( Next Morning )
Serena wakes up and stretches her arms while yawning. She then smiles and turns to face Ash. However Ash is not there to her surprise.
'Where did he go?' Serena thinks to herself while getting out of bed. She puts on her slippers and goes out of the bedroom.
"Ash where are you?" Serena calls out but no response comes.
"Braixen Braix" Braixen says.
"Oh good morning to you Braixen." Serena says while petting her evolved starter Pokemon.
"Do you know where Ash is?" Serena asks Braixen.
"Braixen" Braixen says while nodding.
"Alright lead the way." Serena says.
Braixen leads Serena out of the building to a clearing next to the lake in the campus of KIP. There Serena sees Ash training with Pikachu, Charizard, Torterra and some other Pokemon she doesn't recognize.
Serena walks over towards them. Suddenly out of nowhere a Noctowl comes and sits on her shoulder making her jump. After a while she calms down and realizes that Noctowl is only displaying it's affection. She pets Noctowl and laughs.
"That's no small feat getting Noctowl to get so comfortable with you Serena" Ash says while walking towards her.
"Hi Ash. I see you left early to train for your match. I am sorry I didn't mean to interrupt." Serena quickly says.
"How can you ever be a hindrance Serena?" Ash says while gulping down water from his water bottle.
Serena looks at his toned body and biceps. She starts to blush uncontrollably at his sweaty smoking hot body and gets lost in her thoughts.
"Now that I think of it you haven't met my Pokemon. Have you?" Ash says while jerking Serena back into reality.
"No. I haven't as a matter of fact." Serena says while walking towards Ash.
Ash takes Serena by his hand and says "Hey guys this is Serena. She is my girlfriend."
Charizard grins at Ash and lets loose a flamethrower at his head.
"Thought that might happen." Ash said while falling on the floor with a soot covered face and swirly eyes.
Serena looks in shock as Ash gets up and walks over to Charizard and hugs him.
"Oh don't worry Serena. That is my Charizard's way of showing affection. Come here. Don't be afraid. He might look intimidating but he is quite gentle."
Serena comes and pets Charizard. Charizard blushes while Serena smiles at him and immediately starts to tickle her by licking her face. Ash's jaw drops as all his Pokemon lick and tickle Serena while Serena laughs uncontrollably telling them to stop.
'Amazing. I have been with them longer than anyone but I guess nothing like a pretty lady to make them all forget that.' Ash thinks to himself.
"All right that is enough. The only one who gets to tickle Serena like that is me." Ash says while recalling everyone to their Poke balls.
"Ash what did you say just now?" Serena says while smirking.
"U mm. I guess that came out in an untimely manner." Ash says while nervously scratching the back of his head.
"Well I guess in a way that is right." Serena say while hugging Ash in a seductive tone.
Ash gulps and starts blushing uncontrollably.
"So do you want to tickle me like that?" Serena whispers into Ash's ear.
She winks at Ash's face while smiling in a seductive way. Ash by now is red as a tomato berry.
"Well I will grant you your wish tonight. That is if you win today. Now let us go back to the apartment." Serena says softly while dragging the still blushing and dazed Ash by his hand.
(2 hours later in the KIP Stadium)
"Alright welcome everyone to a brand new day at KIP. Now today the battle between one of my elite four and the school Champion will take place. So KIP are you ready." Diantha shouts in the microphone only to be greeted by a huge amount of applause and whistling.
"Alright without further ado. Ash Ketchum please come on the stage and choose your opponent." Diantha says.
Ash walks onto the stage and greets Diantha and the elite four.
"So Ash. Are you all set for your battle?" Diantha asks.
Ash replies by giving her a thumbs up.
"Marvelous. Now choose your opponent." Diantha says while gesturing towards them.
Ash calmly walks up to Seibold and says "I challenge you Seibold."
Seibold smiles and says "I look forward to it." while shaking Ash's hand.
Ash and Seibold move towards the battlefield while Diantha and the others move towards the VIP box. When Ash is about to reach the battlefield he spots Serena waiting for him. He looks at Seibold. Seibold nods while walking away.
Ash turns to Serena and says "What are you doing here? My match is about to start."
"I know I just came to give you a good luck kiss before you started battling." Serena says as she gives him a kiss.
"Thanks. But when I win you owe me much more than a kiss tonight remember." Ash says while smirking.
Serena gets confused for a moment. Then she remembers what happened 2 hours ago and she says "Deal." before walking of.
