*Hey guys. Another battle for you, this time in two parts. I was watching the old series a while back and I realised there has never been a re-match between Ash and Ritchie since they battled at Indigo Plateau. I mean they met in Johto, but they didn't battle and as far as I know, Ritchie never appeared in the main series again. So in a slight change to the anime, I'm going to write this and add a battle episode just before they part ways in the Whirl Islands ;). For fun, I'm going to set this out as if it was an actual episode, plus I am gonna try and make it so as if it could have actually happened in the Master Quest season, so pokemon and attacks will from the second generation. So if your expecting 'iron tails' and 'volt tackles' then sorry...
Disclaimer: A lot of people write these-is there any need really? If I did own pokemon then one-I wouldn't be posting this on the internet for free. And two-I'd probably be a much better writer...(and that's not saying much). But just to be safe- I don't own pokemon, the characters, Japan or anything remotely connected. Only this brilliant story.
(cough) ;)
Enjoy!*
Revised end to 'A Promise is a Promise'
'I think I'm gonna keep exploring the Whirl Islands,' Ritchie said, looking down at the trio stood at the end of the boat.
'Well, we're on our way to Olivine City, so I guess it's goodbye for now,' Ash replied regretfully, looking up at his old time friend and rival.
'By the way, you've gotten a lot stronger Ash, I learned so much from battling alongside ya.' Ritchie continued, enthusiasm spilling into his voice.
'Thanks!'
'So I'll see you soon okay?'
'Yeah!' Ash returned the enthusiasm with a wide grin. 'Then, you and I can battle!' His friend returned the grin, much like the confident looks the two yellow mouse pokemon below were now exchanging.
'So, are you guys still heading to the port in Transit town?' A women stood near the wheel of her ship looked behind her.
'You bet.' Misty span around and returned the question with a small nod.
'There's a ferry from there to Olivine City,' Brock confirmed, twisting back his top half to look at Luca.
'Then let's go.'
A sound of a motor starting filled the evening air as the small boat propellers coughed into life under the water, sending a small spray of water into the air. Ash raised a hand in farewell as the small vessel slowly started to move. 'Seeya later Ritchie. Take care Oliver!' Ash added to the smaller boy stood by Ritchie.
'Come visit some day!' Oliver yelled back, waving a arm frantically in the air. 'Lanturn and I will be waiting for ya! Bye!' A blue seel-like pokemon with a glowing yellow orb hanging out of the top of it's head cryed shrilly, bouncing up and down and waving it's fins in the water below the pair.
'Seeya!'
'Goodbye!'
'Toogepriii!'
Both Brock, Misty and Togepi responded in kind, all waving back to the new friend they had shared such a big adventure with.
'Pika pika!'
'Pika! Pika!' Pikachu leaned over the edge of the ship, crying out as loud as it's voice could allow. Across the slowly expanding gap of water, Sparky cried back, waving both it's small arms in farewell.
'Seeya later Ritchie!' Ash yelled one last time. Too his slight confusion, his old friend didn't seem to return the gesture, his face suddenly growing thoughtful. Huh? Pallet town trainer slowly lowered his hand in confusion. I wonder what's wrong with Ritchie... Oh well, it's on to Olivine city then I can win my next badge! 'Yeah!' Ash suddenly shouted, doing a little leap in the air.
'Huh?' The former Pewter gym leader span around, looking at the young trainer with surprise. 'What wrong with you?'
'Yeah, did you just learn how to tie your shoes or something?'
Ash immediately span around and scowled at the water pokemon trainer. 'Nooo thanks Mist! I'm, just excited about my next gym battle!'
'Well it has been a while since Cianwood,' Brock replied understandingly. 'I can see why you'd be so pumped up about it.'
'Yeah.' Misty turned back, holding Togetpi tightly, a smile on her face. 'And let's face it, you wait any longer and you'll never be able to catch up Gary...'
'Hey... Ash!'
'Huh?'
Ash paused mid-reply and span round again. The two figures stood on the small island had faded into into small silhouettes, but Ash could just hear his old friend's voice being carried along by the ocean.
'Is that Ritchie?' Misty wondered, joining Ash at the back of the boat.
'Yeah, I wonder what he wants?' Brock replied, walking up to stand on the other side of the young pokemon trainer.
'Pika pikachu?'
'I...Challenge...You...To...A...Battle!'
Ash froze, his eyes blinking rapidly as the words began to sink in. A battle?
'STOP!'
'Woah!'
The boat screeched to a halt in the water. Both Misty and Brock stumbled backwards. Brock tripped and fell over onto his back. Misty immediately fell over him, both landing in a tangled heap. 'No Togepi!' Misty cried out in fear as she lost her grip on the spike ball pokemon.
'Tooogepiii!' Togepi cried out happily as it soared toward the open waters.
'Pi pi pi!'
Pikachu sprinted after the small pokemon, bounced off the the railings at the edge of the boat and leapt into the air, just catching Togepi as it passed overhead.
'Tooogepiiiiiiiiii!' Togepi laughed shrilly in the electric pokemon's grip.
'Pi-ka-chu...' Pikachu responded dolefully, it's ears drooping as it passed the baby pokemon back to it's owner who had ran over to collect it.
'Togepi! Oh thank goodness, that was a close one. Thanks Pikachu!' Misty flashed a quick smile down at the mouse pokemon.
'Pi...' Pikachu made a exasperated salute with one paw.
'And you!' Misty turned back to glare at the pokemon trainer who was now leaning over the railings at the edge of the boat, a wide grin on his face. 'Just what do you think you're playing at Ash Ketchum? You could have got Togepi hurt!'
