The Santalune Gym’s battlefield, much like certain specialized arenas in other regions, was set within a botanical garden, with a square field positioned at its center.
The referee announced, “The Gym battle between challenger Ash and Gym Leader Viola will now begin.
Each side may use two Pokémon.
The match ends when all Pokémon on one side are unable to battle.
Only the challenger is allowed to switch Pokémon.”
“I will seize victory just like capturing the perfect moment with my camera.
Go, Surskit!”
[Pokémon: Surskit (Viola)]
[Type: Bug, Water]
[Gender: Female]
[Strength: Elite Low-tier (23)]
[Ability: Swift Swim (Boosts Speed in rain)]
[Held Item: None]
[Moves: Ice Beam, Protect, Quick Attack, Bubble, Sticky Web, Signal Beam…]
Ash knew that this Elite-level Pokémon was not Viola’s ace.
So he had no intention of sending out his strongest Pokémon.
During his recent journey, he had already realized that to obtain better evaluations from the battle system, he needed to challenge opponents beyond his level or fight under disadvantageous conditions.
“Froakie, I choose you!”
After leaving Lumiose City, Ash had trained his team continuously.
With battles along the way and guidance from Pidgeot, Froakie had reached Ordinary High-tier (18) and learned Aerial Ace.
Seeing both sides ready, the referee declared, “Begin!”
“Froakie, start with Water Pulse!”
“Froakie!”
Froakie formed a sphere of water and launched it forward.
“Surskit, use Protect!”
Surskit created a barrier, blocking the Water Pulse, which exploded into mist upon impact.
“Surskit, use Ice Beam on the field!”
Surskit fired Ice Beam into the air, scattering freezing energy across the ground like falling frost, quickly turning the battlefield into ice.
Ash immediately responded, “Froakie, jump and use Water Pulse on the ground!”
If the field became entirely icy, Surskit would gain a huge mobility advantage.
Ash chose to disrupt the terrain instead.
Water Pulse struck the ground, cracking the ice and turning the battlefield uneven.
Outside the field, Alexa exclaimed, “She noticed the strategy was countered!”
“Strategy?” Serena and Bonnie asked in confusion.
Alexa explained, “Surskit moves much faster on ice.
Most Pokémon struggle to fight properly on slippery terrain.
Viola has defeated many challengers using this tactic.”
Seeing her setup disrupted, Viola adjusted immediately.
“Surskit, Signal Beam!”
“Froakie, Aerial Ace!”
Facing the colorful beam, Froakie dashed forward, leapt high, and vanished from sight.
In the next instant, it appeared behind Surskit.
Surskit had just finished its attack and had no time to react before being struck and knocked down.
Although Aerial Ace dealt heavy damage, Surskit was not defeated.
“Surskit, keep moving and use Sticky Web!”
Surskit ran while releasing sticky threads toward Froakie.
Froakie skillfully dodged, but the battlefield gradually filled with webbing across the ground, trees, and even surrounding structures.
“Froakie, Aerial Ace again!”
Froakie moved like a flash and struck again, finally knocking Surskit out.
The referee announced, “Surskit is unable to battle.
Froakie wins!”
“Ash, I admit your skill, but earning this badge won’t be easy.”
Viola recalled Surskit and sent out her next Pokémon.
“Vivillon, you’re up!”
[Pokémon: Vivillon]
[Type: Bug, Flying]
[Gender: Female]
[Strength: Elite Mid-tier (25)]
[Ability: Compound Eyes (Increases move accuracy)]
[Held Item: None]
[Moves: Psychic, Solar Beam, Hurricane, Psybeam, Supersonic, Draining Kiss…]
“Froakie, use Bubble.”
Froakie launched multiple bubbles.
While not powerful, they were sticky and could interfere with movement.
“Vivillon, Psychic!”
Vivillon’s eyes glowed as a powerful psychic force spread outward.
The bubbles froze midair, and even Froakie was caught in the psychic grip.
“The ice field failed, but the ground will do.”
Under Viola’s command, Vivillon slammed Froakie onto the ground.
“Froakie!”
When the dust cleared, Froakie had fainted.
The referee declared, “Froakie is unable to battle.
Vivillon wins!”
“Return, Froakie.
You did great.”
Ash recalled it and sent out his next Pokémon.
“Fletchling, you’re up!”
“Double Team!”
Fletchling split into multiple afterimages, surrounding Vivillon.
“Vivillon, use Psychic to find the real one.”
The psychic force expanded again, dispersing the illusions and locking onto Fletchling, freezing it in place.
Just like Froakie, Fletchling was lifted and slammed down.
The impact was heavy, but Fletchling struggled back into the air.
Although Viola was unsure why Ash remained calm, she pressed the advantage.
“Vivillon, Hurricane!”
A powerful windstorm engulfed Fletchling, blowing it backward until it landed directly onto the Sticky Web left earlier.
“It’s stuck on the web!”
“How can that happen!”
Serena and Clemont were shocked.
Fletchling struggled, but the web held it tightly.
“This is the perfect moment.
Vivillon, Solar Beam!”
As Vivillon began gathering sunlight, Ash smiled slightly.
“Yes, this is the perfect moment.
Fletchling, use Ember!”
“What?!”
Viola was startled.
But it was too late.
As Vivillon charged Solar Beam, a burst of flames shot forward.
Vivillon had no chance to dodge and was struck directly.
With a double weakness to Fire, the attack overwhelmed it instantly.
“Vivillon is unable to battle.
The winner is challenger Ash!”
[Ding…
Battle settlement in progress…
Evaluation: B+]
[Ding!
Congratulations on obtaining reward: Random Mega Stone ×1]