Chapter 9
The crowd held their breath as the cloud slowly moved around the field like a massive wave of toxic gas. Ash used his psychic powers to form a barrier around himself but even this proved difficult when compared to the power of both his and Lance's pokemon. The crowd's whispers began to fill the stadium again as the smoke cleared and revealed the results of the battle, "Dragonite is unable to battle, Ash and his Charizard win the round."
"And there you have it folks, Ash's Charizard proved too much for Lance and his new Dragonite. With this battle out of the way we will take a five minute break to let the trainers collect themselves for the final half. Lance has only three pokemon left while the challenger Ash Ketchum has four. Make that bathroom break quick ladies and gentlemen because this battle has just started."
Ash returned Charizard who had been panting from his battle and turned back to the locker room. He sat down on a bench and thought about the final three pokemon, "I have a slight lead but that battle took a lot out of Charizard. I still have three more pokemon after him but Lance's final three will be in a league of their own. So far he has used Gyarados, Altaria, and Dragonite. Given his track record he has his first Dragonite for sure but the other two could be anything. His main battle team also consists of an Aerodactyl and Charizard but he has been known to switch out with his Flygon, Kingdra, another Dragonair, and a Garchomp."
Ash moved his gaze to his starter's pokeball, "I don't plan on using you until I have to buddy." Ash's thoughts were broken when the light above the door blinked. Ash rose and turned to walk out of the room.
*PTCW*
Ash took his position on the field and held his hand over his belt. Lance nodded towards Ash and looked at the referee. The man pushed a button and the wheel started spinning before it stopped, "It has been decided that Ash will start the second half."
The dark trainer gritted his teeth together, "So much for that, Charizard end this!" His shiny Kanto pokemon burst forth and launched a flamethrower into the air before he took a deep breath to try and regain some strength.
"And Ash has decided to stay with his Charizard. As we clearly saw in the first half this fire type isn't a pushover…how will Lance counter this beast?"
The dragon trainer smiled and tossed a ball, "Aerodactyl I need your assistance!" The crowd erupted into cheers at the sight of the ancient pokemon. Even Ash, who had Kabutops and Anorith, couldn't help but feel in awe at the creature.
"Charizard vs. Aerodactyl…begin!"
Lance moved first, "DragonBreath!" The rock and flying type opened his jaws and fired a stream of green flames.
"Counter with Flamethrower!" Charizard copied his opponent except his stream was larger and more intense. The two met in the middle and exploded from the amount of energy. Before Ash could say another command, Aerodactyl was on Charizard with glowing wings associated with a wing attack. Lance's pokemon brought his right wing down and slashed Charizard across the chest.
"Charizard use ThunderPunch! Lightning crackled along his three clawed fingers as he slammed his fist into his opponent, "Iron Tail!" Using the momentum, Charizard swung around and brought his glowing tail towards Lance's pokemon.
"Crunch!" Aerodactyl opened his jaws and latched down on the tail that was presented to him.
Charizard called out in pain as the serrated teeth cut into his tail.
"Aerodactyl use skydrop!" Lance watched as his pokemon took off in the air with Charizard in his mouth. The fire type tried to maneuver out but the teeth were firmly in his tail. Aerodactyl spun in the air and then charged at the ground.
Ash called out, "Charizard grab him!" Temporarily ignoring the pain, Charizard twisted around and wrapped his claws around Aerodactyl's feet. Just as the rock type released him, Charizard pulled him down and used the momentum of his fall to swing him into the ground before crashing just as, if not harder.
Ash let a small amount of emotion go as one of his oldest pokemon slowly rose from the ground. "Charizard use flamethrower!" He opened his mouth and fired another stream of flames at the downed flying type but a shield appeared around him.
Aerodactyl shot up into the air with the protect shielding him before he quickly descended towards Charizard. As he did, rings of white energy formed around him and took the shape of pointed stones. The stone edge launched and crashed into Charizard sending him into the ground. "Finish it off with hyper beam!" With mercy devoid from his heart, Aerodactyl fired the powerful attack and watched with satisfaction as it engulfed Charizard before exploding.
*PTCW*
"Charizard is unable to battle; Lance and his Aerodactyl are the victors."
Ash returned his pokemon and whispered his thanks before pulling out another ball, "Milotic end this!" A beautiful melody filled the arena as a serpentine like body took form on the field. The main portion of the body was a cream color while its tail, ear like fins, and antenna were a combination of blue, pink, and purple. The women in the audience squealed at the beauty of the pokemon.
