A/N: Just a little drabble set in the indigo league. We know what Ash was thinking, sending out Charizard, but Ritchie? Not so much.
Also written for the 5,10,20,50,70,100 fandoms challenge. I think I'm on the thirteenth fandom now, so a long way to go.
Charizard's Farce
Ritchie flinched when Zippo was effortlessly defeated by his fully evolved counterpart. Under normal circumstances he would have expected Pidgeotto to take the stage after Pikachu's defeat, being the only member of Ash's team with the potential to out-manoeuvre the yellow mouse. The last thing he had expected was the massive Charizard…even if it was noticeably smaller than an average male of its species. Ash certainly hadn't used it in any of his other matches, though maybe he hadn't needed it in those matches.
Maybe Charizard was Ash's ace-in-the-hole, and Ritchie had to admit he had nothing on hand that could face up to it. Sparky probably stood the best chance, but even then they were no match in power. Speed would be key then; it wasn't the first time they'd been severely outmatched, and if they lost it just meant they needed to train some more.
With that resolve tightening in his mind, he picked and enlarged the Poke ball, feelings its fitting form in his palm. 'You can do it Sparky,' he whispered, and although Ash could not possibly hear him, Ritchie was sure the other knew. They were kindred souls after all, newly-made friends who shared the same goal (and even some of the same Pokemon), meeting on the battlefield.
'Sparky, I choose you!'
The ball flew in the air, red and white flashing and changing like a zebra rolling down a hill.
'Pika-chu!'
They were ready, ready to fight.