Disclaimer: Pokemon is copyrighted to Satoshi Tajiri and Game Freak (characters, concept, and creatures). However, I clam ownership of all OCs.
Sinnoh League Final: Ash vs. Aaron (Part 2)
"Begin!"
"Infernape, Mach Punch!" Ash's Infernape's fist glowed light blue as it charged at Aaron's Empoleon, preparing to punch the living daylights out of it.
"Parry with Steel Wing."Empoleon's fins illuminated white as the blue tips brightened to a lighter hue of azure. Then, the Emperor Pokemon timed its Steel Wing perfectly, blocking the Flame Pokemon's Mach Punch.
"Strike!" Aaron commanded. Empoleon roughed swatted Infernape's arm away, holding up its available Steel Wing-induced fin to try and throw a jab.
"Dodge it and use Dig!" Ash enjoined. The Fire/Fighting-type back-flipped to avoid the thrust and burrowed underground when it met the ground once more.
"Oh, no. We're not going down that route." Aaron declared decisively. People could do some creative things with Dig, and he wasn't going to let Ash and Infernape experiment on him and Empoleon, "Hyper Beam right below you, Empoleon!"
Empoleon charged orange-yellow energy in front of its trident-mask and unleash a beam of power right below it, thinking Infernape was going to strike from there like usual. When the smoke and dust cleared, it revealed nothing but an empty crater.
"What the-?!" Aaron exclaimed in shock, "W-Where's Infernape?!"
On cue, Infernape emerged from the ground behind Empoleon and delivered a fierce shoulder charge, knocking the Emperor Pokemon down on its face.
"And Infernape pounds Aaron's Empoleon after rendering it confused with monkey business!" The announcer said.
"There we go!" Ash exclaimed excitedly while pumping an arm.
"Hmph.." Aaron huffed indifferently. He supposed nothing said attackers using Dig had to strike in their opponent's line of vision. Duly noted. Empoleon stood back onto its feet, but the secondary effects of Hyper Beam made it unable to do further movement.
"And Hyper Beam makes Empoleon a sitting duck now!" The announcer added.
"Then we can do this," Ash stated, "Flare Blitz!" Infernape yelled out as its body was covered in red-orange flames and then shot itself toward the immobilized Empoleon faster than a rocket.
"….Now! Use Waterfall to defend yourself!" Aaron suddenly shouted at the last second. Empoleon instantly protected itself by summoning a column of blue water around it. Flare Blitz clashed with the Water-type move, steams hissing as the hot flames came into contact with the cold water.
"What?!" Ash exclaimed.
Waterfall eventually overpowered Flare Blitz and sent Infernape away, washing up the Flame Pokemon with a mighty wave. "Keep up the pressure! Steel Wing!" Aaron commanded. Empoleon, using the remainder of the waves from Waterfall, expeditiously swam toward the Fire/Fighting-type with its fins glowing white and bright blue. Then, when it was close enough, the Emperor Pokemon delivered two consecutive Steel Wings that sent the fiery primate flying and onto its back.
"Infernape!" The Pride of Pallet Town yelled. The Flame Pokemon defiantly rose back to its feet and gave its trainer a reassuring grin. "Phew…" Ash sighed in relief but then quickly returned to his normal battle demeanor. This battle wasn't over by a long shot, "Flamethrower!"
Infernape took a deep breath, causing its chest to puff out, beforereleasing a great flurry of flames from its mouth to Empoleon.
"Empoleon, use Steel Wing to burrow underground!"
Empoleon summoned Steel Wing, spun around in place, and drilled into the ground to avoid the intense Flamethrower. Ash's eyes widened, recognizing both the command and motions made by Empoleon, "Oh NO!"
"Oh, yes." Aaron grinned enthusiastically, "Game over. Aqueduct!"
The battlefield began to illuminate light blue again as Empoleon released Waterfall underground with as much effort as possible. Ash was trying to figure out a way to prevent Aqueduct from happening. Infernape constantly looked around, too confused to find a way to save itself.
