Battle Frontier Part 5
On the way to the Battle Arena, Ash and his friends are having lunch, then a Swinub comes and eat all the food, much to Max's dismay. Lillie, who is fond of Ice Types, sees Swinub and she wants to capture it, so she asks Absol to battle the Swinub. Eventually, she captures the Pokemon after landing several Dark Pulses on it.
Johto Dex Entry No.79 Swinub: The Pig Pokémon: Ice and Ground Type. It uses the tip of its nose to dig for food. Its nose is so tough that even frozen ground poses no problem.
After sending it back out, Ash prepares some more food to the Pokemon, much to its delight and then they have lunch happily together.
When they found the Pokemon Center, they immediately see Scott there waiting for them from across the room.
"Hello, Ash. I guess you are ready to challenge the next Frontier?"
"You bet." Ash replies in confidence. "So if you are here, I guess that the Frontier is nearby?"
"Of course." Scott says. "You see, Greta will likely battle with two of her Pokemon, Medicham and Hariyama. She is tough and her idols are fellow Fighting type experts, Brawly and Chuck."
As the group exits the Pokémon Center, Ash pauses for a moment and contemplates Greta's Pokémon.
"Sorry, guys, you go ahead." Ash says as he runs back to the Pokemon Center, much to everyone's confusion. But not long after, he comes out and Lillie asks, "So you are changing your Pokemon?"
"Yeah, I think I have a strategy for the battle." Ash replies.
When they get inside the Battle Arena, and Ash yells "Hello." This doesn't work, so Scott goes up and shouts, "We wish to have a battle". The giant doors open, and a woman comes to them.
"I am Arena Tycoon Greta. I heard your call, Scott. So he is the challenger who wants to battle me?" Greta asks Scott.
"Yes. I am Ash Ketchum! I am challenging you for the symbol." Ash says with determination.
"Alright, if you beat all 27 trainers here, I will battle you. The rules are simple, whenever we battle, we must spin the wheel to determine how many Pokemon to use. All of my students use Fighting types, but we will determine the Mind, Skill and Body of the Pokemon you have to determine whether you can go into the next round."
"I see. I accept the challenge." Ash says.
And Ash battles the trainers with his own strong Pokemon, he manages to win them with ease and then he gets to the 28th round with Greta standing in front of them.
"I see your battles, you are something else. Very well. I shall battle you." Greta says as Ash pulls the roulette lever, and the spinner lands on two.
"Are you sure you're up for me? Hmm... Well, all right! We'll take things easy to start with! Okay! Let's see you ignite my passion for battle! Go! Medicham, Hariyama!"
As the two Pokemon appears, Ash says, "Sceptile, Snorlax. I choose you!"
The others are shocked and then May says, "When did he get Snorlax back?"
"More importantly, shouldn't he use Sylveon?" Max asks.
"Maybe he has a plan after all." Lillie replies.
Sceptile and Hariyama fight first. And then Sceptile approaches with a Quick Attack before launching into a Bullet Seed, though Hariyama blocks the barrage with Arm Thrust.
"Charge in for an Arm Thrust attack!" Greta orders, but Sceptile jumps into the air and shoots another Bullet Seed. Hariyama dodges and grabs Sceptile's leg to throw it to the ground before shoving it backwards, making it land on its back.
"Quick Attack!" Ash yells, but Hariyama goes to dodge, and Sceptile uses Leaf Blade twice. The first time knocks Hariyama back, but then Hariyama responds with a Focus Punch that sends Sceptile flying back before it can attack. Sceptile hits the ceiling, falls to the ground, and faints.
"It seems like Sceptile's speed wasn't enough to defeat the strong Hariyama..." Lillie says.
"Greta uses a classic Fighting expert technique, using an opponent's speed to magnify their own physical power."
"Now he only has Snorlax, but can he win this?" May asks in wonder.
