Due to Koffing's evolution, Weezing developed a second smaller body, connected like conjoined twins!
In simple terms, Weezing has one large head and two smaller ones — one big, one medium, one small. The large head controls most of its body, the medium one focuses on attacks, while the small one stores poisonous gases. Their division of labor makes them extremely efficient in battle!
"Gaaaas~!" The Weezing drifted forward, its lazy, lopsided grin appearing before Ash's eyes. It looked both odd and strangely cute.
Ding~!
Name: Weezing
Rank: Elite Four-level
Ability: Levitate
Type: Poison
Potential: B+
"Weezing, use Poison Gas!" Koga immediately commanded once his partner appeared.
At once, Weezing spewed a massive cloud of thick, purple gas from the vents along its body, spreading in every direction.
Poison Gas — once inhaled, it causes unconsciousness and poisoning. Worse, if it comes into contact with open flames, it could trigger an explosion. As a move, it's considered C+ rank. In some ways, it's similar to Ash's Arcanine's Fire-type techniques, though the destructive power is nowhere near the same!
"It's about time. Venusaur, use Solar Beam!" Ash's expression didn't change as the poison cloud rolled toward Venusaur. His calm voice, however, made Koga's face tighten in alarm.
"Not good, I've been outplayed!" Koga realized instantly. Behind Venusaur, the bud on its back had already begun glowing with a fierce white light — the power of one of Grass-type Pokémon's strongest moves, Solar Beam!
"Venaa!"
BOOM!!!
In an instant, a blazing white beam of energy tore through the poison gas and struck Weezing head-on. Solar Beam at Venusaur's current strength easily carried A-rank power. Against Weezing, who was only B+ at best, there was no chance to dodge!
"Gaaaas~!"
The blast sent Weezing spinning through the air, its body blackened and scarred. It howled in pain, looking as if it had been through a long battle — but in truth, not even a full minute had passed!
"Weezing! Are you all right!?" Koga shouted in worry. He hadn't expected his strongest Pokémon to be seriously injured in a single exchange.
"I already told you," Ash said evenly. "Because Venusaur's base Speed is slower, we trained specifically to maximize the release speed and power of its moves. Solar Beam no longer needs lengthy charging. As long as there's enough sunlight, Venusaur can fire instantly."
Ash hadn't even needed to rely on Aura in this match. While Koga was a Gym Leader and formidable in his own right, compared to true masters like Bruno or Lorelei, he was still lacking.
After all, experience matters. Even a Gym Leader can struggle when faced with the preparation and skill of a Champion.
"Koga, it's over. Venusaur — use Wood Hammer!" Ash commanded coldly.
"Venaaa!"
With a roar, Venusaur slammed its front legs into the ground. Thick wooden roots erupted upward, twisting and coiling toward Weezing.
Despite its Levitate ability, Weezing was too slow to evade. In moments, the vines bound it tightly, squeezing with crushing force. If Venusaur hadn't held back, the constriction might have been fatal.
"Gaaa…!"
Finally, Weezing collapsed, its eyes swirling as the vines receded. It had fainted completely.
"The Champion really is strong…" Koga muttered with a bitter smile. "I couldn't even counterattack before losing. Looks like I'm still far behind."
For a moment, he felt like a young Trainer again, recalling the pressure of his very first Gym battle long ago.
"Ash, I concede. You've proven yourself as the youngest Champion Trainer — truly worthy of the title. This is the Soul Badge of the Fuchsia Gym. I hope we can battle again one day."
Koga recalled his fainted Weezing, then handed Ash the glittering badge.
Ash wasn't surprised; he knew this outcome was inevitable. He placed the Soul Badge carefully in his case. Now, five Gym Badges gleamed brightly inside — each one representing a battle hard-fought alongside his partners.
At that moment, the clouds outside parted, sunlight breaking through as if to celebrate their journey.
By the time the battle ended, Cynthia had already finished freshening up and came to stand at Ash's side. It was only just past ten in the morning — much faster than his earlier Gym matches.
"How did you win so quickly?" Cynthia asked, her tone half-curious, half-knowing. She already understood Ash's strength; even if she herself fought him seriously, she wasn't certain of victory.
"Leaving already?" Ash asked after their lunch together, noticing Koga preparing to return inside.
Koga shook his head, smiling faintly. "Not just yet. Battling you reminded me of what it feels like to stand before a true Champion. I'd like to stay a while longer and reflect."
"No, I'll continue challenging Gyms. I still need three more badges!" Ash firmly declined Koga's offer. He still had plenty of time left, but he hadn't forgotten the words of his grandfather, Skye Draconis.
Before long, he would have to journey to the Dragon's Den to awaken the true power of the Dragon Clan!
After leaving the Fuchsia Gym, Ash and his companions continued on their way toward the next destination. After walking for nearly four hours, they arrived at a vast prairie. Across the endless grasslands, herds of Tauros and other Pokémon could be seen running freely.
"The prairie is enormous! I didn't expect to find such a beautiful place here," Cynthia said, her mood brightened by the wide-open scenery. The fresh air and endless horizon filled her with a rare sense of peace.
"This is the Pokémon Preserve — a sanctuary where wild Pokémon live and grow naturally,"
Suzie explained after checking the information on her map.
"The Pokémon here can't be captured. The area is under the care of the Laramie family. Ash, that family is actually affiliated with the Oak family you're connected to!"
Suzie looked up from the notes with surprise as she realized the connection.
...
TN:
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