"We're finally in Cyllage City!" Serena exclaimed as they made it.

"Yay, we made it!" Bonnie cheered.

"There it is, Pikachu," Ash looked over at the gym. "Can't wait to challenge Axl so we can beat the Cyllage City Gym and get that badge."

"And of course, Ash is sure he's going to win," Twilight chuckled a bit. "What's your strategy for stopping the Rock Tomb?"

"Wait and see, Twilight," Ash told her as they made their way to the gym.

"So, Rarity, are you excited about Ash's gym battle?" Applejack asked her.

"I am, Applejack, after all, the last he had was thrilling," Rarity said. "Uh, just one question, where is the gym?"

"All the way up there on that mountain," Serena said pointing to the general location.

Moments later, the gang entered the Cyallage Gym.

"Wow! So this is the Cyallage Gym," Pinkie said while looking around. "I think?"

"This is a gym?" Rainbow asked.

"Look at the pretty colors," Bonnie exclaimed.

"Axl, it's Ash," He called him as he climbed the wall. "I'm here to challenge you to a Gym Battle. Are you ready?"

"Sure, I'm game, I've been waiting for you. Climb on up."

"Uh, climb what?"

"Pika?"

"This wall, of course. The battlefield up at the top," Axl said making everyone gasp.

"No way."

"Yes, way."

"You see, my Cyllage Gym works well with Rock-Type Pokémon. I feel all challegeners should experience my great love of rocks. So I designed the Gym accomplish that by allowing you to climb on your power."

"You don't mean all of us, do you?" Fluttershy asked.

"Not worry, there's an elevator for spectators. The choice is yours. Now just because you don't scale the wall doesn't mean I won't accept your challenge."

"What are you going do, Ash?" Zane asked him.

"Climb it, of course," Ash said as he started to climb the rock wall.

"Come on, let's take the elevator," Twilight said as they made it to the elevator.

Ash continued to climb to the summit then Pikachu jumped off. and then made it with Axl doing the same. Then the others got a look at the battlefield.

"There, made it."

"Well done. So, Ash, tell me what were you thinking about when you were climbing?"

"Huh? Uh, well, I wasn't thinking about anything."

"That's perfect. So, what were looking you looking at?"

"Huh! Straight up, where I was going."

"Excellent. That means you achieved a state of enlightenment. Your mind was crystal clear. Unclouded. Now that you've successfully conquered the wall the next wall you will need to conquer is me. And that's what you came here for, challenger."

"Right."

"One question? Why do you have challengers climb the wall?" Clemont asked.

"So that inner peace can be achieved."

"Inner peace?" Rainbow implied.

"What's that mean?" Bonnie asked having no clue.

"Scaling the wall. It's the best way I know to achieve a state of enlightenment. When I do that, I forget about everything else and the only thing I concentrate on is reaching the top. That is my one and only goal. The only thing I want is to arrive at my destination. As long as there is a wall for me to climb. I will rise to the challenge. I want challengers to achieve the same state of enlightenment when they climb up here to me. But talking time is over, you're ready to do this?"

"Yes, I am."

Moments later Ash and Axl were standing on opposite sides of the battlefield.

"Uh, Rarity, why is Cottonee out?" Bonnie asked.

"Since I think Cottneee wanted to see the battle, why not. Besides she's certainly like it."

"Cotton!"

On the battlefield...

Now the battle between Axl, the Cyllage City Gym Leader, and Ash, the challenger from Pallet Town will now begin. The Gym Leader will only use two Pokémon while the challenger will have the use of all the Pokémon he currently has.

"I can use all of them?"

"That's how the gym operates. I want to see everything that Trainers and their Pokémon can really do."

"Got it. As of right now, I got three Pokémon. We'll work together to our best and then I'll that Gym badge."

Only the challenger will be allowed to substitute during the battle. So if you please bring your Pokémon.