(10 minutes)
"Alright you two listen up. This will be a 4 on 4 battle. No substitutions allowed once the battle commences. The battle will not be over till either side has 4 Pokemon unable to battle." the referee says.
Both Ash and Seibold nod.
"Alright then both competitors bring out your first Pokemon."
"Come out my friend." Seibold shouts as he throws his Poke ball revealing a Blastoise with a stone band attached to it's head.
"Charizard I need your help." Ash shouts as he tosses his Poke ball.
Suddenly a large fire tornado appears which subsides to reveals a ferocious Charizard which starts roaring and shooting out random flamethrowers.
"Enough."Ash says firmly at which Charizard calms down and stares ferociously at Blastoise.
"Before we begin. I have 2 questions I would like to ask you young man." Seibold says.
"Go ahead." Ash replies.
"My first question do you consider Pokemon battling an art?" Seibold says.
"I prefer to let my actions speak for me. Why don't you decide what my philosophy about battling is after we have finished battling." Ash replies.
"Very well. Now my second question. Are you really going to use a fire type against my water type Blastoise?" Seibold says.
"Well my Charizard has already beaten one Blastoise before. You know what they say don't you. The second time is the charm." Ash replies with a cool tone.
"Very well. Let us begin you may have the first move young man." Seibold says while politely gesturing.
(In the VIP box)
Serena enters and sits on the seat Grace has reserved for her. She thanks Grace and turns towards the battlefield.
"I think he is making a big mistake using a fire type like Charizard vs a water type like Blastoise. Not to mention Blastoise can mega evolve." Sycamore says.
"Maybe. But this is Ash we are talking about. Perhaps he chose Charizard with a particular strategy in mind." Malva says.
"Well we just have to wait and see." Diantha says.
Serena crosses her fingers and looks out while thinking 'Come on Ash. If there is anyone who can beat Seibold in the school it is you.'
(In the stands)
"I think Ashy boy has made a grave mistake. Using a Pokemon with a type disadvantage against an elite four is nuts." Gary says.
"Maybe he has a strategy. However you do have a point. I would have chosen someone like Pikachu or Torterra for this match. Preferably Torterra since I own one." Paul says.
"Oh Ash. Please pull through." Dawn and May say with their eyes closed.
"Whatever the outcome. This will be one hell of a match." Brock says.
(Back in the battlefield)
"Alright Charizard. We need to see at what level the elite four are. Let's test their mettle. Flamethrower now."
Charizard complies and releases a flamethrower.
"Counter with Hydro Pump." Seibold says.
Both attacks meet in mid air. It seems like a tie.
(In the VIP Box)
"Wow. I didn't think that Ash will have a Pokemon with a type disadvantage that can match Seibold's Blastoise's Hydro Pump head on." Wulfric says.
"You are right. But I don't think it will stay that way for long. Ash's Charizard is exceptionally strong. It has been training nonstop in the Charicific valley. It is not even using it's flamethrower at half of its strength." Oak replies chuckle keeping his hands folded.
"Maybe. But I don't think Seibold's Blastoise is using it's Hydro Pump at full strength either." Diantha replies with a proud smile.
"Well we will just have wait to see who comes out on top in this confrontation." Wikstrom says.
(Back in the battlefield)
"Now Charizard use flamethrower at full strength" Ash says.
"We will do the same as well." Seibold replies.
Still the result is the same.
"Well your Blastoise is very strong Seibold." Ash says.
"Thank you Ash. I can say the same for your Charizard."
"Thank you. However this still isn't my Charizard's full power." Ash replies with a smirk "Charizard give it everything you have got."
Seibold gets shocked as he see the Flamethrower slowly overpowering the Hydro pump before completely overpowering it.
(In the VIP Box)
"No way." Diantha says as she sees Blastoise being slammed into the field while being covered in fire.
"Alright way to go Ash." Serena shouts in excitement.
Grace claps as well.
(Back in the battlefield)
After the flamethrower subsides Blastoise stands up with some smoke coming from his body.
"Fire types maybe weak against water types but that doesn't mean they can't cause damage." Ash replies with a serious tone.
"Well young man. You have caught my attention. Your Charizard maybe a little stronger than my Blastoise. However after such a fiery appetizer we need to come to the main course." Seibold says while holding a pendant around his neck.
"Alright. Blastoise now mega evolve." Seibold shouts.
Golden lights emerge from the keystone and mega stone and after a while mega Blastoise stands in front of Charizard with 1 cannons around every arm and one main cannon on it's back.
