Battle Frontier Part 12
The long anticipated Kanto Grand Festival is one day away as our heroes stride towards the Indigo Plateau.
"There it is!" May yells as they see the stadiums up ahead.
"Then let's go!" Ash says as he runs, causing others to follow behind.
Ash and May all register for the Grand Festival, they present their 5 ribbons each to Nurse Joy.
Meanwhile, May gets a call from her mother Caroline, who tells her that neither she nor Norman can make it to the Grand Festival, because they're very busy, but she wishes her luck.
"Hey, Ash!" Ash turns and sees Ariel waving to him along with Amelia and Surch behind them.
"Oh my, Surch, Amelia, you guys are here as well?" Lillie says as they greet them. "It sure has been a while since we are in Johto."
"You're right." Amelia says. "We are back because Ariel called us. Though she couldn't find Silver."
Surch says, "But to think that we are going to see you two become rivals again, it sure is interesting."
May asks, "Can someone told me what is going on here?" Ash then introduces his cousins to them and they are surprised.
Just then, they hear a scream and then turns around, they see an Aipom gathering a lot of people's hats. The stack of hats continues to grow in size as Aipom walks towards Ash and turns slightly to the left causing the mountain of hats to fall down crashing onto Ash. While Ash manages to recover from the collision, Aipom hops over and grasps his hat escaping off into the distance.
"Hey, you were that Aipom we met yesterday." Ash says as Pikachu and Persian chase the escaping Aipom, but they crash into the tree.
"You know her? So that means is it your Pokemon?" Ariel asks.
"No. It is wild, I just saves her group from Team Rocket, but why is she here?" Lillie says.
Drew notices the chaos brewing in the lobby and directs Roselia to assist in capturing Aipom. Roselia releases an assortment of red blossoms which surround and envelop Aipom as a young woman has her Slowbro use its Psychic to move Aipom into Ash's arms.
Ash removes his hat as Aipom escapes outside of the lobby doors. "Now that's right."
Then the woman says, "Ah, Ash, it is nice to see you here as well."
Ash says, "Wait, Solidad? You are here as well?"
"Of course, I am here to participate at the Grand Festival." Solidad says, "And I see that you are as well? Then it is great since I get to revenge from that Johto one."
"Don't think it is easy to win against me." Ash says.
Once May and the others arrive, Ariel gasps and says, "You have to be kidding me..."
"Hi, Ariel. Nice to see you here as well." Solidad says.
"Maybe this is going to be interesting as well." Ariel says as they shake hands. Lillie says, "Wow, can't believe you are also here."
"Of course. So Ash, is this your new group?" Solidad asks.
"Yeah. May here is also attending the Grand Festival." Ash says.
May and Max introduce themselves, Solidad greets them.
"So you once attend the same Grand Festival as Ash?" May asks.
"Yes. Although I lost to him. This time things will be different." Solidad says.
"Yeah. It will be." Lillie smiles.
Just then, they also see that Aurora come with Mark and Minami. They are shocked as Ash asks, "What are you doing here?"
Mark says, "We can't miss your Grand Festival, right?"
Minami says, "Yeah, we heard about it and then we come. Also, we also saw Reisa's Grand Festival and she managed to win the Kalos one."
"That's great, she finally win the Grand Festival." Lillie says.
Aurora says, "Now I should go for now, since I am the special judge in this Kanto Grand Festival."
"Wait, Aunt Aurora is the Judge?" Ariel says. "That's so cool."
"I know. To think that the founder of the Contests will be judging us..." May says.
That night, when everyone is talking, Max holds an empty glass as a mysterious man collides with him and gives him a black rose to deliver to May and walks off into the distance. Max interrupts the conversation presenting the rose to May startling her. As May grabs the rose, it explodes leaving May in confusion.
"What…" May is confused.
"It is probably Harley's dirty trick." Ash sighs.
"So that guy is also here?" Ariel says in disgust. "Great, I should beat him to the pulp this time."
Mark asks, "You mean Harley is also here?"
Lillie says, "Yeah, and he keeps doing dirty tricks on Lillie, not to mention that last time he teamed up with those trio to sabotage May's final Ribbon.
"You don't mean those three, right?" Amelia asks in disbelief.
"Yep, even though your evil dad isn't here, they still do his work no matter what..." Ash sighs.
