Pokemon : Rewind-Chapter 492 - 80: The Battle of Ecruteak Gym

Ecruteak Gym, located west of the city center, was a short distance—barely a kilometer—from the Morty family estate that Ash and his team had visited the day before.

Though the gym was officially established by the Johto League, the land it stood on had been donated by the Morty family. As a result, every gym leader in Ecruteak's history had come from their lineage.

For the past five years, Morty had served as the gym leader after taking over from his predecessor.

The source of this c𝐨ntent is freёnovelkiss.com.

Known for his mastery of Ghost-type Pokémon, his family had shifted their focus from raising Eevee to specializing in Ghost-types after the tragic Burned Tower incident 150 years ago.

Outsiders didn't know the full story behind this change, but it was undeniably tied to the events of that fateful day. Morty himself was renowned within Johto, earning the title "The Inner Eye Practitioner."

This title wasn't just for show. It stemmed from Morty's uncanny observational abilities—his seemingly supernatural "inner eye."

Rumor had it that his sight was so sharp, he could discern details from miles away and read his opponents' moves as if he could see the future.

Some even compared him to practitioners of the legendary Clairvoyant Eye, believing he could glimpse the unseen.

—

In the waiting hall, Ash sat with Pikachu resting on his shoulder, his eyes closed in quiet meditation.

Despite Morty's casual portrayal in games and anime, Ash wasn't one to underestimate a gym leader. Titles and reputations were earned through strength and skill.

The other trainers waiting their turn couldn't help but glance at Ash. His presence was magnetic, especially now that his exploits were gaining more attention in Johto.

At half-past ten, a staff member called Ash's name, signaling his turn to battle.

"Let's go, Pikachu," Ash said, standing up confidently as Pikachu hopped onto his shoulder. The trainers around him watched with anticipation.

Although they couldn't witness the match live, a screen in the lobby would broadcast the battle. All eyes followed Ash as he walked into the gym, ready to face his next challenge.

—

Ecruteak Gym's interior was a blend of tradition and modernity. While it specialized in Ghost-type Pokémon, the décor wasn't eerie but rather elegant and reminiscent of an ancient martial arts dojo.

The battlefield stretched 100 meters long and 50 meters wide, flanked by tiered seating that could accommodate up to 400 spectators.

Misty and Brock sat in the stands, waving at Ash as he entered. Ash smiled and nodded before focusing on Morty, who stood waiting on the other side of the field.

Morty was dressed casually, true to his easy going personality. He valued comfort over ceremony, much like the free-spirited nature of Ghost Pokémon.

"Mr. Ash, I've been looking forward to this!" Morty's eyes gleamed with excitement. Since their conversation the day before, he had been eager to test Ash's skills.

"Likewise, Mr. Morty," Ash replied, taking his position on the challenger's side of the battlefield.

With a nod from Morty, the referee stepped forward and announced the rules:

"This official Gym Challenge will be a three-on-three match between Gym Leader Morty and Challenger Ash. Neither side may switch Pokémon during the battle. The match will end when one side loses all three Pokémon."

—

"Go, Mismagius!" Morty declared, tossing his Poké Ball into the air. The elegant, ghostly form of Mismagius materialized on the field.

Its purple, hat-like head and flowing robe-like body gave it a mystical presence.

Ash adjusted his cap with a determined expression. "Lapras, I choose you!"

Ash's Poké Ball opened to reveal Lapras, whose presence was both majestic and commanding.

Morty raised an eyebrow, slightly disappointed. He had hoped to face Ash's Gengar, which was rumored to be extraordinarily powerful.

But he wouldn't underestimate Lapras. As one of Ash's Pokémon, it was undoubtedly strong and capable of surprises.

—

"Lapras versus Mismagius," the referee confirmed, stepping aside. "Begin!"

Ash was immediately on the offensive. "Lapras, start strong! Use Hail!"

Lapras reared back and released a glowing orb of frosty energy into the air. The orb shot up and exploded into dark, swirling clouds that stretched across the gym. Moments later, a cascade of icy hailstones began to fall.