"And here comes the sequel!" the announcer commentated, "Can this 'Aqueduct' be stopped?!"
"INFERNAPE!" Barry shouted while covering his eyes.
"This is bad!" Brock said, "That Aqueduct's gonna be harsher on ground-based Pokemon like Infernape rather than airborne ones like Staraptor!"
With no apparent way out, an enormous geyser of aquatic power erupted from the battlefield. Infernape was trapped inside the powerful Aqueduct, screaming in pain all the while. The water was threatening to extinguish its flames and was cooling down its higher-than-usual body to only mention, that was a great amount of pressure the eruption itself placed on its body. This was indeed a trial worse than any other it experienced.
Eventually, the Aqueduct dispersed into oblivion ever-so beautifully again. Infernape was lying on its stomach, steam hissing from its body. Empoleon reached the surface and examined its work smugly. "(Looks like I win.)"
"Infernape is down!" the announcer bellowed, "Infernape is down!"
"Infernape…" Ash gritted his teeth.
"Pika pika (Come on, Infernape, get up!)" Pikachu cheered on.
The Flame Pokemon twitched with life but had a significantly hard time trying to get back on its feet.
"Magneton. (Aaron, you should finish that Infernape while you still can.)" Magneton recommended, watching as the Flame Pokemon fought fatigue.
"You're right, better safe than sorry." Aaron stated and then commanded, "Empoleon, end this game with Hyper-"
Suddenly, Infernape's eyes turned a blazing crimson, and the flame atop its head flared wildly with increased intensity. As if revitalized completely, Infernape jumped back to its feet and released a powerful, echoing yell as it spontaneously generated an immense amount of heat and flames around its body.
"(This battle is NOT over!)" Infernape roared, its reddish-pink eyes focused on an extremely shocked Empoleon.
"Alright!" Brock exclaimed, pumping a fist, "Infernape's Blaze has activated!" From what he saw, Ash's Infernape was nigh-unstoppable once Blaze was in effect. He could cite the outcomes to his battle with Volkner and Paul for evidence.
Barry grinned, "There's no way that Empoleon of Aaron's can survive now!"
"Your last resort, huh?" Aaron commented collectedly as he watched the flames around Infernape flared out proudly and powerfully. He took his hat off momentarily to wipe some of the sweat off his brow.
"You got that right!" Ash answered jubilantly, "Now, it's time to beat that Empoleon of yours once and for all!"
"Your intentions are SO one-sided, Ash." Aaron remarked with a small shake of his head, putting his hat back on.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Ash asked guardedly, getting the inkling that Aaron had something planned.
The Metropolis Town resident pointed to something around Infernape's feet. Ash and the Blaze-induced Pokemon looked down at the same time to see the wet ground of the battered and torn rocky terrain, small traces of steam floating upward as a result of Infernape's convective body heat. As in wet, there was literally a two-inch layer of water upon the entire battlefield with a puddle forming in the recesses of the crater made previously.
"Look, ladies and gentlemen!" the announcer pointed out in surprise, "I think we were too awestruck by the activation of Infernape's Blaze to notice what Aaron's Empoleon has done to the battlefield!"
"Now with that small yet sufficient amount of residual water on the battlefield," Aaron explicated, "My Empoleon can dish out a better Waterfall that will put an end to your Infernape. Your last resort shall be in vain. Do it!"
"(Take your fireworks someplace else, bub.)" Raising its right fin up, the water coating the battlefield was suddenly amassed into the air above Empoleon. In due time, a giant swirl of water was levitating above Empoleon and the most of the battleground.
"Uh-oh! Looks like Ash's Infernape is about to get washed up!" The announcer exclaimed.
"Go underground with Dig!" Ash ordered abruptly, and Infernape instantly burrowed into the beaten rock.
"Useless," Aaron disparaged, "My Empoleon and I will simply immerse everything under- and aboveground. Go, Empoleon!" Swishing its right fin in a curvilinear motion, a torrent of rushing, highly pressurized water was launched downward.
