricity. In its place hovered Magneton, its three metallic bodies rotating in perfect sync, red and blue magnets pulsing with energy. A sharp, mechanical whirr filled the air as it locked onto Frogadier with its glowing eyes.

Ash grinned, undeterred by the challenge. "Nice choice, Clemont. But we're not backing down! Frogadier, you ready?"

Frogadier crouched low, eyes narrowed, muscles coiled. A ripple of water energy shimmered off its sleek, navy-blue body as it let out a confident "Froggg!"

"Magneton, start off with Flash Cannon!" Clemont ordered.

Magneton whirred ominously as a silvery sphere of energy built up between its three units. With a high-pitched vreee sound, the Flash Cannon exploded forward like a comet, tearing through the air toward Frogadier.

"Dodge and counter with Water Pulse!" Ash commanded.

With lightning reflexes, Frogadier sprang sideways, flipping through the air as the Flash Cannon obliterated the ground where it had stood. The impact left a smoking crater, but Frogadier was already retaliating. A swirling sphere of water formed between its webbed fingers before it launched the Water Pulse like a torpedo.

"Deflect it with Magnet Bomb!"

Magneton responded instantly, shooting out multiple glowing metallic orbs. The Magnet Bombs exploded midair, colliding with the Water Pulse and sending shockwaves rippling across the battlefield! Smoke and sparks danced in the air as the two attacks canceled each other out.

Ash's eyes burned with excitement. "Not bad! But we're just getting started. Frogadier, Double Team!"

Frogadier's form blurred as multiple copies of it flickered into existence, surrounding Magneton from every angle. The real one was hidden among them, waiting for the perfect moment.

Clemont clenched his fists. "You won't trick Magneton that easily! Use Discharge—full power!"

Magneton's body glowed blinding white as electricity crackled wildly around it. Then—BOOM! A burst of pure electrical energy exploded outward in a massive radius, obliterating every Double Team illusion. Sparks danced across the battlefield as the real Frogadier staggered back, its body twitching from the residual electricity.

"Now, Thunder Wave!"

Before Frogadier could recover, Magneton released a thin, crackling arc of electricity that snaked toward it like a living whip. The golden current struck, and Frogadier's movements locked up—paralysis took hold.

Ash gritted his teeth. "Frogadier!"

Frogadier trembled, trying to fight through it.

"Now's our chance!" Clemont pointed forward. "Finish it with Electro Ball!"

Magneton hovered higher, forming a large sphere of pure electricity at its core. The orb surged with power, pulsing violently as Magneton hurled it down like a meteor!

Ash's heart pounded. "Frogadier, move—!"

But paralysis froze its limbs for just a second too long.

BOOOOM!

The Electro Ball detonated on impact, sending Frogadier flying back in a spiral of sparks and smoke. It tumbled across the battlefield before landing on its front, body twitching, eyes shut tight in exhaustion. The air hummed with the last remnants of static.

A heavy silence fell.

Then, Clembot called it. "Frogadier is unable to battle! Magneton wins!"

Ash exhaled, rubbing the back of his head as he returned Frogadier to its Poké Ball. "You did great, buddy. Rest up."

Clemont adjusted his glasses, smiling despite his nervousness. "That was intense, Ash! Frogadier really kept me on my toes."

Ash smirked. "Yeah, and you just proved why you're a Gym Leader. But don't celebrate too soon... 'cause I'm not done yet!"

The score was 2-1. Clemont wiped his brow, his heart racing.

Ash grinned, eyes burning with determination. "Alright, Clemont. Time to finish this!" He grabbed his final Poké Ball and threw it high. "Lucario, let's do this!"

A burst of blue light flashed across the battlefield, revealing Lucario, standing tall and unwavering. Its red eyes locked onto Magneton, reading its aura, sensing every ounce of power radiating from its steel frame. Lucario clenched its paws, ready for battle.

From the sidelines, Meyer crossed his arms, a proud grin on his face. "Now this is gonna be a real battle."

Bonnie hopped excitedly. "Go, big bro! You can do it!"

