Very much grateful for your response since my comeback. I can't start before thanking you all.
I just want to finish everything as fast as I can. This is the first World Coronation series I am writing. I'll put this in each region henceforth. This is kinda experimental as it is my first time writing about a Tournament. Based on this, I'll know how well I can write about leagues and stuff. Let me drive this anxiety away and get it rolling.
Location: Rubello Town
Ash's roster: Pikachu, Blastoise, Torterra, Incineroar, Unfezant and Gengar.
Enjoy!
Why People take a vacation? So that they can truly relax and rest. Yes, one reason. Good for health and improves productivity. There's three. Help's the mind to relax and open. Added to the list. But have you ever heard of people who would take a vacation from a vacation? Hardly, and Ash Ketchum is one of them. His definition of vacation, I think we all of a slight idea. Normal people would hit the beach, go to the mall, sit back with a beer and watch the game. Ash loved all of these options, but he was feebly outside the 'Normal' People circle. He was one of those people who just go up and down at the mention of a Pokémon Battle. And this was a whole damn tournament in front of his eyes.
So hey, why not scramble up his ranks while he was here? Registrations no biggie. Matter of seconds. Six Pokémon, check. All he needed to do is walk into that arena, and exit with an explosion.
As the sliding doors whirred shut behind him, Ash found himself staring once again. The lobby of the building was an expansive space, towering a full three stories high with a grand dual staircase that swept up to the second floor of the building. The room was swarmed with trainers and Pokémon.
Finally tearing his gaze from the architecture of too much glass and polished marble, he spotted the familiar sight of Nurse Joy manning the check-in desk.
"Welcome, trainer, to the World Pokémon Battle Fest. How can I help you today?" She smiled as he approached, taking in the way fire in his eyes belied the dust that had gathered on his jacket, and gave a knowing smile. "You must be participating."
Ash straightened his posture a bit before nodding, "I am, yes."
"I'll just need your trainer ID for registration, please."
Sliding the card onto the countertop, Ash also placed his five Pokéballs and Pikachu on the tray next to it. "And if you could heal my team too."
Nurse Joy bobbed a quick nod, "Of course. We'll return them to you in an hour. Please feel free to explore around."
Joy bowed before gently placing Ash's team of six onto a tray and disappearing into the PokeCenter behind the desk. His gaze lingered on the door she slipped through before turning around to sight all the Pokémon he may be facing today. Man, tournaments do draw a lot of challenge.
Very soon, the hour of the Battle Fest had arrived. With triumphant fanfare and streamers abound, Rubello City was alive with celebration. Ash walked among the crowd of contestants headed into the stadium that would serve as the battle grounds for today's even. The crowd was amassed in the seats. Whoops and cheers for the contestants made Ash swear he was going to go deaf. Pikachu stood atop Ash's head, trying to keep a good eye out on everything that was happening. At some point, the lights gave in and multicolored lights danced on the field where all contestants were stationed.
''Good evening, Rubello!'' a voice rung throughout the stadium. The crowd yelled fondly. The participants reacted lightly. Lights fell upon a blonde man in his mid thirties, who dissolved his appearance into the screams of audience. ''Hello Everyone! My name is Brad and I am your anchor for today's event! Everyone's gears are set in motion as we set to begin this year's regional Pokemon World Coronation Tournament in the elegant town of Rubello! Let me run you past the rules very quickly! All unseeded trainers must face each other in preliminaries that comprises of three rounds! Eight trainers that survive the competition will proceed to the quarterfinals. Only four trainers will make it to the semis, and only two could dream to be in the finals. All battles as of the quarterfinals will be a two-on-two!'' the anchor shouted into the crowd, stirring up another shriek from them. ''Rankings will be updated after each battle! The winner of this tournament will receive a whooping increment in his rankings!''
Ash groaned, being majorly familiar with the League Rules. His heart warmed up, sensing the announcer was now concluding. ''Now, audience! I feel the heat is turning up in the kitchen! Let's give it up for all the competitors!''
Bright lights rained down upon the trainers standing in rows on the field. Those seating in the stands, screamed on top of their lungs. Some had their boyfriend participating, or perhaps a relative!
Ash, impatiently bit his tongue. Just when was this all gonna start!
"One word describes the competition." He heard a rough voice next to him. Ash glanced to his side, spotting a teen next to him, flashing his looks under the limelight. The cocky adolescent brushed his hair, and taunted. ''You think you are hot huh. You better keep focused or you'll be the first one out!''
Squinting, Ash huffed. ''Thanks for the advice.''
''AND NOW, LET US GET THIS FEST ROLLING!''
