Ash was sitting in a local diner with President Goodshow. He was still energetic after he caught his newest Pokemon last night, because he knew it would be a secret to everyone. It was a cool morning and the two were enjoying a delicious breakfast on a gorgeous Sunday. Ash was still very excited about the new pokemon he caught the night before while walking around the outdoor space Indigo Plateu had to offer. The closing ceremonies were the day before and after Ash had made his announcement, Charles knew he had to organize these matches as quickly as possible.
"So Ash, I would really like to organize these battles. Today is Sunday, and I was hoping that by Wednesday Morning, you would have your first fight. If you won Wednesday, there would be a day for rest before the next battle. So if you won all four matches it would be Wednesday, Friday, Sunday, and Tuesday before we scheduled the championship fight. Like I said before, all of these battles will be 6-on-6, but you can battle in whatever order you please."
Ash carefully listened to the older man's words, and sat in silence for a second. After another bite of his eggs, Ash had an answer.
"Mr. Goodshow, If it is okay with you I would like to change up the battles rules by just a little bit. I would like to battle Bruno first in a 2-on-2 battle, than Agatha in a 3-on-3, than Lorelei third in a 4-on-4, and lastly Will in a 5-on-5. Than if I am fortunate enough to win all 4 of those matches, the championship against Lance would be a 6-on-6 full battle. I know this is an odd request, but I only have 9 Pokemon on my team, by doing a full 6-on-6 each battle, it would be too much for many of my pokemon. However, if you insist on a 6-on-6 each round, my team and I will battle to the best of our abilities."
Mr Goodshow seemed flustered at the request. He had dealt with Elite 4 challenges before, but this was the most complex request he had ever been asked to work with. An extra pokemon after each battle, while still under the typical standards for the Elite 4 challenge seemed absurd, but Goodshow could see Ash's reasoning. Did he like Ash? Yes. Did he think it would be fair to his prized fighters in the Elite Four? Eh, maybe. But something in his head was telling him to listen to Ash, because the battle would be unforgettable. Maybe he would be put on the hot seat in the media, but in this moment in time the President did not care.
"Alright Ash, Tuesday, 8 am you have your battle against Bruno in the main stadium. All of your matches will be held there. If you have any more questions feel free to contact me, you know how to reach me."
Ash said his thanks for Goodshow's actions, and the two parted ways after finishing their meal. Ash spent the rest of Sunday and Monday training for his first fight. He was feeling good, and so were his pokemon. Tuesday was his day to rest and get focused for the main challenge that lied ahead.
It was now Wednesday morning, and Ash was walking with Dawn towards the main stadium, with Pikachu on his shoulder. However Brock was feeling ill, and despite how bad he wanted to support Ash, his body made him stay at home. Meanwhile, Dawn and Ash were making small conversation.
"How are you feeling Ash? I mean you must be kind of nervous considering this is like the biggest deal in the past decade! Like you're a rookie and you're challenging the Elite 4. It's pretty important."
Ash just shrugged, not phased by anything Dawn said/
"Dawn trust me I'm a little nervous, but I'm not gonna be nervous once I get on the battlefield. I always have pre-battle nerves, but once I step on the field all my nervousness and worries just disappear. These battles are gonna require me to do the same thing as against anyone else: knock out their pokemon before they knock out mine. I just feel kind of at home when I get on the field, and things won't change today."
Dawn seemed surprised by how laidback Ash seemed, she knew he enjoyed battling, but never knew how calm he was about it. The two were nearing the entrance when Dawn brought up a new topic.
"Ash, I'm really glad you decided to stay here. You mean a lot to me and...and I'm not sure what I would have done without you by my side. Good luck today!"
With that, Dawn kissed him on the cheek once more before running to the spectator's gate, while leaving Ash blushing and confused in front of security hired to escort him to the field. The guards let Ash stay in his trance for a second, but after a couple moments, one guard coughed causing Ash to take his hand off his face and snap out of his confused state. The guards than led Ash to his locker room, leaving him in silence to prepare for a few minutes before the battle started. Ash opened his bag, got out two pokeballs, and than locked his stuff in a locker. He than looked at Pikachu, who clearly was very excited to battle.
