Chapter 20 – Semi-Final Showdown! Ash vs Cameron
Victory Stadium, La Victorie City – Kalos region – the battle between Ash and Cameron continues…
"Serperior has Ashachu trapped with a wrap attack… If Ash doesn't think of something quickly it could be all over for Ashachu."
"Pii…Piikaaa." Ashachu cried out as Serperior squeezed him with her tail. It was the second worst physical pain, he thought, that he'd experienced in his short life, the worst being when Team Flare had him hooked up to the ultimate weapon. Serperior was crushing him. He couldn't breathe or move. Every time he exhaled the coils around him would get just a little tighter so he couldn't breath in...
"Ugh… Ashachu. Thunderbolt," Ash cried desperately. The sight of his kit being squeezed was stabbing at his heart.
"Serpieror. Plant your tail into the ground," Came Cameron's response
Ashachu released a charge, making Serperior glow bright yellow. However instead of causing any damage to the serpent, the electricity flowed down her body and to the tip of her tail that she had driven into the battlefield. The attack had no effect.
"Oh no," Sniveon gasped from the sidelines, covering her mouth with her paw.
"Serperior's using her tail as a ground," said Zorua darkly. "So electric attacks won't work."
"And if Ashachu can't move and can't use electric type moves," squealed Axew. "Then…""
"He fucked," Oshawott stated bluntly as Hikari closed his eyes and buried his head in his shoulder dramatically.
"Ahh…Oh man." Ash groaned having no idea what to do.
"You can do it Serperior," Cameron shouted encouragingly to his Pokémon. "Squeeze tighter."
"Pi-ika." Ashachu gave a faint yelp as Serperior tightened her grip on him. The top his head and ears started to turn blue as he struggled to breath.
And that's when Ash noticed something… Ashachu's tail. It was hanging below him outside of Serperior's coils. The rest of his kit's body was wrapped up but not the tail…
Across on the other side of the battlefield Hunter watched his best friend near suffocate with mixed feelings. On the one paw he was of course supporting Serperior as his teammate and his competitive spirit desired to see lighting butt beat, preferably at his own paws.
On the other paw however, the sight of Ashachu suffering and his breathing clearing being interfered with as Serperior crushed him was breaking his heart. Even though he knew Ashachu was in no serious danger and would recover after fainting, it still hurt him to see the one he loved so much to be in pain.
It had awoken within him that instinctive desire that resides in many Pokémon to love, care for and protect their mate. 'Oh Ashachu,' he through to himself. 'Please be okay.' He made a sound somewhere between a yip and a whimper that made Lucario glance at him.
"Hahaha. Well Ash. I have to say Ashachu fought really well," Cameron called out to Ash across the field. "No doubt he's strong. But I'm afraid it's all over now…"
"Thanks," Ash replied giving Cameron a smile. "You've trained your Serperior really well too. But don't count us out just yet."
Cameron chuckled. "We'll see. Alright Serperior. Slam Ashachu into the ground."
Serperior raised her tail in which Ashachu was bound and prepared to slam him into the hard battlefield.
"Ashachu. Use Iron tail…"
Ashachu had been close to passing out from lack of air, but at Ash's word he gathered his remaining strength and hardened his tail, slamming it into the ground a split second before Serperior slammed him.
There was a dull THUD and a great deal of dust was thrown into the air. Ash, Cameron, Hunter and the rest of their Pokémon watched with baited breath waiting for it to clear..
"Ashachu," Ash called out hesitantly.
"Pika." Ashachu groaned as he felt Serperior's coils release him. He took a deep breath, filling his desperate lungs with cool air. His body was sore from the impact and the crushing it had received but iron tail has cushioned the impact enough to keep him from fainting.
The dust around him settled and Ash his teammates cheered.
"Yayyy."
"Great job Ashachu."
"Pika Pikachu." Pikachu punched the air in triumph and Sniveon did a blackflip.
"Yeah! Way to go Ashy."
Even Serperior looked impressed. "Well done," she said bowing her head slightly. "They sure don't call you aura Pichu for nothing."
"Thanks," Ashachu replied giving her a weak smile.
"Haha. Great job Ash and Ashachu," Cameron shouted cheerfully. "But you're not out of the woods yet. Serperior. Dragon tail."
Serperior raised it's tail for a third time, the end of it turning white. As she did so Ash had another idea.
"Ashachu. Use quick attack to climb up her tail."
"Wha-" Cameron's jaw dropped as he heard Ash's command. At his word Ashachu ran at Serperior throwing himself onto her middle and scurried up her back and onto the top of her head.
"Serperior." Serperior froze not knowing what to do. If she tried to hit him with dragon tail she'd end up hitting herself in the face. She stared at Cameron hoping for him to tell her what to do but he looked as taken aback as she was.
"Now use aura sphere…"
Ashachu raised his paw which begun to turn blue. Cameron's eyes widened at the sight of it and he shouted "flick him off your back with vine whip."
