Author's note:
Here it is, the second part to the Indigo League. There is a small part about a common cold, that is mainly just my whining because I caught one when writing this part (I would like to point out, I have Kanto completely written, and I've started writing the Orange Islands before posting, which was also why I had a few quicker updates prior to the league. Although, after taking a couple weeks break, from the end of the Mewtwo arc to last chapter, it took some getting used to writing again which is why this chapter took so long, sorry). I also want to thank everyone since this story just hit 100,000 views. Keep the female Vaporeon nicknames coming and remember to vote in the poll (as expected Haunter is high up), (please don't vote for a particular Pokemon because it's your favourite and more so vote based on the personality's I've given them), this poll will change when the Orange Island Arc starts. I could also use some more nicknames for a female Vaporeon. With that, let's begin...
Chapter 55: Indigo League - Ice & Grass
The entire rock stadium is silent. Not because its empty but because it is empty, it is still packed after the first afternoon match on the second day of the indigo League. It is silent because after the heated battled between Ash Ketchum and Melissa Yoshiki, the Fuchsia native asked the raven-haired boy on a date. Nearly a minute has past and not a sound was being uttered, except a honey-blonde girl stormed out of the stadium clearly angry, if looks could kill.
"Well folks, this a first for me." The announcer commentated. "Will the winner of the match, Ash Ketchum, be a different kind of winner with the offer laid in front of him?".
Taking a deep breath, Ash realised he couldn't remain silent for long. Man, this is going to be hard. It is probably even harder because of the hundreds of pairs of eyes on him. Hell, even the commentators are invested in this. Knowing he can only be honest, Ash took a step forward, towards Melissa Yoshiki.
"Melissa..." Ash started, causing the shy girl to look at him. Seeing the pleading look in her eyes just made this even harder. "... I'm sorry Melissa, but I can't go on a date with you.".
"And it's a no from young Ketchum." The announcer commentated. The crowd booed as Melissa looked down as a couple of tears fell down her face. If there is one thing Ash felt like right now, it's a jerk.
"Look Melissa, you're a great person. And anyone will be lucky to date you." Ash explained, as the crowd quietened down. Melissa looked at him with watery eyes, hopeful being the main emotion Ash could make out. "I really am sorry, but... I'm sorry.".
Ash couldn't bring himself to explain himself, especially in front of everyone and just walked out of the stadium looking down, would the truth just make Melissa hate Serena, or would it just make her feel worst? Pikachu jumped onto his trainer's shoulder while Ash walked away, patting his trainer's back. The crowd just continued to boo the raven-haired boy. Man, this isn't what he expected the Indigo League to be like.
Ash was surprised when he left the stadium to find Drake and Togepi. When Togepi first hatched he mistook Drake for Ash a little bit but soon learned that his daddy's brother wasn't as friendly or cuddly and for the most part would ignore Drake.
"What's up?" Ash asked, as he walked up to them. As soon as he was close enough, Togepi jumped onto his daddy, who was able to catch the young fairy type. Ash caught the baby Pokemon in time for Togepi to give him a 'big' hug (for the fairy type at least). "Where are the others?".
"They... Went to the Pokemon Centre." Drake sweat dropped.
"How come?" Ash asked, as he returned the hug to Togepi.
"Serena..." Drake replied. "She... Needed some fresh air.". Ash sighed at the tone of his brother's voice, he can guess what went down after what happened in the stadium, hopeful he can reach Serena before she gets to Melissa.
The two brothers and the two Pokemon set off for the Pokemon Centre. On the walk back, Ash couldn't help but notice people looking at him like he was some sort of jerk, or like he was caught abusing his Pokemon. Guess a lot of people sympathise with a young girl who gets rejected. How he didn't want to hurt her. As soon as they arrived at the Pokemon Centre, neither noticed Misty, Brock or Serena so they moved over to Nurse Joy. Ash took Primeape's and Aerodactyl's Pokeball off his belt.
"Nurse Joy, can you take a look at my Pokemon please?" Ash asked as he placed the two Pokeballs on the counter.
"I'd be happy to." Nurse Joy smiled as she picked them up. Ash did think about giving her Sandslash but the Professor mentioned that he has Ivysaur use Sleep Powder whenever he checks on the ground type, and he plans to send him back to the lab. Nurse Joy handed the two Pokeballs to Chansey. Ash was going to ask about his next round but since there are still a few rounds left today they won't have that information until later.
"Thank you." Ash replied before he looked over to the corridor's. The Professor is probably chatting to Gary seeing as Gary's match would've finished during Ash, so he can send Sandslash back later. He took a deep breath before deciding to look towards the rooms.
Ash; Brock; Drake; Gary; Ritchie and Calem have been sharing a room, as have Serena; Leaf; Misty; Miette and Melissa. That will probably end up changing considering what happened. Releasing the breath, he was holding, Ash; Togepi; Pikachu and Drake walked off to the girl's room. Hopefully Ash can talk to Serena before she talks to Melissa. Ash has had enough of world ending events with Mewtwo.
As they walked down the corridor, Ash noticed Brock sat in front of the door to the girl's room. The Pokemon breeder is clearly exhausted, as the boys stood in front of him, he looked up to them with fear present in his eyes.
"Hey Brock." Ash greeted, lacking his usual enthusiasm. "Serena in there?". Brock answered the question with a nodded as he stood up and stepped to the side.
"Toge Toge?" Togepi questioned with a curious glance at his daddy. His daddy won that battle so shouldn't he be happy. Even if he did use that scary claw mon.
"Can you look after Togepi, Brock?" Ash asked. Nothing against Drake, but he isn't exactly the type to look after a young Pokemon, and Brock is one of very few people who isn't Ash that Togepi will settle with (who isn't Ash).
"Of course, Ash." Brock smiled as he picked up the young fairy type. Togepi looked at his daddy with 'sad eyes' before Uncle Pikachu jumped down to Brock's side. While he wants to spend some time with his daddy, uncle Pikachu is a good substitute and Togepi may be young but knows that he shouldn't see what will happen in there.
"Don't worry Togepi, I'll be back soon." Ash reassured.
"Misty is also in there, Ash." Brock informed. "You might also want to activate your aura.".
Ash chuckled lightly at Brock's joke as he placed his hand on the handle. Taking a deep breath, the chuckle faded and Ash pushed down on the handle, entering the room. A few moments later Misty left the room and the door closed behind her.
Walking around the Plateau is Calem and Miette, hand in hand. Calem had the first match of the day the grass field, the couple just grabbed a bite to eat before going to find the others. Since Ash's battle was still on-going when he left his Ninetales; Dodrio and Chesnaught at the Pokemon Centre, neither of them new any of the battle out comes.
As they closed in to the stadium and Pokemon Centre area, the crowds started to pick up, but something caught their attention. Melissa was sat on a bench crying her eyes out with Leaf and Gary surrounding her. Leaf is sat next to the upset girl while Gary is stood a little to the side looking very out of place. While he isn't exactly the sensitive type, he doesn't really have anywhere better to be and kind of wants to impress Leaf. The couple approached them.
"Hey guys." Calem greeted trying to keep things normal, and not make things awkward. Melissa continued to cry while Leaf looked at them in a pleading way. Calem mouthed the question. "What happened?".
Leaf shrugged her shoulders to say she didn't know. In truth, she watched Gary's battle and once that was over the set off to go and find the others. Whilst walking they found Melissa crying on the bench and have spent the last ten minutes trying to calm her down.
Miette frowned and kneeled down in front of Melissa. Using her hand to gently lift Melissa's face up, forcing the young girl to look her in the eyes. Melissa seemed surprised to see four people surrounding her, almost like she never even noticed their arrival.
"Hey Melissa?" Miette asked in a calm and comforting way. Melissa did her best to stop her tears and used her sleeves to dry her eyes, although the water was quickly replaced. Miette offered her a sympathetic look. "What's the matter?".
"A-after the battle... With Ash..." Melissa chocked as tears began to fall down her cheeks again.
"You lost." Gary stepped forward nodding his head, with his eyes closed in a calm demeanour. "It's understandable but you were gonna lose at some point and at least it was against Ashy-Boy and not some jerk.".
"Like you." Calem whispered. Gary opened his eyes to discover Miette and Leaf glaring at him as Melissa had re-covered her face as more tears started to flow out of her eyes. Needless to say, a sweat drop formed on the back of his head, he may be nicer that doesn't mean he is good at it.