"Now let us see you match this. Hydro pump." Seibold commands.
"Fire Spin at full power Charizard." Ash counters.
The Hydro pump cuts through the fire spin and Charizard is sent flying into the battlefield.
Ash raises his eyebrows. 'So this is the power of mega evolution and mega launcher ability. I can't face that power head on.' Ash thinks to himself.
"Now Charizard spread your wings and take to the air."
Charizard suddenly shoots up vertically into the sky and gives another roar as if nothing had happened to it.
(In the VIP Box)
"What speed. How can Pokemon that large have this much speed?" Malva says.
"This is all due to Charizard's training in the Charicific valley." Oak replies.
"It may be speedy however it would seem that the tables have turned Professor when it comes to power." Diantha replies.
"Perhaps. But just because Seibold is using Mega-Evolution doesn't mean he will win." Oak replies.
"We shall see." Diantha replies.
Serena on the other hands is shaking with nervousness. But she calms herself down.
"Ash has got this." she says firmly.
"My my. You do have a lot of faith in him." Diantha says.
"Of course. I do. Never give up till the end. That is what I have learnt from him." Serena says with a fierceness in her voice.
Diantha smiles and then turns her attention to the battlefield.
(Back on the battlefield)
"Don't let it get away. Use hydro pump barrage." Seibold shouts.
"Dodge them all. Then use Dragon Dance." Ash commands.
Charizard swiftly dodges all the water attacks and starts dancing.
"Very well why don't you try this on for size. Use Dragon Pulse." Seibold orders.
"Dodge it and keep using Dragon dance." Ash cries.
Charizard barely manages to dodge the dragon pulse.
"What's the deal. You can't win if you don't attack back. Come fight me Pokemon to Pokemon" Seibold says.
Ash calmly looks at Seibold. Then he says "Fine. Your wish is granted. Charizard use wing attack and Dragon Claw. Let us see if this Blastoise has what it takes to fight us without hydro pump or dragon pulse."
Charizard uses Dragon Claw then rushes at Blastoise with wing attack.
"A power play. Very well we shall oblige. Use skull bash." Seibold commands.
Blastoise starts moving towards Charizard at great speed with skull bash.
Suddenly Ash smirks for this is the moment he has been waiting for. Just before Charizard and Blastoise are about to collide he yells "Switch to aerial ace and then use Thunder punch both hands."
Seibold's expression turns from smiling to horror as he realizes he has played into Ash's hands and yells "Blastoise stop."
But it is too late. Charizard disappears for a moment. Then it appears behind Blastoise with 2 fists coursing with electricity. Before Blastoise can do anything it delivers 5 thunder punches in quick succession to Blastoise's body.
"Deliver the last one to his head. Then use Will-o-wisp point blank range. Then move away to a safe distance." Ash yells.
"Don't let him do that Blastoise use hydro pump." Seibold shouts in desperation.
Blastoise tries to use hydro pump but it is temporarily paralyzed from the 5 thunder punches.
After a while Charizard is flying in the air with Mega Blastoise standing on the ground panting with sparks emerging from it's body.
"Now keep using Dragon Dance." Ash commands.
A lot of Ohs and Aahs echo throughout the stadium.
(In the VIP box)
"Impossible!" All the remaining elite four, professors and Diantha shout in disbelief.
Professor Oak and Grace smile in happiness. Serena is ecstatic as she jumps in the air and starts cheering for Ash.
A few moments later Clement speaks up "So that was Ash's plan all along. Ingenious. He kept on using Dragon dance to increase Charizard's speed so that it could keep dodging all those long range attacks of Blastoise and raise it's attack power for the perfect counter attack. He waited for the precise moment when Seibold would use skull bash. Then he used aerial ace and Charizard's increased speed to come up behind Blastoise where it could not attack to deliver a counter attack."
"Not only that Clement. He also kept thunder punch an electric type move which is very effective against a water type like Blastoise under wraps the whole time as his ace. He patiently waited till Seibold would drop his guard and then dealt critical damage to Blastoise with those thunder punches." Professor Rowan replies.
"But why use Will-O-Wisp professor? That doesn't make sense." Clement asks.
"Even I am confused? We shall have to see." Sycamore replies.
"I know why." Oak says as everyone looks at him.