They pummeled the battlefield, and while Lapras seemed energized by the change in weather, Mismagius winced slightly as the hail struck.

Mismagius floated slightly higher to avoid the worst of the weather, its body flickering like a flame knotting against the wind. Morty's expression didn't waver.

"Mismagius, use Mystical Fire!"

The ethereal flames flickered into existence around Mismagius before surging forward in a wave of scorching energy.

The attack struck Lapras head-on, flames licking against its body and reducing its Special Attack. Lapras let out a cry of pain but held firm, shaking off the embers defiantly.

"Lapras, counter with Ice Beam!" Ash called.

Lapras opened its mouth, a dazzling blue light forming within, and fired a beam of concentrated ice energy that zigzagged across the gym.

Amplified by the Hail, it tore through the battlefield with force. The attack seemed like a direct hit—until Mismagius disappeared in the blink of an eye.

"Now, dodge with Phantom Force!" Morty said coolly.

Mismagius vanished into thin air, leaving nothing but the faint sound of chilling laughter behind. The Ice Beam struck empty air, leaving a patch of frost on the floor.

"Stay sharp, Lapras! It could come from anywhere!" Ash warned, scanning his opponent's side intently.

Morty gave a small smile. "Behind you."

Before Ash could react, Mismagius reappeared directly behind Lapras, slamming into it with a ghostly tendril of energy. Lapras cried out as the strike sent it stumbling forward slightly.

---

The battle raged on, with both trainers exchanging powerful moves and strategies.

"Lapras, go in harder this time! Use Body Slam!"

Despite its size, Lapras surged forward with surprising speed, leaping into the air and slamming down toward Mismagius with incredible force.

"Dodge, Mismagius, then use Mystical Leaf!" Morty countered.

Mismagius twirled gracefully through the air, evading Lapras at the last second. A spinning flurry of prismatic leaves materialized around Mismagius, glowing with ghostly energy, and shot forward, homing in on Lapras.

Despite the Ice-type Pokémon's attempted dodge, the attack landed, pushing it back.

Lapras grimaced in pain but stayed strong. Ash clenched his fists.

"Keep your distance! Use Blizzard!"

Lapras reared back and unleashed a furious winter storm. Ice and wind swirled across the battlefield, consuming the area in a torrent of snow and hail.

Mismagius bobbed and weaved, its graceful movements allowing it to avoid a direct hit, but the cold battering wind clearly took its toll.

The Pokémon flickered more faintly now, floating lower to the ground.

"Good one, Ash!" Misty said excitedly from the stands. "He's putting everything into this battle!"

"But Mismagius isn't quite down yet," Brock said cautiously. "Morty isn't showing all of his cards."

---

Morty narrowed his eyes—Mismagius was clearly starting to tire from the Hail and consistent damage, but he knew the battle wasn't over yet. Ash's confidence began to build as he prepared himself for the final move.

"Let's end this, Lapras!" Ash shouted. "Use Blizzard once more!"

The Ice- and Water-type reared back again, gathering an even stronger storm as the battlefield turned into a frozen wasteland. Morty, however, chuckled softly.

"Overconfidence leads to mistakes. Mismagius, use Phantom Force!"

The crowd gasped as Mismagius vanished once more, moving unseen through the arena. The Blizzard swept across the battlefield, but with no target in its path, the attack missed.

Before Ash or Lapras could react, Mismagius struck again, reappearing from the shadowy specter of the storm and landing yet another critical ghostly blow on Lapras.

Lapras cried out in pain and staggered back. Its breathing was heavy, the repeated attacks finally wearing it down.

Ash frowned, sensing the momentum shifting in Morty's favor. But he shook his head, pushing aside his doubts. "We've got this! Hang in there, Lapras!"

---

The battle was far from over, but Morty's calm demeanor and deliberate strategies had Ash and Lapras on the back foot.

With Mismagius still floating strong despite its fatigue and Lapras starting to falter, the challenge only grew.

Could Ash figure out how to turn the tide, or would Morty's ghostly cunning prove too much?

________________________

Join my Patreon for more advance Chapters