"I'm just gonna wait over here." Gary sheepishly replied as he pointed to a nearby screen showing a battle, which happened to be Ritchie's.
"You do that." Calem encouraged. He too isn't the best when it comes to sympathy, but he at least knows how to not to do what Gary just did. Gary walked over to the screen, leaving the three to deal with Melissa. Calem also decided to take a back seat.
"Melissa... Don't listen to what Gary said." Leaf comforted. "There is no reason why you should be like this...".
"Leaf is right, why don't you just calm down and explain it to us." Miette added. "Please.". Melissa forced herself to stop her crying.
"I... Did l-lose the battle-e b-but that isn't why-y I'm u-upset." Melissa explained, stuttering.
"Then why are you upset?" Leaf asked in a comforting manor.
"A-after the battle..." Melissa continued. "I-I... Asked Ash, to go out with me... A-and...".
Leaf's eyes shot open at the revaluation, Melissa asked Ash out. Well, it is clear what his answer was if she is like this. Not to mention she is practically his twin sister considering how alike they are, so she knows he would never cheat on Serena. As bad as she feels for Melissa, she can't help but think about how Ash is feeling, even though he wouldn't cheat on Serena, that doesn't mean he won't feel bad about turning Melissa down.
"Melissa..." Miette spoke sympathetically. "I know Ash wouldn't turn you down because of no reason... Did he tell you why he said no?".
"No... He just said sorry then left." Melissa cried. "It's probably because he hates how I look, or thinks I'm weird, or...".
"No Melissa, Ash wouldn't think like that about anybody." Leaf asserted.
"She's right Melissa." Miette added. "The truth is, he is already dating Serena. He only turned you down because he wants to stay loyal to his girlfriend.".
"R-really?" Melissa asked, scared. The two girls answered with a nod of the head. Melissa went pale, like she just saw a ghost type. "What have I done... They are going to hate me. And I did it in front of everyone as well.".
"What do you mean, in front of everyone?" Calem asked, Gary was now stood by his side seeing as Ritchie's battle finished with Ritchie as the victor.
"I... Um, asked Ash out on the battlefield... In front of the stadium." Melissa admitted, shyly. "It must've been horrible for him to be put on the spot and have all them look at him... I hope it won't cause him any trouble.".
Calem and Gary looked at each other. After a moment, the two boys tried to hold in their laughter. For as bad as it would be to be put on the spot in front of everyone like that, they can't help but laugh at the thought of Ash in that situation. They will be sure to check it out on the League highlights tonight.
Leaf and Miette glared at the two boys, whose laughter was replaced with sweat drops, now isn't the time or place for Ash's embarrassment... He should be present when they get their good laugh. The two girls turned back to Melissa.
"Come on Melissa, we should get inside. It's getting cold out." Leaf suggested. Melissa nodded and stood up with Miette and Leaf.
"B-but I don't want to see Ash or Serena." Melissa exclaimed in a panicked tone.
"You know Melissa, they won't be angry." Leaf informed. "They will understand that you didn't mean any damage.".
"I-I get that." Melissa replied. "I'm just not ready to face them...".
"That's okay, Melissa. If you want anything from your things, then we can get them for you." Miette offered.
"Thank you... I think I should get a new room." Melissa replied. "Could you help me get my things?".
"Of course." Miette smiled before she turned to the two boys. "Go on, you can get her stuff.".
"But..." Calem tried to argue.
"We are going to help Melissa find a new room, now go." Miette cut her boyfriend off. Calem knew that tone all too well, while it seems friendly, he knows that it isn't.
The two boys groaned and slumped away to the Pokemon Centre where they are all staying. The trio of girls walked off towards a different Pokemon Centre, as sure as Leaf and Miette are about Ash and Serena forgiving Melissa, they have to agree that it is probably best that she moves to a new room.
The next day, Ash is at the Ice stadium ready for his third-round battle against Pete Pebbleman from Brock's home town off Pewter City. Seeing as he doesn't have any ice types, Ash decided to go with: Wartortle; Dragonair; Charizard; Ivysaur; Primeape; Haunter and Pikachu. While he would've liked to bring Pokemon like Muk or Tauros rather than ones who have already battled like Primeape and Haunter, but neither are suited for an ice field, seeing as Muk is a pile of sludge and Tauros would go sliding instead of charging around.
In the stands are: Serena; Misty and Brock. Unfortunately, the other boys are battling at this same time; Miette went to watch Calem and Leaf decided to watch Drake, while she hasn't admitted it; Serena discovered that her best friend has a small(ish) crush on her boyfriend's twin brother. While she wishes her best friend luck, she also has a bad feeling that Gary might have a crush on Leaf, she has thought this since the Silph Co, but Leaf has just dismissed it. If Serena is right, then it could lead to one thing... A love triangle...
As Ash was waiting to walk up to the field he felt happy that he was able to calm Serena down. True, she was awfully clingy the rest of the day, but she did promise not to attack Melissa the next time she sees her. Truthfully, Ash felt horrible for turning Melissa down but what choice did he truly have? At least now he can focus on the battle. Ash heard his opponent's introduction, and a loud(ish) cheer come from the audience, it was the same amount as both himself and Melissa got yesterday.
"And in the red corner, the trainer who clearly treats his Pokemon better than he does girls. Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town." The announcer shouted as Ash walked out onto the field and climbed the red stand, with Pikachu on his shoulder. The crowd booed him, guess they aren't happy about him turning Melissa down. "Let's see if the red trainer can break his opponent like he did the last one's heart.".
That doesn't make him feel any better. The ref took his place. Looking across the field, Ash noticed it was a sheet of ice with ice spikes sticking up all around it. He is glad he didn't bring Muk as he would likely freeze to the floor and Tauros would probably injure himself if he tried charging around this field.
"This third-round match between Pete Pebbleman and Ash Ketchum will take place on the ice field." The ref declared. "Each trainer will be allowed the use of three Pokemon, and can substitute at any time. No time limit is in play and the trainer who shall go first will be...".
The board with both trainer's faces on light up. The green light behind Pete and the red light behind Ash continued flashing, rotating between the two photos, eventually it stopped with Ash's Picture lit up.
"Ash Ketchum." The ref continued. "The battle will be over when all three Pokemon on one side is unable to battle.".
Ash gripped his first Pokeball. While he doesn't have any ice types, out of all his Pokemon he has one who will perform best out of those who haven't battled yet, and he might as well go for an early advantage.
"I choose you, Wartortle!" Ash shouted as he released his pure water type. Up on entering the battlefield, Wartortle fell on his behind courtesy of the ice, but quickly stood back up and pulled his black glasses out of his shell, putting them on his face.
"Looks like Ash Ketchum's Wartortle is adding another cool layer with his eye wear." The announcer informed. "Let's see if he can treat his Pokemon better than he did his second-round opponent. Talk about the cold shoulder.".
"Then I'll chose, Electrode! Go!" Pete shouted as he released his electric type. The up-side-down Pokeball appeared on the ice field, and narrowed his eyes at his target.
Ash was tempted to return his water type because of the type disadvantage, but Wartortle entered a battle stance as well, so he clearly wanted to battle. Ash pulled out his Pokedex and scanned the electric type:
Electrode, The Ball Pokemon. The final evolved form of Voltorb. Stores enormous amounts of electricity within its body and explodes with the slightest provocation. Extremely dangerous.
"And the green trainer has gone with Electrode, making sure to take the early type advantage." The announcer informed. "Let's see if Electrode can zap some feeling into the red trainer. It is clear his second-round opponent couldn't.".
Ash sweat dropped, is that the only thing the commentators will bring up? If only they knew why he turned Melissa down... Guess for now he should just focus on the battle and not focus on it, it doesn't matter who the crowd favourite is after all.
"Electrode VS Wartortle... Begin." The ref declared.
Pete VS Ash (P. I):
"Rollout!" Pete shouted.
Electrode did a slight jump into the air, as the ball Pokemon started spinning. Hitting the ground, he started spinning. Landing on the ice again, Electrode started rolling towards Wartortle. Looking closely enough, you can see the Ball Pokemon picking up speed thanks to the slippery surface.
"Dodge with Rapid Spin." Ash instructed.
Wartortle nodded seriously before withdrawing into his shell. The water type's shell started spinning and as soon as it hit the field, started spinning away. Ash thought he had the advantage since Electrode probably wouldn't be able to turn properly on the field, but Pete had a different idea.