Hariyama strikes its opponent repeatedly with Arm Thrust, though Snorlax Protects itself and is eventually pushed back to the end of the field, uninjured. Hariyama attacks again, but Snorlax dodges and hits Hariyama with a Headbutt, which pushes Hariyama back. Hariyama uses Focus Punch, but Snorlax uses Protect again; however, it fails, and Snorlax falls back on its stomach.
"Use another Focus Punch!" Greta yells, but Snorlax jumps up to dodge, so Hariyama's fist hits the ground, injuring it.
"Ice Punch!" Ash yells. Snorlax freezes Hariyama, defeating it.
Medicham jumps into play and shows off its prowess. "Focus Punch!" Greta tells her Pokemon, and Snorlax Protects itself again, but it doesn't work so well and it falls back after the punch and a kick.
"Focus Punch again!" "Hyper Beam!" Snorlax misses its mark and Medicham strikes it from behind, hurling it into the crowd of trainees. As the onlookers flee, Team Rocket are struck causing their disguises to fall off. Now revealed, the trio decide to put their scheme into motion, launching into their motto. They jump to grab Ash's Pikachu, but he Thunderbolts them into the sky.
The match continues, and Ash tells Snorlax to use Ice Punch while Medicham is told to do the same thing. Snorlax is hit and freezes, making it immobile.
"Snorlax! I have an idea, use Rest!" Ash says.
Snorlax falls asleep, and Greta orders more Focus Punches to reach Snorlax through the ice. The ice breaks away, and just as Medicham is about to strike, Snorlax wakes up in time to dodge. As a result Medicham suffers recoil damage from its failed High Jump Kick.
"Hyper Beam again!" Ash yells, though Medicham dodges and strikes back with a Focus Punch. Another Hyper Beam is ordered, but Snorlax can't do it. Greta orders more Focus Punches, which hit Snorlax repeatedly. However, it charges its Hyper Beam, and just as Medicham is about to finish it off, Ash tells Snorlax to direct the Hyper Beam to the ground blasting it up near the ceiling. Snorlax plummets with a full power Body Slam which crushes and defeats Medicham.
"Medicham is unable to battle, which means that Ash is the winner!" Ash hugs Snorlax after the words.
Greta says, "You are tough after all!" as she recalls her Pokemon.
Outside the Battle Arena, Greta says, "This is the Guts Symbol, it is yours." Ash takes the symbol and thanks her.
"Now that you won the second one, the next one should be in the Battle Dome, which is in south of the Lavender Town."
"I see." Ash says as they bid farewell.
On the way to Battle Dome, they encounter a farm rasing Pokemon Eggs. the owners Christopher and Jeannie, along with their daughter Nicolette notice the group as the winners of the Saffron and Cerulean Contests, so they offer them into the farm and even showing around.
May wants to have a training battle with Nicolette, and they did, but Nicolette lost to Munchlax. She tries to brush the defeat, but she is amazed at May's skill. May celebrates her win with her surprisingly powerful Munchlax. Ash and the others call to them to check out the Eggs.
Inside one of the storage room, Eggs line the shelves and astound the group. Some of the Eggs belong to other Trainers while others belong to the family.
"Hey, guys, it seems like two of the eggs is ready to hatch." Lillie says as they help hatching them.
After night time comes, Nicolette begins to open up to May about wanting to become a Coordinator. She's scared that she will not succeed, but May admits that she started as a beginner not even liking Pokémon and built up. Despite that, Nicolette is still reluctant to leave home to pursue her dreams.
Just then, Team Rocket appears and then they try to steal all the eggs with a mecha. Until Ash tells Pikachu to use Volt Tackle, a new move that he learned and defeat them, sending them flying. But then the eggs are going to fall down.
"Oh no, the eggs!" Jeannie yells, and then May uses Munchlax's belly to grab them, but two of them are missed as Ash and Lillie rush to grab them. Once they are safe, the eggs glow into an Elekid and a Magby.
"Wow, they are cool Pokemon."
"I know." Ash says as Christopher decide to let them take care of them since they treat Ash and Lillie as parents.
