1.Ash's Story (Part 2: Johto)

Chapter 28: Plain Strength

Whitney opened the Gym the next morning with a grin. Yesterday's sign was gone, the entrance stood open, and several Trainers were already waiting along the flower-shaped paths inside.

The Gym guide waved when we entered. "Yo, champ in the making. Whitney specializes in Normal-types, but some Pokémon here also carry the Fairy type. Do not let the decorations fool you."

Ethan studied the paths with narrowed eyes. "So Fighting can help against the Normal-types, but Fairy-types can punish that advantage."

Reisa nodded while Croconaw stood beside her. "Then do not walk in expecting one type advantage to solve every match."

I nodded toward the first platform. "Then we start with the Trainers in front of us."

Beauty Victoria waited there with three Poké Balls clipped in a row to her belt. She smiled brightly when I stepped into the marked field.

"Oh, you are a cute little Trainer," Victoria said. "I like you, but I will not hold back."

Victoria released all three Sentret onto separate flower platforms, and they immediately spread into a triangle.

I released Heracross. He landed with a heavy step, flexed his wings once, and lowered his horn. "Three at once. Good. I will not have to wait."

"Hold the middle," I told him. "Make them come through you."

The first Sentret rushed low while the second circled behind. Heracross let the first pass his shoulder, pivoted, and caught the second with Horn Attack before it could reach his back.

Victoria pointed across the field. "Keep moving. Do not give him one target."

"Stop chasing them," I called. "Plant yourself."

Heracross locked both feet against the floor. "I can take the next one. Let them try."

The Sentret struck almost together. "Heracross, Endure!" I called. Heracross tightened his stance instead of swinging back, and the combined attack drove his feet across the floor without knocking him down.

Move Dex Updated — Shared National Record: Ash and Lillie

Endure — Normal Type. The user takes a ready stance to endure any attack. While in this stance, the user will be able to take a hit and be left with at least 1 HP without fail.

"Now, Fury Attack!" I called.

Heracross moved as soon as the Sentret landed. He struck in a controlled sequence, turning from one opponent to the next and knocking each of them from the formation before they could rebuild it.

Victoria stared at her three exhausted Sentret, then recalled them with a laugh. "Let's see... ooh? Is it over?"

I recalled him after thanking him, and we followed the path toward Beauty Samantha.

Samantha released two Meowth together. Their coin charms flashed under the Gym lights as they darted to opposite sides of the field.

"Give it your best shot," Samantha said, "or I will take you down."

Bayleef was already outside beside Lillie. She looked at me, then stepped onto the field before I reached for another Poké Ball.

"I want this one," she said.

"Bayleef, you're up." The Meowth started with quick scratching feints, one showing itself while the other slipped toward Bayleef's blind side. Bayleef kept both vines low and refused to turn after every movement.

Samantha pointed toward the side rails. "Keep moving. Make Bayleef turn."

The Meowth split again, but Bayleef closed her eyes for a heartbeat. "Their paws are louder than they think."