"Use the ice pillar and change direction." Pete instructed.
Although the speed made it hard to tell, Electrode made some sort of reply to his trainer's instructions. The Ball Pokemon hit an ice pillar, which redirected the electric type so he was on course and chasing Wartortle down. Ash saw that he had to act fast, seeing as Electrode was picking up more speed... That's it.
"Turn that Rapid Spin into a Gyro Ball!" Ash shouted.
Wartortle also seemed to make some sort of vocal reply, but nobody could really make it out. Wartortle slowed down considerably, as a grey outline surrounded his shell, as Electrode closed in. It was too late for Pete to counter as Electrode rammed into the back of the shell, with the electric type coming worse off.
"Awesome Wartortle, now follow up with Water Gun!" Ash hollered.
Wartortle jumped into the air, exiting his shell as he wore a confident smirk, who cares about the type advantage when you're as awesome as he is. Taking a deep breath, the water type fired a powerful jet out water out of his mouth. Electrode took the attack head on and was blasted into a wall, as the water just kept coming.
"Use that water, Electrode." Pete instructed. "Thunder!".
Ash watched in horror, as it was too late. A powerful electric blast was released off the Ball Pokemon, and was quickly conducted by the Water Gun. Travelling towards the source, the Thunder hit Wartortle, causing him to cancel the Water Gun and cry out in pain. Ash acted quickly.
"Return for now, Wartortle!" Ash shouted, as he recalled his water type.
"And the red trainer has recalled his Wartortle so he can fight later on." The announcer informed. "Let's see if he can pull back a victory with his second Pokemon or is his hope lost, like his second-round opponent.
"Thank you, Wartortle." Ash told the shrunken Pokeball before clipping it to his belt. He decided to just ignore the commentator's references to the situation with Melissa or the laughter from the audience.
Thinking over his current Pokemon, Ivysaur and Dragonair are his only Pokemon with a type advantage but both have a weakness to ice, meaning they aren't the best suited for an ice field. Ultimately, Dragonair would be the best bet since she likes to battle in the air rather than on the ground so the field won't have a massive effect.
"Dragonair, I choose you!" Ash shouted as he released his female dragon type. Upon entering the field, Dragonair extended her body towards the sky and let out a loud battle cry. Not so much as a show of power like Aerodactyl; Charizard and Gyarados but more so to show of the beauty the princess truly is.
"And the red trainer, Ash Ketchum has gone with one rare Dragonair." The announcer informed. "Also, being the trainer of a powerful Aerodactyl, one has to wonder where the young trainer gets all these rare Pokemon.".
As both Pokemon entered a battle stance, Ash realised that he probably shouldn't start the battle like how Dragonair likes to start her battles with Rain Dance seeing as Electrode knows Thunder, which is guaranteed to hit in the rain. That doesn't matter, he knows Dragonair is strong enough to still win.
"Electrode VS Dragonair... Begin." The ref declared.
Pete VS Ash (P. II):
"Start off with Thunder Wave, that should slow it down." Pete smirked.
Ash remained calm as small sparks flew off Electrode towards Dragonair, both Ash and Dragonair knew neither of them had anything to worry about. The electricity hit the dragon type and caused Dragonair to become paralyzed. Ash still made no move about it.
"Now that Dragonair is paralyzed, go in for another Rollout!" Pete hollered.
Electrode entered another Rollout and shot towards the airborne Dragonair, who was still paralyzed. Using an ice pillar, Electrode rode up the ice pillar to become airborne and fly towards Dragonair. Pete was sure he had nothing to worry about seeing as Dragonair was paralyzed.
"Counter with Iron Tail!" Ash shouted.
Dragonair let out a battle cry as her shed skin ability activated, causing her to cure herself of the paralysis. Pete was shocked, as Dragonair coated her tail in metal and swung it over her head. The steel type attack struck the rolling Electrode. Dragonair won the power battle and knocked Electrode into an ice pillar.
"Dragon Rage!" Ash hollered.
Dragonair roared again as her jewel glew brightly. Many people in the crowd marvelled at Dragonair's beauty. Opening her mouth, a small orange ball can be spotted before it fired out like a beam which struck Electrode, and blasted him into the ice. Cracking the field, Electrode was in a small pool of water. Ash figure that the heat from Dragonair's attack must've melted the ice.
"And the ice field has been cracked. As the most unstable of the battlefields one has to wonder how the added water will affect the battle." The announcer commentated. "And how will Electrode handle be being in water.".
"I know you don't like it, Electrode, so we need to end this now." Pete told his electric type who nodded in agreement. "Self-Destructed!".
Electrode smirked whilst floating in the water as the Ball Pokemon closed his eyes and his body glew white. Ash knew he had to act fast as that attack would cause some serious damage to Dragonair just because of its pure power.
"Escape to the sky and dodge it!" Ash shouted in a panic.
Like a bullet, Dragonair shot into the sky, but Electrode soon exploded. The explosion barely reached the dragon type who cried out in pain, and fell into the smoke cloud which was the battlefield. Everyone was on the edge of their seats, waiting for the results.
As the smoke cleared, Electrode could be seen floating in an iced pool with swirls in its eyes and soot covering its body. Dragonair was lying on a small patch of ice of the original ice field which was still somehow intact. The 'small' body of water now took up about 65% of the field.
"Electrode is unable to battle. This round goes to the red trainer, Ash Ketchum." The ref declared.
"And the first knock out of the match goes to Ash Ketchum." The announcer informed. "But it caused both his Wartortle and Dragonair some serious damage, can he recover and still pull off a victory or has he lost his chance, like his round two opponent.".
"Dragonair, you okay to keep going?" Ash asked as Pete returned his fallen Electrode.
Dragonair slivered up towards Ash and nudged his head a bit. Of course, the princess would never show someone affection, she is simply allowing Ash to pet her. Rubbing her head, Dragonair made it clear that this princess is going to protect her castle and not become a damsel in distress.
"And it looks like red trainer, Ash Ketchum is staying with his Dragonair." The announcer informed. "Can the green trainer, Pete Pebbleman counter this mighty dragon or will this be where the pebble sinks?".
"I've got the perfect counter for that dragon." Pete declared as he gripped his next Pokeball. "Go Cloyster!". Ash pulled out his Pokedex and scanned his new opponent:
Cloyster, The Bivalve Pokemon. The final evolved form of Shellder. Cloyster is capable of swimming in the sea. It does so by swallowing water, then jetting it out toward the rear. This Pokémon shoots spikes from its shell using the same system.
Ash looked at the water ice type as both Cloyster and Dragonair entered a battle stance. Dragonair still can't use her favourite move as that would put Cloyster in a better advantage over his already type advantage as well as being on an ice a water field. This is not going to be easy.
"And the green trainer made a smart move by taking both the type and field advantage." The announcer informed. "But red trainer Ash Ketchum has proven to fight against the odds and be very successful whilst doing so.".
"Cloyster VS Dragonair... Begin." The ref declared.
Pete VS Ash (P. III):
"Thunder Wave!" Ash shouted.
Dragonair extended up to the sky, letting out a loud cry as the jewel around her neck glew. Little sparks flew out of the jewel towards the water ice type which is currently motionless on the edge of the pool.
"Protect." Pete instructed.
Cloyster's shell snapped shut as a protective barrier surrounded the Bivalve Pokemon. The electric sparks hit the protective barrier, and they bounced off dispersing into nothing, leaving Cloyster unaffected. As the barrier faded, Cloyster opened up again before wobbling into the pool.
"Surf!" Pete shouted.
The water started shaking as waves began to pick up. Suddenly, Cloyster shot out of the water, on top off a giant wave. Ash's and Dragonair's eyes widened at the massive water type attack. They both new that they couldn't go above, around or below it... The only option is through it.
"Dragon Rush, and go straight through it!" Ash shouted.
Dragonair roared again as blue dragon type energy surrounded her whole body, even have yellow eyes appear over her actual eyes. Shooting off towards the wave, the blur burst straight through it. Dragonair stopped behind the wave, and with a roar the dragon type energy burst of Dragonair, and the wave also imploded.
"Shell Smash!" Pete shouted in a panic.
Cloyster withdrew into his shell, as he went flying since his Surf wave was destroyed. The water ice type glew white before red cracks appeared around him, before he burst out of it, increasing both his speed and attack power, while weakening his defences.
"Icicle Spear!" Pete shouted.