"Since the beginning of this match Ash has been playing it like a chess match. Ash purposely allowed Charizard to take that Hydro Pump attack from Seibold's mega evolved Blastoise to accomplish 2 things. First to get a measure of how strong mega Blastoise was? Second to give Seibold a boost of confidence in order for him to drop his guard more easily. When Ash realized that due to type advantage, mega evolution and mega launcher ability Blastoise was far superior than Charizard in terms of strength he knew he could not fight Blastoise head on. That is why he used Will-O-Wisp. It may be the weakest of fire type moves but it causes damage over time. Ash plans to keep using Dragon dance to keep his speed up in order to keep evading Blastoise's long range attacks. Even though Blastoise is still the stronger one in the two that will-o-wisp will keep causing damage over time. So if Ash manages to drag the battle out long enough eventually the situation will tilt in his favor. He just needs to survive till that moment. Not to mention those temporary bouts of paralysis from the 6 thunder punches will also have an effect."
"I think you are right. Seibold made his strategy to defeat Ash based around him facing an opponent with type advantage like Torterra or Pikachu. But Ash deliberately used a Pokemon with a type disadvantage to make him over confident and drop his guard. I hate to admit it but Seibold may be in trouble." Diantha says.
"However. With all that evading Charizard will get tired out eventually. So if it takes some powerful hits eventually Charizard may end up losing as well." Malva says.
"True. But you know what they say Malva. No guts no glory." Wikstrom replies.
(Back in the battlefield)
"I must say it has been 2 years since I had a challenge like this. You certainly caught me off guard there. But my pride as an elite four is on the line so I won't let you win without a fight. Now Blastoise use hydro pump barrage." Seibold commands.
"Dodge them all and keep on using Dragon Dance." Ash coolly commands.
"Well well. It would seem you keep to intend dodging my attacks in order to counter attack at the opportune time. But I won't let you do that again. Now Blastoise use Lock on." Seibold shouts.
(In the VIP Box)
"Uh Ow. Ash may be in trouble." Oak suddenly says.
"Why professor?" Serena asks.
"Because when a Pokemon uses Lock-On the next attack is a guaranteed hit. No matter what the circumstances." Grace replies while looking worried.
"Ah ha! It would seem Seibold kept an ace up his sleeve as well. You don't become a member of elite four without being able to fight back." Diantha says with a sense of pride.
(Back in the battlefield)
"Now Blastoise end this match. Use Dragon pulse Maximum Power."
"Charizard counter with your own Dragon Pulse." Ash shouted.
Both dragon pulses meet in the air but Charizard's Dragon pulse gets overpowered.
"Use your wings as a shield. Just like we practiced." Ash screams.
Just seconds before the Dragon Pulse is about to hit Charizard it envelopes itself with it's wings. An explosion occurs and a few moments later Charizard is seen falling to the ground.
"It seems I win this round." Seibold says while smirking. There are sounds of sighs in the stadium. Ash does not react at all. Seconds before Charizard is about to hit the ground he shouts "Now Charizard. Use Aerial Ace and thunder punch one more time."
Charizard suddenly opens it's eyes and spreads it wings. It shoots towards Blastoise at an incredibly high speed with 2 thunder punches as if nothing has happened at all.
"But how?" Seibold shouts as Blastoise is sent flying into the ground by the aerial ace thunder punch combo.
There is stunned silence in the stadium.
(In the VIP Box)
"How on the earth did Charizard survive that dragon pulse without taking damage?" Diantha shouts.
The rest of the people in the VIP box are too dumbstruck to say anything.
Oak is the first one to recover. He simply walks over to the computer to rewind the footage and see the collision of dragon pulse with Charizard in slow motion. They see mere seconds before the attack hits Charizard's wings start glowing white.
"I see. It used steel wing." Clement shouts.
"Of course now I see Ash's strategy. He had Charizard use dragon pulse to neutralize the excess power that Blastoise's dragon pulse had due to the mega evolution and mega launcher ability. Then seconds before it hit Charizard used a steel type move to withstand the remaining dragon pulse. Since steel types are effective at resisting Dragon type moves Charizard took as minimum damage as possible." Oak says.
"What about that free fall?" Bonnie asks.
"I think that was just a ruse to get Seibold to drop his guard again. And it worked because this time Charizard managed to get another attack on Blastoise without Seibold not be able to do anything. The gamble payed of it seems." Wulfric said.
"But he didn't give any command to use steel wing. So how did Charizard use that move?" Grace asked.
"You don't need to give Pokemon command verbally. There are other ways." Oak said.
"That explains it." Serena shouted.
"What explains it?" Diantha asks Serena.