Two vines extended from Serperior's collar and she lashed them at Ashachu, but couldn't aim properly as she couldn't see him. Ashachu gripped her collar to hold on as he felt them lash his back and tail.
"Pi-Pika…" Concentrating with all his might, he gathered his aura forming a bright orb in his paw then brought it down into the side of Serpieror's head.
The force of the impact was such that it threw him off of her. He managed to land on his paws a short distance away, just as Serpieror crumpled unconscious.
"Serperior is unable to battle. Ashachu wins!"
"Pikaaaa." Ashachu was elated. He jumped up and down on the spot waving his arms ecstatically. "Pikachu…"
Behind him the rest of Ash's team cheered and Ash called out, "Hahaha. Awesome Job Ashachu!"
Cameron gazed at his fallen Serpeiror for a moment then smiled. "Wow Ash, Ashachu. That was amazing." He pulled out Serpeiror's Pokéball and returned her to it. "Great work out there girl. Thanks."
"Thanks Cam and back at ya," replied Ash with a grin. "Serperior was great too. I though we we're gonna loose there for sure!."
"Unbelieveable," the commentator shouted as the stadium applauded. "Ashachu was able to take out Cameron's powerful Serperior with just one attack even after suffering all the damage from Dragon tail and wrap…And now we wait to see who else will Cameron will choose to face his opponent."
"Go Gabite!" Cameron tossed a second Pokéball releasing a black shark like Pokémon onto the field.
Ash smiled impressed. "A Gabite huh."
"Yep," Cameron said proudly. "This is the Pokémon I traded for yesterday." Gabite let out a roar preening to the crowd. Ashachu shuffled nervously.
"Asahchu. Come back for a rest," Ash called promoting Ashachu to run back to his side with a sigh of relief.
He was met with applause from his friends. Pikachu, Axew, Zorua and Sylveon all patted him on the back and Sniveon put her paws around him and pulled him into a tight hug.
"Ahh Ashy you were fantastic. Ohh I was really worried for a moment but you pulled through and… Wow."
Ashachu blushed, his face turning almost as red as her fur. He patted her on the back mumbling "Thanks."
From across the field Hunter shot her a glare wishing more than anything he could be hugging and praising his best friend. "Hey. Great job lighting butt," he shouted out to him but Ashachu was too distracted by the Flareon's affection to notice.
"Sylveon. I choose you!" Ash continued pointing straight ahead.
The pink and white Intertwining Pokémon trotted out onto the battlefield, waving her feeler and nodding at her friends before glaring at Cameron and Gabite. "Sylvee…"
Sniveon smiled at her almost smugly putting both paws on her hips. "Go get 'em girl."
"Good luck mom," cried Sniveon, finally peeling herself off Ashachu watch the battle.
"Gabite. Use Dragon pulse," shouted Cameron. At his word Gabite fired a multi-coloured beam from it's mouth that formed into a dragon shape as it traveled across the field. To his great surprise Ash said nothing and Sylveon didn't move...
"Huh. Ash," Cameron begun before noticing Lucario with his head in his paw and Hirosaki shaking his head.
The dragon shaped beam hit Sylveon but the Intertwining Pokémon didn't even blink. It was as if she hadn't felt the attack at all.
"Cameron," Ash groaned. "You knew that wasn't going to work."
"Wh-what." Cameron seemed at a loss for words. He glanced at Lucario and Hirosaki.
"Dragon type moves don't work on fairy types," said Lucario exasperatedly.
"Ohhh right," Cameron groan with a mixture of embarrassment and annoyance. "I forgot."
"Sylveon. Use fairy wind."
"Sylvee." Nodding, Sylveon raised her feelers. A pink orb appeared between them from which came a gust of pink coloured wind.
"Gaga-bite." Gabite clenched it's jaw and dugs it's feet into the ground to prevent from slipping backwards as it was buffered by the wind, taking heavy damage from the super-effective fairy type attack.
"Ugh. Gabite don't give in," yelled Cameron. He pulled back his headband and let it go so it slapped him painfully in the forehead. "Ouch…Use flamethrower."
Gabite opened it's mouth and fired a jet of flames that pushed through the wind towards Sylveon.
"Sylveon. Dodge it."
Sylveon jumped to the side to avoid being hit by the fire, but in doing so broke off her attack. The pink wind disappeared.
Cameron punched the air. "Yes. Now Gabite sand attack."
Gabite struck the ground with it's claw throwing sand at Sylveon. She closed her eyes and covered them with her feelers to prevent it going in her eyes.
"Use Slash."
Gabite charged at Sylveon raising a claw. Sylveon, blinded by the sand attack, couldn't react in time. Gabite slashed her savagely across the face and chest causing her to cry out in pain. Ash grimaced.
"Now flamethrower again."
Gabite spat a jet of flames into Sylveon's face.