While reaching the maximum height from his surf being destroyed, several sharp icicles appeared around the Bivalve Pokemon. Like a machine gun spewing bullets, Cloyster quickly launched the ice type attacks at Dragonair, who wasn't quick enough to act. She was knocked into the icy water.
"Now Blizzard!" Pete Hollered.
"DRAGONAIR!" Ash shouted in a panic.
Cloyster opened his shell, quickly followed by a powerful icy wind begin released. The Blizzard struck the water with Dragonair still half in the liquid as it started to freeze over. As the Blizzard ended, Dragonair was half frozen under the field, with the water frozen over, and her other head on the ice with swirls in her eyes.
"Dragonair is unable to battle. This round goes to the green trainer, Pete Pebbleman." The ref declared.
"And the red trainer has lost his mighty dragon." The announcer informed, as the crowd cheered. "Can Ash Ketchum handle this lost round or has he been frozen over like his fallen Dragonair?".
"Return Dragonair." Ash recalled his fallen female dragon. As he held the shrunken Ultra Ball in his hand, he frowned. "Sorry Dragonair, I should've returned you when I saw he brought out Cloyster... And thanks for your hard work, it won't go to waste.".
"Now who will Ketchum choose?" The announcer asked rhetorically. "Will he go for a water on water match with his Wartortle or will he bring out his final card for this match?".
"Who can I choose?" Ash thought to himself. "Wartortle might be able to defend against Cloyster's attacks, but after that shell smash, I doubt that he can win a power battle, especially after his battle with Electrode.".
"Choose me." A voice appeared next to Ash. Ash genuinely thought it was a voice in his head. "Choose me, before I unleash my Thunderbolt on ya.". Ash realised it wasn't a voice in his head, it was his starter by his feet. Looking down, Ash saw a fire in his eyes.
"You want to battle, Pikachu?" Ash asked, dumbly.
"No, I want to start a konga line on the field." Pikachu replied sarcastically. "Of course, I want to battle.". Ash smiled down at his partner, it doesn't matter what the commentator's think or what the crowd thinks, as long as he has his friends and his Pokemon, they can think what they like about him, but he will still win this battle.
"Okay Pikachu." Ash replied, smiling at his electric partner before looking over the field with determination. Cloyster had landed on the newly ice-covered water, in a battle stance. He may be at a disadvantage because of Cloyster's state buffs, and the field may not be the best for the speedy Pokemon but they have pulled through worst. "I choose you!". Pikachu smiled as he jumped on to the icy field, entering a battle stance, while sparking his cheeks.
"And it looks like Ash Ketchum has gone for his electric type, Pikachu." The announcer informed. "This little guy has been by Ketchum's side since entering the Plateau, so now we get to see what he is made off. Can Pikachu pull of a shocking victory or will he get cold feet?".
"Alright, Ash is using Pikachu!" Serena cheered, before she felt a Pokeball wiggle. Her Eevee let herself out, sitting on Serena's knee the normal type barked something to her boyfriend, but her voice just seemed to be lost among the crowd.
"Cloyster VS Pikachu... Begin." The ref declared.
Pete VS Ash (P. IV):
"Start off with Quick Attack!" Ash shouted.
Like a bullet, Pikachu shot off as his body was covered in normal type energy. Ash smiled seeing the speed of his starter, even going back to the battle against his uncle for the Viridian Gym, there is clear improvement in that short amount of time.
"Protect!" Pete shouted, sound surprised probably due to Pikachu's speed.
Cloyster's shell slammed shut, as a protective barrier appeared around him. The speedy little Pikachu hit the barrier and was deflected off. Landing on his feet, Pikachu was sent sliding back across the ice as he entered another battle stance and sparked his cheeks.
"Aurora Beam!" Pete shouted.
Cloyster re-opened his shell and fired a multi-coloured ice beam towards Pikachu. Ash knew he had to get Pikachu off the ice as the slippery nature of this field means Pikachu is going to struggle to perform his normal dodges. Lucky Ash has a plan for that.
"Dodge with Iron Tail!" Ash shouted.
Pikachu coated his tail in metal, as the Aurora Beam closed in. Pikachu preformed a handstand as his Iron Tail swung over his head. His tail hit the Aurora Beam making him shoot into the air, easily overpowering the ice type attack.
"Thunderbolt!" Ash shouted.
As he went flying through the air, Pikachu spun around so he was facing the Bivalve Pokemon as he reached his maximum height. Pikachu curled up as his cheeks sparked, he released a powerful electric bolt out of his body towards the water ice type.
"Block with Blizzard!" Pete shouted in a panic.
Cloyster unleashed a powerful icy wind out of his shell. The two attacks struck each other and seemed to push against each other to win the power battle. After a couple of moments, the Blizzard seemed to overpower Pikachu and push the electric attack back. Ash knew he had to act fast.
"Turn it to Thunder and start spinning!" Ash instructed.
Pikachu nodded, after seeing Red and Blue in a practise battle while training for the league, both Ash and Pikachu saw a move Red and his Raichu used to overpower Blue's Arcanine. Despite trying to replicate it, they haven't been able to pull it off yet, but there is always a first time for everything.
As he was falling into the Blizzard, Pikachu started spinning as massive amounts of electricity were released from his body. The built-up power surrounded the electric mouse like some sort of armor. The electric barrier protected Pikachu as he fell through the Blizzard. He was able to guide himself down the wind current and hit Cloyster head on. It caused a sort of electric explosion around both Pokemon.
"CLOYSTER!" "PIKACHU!" Both trainers shouted respectively. When Red and his Raichu used it, the electricity only protected Raichu then he finished with a physical attack, but that was more like a bomb.
"What do you know, Ash and Pikachu handled element barrier." Red sounded impressed as he sat down next to Serena, Misty and Brock with Delia.
"Mr and Mrs Ketchum?" Serena questioned.
"We've told you dear, call us Red and Delia." Delia replied with a friendly smile.
"Hehehe, right." Serena blushed, like Ash she isn't use to being able to be informal with adults, especially not her boyfriend's parents.
"Excuse me, but you said the element barrier." Brock interrupted. "Isn't that one of the moves you used against Blue when you battled at the lab?".
"Right, any Pokemon can use it but it works best with smaller speedy pokemon." Red explained.
"But it didn't look the same as when you used it." Misty pointed out.
"Well the electricity is just meant to be protective barrier then you strike with a physical attack." Red explained. "But Pikachu released so much electricity, which meant that became the punch. It might cause a bit of recoil damage but Pikachu should be final.".
As the smoke cleared over the field, Pikachu could be made out on top of the fallen Cloyster in a victory pose.
"Who da mon?" Pikachu asked, which caused Ash to sweat drop while the crowd half laughed and half cheered.
"Cloyster is unable to battle. This round goes to the red trainer, Ash Ketchum." The ref declared.
"And Ash Ketchum wins another round." The announcer informed, followed by the crowd cheering. "Now in the lead with two to one but both his Wartortle and Pikachu are battle worn. Can the young trainer from Pallet handle this last challenge or like the field will it break apart?". Pete returned his fallen Bivalve Pokemon.
"Awe, look at Pikachu." Delia cooed. "What a great photo opportunity.". She pulled out a small silver camera and started to frantically take pictures of Ash and Pikachu as they waited for Pete's final Pokemon.
"Go Arcanine!" Pete shouted as he released his fire type. Despite facing a few in his journey; Ash decided to scan it anyway:
Arcanine, The Legendary Pokemon. The final evolved form of Growlithe. A Pokémon whose beauty is legendary in China. It is said to run gracefully and lightly, as if it were flying.
"Pikachu!" Ash called out to his electric partner. "Wanna keep going?".
"Of course." Pikachu replied with a smirk, crouching down he entered another battle stance and sparked his cheeks. Arcanine also entered another battle stance.
"Um, not to sound rude." Serena addressed her boyfriend's parents. "But what are you doing here?".
"We arrived at the Plateau as Ash's battle started. After getting a hotel room, we found Drake on the way to the Pokemon Centre after he won his third-round battle, so we came to watch Ash's battle." Delia explained.
"We did tell him that we would be coming to see him and Drake compete." Red replied, both saw the twins first two battles and were impressed with some of the battles already. Although aren't particularly interested in bringing up the end of Ash's second round, as it is pretty obviously a sour note.
"Arcanine VS Pikachu... Begin." The ref declared.
Pete VS Ash (P. V):
"Quick Attack!" Ash shouted.