Ash turned back to face the water trainer with a smirk. 'Well maybe you should worry less about me catching up to Gary and more about you catching up to Togepi!'
'WHAT! I WASN'T THE ONE WHO JUST SHOUTED FOR THE BOAT TO STOP!'
'Hey! What's going on back there!' Luca shouted.
'Ha! I'll tell you!' Ash span back around to face the the shore, pointing triumphantly towards the two figures still stood on the small rocky outcrop. 'I've got a pokemon battle to win! Yes! Now full steam ahead, back to that island!'
Less than two minutes later, the ship pulled in to face the shore close to the two boys once again.
'Er, sorry about that.' Ritchie raised one hand to rub the back on his head, laughing sheepishly. 'But I just thought Ash, it's been so long since the Indigo League... and with you now entering the Johto League, it might be a long time before we meet up and get the chance for that battle you wanted. Plus, I gotta be honest, watching Pikachu and Sparky battle that Electabuzz got me really psyched up. So if you want, why not have it right now?'
'Haaha!' In one leap, Ash jumped off the boat to stand next to his old friend, Pikachu leaping with him to land on his shoulder.
'You bet, I'd love to battle you right now!'
'Great!' Ritchie grinned back. 'But not right now, it's getting late.' he said, gesturing toward the setting sun. 'How about we do it tomorrow on that beach on the otherside of the island?'
'Sounds good to me! Let's go!'
'Pika-chu!' Sparky gave a friendly growl at Pikachu, a few sparks flying from the patches on both it's cheeks.
'Piikkaa!' Pikachu growled back confidently from it's position on Ash's shoulder, small electric bolts coming from it's own cheeks.
'Oh brother...' Misty sweat-dropped as she rubbed her face. 'Here he goes again...we're never going to get off these Islands at this rate.'
'I dunno Misty...' Brock smiled slightly at the two trainer's eyeing each other up on the shore in front of them. 'I think this could be interesting, Ash has grown a lot since the Pokemon League.'
'Yeah, I guess. And at least this time, he does have Charizard to fall asleep again. Isn't that right Togepi?'
'Toogepiii!'
So the end to Ash, Misty, Brock and Ritchie's adventures in the Whirl Islands takes an abrupt twist! With both trainers fired up, eager to see how much the other has grown in their time apart, who will emerge victorious in this sure to be epic re-match of rivals? Tune in next week to find out!
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(flashback to previous episode)
Drawn by the legend of a mysterious pokemon, the gang travelled to Oki Isle, where they met up with Ash's old time friend and rival, Ritchie. Together, they discovered a wild infant Lugia and then managed to prevent a plot by Team Rocket to capture the legendary pokemon! With a their new friend Oliver and their old friend Ritchie, the gang waved a heartfelt farewell to the baby Lugia and it's parent as they swam away to freedom. However, just as the group part ways, Ritchie challenges Ash to a re-match! Eager to make up for his past defeat at the Indigo League, Ash accepts! Will Ash finally beat his old friend? Or will Ritchie claim victory once again?
(Master Quest theme music)
Keeping your friends close!
A fire crackled nearby, casting a flickering light on the small group laid asleep, high up on the beach, half-surrounded by a dense forest. The full moon shone brightly overhead, the stars twinkled in the night sky.
'Chaa...'
Pikachu slowly stretched in it's sleep, rolling over to curl up closer to it's trainer, opening it's eyes in surprise as it rolled onto an empty sleeping bag.
'Pikapi?'
Pikachu blinked twice in confusion, it's eyes travelling over Misty, Brock and Ritchie, all asleep in their own sleeping bags. Next to Ritchie, Sparky dozed peacefully, undisturbed by the fellow pikachu's question. The mouse pokemon jumped up to it's feet, it's eyes scanning the beach in all directions until finally it saw it's trainer, sat down by the water's edge, the waves gently caressing his bare feet.
'Hey Pikachu.'
Ash smiled down at his starter as it ran up to join him. Pikachu stared up at it's owner with a quizzical look in it's eyes.
'Pika?'
Ash's smile faded slightly as he turned away, staring back up at the stars. 'I'm just thinking about tomorrow, that's all Pikachu. And last time we battled, back at the Indigo Stadium.'
(Flashback to final battle in the Indigo League)
'I mean, I know Charizard's not on our team anymore. And even if he was, we're best buddies now anyway. But I can't help but wonder if I would have beaten Ritchie even if Team Rocket hadn't tricked us, or if Charizard obeyed me back then.'
'Pika...' Pikachu nodded slowly.
'And the truth is, even though we've done so many amazing things and battled so many different people since then, this still feels like my big chance to prove to everyone I'm a better trainer than I was back then, you know?'
'Chu pika.'
Ash laughed slightly, a little sheepish after his speech as he looked back down at the yellow electric pokemon sat beside him. 'I guess you could say I'm a little nervous...'
'Pikapi!' Pikachu jumped up onto it's feet and leapt into it's master's surprised arms. 'Pika pikachu pi pi pikachu!'
Ash stared at his starter with wide eyes, a smile growing again on his face. 'Yeah, you're right Pikachu! We'll just have to do our best!'
'Pikachu!'
You're the best buddy!'
'Chaaa!' Pikachu rolled it's head around in pleasure as it's owner rubbed the top of it's head. Ash laughed as he watched, this time with happiness rather than nerves, before looking up into the night sky just in time to see a bright light suddenly shoot across the sky to hide behind the large moon.
'Wow, look Pikachu! A shooting star!'