"Aerodactyl use ThunderFang!"
Ash's lips tilted slightly into a smile, "Protect yourself with aqua ring!" Milotic cooed and rings of glowing water wrapped around her in a protective cocoon. Aerodactyl kept going and tried to sink his fangs into his opponent but to no avail.
"Aqua tail!" Milotic's mermaid like tail quickly took the water from the aqua ring and slammed into the duel type pokemon.
"Ice beam!" Opening her mouth she launched the powerful ice move.
"Counter with flamethrower!" A stream of flames crashed into the ice attack and causes steam to hiss from the combination.
"Milotic switch into hydro pump." Opening her mouth wider, the water type fired off a super pressurized stream of water that engulfed the flamethrower and flooded over Aerodactyl.
"Quick while he is down use blizzard!" Milotic flashed icy blue before a powerful wind kicked up and a powerful snow storm ripped through the arena. Lance's pokemon cried out in pain before it collapsed to the ground.
"Aerodactyl is unable to battle, Milotic is the winner." Lance returned his pokemon and pulled his second to last ball, "Garchomp I need your assistance!"
Ash mentally prepared himself for a fight as the duel type pseudo legendary appeared and roared powerfully. It then glared at Milotic and snarled with its fangs bared.
"Garchomp use Iron Head!" The dragon pokemon roared and used his powerful legs to launch himself forward and engulf himself in a silver aura.
*PTCW*
Samuel was shaking his head slightly, "I have to say this…Ash never fails to impress."
Delia snapped a picture with her camera, "He has always been able to overcome anything he sets out to do."
Charles Goodshow was sitting next to Samuel and nodded in agreement while stroking his beard, "That boy has more spirit than most. His bond with his pokemon is very encouraging."
Cynthia took a drink from the glass that was sitting next to her, "I'm actually glad he is taking on the Johto/Kanto Elite Four. I really don't want to think about what he would be like to fight. He and Lance are pretty even in strength."
Agatha smiled, "He was one of the best challenges I have ever had. That boy is a force to reckon with."
Lorelei nodded in agreement, "He is also pretty handsome…if I was younger."
Leaf had to bite her tongue from yelling at the Elite Four member but her friends May and Dawn giggled. The brunette glared at them and turned back to the field mumbling something about old hags.
*PTCW*
"Milotic use another blizzard!" A beautiful call filled the stadium as another massive storm blasted its way over the field. Garchomp grunted in pain as he put up his fins to defend, but the power behind the attack started to push him back.
"Now fire a dragon pulse!" Milotic's mouth opened and a sphere of green and blue energy fired at a fast pace.
Lance smiled, "Send it back with brick break!" Garchomp's fins flashed a powerful white light and slashed the right one at the incoming attack. It momentarily stalled before flying back into Milotic.
"Dragon Rush!" The dragon type pseudo roared and was engulfed with a powerful blue aura and rushed at the water type. Milotic braced herself for the redirected dragon pulse but was not able to withstand the power behind the Dragon Rush. Garchomp flipped backwards and landed in front of Lance and roared in victory.
"Ash's Milotic is unable to battle, Garchomp is the winner!" Ash returned his fallen pokemon and whispered his thanks. He thought about choosing Salamence but waited and selected another ball, "Dragonite, end this!"
Lance's eyes sparkled at the sight of the rare pokemon and the condition she was in. "A very impressive specimen Ash, I can tell she has been raised properly."
The dark trainer smiled, "I have had her since very early in my journey, and she is one of my most powerful pokemon."
Lance nodded, "We shall see, Garchomp, Giga Impact!" His pokemon roared and charged forward with a sphere of purple and gold energy swirling around him.
"Dragonite, take to the skies and use Dragon Dance!" Just as her opponent was on top of her, Dragonite effortlessly flew into the air and surrounded herself with powerful draconic energy that was absorbed.
"Dragon Claw!" Ash's pokemon roared and swept down with her claws glowing a light green. The attack smashed into Garchomp's back and forced him to crumple to the ground.
"Garchomp are you alright?" Lance's pokemon grunted as he got up and nodded, "Great then let's get back the momentum, use Dragon Dance and follow it up with Dragon Rush!"
Ash quickly countered, "Use another Dragon Dance and then Protect!" Both pseudo-legendaries absorbed power before performing their next move. Garchomp slammed into a green shield that had appeared around Dragonite and both of them ground their teeth together in effort against the other.
Lance growled, "Garchomp break off and use dragon rush!" His pokemon jumped back from the shield and quickly took on a blue aura and charged back.
