Another update; I had some free time over the weekend, and it's also my 19th birthday (October 8th)! So this is the second-to-last chapter; its based similarly to "Johto Photo Finish" and with my ideas! I don't own Pokemon except for my characters! Enjoy!
Chapter 36: Johto Photo Finish
Last time, Angelina was defeated by her rival Seamus Nichols in the third round of the Silver League Conference, and was taken out to dinner that night after knowing that Seamus really liked her from their long-time rivalry. She also caught the last part of Ash and Gary's battle from the Silver League Conference; Ash was down to his last Pokemon Charizard, whom was able to defeat Gary's most powerful and last Pokemon Blastoise, which gave Ash the win. Now Ash moves onto round two and faces his next opponent Harrison, from the Hoenn Region. Harrison comes to the tournament with Pokemon Ash has never seen before, and neither trainer was willing to give any round to their opponent. Both competitors were left with one Pokemon each; Ash with Charizard and Harrison with Blaziken. Who will take control of this last battle and move onward to join the best four in the semi-finals? Read on to find out!
Angelina and her friends sit among the cheering crowd, not too far away from Mrs. Ketchum and Professor Oak. They watched the intense battle of Blaziken and Charizard releasing one attack after another and neither of them showing signs of weakness.
"Blaziken, finish it with Flamethrower!" Harrison ordered.
"Charizard, Dragon Rage and use it at full power now!" Ash commanded.
Blaziken opened its mouth and blew a reddish-orange flame while Charizard bellowed out greenish flames; both attacks collided and caused a blast of smoke to form, knocking both Fire Pokemon into the ground.
"The collision of that Flamethrower Attack with the Dragon Rage has created a huge explosion! It appears the force of that explosion had knocked out both Pokemon!" the announcer explained.
Christina watched her older sister and friends with curiosity. They were standing with the crowd cheering on Ash's Charizard to stand up while other people were encouraging Harrison's Blaziken, too.
"Both Blaziken and Charizard are up, the battle continues!" the announcer ideclared as the crowd applauds.
"Flamethrower, let's go!" Ash yelled, but his Charizard shuddered in pain and fell to the ground. "Charizard!"
"And Charizard has collapsed once again! Will this be it?" the announcer asked the crowd; watching the unmoving fire-dragon Pokemon now with swirls in its eyes.
"Charizard is unable to battle, and Blaziken wins!" the referee declared. "The winning trainer is Harrison from Littleroot Town!"
"Harrison has defeated Ash and will now move onto the semi-finals!" the announcer told the cheering crowd. "So it's the end of the road for Ash Ketchum after making it to the final eight!"
"Ash lost?" Christina asked, holding hands with her sister.
Angelina sighed, "Yes, even I can't believe it." she looked upset as they left the stadium.
"It's not your fault," Jeremy said, assuring his friend. "He tried his best, all that matters."
"That's right," Amber agreed. "Unless Harrison loses the first match in the quarter finals, you really have nothing to worry about."
"Sure, a lot that'll do." Angelina scowled.
The three friends and Christina stop in front of the Johto League Silver Hall. Standing on the sidewalk was Ash and his friends with Mrs. Ketchum and Professor Oak. They waved goodbye to Ash's Squirtle as it leaves with Officer Jenny on the motorcycle.
"Mommy!" Christina cried, running towards the group.
"Hello sweetie," Mrs. Ketchum said, smiling as she gently held the little girl. "Did you have a good time?"
"Yep, tons of fun! I beat Team Rocket, just like Ash!" Christina said, grinning. Everyone laughed, Ash and Angelina exchanged knowing smiles.
"I got Aunt Vicky's voice message last night," Angelina explained to her mother. "So she knew you were up here and gave the okay to watch Christina."
"That's no problem at all," Mrs. Ketchum said. "I have to check on the homefront, anyway."
"Why so soon?" Ash asked.
"I left Mr. Mime in charge of doing all the housework," Mrs. Ketchum replied. "I imagine he's busy watering the garden at this very moment."
"And since Tracey's been in charge feeding all the Pokemon, I'm sure he could use a bit of a break." Professor Oak added.
"Yeah, I understand," Ash said, then Angelina smiled and patted him assuringly on the back.