'Pikaaa,' Pikachu replied, looking up at the sky in wonderment.
'Maybe that means we're gonna win tomorrow huh?'
'Pikachu!'
'And if we win, then maybe win can win the Johto League as well!'
'Pika pikachu!'
Ash grinned again as he lent backwards, laying down on his back as he looked up at the sky with his hands behind his head. Pikachu crawled forward from his lap, curling up into a tight ball on top of it's master's chest, it's small eyes closing in contentment.
We'll do it Pikachu. Ash thought as he closed his own eyes. Just you wait, we're gonna win tomorrow, then we're gonna win the Johto League. And then...and then I'll finally be a pokemon master...
'Ash?'
Huh?
'Ash! What are you doing down here?'
Ash opened his eyes slowly, blinking as his eyes adjusted to the bright sunlight as he looked up at a smiling girl with a yellow top and bright orange hair, tied in a pony tail to one side. Misty grinned as she looked down at the young boy. 'Hey sleepyhead. You have a good night? Whatchya doing down here huh?'
Ash blinked again, finally forcing his tired eyes to recognise the girl above him, suddenly becoming aware of Pikachu still curled up on his chest and something else, something strange...
'Er yeah I did, thanks Misty?' Ash replied, surprised at the nice tone the girl was speaking to him in, still trying to figure out what felt so weird about the position he was laid in, but reluntant to disturb the pokemon asleep on top of him.
'So...' Ash eyed Misty suspiciously as she continued, seeming to hold back giggles. 'You decide you wanted a bath this morning or something?'
'Er no, whatya mean?' Ash brought an arm up to rub his face in confusion, then stared at the water dripping from his fingers with surprise.
'Well then...' Misty paused for a moment before continuing. 'Then why are you and Pikachu sleeping in the sea?'
'What?' Ash sat up suddenly, sending a very surprised Pikachu rolling off his chest and into the water completely hiding his legs, the lapping waves now crashing into his chest.
'WAAAHHHH!'
'Oh Ash.' Misty giggled as she watched the trainer jump into the air and run out of the water cursing, closely followed by a very disgruntled Pikachu. 'Didn't you know the tide comes in on a morning?'
'Well I do now,' Ash muttered, wringing out his hat and pulling seaweed off his jacket.
'Chu, pika...' Pikachu agreed dolefully, shaking itself hard.
'Hey guys! Breakfast!' Brock shouted down from higher up, next to the wood-line.
Misty, Brock and Ash all sat round the small white table, eating the chicken stew with obvious enjoyment. Below the table, Pikachu and Togepi happily shared a single bowl of poke-food, both showing expressions of contentment on their faces.
'Eat it up guys, while it's still hot,' Brock advised, ladling more stew into his own bowl. 'You're gonna need your energy today Ash, so don't be afraid to get seconds.'
'Thanks Brock, this is great!' Brock glanced at Ash as his friend grinned back at him, before his face suddenly fell as a thought occurred to him.
'Hey, where's Ritchie?'
'I dunno. He was gone before I woke up.'
'Huh.' Ash looked over at his friend, then suddenly grinned as another thought struck him. 'Maybe he's too afraid to battle me, he obviously saw how good I got while we were taking on Team Rocket...'
'Ha! Unlikely.' Misty snorted as she saw a smug look cross the trainer's face. 'He's probably just going through some last minute strategies on his own with his pokemon. Maybe you should do the same, before you get creamed again...'
'Hey! I wasn't creamed the last time and I won't get creamed this time! If it wasn't for Charizard...'
'A pokemon you trained...'
'That was a long time ago, why you always have to bring it up, that's ancient history, that's...'
Brock sighed as he watched the pair begin to squabble again, continuing to spoon the stew into his mouth a few more times before interrupting loudly. 'You know Ash, it's not a bad idea. Ritchie's a good trainer. You may have got better since you last battled, but I'm sure he has too. It wouldn't hurt to have a few tricks up your sleeve...'
Ash paused mid-retort and looked down at his stew thoughtfully. Truth is, this is kinda what I was thinking about last night... 'Ok then!' Ash snapped his gaze back up, grinning at his friends. 'You're right, it's time to think up some strategies. Pikachu, strategy.' Ash added to the small pokemon still eating by his feet. Pikachu glanced back up, then carefully put down the piece of food in it's hands and brought them back up to rest on it's chin, a thoughtful look crossing it's face.
'Oh no...' Misty sweat-dropped as she watched the trainer. 'Now Ash is gonna give himself a headache...'
A flash of white suddenly erupted beside her, jumping out of her small red bag. Misty didn't bother even looking down, simply grimacing as she pulled a red and white pokeball out of her bag and pointed at the pokemon at her feet.
'Not you Psyduck. Although at least when you get a headache you're useful...'
'Psy?' The duck pokemon tilted it's head to one side in confusion as it disappeared back into red light.
'Hey guys!'
The trio jumped at the sudden shout, spinning round to look at the beach where a young boy with a green t-shirt and trousers, blue trainers and a blue and yellow cap was waving frantically.
'Ritchie!' Ash shouted back, jumping up and running down the beach to greet his friend, Pikachu in swift pursuit. 'You came!'
'You bet.' Ritchie grinned and flashed his friend back a thumbs up with one hand. 'So, you ready for our battle?'
'Can't wait!'
'Pi, pikachu!'
'Huh! Would you look at that. Ash didn't even finish his breakfast!' Misty said in a surprised tone as she looked over at Ash's half-full bowl abandoned on the small table.
'Guess he's really excited about the battle...' Brock replied in a equally surprised voice as he watched the two trainers talk on the beach.