"If you were really paying attention to my battle with Paul, Aaron," Ash smirked mockingly, "then I'm surprised you missed what I'm about to do!"
Aaron's eyes shrunk as realization dawned upon him, "Crap."
"Infernape! Flare Blitz!" Vaguely underneath the surface of the battlefield, the Flame Pokemon released a guttural howl of effort. Then, the whole battlefield suddenly lit up an ardent and glorious crimson color. The exact opposite of Aqueduct was happening. Unlike then, when the battlefield was a shade of cool and refreshing blue, it was now a fiery andardent bright red. Then, a magnificent and enormous tower of flames burst open from beneath the battlefield.
"WHOA!" Aaron screamed as he jumped back, unable to cope with the extreme temperatures. He was experiencing the underground Flare Blitz firsthand, and he berated himself for letting it happen, "Worst…Brain lapse…Ever."
"Can't take the heat, Aaron?" Ash questioned fervently, handing the high temperatures swimmingly, "Then stay out of the kitchen!"
Aaron's Empoleon was engulfed in the volcanic inferno. Voice cracking with pain, the Emperor Pokemon was being incinerated by the intense, red-hot flames produced by the Underground Flare Blitz. It didn't help that the Flare Blitz was powered up by Blaze, making it even more powerful than usual. The Waterfall had also succumbed to the maneuver; before it could reach Empoleon's level, the high-pressure cascade was instantly reduced to harmless steam when it came into contact with the Underground Flare Blitz.
"The playing field goes ablaze as Ash and his Infernape overwhelm Aaron and his Empoleon! And here we thought that legendary Blaze ability of its wouldn't be put into good use!" The impressed announcer yammered.
Unlike Aqueduct, the Underground Flare Blitz lingered, diffusing when the half-minute mark elapsed. Empoleon was standing right where it was previously. The Emperor Pokemon was scorched, immobile, and lying on its stomach with its head propped up by its chin. Infernape rose from underground and examined its work,satisfied. "Infer? (Not doing so hot, aren't you, Empoleon?)" The fiery primate asked with a smirk.
"And Empoleon is down!" The announcer said as the audience cheered raucously, mostly for Ash's Infernape. It had become quite the crowd-pleaser. The referee eyed at the motionless Water/Steel-type attentively before making any assumptions. When Empoleon didn't move even an inch, he began to raise his right-hand red flag.
"Empoleon is unable to-"
Suddenly, Empoleon's eyes shot open, but the white sclera in them was now glowing blue. Aaron, who was in the middle of getting out a Poke Ball to recall it, noticed this and shouted, "Wait!" That was when everyone turned their attention to Empoleon, who was beginning to stand on its webbed feet. "I'm afraid this game isn't over yet." Aaron declared with an enthusiastic smirk, "Now, Empoleon, let's show them your Torrent ability!"
With an echoing squawk, Aaron's Empoleon gained a majestic aura around its whole body. The water molecules in the air around it suddenly transformed into pure water and crashed down upon it like a tidal wave coming onshore. "My Empoleon may not use its Ability as frequently as your Infernape does," Aaron stated, "But that doesn't mean it isn't as potent!"
"We're not even halfway done with the battle yet, and I cannot count how many times the tide has shifted between these two extraordinary trainers!" the announcer commented earnestly, "but now it seems even! I can say for sure that the two Pokemon out there now represent the most outstanding properties of their trainers. Aaron's Empoleon, just like water, representing the flowing and collected mind that Aaron possesses. Ash's Infernape, just like fire, representing the compassionate and undying will of fire inside Ash's heart."
"Then bring it on!" Ash challenged.
"Just remember," Aaron cautioned before swishing his left arm horizontally, "You asked it. Waterfall!" Empoleon gathered more water molecules in the air with its Torrent ability and generated a vertical twister of water around it.
"I know I did!" Ash responded before commanding whilst pointing outward, "Flare Blitz!" Infernape turned up the heat once again and surrounded its body with white-blue fire instead of red-orange, a result of Blaze.