Clemont adjusted his glasses, standing firm. "This is my last chance, Magneton. Let's give it everything we've got!"

"Lucario, let's move! Extreme Speed!"

Lucario vanished in a blur of motion, dashing at Magneton like a blue lightning bolt.

"Not so fast! Flash Cannon!" Clemont countered.

Magneton whirred and fired a silver energy sphere, but Lucario twisted midair, dodging in an instant. The Fighting/Steel-type suddenly appeared beside Magneton and slammed a fist into its core, sending it skidding back!

Clemont's eyes widened. "That speed...! Alright then—Thunderbolt!"

Magneton crackled with golden electricity, unleashing a massive Thunderbolt. The lightning shot forward, streaking toward Lucario in an explosion of raw power.

"Lucario, block it with Bone Rush!"

Lucario conjured a glowing bone staff in its paws and spun it rapidly, forming a makeshift shield against the Thunderbolt. Sparks flew as the attack clashed against the weapon, but Lucario stood its ground.

Clemont clenched his fists. "No way!"

"Now, charge in and use Force Palm!"

Lucario launched forward, its paw glowing with concentrated Fighting energy. Before Magneton could react—BOOM! Lucario's Force Palm struck directly, sending Magneton tumbling across the battlefield.

Clemont gritted his teeth. "I won't let it end this easily! Magnet Bomb!"

Magneton recovered midair, its magnets sparking before firing several glowing metallic orbs.

"Lucario, dodge and go in with Aura Sphere!"

Lucario leaped up, avoiding the Magnet Bombs just in time, then thrust its paws forward, summoning a blazing blue Aura Sphere. The pulsing orb of energy tore through the air—BOOM! Direct hit! Magneton spiraled back, sparks flying from its steel body.

Clemont knew he had to give it everything. "Time for our strongest move! Electro Ball!"

Magneton hovered high, generating a colossal orb of golden electricity. The entire battlefield lit up, the sheer energy distorting the air. Then—BOOM! Magneton launched the Electro Ball straight at Lucario, its speed blinding.

Ash didn't hesitate. "Lucario, meet it head-on with Steel Beam!"

Lucario's eyes flashed red as its body glowed brilliant silver. Then, with a powerful stance, it fired a gigantic beam of metallic energy from its paws.

The two attacks collided midair—the battlefield erupted in a blinding explosion! Shockwaves tore through the arena, kicking up a massive cloud of smoke and debris.

For a moment, everything was silent.

Then, as the dust settled... Lucario still stood. Magneton, however, hovered shakily... then collapsed to the ground with a loud clang.

Clembot raised his hand. "Magneton is unable to battle! Lucario wins! Ash is the victor!"

Bonnie jumped up and down, cheering wildly. Meyer chuckled, arms crossed, nodding in admiration. "That was a battle to be proud of."

Clemont sighed, then smiled, stepping forward. "That was... incredible, Ash." He recalled Magneton. "You've really pushed me past my limits. I wanted to be the one to win, but... you were the better trainer today."

Ash grinned, stepping forward and shaking Clemont's hand. "That was amazing, Clemont. Seriously. You're an incredible Gym Leader—I respect you a lot."

Clemont's face turned red at the compliment, adjusting his glasses. "W-Well, um... thanks!"

Bonnie jumped between them. "That was so awesome! You both did amazing!"

Meyer approached with a proud smile. "That was some of the best battling I've seen. You two should be proud." He clapped a hand on Clemont's shoulder. "And you, son—Magneton put up one heck of a fight."

Clemont beamed, feeling proud despite his loss. Then, he reached into his pocket and held out a golden badge shaped like an electric bolt.

"Ash, as Lumiose Gym Leader, I present you with the Voltage Badge."

Ash took it with a huge grin, holding it up to the sky. His fifth badge.

"Alright! We did it, Lucario!"

Lucario folded its arms, nodding with quiet pride.

Clemont smiled. "Good luck on the rest of your Gym battles, Ash. I have no doubt you'll make it all the way."

Ash smirked. "You know it."