'Hey, would you look at that!' Meowth exclaimed, pressing his round eye hard against the periscope. 'I think da twerps are gonna battle!'
'Battle? The twerps?' James replied, surprised as he pedalled hard behind the talking pokemon.
'Yeah! It looks like the new twerp and the old twerp are getting ready to throw down!'
'So that means...'
'I'll tell you what that means!' Jessie leapt up from her doze, relaxing behind the other two. 'It means we have one more chance to capture two Pikachu for the boss!'
'Yeah...' Meowth turned back around grin at the red-haired female. 'An all we have to do is wait for them to tire each other out, then it'll be easy pickings!'
'Oh guys...' James lowered his head glumly. 'Haven't we tried this one before?'
'Hey!' Jessie exclaimed angrily. 'What's with the negativity!'
'It's just we try an get the twerp's Pikachu almost every week and it never works. Why can't we just take this giant Magikarp and go somewhere nice for a change?'
'Because that way we'll never capture Pikachu and get the big promotion we all deserve! I will not have slackers on this team James!' Jessie shouted.
'Here Jimmy, this'll put your mind to ease! Guess what I swiped from Namba before he blasted away?'
'Huh?' Jessie and James both replied, looking down at Meowth's confident face with confused expressions. 'Whatya mean Meowth?' Jessie finally asked.
'What I mean is...' Meowth leaned in closer and began whispering something in the pair's ears.
'Meowth, that's brilliant!' James exclaimed, throwing his hands in the air with joy.
'The twerps won't stand a chance, haha!'
'That's right.' Meowth confirmed with a nod, a smug look growing on his face. 'You guys sure are lucky to have such a smarty-meowth on your team. And with this new weapon...'
'...those pikachu...'
'Will finally be ours!'
Who's that pokemon?
...
...
It's Hoothoot!
Hooo-hooot!
Ash and Ritchie stared at each other across the fifty metre gap they had created between them. Pikachu jumped off it's trainer's shoulder and landed lightly on all fours beside the boy's feet, sparks already starting to jump from it's small red cheeks. Ash glanced down at his pokemon, before looking back up at Ritchie, a curious look crossing his face. I wonder why Sparky isn't here? Ritchie must have put him back in his pokeball like he did the last time.
'Hey Ash!' Ritchie called over the battlefield, a slight smile growing on his face as he pulled his first pokeball from his belt. 'How about we make this a real battle huh?'
'Whaterya mean?' Ash replied, confused. Ritchie grinned, holding out the pokeball in front of him, watching the sunlight bounce off it's shiny surface.
'I mean, why don't we make this a six on six battle?'
'A six on six battle?' Ash answered surprised.
'Pikaaa?'
'Hey, I think that's a great idea!' Brock exclaimed from where he stood off to one side, ready to referee the match. 'A full battle will give you both a great idea of how strong the other trainer is!'
Ash returned his gaze from Brock to look over at Ritchie again, a small laugh escaping his mouth. 'Then you're on! We'll win this just like we won the Orange Cup! Isn't that right Pikachu?'
'Pikaaachu!'
'Then it's settled.' Brock raised both his arms to shoulder height, then continued in a professional tone. 'Alright then! This will be a full six on six pokemon battle, substitutions allowed! When all of one sides pokemon are unable to continue, then the other trainer will be declared the winner! Are both trainers ready?
'Sure am! Are you ready for the battle of your life Ash?' Ritchie asked, his grip tightening on the pokeball in his hand.
'Oh, I'm ready!' Ash shouted back, a confident grin on his face.
'Then...let the battle begin!'`
'Happy, let's go!' Ritchie shouted, throwing a pokeball forward into the air.
'Totodile, I choose you!' Ash yelled, throwing his own.
'So Ash finally gets his re-match,' Misty mused as she sat on the sand, watching the two pokemon appear in flashes on white light, one on the ground and the other in the air.
'Togepiiii!' Togepi cried out happily from it's position on the former gym leader's lap.
'Although I don't tell him...' Misty continued, speaking more to her self than her pokemon. '...Ash has gotten a lot better than he was back in the Indigo League. Who knows Togepi?' Misty bowed her head and smiled at the pokemon sat below her, giving it an extra squeeze. 'Maybe this time he'll actually win.'
'Hey! Am I too late!'
'Oliver!' Misty shouted out in pleasure as she twisted around and recognised the young boy racing towards them, still wearing nothing but his swim suit. 'No, they've just started.'
'Great!' Oliver skid to a halt beside the orange-haired girl, spraying sand into the air. 'Caus I don't want to miss a thing!'
'Hey, where's Lanturn?' Misty asked, glancing around.
'Aww, he's playing with the other water pokemon, he didn't want to come. He should be safe though, now Team Rocket have all gone,' Oliver replied, gazing out to the two pokemon to his front with wide eyes.
'I'm sure he will be Oliver,' Misty placated to the boy now sat next to her, before returning her attention to the battle about to start.
'Go for it Ash!' Ritchie shouted.
'Alright, you're on! Totodile, Water Gun!'
'Toto toto totodile!' The blue water pokemon gave a little dance, jumping from one foot to the other, before rearing it's head back and firering a concentrated jet of water at the pokemon flying above it.
'Happy, Gust attack now!' The butterfree gave a shrill cry as it began to flap it's wings hard, creating a powerful air current, blowing the water gun back.
'Hang in there Totodile!' Ash shouted, watching his pokemon struggle to stay on it's feet in the face of the strong wind.