"Syl-Veee," The Intertwinnging Pokémon screamed as they licked at her body. She fell to her knees, one eye closed. A bright red burn appeared on her back.
"Alright Sylveon. Use refresh," shouted Ash.
At once Sylveon's body glowed bright white, healing her wounds. The burn disappared.
Cameron was caught of guard. "Huh…What."
"Now Moonblast."
Sylveon spread her feelers open wide then formed a pink orb of energy in her mouth firing it at Gabite. It hit the dragon type squarely in the chest blasting throwing it off his feet.
"Ahh Gabite," cried Cameron as the Pokémon landed on it's back unconscious.
"Gabite is unable to battle! Sylveon wins. Cameron. Choose your next Pokémon" the referee commanded.
"Way to go Sylveon." Ash cheered.
"Sylvee." Sylveon gave him a warm smile and held up one of her feelers giving him as Sylveon version of a thumbs up. The rest of the team applauded too.
"Knew you could do it," Snivy said smiling smugly at her mate, her red eyes glinting.
"And so Gabite is taken out by the most powerful fairy type attack leaving Cameron two Pokémon down. Can he turn it around with his third Pokémon."
"Great job Gabite. Take a long rest," Cameron whispered as he returned Gabite. "Alright Hirosaki. Let's turn this around."
Hirosaki nodded before floating out onto the battlefield, to a gasp of awe from the crowd. He glared at Sylveon who glared back at him unintimidated.
Ash bit his lip. He knew Cameron's brother was a strong Pokémon – he had wiped Ashachu and Flygon out at the Battle Maison final. But he was still determined to win this.
"Start by using Moonblast, Sylveon."
Cameron was ready for this. "Giga impact."
Sylveon raised her feelers, the pink orb forming in her mouth. But before she could even get close to firing it, Hirosaki had launched himself at her like a jump jet. The Latios flew into the Intertwining Pokémon with such force that it sent her flying into the wall and causing her to faint.
"Sylveon is unable to battle. Hirosaki wins."
It was Cameron's turn to cheer. "Yeah. You rock Hirosaki," he cried throwing his arms in the air. Lucario and Hunter copied him.
"Lucarr."
"Rio."
Hirosaki folded his arms and gazed with satisfaction at Sylveon who was lying limply at the foot of the wall. "Oh yeah. Score one for Team Kotetsu."
"Such power. Hirosaki took down Sylveon with only one attack…What will Ash choose to battle next."
Ash knelt down beside Sylveon as Sniveon and Snivy rushed over to her side. "Sylveon are you okay."
Sylveon raised her head and looked at him with her bright blue eyes. "Slyvee."
"Your battling was amazing. Thank you so much." He stroked her head and back, punning his hand through her soft warm fur.
"You did great," Snivy added taking hold of her feelers with her paws and pressing her pointy nose into her neck to give the intertwining Pokémon an affectionate nuzzle.
A weak smile crossed Sylveon's muzzle. "Th-thanks Ash. And thank you Snivy." She managed sit up slightly and put her feelers around Snivy's back pulling her closer and pressing her muzzle to the grass snakes maw.
The two female Pokémon kissed as Ash stood up and turned back to the battlefield. "Alright Buizel. I choose you."
"Bui." Buizel nodded and jumped onto the battlefield holding his paws like fists and glaring as he locked eyes with his opponent.
"Good luck Buizel," Mienfoo shouted though Buizel didn't reply keeping his eyes focused on the Latios.
"Wait! Why Buizel," Oshawott stated in surprise, drawing attention of the other Pokémon.
"Because," replied Pikachu. "He's fast, tough and knows Ice punch."
"I'm fast! I know Ice beam," Oshawott muttered though more to himself than anyone else. 'Plus. My connection with Ash lets me do that evolution thing!'
"Okay Buizel. Use aqua jet!"
"Hirosaki. Giga impact."
At their trainers Buizel surrounded himself in a veil of water and shot like a bullet at Hirosaki, and Hirosaki tucked in his arms and flew towards Buizel. The two Pokémon collided in the middle of the battlefield and for a moment hung their motionless each trying to overcome the other.
But Hirosaki proved to be stronger. Buizel was forced backwards the water surrounding him disappearing.
"Oh no Buizel!"
Ash felt his heart rate increase, but the seas weasel managed to straighten himself and land on his feet. "Buii!"
Ash sighed with relief. "Phew… Alright. Now let's take advantage of it's recharge. Ice punch!"
Buizel charged, raising his paw around which a lump of ice formed then struck the Eon Pokémon hard in the face. He cried in pain as Cameron muttered something under his breath, impressed by the power of the super effective attack.
"Hang in there Hirosaki. Counter with Lustre purge."
"Buizel. Dodge it with aqua jet."
Hirosaki raised his head and fired a brilliant purple beam form his mouth as Buizel covered himself in water and rose into the air. The Latios's attack missed.
"Now sonic boom."