"In the morning Ash left the apartment early for some training. When I went looking for him I saw him making Charizard free fall like that and suddenly recover just before hitting the ground. He planned it as a combination in advance. He knew Seibold had lock-on up his sleeve. He carefully studied Seibold and Diantha's match from 2 years ago where Seibold used Lock-on against Gardevoir last night."
Everyone gets shocked.
"Now I am really concerned. If this boy can corner Seibold like this why he can even try to take my title from me? I think it is time I also started to train." Diantha says while sitting down on her chair.
(Back in the Battlefield)
"Now don't let it breathe. Use fire spin with everything you have got." Ash commands.
"Use rapid spin to minimize the damage." Seibold yells in desperation.
Blastoise's shell spins rapidly minimizing the damage.
"In that case use dragon tail to smash that spinning shell on the ground." Ash roars.
Charizard's tail glows green and slams the rapid shell onto the ground.
"Now fly up and finish it off with blast burn." Ash shouts.
Charizard flies up and starting glowing red.
Suddenly Seibold shouts "Use Skull Bash."
"Oh no. Charizard dodge it." Ash shouts.
But it is too late. Blastoise smashes it's head into Charizard causing him to fall on the ground.
"Finish that Charizard off with Hydro pump." Seibold roars.
"Dragon pulse. Everything you have got." Ash roars
Both fire attacks at the same time. The attacks don't connect. Instead they just land on their intended targets. 2 huge explosions takes place.
There is stunned silence in the stadium. As the smoke clears Charizard is seen on it's knees while barely keeping itself from falling to the ground with it's hands. Blastoise is also barely able to stand but is standing nonetheless. It seems Blastoise has won the clash of moves.
Both Ash and Seibold are panting. Seibold smiles at Ash and says "I have truly enjoyed our battle but now it must come to an end. Blastoise finish it off with a final hydro pump."
Ash looks at his injured Charizard who can barely stand up. He knows if this attack hits it is lights out for Charizard. He just gulps as he sees the Hydro pump forming in Blastoise's cannons. To scared to see what will happen he shuts his eyes. He waits. He waits. But nothing happens. He slowly opens his eyes to see electricity sparkling from Blastoise's body.
'Of course. It must be a result of the Thunder punches Blastoise has taken.'
Suddenly Blastoise cries in agony as a small blue flame surrounds it and delivers a burn.
'Of course. That must have been the Will-O-Wisp's damage over time burn. How could I forget that.' Ash thinks to himself.
After that last burn Blastoise reverts to his original form and falls down on the ground with swirly eyes.
"Blastoise is unable to battle. Which means this battle goes to the KIP Champion Ash Ketchum." the referee says.
"I won?" Ash says to himself blankly. His expression changes to joy as he shouts "Alright we won."
The entire stadium bursts into applause and cheer. After all it's not everyday you see the school champion take out strongest Pokemon of one of the strongest elite four.
"We will now take a 15 minute break to repair the stadium." the referee says.
Both Ash and Seibold recall their Pokemon. Seibold walks over to Ash and extends his hand and says "Your batting style is unique and truly yours. I am glad to met and been battled by a worthy trainer." Ash smiles, takes his hand and shakes it.
"See you in 15 minutes." Ash says while turning around.
(In the stands)
Gary, Paul, Brock, May and Dawn collapse on the floor on the stands and gasp for breath.
"Oh god. I hope I never see another battle like this. At this rate I will have a heart attack every time Ash battles." Dawn and May say together while getting up and collapsing on their seats.
"Same goes for us three." Gary replies with Paul and Brock also sweating like crazy.
(In the VIP Box)
"Alright he won." Serena says while crying and hugging Grace. Even Grace has tears of joy in her eyes.
The professors and gym leaders also breathe easy after seeing the outcome of the match. They all are sweating like crazy.
Diantha and the other elite four look in awe of this young boy who has managed to win against an exceptionally strong mega evolved Pokemon using a Pokemon with type disadvantage.
"It seems using Will-O-Wisp was the right thing to do after all. That small damage over time made a difference at the end. Typical Ash battling style. To defeat opponents by using the smallest of details to his advantage." Oak says while smiling brightly.
Diantha looks on in a passive state. Her heart is racing like a bullet train. A part of her is proud of Ash and a part of her is concerned for her title as Champion.
"I hate to say it. But this battle may already be decided. Seibold always takes down at least 2-3 Pokemon with his Blastoise. But now that it is out. I think the rest will follow suit." Malva says.