'To to dile...' Totodile grunted, digging one claw into the earth as it looked upwards at it's opponent, closing one eye to the stinging wind.
'Great Happy!' Ritchie shouted in triumph. 'Now use Psybeam!'
The butterfree creased flapping it's wings hard and lent it's head forward, firing a purple-pinkish beam of energy from the two black feelers coming out of the top of it's head.
'Look out Totodile!' Ash shouted out to his pokemon.
'Toto-dile!' Totodile grunted as it jumped clear of the psychic attack.
'Hmm, it's fast...' Ritchie muttered. 'Alright Happy, Sleep Powder attack now!'
'Freeee!' Flapping it's large wings again, Happy the butterfree unleashed thousands of blue spores in the water type's direction.
'No way!' Ash shouted. 'We're not falling for that one again, Totodile use your Water Gun to blast away that Sleep Powder!'
'Toto-DILE!'
With a huge effort, the water pokemon span and fired an even more powerful water gun into the centre of the wave of blue spores, the force of the attack causing the Sleep Powder to disperse. Ritchie gasped in surprise.
'Great Totodile! Now use Bite attack!' Ash yelled, pointing to the pokemon in the air.
'What the...!' Ritchie shouted as Totodile suddenly sprang up from the sandy ground, using the power in it's legs to propel it high into the air. 'No Happy, dodge it!'
'To to dile!
Butterfree squealed in pain as the big jaw pokemon clamped it's jaws down onto one of the bug type's delicate wings.
'Yeah!' Ash grinned, pumping one fist in front of him as he watched the pair fall to the ground, the combined weight of both pokemon too much for Happy to keep air born. 'Now, finish it off Totodile!'
Releasing it's hold on it's opponent's wing, Totodile sprang back, then span round, slamming it's powerful tail into the butterfree's torso.
'DILE!'
'Freeee!
'No Happy!' Ritchie shouted out in panic as Butterfree bounced back across the sand to land by his feet.
'Ritchie's Butterfree is unable to continue!' Brock shouted, before pointing a hand at the water pokemon. 'Totodile is the winner!'
'Yey!'
Both Misty and Oliver cheered loudly as Ash leapt into the air.
'That was awesome Totodile!' Ash cheered, praising his pokemon. 'You think you can win another one for me?'
'Toto toto toto dile!' Totodile answered confidently, jumping from one foot to the other again.
'Haha, look! It's dancing!' Oliver shouted, pointing forward and laughing.
'Yeah, Totodile sure likes to win. Just like it's trainer,' Misty replied with amusement, watching Ash perform a little victory dance of his own. The comment was not completely unheard by Ash who immediatly turned and flashed the two spectators a victory sign with one hand.
Ritchie returned his pokemon back to his pokeball, a small grin creeping over his face as watched the pair opposite cheer. 'Not bad Ash, that Totodile is pretty fast. But don't forget, that was only my first pokemon...'
'I didn't forget!' Ash shouted back. 'This battle's only just getting started.'
'That's right! And I wonder if Totodile will be able to keep up with this one. Go Fairy!'
Ash and Totodile watched Ritchie's new pokeball open with wide eyes.
'It's an Eevee!'
'Yeah! I found this little guy in Goldenrod city! I'm thinking of evolving him actually, he's becoming pretty strong.'
Aww he's adorable!' Misty squealed, a sparkling look in her eyes. Fairy gave itself a little shake in response to the remark, standing tall proudly.
'Hey, who's side are you on?' Ash yelled, looking over to one side where Misty was continuing to look over at the Eevee with a dreamy look in her eyes.
'Toto dile!'
Misty caught herself, a little blush coming to her face as she heard Totodile's shout. 'Oh, I'm sorry Totodile, you're a very nice pokemon too.'
'Dile.' Totodile grunted in satisfaction.
'Yeah, guess it takes after it's owner in that as well, huh Mist?' Ash quickly replied, unable to stop the smug look returning to his face.
'Don't push it Ketchum,' Misty growled back.
Oliver looked between the pair in confusion while Brock and Ritchie just sweat-dropped. The pokemon breeder quickly shook his head, remembering what was meant to be going on in front of him.
'Totodile versus Eevee. Begin the second match now!'
'We'll finish this up real quick Totodile! Water Gun attack now!' Ash shouted, pointing over to where the Eevee was standing calmly.
'Wait for it Fairy!' Ritchie yelled as the water attack raced closer.
'Vee!' Fairy braced itself, ears perked up for any further commands.
'Now use Double Team!'
An instant before the attack made contact, Eevee split into twelve different copies of itself, completely surrounding the water type. The jet of water crashed into the original Eevee only for it to disappear the moment the attack made contact. Totodile looked from one Eevee to the next in total confusion.
Ash growled. 'Totodile, shoot them all down! Rapid fire Water Gun now!'
'Toto-dile!' Totodile narrowed it's eyes as it fired of another jet of water, only for it to pass through another fake.
'Dile!'
And another.
Dile!'
And another.
'DILE!'
Ritchie laughed as the fourth jet of water hit another fake before gesturing forward. 'Fairy, Sand Attack, let's do it!'
'Vee!'
The remaining Eevee around Totodile immediately span around and began beating the sandy beach with their tails, causing a huge cloud of sand to envelop the water type. Ash shouted out in shock as he lost sight of his pokemon completely.
'Yes! How'd you like my Sandstorm attack Ash?' Ritchie yelled across the gap. Ash bared his teeth in response.
'That won't stop us! Totodile! Bite attack now!'
A muffled roar sounded out from the centre of the sand cloud. Totodile dove out, head first, and snapped furiously at the nearest Eevee directly ahead, only for it to disappear again, revealing Ritchie at the other end of the field behind it.