Buizel stopped in mid air, the water around him vanishing. He flicked his tail sending a shockwave at his opponent.
"Take off Hiroskai. And get behind Buizel."
Hirosaki jumped into the air before the attack could hit and sped around the stadium like a bright blue jet fighter until he was right behind Buizel.
"Luster purge."
"Use Sonic boom again."
Another purple beam fired from the Eon Pokémon, but Buizel was able to twist around in mid air and send another shockwave in it's directions. The attacks collided and exploded protecting Buizel from the psychic attack. He dropped back to the ground landing on his feet.
Cameron raised his eyebrows. "Ha. Wow Ash. Buizel and Hirosaki are almost equally matched."
Ash smiled at the compliment and Buizel folded his arms with a proud "Bui."
"But we're not done yet. Giga Impact!"
Hirosaki nodded then dived at Buizel. As he shot towards the sea weasel Ash had an idea.
"Buizel, duck and grab onto his wing."
"Bui… Bui" Buizel shot Ash a confused look but did as he was told. He stepped to the side a split second before Hirosaki was about to slam into him and managed to grab the Eon Pokémon's right with his paw.
"Buiii." He let out a cry as his paws left the ground and he rose into the air with Hirosaki.
"Now swing onto his back," shouted Ash, elated that his plan had worked. His heart was racing in his chest.
Using all of his strength, Buizel swung his body under the wing and landed on Hirosaki's back taking both the Lati and his brother/trainer by surprise.
"Huh! Ash is trying that trick again," Cameron muttered remembering Ashachu doing something similar at the battle Maison. "Hirosaki. Shake Buizel loose."
Hirosaki begun to speed around the stadium doing a series of backflips and loops to try and dislodge Buizel. The Sea Weasel gritted his teeth and grabbed a pawful of the Latios's feathers hanging on with all it's might.
"That's it Buizel," Ash yelled. "Ice punch." He mimed punching something in the air.
"Bui." Gripping the feathers so tightly that it started to hurt Hirosaki Buizel raised an ice covered paw. He then started to pummel the poor Eon Pokémon's back with all the strength he could muster.
Hirosaki screamed, his entire body shuddering with each blow struck. He continued to zig zag around the stadium trying to flick Buizel off his back.
Cameron grimaced "Ughh. Hirosaki can't take much more of this. I gotta think of something." He stretched out his headband and released it feeling a dull sting as it slapped his forehead.
"Ouch." Suddenly something came to him. Something he had seen Ash and Pikachu try when battling Viola. "That's it. Hirosaki," he shouted up to the dragon type. Fly upwards and use dragon pulse on yourself."
"C-cameron." Hiroskai's eyes widened and he tilted his head staring incredulously at his brother.
"Just trust me!"
"Okay." Hirosaki took a deep breath, and fighting against the pain of Buizel's punching rocketed upwards. He fired a Multi-coloured beam into the air in front of him. It rose up and formed into the shape of a two headed dragon like creature then fell back down onto Hiroskai and Buizel.
"Gahh."
"Bui."
The two Pokémon both gave cries of pain as the attack hit them, but it had the effect that Cameron wanted. The force of impact dislodged Buizel from Hirosaki's back, sending him tumbling towards the ground…
Cameron punched the air triumphantly. "YES! Now Luster purge."
Hirosaki turned around and fired that purple beam at the sea weasel. Ash quickly shouted up, "Buizel Aqua Jet."
"Bui. Buizel managed to straighten himself and then, covering himself with water once again, flew upwards and straight into the beam of psychic energy.
For a brief moment Buizel seemed to be successful in pushing through the Hirosaki's attack. Then there was a violent explosion of pink and blue.
"Ahh Buizel."
Buizel fell and crashed into the battlefield with a hard thud where he laid still, spreadeagled on his back. "Buii…"
"Buizel is unable to battle. Hirosaki wins."
Ash's heart sank as the referee ruled Buizel out of the battle. Meinfoo ran onto the field and helped buizel up, cradling his head in her arms.
"Buizel. Are you okay."
"Y-yeah. I think so." Buizel grunted in pain as he slowly opened his eyes. He gazed up at Hirosaki who had descended back to the field with a satisfied smile. A feeling of disappointment and bitterness swelled in his chest. "Ugh…I can't believe I lost."
"You did your best Buizel," Ash said to him encouragingly noticing the bitter tone to his voice. "I'm proud of you."
"Best isn't a win," Buizel muttered as he allowed Mienfoo to help him to his feet. Together they walked back to join the rest of the team by Ash's side.
"After a close fight, a risky move by Cameron allowed Hirosaki to overpower Buizel. The score is now two all."
"Great job Hirosaki," Cameron cheered. He ran out onto the field and threw his arms around his brother's neck. "You did it. You're awesome. You did it."
Hirosaki blushed slightly but hugged Cameron back all the same. "Thanks Cam."