A new day arrives and Lilian officially starts the Grand Festival as magnificent fireworks explode overhead and a spotlight showers overhead of the Ribbon Cup. The announcer reveals that the preliminaries of the Kanto Grand Festival will be held on two different stadiums. In one of them, The announcer introduces the usual Contest judges and announces the guest judge, which is Aurora.
Solidad says, "So the Kanto Champion and the Founder of Contests are the judges..."
"Yeah, not to mention that she is my Mom." Ash proudly.
"It doesn't matter if you are his son." Drew says, "After all, judges have to be objective."
After some people, it is Ash's turn, he sends out Beedrill and use the mega evolution, then it shows its needles while combining the attacks, making it like a ribbon dance.
May's turn arrives as she explodes onto the stage and sends out her Blaziken. May throws the usual Frisbee as Blaziken blazes towards the rotating object and propels into the air slicing the Frisbee. Blaziken lands gracefully on the ground as the crowd bursts with excitement.
Solidad's Lapras splashes into the pool creating a wave of water and simultaneously freezes it into place creating a glorious pillar of ice with Sheer Cold.
Ariel's Pidgeot flies high in the sky and use a combination of Brave Bird and Acrobatics to make the performance like a drawing.
Drew finally takes his place in the first round calling upon his Masquerain. Masquerain begins rotating at a high speed creating a magnificent gust of wind with Silver Wind to rotate around its body.
Harley finally makes his debut removing the cape and reveals himself dressed exactly as May.
"What…" Ash and the others are speechless as May covers her face in embarrassment.
Harley on the screen as he calls upon his Banette, Banette displays its marvelous Will-O-Wisp attack as tiny blue flames glow surrounding Banette's body. As Banette gives out its evil laugh, Harley begins dancing as May watches the screen in disgust.
The contestants for the main Performance Stage are announced including Ash, Ariel Solidad, May, Drew, Harley, and 58 other Coordinators.
In the first round of the second part, Drew sends out Absol. A whirlpool begins forming around Absol, creating a gigantic circle of water circling around Absol. After a few moments, Absol uses its energy from its horn to slice and dissipate the water creating a magnificent shimmering over the entire stadium. Drew bows taking a stance as the crowd applauds his performance.
Harley is next. His round begins as Octillery launches a Fire Blast attack towards the ground and propels into the air slamming down into the flames. Octillery begins moving its tentacles causing the flames to move in a counterclockwise motion around his body in the shape of a ring.
Ash's round begins as Sylveon uses Misty Terrain and surround herself with Attract's love hearts. Then she dances around happily.
Ariel's round starts as Houndoom uses Dark Pulse and Fire Blast to make the field sparkle.
Solidad's round is finally underway as Slowbro uses its Psychic to rotate around the arena on the tip of its shell. Slowbro manages to come to a single point while still rotating and launches a stream of water overhead creating an effect of a fountain.
The crowd cheers as May makes her way into the middle of the arena. With a rotation of her wrist, a solitary Poké Ball is released into the stadium exploding with a bright light releasing Munchlax. Munchlax begins collecting energy from the sunlight launching a powerful Solar Beam. As the beam of energy ascends into the air, Munchlax propels into the air clashing with the energy with a Focus Punch. As the two forces clash, the sunlight slowly dissipates into the atmosphere creating a glimmering effect.
"Everyone did great, don't you think?" Ariel asks May.
"Yeah…" May says in an unsure tone, since she questions her ability.
Meanwhile, Drew and Absol have their differences with Absol launching a blinding attack towards Drew just managing to slightly brush against his hair. Drew recalls Absol back into its confinement of the Poké Ball and walks to May.
"Looking sad doesn't suit you." He whispers in her ear, causing her to blush once more.
He then walks off into the forest, Ariel says, "What is with him?"
"Well, it is obvious." Ash says. "Though it would be good for a revenge of the teasing for me and Lillie."
Fireworks explode into the air as we are brought into the Battle Stage of the Grand Festival. To their shock is that May is battling Harley in the first round.
The countdown timer begins as May calls upon Eevee and Munchlax and Harley calls upon his Wigglytuff and Cacturne. Munchlax and Eevee begin the round blazing forward with a Focus Punch as Wigglytuff inflates to two times its size, dissipating the attack and knocking both Pokémon backwards. Wigglytuff blazes toward both the Pokémon as May anticipates the attack but Wigglytuff propels into the air and Cacturne strikes Munchlax and Eevee. Both Pokémon are knocked backwards and a fifth of May's score is reduced. Cacturne extends its needles and goes in for a final attack as Eevee manages to recover and launches a Shadow Ball while Munchlax uses its Focus Punch to increase the speed of the attack colliding with Cacturne for a direct hit. The smoke clears as Cacturne falls to the ground and is announced as unable to battle. Three fifths of Harley's score is removed.