'Nope, guess again Totodile!' Ritchie called over, pointing skywards. The water pokemon followed the direction of his hand, looking up and behind, only to see the real Eevee soaring high above it.
'Fairy, finish this up with Shadow Ball!'
'No Totodile, look out!' Ash yelled. Totodile's eyes widened in panic as it watched the Eevee above it do a forward somersault in mid-air and fire off a ball of crackling darkness.
'Dile!'
'Totodile!' The Pallet Town trainer shouted out again as he watched his pokemon get blasted backwards by the impact, bouncing towards Ritchie.
'Vee eevee.' The evolution pokemon cried confidently as it landed lighly back on the ground, watching as Totodile came to a rest on the ground, a weak groan coming from it's jaws as it's eyes turned to swirling spirals.
'Totodile is unable to battle! Eevee is the winner!' Brock shouted out after closely inspecting the water pokemon.
Ash grimaced, then held up Totodile's pokeball.
'Totodile return. You were great buddy, take a good rest.' Ash put the pokeball back on his belt and pulled out another, vaguely aware of cheering coming off to one side.
Hey what the?
'Hey! You're not supposed to cheer when I lose!'
Misty caught herself and scowled over at the pokemon trainer. 'For your information, I did cheer for you when you won as well! Ritchie's my friend too!
'Hmph. With friends like her, who need enemies, right Pikachu?' Ash grumbled to the small electric type at his feet.
'Chuu,' Pikachu replied uneasily, rubbing the back of it's head with one paw.
Misty turned away in a huff. 'Maybe you should catch something cute like an eevee, then maybe I'll cheer for you more...'
'Looks like it's all even then Ash!' Ritchie suddenly shouted out, his Eevee already bracing itself for it's next opponent.
'Yeah! But it won't stay that way for long! Not with my next pokemon! Go Chikorita!'
...
'Er, Chikorita?' Ash mumbled, blinking as he stared forward at the spot where the white light had faded away from the thrown pokeball, only to reveal an empty expanse of sand.
'Chiko!'
The pokemon trainer jumped as the grass type suddenly appeared over one shoulder, rubbing it's face into his cheek affectionately. Ritchie began to laugh.
'Aww cute Ash! That Chikorita really likes you!'
'Chikorita, get off me! You're embarrassing me in front of all my friends,' Ash complained, his face glowing red as he attempted to push the small green pokemon off his shoulder. 'Now go battle!'
'Chiko!'
With a final rub of affection, the grass type leapt forward onto the sandy ground in front of it's trainer, focusing it's gaze on the Eevee in front of it with a fierce expression.
'Alright, let's get this started! Fairy, another Shadow Ball!'
'Dodge it Chikorita!'
'Chiko!' Chikorita jumped to one side, narrowing dodging the ball of darkness.
'Now use Razor Leaf!
'Chiko, chiko!' With two flicks of the giant leaf on it's head, Chikorita fired two razor sharp leaves at the normal type.
'Look out Fairy!'
'Vee!'
Fairy jumped high, soaring over the two leaves.
'Aaah!' Ash gasped as he watched the Eevee soar high in the air again. 'Quick Chikorita, use vine whip to catch it!'
'Chiko!' Two long vines shot out of either side of the grass pokemon neck, racing each other to the pokemon above.
'Fairy, use Double Team now!' Ritchie yelled into the sky.
'Vee vee vee vee vee vee...'
With each cry, the Eevee copied itself again, all of them falling back down towards the grass type on the ground below.
'Chikorita!' Ash shouted as he saw vine whip disappear through another fake. 'Stop them all with your Razor Leaf!
'Chiko chiko chiko chiko chiko...'
Chikorita flicked it's head rapidly, sending a torrent of leaves into the air. Ash watched with bared teeth as the fakes began to disappear one by one.
'VEEEEE!'
Fairy yelped in pain as the grass attack finally found it, knocking it backwards towards it's trainer.
'Yes! Now, Tackle attack Chikorita!' Ash shouted, pointing forwards.
'CHIKO!' With a single bound, the grass type jumped across the field and powered it's forehead into the normal type before it even reached the ground.
'No Fairy!' Ritchie cried out, jumping to one side to catch his pokemon in his arms as it soared through the air.
'Fairy, are you ok?'
'Vee...'
Fairy looked up at it's trainer with a sad expression before closing it's eyes tiredly.
'Ritchie's Eevee is unable to battle! Ash's Chikorita wins!'
'Yeah, Chikorita! You did it!'
'Chiko chiko!' Chikorita leapt back to it's trainer with stars in it's eyes. Ash laughed as the grass type tackled him to the ground and began to nuzzle his neck.
'Aww Chikorita stop it, that tickles haha.'
'Shame, I liked that Eevee...' Misty muttered quietly as she watched Ritchie return it to it's pokeball with a word of praise. 'Still...' Misty laughed as she turned her gaze back to the pokemon trainer at the other side, struggling to fight off his pokemon, Pikachu just sweat-dropping next to them. 'It looks like those two are happy!'
'That was awesome, the way Fairy used Double Team was great! I can't wait to see what Ritchie's next pokemon will be!' Oliver exclaimed excitedly from next to her.
Ash laughed one final time, giving up on fighting his pokemon and simply pointing it's pokeball at it instead. 'That was great Chikorita, but I think you need a time out. Return Chikorita!' The grass type gave it's trainer one last look of happiness as it disappeared into red light.