"Alright. I think you've earned a rest. Two battles is tough even for you."
Hirosaki gave a nod and together he and Cameron went back to their trainer box.
"Alright Hunter. Your turn."
"Huh…" The Riolu stared up at Cameron with a surprised expression. "Me."
Cameron gave him a confident smile and pointed to the field. "Yep."
Hunter returned the smile and then ran onto the field with a happy yip of "Rio Riolu." His happiness and confidence faded when he saw who his opponent was to be.
Ash looked down at Ashachu and said, "what do you say buddy. Wanna battle Hunter again."
"Pika." Ashachu nodded and ran onto the battlefield with his tail raised. He gave Hunter a confident expression and shouted to him, "Looks like it's you and me again Hunt! Just like we said yesterday."
"Yeah. How about that," Hunter mumbled in reply. His legs started to feel like jelly and his stomach churned.
'No. Noooo. I can't fight Ashy. Ohh. Why did Ash have to choose him…'
The battle begun and Ash cried out the first move. "Ashachu thunderbolt."
"Hunter. Counter it with focus blast."
Hunter didn't move at the sound of Cameron's voice. He just couldn't bring himself to raise a paw against Ashachu when he loved him so. This was of course due to instinct – devotion to ones mate and a drive to care for, love and protect them precludes aggression or fighting. In some species mates may battle to establish a dominance, but this is more sexual than aggressive or competitive.
Hunter screamed as Ashachu's thunderbolt hit him and he dropped onto one knee. "Riiooooo."
There was an outbreak of laughter and murmurs from the stands and Hunter heard the commentator say "What's this. Hunter is refusing to obey it's trainer."
"HUNTER," Cameron exclaimed incredulously. "What are you doing. I told you to use focus blast."
Even Ashachu was giving him a look that said what the fuck. Hunter felt his face go warm.
'Oh great now I'm embarrassing myself in front of everyone… But I don't wanna hurt him. I love him.'
Luckily for Hunter Lucario was able to sense the conflict in his heart through his aura. "Recall him," he said to Cameron.
"What. But why!" Cameron asked frowning at him.
"He can't fight Ashachu," Lucario stated. "It's causing him too much heartache. Get him off the field."
"Alight." Cameron sighed and then shouted. "Hunter that's enough. Come back."
Hunter turned tail and ran off the battlefield, not daring to look at Ashachu. He was painfully aware of the whole stadium watching him. When he got to the trainer box he threw himself onto Lucario who promptly knelt down and hugged him.
"I-I'm sorry," he said holding back tears as he buried his face into his dad's soft fur. "I-I-I just couldn't h-hurt him."
Ashachu frowned wondering what had gotten into his best friend. He could hear muttering from behind him and Oshawott saying loudly, "What was that about!" He didn't have much time to think about it however as Cameron pulled out a third Pokéball and threw it high in the air. "Hydreigon let's go!"
A flash of light and the black three headed dragon materialised above the battlefield. It gave a roar that made Asahchu's fur bristle, the heads on it's two arms snapping.
"Pi-ika." Ashachu swallowed shifting nervously on the spot.
"And Cameron has substituted Hunter for Hydriegon."
"Hydriegon. Use Tri attack," Cameron commanded not wasting a second to initiate the battle.
All three of Hydriegon's mouths opened and spat a different type of beam at Ashachu, the first fire, the third ice and the middle electric.
"Ashachu dodge it."
Ashachu ran forward managing to escape the fire and the electric attack, but the ice attack caught the end of his tail. Ashachu yelped with pain and turned his head to examine his stinging tail. To his horror a large lump of ice was sticking to to the end of his tail. "Piikaa."
"Ashachu," gasped Ash. "Are you alright."
"Now Hydriegon. Follow it up with Dragon pulse."
The largest of Hydriegon's three heads opened it's mouth again and fired a multi-coloured beam of energy, that shaped into a dragon as it shot at Ashachu.
"Dodge it Ashachu. Use quick attack," shouted Ash.
Ashachu tried to scurry away but wasn't fast enough. Dragon Pulse hit him the lower back blasting him off his paws and sending him rolling through the dirt.
Ash groaned. "Ahh. Ashachu."
"Pika Pika-chuu." Ashachu pushed himself back up, breathing heavily. Dust and bruises decorated his yellow fur. He was exhausted but glared at with determination at the brutal Pokémon none the less.
"That's the spirit Ashachu. Now give 'em a thunderbolt."
"PIKACHUUU." Ashachu's cheeks sparked and he unleashed a bolt of lighting at Hydriegon, bathing the dragon type in yellow.
It was Hydriegon's turn to cry in pain. It's two smaller heads clenched their jaws and it shut one eye. Although, as a dragon type the electricity type move was not very effective.
"Come on Hydriegon," shouted Cameron. "Fight back with Dragon rush."