"I've looked forward to your challenge since I first saw you battle back at the Battle Chareau. Now let's see which Pokémon you plan to use to scale the wall and that wall is me. Larion, out!"

"Lari!"

"So he's gonna use Larion first. In that, I'll do this. Froakie, I choose you!"

"Froak!"

"Of course, he would go with Froakie since water types are a good matchup against rock types," Zane said.

"But, don't let that fool you, Z," Twilight reminded him. "Gym Leaders are ready for when the matchup doesn't favor them. Knowing Axl, he won't make this easy for him."

Alright. Let the Battle begin.

Axl vs Ash 2vs3 Handicap Battle

"Okay, Froakie, Water Pulse."

"Use yours."

Froakie attacks Larion with a pulsing blast of water where Larion did the same but Larion's Water Pulse did damage to Froakie.

"Are you okay Froakie?"

"Froakie!"

"Good, let's go!"

"Rock Polish!"

Larion polishes its body to reduce the drag.

"Larion has increased its speed," Jaden said.

"I can already see what your strategy is, Ash, you're aiming to attack Larion's body but can you deal with its speed? Chase after it."

Larion did its best as he tail Froakie from behind but Froakie stay one step ahead.

"Froakie, stay calm and use Double Team!"

Froakie created clones of himself and circle around Larion making it confused.

"A speedy Double Team, indeed. But it isn't gonna help one bit against our next move."

"Here it comes!"

"Let us show you the true power of Rock types. Use Rock Tomb!"

"This is it, let's see if all that training came off," Rainbow said.

"You can do it, Froakie!" Fluttershy cheered.

"Froakie, watch carefully then, jump!"

Larion created several boulders and all came down just as the Froakies jumped up.

"That should end your Double Team. Now let's see if you can escape the Rock Tomb."

"Now Froakie, show them what all that training was for."

Just as the clones disperse the real one kept jumping the Rock Tomb.

"Keep on jumping, higher!"

Froakie was soon at sky level.

"How is this possible?"

"We saw that Rock Tomb at the Battle Chateau. And I knew we'd have to beat it for me to earn a badge. So we did some special training to come up with a way to counter that move."

"That is impressive."

"It's called the Froakie Rock Tomb Climb."

"That's a good one," Pinkie wrote it down.

"That should give Ash lots of confidence," Clemont said.

"Now follow it up, with Water Pulse!"

Froakie fired Water Pulse right at Larion's blind spot causing serious damage.

"Quick, Take Down!"

Larion came right at Froakie with a full-on charge.

"Dodge it, quick!"

Froakie jumped over it, barely avoiding it.

"Okay, now get on Larion's back!"

"Larion, shake Froakie off!"

Larion tried to shake it off, but Froakie hang on tight.

"Hang on tight," Zane encouraged it.

"Now Finish it with Water Pulse."

Froakie jumped up and use Water Pulse scored a KO'd on it.

Larion is unable to battle. Froakie is the winner!

"Alright! The Froakie Rock Tomb Climb rocked it hard!"

"Yes! The training paid off!" Rainbow exclaimed.

"You were so great, Froakie!" Rarity cheered.

"So climbing the Rock Tomb does not only avoid it but also gives the aerial advantage since most Rock Types can't jump that well and using Water Pulse in close range works just as well," Twilight said.

"Thanks. You did great, Larion, now take a good rest. You are quite a surprise, Ash. It's exactly what Viola warned me about. She advised me not to take you lightly and expected the unexpected and she was right."

"The best defense is a good offense. That's the way I battle."

"He may best Larion, but I got a feeling his next one will make this not easy," Sunset said.

"Time for my second Pokémon, Barbaracle, out!"

Barbaracle came out and let out a shout.

"Bar!"

"Whoa, his second Pokémon is that!" Rarity exclaimed while Pokédex.

Barbarcle. Collective Pokémon. Having an eye on each palm allows it to keep watch in all directions. In a pinch, its limbs start to act on their own to ensure the enemy’s defeat.