Wigglytuff begins its descent from the air and crashes into the ground with Eevee and Munchlax managing to evade the attack barely. Wigglytuff extends its ears grasping onto both Pokémon's bodies and thrusts them towards the air and begins repeatedly slapping both Pokémon with its ears and finally slamming them to the ground. Munchlax charges another Solar Beam and Eevee launches an additional Shadow Ball. Wigglytuff evades both attacks while additional Shadow Balls and Solar Beams continue their barrage. Two-thirds of May's score is removed reducing her down to a fifth of her original.
Eevee and Munchlax launch another attack but miss their target on purpose with both attacks colliding behind Wigglytuff and forcing it uncontrollably towards the ground. Munchlax runs forward and propels off Eevee's tail igniting into the air and striking Wigglytuff down with a Focus Punch. Wigglytuff crashes into the ground and is announced as unable to battle. Harley's score is reduced to zero and May advances to the next round.
"No, how can I lose to her again! It is not fair!" He yells as he storms off.
Ash and the others also did a great job as they reach the top 8, May is facing off Drew, much to her shock. May sends out Blaziken and Blastoise while Drew sends out Flygon and Absol. Both May and Drew mega evolve their Pokemon as May evolve her Blastoise.
May quickly starts the battle with Blastoise using Rapid Spin. Flygon launches a whirlwind of sand towards Blastoise's direction as Blaziken jumps onto Blastoise's shell and jumps while charging up for a Mega Kick. Blaziken begins gaining altitude while Absol jumps into the sandstorm and launches a magnificent light blinding Blaziken and finally reveals itself from the veil striking down with a devastating Iron Tail. Blastoise launches Bubble, while Blaziken goes in with Sky Uppercut.
As a brilliant array of bubbles from Blastoise's Bubble attack shimmers throughout the stadium, Blaziken glides through with Sky Uppercut towards Absol but is met with a Razor Wind from Absol. One twentieth of May's score is deducted as Blastoise and Blaziken struggle to recover. Flygon continues the attack with a ferocious Flamethrower closing in on Blaziken and Blastoise at a high rate. Blaziken counterattacks with his own Fire Spin with the two attacks fusing and exploding throwing both Pokémon back and deducting one-twentieth from both contestants scores. Drew doesn't hesitate to continue the attack as Absol launches another Razor Wind and Flygon releases its Dragon Breath on Absol's attack. Both Blaziken and Blastoise attempt to evade but manage to take direct damage from the attack and are thrust towards the ground. One-tenth of May's score is removed in the effort. Flygon and Absol explode forward with a Steel Wing and Iron Tail attacks. As the two opponents close in, May evaluates the situation and directs Blaziken and Blastoise to launch their Fire Spin and Bubble attacks. The two attacks fuse creating an electrical effect colliding and making for a direct hit with Flygon and Absol enveloping them in shards of electricity and heat. Only five percent of Drew's score is reduced.
"Hey, it is the fusion of Fire and Water used by Tucker." Ash says.
"She really copies well." Ariel says.
Both Flygon and Absol are thrown backwards removing ten percent of Drew's score.
The Contest Battle timer slides to just below four minutes while Drew and May continue the attack. Blastoise withdraws into its shell and uses Rapid Spin. Absol uses Flash, blinding Blaziken but having no effect on Blastoise. Flygon attempts to use its Steel Wing attack to divert Blastoise but only manages to knock him above the arena. With Flygon's back turned, Blastoise launches a devastating array of bubbles towards Flygon. Absol responds to divert the attack with Razor Wind but Blaziken blocks Absol's attack with his Fire Spin. The Bubble attack makes direct contact with Flygon removing another ten percent of Drew's score. Upon Blastoise's decent, he strikes down with a finishing Ice Beam just inches away from Flygon, knocking it out. As Blastoise begins its final descent, Absol takes advantage of the time and uses its Iron Tail to harshly knock Blastoise into a stadium wall, rendering Blastoise unable to battle. Both Coordinators return their unconscious Pokémon. The battle now resides between May's Blaziken and Drew's Absol. Blaziken uses Mega Kick and Absol uses Iron Tail. Both attacks hit one another. As Blaziken manages to recover, Absol manages to strike with an additional Razor Wind hitting Blaziken for a direct hit before he is able to recover from the prior attack removing twenty percent of May's score. Blaziken launches another ferocious Fire Spin but Absol manages to gain the type advantage with a Water Pulse attack. The gigantic wall of water crashes onto Blaziken removing another twenty percent of her score leaving her with only forty percent of her original score.