Hydriegon's eye snapped opened at it's trainer's words. It shook off the electricity and then dived at Hydriegon, a blue aura surrounding it's body. Ashachu's eyes widened with fright.
"Iron tail."
Ashachu's tail glowed a metallic colour. He swung it into the oncoming Hydriegon. There was an explosion as the two Pokémon collided blowing dust and dirt into the air. Then to Ash and Cameron's shock, Hydriegon was thrown back into the air.
"Wow. That was some iron tail," said Cameron. "Are you okay Hydriegon?" The dragon type nodded.
"Sure was," Ash exclaimed proudly. "Great work Ashachu. Now Electro Ball."
A yellow orb formed on the end of Ashachu's tail and he threw it at Hydriegon.
"Hydriegon dodge it."
Hydriegon flew upwards to try and avoid the attack but like Ashachu, wasn't fast enough. The spinning electric orb caught his tail, causing him to screech and drop towards the ground.
"Volt Tackle."
Ashachu charged at Hydriegon, his body becoming immured in electricity. He jumped and tackled into the Brutal Pokémon's chest. The great dragon cried out again.
"Now finish it up with Aura sphere."
"Dragon pulse."
Ashachu formed a blue orb between his paws and let it fly. At the same time Hyrdiegon straightened itself in the air and fired it's multicoloured energy at Ashachu. The attacks met for a brief second…
Then the multicoloured dragon shaped energy dispersed as Ashachu's aura sphere broke through it. The super effective fighting type move hit Hyrdiegon causing the brutal Pokémon to fall out of the air unconscious.
"Hydriegon is unable to battle," declared the referee. "Ashachu wins."
"And another amazing performance from that powerful little Pikachu. Who'd have thunk it. Since three of Cameron's Pokémon have been knocked out, we'll now have a five minute break."
"Pika." Ashachu sighed and slumped exhausted onto the battlefield. Ash ran onto the field and scooped him up into his arms.
"You did it Ashachu! That was amazing. First Serpeiror. Now Hydriegon. Awww I'm so proud of you."
He hugged Ashachu tightly as Pikachu climbed up on to his shoulder to celebrated with them. Pikachu smiled proudly at Ashachu crying a happy "Pikachu Pi…"
Ash then placed Pikachu back on the ground with the rest of his Pokémon where he was jumped on by an affectionate Sniveon.
"Haha you did it again Ashy," she exclaimed putting both paws around her and giving him a warm hug. "You're owning this battle."
Ashachu blushed but allowed the Flareon to hug and nuzzle him all the same. He attempted to lick, Sniveon on the cheek, but accidentally licked her across her slightly open maw. He felt his tongue touch her's for a brief second before they parted.
The feeling sent shivers through Sniveon and she blushed hard, although it was hard to tell with her fur already being bright orange. "Ashy."
"Oh. I'm so sorry," Ashachu squeaked. Oshawott, Hikari and Zorua all laughed. "I-I didn't. It was."
"It's alright," Sniveon said in a calm manner. "No problem… That felt really good."
Hunter watched all this from the other side of the battlefield, unable to hear what they were saying. He felt his heart shatter as Ashachu kissed Sniveon…
[Pokémon]
"Time for the second half of this match. Ash has four Pokémon remaining while Cameron has only three."
"Hunter. I choose you," Cameron shouted pointing. Hunter gave a sigh and ran out onto the field.
"So Cameron's using Hunter again," Ash started with a smile. "Then I choose…" He stopped as he felt someone tug at his leg. He glanced down and saw Sniveon looking up at him with a confident expression.
"Sniveon… You wanna battle with Hunter," he asked.
"Flare Flareon." Sniveon smiled and raised her paw.
Ash returned her smile. "Alright then. Let's go."
Sniveon ran onto the field giving Hunter a determined glare and shouting, "Better get ready puppy. Because I'm not going easy on ya."
"Hey twinkle paws. Why don't you stop flirting with Ashachu!" Hunter hadn't meant to say that. It had just burst out of him. A small amount of the mixed and confusing feelings he had for his best friend and the fear that Ashachu wouldn't feel the same way that he had bottled inside escaping.
Sniveon tilted her surprised and confused. "What. Hunter what are you talking about."
"You know what I'm talking about. You and Ashachu kissed," Hunter barked. "Ashachu's my friend so back off."
Sniveon's confusion turned to anger. "What! You gotta be kidding me!" She growled at the Riolu, her fur bristling and her teeth bared. "You listen to me Hunter. I happen to like Ashachu. He's cute and he's sweet. Just because he's your friend doesn't mean you can stop me flirting with him if I want to. If Ashachu wants to be with me then that's his decision to make. You don't get to have anything to do with it."
Deep in his heart Hunter knew she was right. If Ashachu wanted to be with Sniveon and not him, that was his choice to make. He would just have to live with a broken heart. But that still didn't stop him from being angry and resentful towards the Flareon.