"Dragonite use extreme speed to dodge and use ice beam!" In the blink of an eye, the final evolution of Dratini vanished and appeared behind Garchomp. Dragonite's mouth opened and fired a beam of ice cold energy that hit the dragon type in the side. Garchomp called out in pain as he was hit by an attack that did x4 the normal damage.
"Dragon tail!" Ash's pokemon roared as she swung her body around with a glowing tail.
Lance's eyes widened, "protect!" Dragonite's tail slammed into a shield and forced her back.
"Counter with dragon claw!" Garchomp roared and rushed forward and brought his claws down on his opponent, sending her into the ground.
"Dragon pulse!" A massive orb of draconic energy fired from his maw and exploded upon contact with Dragonite.
Ash gritted his teeth as Dragonite slowly got up with cuts and bruises all over her body. Granted she was a powerful pokemon but Lance wasn't an Elite Four member for nothing. During his reign as champion, he was known for his brutality and rarely ever using more than three pokemon. Ash knew that to avoid his last pokemon facing two of Lance's super powerful team members, he would have beat or tie with Garchomp.
"Dragonite get in close with thunderbolt!" His pokemon obeyed and as she flew closer, launched a powerful beam of yellow electricity.
Lance raised his eyebrow, "I'm not sure what you have planned Ash, but that was a wasted move, you should know that Garchomp is immune to electric attacks." His point was proven when Garchomp simple stood there and took the attack without much effort.
Ash smirked coldly, "I didn't forget…I was waiting for the opening, Dragonite attack him with full power dragon rush!" Lance looked on as Dragonite rushed forward with legendary speed and unleashed a massive attack that was more powerful than normal thanks to the two dragon dances from earlier. Garchomp cried out in pain but reacted on instinct thanks to his years of training. He swept his claws up and caught Dragonite with another powerful dragon claw.
Ash and Lance glared at each other before calling out, "Hyper beam!" Both pokemon jumped up and reared their heads back before firing powerful attacks at each other. The two beams met in the middle and quickly exploded. A wave of energy and smoke flew over the field and sent both dragon types back. The smoke cleared and revealed that both dragons were still standing but very exhausted, "Dragonite lets finish this, Draco Meteor!"
His pokemon flashed orange before firing a ball of power into the air. "Garchomp attack with Giga Impact!" As the meteor's exploded, Garchomp rushed forward with a sphere of gold and purple energy surrounding him. He slammed into Dragonite and sent her back just as the meteors started impacting the field. Both pokemon were struck by the attack and crumpled to the ground.
Ash's face showed emotion as he saw one of his oldest pokemon hurt, "Dragonite get up! I know you can do this!" On the opposite side of the field, Lance was calling out to his Garchomp. As their trainers' voices filled their ears, both pokemon slowly opened their eyes and got slowly to their feet. They glared at their opponent and tried to outlast the other…but eventually one of them took a struggled breath and fell over.
Ash sighed as he watched Dragonite fall to the ground before he returned her, "Thank you girl…you did a great job. Ash clipped her ball onto his belt before pulling the pokeball from his necklace. He hardened his stance and prepared to throw it but was stopped when Lance's Garchomp grunted and fell over. The referee declared the pokemon unable to battle before calling for the trainers to call out their final pokemon.
Lance smiled at Ash, "I must commend you for getting this far. It isn't something that is taken lightly. I look forward to working with you if you chose to stay on…but that is as far as you will go. You will never reach the champion."
Lance threw his ball and out came his starter and most powerful pokemon…Dragonite. Ash's eyes hardened as he felt Salamence's pokeball and heard Lance's words ringing in his ears, 'never reach the champion.'
His mind started playing hundreds of images as he thought about his life and what had made him the trainer he was today. An image of his father flashed and Ash's psychic powers roared to their master's call. His eyes and body were enveloped in a powerful blue aura before he spoke, his voice amplified by his powers. "I have fought too hard to reach this point and let that man go unpunished. You stand in my way and now I end you. Rise my faithful starter and unleash your power for the whole world to see!"
Ash threw the ball and it opened and released the contents within. A powerful roar filled the arena as the shape of a larger than average Salamence took shape. Upon the right side of its face was a scar that ran right down the center of its eye, face, jaw, and neck. The beast let smoke and fire blow from his nostrils before he roared again. The crowds all gasped as the mysterious starter of Ash Ketchum was finally revealed to the world.
*PTCW*
Leaf let the breath that she had been holding in finally go. Her eyes watered slightly at the sight of Salamence after so much time and couldn't help but admire the beauty of the creature…no matter how deadly he was. "There he is."
