Tryst with Destiny: The Beginning of the End (Main Story)

35 : Shalour City

(On top of a hill)

"Alright Ash time for your next gym battle. There it is. Shalour city." Dragon Emperor says.

"Another gym battle already? What about training?" Ash asks.

"This will be your test. I want to see how far you can go on what you have been taught. Remember I did teach you about fighting types. Now go and challenge this gym. Moreover this time I will be watching your battle." Dragon Emperor replies.

"Y-Y-You." Ash stutters in a way a little terrified at the prospect of having his mentor watch his battle.

"Don't worry Ash. I will be there by your side." Serena says in a reassuring manner while placing her hand on his.

"Yeah. Me too." Clemont replies.

"See nothing to worry about. Now go. If anyone asks you about who I am tell them I was a traveler from Cyllage city who was on his way to Coumarine City via Shalour City. Just stopped by to watch a gym battle." Dragon Emperor replies.

"OK." the 3 of them reply in unison.

(Later in the gym)

"The battle between Korrina the Shalour City gym leader and ash the challenger will now begin. This will be a 3 on 3 battle. Only the challenger is allowed to substitute Pokemon. Now Battle Begin." Gurkinn says.

"I'll choose first. Machoke you are up." Korrina says while tossing a Poke-ball.

'Machoke is a fighting type. Fletchling, Charizard and Noctowl will be perfect. But I shouldn't use my powerhouse right away just in case. Plus even Noctowl's psychic type gives me another advantage which will be a waste if I throw it away. Best start off with Fletchling.' Ash thinks to himself while taking a Poke-ball in his hand.

"Fletchling I choose you." Ash says as he tosses a poke-ball.

(In the viewing area)

"That's strange. He is starting off with Fletchling. I thought he would start with Charizard." Clemont says.

"Perhaps he wants to keep Charizard in his back pocket for her more powerful Pokemon?" Serena counters.

"Maybe but in a fighting type gym getting an early win to disrupt the gym leader's momentum is a good way to win the badge." Clemont replies.

"You are both right. But Ash is not taking any chances with the badge. His strategy is clear. He wants to use Fletchling to cause as much damage as possible. Then he will go with his Noctowl. Then finally Charizard." Dragon Emperor replies.

(Back on the battlefield)

"Machoke start things off with a bulk up. Then go in with a cross chop." Korrina says.

'Predictable.' Ash thinks to himself as he stays completely calm.

"Draw it in Fletchling then use Double team followed by Aerial Ace." Ash commands.

Soon Machoke is sent flying.

(in the viewing area)

"Looks like this one will be a piece of cake." Serena says.

"You might be right. Using double team at the last second was a great move." Clemont remarks.

"If you think that then it proves you haven't learnt anything from me. That is one well trained Machoke. Do you think this is the first time she is facing a challenger who has used a Flying type?" Dragon Emperor says in a rather disappointed tone.