"No you listen to me," he growled raising a paw. "I've been Ashachu's friend longer than you have. We've been best friends from like the moment we were born. We played together, we battled together and Ashachu was there for me when I…When I was. Was…"
He hesitated wondering whether to say what he was thinking as it was very personal. But he needed weight in this argument. "Alone and scared of the dark. I saved Ashachu from Team Flare. I even died for Ashachu when Yveltal was attacking us. You can't ever have the sort of bond with him that i have. You're going to ruin everything!"
Sniveon looked incredulously at him. She shook her head slightly and retorted, "What! Ruin what exactly. Last time I checked you and Ashachu were still friends. Do you really think just because Ashachu and I are friends too that it somehow shatters the bond you two share? Because if you think that Hunter then you're an…"
Exactly what Hutner was he never found out as at that moment the commenter shouted "Cameron has chosen a Riolu for this battle, while Ash chooses a Flareon," drowning Sniveon out.
And then Cameron shouted out the first attack of the battle, neither he nor Ash aware of the nature of the fight, taking the assortment of "Riolu's" and "Flaree's" as the banter of rivals instead of harsh words…
"Hunter strike hard and fast! Focus blast."
Hunter took a deep breath, and then fired a blue sphere of energy from between his paws at Sniveon, putting all his anger and frustration into the attack. He didn't notice the angry and slightly disgusted look Ashachu was giving him.
"Sniveon. Dodge it and use attract," Ash shouted in response.
Sniveon was quick on her paws. She gracefully leapt into the air to avoid the attack. As she landed she smile at Hunter and gave him a wink, before raising a paw to her mouth and blowing him a kiss. A pink love heart flew from her paw and surrounded the Riolu…
"Aww no," Cameron gasped as they sank into his fur.
Suddenly Sniveon was the most beautiful thing he and ever. He was totally love-struck. Thoughts of the battle, Ashachu and pretty much everything else was driven from his mind.
"Hunter. Hunter snap out of it."
Hunter only just heard the desperate pleas of his trainer as he gazed longingly at Sniveon. His mouth was hanging open and his eyes had become two large love hearts.
"Great job Sniveon," cried Ash. "Now flamethrower."
Hunter continued to stare at Sniveon as the Flareon charged at him shooting a jet of orange flame at him and was only Vaguely aware of the pain as it struck his body.
"Tackle."
He felt her body slam into his knocking him to the ground, but was only really aware of the small thrill of feeling her against him.
"Ahh Hunter." Cameron shouted out desperately snapping his headband against his forehead again.
"Now wrap it up with draining kiss."
Sniveon grabbed Hunter by the shoulder and pressed her lips against his. Hunter felt the energy drain out of his body. He started to feel weak and sleep, his arms and legs going limp.
"Hunter… Hunter are you okay."
Hunter scrambled back to his paws breathing heavily. He looked over at Sniveon and was relieved to notice his feelings of infatuation had disappeared. He could think clearly again. He looked back and Cameron held up with paw with a determined yip. "Lu-rio."
"Great. Now it's our turn. Vacuum wave."
"Dodge it."
Hunter waved his paws throwing a shockwave at Sniveon, which the Flareon dodged by jumping to the side. But this brought her slightly closer to Hunter, which Cameron took advantage of.
"Force Palm and follow it up with circle throw."
Hunter leapt towards the Flareon and struck her hard across the face with his paw, eliciting a cry of pain that made Ash shout "Sniveon," and a "Pika" from Ashachu. He then grabbed her around the middle and threw her over his head by doing a back flip.
He heard a thud and a cry of "Flareee," as she smacked into the ground behind him.
"Come on Sniveon. Get back up," Ash said desperately as she lay sprawled in a heap.
With his encouragement Sniveon got back to her paws. Ash sighed with relief wipping sweat from his brow with the back of his hand then determinately shouting "Yes! Use flamethrower."
"Dodge it Hunter! Then use Vacuum Wave."
Sniveon fired another jet of flame at Hunter. He jumped avoiding it, before returning fire with a shockwave that struck Sniveon between the eyes. She collapsed again with a pained squeak of "Flaree."
Hunter watched as she tried to push herself up again. Their eyes met and he saw her determination burning in them. But then she groaned and fell back down, her black eyes covered in swirls.
"Sniveon is unable to battle. Hunter wins!"
"YEAH. Way to go Hunter." Cameron threw both his arms in the air as he cheered loudly for Hunter. Lucario mimicked him barking "Lu-Lucarr," and Hirosaki applauded with his claws.
Hunter stared at Sniveon's unconscious body as if not quite able to believe what he had done. Then he felt a strong sense of pride and excitement and joined in cheering with his parents.
"Yeah. I beat twinkle paws. I won. I won. Rio-Rio Riolu."
"Riolu has defeated Flareon leaving both trainers with three Pokémon remaining. Who will Ash choose next…"
Ash walked out onto the field and picked her up. "Thanks for that Sniveon. You were awesome."