May and Dawn looked at their friend, "That is the starter you always talked about?"
Leaf nodded, "This is Salamence's first official league battle."
Gary opened his mouth, "Then what is that loser doing? He has no idea what Lance will do to a pokemon that has never been in a battle before!"
Morty who had remained silent for the entire battle finally spoke up, "He can win. I have seen Salamence before and he is most likely the most powerful of its kind."
Gary rolled his eyes, "And how would you know?"
Morty smirked, "I saw Ash defeat a legendary pokemon with Salamence." The group of people in the box gaped at this before Leaf agreed, "It wasn't just any legendary either, it was a Suicune."
This caused the group to start talking about what this meant for the battle before Professor Oak finally spoke, "How about we simply watch the battle and let it be the deciding factor."
Everyone nodded in agreement while Leaf tensed up, "Come on Ashy."
*PTCW*
Lance prided himself on being a master of dragon pokemon but the beast that floated before him was something else. It reeked of power and even his Dragonite realized this. One thing that was often overlooked by trainers was how pokemon acted around each other. All pokemon followed the simple code of Alphas and this was simply put, that the most powerful pokemon was the Alpha and was nature's choice to be the leader until another more powerful came along. Even in battle, pokemon will size each other up to determine who is the Alpha of the two and in this situation…this Salamence was. Dragonite looked back at Lance and saw the same look in his trainer's eyes…fear. This beast wasn't going to go down easy if at all. Lance took a breath and order his attack, "Dragon pulse!"
Dragonite fired his attack and watched as it sailed at Salamence, "Hyper beam." The order was given calmly and coldly by Ash. His Pokémon's pupils flared as a powerful beam launched out of his mouth. It easily engulfed the dragon pulse and roared over the field, quickly closing the distance.
"Dragonite move!" His pokemon quickly moved out of the way but the beam skimmed his right leg, causing a severe burn. The attack slammed into the wall and ripped a massive gap in it before the entrance collapsed upon itself. Lance's eyes were wide at the power from the attack and knew this was going to be the hardest battle he had ever fought.
"Dragonite while he is recovering use dragon claw!" Dragonite flapped his wings and rushed at his target and prepared to bring his claws down.
"Defend." Salamence's wings flashed a dark silver like color before being wrapped around his head. The steel wing made a clang sound as Dragonite's claws hit the wings but no damage was done.
"Flamethrower!" Salamence's wings quickly separated and fired a powerful flame into his opponent who was pushed back while calling in pain. "Follow it up with dragon pulse!" A larger orb fired from Salamence's mouth and slammed into Dragonite, causing a minor explosion.
Lance watched on in distress before coming up with a plan. "Dragonite fly straight up and then turn and head to the ground!"
Most pokemon would question their trainer's command…especially if it was a crazy one like this. But Dragonite was Lance's first and most loyal pokemon…so following his master's orders, the pseudo dragon launched into the air and then did a quick u-turn and flew at the ground.
Ash raised his eyebrow at this but decided to make the next move, "Salamence use dragonbreath! The mighty beast opened his mouth and fired a powerful green stream of flames that would clearly hit Dragonite.
Lance smirked, "Spinning ice beam!" His pokemon opened his mouth and fired a blue beam that split off into three arcs. Using his wings, Dragonite forced himself to spin at a rapid pace that sent the ice attack in all directions of the stadium. The dragonbreath was slowly beaten back before another wave of ice hit Salamence. The dragon type roared in pain before falling to the ground with a large chunk of ice on his left wing.
Ash gritted his teeth together, "break out with steel wing and then use dragon rush!" Lance quickly countered, "You use dragon rush as well!"
An explosion of sound and energy filled the stadium as the two legendary level pokemon crashed into each other in a brilliant display of power and determination. Both creatures roared savagely at the other before finally relenting and backing off. "Flamethrower!" Both dragon type launched attacks again and met in the middle. The streams of fire held off against the other but sent large waves of fire against the stadium walls.
"Dragonite break off and use Fire Blast!" Quickly diverting the energy, Dragonite launched one of the most powerful fire attacks in the world and started to push back Salamence's attack.
Ash's eyes flared, "Two can play at that game. Salamence use hydro pump!" Cutting off the flames, the dragon quickly took a breath and fired a massive torrent of water that cut through the fire and hit Dragonite.
Lance smirked, "A rare move for Salamence and a great way to surprise your opponent. Dragonite use extreme speed into dragon claw!"