"By the way, Ash. How's Charizard doing after that battle?" Professor Oak asked.
"Oh, it just needs a good nights sleep at the Pokemon Center, it'll be fine," Ash said.
"We called Liza and promised to return Charizard tomorrow," Brock mentioned.
"I'm glad it's okay," Mrs. Ketchum said.
"That must be a relief," Professor Oak agreed.
After everyone said their good-byes; the six young friends watched Mrs. Ketchum, Christina, and Professor Oak walk down the road back to Pallet Town.
"Mom! Soon as the tournaments over, I'm coming back to Pallet Town!" Ash yelled.
"That's great, Ash! We'll have a big party!" Mrs. Ketchum called back.
The very next day, Angelina and Ash were sitting inside Silver Stadium watching Harrison's match against John Dickson. Both trainers are down to their last Pokemon, and John's Rhyhorn knocks out Harrison's Houndoom with Take Down.
"Houndoom is unable to battle, and Rhyhorn is the winner!" the referee declared.
"There you have it, ladies and gentlemen! John Dickson from Sento Cherry Town will move onto the Championship having defeated Harrison! Perhaps things might have been different had he been able to battle with Blaziken!" the announcer told the cheering crowd. This also included Harrison's six new friends whom all stared in shock and surprise.
"I can't believe it! Now Harrison lost, too." Misty said.
Angelina and Ash stared speechlessly.
"Didn't know how right I was until it happened," Amber frowned regretfully.
"Harrison probably didn't use Blaziken 'cause he was worried and thought Blaziken needed the rest," Brock presumed.
"Sounds like Harrison, all right," Jeremy agreed.
The following day at Silver Stadium, Angelina and friends attended the final battle between the last two trainers that would decide the Champion of the Johto League Silver Conference. She wasn't surprised that Seamus was nowhere near competing in the Championship final.
"Rhydon is unable to battle! Rapidash wins!" the referee declared.
"And that's it! Our winner is John Dickson from Sento Cherry Town!" the announcer told the crowd, whom applauded for the young man with short, light brown hair.
"That Dickson-guy's amazing!" Jeremy said.
"Sure is!" Amber grinned.
"What a battle!" Angelina exclaimed.
"Head judge Mr. Goodshow presents the Championship trophy to the victorious John Dickson!" the announcer informed at the ending ceremony; the winning trainer raised the golden trophy over his head and waves at the cheering crowd. "We present to you the Champion of the Johto League Silver Conference, John Dickson from Sento Cherry Town!"
Later that day, Angelina and friends walk away from Silver Town and made it to a three way split. No one wanted to talk, in fear they would have to say goodbye.
"So," Angelina said. "This is it."
"I'm heading out to the Kanto Region," Amber informed. "Maybe try my luck with the Johto League Tournament."
"My grandparents will be wanting me back." Jeremy finished.
"I understand," Angelina smiled slowly. "But thank you both, for everything."
"That's what friends are for," Jeremy replied.
"I better get going," Amber said, looking down the road on the left. "If I want to reach Pewter City before nightfall." she looked to Angelina and Jeremy. "Thank you guys, I had fun," she started to walk down the road.
"Bye Amber!" Jeremy and Angelina waved her goodbye.
"Bye Angel! Bye Jer!" Amber said as she turned around and waved, then looking ahead and walking down the road, smiling.
"I have to get going, too," Jeremy said. "Thanks Angel."
"Yeah, thank you, too," Angelina smiled. "The most actually. All those memories would've never been made without you there."
"I know," Jeremy smiled back. He then looked on ahead at the road, walking down it with a smile.
"Bye," Angelina said. She then looked on ahead and saw his road, 'Time to head back home.' She smiled and started walking down the road to Pallet Town.
The Silver Conference of the Johto League has come to a close, Angelina and her friends head out in different directions down very different roads. Even as they part ways, the three friends will continue seeking out new challenges and sharing new experiences in the world of Pokemon.
§To Be Continued§
Okay, second-to-last chapter finished; a combination of Ash's battle with Harrison, the rest of the Conference battles, and then Angelina and her friends' parting-of-ways. So thanks for reading and the final chapter will be up soon. L8er!