Johto Dex Entry No.88 Elekid: The Electric Pokemon: Electric Type. It loves violent thunder. The space between its horns flickers bluish-white when it is charging energy.
Johto Dex Entry No.89 Magby: The Live Coal Pokemon: Fire Type. It naturally spits an 1100-degree flame. It is said when many appear, it heralds a volcanic eruption.
Nicolette also makes her decision to go outside on her journey, and then they are happy for them. As Ash and friends prepare to depart, Christopher gives May an Egg as a gift for helping Nicolette. May accepts the Egg, with Jeannie assuring her that it will be a wonderful surprise. The group wave goodbye to the ranching family and resume their journey towards the Battle Dome.
Ash and his friends arrive at Lavender Town, where Ash is having his second contest.
"I am going to win this contest." Ash declares with approval of Pikachu, Absol, Persian and Sylveon.
"Wow, Ash. You are pumped up this time." May says.
"Of course. I have been prepared for this."
When they are about to register, they see a girl registering for the contest. Ash immediately recognizes the girl.
"No way…" He says.
Then after the girl registers for the contest, she turns around and sees Ash.
"Ash?"
"Ariel?"
Then the two hug, causing others to shock.
"Wow, I can't believe you are here, too." Ash says.
"Me too. This is interesting." Ariel says. "Nice to see you as well, Lillie."
"Same here." Lillie says.
"Um..guys, who is she?" May asks.
"Oh, guys, this is our cousin Ariel Ketchum." Ash introduces her to them, which they greet each other.
After the registration, they all go to the appeal round.
"So Ash, how many ribbons do you have?" Ariel asks.
"Well, I only have 1. But this will be the second one."
"I see you are still confident." She giggles.
At the appealing round, Ash sends out Wigglytuff, Ash lets her sing and dance in front of the crowd, since she isn't singing the lullaby, she gets a lot of applause.
"Wow, I can't believe that this is the same Wigglytuff from before." Max says.
"Yeah. She did a good job." May says.
Then Ariel uses Meowth, unlike the Team Rocket's Meowth, she shows a lot of good moves and even makes a good performance. The said team is watching in anger at the performance. Meowth also says that he is better than that cat.
Jessie also participates the contest, but due to Meowth being distracted, she is forced to leave. She then screams and being dragged away.
Ash and Ariel all advances to the battle rounds, they fight some opponents and win to the finals where they face each other.
"I am not going to lose, you know." Ariel says.
"Me, too." The both admit strong Auras, causing the group to shudder.
"Wow, their rivalry are strong." May says.
"Of course, they have been rivals since Johto Grand Festival." Lillie says.
Ash sends out Absol while Ariel sends out Arcanine. Arcanine uses Fire Fang and Flame Charge, making a Fire dog, but Absol sense it and uses Night Slash with a coat of Psychic energy to break it. Both of them lose some points, then Ariel uses Extreme Speed with an Ice Fang to make some blue shadow and hit Absol, causing Ash to lose some points, but Ash manage to take back using Dark Pulse and Psycho Cut to split into two. After some show off, May says, "Wow, I think I can't compare to them…"
Mark says, "Don't say that, May. You are a strong coordinator."
"Yeah." Max says.
Then the time is up, Ash wins 5 points higher than Ariel. Ash thanks Absol and shake hands with Ariel before getting the second ribbon.
"Man… I thought I would win you after a year of hard training." Ariel says.
"Well, I am also training, too."
"Yeah. And May, isn't it? I hope to battle you next time."
"Me, too." May says.
Then Team Rocket appears again trying to steal Pikachu, Absol, Persian and Sylveon, but they are quickly sent flying thanks to Ariel.
"Don't tell me those goons are still following you." Ariel says.
"You know them?" Max asks.
"Please, almost everyone of our members know them. Since they are annoying." Ariel says.
"Yeah, not to mention that their boss is the Evil version of her father." Ash says.
After a small chat, then they bid farewell as May is going to Silver Town for her next contest.
When May is preparing for the Silver Town Contest, Squirtle goes missing. During her search, May approaches Mandy and her son Nicholas, she asks, "Have you seen my Squirtle?"
"Well, I don't see them." They admit and then they rush off to continue their own search for someone themselves.
Just then, Ash, Lillie, and Max appear, to which May explains that she's lost Squirtle.
"Don't worry, she is right here." Lillie says as Squirtle appears from behind her leg wearing lots of flowers, much to May's delight.
As the contest begins, an assistant man runs up to Lilian and whispers something in her ear. Lilian nods and then says, "Sorry folks, one of our Coordinators is a little late."
Then the Coordinator in question, wearing a suit and carrying a heavy bag, bursts through the door and tells her to stop, worried that he's been disqualified for being late.
"Are you Jeremy?" Lilian asks, and then he says that he is.
He apologies over and over for being late, and Lilian says that it's okay, and directs him to line up with the other Coordinators. However, he trips causing the audience to laugh. May smiles, knowing the embarrassment of doing something like that.
Now the Appeal Rounds start, and then May starts things off by sending out Squirtle. As soon as Squirtle comes out of its Poké Ball, it starts to use Ice Beam while spinning around rapidly. This creates a beautiful rain of sparkles which rain down on Squirtle as it lands and bows. May then orders Squirtle to use Bubble, and Squirtle does so, creating lots of beautiful bubbles surrounded by a large bubble. May calls for an Ice Beam. At this, Squirtle leaps onto the large bubble, bursting all of the smaller ones with an Ice Beam for a sparkling display before using Ice Beam on the huge bubble to create a large ice sculpture and finishing up by smiling and posing atop one of the ice pillars. The crowd claps loudly, and the judges are greatly impressed with the performance May delivered.
Lilian then asks for Jeremy to enter, and the crowd laughs, remembering his antics from before. The laughing stops however, when the lights go dim and rock music starts to play as Jeremy walks in wearing heavy metal gear with a pair of shades. Jeremy calls out his Butterfree, and orders it to use Stun Spore and Poison Powder, creating a huge wave of orange and purple pollen. The whole Hall is then lit up by a beautiful green light as Butterfree uses Safeguard. Jeremy's performance is abruptly interrupted by his wife and son, whom May earlier encountered backstage.
"Please return home immediately, you are embarrassing us." Mandy says as Nicholas agrees.
"I refuse. Being a Coordinator and entering Contests is a lifelong dream and something I like to do."
He prepares to take his family backstage to discuss further when May steps forward to support Jeremy. Mandy reiterates her negative sentiments, leading Jeremy to pipe up again, clarifying the effort needed to create a great performance, and become a great Coordinator. Jeremy bows to the audience, and asks them if they will forgive him and accept his appeal. One of the men in the crowd begins to clap, and the rest of the audience follow, all touched by his emotional speech.
Now the next stage has begun and then May and Jeremy advances to the finals. May uses Blaziken while Jeremy sends out Venusaur. Jeremy doesn't waste anytime, though, and orders Venusaur to use Razor Leaf. May has Blaziken counter with Fire Spin, which burns Venusaur's leaves to ashes. Before the attack can get to Venusaur, Jeremy tells Venusaur to use Vine Whip. Venusaur fires its vines straight into the attack and ripping the flames apart. This attack lowers May's point's bar, much to her distress. Jeremy decides to get serious and has Venusaur summon a Frenzy Plant. A thorny vine forest takes over the battlefield, striking Blaziken down and withering May's points to a quarter.
May is taken aback, but regains her focus as Ash instructs her to look at Venusaur. After such a strong attack, it must recharge leaving it open to be attacked itself. Without a moment to spare, May orders Quick Attack, and then Peck. Blaziken charges at Venusaur and then stabs away at its health. Jeremy grits his teeth as he remembers the draw-back to using Frenzy Plant. Jeremy risks it all with another Frenzy Plant. May tries to attack Venusaur with Blaziken's Fire Spin, but the Frenzy Plant blocks the attack and rips through the air again towards Blaziken. May orders Blaziken to rush towards its opponent with a Quick Attack. Blaziken fails to clear the thorny obstacles and is struck, reducing May's points to a dismal level. Even so, May orders Blaziken to attack with Sky Uppercut. Blaziken jumps onto one of the vines and runs straight at Venusaur. Reaching its target, Blaziken uses Sky Uppercut on Venusaur and sends it crashing to the ground. With three seconds remaining, Venusaur is declared unable to battle and the crowd cheers.
May gets her second ribbon in the end, and she celebrates it with Squirtle and Blaziken. Jeremy also gets along now with his wife and son, as they all bid farewell so Ash can go to his next Battle Facility.
Now that Ash has the second Ribbon and Symbol, what will happen in the next chapter?
Ash and Lillie's Current Pokemon:
Butterfree x2, Pikachu, Wigglytuff, Golbat, Persian, Arcanine, Lapras x2, Mewtwo, Mew, Meganium, Espeon, Steelix, Donphan, Elekid, Magby, Ho-Oh, Celebi, Sceptile, Gardevoir, Vigoroth, Milotic, Absol, Metang, Regirock, Regice, Registeel, Latias, Latios, Lucario, Gallade, Sylveon
In Home:
Venusaur, Blastoise, Pidgeot, Raticate, Fearow, Arbok, Raichu, Sandslash, Nidoqueen, Nidoking, Clefable, Vileplume, Venomoth, Dugtrio, Golduck, Primeape, Poliwrath, Alakazam, Machamp, Victreebel, Tentacruel, Golem, Rapidash, Slowbro, Magneton, Farfetch'd, Dodrio, Muk, Cloyster, Gengar, Hypno, Kingler, Electrode, Exeggutor, Marowak, Hitmonlee, Hitmonchan, Weezing, Kangaskhan, Seaking, Starmie, Mr. Mime, Jynx, Pinsir, Tauros, Gyarados, Ditto, Omastar, Kabutops, Aerodactyl, Snorlax, Articuno, Zapdos, Moltres, Dragonite, Typhlosion, Feraligatr, Furret, Noctowl, Ledian, Ariados, Lanturn, Xatu, Ampharos, Bellossom, Azumarill, Sudowoodo, Politoed, Jumpluff, Sunflora, Umbreon, Slowking, Unown x28, Wobbuffet, Girafarig, Forretress, Granbull, Scizor, Shuckle, Heracross, Ursaring, Magcargo, Corsola, Octillery, Delibird, Mantine, Skarmory, Houndoom, Kingdra, Stantler, Smeargle, Hitmontop, Miltank, Raikou, Entei, Suicune, Larvitar, Tyranitar, Lugia, Blaziken, Swampert, Mightyena, Linoone, Beautifly, Dustox, Ludicolo, Shiftry, Swellow, Pelipper, Masquerain, Breloom, Ninjask, Shedinja, Exploud, Hariyama, Nosepass, Delcatty, Sableye, Mawile, Aggron, Medicham, Manectric, Plusle, Minun, Volbeat, Illumise, Swalot, Shapedo, Wailord, Camerrput, Torkoal, Spinda, Flygon, Cacturne, Altaria, Zangoose, Seviper, Lunatone, Solrock, Whiscash, Crawdaunt, Claydol, Cradily, Armaldo, Castform, Banette, Chimecho, Glalie, Walrein, Huntail, Gorebyss, Relicanth, Luvdisc, Salamence, Kyogre, Groudon, Rayquaza, Jirachi, Deoxys, Honchkrow, Weavile, Lickilicky, Rhyperior, Yanmega, Porygon-Z,
In training: Charizard, Charla
May's Current Pokemon:
Blaziken, Beautifly, Delcatty, Venusaur, Munchlax, Squirtle