'That was great Ash! That Chikorita was just awesome, I can't believe how fast it was with that last attack,' Ritchie exclaimed as his watched his opponent get back to his feet.
'Yeah thanks Ritchie, just wish it liked me a bit less haha,' Ash laughed as he rubbed the back of his head.
'Cherish it Ash, it's the only one who does...' Misty muttered under her breath.
'Hey what was that?' Ash asked, shooting a suspicious look at the water trainer.
'Then let's get this next battle under way!' Ritchie shouted, not hearing the small exchange and pulling out a third pokeball. 'And I think it's time to heat things up!'
'Ha!' Ash shouted back, a grin breaking back over his face as he turned back at his rival, pulling out a fresh pokeball of his own. 'You read my mind!'
'You ready?'
'Let's go!'
'Zippo!'
'Cyndaquil!'
'I choose you!'
Simultaneously, the pokeballs hit the the beach floor and burst open. On Ritchie's side, stood on it's hind legs, a large red lizard-like creature formed with sharp claws, a strong jaw and a proud look in it's eyes. On Ash's side, a smaller creature with powerful flames erupting out it's back appeared in a flash of light.
'Wow! A Cyndaquil against a Charmeleon! This is gonna be great!' Oliver shouted.
'But why is he using Cyndaquil? He should know fire attacks aren't going to have much effect on Charmeleon. Unless...' Misty groaned as she noticed the look on her friend's face. 'Unless he's letting his ego take over. Of course he is...'
Ash grinned as he looked forward. That Charmeleon looks tough. But there's no way I can lose now! Out on the beach in front, Charmeleon returned Cyndaquil's timid look with a low meancing growl.
'Cyndaquil! Flamethrower attack now!'
'Zippo use Flamethrower right back!'
The two fire attacks hit each other at the dead centre point between the two fire pokemon. Ash gritted his teeth as epicentre of the collision slowly began to move back towards Cyndaquil.
'Cyndaquil, let's go! More power!'
'Cynda!' Cyndaquil stained as it pushed the flames coming out of it's mouth out as fast as it could.
'Don't back down Zippo!' Ritchie shouted out to his own pokemon. 'Give it everything you've got!'
'Charr!' Zippo growled as the flames coming from it's jaw began to glow brighter.
'Ash!' Misty shouted, jumping to her feet. 'You've got to switch pokemon! Cyndaquil can't handle this!'
'I know what I'm doing Misty!' Ash yelled back, not taking his eyes off the battle for a moment. Still, she's right... Cyndaquil can't keep this flamethrower up for much longer... he thought as he watched the point where the flames collided as it began to move back towards his pokemon once again.
'Cyndaquil forget Flamethrower! Use Flame Wheel instead!'
'Cynda!' Cutting off the flames coming from it's jaw, the fire pokemon rolled forward, picking up speed as it smashed through the remainder of the fire attack in front of it, heading for Charmeleon.
'That's it Cyndaquil, go for it!' Ash yelled in encouragement.
Ritchie grinned as he watched Ash's fire type approach. 'Zippo, stand your ground!'
Huh? Ash thought, glancing up at the trainer opposite briefly before the two pokemon collided in a flash of orange flame. Zippo snarled as it held back the flaming spinning pokemon with all it's strength, it's feet sliding backwards in the sand.
Ritchie laughed. 'That's it Zippo, show 'em your stuff. Now! Throw Cyndaquil into the air!'
'Chargh!' Charmeleon grunted as it bent it's legs, then with a stupendous effort, threw the somersaulting fire type backwards into the air.
'Aaaarrr!' Misty, Brock, Oliver, Pikachu and Ash gasped at the same time as Zippo launched Ash's fire type backwards. Cyndaquil righted itself in mid-air, cutting off the flames surrounding it's body as it looked down with a confused expression.
'Cynda?'
'Headbutt!'
'Cynda!'
'Look out Cyndaquil!' Ash yelled as he watched Chameleon literally take off from the other side of the sandy gap, powering the horn on it's head into the small fire type while it was still in the air.
'Cyndaaaaa!'
'Cyndaquil!'
It was Ash's turn to catch one of his pokemon as the defeated fire type hit him directly in the stomach, taking him off his feet and onto his back once again.
'No Cyndaquil, are you ok?'
A muffled cry came from the pokemon now laid on his chest before Ash felt it go limp in his arms. Ash sat back up slowly, pulling Cyndaquil's pokeball back out and pointing it at the now unconscious fire-type. 'You were great Cyndaquil. Now take a good rest!'
'That was a great flame wheel Ash!' Ritchie shouted over as he watched his opponent scramble back to his feet yet again. 'Too bad Zippo's just a little stronger!'
Ash nodded back, a reluctant grin coming over his face as he watched the Charmeleon in front of him blow a puff of smoke in his direction. Just like my Charizard used to be like... 'Yeah! Your Charmeleon's pretty tough,' he admitted. 'But...I'm still gonna beat it!'
'Then bring it on!'
Ash lowered his gaze, thinking hard. If only I still had Totodile... I can't use Bulbasaur or Chikorita against a fire type... and I need to save Pikachu for the end. That only leaves one, but maybe hypnosis... 'Alright!' Ash shouted, reaching a decision. 'Then let's do it! Noctowl, I choose you!'
In a flash of white light, Ash's owl pokemon took off into the sky, cooing softly. Charmeleon eyed it's new opponent with a look of disgust, spitting a small breath of fire into the air to it's front.
Ritchie chuckled. 'Yeah, I know you can beat it too Zippo.'
'I wouldn't be too sure of that Ritchie!' Ash growled. 'Me and Noctowl have a few tricks up our sleeves...'