In a flash of white, the cream colored dragon disappeared and then reappeared behind Salamence before slashing his glowing green claws against his opponent's back. Salamence roared in anger and swung his body around, bringing his powerful tail down on Dragonite burned leg.
"Stone edge!" Rings of white energy formed around Salamence and shot razor sharp stones at his opponent. They rushed and exploded upon impacting Dragonite's sky.
"Dragonite use hurricane!" Lance's Pokémon's body flashed a powerful white aura before flying into the air. With his powerful wings, the dragon type unleashed a vortex of powerful winds swirling with energy that crackled and sparked. Salamence was quickly swallowed up and thrown around as damage started to accumulate.
Lance decided to capitalize, "Dragonite, add blizzard!" Another powerful wind swarmed in the arena and combined a blast of icy strength to the wind. Salamence cried out in pain as he was viciously struck time and time again.
Ash thought a moment before coming up with a counter, "Salamence I know you are in pain but listen to me. Spin with the cyclone to gain momentum and break out!" His starter gritted his teeth together and forced his wings and tail to steer him into the main wind path of the cyclone. Within seconds, his body started spinning with the attack and quickly rose to the top.
Ash saw his chance, "Use steel wing to break out and attack with a full power dragon rush!" The deafening roar from Salamence alerted the crowd that his trainer's orders had been heard. A powerful flash filled the cyclone and Salamence burst forth with glowing wings before he was engulfed with the power of dragon rush. Lance could only watch as the furious beast slammed into his pokemon and sent him crashing into the ground.
"Finish him with hyper beam!" Salamence roared again before firing the powerful attack and engulfed his opponent before a massive explosion filled the field.
The crowd was silent as they waited for a sign and many were shocked to see Dragonite slowly getting up. His body was covered in burns, bruises, cuts, and his breathing was shallow. He glared at Salamence whom had landed on the field and was growling deep within his throat.
Dragonite glanced at his trainer and saw nothing but respect and love from him before he took a deep breath and embraced the void of sleep.
*PTCW*
A cricket could have been heard with how quiet the stadium was. The referee was pale and slowly raised his flags, "Dragonite is unable to battle…Ash and his Salamence are the winners!"
With that simple declaration, the crowd exploded into a frenzy of cheers and cries as they applauded both trainers from their valiant battle.
"Unbelievable ladies and gentlemen, Ash Ketchum has done it! He has defeated The Dragon Master Lance and has secured his right to take on the champion!"
Ash was silent for a moment before he rushed over to Salamence and embraced the beast around the neck. The powerful dragon rumbled deep in his chest as he put his head down on Ash's shoulder in a gentle hug. "Thank you my friend."
His pokemon rumbled again before gently licking his master. Ash turned to see the press beginning their move towards him and he growled, "Let's move buddy." Ash jumped onto Salamence's back and they took off into the skies towards the pokemon center.
*PTCW*
High atop Mount Silver a single figure sat on a ledge overlooking the valley leading up to the mountain. Beside him was a Pikachu that seemed to be deep in thought. The man's hand reached out and gently rubbed his partner's head and earned a gentle squeal of content.
Red Ketchum smiled at his starter and put him on his shoulder, "Another day as the best right Pikachu?" Pikachu nodded and his ears twitched as he heard the distinct sound of a vibration coming from his trainer's coat pocket.
Red pulled out his cell phone and held it up to his ear. "Hello?"
The voice on the other end was in the form of his long time friend Lance, "Red I lost."
Red's eyes widened, "You lost? As in a pokemon battle?"
Lance's voice was a shallow chuckle, "Not just a pokemon battle…but to your son." Red almost dropped the phone, "Ash?"
Lance spoke grimly, "Yes it was Ash…and I should warn you that he isn't one to be trifled with." There was a pause, "He is out for blood."
Red's eyes widened as his mind flashed to the notice of divorce he had sent home all those years ago. "Keep me posted." Before Lance could respond the line went dead.
Red looked at Pikachu who was now looking at him with a sad expression, "Ash won against Lance buddy, he is going to challenge us next."
Pikachu's cheeks sparked, "He is out for us…" Red looked out over the valley, "He is out for revenge."
There you go my friends, another chapter has ended.
Ash has secured his victory and will now finally reunite with his friends and family.
Next chapter we will also see his new team.
On a side note, I would like to announce that I am the beta for the very talented author Dragonheart1234 and the story Burnt to Ashes. Go check it out and give your support to another author.
As always send in your ideas and reviews.
KingFatMan25