Like a rocket, Pikachu shot off across the icy field, covered in normal type energy. Ash knew Pikachu liked to start with a barrage of speed attacks and that has worked out well so fast.
"Fire Blast!" Pete shouted.
Despite Pikachu's speed, Arcanine was able to release the powerful fire type move, seconds before the Quick Attack hit. Pikachu easily avoided the attack and Arcanine was sent sliding back from the impact. The fire blast flew in a straight line, melting a strip of the field away. Ash clenched his fist as it limits Pikachu's moving room.
"Fire Blast, again!" Pete hollered.
He must've realised the same thing that Pete did. Arcanine fired another Fire Blast. Pikachu was able to easily dodge it, while more of the field was melted. Ash knew he couldn't really let this come down to a power match as each Arcanine he's face before have one thing in common, being powerful.
"Quick Attack and get close, Pikachu!" Ash instructed.
Pikachu nodded, he remembered facing an Arcanine back at the Viridian Gym and knows he is unlikely to win a power battle. Jumping across the ice, Pikachu quickly closed in as Arcanine fired off another Fire Blast. Pikachu dodged it but landed on a small piece of ice which was now in the middle of a lake of water.
"Flamethrower!" Pete shouted.
"Thunderbolt!" Ash shouted
Ash knows that Pikachu is in a tight spot, literally. As both the fire and electricity collided in the middle off the field, Ash noticed that there are only two patches of ice left, the one Pikachu's on and the one Arcanine is on. While the attacks seem evenly matched, the Flamethrower started to steady push the Thunderbolt back.
"Pikachu!" Ash shouted in a panicked, as the two attacks closed in on the starter.
In a panic, Pikachu jumped out of the way of the two attacks. The Flamethrower shot forward as soon as the Thunderbolt disappeared, the little platform Pikachu once stood on melted, and while Pikachu avoided the fire type attack he landed in the water.
"You okay Pikachu!?" Ash asked his partner.
Pikachu was floating in the water and was able to flash his trainer a thumbs up. While the pool is a little chilly, he has been swimming enough to be fine in the water, granted he isn't as fast as Wartortle or Gyarados in the water but he is still fine in the water.
"Not for long." Pete smirked. "Fire Blast!".
Arcanine fired a final Fire Blast out of his mouth towards the electric mouse Pokemon. Pikachu attempted to swim out of the way, but wasn't fast enough. The fire type attack struck Pikachu and evaporated a bit of water, covering Pikachu in steam. When that faded, Pikachu was on his back with swirls in his eyes.
"Pikachu is unable to battle. This round goes to the green trainer, Pete Pebbleman." The ref declared.
Splash! Ash jumped into the water, which shocked most of those watching except for those who knew him, mostly. Swimming across the field, he grabbed hold of his fallen starter and started swimming back to the edge of the battlefield.
"What is this? The red trainer has jumped into the battlefield to save his Pikachu." The announcer informed. "I know he has been by his side since the start off this league, but this is a little, far isn't it?".
The crowd responded differently to his actions, as Ash ended up back on the red stand he wrapped his starter up in his jacket which he took off prior to jumping into the water. The crowd either cheered or awed at the sight of Ash's selfishness towards his electric mouse. Pikachu weakly opened his eyes, and weakly whispered a thank you before Ash lay him on the side of the stand.
"Oh, my little boy, I hope he doesn't catch a cold." Delia frowned, seeing her son jump into a pool of water which would obviously be freezing seeing as it was created from the ice type field. Eevee looked upset at her boyfriend's fall, and Serena reassured her before being returned.
"Don't worry honey, Ash's aura can protect him from minor annoyances like the common cold. Remember." Red reassured. Delia hugged her husband and closed her eyes while she waited for the ref to make his call. Red returned the embrace and looked at the three stunned trainers.
"Really?" Brock asked in a surprised voice, he was a breeder and if aura could cure the common cold then that would be a marvellous break through, he was understand shocked, so shocked that his voice barely reached a whisper. Red looked at the shocked breeder.
"No." red shook his head and mouthed a response. The pokemon breeder and the two girls now just looked confused, why would he say that if it wasn't true? Deciding to answer the unasked question, Red continued to mouth the next part. "She just likes reassuring and the boys have been pretty lucky about getting sick.".
While it is true that aura can affect someone's health, that is a more difficult skill to learn. Right now, Ash's aura will only activate if absolutely necessary or if his emotions go to an extreme for some reason. Once he has been trained properly, then he will have a proper immunity to most virus and bugs... Just not the common cold for some reason.
"Thank you for all your hard work, Pikachu. I promise it won't go to waste." Ash smiled sadly to his starter. "Now get a good rest and leave it up to me and Wartortle.".
"Now both trainers are down to their last Pokemon." The announcer informed. "But who will win? Pete Pebbleman and his formidable Arcanine or Ash Ketchum and his tough Wartortle?". Ash gripped his Pokeball.
"Wartortle, I choose you!" Ash shouted as he released his battle worn water type. The turtle Pokemon landed in the icy water and noticeably shivered before he started doing a back stroke to warm up. "Hey Wartortle, it's just you and me. Are you okay for another round?".
"I'll happily show Yellow up." Wartortle smirked, in his Pokeball he could make out the fact that this Arcanine beat Yellow so now he can show his rival up, kind of like Pikachu did at the Viridian Gym.
"Arcanine VS Wartortle... Begin!" The ref declared.
Pete VS Ash (P. VI):
"Skull Bash!" Ash shouted.
Leaping out of the water, Wartortle was charging towards the legendary Pokemon, head first. As the momentum built up, power also built up around the pure water type. Ash was confident in his Watortle's power.
"Extreme Speed!" Pete shouted.
Disappearing off the ice platform, Arcanine shot forward and hit Wartortle head on. Wartortle was sent flying as Arcanine's foot hit the water, before he jumped back and landed back on the ice platform. Ash looked worried when he saw the fire type practically walked on water. Despite the type and field advantage, this wouldn't be easy.
"Water Pulse!" Ash shouted.
Wartortle jumped back out of the water, with a water sphere forming between his hands. With a swift throw, the water type attack was hurled towards the fire type. Ash was hoping the side effect of confusion would also take place.
"Flamethrower on the water!" Pete shouted.
Firing a stream of blazing hot flames into the water caused a thick layer of mist to appear. The fire type became practically invisible as did the Water Pulse. Unable to make out what was happening, a few moments later had the fire type roar, clearing the mist away. It didn't even look like he was hit.
"That was cleaver." Red commented.
"What was?" Misty asked.
"Arcanine surrounded the Water Pulse with mist which was absorbed the water vapour. Over weighing the attack would've made it crash into the field, harmless." Red explained.
"Well then, we will just use the field as well, dive underwater!" Ash instructed.
Ash had a plan, as he remembered two battles in-particular. The first being when he caught Muk the day before his Celadon Gym battle and his first-round match against Mandi, particularly when his Gyarados beat Exeggutor. He just feels sorry for the ref and those seated on the first few rows.
"You can't hide from us, Thunder Fang on the water!" Pete hollered.
Ash knew that attack would hit Wartortle since water conducts electricity, but he knows he can easily deal with the attack. Arcanine roared again as his fangs were covered in electricity, he prepared to thrust them into the water.
"Rapid Spin!" Ash hollered. "But stay under water!".
Wartortle knew what Ash was planning and was happy to comply. He is always the one to be the centre of attention and after the attention Gyarados got from that water tornado combo, he is happy to do his own version. Before the electrified fangs could hit the water, the ice platform and Arcanine was being swirled around as the whole field turned into a giant whirl pool. The Thunder Fang was cancelled as Arcanine attempted to stop himself from falling off his platform, grunting as he was hit by multiple water splashes. Both the referee and the crowd were also hit by water which was flying everywhere.
"Skull Bash while Arcanine is stranded!" Ash instructed confidently.
From within his shell, Wartortle could easily make out the fire types location. Wartortle started spinning towards his opponent before exiting his shell before power started to build up around his skull. Blasting out of the water, right underneath the ice platform, Wartortle knocked Arcanine into the air as the platform crumbled into pieces, before the fire type also dropped into the water as well. Being dragged around by the whirlpool.
"Arcanine hold on!" Pete pleaded as he desperately looked for some sort of counted.
"Finish it with Aqua Tail!" Ash hollered.