Sniveon opened her eyes and gave Ash a sad look. "B-but I lost… To puppy."
"It doesn't matter. You still did your best," Ash replied carrying her back to the trainer box and placing her with her other team mates. "And we're still going to win this thing."
Sylveon wrapped her feelers around Sniveon and gave her ear a lick and Snivy placed a paw on her paw.
"Well done. You were fantastic. I'm so proud of you."
"You fought with you everything you had."
"Hey Snive. Great battle," said Ashachu beaming and holding out his paw expectantly.
This seemed to cheer Sniveon up. She returned his grin and gave him a hi-paw saying "Thanks Ashy." The two Pokémon then hugged much to the chagrin of Hunter.
"What," he growled to himself as Sniveon and Ashachu embraced. "Seriously lighting butt. You're hugging her. How about congratulating your supposed best friend for, oh I don't know, your whole life." His brief joy turned back to the same sadness he had felt after he had seen them kiss.
But he didn't have much time to think about it as Ash called his next Pokémon.
"Alright Pikachu. It's up to you."
"Pika." The electric mouse gave his trainer and mate a nod before scurrying onto the battlefield. His cheeks sparked and his tail was raised.
"And Ash has sent out a second Pikachu to battle Riolu."
"So Ash is using Pikachu," said Cameron. "Awesome. You ready for this Hunter."
"Rio." Hunter yipped and raised his paw to show that he was ready to battle.
"Alright then. Vacuum Wave."
"Pikachu. Use quick attack. Then Iron tail."
As the battle got underway Hunter realized he was up against a pro. Pikachu was agile and capable of unleashing powerful moves. He had launched himself forward before Hunter had even managed to fire his attack, and avoided the shockwave Hunter fired at him with ease.
A second later Hunter felt the mouse's tail swing hard into his belly knocking him off his paws. He gasped as Cameron shouted, "Hunter. Stay strong."
"Now give 'em a Thunderbolt."
Pikachu had moved before the words were barely out of his trainers mouth as if he could read Ash;s thoughts rather than just hear his commands. Hunter felt the electricity rip through this body, setting every nerve on fire as his world turned yellow and then black.
"Hunter his unable to battle. Pikachu wins."
"Some performance. Pikachu takes down Hunter with just two moves and poor Riolu wasn't able to land a single hit. That leaves Cameron with only his Latios and one other Pokémon to battle Ash's three…"
When Hunter next opened his eyes, he found himself lying in Cameron's arms, with his two dads kind faces smiling at him.
"You okay there Hunter," Cameron asked concernedly.
"Y-yeah. I-think." He felt sore. His body still aching from the last attack he'd received. "Ahh man. That was some thunderbolt."
Cameron chuckled. "Yep. Ash's Pikachu sure is something huh. But don't worry. We can still win this thing."
"I'm proud of you," said Lucario. "You kept your focus during both of those battles and you worked in perfect synch with Cameron."
A smile spread across Hunter's face. "Aww… Thanks dad."
Cameron placed Hunter on the ground before clapping Lucario on the shoulder. "Well Lucario. It looks like this one's down to you and Hirosaki. You ready to battle your rival Pikachu again."
Lucario gave his trainer a determined smile and replied, "of course. Are you ready to us what we talked about last night."
Cameron hesitated for a moment glancing at his wrist on which he wore the mega bracelet. "Y-yes! I think."
Lucario sighed before leaning in and giving Cameron a kiss on the cheek. "Trust in me Cameron," he whispered in his ear. "Trust in our bond and it can't go wrong. I love you!" He walked out onto the battlefield.
"So Cameron's sixth Pokémon is a Lucario."
"Lucario huh," said Ash. "Finally."
"Pika," Pikachu cried his cheeks sparking determinately.
"Alright. Here goes." Cameron raised his arm and touched the keystone on his Mega Bracelet. "Lucario. The time has come. Let our love unlock the power within. Mega Evolve."
The stone begun to glow and four tendrils of light extended from it. At the same time the Mega stone on armband Lucario wore on his right arm begun to glow too. The light touched Lucario's body causing it to begin to glow with a bright white light that filled the stadium, eliciting many gasps from the crowd.
"What's this. Cameron and his partner are using Mega Evolution…"
It took only a second for the process to work. The light emanating from Lucario's body faded away leaving behind Mega Lucario. The noticeable differences were the thicker fur over his chest and neck, crimson fur over his now slimmer thighs, his aura sensors now reached down to his waste, the chest spike had elongated and spikes had grown on his shoulders, feet and the back of his paws.
"LU-LUCARIOOOO." Lucario gave a great roar that echoed through the giant stadium making everybody's ears heart as it preened itself. Ash, Pikachu and the rest of the team stared at him incredulously.
"P-Pika," Pikachu gasped feeling both determined but intimidated.
"Hahah. When you're ready Ash. Let's do this," Cameron said grinning.