"GO!" Aaron and Ash, although at different levels of exhilaration, shouted in unison. Still blanketed by white-blue flames, Infernape propelled itself forward like a missile, Empoleon imitating it as the water around it became a silver-grey color.
The raging fire of the Fire-type starter met the rushing water of the Water-type starter. The Blaze-powered Flare Blitz and the Torrent-powered Waterfall clashed with a mighty boom, loud and deafening like a thunderclap. Multiple power spikes rocked the stadium as steam, fire, and water swirled in the skies above with the velocity of a tornado. The already scarred Rocky Terrain battlefield was beginning to crack, small chunks of the earth itself floating slightly before being thrown elsewhere from the power with all these calamities happening at the same time, everyone watched breathlessly as Infernape and Empoleon pushed themselves past their limits to and dominate one another in this final clash.
Suddenly, a massive explosive occurred. But instead of smoke, thick steam enveloped the battlefield, stands, and even reached the skies of the open-air stadium. The vision of all human and Pokemon spectators were blocked by the thick steam. Cameras tried to focus through it but could not find anything. No one made a simply waited until the steam decided to subside.
Eventually, everyone was granted their wish. And what they saw was earth-shattering.
"Empoleon and Infernape are unable to battle! This round results in a draw!" The referee officiated as it raised both of the flags in each of his hand. True enough, both Infernape and Empoleon were lying unconscious in the middle of the war-torn battlefield. Deep gouges were etched across it, and it appeared the crater was larger than before. Large pieces of rock and earth littered the ground, almost burying the two Pokemon.
"What an amazing clash between the two final evolutions of the Fire- and Water-type starters of Sinnoh!" The announcer shouted, his voice carrying through the numerous amount of speakers in the stadium, "I definitely don't think something of that caliber will ever happen again, folks!" The large screen overhead that displayed the images of Aaron and Ash and their current Pokemon suddenly blotted the images of Infernape on Ash's side and Empoleon on Aaron's side.
"Trainers, please recall your Pokemon and take a short break. We must replace the destroyed battlefield." The referee ordered.
"Yes, sir."
Ash recalled his soaked Infernape while Aaron recalled his scorched Empoleon. The two of them turned around and stopped near the battlefield exits behind their spots. Naturally, Pikachu and Magneton followed their trainers.
Aaron sat at the bench just beyond this opening, taking off his hat and letting loose a deep, prolonged sigh. "Oh, Groudon and Kyogre, that was just too much… " He groaned wearily. He was never someone that liked that much suspense and excitement. It clashed with his mostly calm and in-control personality and philosophy.
"(Think of this way, Aaron,)"Magneton responded sensibly, "(If you and Empoleon didn't go the extra mile, that Infernape would have endangered our chances at victory.)"
"That I won't deny…"
Ash opted to sit on the ground and rest his back against the walls surrounding the battlegrounds. He took a deep breath and exhaled, "Man…I knew Aaron was strong, but this is something else. His Lucario, Skarmory, and Empoleon were so skilled as a whole that, even when I got the edge, they managed to even it back up."The raven-haired trainer shook his head, "No. What my Staraptor, Gliscor, and Infernape did can't be taken away. They've gotten me this far. I'm not letting their hard work go to waste! I'm actually in the finals of a conference! This is my chance to finallywin!"
Ash felt his pant leg being tugged and saw Pikachu looking at him with a determined expression. He returned it, "Right, Pikachu. The real battle starts, so let's do our best!"
"(Right, Ash! The momentum's shared between us, so we gotta get it back in our favor!)"
"You know…" Barry's voice was slightly muffled by the corn dog he was eating, "I kinda wonder how Ash and that dude are gonna do after the break. How are they gonna change things up?"
Brock crossed his arms as he learned back in his seat, "Hmm… I'm not really sure how they're going to adjust to each other's style at this point."
Dawn looked at Brock questioningly, "What do you mean, Brock? They've seen what they can do. So, shouldn't they able to?"