"I'm sorry pal, but I have 2 pokemon in mind for this battle, but you're not one of them. I promise that after we win today, you'll be involved in my next one. But for today, I would love to have you with me to support."
Pikachu seemed a little upset at first, but quickly wiped any signs of disappointment off his face, and replied with a happy "Pika!" combined with a thumbs up. After Pikachu and Ash's little talk, a guard came in to lead Ash out to the battlefield. Ash was directed towards a tunnel, and waited for the announcer to call his name.
"Welcome ladies and gentlemen to the first battle of Ash Ketchum's Elite Four challenge. Today's battle will be 2-on-2 between Bruno and Ash. Allow me to call out the ferocious fighting-type master, Bruno!"
The crowd cheered as the man came out from his entrance, who was clearly pumped for his match. He took his side and seemed to stare directly at Ash, who was concealed in the darkness, while flexing his muscles. Ash wasn't intimidated.
"Now please welcome our challenger, Mr. Ash Ketchum, boy wonder!"
Ash walked out of the tunnel and seemed to enter a whole different world. The light almost overwhelmed him and the crowd erupted as he took his side of the field. As Ash took his battling stance, the ref took his place on the podium.
"This will be a 2-on-2 battle between Brune of the Elite 4 and Ash from Pallet Town. Only the challenger may substitute Pokemon. Once both pokemon on either side are unable to battle, the match will be over. If both trainers are ready, please select your first pokemon!"
Both Bruno and Ash enlarged a pokeball and threw it at the same time. On Ash's side came a large orange dog that growled once it took the field. Arcanine was Ash's 3rd pokemon, received from a Growlithe, and he was very loyal to his master. On Bruno's side came a tall human-like pokemon that wore boxing gloves. Hitmonchan was believed to have the fastest fists in all of Kanto. After a few cuts at the air, Hitmonchan took his stance. Bruno made the first move.
"Mach Punch let's go!"
"Arcanine dodge with Extremespeed"
Hitmonchan jumped towards the Legendary Pokemon with a quick punch, but Arcanine swiftly jumped out of the way.
"Good Arcanine, Flamethrower!"
Arcanine was very close to Hitmonchan, and it wasn't possible for the humanoid pokemon to dodge. The flames engulfed Hitmonchan, but he wasn't done yet.
"Arcanine keep up the pressure with Fire Fang!"
"Duck and use ThunderPunch!"
A fiery mouth from Arcanine attempted to clamp down on Hitmonchan, but he ducked, before launching an electrical fist into the dog's stomach. Arcanine yelped in pain, and each pokemon jumped back to their respective corners, but Ash's worst fear came true. Static electricity flickered around Arcanine's body!
"Arcanine return!"
"What's wrong Ash, can't handle the pressure?"
Bruno's taunt really got Ash going, and he knew his next pokemon had to take Hitmonchan out.
"Fearow let's go! Start things off with Air Cutter and follow up with Aerial Ace!"
Fearow flapped his wings, and proceeded to launch powerful bursts of air before backflipping into his Aerial Ace Attack. Bruno called out a protect, but Hitmonchan could only save himself against the Air Cutter. The Aerial Ace landed straight in the boxer's chest, and drove him back.
"Fearow one more Aerial Ace!"
"Oh no you don't! Rock Tomb, followed by Thunder Punch!"
Ash tried calling off his attack, knowing 2 back to back super effective might end his chances of winning. Fearow dove towards the ground hoping to score a victory. Hitmonchan drove his fist into the ground, summoning rocks that clipped Fearow's wings as he descended, causing him to plummet. Hitmonchan didn't let up by slamming a thunderous fist into Fearow's back before jumping back.
As Fearow lay there on the ground, Ash knew things were going downhill fast. If Fearow didn't get up, the match would be as good as over. Arcanine needed more time to heal, and Ash did his best to support Fearow.
"Fearow, please get up, I know you can do it!"
Fearow looked back at his master and noticed the urgency in his face. Using what strength he had left, Fearow arose. The battle was back on.
*Ash finally faces the Elite Four! However, will he be able to pull it out? Or will he regret not going with Lance. The first big pearlshipping moment will be in the next chapter as well. Remember, R&R, and PM for any questions or comments. Thank you!*
