Chapter 81: Jade Star Gym
The Jade Star Gym, part of the prestigious Orange Alliance, stood out among the four official gyms for its unique blend of luxury and tradition.
Unlike the other three gyms, which showcased nature or cutting-edge facilities, the Jade Star Gym was integrated into an eighteen-story hot spring hotel located on the beach.
The hotel's front boasted a massive glass façade that shimmered under the sunlight, giving it a majestic and elegant appearance.
The gym itself was situated in the hotel's basement, doubling as a training arena for guests when not used for official gym challenges.
The building wasn't massive, but its grandeur and refinement left a lasting impression on all who visited.
The hotel's lobby served as the central hub for registration.
Divided into three sections—hotel guest check-ins, a general waiting area, and a dedicated gym challenge desk—it efficiently catered to its diverse visitors.
Word of Ash's arrival had spread like wildfire, and the Jade Star Gym had prepared extensively for his visit.
When Ash, Misty, and Tracey entered the hotel, a friendly staff member greeted them warmly.
"Welcome, Mr. Ash! We've been expecting you," she said with a polite smile before leading him directly to the gym registration desk.
Ash felt slightly out of place receiving such special treatment.
Though he had grown accustomed to attention, the level of celebrity he experienced following the Wrath of the Gods incident was still overwhelming.
"Thank you," Ash replied, feeling a mix of gratitude and unease.
He quickly registered for the challenge, and the staff member escorted them to the underground battle hall.
The battle hall was a formal arena with standard dimensions, eschewing any unnecessary flair.
However, the packed auditorium, capable of seating 300 spectators, immediately captured their attention.
Not a single seat was empty, and the electrifying energy of the crowd was reminiscent of a championship arena.
"Mr. Ash! Mr. Ash!"
The audience erupted into wild cheers the moment Ash entered. The sheer enthusiasm left him momentarily stunned, though he quickly nodded in acknowledgment, flashing a humble smile.
His modest response only fueled the crowd's excitement further, their cheers echoing through the hall.
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Ash," came a warm voice from the gym leader's seat.
Standing there was Luana, the Jade Star Gym's leader and a well-known figure in the Orange Archipelago.
Her graceful demeanor exuded confidence, and her expression carried a mix of fondness and nostalgia.
Luana's reputation as the Northern Star of the Southern Cross was well-deserved.
Her battling skills and leadership were widely respected, and her connection to the community made her beloved by all.
"Hello, Ms. Luana," Ash replied politely, taking his position on the battlefield.
Pikachu, perched on his shoulder, leapt down to stand beside him.
Luana's eyes lingered on Ash for a moment longer than expected.
He reminded her of her son, who was around the same age and had left the Orange Islands to travel the world.
Though she knew Ash wasn't her child, she couldn't help but feel a maternal fondness for him.
Luana stepped forward and explained the unique rules of the Jade Star Gym.
The battle would be a double battle with a twist: the match would end as soon as one Pokémon on either side was defeated.
Ash listened intently, nodding in understanding.
Though tempted to use Pikachu, Charizard, or Snorlax to thrill the audience, he decided to rely on Blastoise and Venusaur instead.
Luana called out her Pokémon first.
"Go, Alakazam! Marowak!"
The crowd murmured in excitement as the two Pokémon appeared, their Silver-level power evident.
Luana had chosen Marowak specifically to counter Pikachu, its Lightning Rod ability rendering it immune to Electric-type moves while boosting its Special Attack.
She had meticulously crafted a strategy to overcome Ash's Pikachu, but his choice of Pokémon threw her off balance.
"Blastoise! Venusaur! It's your turn!"
The Poké Balls opened, revealing the duo to the crowd.
Though some spectators expressed disappointment at not seeing Pikachu, Charizard, or Snorlax, they quickly grew eager to see Blastoise and Venusaur in action.
Luana was surprised by Ash's choices.
"Is he underestimating me?" she wondered.
But rather than feeling insulted, she saw this as an opportunity.
If Ash wasn't using his strongest Pokémon, she believed she might have a real chance of victory.
"The battle begins!" the referee announced, raising his flags.
"Blastoise, Water Pulse on Marowak!" Ash commanded immediately.
"Venusaur, Vine Whip—target Marowak!"
Ash wasted no time focusing his attacks on Marowak, knowing the match would end once it was knocked out.
Blastoise gathered Water-type energy, unleashing a massive Water Pulse. Simultaneously, Venusaur's vines shot forward with precision, aiming to entangle Marowak.
Luana's eyes widened at Ash's coordinated assault.
"Alakazam, intercept with Psychic! Marowak, counter with Bone Club!"
Alakazam's psychic energy created a shimmering barrier, slowing the Water Pulse enough for Marowak to retaliate.
Marowak swung its bone weapon, shattering the incoming vines, but the Water Pulse still struck, dealing significant damage.
"Blastoise, Hydro Cannon! Venusaur, Frenzy Plant!"
Ash's follow-up command left the audience in awe.
Blastoise launched a massive torrent of water, while Venusaur summoned enormous roots that erupted from the ground, converging on Marowak.
"Alakazam, use Reflect!" Luana shouted, but it was too late.
The combined attack overwhelmed Marowak, slamming it into the battlefield with enough force to knock it out.
"The match is over! The victory goes to Ash!" the referee declared.
The audience erupted into cheers, their excitement reaching a fever pitch.
As Luana recalled her fainted Marowak, she couldn't help but smile.
"You're as impressive as the stories say, Ash," she said warmly, walking across the battlefield to shake his hand.
"Thank you for the battle," Ash replied humbly, his respect for Luana evident.
Though the battle had ended quickly, it showcased Ash's strategic brilliance and the synergy between his Pokémon.
As the crowd cheered, Misty and Tracey watched from the sidelines, proud of their friend's victory.
Once again, Ash had proven why he was destined to become one of the greatest Pokémon Trainers of all time.
____________________
Join my Patreon for more advance chapters