10. The Duel With Dragons
Chapter Ten. The Duel With Dragons.
Summary. Ash met his old friend May again, before watching Gary cruise to victory in his first group battle against Kitti Summers, while Ritchie was humiliated by Steven Stone. His Charizard, Pikachu and Tyranitar were no match for Steven's Armaldo and Skarmory. However, Steven proved to be gracious in victory and offered Ritchie some advice after the battle.
"Grotle, Energy Ball."
"Delcatty, block it with Blizzard."
Ash grimaced as May's Delcatty blocked Grotle's move.
"Don't worry." Ash encouraged his Pokemon. "You can win, now use Razor Leaf."
Grotle launched several leaves at Delcatty.
"Sing."
Delcatty opened its mouth, and a sweet haunting melody started to be heard.
"Grotle, use Leech Seed."
Grotle bombarded Delcatty with an array of seeds, before it fell asleep.
"I see what you're trying to do." May said. "Delcatty, use Blizzard on Grotle while it's asleep. Let's not give it time to recover energy."
Delcatty sent an howling gale of ice at Grotle, who was helpless to avoid it. It fainted under the stress of taking a super effective attack.
"Grotle." Ash said, as he recalled it. "I'm sorry."
"Ready for more punishment." May grinned, as she recalled Delcatty.
"What punishment?" Ash replied, with a small smile. "Lucario, I choose you."
"Are you sure you want a practice battle?" Olly asked.
"Yes." Jim replied. "I face Lance in less than five hours and I want to be prepared."
"Do you know who you'll be using yet?"
"Well, Lance uses dragons, so my Glaceon is up for sure."
"What else?"
"I'm really not sure."
"Do you want to practice against dragons?"
"Yeah, why not."
Olly threw two Pokeballs, and his Dragonite and Charizard appeared.
"Well, are we gonna do this or not?"
"Force Palm."
"Withdraw."
Lucario tried to punch Blastoise in the head, but the tough Pokemon hid in its shell.
"That's quick." Ash remarked.
"My Blastoise is more than just quick." May replied. "It's strong. Surf."
Blastoise created a huge wave of water from nowhere and sent it crashing down on Lucario.
"Lucario!" Ash shouted. "Are you okay?"
Lucario jumped up in anger.
"Great." Ash said. "Now use Force Palm."
"Withdraw." May countered. "Same result as before."
"Not really." Ash grinned. "Fire an Aura Sphere into its shell."
Lucario conjured up a sphere if blue energy and sent it into Blastoises shell. The Pokemon was force out by the attack.
"Now use Dragon Pulse."
Lucario hit Blastoise with a wave of grey blue energy.
Blastoise went down.
"Thanks Blastoise." May said, as she recalled it. "You were excellent."
"You too, Lucario." Ash said.
"You leave me no choice." May yelled. "I'm going all out, with Blaziken."
"Charizard, Flamethrower."
"Absol, counter with Water Pulse."
The attacks met in middair, and the orb of water crashed through the fire, hurting Charizard. The fire type roared, but managed to keep its balance.
"Wing Attack." Olly ordered.
Charizard charged at Absol, and slammed it into the ground.
"Thunderbolt." Jim said.
Absol created a bolt of lightning in its horn and launched it at Charizard.
"Dodge, and use Blast Burn."
Charizard flew around the electricity and sent a huge wall of fire at Absol, who was badly burnt by the attack, and crumpled instantly.
Both Olly and Jim instantly knew how badly hurt Absol was.
"We have to get Absol to the Pokemon Centre." Olly said.
Jim put his hand on Absol's neck to stroke it, but quickly took it off due to the extreme heat.
"Charizard." Olly called. "Pick Absol up and fly it over to the Pokemon Centre."
Charizard obliged, as Olly and Jim ran after it.
"Blaze Kick."
Blaziken launched a powerful kick backed by fire at Pikachu.
"Dodge and use Thunderbolt."
Pikachu flipped away and shocked Blaziken with electricity. It barely seemed to notice the attack.
"That didn't go so well." Ash remarked.
"Use Fire Spin."
Blaziken sent a vortex of fire at Pikachu.
"Cut through it with Iron Tail."
Pikachu jumped up and cut through the attack with its tail. This wasn't the best idea though, as it was burned by the contact.
"Blaziken, Double Kick." May said.
Blaziken jumped at the struggling Pikachu and kicked it twice. Pikachu was thrown across the grass, but Static managed to paralyze Blaziken.
"We're even now." Ash said. "Pikachu, use Thunder."
"Blaziken, Overheat."
Pikachu sent a concentrated blast of electricty at Blaziken. Blaziken responded with a blast of white hot fire. The two Pokemon were struck with the attacks at the same time, and were both knocked out. Ash ran over to see if Pikachu was okay.
"You were amazing." Ash said to the small yellow mouse. "Thanks for the help in training, May."
"No problem." She replied. "Anytime."
"I'm afraid your Absol is very badly burned." Nurse Joy said. "There is no chance that it'll be able to battle today."
"I am sorry." Olly said. "I should have told Charizard we were only training."
"Hey, forget about it." Jim replied. "Accidents happen, and I'm sure it wasn't intentional. Besides, how much trouble would Absol be in if Charizard hadn't flown it here."
"True." Olly said. "Look, It really wasn't intentional."
"I need to find another Pokemon for battle." Jim realised. "I need to register it for the battle."
"I'll help you." Olly said. "It's the least I can do."
"And now, for the showpiece event. One of the most eagerly anticipated battles of the tournament so far. This match will show the debut of former Elite Four leader and Johto champion Lance, and the consistent challenger of Jim Jacobs. This match is going to take place on an ice battlefield, and so might give Jacobs a slight advantage against the Dragon Master. But surely Lance is destined to walk away with three points, which given the result of Cynthia beating Wallace earlier today, could be vital. As usual, each trainer will use three Pokemon each, and the match is over when all three of a trainers Pokemon are unable to continue battling. Can each trainer please select their first Pokemon."
Lance stood impassively at one end of the field, before selecting a Pokeball.
"Gyarados, battle for the honour."
Lance sent out an intimidating Gyarados, with one difference. It was red.
"A Red Gyarados?" Jim mused. "I wonder if... Nah, forget it, Luxio, I choose you."
Jim sent out his Luxio, who stared at Gyarados just as intently as it was being stared at.
"I see the Intimidation has been cancelled out." Lance laughed. "So, I guess we will start with Hydro Pump."
Gyarados roared and sent a powerful torrent of water at Luxio.
"Dodge." Jim ordered. "Then use Thunderbolt."
Luxio managed to skid away from the Hydro Pump, and blast Gyarados with electricity. Gyarados roared as it was shocked, but apart from anger, it appeared to show no sign of being hurt.
"Do you honestly think that you are the only trainer to try that technique against Gyarados?" Lance asked. "Break through the ice."
Gyarados slammed into the ice and created a sinkhole, large enough for it to crawl through.
"Be careful Luxio." Jim warned. "It can literally come from beneath you."
Luxio looked around nervously, until Gyarados smashed its way though the ice below it. Luxio was sent flying into the air by the force of the attack. It was also buffered by the small lumps of ice.
"Now use Hydro Pump."
Gyarados launched another water attack at Luxio.
"Use Volt Tackle from above." Jim yelled.
Luxio covered itself in electricity and dropped towards Gyarados. It crashed through the Hydro Pump and hit Gyarados in the face. The large serpent crashed to the ground and didn't move.
"Gyarados is unable to battle. Luxio is the winner."
Lance recalled Gyarados.
"A magnificent performance."
Lance smirked, as he took another Pokeball from under his cape.
"Flygon, go."
Jim sighed as the green dragon appeared.
"You can't do anything for the moment Luxio, return." He said, recalling it.
"Cranidos, let's battle."
Gary was sat by the beach. He was taking a few hours break, before going back to training. His Pokemon were all sat around him. Blastoise was enjoying the ocean, while Tangrowth, Umbreon and Electivire were sleeping. He was also keeping an eye on Nidoking and Magmortar who were staying away from the water completely. Gary couldn't blame them, as water didn't really go with their type well.
He was just about to take a quick sleep when he became aware of someone approaching him. Gary opened his eyes, and saw the girl he had battled the previous day stood over him.
"Hi." She said.
Flygon crashed into Cranidos, and sent the Pokemon slipping across the ice.
"Use Headbutt."
Cranidos jumped up and charged at Flygon. It hit the opponent square in the stomach, causing Flygon to flinch.
"Follow up with Take Down."
Cranidos landed another hit, but grunted as it was hit with recoil.
"Flygon, Dragonbreath."
Flygon swooped towards Cranidos and fired a blast of green energy at it.
"Counter with Dragon Pulse."
Cranidos fired a grey blue ray of energy at Flygon, and managed to counter the attack.
"Supersonic." Lance said.
Flygon opened its mouth and sent a sensitive wave of sound hurtling towards Cranidos. Jim's Pokemon was confused by the attack.
"Cranidos, return." Jim shouted, quickly holding up a Pokeball. "Glaceon, go."
Brock and Misty were heading down to the beach. Neither of them had seen Ash or Pikachu all day, so they were going to the beach to see if he was there. Plus, they could give their Pokemon some exercise.
"Isn't that Gary?" Brock said.
"Where?" Misty replied.
"Over there." Brock answered. "Talking to someone."
"Who?" Misty asked quickly, and slightly louder than normal.
"Ice Beam."
"Flygon, Sandstorm." Lance said.
Flygon started to flap its wings and create a sandstorm. This blocked the ice attack.
"Damn." Jim said. "Use Quick Attack."
Glaceon charged around the storm and crashed into Flygon, who barely seemed to notice it.
"Iron Tail." Lance said, calmly.
"Aww crap." Jim said, as Flygons tail started to glow. "Try to counter with Blizzard."
Glaceon launched the attack, but was knocked off balance by the attack. The Blizzard sailed off to the right of Flygon, and nearly freezing a handful of spectators.
"Glaceon, please get up." Jim begged.
Glaceon struggled to get to its feet.
"It is over." Lance said, in a matter of fact tone. "Use Hyper Beam."
Flygon started to charge up energy.
Jim frantically scanned the area, until he came up with a plan that might just work.
"Head for that hole." He said, pointing to the hole in the ice, made by Gyarados.
Glaceon managed to get up and sprint for the hole, as Flygon unleashed its attack. The beam streaked across the ice, heading straight for Glaceon.
"I've been studying legendary Pokemon." Gary said.
"Really." Kitti replied.
"Yeah, in Sinnoh."
"It's my absolute ambition to catch a legendary Pokemon." Kitti said, with a starry look in her eyes.
"That'll be tough." Gary remarked. "I can only think of one trainer who has managed to catch a legendary Pokemon, but he caught three of them."
"Are you referring to Pyramid King Brandon?"
"I am."
"I'm glad I battled you first." Kitti said. "You convinced me that I need to improve for my next two matches. And for that I thank you."
Kitti gave Gary a smile, as she walked away. Gary was about to go to sleep, when he became aware of someone else there. He opened his eyes.
"Who is it now?" He demanded, before seeing Brock and Misty. "Oh hello."
"Glaceon!" Jim yelled. "Can you hear me?"
There was no response, but as the smoke cleared, Glaceon was nowhere to be seen.
"What happened to Glaceon?"
"Be very careful, Flygon." Lance said. Flygon couldn't move after using the Hyper Beam.
Jim was just looking for his Pokemon, when something burst from the ice underneath Flygon.
"And Glaceon uses something similar to what Lance's Gyarados did earlier."
Glaceon landed on Flygons back. Flygon was still unable to move.
"Now's your chance." Jim said. "Use Blizzard."
Glaceon covered Flygon in ice, freezing it, and knocking it out.
"Flygon is unable to battle. Glaceon is the winner."
Ash switched the Pc on. He was exhausted, after his day's training with May.
I should really treat this as a blessing. Training with a coordinator can offer a different perspective. If I hadn't trained with Dawn in Sinnoh, I wouldn't have some of my more potent tricks.
Pikachu jumped on the table next to him. It had been battling with Blaziken for most of the day, and was covered in Burn Heal in places.
"You were excellent today." Ash said, scratching Pikachu's ears. "Now shall we check out our next opponent?"
"You have battled well." Lance said to Jim. "But this is where the match ends. You may have all three of your Pokemon left, but in what condition are they to battle? I think that this is the perfect moment to unleash Dragonite."
Lance threw a Pokeball, and his most powerful Pokemon appeared.
Jim gulped, as the referee gave the sign for the match to begin.
"Glaceon, Ice Shard."
"Counter with Flamethrower."
Dragonite's attack burst through Glaceon's attack easily and struck it with incredible power.
Glaceon was burned by the attack, but was still able to move.
"Glaceon, if you can't continue, don't." Jim said, but Glaceon glared at him. "Okay, but if you take one more hit, I'm pulling you out. Blizzard."
"No good." Lance said. "Counter with Flamethrower."
Dragonite sent out a burst of fire.
"Change to Water Pulse." Jim said.
Glaceon stopped the ice attack and sent the sphere of water crashing into the flames, extinguishing them.
"Impressive." Lance remarked. "But pointless. Dragonite, Thunder."
Dragonite launched an electric attack from the hair on its head and shocked Glaceon. The ice Pokemon finally went down, and didn't get back up.
"Glaceon is unable to battle. Dragonite is the winner."
"Well." Ash said, as he looked through the trainers in his group. "I've still got a great chance of getting through. I've got a point so far, along with Lullaby. This guy, Carlos Rui is up next. If I want to get out of the group, I have to beat him. Now let's see what Pokemon he has."
Jim thought hard. He still had Cranidos and Luxio, so there was still a chance of him winning. But Lance was right. They had both battled, and they were both tired. And Dragonite had amazing endurance.
"Luxio, I need you." Jim said, throwing a Pokeball.
Cranidos is probably a little bit stronger. Hopefully Luxio can wear Dragonite down, because there is no way that it's going to win. Plus Cranidos has those two tricks available if needed.
"Luxio, Discharge."
"Let's see." Ash said. "Hitmontop, Walrein, Blaziken, Arbok, Shedinja and Tropius. This could be tough. But, hey, I'll get through it."
Ash pressed another button, and a feed came up from the match that was currently taking place.
Right, it's Jim vs Lance. Oh no.
A Luxio, which he presumed was Jim's was hit badly by a Brick Break from Dragonite. It didn't get back up.
There was no sound from the feed, but Ash could see the referee put his flag up, and could make out what he was saying.
"Luxio is unable to battle. Dragonite is the winner."
Jim recalled Luxio.
"Thanks for the help."
He put the Pokeball back with the others, before taking another one out.
"Cranidos, let's go."
He sent Cranidos back out. At least it wasn't confused anymore.
"Okay, start with Take Down."
Cranidos charged across the ice at Dragonite.
"Brick Break." Lance said, calmly.
Dragonite flew out of the way of the attack, before dropping a fist on Cranidos' back.
"Strike back with Dragon Pulse!"
Cranidos managed to recover in time to launch an attack upwards, which knocked Dragonite onto the ice. The ice cracked under its weight and Dragonite ended up in the water.
"Now use Thunder."
Cranidos managed to unleash a blast of electricity into the water, which damaged Dragonite heavily.
"Follow up with Head Smash."
Cranidos charged at Dragonite, who had just managed to climb out of the water. It was surprised by the attack, but was thrown across the ice by the force of the attack. Jim winced at the crunching sound made by the impact, but quickly regained his composure.
"Finish it off with Ice Beam."
Cranidos shook itself off after taking heavy recoil damage from the Head Smash and sent a cold beam of ice at Dragonite.
Dragonite howled as it took heavy damage from the attack.
"Dragonite!" Lance said. "Forget it."
Lance recalled Dragonite, before turning to the referee.
"I'm forfeiting the match. I don't want my Dragonite to get hurt even more."
Lance strode away, leaving Jim slightly stunned.
"Does that mean I win?"
Lance was walking out of the stadium, when Jim caught up with him.
"Why did you do that?" He demanded.
"Kid." Lance said. "My Dragonite is my most precious Pokemon. It was my first ever Pokemon, and also my closest friend. I wasn't willing to put him through all that pain, not for a battle you were clearly going to win, and deserved to win. Well done."
Lance continued to walk, until Jim yelled something after him.
"Does this mean I'm the champion of Johto?"
Ash stared at the screen in shock.
"What the hell just happened?"
Author's Notes. Well, I bet no one saw that coming.
Thanks to everyone who has reviewed so far. It is appreciated, so keep it up.
Bit of a preview for Ash's next match in a few chapters time.