Wartortle smirked as he was reaching his maximum height from his last attack. Looking down he saw where the legendary Pokemon was and smiled as it was a sitting Psyduck. His tail was covered by water, as he spun it over his head. The attack struck Arcanine dead on, a critical hit. Arcanine was sent flying across the field, hitting the wall before slumping into the pool with swirls in his eyes.
"Arcanine is unable to battle. Meaning both this round and match goes to the red trainer, Ash Ketchum." The ref declared, looking slightly annoyed about being wet through, part of Ash wondered if it was the same ref from his match with Mandi since they all look the same. The crowd cheered loudly.
Ash returned his water turtle, who was gloating at his victory before picking up his Pikachu and leaving his stand. The crowd cheered at his kindness for his starter and he approached Pete at the edge of the field. The two trainers showed some great sportsmanship by shaking hands, before they left through their respective looker rooms. As he left the stadium with Pikachu wrapped up in his jacket, barely awake. He was surprised to find his parents with his friends, and Togepi in his mother's arms.
"Toge Toge!" Togepi cheered happily to see his daddy return. Jumping from his grandmother's hands, he surprising landed on his daddy's shoulder, although a faint blue light revealed that Togepi's granddaddy may have helped with the guidance. The young fairy type wasted no time in hugging his daddies face.
"I'm happy to see you too, Togepi. But I need to carry Pikachu, so it might be safer if you travel with mum or Serena or someone." Ash told his youngest Pokemon. "At least until I get him to Nurse Joy, along with Dragonair and Wartortle.".
Togepi tightened his grip best he could, since getting to this place, he has had hardly any time with his daddy. So, if Uncle Pikachu needs to take his normal position, then he can take Uncle Pikachu's on his daddy's shoulder. Ash got the message that Togepi had no intention of letting go.
"You know Ash, the Pokemon Centre isn't far away. I'm sure Togepi will be fine." Serena suggested. She can still remember the horror the Spike Ball Pokemon turned out to be when Ash left him to face Damien. She is certainly happy to let Togepi make the decisions as she doesn't want to upset him again.
"Yeah Ash, I'll even have my aura keep him steady if you want." Red offered. Ash smiled and accepted the offer since he can't reliably keep the young fairy type with Pikachu in his hands.
"So, mum and dad. What are you doing here?" Ash asked, surprised by their appearance.
"We told you and Drake we were coming to see you both compete." Delia replied. "When we arrived, we found Drake who already won his third-round battle so we came to watch your match, and catch the last part. But we have been watching both your other battles on TV.".
"So... You've seen what happened on the rock field?" Ash asked, looking down.
"Yeah Ash, but I wouldn't worry about." Red replied. Ash was shocked, practically every joke or comment the commentator's made in this match was about him turning Melissa down, and being the bad guy, how can he not worry about it? "You don't need to worry because when you make it to the plateau battles, you will have the chance to explain because the top eight trainers have special interviews beforehand.".
Well, if he does make it that far, then he will be sure to set the record straight. Then a thought occurred to him, both Gary and Drake are competing and while Gary will probably milk the limelight for all its worth, but Drake isn't one for attention so that would probably be interesting to watch.
"Well, we should probably get to the centre." Brock commented. "We can continue this conversation there.".
"Please, you just want to see Nurse Joy." Misty rolled her eyes in annoyance. "Don't think I didn't notice you sending Rhyhorn back to the gym.".
"Either way Misty, Brock is right." Ash replied. "Pikachu and the others could use some rest.". The others agreed and the group set off.
That night time, Ash held up his Pokemon and collected his three Pokeballs. He chose to use Tauros; Ivysaur and Muk in his battle tomorrow since it is on the grass field and these three haven't battled yet. It is true that Charizard also hasn't battled but he got to take on Damien right before the league so this seems to be the fairest route.
Once he ran through his plan with the trio; Pikachu and Togepi, he returned the three Pokemon before heading inside. Where he saw Gary; Leaf and Serena sat on a table, and Gary looked... Worried. While Drake was stood outside on the battlefield with his full team out, with Red and Delia by his side. Ash could also feel an unusual tension in the air. Wanting to know the cause of this, he made his way over to Serena; Leaf and Gary.
"Hey guys, what's up?" Ash asked as he stood next to them. Gary looked up at Ash before quickly looking back down. Never has Ash seen Gary so... Scared. What has gotten into him?
"Gary found out about his match tomorrow, for the final round." Leaf explained.
"Who is it?" Ash asked, clearly whoever it is must be a strong trainer. Maybe it's someone who already won a league or something, Ash has heard his final round opponent, Jeanette Fisher is meant to be a popular and strong trainer.
"It's going to be the final match tomorrow, on the rock field." Serena explained.
"So, who is it against?" Ash asked.
"... Drake." Gary answered.
After Ash discovered only Gary or Drake would make it to the plateau round he got an early night to be ready for his fourth-round match. He is currently stood in the green stand with only Pikachu by his side and three Pokeballs attached to his belt. His opponent is a female a few years older than himself with long purple hair and wearing a kimono. When Jeanette appeared, the crowd went wild, showing she is clearly the favourite and even had her own cheering squad.
In the stands are: Serena; Leaf; Misty; Brock; and Delia. Calem and Ritchie are each in their own battles, while Red is helping Drake prepare for his battle against Gary, seeing as Ash's aura is already unleashed, Red doesn't need to focus on him anymore and can finally give his other son some attention. The ref took his place on the field.
"The fourth-round match between Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town and Jeanette Fisher from Ecruteak City will take place on the grass field." The ref declared. "Each trainer will be allowed the use of three Pokemon, and can substitute at any time. No time limit is in play and the trainer who shall go first will be...".
The board with both trainer's faces on light up. The green light behind Ash and the red light behind Jeanette continued flashing, rotating between the two photos, eventually it stopped with Ash's Picture lit up.
"Ash Ketchum." The ref continued. "The battle will be over when all three Pokemon on one side is unable to battle.".
Ash gripped his first Pokeball. While he already decided on his three Pokemon, he knows the order in which he wants to use them. He has worked best by taking the early field advantage so far with Gyarados on the water field, while both Wartortle and Primeape were capable of winning on the ice and rock fields neither really has the upper hand. So, he is going to start with his best field advantage. He gripped his first Pokeball.
"I choose you, Ivysaur!" Ash shouted as he released his grass poison type was released. As Ivysaur appeared on the field, he took a deep breath before seeming to relax in the environment and entering a battle stance.
"Being sure to take the early field advantage, green trainer Ash Ketchum has gone with his Ivysaur." The announcer informed. "One has to wonder how many Pokemon this young trainer has, seeing as he hasn't re-used any Pokemon since entering the league.".
"Then I'll use one who will be sure to buzz you. Beedrill, go!" Jeanette shouted as she released her bug poison type. Although Ash has spent a lot of time with Serena's Beedrill, he still decided to scan it with his Pokedex:
Beedrill, The Poison Bee Pokemon. The final evolved form of Weedle. Flies at high speeds and attacks with three stingers: one on its rear and one on each of its two forelegs. May appear in swarms.
"Ivysaur VS Beedrill... Begin!" The ref declared.
Ash VS Jeanette (P. I):
"Sludge Bomb!" Ash shouted to start off.
Ivysaur tensed up as his plant seemed to sprout out of his back even more then it currently was. Like a cannon, it fired several purple toxic blobs of sludge fired out towards the Poison Bee Pokemon.
"Dodge with Agility!" Jeanette instructed.
The bug poison types wings started beating very fast, as he swiftly moved out of the way of with incredible speed. Ash could notice the annoyance build in his Seed Pokemon since he uses to use speed but can't because of his evolution. Ash just hopes he can focus enough to beat Beedrill and prove he doesn't need speed to win.
"Twineedle!" Jeanette hollered.
Like a black and yellow bug zoomed across the battle field like a blur, easily dodging the rest of the incoming Sludge Bombs. Appearing right in front of Ivysaur, he wounded his stingers back before thrusting them into Ivysaur's face, causing some major damage as Ivysaur went back. Beedrill prepared to use the attack again.
"Vine Whip and restrain him!" Ash shouted.
Ivysaur nodded as he stood back up. Six vines shot out from the sides of Ivysaur's plant, and went straight towards the incoming bug poison type. As Beedrill thrusted his stingers at Ivysaur, they were tied together, stopping Beedrill in his tracks.
"Not bad." Jeanette praised. "But not good enough, break free with Focus Energy.".