"Look like we're gonna have to avoid the arms."

"I hope Ash knows that Barbarcle is Rock and Water type," Jaden said as Cottneee closed its eyes.

"I guess you think it's strong too," Rarity said to it.

Does the challenger wish to make a substitution now?

"No thanks. I'm going to stick with Froakie, okay?"

Alright, let the battle begin!

"Let's give it everything we've got! Double Team!"

Froakie started to move and use Double Team and created clones of itself and circled around the Collective Pokémon.

"Barbaracle, use Slash!"

Barbaracle sharpens its claws and strikes repetitively at the clones.

"Froakie. You and Ash can do it," Bonnie cheered.

"What power," Pinkie exclaimed.

"Here we go, use Bubble!"

The Froakies used Bubble causing severe damage.

"No matter what you throw will overcome it!"

"I wouldn't be overly confident, Barbaracle jump!"

Barbaracle jumped right at the Froakies' level

"What a jump!" Applejack said.

"Here it comes," Sunset said.

"Draco Meteor!"

Barbaracle cause comets to be summoned down from the sky and right at them.

"Froakie, no!" Ash said while Froakie was out.

Froakie is unable to battle. Barbaracle wins!

"Not only Barbaracle is strong it can use a Dragon-Type move like Drago Meteor!" Zane said.

"Okay, Froakie, return. That was an awesome job!"

"Pika!"

"So, what do you think of my Barbaracle? I'm especially proud of its strong legs and its Draco Meteor is the best of the best. How do you plan to climb against that?"

"Barbaracle!"

"You know what I think? The stronger the opponent the more fun the battle. I'll deal with any wall you put up for me to climb. Alright, Fletctling, I choose you!"

"Flect!"

"A Flying-type?"

"Flecthling, Razor Wind!"

Flecthing created blades of wind launched at Barbarcle.

"Counter, with Night Slash!"

Barbarcle used Night Slash to null the Razor Wind.

"Did it slash right through it?" Serena asked.

"Yes, its arms are very strong," Jaden implied.

"Alright, Flecthling, Double Team!"

Flecthling created copies of itself making Barbarcle confused.

"It's all or nothing, now!"

"Steel Wing, let's go! Fly straight in!"

All of them used Steel Wing and headed straight it.

"Cross Chop!"

Barbarcle jump once more to avoid the Steel Wing.

"It jumps again, that completely counters against aerial advantage!" Rainbow said.

Then it used to deliver a double chop at most of the copies while the real one ducked underneath it made contact but Barbarcle quickly counters it, knocking it out.

Fletchling is unable to battle. Barbarcle is the winner.

"Just like that, it all comes down to this," Rainbow said.

"Flecthling, return. You were great out there."

"Pika Pika."

"Alright, buddy, it's up to now. You can do it."

"Pika!"

"So it seems arrived at our final battle."

"I know what all of Barbarcle's moves are. All I've got to do is win."

"Your spirit is strong. Although Rock Tomb Climb is quite creative it won't work with Draco Meteor. Also, Pikachu is an Electric Type, while Barbarcle is weak against it, but he'll hang in there."

"Okay, bring it on! Pikachu, Quick Attack!"

"Slash!"

Pikachu lunged at Barbarcle with Quick Attack, then Barbarcle prepare to use Slash.

"Jump, Pikachu!"

Pikachu jumped over Barbarcle avoided the Slash.

"Draco Meteor!"

Barbarcle prepared to use Draco Meteor.

"Iron Tail, go!"

Pikachu deliver a huge strike at Barbarcle with Iron Tail then meteors came down.

"Look out!"

"Pikachu's going to get hit."

"You think so? Pikachu jump is as high as you can. Now, go into Draco Meteor Climb."

Pikachu used Iron Tail and vaulted over it.

"From Rock Tomb Climb to Draco Meteor Climb no matter what happens, you can never count out the bond between Ash and Pikachu."

"Look at that! Barbarcle, Cross Chop!"