'Hey, isn't that Noctowl a different colour than usual?' Oliver asked, confusion in his voice.
'Yeah. It's kinda pretty don't you think? It's really smart too!' Misty replied.
'Wow, I'd love a pokemon like that for a friend!' The young boy shouted, jumping back to his feet. Misty giggled a little at his enthusiasm.
I can't go for a direct attack, Ritchie's charmeleon will just shoot Noctowl down with that flamethrower... I have to try something different. Ash raised his gaze to look at the flying pokemon above him.
'Noctowl, Hypnosis attack now!'
'Cooo!' Up in the air, Noctowl's eyes began to glow a light blue as expanding rings of blue began to spread downwards.
'Zippo! Close your eyes!' Ritchie yelled out quickly.
The flame pokemon to his front immediately squeezed it's eyelids shut, ignoring the flying pokemon's attack.
Ash clenched his teeth, both of his hands curling into tight fists. Smart move... 'Alright Noctowl, if they can't see us, then they can't dodge us! Use Peck on Zippo!'
'Cooo!' Zippo growled in pain as the flying type swooped down and dove a enlarged, glowing beak into it's stomach before flying away again.
That's great Noctowl, now hit it again!'
'Cooo!'
Charmeleon snarled again, falling to one knee as the flying type hit it again and again, still refusing to open it's eyes. Behind it, it's master looked on in worry.
'Hang in there Zippo!'
The charmeleon growled it's reply, sweat starting to run down it's face as it took another barrage of Peck attacks from the owl pokemon. Ash grinned as his pokemon swooped round for another attack.
'Go Noctowl! Finish it up with one final strike!'
'Cooo!' Noctowl screeched loudly as it dove down on it's enemy one last time, beak glowing.
'Keep your ears open Zippo, Noctowl's coming in fast!' Ritchie shouted to his pokemon. Zippo growled it's understanding, concentrating hard.
'Do it Noctowl!' Ash yelled, pointing at the fire type as his pokemon crossed the final distance to it's opponent.
'Zippo, NOW!'
Zippo raised it's head at the last possible moment and with eyes still closed, hit Noctowl at point-blank range with the most powerful flamethrower it could summon.
'PikaCHU!'
'No NOCTOWL!' Ash yelled out in shock as his pokemon hit the ground, blackened, talons twitching in the air.
'Haha, well I'll be... Noctowl is unable to battle, Zippo wins!' Brock shouted, pointing one hand in Ritchie's direction with a surprised look on his face.
'Zippo! You were awesome!' Ritchie cheered as he ran out out hug his pokemon. Ash re-called his pokemon silently, still stunned.
He had Charmeleon listen for Noctowl... that's just like how I caught Noctowl in the first place! Ritchie's sure trained that Charmeleon well...
'Zippo, you're the best!' Ritchie continued, laughing as he squeezed the pokemon in his arms.
'Charr...' Zippo huffed, almost looking embarrassed as it looked wearily away to one side.
'You think you can take out another one of Ash's pokemon for me?'
'Charrr!' Ritchie grinned at the pokemon still in his arms as Charmeleon turned and gave a sharp nod back, then gasped in shock as his pokemon suddenly turned bright white.
'No way!' Ash shouted, taking half a step back.
'Pika pika!'
'Is that doing what I think it is?!' Oliver shouted as the small boy watched the white shape in Ritchie's arms suddenly begin to grow, bursting out of it's trainer's arms.
'Yeah! I think it's evolving!' Misty cried, holding up a hand to shield Togepi's face from the bright light.
'Togeepiiiiii!'
'Oh wow!' Brock uttered in surprise as the white light began to form wings, growing taller and taller.
'Zippo?' Ritchie stared up in wonderment at the huge shape above him. In a final intense glow, the white light disappeared, revealing his new pokemon. Charizard glared forward at Ash, causing the opposing trainer to take another step back, then twisted round to give a half glance down at it's trainer, one of it's small hands forming into a thumbs ups.
'Zippo!'
Ash stared over at his two opponents with a mixture of shock and horror, mirroring the small pokemon at his feet. Oh man...Charmeleon was tough enough, but now I have to beat a Charizard! And how can I do it with the pokemon I have left?
It looks like things are beginning to heat up in the Whirl Islands! With Ash now having to face Ritchie's fully evolved Charizard, is there anyway he can snatch victory out of the flames? Or will Zippo send his chances up in smoke? And just what is Team Rocket planning to do this time? Tune in next time to find out...
*and that's all for this episode. I actually really enjoyed writing this, it was actually a lot of fun just writing a battle where the stakes weren't that high i.e. gym battle, frontier battle, championship battle... and also writing battles between weaker pokemon. I also deliberately kept the individual battles fairly short as well because if you watch the earlier series, you'll notice (with the exception of Charizard v Blastoise/Blaziken) most battles seem to be decided after the first or second hit. I hope you liked my weird sense of humour as well, since I was trying to set this out like an actual episode of pokemon, I had to include a 'Who's that pokemon' moment even if there was no chance of you guessing it ;). With regards to Ritchie's team, I've tried to keep it as accurate to the anime as I could (I think he mentioned he had an Eevee in a special somewhere), however coming up with a nickname was a bit hard since he seems to give his pokemon the most random names ever...but anyway. The finale will follow in the next few days so keep your eyes peeled... And please drop me a review to tell me what you think of it, I know I'm no where near the best writer out there, but I'm still fairly pleased with how this turned out. I do take criticism well though as long as it has a point so feel free to open fire away... Seeya next time! :)*