Beedrill closed his eyes as lights appeared around him, raising his critical hit ratio and when they faded, Beedrill was able to break his stingers apart, and Ivysaur had to withdraw all his vines like a motor reaction. Beedrill buzzed threating at his opponent.
"Now use Poison Jab!" Jeanette instructed.
Beedrill wound one of his stingers back as it glew purple. With another powerful thrust, it struck Ivysaur in the head. Ivysaur was sent flying to right in front of Ash, and growled as he struggled to his feet. Both Ash and Jeanette could easily tell that Ivysaur wouldn't last much longer.
"We need to get some health back, Ivysaur." Ash told his grass poison type. "Use Leech Seed.".
Ivysaur nodded in agreement as he pushed himself up to his feet while clearly in pain. A small brown seed appeared in the back of his plant, and like the Sludge Bomb before, shot out toward the Poison Bee Pokemon.
"Dodge and use Fell Stinger!" Jeanette shouted.
Beedrill swiftly flew up to Ivysaur, easily dodging the Leech Seed which landed somewhere in the grassy field, unnoticeable. As Beedrill flew past Ivysaur, Beedrill struck the Seed Pokemon with his stinger. Ivysaur went flying and landed on the grass with swirls in his eyes. Beedrill had his attack power swiftly increased.
"Ivysaur is unable to battle. This round goes to the red trainer, Jeanette Fisher." The ref declared.
"Return Ivysaur, you did a good job." Ash returned his fallen grass poison type sadly. He knows he has a good counter Beedrill seeing as it has increased critical hit ratio's but is also sad for Ivysaur as a loss to a speedy Pokemon is likely to set him back even further then he already is.
"And Jeanette Fisher not only takes the first round but is also able to power up her giant bug at the same time." The announcer informed. "How will young Ketchum response, will he use his powerful Aerodactyl or does he have another plan up his sleeve?".
"Oh no..." Serena gasped as she felt some tiny hands rub her arm. Looking towards them, she saw Togepi was trying to comfort her, the little fairy type may not understand how this whole battle thing works, but it sure is entertaining and he hates to see his daddies partner upset, because then his daddy will be upset.
"Don't worry Serena, Ash has a knack for getting out of tight spots." Leaf reassured. "Remember when we were nine and he accidentally had Blue's Blastoise flood the first lab.".
"How exactly did any of you end up in that situation?" Brock asked, as both himself and Misty sweat dropped.
"Hehehe, let's just say Ash thought he could make it as an electrician and practised when the Professor was researching Blastoise and a special form of evolution with a colleague from Kalos." Delia laughed.
"Rigggghhhhttt..." Misty rolled her eyes, overly-exaggerated.
"Tauros, I choose you!" Ash shouted as he released his normal type. The Wild Bull Pokemon landed on the grassy field, and stomped his front hove showing he is ready to battle as Beedrill also entered a battle stance.
"And green trainer, Ash Ketchum has gone with his normal type Tauros." The announcer informed. "Can this wild bull charge through the battling brut beetle, that is Jeanette's Beedrill or will he be bugged out like Ivysaur?".
"Tauros VS Beedrill... Begin." The ref declared.
Ash VS Jeanette (P. II):
"Poison Jab!" Jeanette shouted.
Beedrill had his stinger glow purple as he powered up a Poison Jab attack. Still with incredible speed, the Poison Bee Pokemon shot towards the Wild Bull Pokemon. Ash wasn't worried as he had a good way to overpower that beetle, and he also isn't scared about Tauros taking a critical hit.
"Zen Headbutt!" Ash shouted.
A blue ball of Psychic energy appeared in between the normal types horns, before the wild bull Pokemon charged straight towards the incoming bug poison type. Beedrill thrusted his stinger into Tauros, and Jeanette looked worried when the normal type smirked in response, before the psychic type attack struck Beedrill. While Tauros stood his ground, Beedrill was sent flying as he has less defensive capabilities. Beedrill landed on the ground and quickly tried to push himself up.
"Bulldoze!" Ash hollered.
While that move would normally lower Beedrill's speed, Tauros traded that secondary effect with a power boost thanks to his hidden ability Sheer Force. Tauros lifted his front hove's into the air before slamming them down, causing the field to shake violently. Jeanette frowned when she saw Beedrill cry out in pain, and she worked out that Tauros had Sheer Force. She also believes his regular ability is Anger Point because he didn't activate Intimidation, which means she is scared about criting him.
"Endevor!" Jeanette shouted.
Beedrill weakly struggled into the air, before flying towards the wild bull Pokemon. While Bulldoze didn't lower the Poison Bee Pokemon's speed, the damage he has received clearly taken its toll. Ash knew he couldn't let that attack hit Tauros or he would be in the same state as Beedrill.
"Dodge it and use Iron Head!" Ash instructed.
Tauros nodded, while he prefers head on battles and taking his opponents hits to prove his strength he also knows how risky that is and isn't going to put not only his league position but also the rest of the team's position. Tauros charged towards the incoming Beedrill as his head was coated in metal. At the last second, Tauros dodged the Endevor before slamming his head which also got a power boost in place of the flinch chance. Beedrill landed hard on the grassy field, clearly close to falling.
"Alright Beedrill, return for now!" Jeanette tried to recall her bug poison type. She maybe should've done this sooner but she didn't want the state boosts she got off to go to waste. Still, better to lose them then to lose Beedrill itself.
"Pursuit!" Ash hollered.
Tauros shot forward towards the bug poison type as the red light attempted to return it. Tauros slammed into the weakened Beedrill and sent it crashing into a wall, causing some massive damage. Beedrill fell onto the ground with swirls in his eyes. Tauros let out a battle cry to show his power.
"Beedrill is unable to battle. This round goes to the green trainer, Ash Ketchum." The ref declared.
"Awesome Tauros!" Ash praised. "Keep up the good work!". Tauros stomped the ground and let out a victory cry. Ash knows Tauros well enough to know he wouldn't accepted being switched out before he falls, kind of like his Pidgeot. Guess his two normal types have something in common. Jeanette returned her fallen bug type.
"Now who will the red trainer choose to take on Tauros?" The announcer asked. "While this is young Ketchum's first league, he is showing he can handle himself against Ms. Fisher, who competed in the Silver Conference last year.".
Ash frowned, the Silver Conference is Johto's regional league so she clearly has more experience, but it makes sense since she is from Ecruteak City. Whatever, it doesn't matter how much experience she has, he has proven himself against other experienced trainers so he can make it here as well.
"This next one will cut you down to size. Scyther, go!" Jeanette released her bug flying type. Although Ash has practised against Gary's Scyther, he still decided to scan it for any last-minute information:
Scyther, The Mantis Pokemon. Moves incredibly quickly and shreds its enemy with its razor-sharp scythes. Leaps out of tall grass and slices prey with its scythes. On rare occasions, it flies with its wings. With ninja-like agility and speed, it can create the illusion that there is more than one.
"And Jeanette has gone with her speedy Scyther." The announcer informed.
"Tauros VS Scyther... Begin." The ref declared.
Ash VS Jeanette (P. III):
"Vacuum Wave!" Jeanette shouted.
Scyther started spinning on the spot as a wind vortex appeared around him. Pointing his scythe in Tauros' direction, the fighting type priority attack shot towards the wild bull Pokemon. Ash clenched his fist, this might be a risky play but he believes that Tauros can handle it.
"Payback!" Ash shouted.
Tauros tensed up as the fighting type attack struck the normal type. Tauros grunted as he absorbed the super effective attack. After a couple of moments, Tauros started charging into the Vacuum Wave. Slamming into the Mantis Pokemon, he caused double the damage caused by that Vacuum Wave. Despite both being injured, both returned to their original battle position. Jeanette frowned when she saw her best move used against her, she is going to have to do this the hard way.
"Wing Attack!" Jeanette shouted.
Scyther extended his wings before flying towards the Wild Bull Pokemon. Tauros smiled confidently seeing the head on attack, he loves head to head battles which comes down to the strongest and this is exactly that.
"Iron Head!" Ash shouted.
Like before, Tauros shot forward as his head was coated in metal. Ash was confident that Tauros would be able to handle this power match thanks to Sheer Force. He was surprised when the two Pokemon collided and for a couple of moments Scyther seemed to hold his own before both withdrew, looks like he has Technician to counter Tauros' hidden ability. Things just got harder.
"Double Team!" Jeanette shouted.