"Yes, but look at what's happened so far," The breeder-in-training said critically, looking at Dawn, "Counter-Shield failed, Skarmory did nothing for Aaron, and Infernape and Empoleon stalemated. The 'planned' stuff isn't working as well as neither of them would like."
"Brock is right, Dawn," Conway spoke, appearing behind her as he titled his gleaming glasses. Her spine almost shot out of her spine as she inched away from him. She would never grow accustomed to that. "This battle is getting down to individual prowess and skill. What Pokemon either Ash or Aaron sent out and when they do may determine who will be the winner."
By this time, the battleground engineers finally replaced the destroyed Rocky Terrain battlefield with a new one: an Icy Terrain battlefield. Hopefully, the increased hardness of the field would make it last until the battle was done.
"Trainers, please take your spots!" The ref called out. Once they did, he said further, "Now send out your Pokemon!"
"Alright, Aaron, time to show you what I really can do! Torterra, I choose you!" After that invigorating but short speech of determination, Ash tossed out his Poke Ball and the Continent Pokemon was released, eager to take down whatever opponent it was going to face.
"I'd be honored if you did so." Aaron muttered with an agog grin as flicked out his Poke Ball. Bastiodon was released onto the battlefield, gruffly snorting as it eyed the other behemoth. As Ash recalled, Bastiodon was a fairly recent evolution, having it seen during the Sunyshore Pokémon Contest.
"Here we come, Aaron!" Ash declared, "Torterra, use Rock Climb!" Torterra's claws glowed white as it got onto its hind legs and slammed its front ones on the ground. The ground started to protrude from the flat surface until an elevated mesa-like structure was created. Bastiodon stood its ground as it was unwillingly raised into the air by the rocks. Then, Torterra began to scale the jagged face of the mesa, approaching Bastiodon to attack.
"Bastiodon, Avalanche." Bastiodon's eyes gained a cool white hue before raising its right front leg. The Shield Pokemon slammed it on the mesa's surface and spontaneously summoned falling sleet and snow. The Avalanche traveled down all sides of the rocky protrusion, freezingit and making it slippery. Torterra experienced a loss of friction,suddenly losing control of its climbing when it encountered the Ice-type attack.
"Torterra!" Ash yelled out as the Continent Pokemon began tumbling down the incline uncontrollably.
"Iron Head."
"Bas! (One more for good measure!)" Bastiodon roared as it jumped off the apex of the mesa and slid down its frozen face. Then, as it slid, Bastiodon's body became surrounded by a white aura, making it seem black and white. Right as Torterra landed back onto the battlefield, Bastiodon rammed into the Grass/Ground-type with great force, sending it flying.
"T-TOR!" Torterra groaned in pain as it landed on its sidewith a hard slam, chunks of ice flying from impact. Bastiodon smirked as both the Avalanche and the Rock Climb disappeared.
"The power of that Bastiodon!" Brock exclaimed as Dawn and Barry gasped. It just sent a heavy Pokemon like Torterra into the air for several meters without a drop in form.
"And that gives me reason to finish this battle more quickly."Ash thought and then enjoined, "Torterra, Energy Ball!"
"Get ready, Bastiodon." Aaron alerted, to which the Rock/Steel-type gave an affirmative grunt.
Torterra opened its mouth and created a green sphere. Right as Aaron and Bastiodon were prepared for its discharge, the Continent Pokemon suddenly ate the Energy Ball with an audible gulp
"H-HUH?!" Aaron's jaw unhinged.
"(…I guess it couldn't wait until after the battle to eat.)" Bastiodon commented, nonplussed.
"Alright, here we go!" Ash said as he smiled eagerly. Suddenly, the oat-like tree and the trio of mountain peaks on the back of the Continent Pokemon gained a bright, light green sheen.
"Tort…(No, Bastiodon…)" The Continent Pokemon growled before releasing a loud bellow to announce to the stadium it has been powered up, "TERRA! (I'M READY TO BEAT YOU DOWN!)"
"What seems to have happened, folks," the announcer said, "is that, after Ash's Torterra consumed that Energy Ball, it gained a power-up! Just look that glow!"