Barbarcle jumped up and prepare to use Cross Chop.

"Keep using Iron Tail."

Pikachu once again used Iron Tail and collided with Barbarcle's Cross Chop then they landed.

"Excellent. Quite well-executed."

"We keep on getting stronger even while we're battling."

"And an exciting battle it is. To show my respect for your passion I'm going to finish this with my favorite move, Night Slash!"

"Well, I'm ready for it!"

Barbarcle used Night Slash and came right at Pikachu.

"Counter with Iron Tail!"

Both of them clash with each other then Pikachu strikes the Iron Tail from behind knocking it to the ground.

"Now, I'll wrap this up with my favorite move."

"Here it comes..."

"Pikachu, use Thunderbolt!"

Pikachu used Thunderbolt on Barbarcle's back scoring a huge hit and making it dazed.

Barbarcle is able to battle. Pikachu is the winner. Which means the victor goes to Ash, the challenger.

"You were so awesome! Pikachu, we won!"

Then Pikachu fell asleep.

"I can't believe it's actually sleeping," Rarity exclaimed.

"He won!" Rainbow and Zane high-fived each other.

"That certainly turned into a heated and fearsome battle didn't it," Axl said to Barbarcle."Thank you so very much."

"Bar!"

"Your Rock Tomb climb really surprised me but the biggest surprise of all was having Pikachu use Thunderbolt which shouldn't be that effective since Barbarcle is Rock and Water Type.

"Everyone was awesome."

"Pika!"

"Ling!"

"Fro!"

"This is a victory for all three of you."

"Wonderful! By working together you all managed to scale what is known as the Cyllage City Gym Battle. As a symbol of that, I present to you the Cliff Badge," Axl showed show Ash it and then handed it to him.

"Thank you so much, Axl. We did it Pikachu. All that hard work paid off. Alright! I won the Cliff Badge!"

"Pika!"

"Ling!"

"Fro!"

"Congrats, on the win, it was awesome," Sunset said then look around. "That's weird, where's Sandile?"

"There it is," Bonnie saw Sandile as it was holding something in its mouth.

"What is it?" Rainbow asked.

"Only way to find out," Pinkie said then pulled it out of Sandile's mouth.

"I don't believe it's Sun Stone!" Zane exclaimed.

"A what now?"

"A Sun Stone is a rare type of stone that some Pokémon evolve like Cottonee into Whimsicott."

"You don't say," Rarity exclaimed then Cottonee saw it and grab it out of Pinkie's hand, and started to glow. "Oh my stars, it's happening!

"This is amazing," Bonnie said as Cottonee evolved into Whimsicott.

"It's so cute," Serena exclaimed then use Pokédex.

Whimsicott. The Windveiled Pokémo. Like the wind, it can slip through any gap, no matter how small. It leaves balls of white fluff behind.

"Wow, you're beautiful," Rarity said then hugged it.

Much Later...

"So tell me, Ash, have you already decided which Gym you'll challenge for your third Kalos Gym Badge?"

"Nope. Guess I'd better start thinking about that."

"I've got an idea. I know the perfect place we should go to next. The Shalour City Gym. There's the Tower of Mastery nearby and I've always wanted to go see it," Serena suggested it.

"Yes, Shalour City. Good choice. It's quite nice."

"Shalour City sounds good to me."

"I think you'll have quite a different battle experience at the Shalour Gym than your typical battle."

"What do you mean by that? Twilight asked.

"Trust me, you'll find out when you get there, but I can guarantee you another challenging and fierce wall to climb."

"Great. Then I'm going to Shalour City for my next badge."

"And that's that."

"More adventures."

"This should be fun. I'm wondering what kind of Gym it is."

"One more thing. Let's have a rematch at the Battle Chateau."

"You bet."

Next Chapter: Chapter 19-Battle of Sweets! Triple Trouble! Lyra and Bon-Bon! Estimated time remaining: 2 Hours, 42 Minutes