She can tell that these two are pretty evenly matched thanks to Sheer Force and Technician respectively. Scyther began to vibrate before two more Scyther's appeared and the three stood all in a line. Ash frowned as this is one of the most annoying moves there is.
"Now use Fury Cutter!" Jeanette hollered. "All of you!".
The middle Scyther shot straight forward while the other two Scyther's shot of and did curves in the air so they were coming at him from three sides. Ash had a plan for dealing with all three but he just had to wait.
"Wait for my word Tauros!" Ash instructed.
Tauros nodded and entered a battle stance as his eye line focused on the three targets. Normally he would like to charge in head first but Ash has proven himself to be pretty smart so the battle veteran is happy to follow his trainers lead. Ash made his move a split second before the three Pokemon hit the normal type.
"Wild Charge!" Ash shouted.
Tauros let out a battle cry as an electric field surrounded his body. Ash hated to use a move like this because it would also damage Tauros, but this is one of Tauros' only moves with a big enough area of effect to deal with the trio. The two Scyther's from the side turned out to be copies and disappeared when the electricity hit them. The front Scyther took damage as he tried to cut the attack. Tauros charged forward with Wild Charge and Scyther landed on the floor, clearly injured as Tauros took recoil damage. Jeanette clenched her fist, she can risk returning Scyther because of Pursuit but he clearly won't last long anyway.
"Finish it with Horn Attack!" Ash hollered.
Ash knew this is Tauros' favourite attack, despite not being the most powerful attack. Tauros charged forward as Scyther struggled to his feet, and the Mantis Pokemon ended up being pushed along by the normal type. Without flinching, Tauros slammed into the wall, crushing Scyther between himself and the wall. As he cancelled the attacked, Tauros returned to his original position as Scyther slumped onto the floor with swirls in his eyes. Horn marks were left in the wall.
"Scyther is unable to battle. Meaning this round goes to the green trainer, Ash Ketchum." The ref declared.
"Your amazing Tauros!" Ash praised, he saw that Tauros is clearly tied with panting heavily and sweat covering his face. "Do you want to take a rest, you have taken on two Pokemon in a row?". Tauros shook his head, even if he can't beat the third Pokemon he will still put up a good fight to give his team the edge.
"And that's two Pokemon that Ash's Tauros has took down, he is proving to be a tough bull." The announcer informed. "Now will Jeanette's final Pokemon be able to handle this wild bull or will he finally fall?".
"Go Bellsprout!" Jeanette shouted, releasing her grass poison type.
"A Bellsprout?" Ash questioned as himself; Pikachu and Tauros all sweat dropped as he scanned the grass poison type:
Bellsprout, The Flower Pokemon. A carnivorous Pokémon that traps and eats bugs. It uses its root feet to soak up needed moisture. Prefers hot and humid places.
"I don't get it, why would she use a Bellsprout?" Serena asked, as herself; Leaf; Misty and Delia all sweat dropped.
"Looks can be deserving Serena. You've seen Ash overcome the odds with the right moves, and you have yourself." Brock explained thoughtfully. "I'm sure an experienced trainer like Jeanette wouldn't use Bellsprout unless it was strong. This is the Indigo League after all.".
"So... Your saying Ash could be in trouble?" Leaf questioned.
"Well not many People would be scared by a little Pikachu." Brock replied. "I just hope Ash doesn't let his guard down or it could cost him.".
"Alright Tauros, let's keep our guard up." Ash told his normal type. "It might not seem like much, but your clearly hurt and I'm sure Jeanette as some sort of strategy.".
"Tauros VS Bellsprout... Begin." The ref declared.
Ash VS Jeanette (P. IV):
"Alright Tauros, start off with Horn Attack!" Ash instructed.
Tauros nodded and like before started charging towards the Flower Pokemon. Jeanette smirked at the head on attack while Bellsprout just stared at the incoming wild bull with a blank expression on his face.
"Jump and use Vine Whip." Jeanette smirked triumphantly.
Ash was expecting the grass poison type to use the vines to jump just like how Ivysaur would before he evolved. To Ash's surprise, Bellsprout bent down before jumping into the air like a spring would. As he flew over the charging normal type, the Flower Pokemon unleashed two vines which wrapped around Tauros' horns. Bellsprout landed behind Tauros and overpowered the Wild Bull, causing it to fall on his side. It was hard to tell if Bellsprout really was stronger or because Tauros is tired from his two previous battles.
"Razor Leaf!" Jeanette hollered.
Bellsprout swiftly retracted his vines as he turned to the normal type. Tauros was struggling to his feet as he was feeling the weight from his previous battles hit him, the Flower Pokemon swung his leaves around which sent two sharp leaves towards Tauros. Striking him in the back, Tauros fell back down from the attack.
"Tauros, use Rage!" Ash shouted.
Tauros roared as he jumped back to his feet, looking really angry. Charging around the field, Tauros picked up speed as he turned towards Bellsprout. He charged at the grass poison type, but again Jeanette smirked.
"Sweet Scent." Jeanette instructed calmly.
Bellsprout waved his leaves which unleashed a nice smelling scent. As the scent hit Tauros' nose, the wild bull Pokemon calmed down and came to a complete stop right in front of Bellsprout. Ash clenched his fist.
"Slam!" Jeanette hollered.
Bellsprout unleashed two vines and swung them around picking up momentum. Hitting Tauros in the side, the normal type was sent flying as he was unable to tank the attack. Tauros crashed into the ground as he skidded to a stop but he had swirls in his eyes and didn't try to push himself up. Looks like he finally reached his limits.
"Tauros is unable to battle. Meaning this round goes to the red trainer, Jeanette Fisher." The ref declared.
"Return Tauros, you were amazing out there." Ash told his fallen normal type as he returned the wild bull Pokemon.
"And Ash's tough Tauros finally falls." The announcer informed. "Can young Ketchum's final Pokemon beat Bellsprout or will he be rooted out of the tournament?". Ash quickly swapped his safari Ball with a regular Pokeball. He is sure that his final Pokemon can handle this Bellsprout.
"I choose you, Muk!" Ash released his poison type. Upon landing on the grassy field, Muk's toxins dissolved the nearby grass as he extended his body to try and appear intimidating. Jeanette looked slightly worried at her new opponent.
"Muk VS Bellsprout... Begin." The ref declared.
Ash VS Jeanette (P. V):
"Acid Armor!" Ash shouted.
Muk nodded before trying to dissolve into the field as lights appeared around him showing his physical defence was increased. Jeanette clenched her fist as that is normally a Muk's weak spot.
"Get in close, and use Knock Off!" Jeanette shouted.
Bellsprout, still with the blank expression on his face wobbled forward towards Muk. Turns out that when not jumping, the Flower Pokemon isn't that fast. When close enough, Bellsprout unleashed two vines and started hitting Muk which would've knocked off a held item if he held one.
"Sludge Wave!" Ash hollered.
With Bellsprout so close, he couldn't dodge. Muk opened his mouth and a long stream of toxic sludge flowed out. Bellsprout took the attack head on and was washed away as the Sludge Wave caused some serious damage and also destroyed the grass on the battle field.
"Hang tough Bellsprout!" Jeanette shouted. "And show them your moves!".
Bellsprout nodded and narrowed his eyes. Jumping out of the Sludge wave, he landed in front of the Sludge Pokemon and started to use some sort of Karate moves on Muk, although each slash kick and slice just seemed to bounce off him. Ash smiled, if Bellsprout wants to use unconventional tactics then so can Muk.
"Muk!" Ash shouted. "Give him a hug.".
Muk smiled brightly at the instruction. Although he has no problems with battling, he is a lover not a fighter. Extending his arms and slivering over to the Flower Pokemon, he ended up crushing Bellsprout as he tried to punch Muk off him. Unfortunately, Muk couldn't and soon the movement stopped. Muk got off him to find the grass poison type lying on the ground with swirls in his eyes.
"Bellsprout is unable to battle. Meaning both this round and match goes to the green trainer, Ash Ketchum. And he will be part of the top eight trainers advancing to the Plateau stages." The ref declared.
With the match over, Ash and his friends sent Ash's three Pokemon to Nurse Joy as they got ready for the match between Drake and Gary to see which of the two Pallet boys will be in the top eight along with Ash; Ritchie; Calem and Paul, who have all already made it.
Thanks for reading... Please Favourite, Follow and Review. Also, feel free to ask any questions through PM, I will answer them all, although don't expect too big of spoilers. I really appreciate the support. Thank you and see ya next time...