As the water dissipates, Blaziken's body begins glowing red as steam begins forming around his body. Drew doesn't hesitate to attempt to gain the battle advantage directing Absol to launch another Razor Wind towards Blaziken. As the attack begins its descent, Blaziken uses Overheat, launching an extraordinary amount of fire power dissipating Absol's attack and hitting for direct damage. Absol's entire body is engulfed in flames. The battle timer moves to just under 1:30. Both Trainers attempt to guess the other's strategy but May makes the first move directing Blaziken with Overheat. Another devastating ball of energy is launched towards Absol but Absol counterattacks with its Water Pulse attack dissipating the flame attack. Another fifth of May's score is removed reducing her score to only twenty percent of her original. Absol glides forward attempting to blind Blaziken as he rotates forward striking Absol but managing to make no damage. Blaziken uses the advantage of the close range launching another devastating Overheat attack engulfing Absol in the magnificent flames.
After the continuous Overheat attacks, Blaziken begins showing fatigue. Absol disperses the flames from the previous Overheat attack. Drew notices Blaziken fatigue from the continual Overheat attacks and takes advantage with Absol striking forward with a Razor Wind hitting Blaziken for direct damage. Blaziken is thrown backwards reducing May's score to only five percent of her original. Absol strikes forward with another Water Pulse attack as Blaziken manages to use other Overheat attack with much weaker force proving no effect on the Water-type attack. The water engulfs Blaziken, causing steam to rise from Blaziken's body. Absol launches forward with a last Iron Tail propelling into the air. Blaziken attempts to take advantage of the airborne attack and uses Sky Uppercut. The attack manages to make contact just as the battle timer expires. May is announced as the winner of the round between herself and Drew advancing her to the semifinals.
"I beat Drew…" May says in shock.
Drew thanks Absol for his effort and turns around approving May of her effort with a simple eye gesture.
"Awesome, so May also advances." Ariel says.
"Yeah. It is just four of us." Solidad says.
The semi final list shows that May is battling Solidad and Ash is battling Ariel.
"We are facing each other again." Ariel says to Ash.
"Yeah…"
In the battle, Ash uses Electivire and Magmortar while Ariel uses Crobat and Ditto to change into Magmortar. Electivire uses its tails to toss Crobat in the air and Magmortar uses Flamethrower from his hands to hit Crobat, causing her to lose 5 percent. Ariel calls Crobat to use Swift and Smokescreen to make a surprise attack, it also hits two Pokemon, causing Ash to lower his score. After a series of attacks, Ash uses Electivire to dig, but constantly doing it on the field, and then Marmortar uses Inferno in the holes, making a line of Fire pillars and knock Crobat and Ditto out.
"The winner is Ash Ketchum, he will be advanced to the finals."
Ariel recalls her Pokemon and says, "I think using Ditto is a bad idea."
"But you really think very quick. You should be proud of yourself."
"Yeah. Win this for our family, okay?"
"Sure."
We are taken deep into the semifinal round between Solidad and May leaving Solidad with seventy-five percent of her original score and May with only twenty-five percent as the battle timer moves to just below two minutes. Solidad has chosen her Pidgeot and Slowbro as May has chosen Munchlax and Blaziken. Munchlax launches forward with a Focus Punch while Slowbro uses its Psychic to rotate around and counter attacks, dissipating Munchlax's attack and knocking him backwards. Blaziken's devastating Fire Spin envelops Pidgeot but after a few seconds, Pidgeot manages to recover and counterattacks with Feather Dance. The extraordinary feathers dissipate the flame attack and being raining down on Blaziken and Munchlax with a flame effect. Slowbro uses Yawn creating a gigantic bubble which manages to collide with Blaziken causing him to fall into a deep sleep. Munchlax collects energy for his Solar Beam attack but is only evaded by his opponents and met with Slowbro's Psychic and Pidgeot using Double Team to create illusions of himself and striking for direct damage. Slowbro launches a finishing Hyper Beam as Pidgeot blasts forward with an Aerial Ace making contact with both targets knocking both opponents unconscious, advancing Solidad to the next round.
"Oh no…May lost." Mark says.
"Yeah… but she did very well." Minami says.
May shows her support for Solidad and greatly thanks Munchlax and Blaziken for their effort and making it to the top four. Heading backstage, May finds Ash and Drew.
Ash says, "You did very well, May."
May then lowers her head and says, "But I lost…" She bursts in tears as Drew quickly hugs her. Drew says, "Cry doesn't suit you, you should be happy. You also defeat me, which means you also did great."
Ash looks at the two and smiles, then he goes to face Solidad.
In the finals, Ash and Solidad face each other.
"Ready for the rematch from the last year's Johto Grand Festival?"
"You bet. I am not losing."
She sends out Mega Pidgeot and Lapras while Ash sends out his own. Ash and Solidad also uses the same moves as they doesn't hold back.
"Pidgeot, let's show them how the training works!" Ash says as she nods.
"Lapras! Cover Pidgeot with Ice Beam!"
Everyone is shocked at the move, then Lapras uses the ice to cover Pidgeot, Pidgeot then flies towards the two Pokemon with the Ice outside and gives them serious damage.
"Not bad…"
"Thanks to my aunt, I have learned some of her moves, this is the one."
"Cool."
Then Ash's two Pokemon finishes off with a Brave Bird and Thunderbolt, causing Solidad's Pokemon faint.
"It is decided! The winner of the Grand Festival is Ash Ketchum! It is his 3rd Win on the Grand Festival!"
The crowd cheers for him, especially Lillie who cheers very loud.
Aurora is the one that gives Ash the cup, Aurora says, "I am very proud of you, you won the Grand Festival."
Ash takes the cup and hugs his mother, the crowd are cheering for him with this. But then the hug is stopped as an Aipom rushes into the stadium and snatches Ash's hat.
"Hey, that is my hat!" Ash says as he puts down the cup and chases her to the battlefield.
"What is this, a wild Aipom just comes in the contest stadium!" The announcer says.
Ash hears her saying that she wants a contest battle, Ash turns to his mother, who nods. So he sends out Pikachu to battle the Aipom.
"Looks like we will have another battle to watch!" The announcer says as the crowd cheers.
Pikachu blazes forward with Quick Attack, Aipom evades the attack and uses Swift making direct damage. Pikachu recovers and counterattacks with his Iron Tail but Aipom manages to recover from the attack and counter attacks with Focus Punch striking Pikachu towards the ground.
Aipom continues jumping up and down in excitement. Ash finally decides to attack long-range with Pikachu's devastating Thunderbolt enveloping Aipom's body with electricity.
"Okay, go Pokeball!" Ash throws the Pokeball and captures her.
"Alright, I caught an Aipom!" He says as the crowd is cheering for him.
"What a surprise, Ash finishes it off by capturing her! Please give him another applause!"
Ash then waves to the crowd in the end.
Later that night, an after-party is held for all the participating contestants. Drew begins to leave as May manages to catch up to him holding a solitary rose.
"Well… I want to give you this." May shows the rose to him, Drew blushes a little and then takes it.
"Thanks, I will take care of it."
May wishes him an exuberant parting as he walks off dispersing into the distance.
Ash is enjoying the party until he meets up with Scott.
"Hey Scott, why are you here?"
"To congratulate you, and I also heard that the Battle Pyramid is near the ruins of Fennel Valley."
"Cool. I will go there and get the final symbol." Ash says.
"Sure, but you should enjoy the party for now." Scott says as he leaves.
Ash asks Solidad and the others if they have other plans, Solidad says she will try to compete Johto for the second time as she leaves, Ariel, Surch, Amelia, Mark, Minami and even Aurora decide to watch Ash's last battle Frontier battle. So they temporary join them.
Here is the Grand Festival, and I hope you like it. The next chapter will be the part 1 of the Battle Pyrmaid battle.
Ash and Lillie's Current Pokemon:
Butterfree x2, Beedrill, Pikachu, Wigglytuff, Persian, Arcanine, Lapras x2, Mewtwo, Mew, Meganium, Crobat, Aipom, Espeon, Steelix, Qwilfish, Donphan, Ho-Oh, Celebi, Sceptile, Gardevoir, Slaking, Milotic, Tropius, Absol, Metagross, Regirock, Regice, Registeel, Latias, Latios, Lucario, Electivire, Magmortar, Mamoswine, 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, Blastoise, Eevee