The curtains dropped and the crowds erupted in cheers. The screens began to swap the faces of all the competitors, and their gazes went circles trying to locate their faces individually. Ash looked on with anticipation. Several familiar faces plastered the screen. And finally he spotted:
ASH KETCHUM VS RANDALL PACKER!
XXX
''And Ash has come in fast and furious! The Situation does not look good for Randall!''
Ash was proving to be a slimy customer for Hoenn's own Randall. His Tropius was having a hard time against Ash's Blastoise. The crowd was riling up with Ash's ingenuity as he kept impressing them with his unpredictable tricks. Rain battered the battlefield like a hail of bullets, as Rain Dance stood a curse for Tropius's abilities.
''Now Ice Beam, Blastoise!'' Brows furrowed, Ash threw a hand out.
''Tropius, fly up and circle around Blastoise!'' Randall cried, stomach tied in knots.
Two twin bolts of freezing rays were fired at the orbiting Tropius. However, the Fruit Pokémon was swift enough to safely evade one chill after the other. Ice Beam wasn't completely futile, freezing a small part of the rain behind, shaping them into sharp icicles. Ash was quick to notice this.
'Try again!'' Ash grimaced.
Stronger bolts of ice coursed all over the field. Randall much oblivious to Ash's creativity, only asked Tropius to keep dodging, exercising his own plan to tire Blastoise out. Smirk wiped out from his face, only when he realized the sharp icicles hammered down on the grass type, eliciting a sharp painful cry.
''Tropius, Synthesis!'' Randall growled.
Bringing that soft emerald glow inside from its body, Tropius began recuperating from the damage. The process was slower when dark clouds shrouded the sun. But now, Blastoise had Tropius all to himself.
''Gfff….Can you even do better than that?'' Ash grated his voice. ''Water Spout!''
A blast of pressurized water blasted forward from Blastoise's cannons and smacked Tropius head-on. powered doubled with effect of Rain Dance around.
''And Water Spout scores a direct-hit! Powering up it with Rain Dance was an highly crafted thinking on Ash's part!''
Tropius crashed into the earth below, eyes swirling. ''Tro…''
Examining closer, the Rotom referee made its decision. ''Tropius is unable to battle! Blastoise wins. The winner of this battle is Ash Ketchum! And with that his Pokémon Coronation Rank is…''
The cheers had dissolved as everyone glued their eyes to the screen where the numbers had begun to change faces. Bright digits in formation "755!'' brought a satisfactory smile to Ash's face.
The competition severed and the rumble continued. The cruelty of the Tournament eliminated one by one. Ash kept his winning streak consistent, delivering one powerful surprise after other, winning the hearts of the people of Rubello. With active participant from his team, Ash had reached his benchmark of quarterfinals with zero struggles. With another victory claimed for the evening, Ash walked off the field, carrying the electric type rodent on his shoulder all along.
Next would be the semifinals, but three more battles needed to take place before that. Only four participants could make into that, and Ash had secured a place for himself in one block. The backstage area tensed as Ash made his way through them over to the cafeteria. One fumbling little girl with her Skipbloom chatted ever so kindly with her opponent, a stalwart seeming man in his later years accompanied by an equally old seeming Hitmonchan. A few other trainers also talked amongst themselves, though none of them were as forward as the little girl to speak to their opponent. Some would trade occasionally, but Ash Ketchum was a hot topic on the lips.
Paying up for his sandwich, Ash wolfed down a huge bite right in front of the cafeteria counter, relishing the lump of meat melting in his mouth. Sauntering to the corner, where the phone booths were stationed, Ash quickly dialed a series of numbers, and placed the phone close to his ear.
XXX
Same time, in PetalBurg City, at the Maple Residence.
Norman was bored to his soul, as he flicked channels one by one, and his equally stultified daughter stretched on the other end of the couch. They were begging for the moon to show up, and they could call it a day, as it can't be possible at 7:00 pm. They were cooped around these old clocks that ticked for too long. Being fatigued was not their choice, but if they don't appear fatigued, they may have to help Caroline in the kitchen. Thus being exhausted was their only option.
The buttons on the remote were still facing the brunt of Norman's frustration as there was absolutely nothing good on TV on a Wednesday night. All the good stuff were packed for weekends. The only thing that kept him awake was a couple of beers and chips: the fantasy of retirement for every 50 year old. However, Norman was still four years way from reaching that mark.
May expired tiredly, stretching tiredly on the arm of the sofa. Where she could hunt some excitement ever again? Not even those romcoms enlivened her anymore! The silence was broken by the tones of the phone at this time of the hour. This was peculiar. It couldn't be Max as he had called from Unova the same afternoon. Maybe it was the Pokémon Contest HQ!
''Answer it!'' an insisting voice was heard from the kitchen.
That had to obliged. May threw her arm at the phone and answered it, pressing against her ear. ''Hello?'' she asked doubtfully. ''Oh hi Dawn!'' she sighed of a relief. ''What's up?''
Some rushed chattering was heard on the other end of the phone. It was difficult to understand as the Sinnoh based Coordinator had always been a fast talker endlessly. ''Whoa, there! Slow down!'' she tried to piece together what Dawn was trying to say. Her brows shot up, and she felt regenerated. Snatching the remote from a bewildered Norman, she inquired. ''What channel?''
Brought face to face with the channel Dawn was persisting, May felt a sudden shock coursed through her, as if her heart was locked deep inside her cage forever. She dropped the cordless telephone, ignoring the mentions of her name from 'Sinnoh'. Norman couldn't understand what was all the fuss about, as he too glued his eyes on the show. A Gengar had just defeated somebody's Grumpig. It was the Pokémon Coronation Battle Fest that was going on he had forgotten about. Arceus bless the caller, who had lifted the dullness of the room.
But when the Gengar's trainer heaved into sight, he too began to stutter. "Is that…?''
They couldn't believe their eyes!
XXX
''And just like that, Ash Ketchum has taken an early lead in this matchup! Looks like we already have a winner in the making! Will Tina be able to Catch up?''
''Oh yeah, she will!'' Tina snorted, confidence bolstered. ''Electrode, Gyro Ball!''
A spinning blur of red and white shot for Unfezant, who had replaced Gengar.
''My Unfezant can take this sitting! Toss it with Steel Wing!'' Ash ordered playfully.
Spinning to strike, one slap of the hardened wing changed Electrode's momentum. Knocked in a different direction, Ash added.
''If you're gonna keep your Pokémon in the air, I am gonna as well!'' Tina scowled. ''Magnet Rise!''
Manipulating the magnetism of the field with a electrically enhanced Magnetism, Electrode hovered above feet above the ground.
''And Tina has leveled things up! What will Unfezant do now?"
''Now Discharge!''
With its disturbing sinister grin, the Ball Pokémon let loose blue currents of electricity in each direction. The crowds grew pale in horror, fearing one or two bolts may hit the seatings.
''Not over by a long shot!'' Ash gloated ''Show what your Gust can do!''
''Zant!'' She screeched, beating her wings rapidly. A brutal wind tore through the air, kicking up an airborne twister that quickly surrounded Electrode. Tina braced herself from the harsh gale, feeling she was just being pushed away from the field.
''And Unfezant had proved that her Gust is no less than a Hurricane! Poor Electrode seems trapped inside the cyclone that Gust has just created! Talk about power!''
''Trode….'' The Pokémon groaned, swirling inside the vortex. The bolts of magnetism kept it levitating but couldn't prevent the torment it was facing in the harsh gales. The Gust stopped brewing once Unfezant decided, and the squinty eyed Electrode was found in dust and rubble, unconscious.
The green Rotom fanned near the Pokémon once more, raising its announcement. ''Electrode is unable to battle! Victory goes to Ash Ketchum and Unfezant!''
''And there you have it folks! Another one bites it! With a tremendous display of Power, Ash Ketchum has made his place inside the finals!''
Though, they needn't be told twice. The crowd bellowed with cheers, enamored with the spectacular battle.
XXX
''It's Ash! It's Ash! They just confirmed! It's him!'' May squealed frisking up and down, not sure happy or astonished.
''Okay, what's the hassle about?'' Caroline drawled.
Her cries brought Caroline rushing into the living room, where her blood too started running cold, watching the familiar trainer making his exit deep into the building.
''It's Ash!'' Norman beamed, pointing at the screen. They were extremely beatific, for nearly in a decade May had moved so skittishly.
''I can't believe he's back!'' Caroline delighted, tightening his hand around the spatula.
''And he's only in Rubello, MAY!'' Norman chirped, to see how his daughter would react to that. She had gone missing already! ''May?''
Thud-thud, they heard a chase on the steps. Norman had a feeling he had spoken too late, as May was already educated about Ash's whereabouts.
Perplexed, the gym leader turned to his wife, ''You don't think she's planning…''
''If she isn't, I will have a hard time believing she's our daughter,'' Caroline giggled, grazing Norman's hair.
''Yeah, she's got my side of romance. Only if Max could score one, I can die in peace'' Norman respired. Taking notice of the curry coated spatula, he blinked. ''Do you need some help?''
''Why would you start now?''
XXX
''You can cut the tension in the air as the two finalists stand on the field, staring into the eyes of one another!"
The spotlight shone down on Ash and another trainer known as 'Malcolm', highlighting how tense, yet eager they were. The noises were drowned as the spectators had their eyes on Ash. He was the only trainer they wanted to see.
"Strap yourselves for the stage of the finals: the powers that we have added of a few tasty obstacles to see of our most righteous competitors can survive! It's gonna take more than skills to maneuver around those obstacles!''
The doors to the field parted open, and a eccentric field bulged out. The field was mostly a ground type, with spiky shaped rocks imbedded in the field. This could be bumps in the road for Pokemon while using a physically damaging move, unless they were flying types.
''This will be a two on two battle between Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town and Malcolm from Azalea Town! Each trainer will choose only two Pokemon. The battle will continue until both Pokemon of either side have fainted! Now you may begin!''
''If everyone is ready, let's get this round underway! Let the fireworks begin!''
The whistle dove the crowds to cheers and their noise became deafening.
"Incineroar, I choose you!" Ash deftly picked the Pokéball from its familiar spot on his belt and tossed it onto the nearest platform. "Let's do it." A Pokéball was thrown, releasing the eager fire-type, who grinned, hunched forward. The intimidating growl made the little ones hug their mommies tight.
With a flick of the wrist, Malcolm's Pokéball arced through the air before spilling its contents ''Go Clamperl!''
The Bivalve Pokémon appeared, enraptured in a compact, blue, rock-hard shell. Settled between six spherical extensions, was a pink-pearl, depicted usually as closed lids. Ash could have taken pity on that face anytime, if it wasn't for a Pokémon Battle. But could this Pokemon stand up to his six feet of pure aggression.
Ash's hand shot forward. ''Let's get a move on! Incineroar, Shadow Claw!''
''And by the looks of it, Ash is going at it right out of the gate!''
''Roar!'' Crouching on all fours, he grunted through his teeth, lunging at Clamperl with all the momentum he could muster. The protrusions proved a sting to speed, as the feline faced predator drew a zigzag path with every instant he passed.
''Iron Defense!'' Malcolm had a feeling it would be best if he played this defensively.
Ambushing Clamperl in the blink of an eye, Incineroar drew his claw back, before smashing it into Clamperl's shell - it barely avoided its vulnerable core being struck. Reflect reminded Ash and Incineroar of its presence with a brief flash, buffering most of the punch's force. Clamperl slid back across the field, groaning in pain.
"Good," Ash praised, gesturing forward. "Dark Pulse!"
Catching himself on his front paws, the fire-type put an end to his momentum, spewing a ray of dark helix beam at the water type.
''Blizzard!'' Malcolm countered.
Clamperl hesitated, not quite eager to make itself vulnerable again. A quick, freezing storm assaulted the battlefield, instantly conjuring a sturdy wall of ice in front of the Bivalve Pokémon.
Dark Pulse blasted away at the frozen barrier, reducing it to little more than a puddle. "Clamperl…!" Clamperl shut its shell tight, rocked away by the purple demonic rings.
''Use Water Gun!''
The tightened shell parted up once again, and the pearl cooed out a cry. A torrential blast of water escaped its mouth.
''Let's see how it fares against our Fire Blast!'' Ash coached.
The fully evolved Alolan Fire starter spit out an orb of flames that spread out as a star. The massive star ablaze with flames lashed out at the jet of water. The water type move failed miserably against the scorching star and the excess heat lashed out at Clamperl.
"You can almost feel the heat coming off of that attack!" Brad shouted into his mic, mirroring the audience's thoughts.
His inner sanctum was growing awfully uncomfortable. Unable to bear the wrath, the Pearl gave in, collapsing its will to fight in a sudden stop.
''Clamperl is unable to battle! Incineroar wins!''
"Perfect." Ash praised, watching the scene with satisfaction.
''Incineroar flipped onto his feet with a grin, posing a victory sign.
''And once again over in a flash! Ash Ketchum did some serious damage and took out every single one from this competition, all except one.
It took a moment for Malcolm to bring an unsteady hand down from his mouth and wordlessly recall his fallen partner, brushing a soft kiss against its Pokéball before placing it on his belt. His gaze was sharp as he finally looked across the arena toward Ash.
"And here I thought I'd be in a better mood to share what I did with that gift you gave me," he said with a frown, tossing out his next Pokéball.
Whatever joy Malcolm was lacking, however, was immediately made up for by the truculent Pokémon that appeared on the battlefield. The light took shape of a Camerupt, churning smoke from its back.
Incineroar's gaze narrowed at the overly-bellicose Pokémon, but Ash's expression softened.
"This will surprise you further," His voice trailed off as he reached for a new Pokéball from his hip. Incineroar was withdrawn and Malcolm glanced nervously at the Pokéball that arced to take its place.
The Continent Pokémon took a sturdy stance. Sizing his large opponent, he asserted his weight on the field with ground-quivering stomps.
Take Down!" