"Let's get going," Ash said excitedly to everyone.
Due to Team Rocket's interference yesterday, the space shuttle launch was delayed, which in turn postponed their Gym challenge to this morning. After breakfast, Ash couldn't wait to head to the Mossdeep Gym for the challenge.
When they arrived at the Mossdeep Gym, Tate and Liza led them into a room decorated to resemble a space environment. This was the battleground for the Gym challenge.
Looking at the miniature planets floating in the air, Rex realized that these planets were likely created by some psychic-type Pokémon using their psychic powers. However, he couldn't see any of these Pokémon on the battlefield.
Ash volunteered to take the first Gym challenge, and Rex had no objections.
"Our Mossdeep Gym uses a 2-on-2 double battle format. Neither side can switch Pokémon during the battle. The match ends when all of one side's Pokémon are unable to battle. Additionally, the miniature planets floating in the air are part of the battlefield and can be used by both sides. Now, let the battle begin," announced Tate and Liza's mother, Ray, who served as the referee.
Tate and Liza sent out Lunatone and Solrock, while Ash chose Swellow and Pikachu, his main Pokémon.
At first, Swellow and Pikachu had trouble adapting to the presence of the miniature planets, putting them in a dangerous position as they were chased by Lunatone and Solrock.
However, due to coordination issues between Tate and Liza, Lunatone and Solrock's attacks collided, giving Swellow and Pikachu a chance to escape. This led to an argument between Tate and Liza, with each blaming the other.
This gave Ash an opportunity. With Swellow and Pikachu now somewhat accustomed to and able to use the floating miniature planets, they turned the tables, pushing Lunatone and Solrock back.
Just as Ash was about to deliver the final blow to Lunatone and Solrock, Team Rocket's trio appeared and captured Lunatone and Solrock, causing the Gym challenge to be temporarily interrupted.
Everyone chased after Team Rocket's giant robot to a cliffside. Then came Ash and Pikachu's usual performance of dismantling Team Rocket's robots. During this time, Tate and Liza reconciled.
After blasting off Team Rocket, they decided to continue the Gym challenge by the cliffside since the Gym's battleground had been destroyed.
After their reconciliation, Tate and Liza demonstrated perfect teamwork, completely suppressing Ash. Lunatone's light screen, formed by its psychic power, alone withstood Swellow and Pikachu's attacks.
After several unsuccessful attempts, Ash took a risk and had Pikachu use Thunder, drawing lightning from the sky. However, the lightning struck Pikachu and Swellow instead. Pikachu and Swellow endured the powerful electricity, cloaking themselves in a layer of electric armor, making them gleam with golden light.
Seeing this, Rex didn't know what to say. It seemed that type advantages were completely ignored at this moment. Pikachu enduring electricity was understandable, but Swellow doing so seemed like cheating.
Harnessing the power of the lightning, Swellow carried Pikachu and used Quick Attack to charge at Lunatone and Solrock. During this, Lunatone and Solrock's attacks couldn't stop their advance.
After Swellow shattered the light screen with its electrically charged Quick Attack, Pikachu used an Iron Tail imbued with electrical energy to defeat Solrock, while Swellow used a Return attack similarly enhanced to defeat Lunatone.
"Congratulations, Ash, on winning this Gym challenge," Tate and Liza congratulated Ash after recalling their fainted Lunatone and Solrock.
They all returned to the Mossdeep Gym, and Ash received his seventh badge, the Mind Badge, which resembled a symmetrical heart.
"Rex, since the battlefield was destroyed and Lunatone and Solrock need time to recover, we'll have to postpone our Gym challenge until tomorrow," Liza said apologetically to Rex.
"It's understandable. I also want to battle you both at your best, so no need to apologize. I'll come back tomorrow for the challenge," Rex replied with a shrug, indicating he didn't mind.
To ensure the battle could proceed the next day, Rex and his friends volunteered to help repair the battlefield at the Mossdeep Gym.
"Rex, which Pokémon are you planning to use for the Gym challenge tomorrow?" Ash asked while carrying debris.
After spending some time with Rex, Ash could sense that Rex was strong, although they hadn't yet had a proper battle. Ash was very excited for Rex's upcoming Gym challenge.
"Uh, I'll probably use Poliwhirl and Haunter," Rex answered after some thought while helping move debris.
Poliwhirl's water type had an advantage over Solrock and Lunatone's rock type, putting him in a favorable position. As for Haunter, its ghost type both countered and was countered by psychic types, making it an even match. The outcome would depend on the Pokémon's strength and the trainer's strategy.
"I see. I can't wait to watch your battle," Ash said excitedly after hearing Rex's choice of Pokémon.
"Really, Ash, your enthusiasm for battles is off the charts," May teased after hearing their conversation.
To thank them for their help, Ray prepared a sumptuous dinner for them. His excellent cooking made it the most satisfying meal they'd had in a while.
The next morning, they arrived at the Mossdeep Gym again. The battleground had been repaired, with even the floating miniature planets replaced, showing no signs of the previous day's destruction.
With Ray announcing the battle rules, Rex's Gym challenge officially began.
Tate and Liza sent out Lunatone and Solrock again, while Rex chose Poliwhirl and Haunter, as he had mentioned to Ash.
"Poliwhirl, use Rain Dance! Haunter, protect Poliwhirl!" Rex commanded.
"Solrock, use Solar Beam on Poliwhirl!" Liza ordered.
"Lunatone, use Light Screen!" Tate followed.
As Solrock prepared its Solar Beam, Haunter intercepted with a Shadow Ball, allowing Poliwrath to summon rain clouds and start a downpour.
"Poliwhirl, use Hydro Pump! Haunter, Shadow Ball!" Rex ordered.
Poliwhirl's Hydro Pump, enhanced by the rain, hit Lunatone's Light Screen, causing cracks. Haunter's Shadow Ball then shattered the Light Screen, allowing the water to hit Lunatone directly.
"Lunatone, Psychic! Solrock, Psychic!" Tate and Liza commanded simultaneously.
Combining their Psychic powers, they stopped the Hydro Pump and redirected it towards Haunter.
"Poliwhirl, block it!" Rex knew the redirected Hydro Pump, strengthened by Psychic, would be too much for Haunter, so he had Poliwhirl block it with its Water Absorb ability.
"This is intense. Rex is really strong!" May exclaimed, gripping her fists tightly as she watched the intense battle.
"Yeah, he's definitely a tough opponent!" Ash added, impressed by Rex's performance.
(Chapter End)