"I remember that!" Barry exclaimed, shooting up from his seat, "He used that against my dad back at the Twinleaf Town Festival!"
Brock smiled, "And now that Ash has done that, he'll be able to take down Aaron's Bastiodon no sweat!"
Dawn and Piplup cheered happily, "Go get 'em, Torterra!/(Take him down)!"
"Torterra, Leaf Storm!" Ash commanded. The tree on Torterra's back released a heavy cyclone of harsh green winds and plentiful green leaves. The Leaf Storm was heading straight for the unnerved Bastiodon.
Aaron himself was dissonantly calm as well, "Hm… I guess it's time to use it. Bastiodon! Like we practiced! Shock Wave Shield!"
"Shock Wave Shield?" Ash echoed curiously.
Bastiodon suddenly grinned excitedly before creating a blue sphere of electricity in its mouth. Then, the ball released concentrated but controlled streams of electricity in the air around its body. A dense yellow circle appeared on the ground with Bastiodon at the center of it. A 'globe' of yellow electricity was formed from the ring that enclosed Bastiodon. Finally, the streams of blue electricity emanating from the sphere moved about inside this 'globe,' forming three intersecting ellipses.
When the powered-up Leaf Storm connected against the Shock Wave Shield, it triggered an intense electrical reaction. Lightning flew out from it, electrocuting everything that it could touch. The leaves were fried instantly and the harsh green winds were forcibly quelled.
"What?!" Ash exclaimed with wide eyes. Torterra was in an equally shocked state.
"Looks like Aaron has some strategies up his sleeve!" The announcer commentated.
"…Or not." Brock said, regretting for speaking so soon.
"…Now THAT I've never seen before." Barry deadpanned.
"A Bastiodon's statistics say that it's defensive," Aaron explained with a grin, "so what kind of Steel-type trainer would I be if I just let those capabilities go to waste? The Shock Wave Shield is a strategy that lets Bastiodon endure tougher attacks and assaults. You could say it's a protective barrier."
Ash gritted his teeth. Well, barriers – especially nonstandard ones – didn't last for long when faced with a stronger opposing force, "Energy Ball!"
"Hyper Beam!"
Torterra summoned another Energy Ball and actually fired it this time. Bastiodon, with its mouth still brimming with blue electricity, unleashed an orange-yellow energy beam. This particular Hyper Beam had lines of yellow and blue electricity spiraling along the length of it, an influence of the Shock Wave Shield. The attack shredded through Torterra's Energy Ball, even with its boost in power, and scored an explosive direct hit on the Grass/Ground Pokemon.
"TORTERRA!" Ash screamed as the Continent Pokemon was sent flying. The tortoise landed harshly on the ground beside Ash, creating an unpleasant rumble and causing Ash and Pikachu to stumble. Swirls replaced the Continent Pokemon's eyes as it groaned weakly.
"Torterra is unable to battle!" The ref officiated, "Bastiodon is the winner!" Torterra's image was blotted on Ash's side of the scoreboard.
"And Aaron regains the lead after showing off another deadly strategy courtesy of his Bastiodon!" The announcer commentated as the crowd cheered loudly.
"Excellent, Bastiodon," Aaron encouraged, "Keep it up." Bastiodon nodded wordlessly as the Shock Wave Shield was dismissed.
"Return, Torterra," Ash recalled the fallen Grass/Ground-type and whispered words of gratitude. He then stowed that Poke Ball away and pulled out another. "Buizel, I choose you!" Ash threw it out, and the Sea Weasel Pokemon was released.
"And out comes Ash's next choice, Buizel!" the announcer said as Buizel's image appeared on Ash's side of the scoreboard.
"Begin!"
"OK…I gotta watch out for that Shock Wave Shield…I guess it needs to be on the ground based on what it looked like when he used it…" Ash deliberated before verbally commanding, "Buizel, use Aqua Jet! Aim for Bastiodon's legs!" Buizel's body became surrounding by water, and it propelled itself like a rocket toward the Shield Pokemon after jumping into the air.
"Whatever Ash is planning, I'm putting an end to it before it comes to fruition." Aaron thought before ordering, "Avalanche!" The Shield Pokemon's eyes gained an ice blue hue as it summoned falling snow and ice in the way of Buizel's path.
Ash smirked, "Thanks, Aaron! That'll actually help me out even more!"
Aaron narrowed his eyes, "Why's that?"
To answer Aaron's question, the Aqua Jet-induced Buizel pushed straight through the Avalanche. As it did, the water surrounding it suddenly began to freeze over. When Buizel completely speared through Bastiodon's Avalanche, the Sea Weasel was engulfed in an ice missile.
Aaron's eyes widened in shock and realization, "Isn't that the Ice-Aqua Jet from the Wallace Cup?!"
The raven-haired trainers' smirk widened, "You know it! Get 'im, Buizel!"
"BUI!" The Ice-Aqua Jet successfully connected against Bastiodon's front legs and the ground beneath it. A small bush of ice protruded from the spot, forcing the Shield Pokemon into the air. "Now Sonic Boom!" Ash commanded while throwing a fist. Jumping back from its creation, Buizel swished its tail and sent out a swift blade of wind toward the ice. The resultant explosion sent Bastiodon flying further into the air.
"Look, everyone! Buizel gave Bastiodon the ability to fly!" The announcer said humorously.
"Good job, Ash!" Barry cheered, "You can hit that Bastiodon without worrying about counters! That thing isn't meant to be limber!"
"Alright, Buizel!" Ash complimented passionately. He pointed his middle and index fingers at the airborne, discombobulated Bastiodon, "Hit Bastiodon with Ice Punch!" Buizel's clenched fist glowed light blue as a light blue stream of energy span around it. The Sea Weasel Pokemon leaped into the air for the Rock/Steel-type and punched it dead in the face.
"Shock Wave Shield!"
Bastiodon once again performed the Shock Wave Shield. Only this time, without the ring present, a complete orbicular globe was formed around Bastiodon's body. Inside the globe, instead of intersecting ellipses, the electricity was fashioned like a spider web.
Ash's eyes widened in shock as Buizel's Ice Punch connected against the Shock Wave Shield, "What the?! NO WAY!"
"I'm glad to know you paid attention to the Sunyshore City Contest," Aaron explained as he crossed his arms, "Yeah, Bastiodon lost a lot of its mobility when it evolved compared to Shieldon. Poor girl can't leave the ground anymore." As he spoke, the intense electricity from the Shock Wave-Ice Punch flared outward. "So, Bastiodon came to me and said, 'Hey, Aaron, I'm heavier. What are we going to do about that?' That's when it hit me. Do something quick Pokemon have a problem circumventing. Punish someone for trying put it in the air. And the Shock Wave Shield was born."
"I thought you said it was about defense!" Ash yelled.
Aaron sighed. "Do the math, Ash. It does both."
"Fine then!" Ash shouted indignantly, "Buizel! Don't let the Shock Wave Shield beat you! You can beat that Bastiodon!" He encouraged the struggling Sea Weasel Pokemon. Gritting its teeth, Buizel applied much pressure into its Ice Punch to try and break through the electrical globe.
"No chance." Aaron objected, "Game over. Iron Head."
A white aura engulfed Bastiodon, making it look black and white. By this time, gravity was finally taking over, causing Buizel and Buizel to begin their descent. Bastiodon took advantage of that. Using the momentum of his fall, he rammed into Buizel, the electricity from the Shock Wave Shield crackling along its Iron Head-enhanced body.
"Apparently, Aaron loves to keep his opponents guessing! I bet Ash how had NO idea Aaron and Bastiodon were prepared for the air as well!" The announcer said as both Bastiodon and Buizel hit the ground, forming a small crater as shards of ice flew outward.
"But…it can't be…" Ash mumbled dejectedly, "There's…just no way…"
The Shield Pokemon was atop of the Sea Weasel, the former resembling an admiral claiming land after a major war. Buizel was apparently the land claimed, signaled by the swirls in its eyes.
"Buizel is unable to battle! Bastiodon is the winner!" The referee officiated as he raised his left-hand flag that represented Aaron's side.
"And Aaron practically closes the door on Ash in probably the worst possible way!" The announcer vociferated, "Ash has only one last Pokemon while Aaron still has Bastiodon plus two more to go!"
Ash could not believe how easily Bastiodon laid waste to both Torterra and Buizel. Usually when he resorted to his trademark fiery determination, his Pokemon would be able to go against all odds and pull out a miracle, but the exact opposite just occurred, and he was now in the most unfavorable position he has experienced in his whole career.
"Oh Ash..." Dawn whispered sympathetically.
"This has gone from bad to worse," Brock grumbled, "I thought individual skill and prowess, like Conway said, would balance everything out. But, Aaron decided to use something that was a step above simple planning."
Dawn looked at Brock and asked, "Do you think Ash can rectify himself?"
Brock did not look back but only bit his lips slightly as he said, "I'm not gonna say Ash is out. He's been in some tight jams throughout his journey. He just has to rise to the occasion."
"COME ON, ASH!" Barry shouted supportively, "DON'T GET DISCOURGED! KEEP FIGHTING! GO THE DISTANCE!"
Aaron folded his arms as he closed his eyes, his hat titling down to cover his eyes, "Weren't you going to show me what you could really do? Was that it right there?"
Ash gritted his teeth and clenched his free hand as he recalled his fallen Buizel back into its Poke Ball.
"Stop doing that."
"Stop doing what?" Ash spat back as Pikachu looked up with an expression of unrest.
"You're frustrated, and you're showing it too much." The Steel-type specialist answered, "If you do, you must stop yourself before your opponent notices it himself." Aaron coached critically.
"But..." Ash complained softly. Now, instead of upset, Ash was confused, "Why you are-...How could-"
Aaron instantly cut him off with a question, reopening his eyes to reveal his stern gaze, "Ash, have you figured out my battling style?"
Ash looked at him and replied with a shake of his head.
"Throughout all of my battles, including this one, I try my best to analyze my opposition's abilities and skills." Aaron explained as Bastiodon yawned in disinterest, "I deduce the best possible approaches and counters so that I can proficiently battle. I train my Pokemon so that they can utilize the various strategies to answer their opponents. It sounds tedious, but as you can see, it works. That's what a strategist does.
Aaron uncrossed his arms, his voice rising a little, "But, above all… that only works… if I stay calm. A mad mind is a clouded one. No one is able to think properly when they let adversity claim them. My Pokemon and I are able to execute our strategies because we don't get mad when things don't go as planned! We stay levelheaded!"
Ash looked up to the sky thoughtfully, letting the weight of Aaron's words sink in, "Stay levelheaded, huh...?" Now that he thought about it, Aaron and his Pokemon didn't react as badly as some opponents when Ash and Pokemon was used with Counter-Shield, the Energy Ball consumption, or the Ice-Aqua Jet. Once the initial shock went away, they went right back to work. He, on the other hand, faltered when face-to-face with Aqueduct and Shock Wave Shield. Sure, the odds were heavily against him, but there was one thing his friends and rivals always said about him.
Ash Ketchum never gave up.
"I see...Time to try it out then!"
"Pikachu, you're up next!" Ash suddenly exclaimed as he faced Aaron with his determined expression returning.
"Pika!" Pikachu rushed onto the battlefield as electricity sparkled in its crimson cheeks. Bastiodon smirked readily, preparing to net Aaron his second conference title.
"And finally after a speech from his opponent, Ash sends out his final Pokemon, Pikachu!" The last slot on Ash's side of the screen brightened up to reveal Pikachu's image.
"Begin!"
Ash stared hard at Aaron from across the battlefield. The usual fire in his dark brown eyes burned as hotly as ever but now in a controlled and calm manner.
"I'm gonna make you wish you didn't give me that pep-talk, Aaron."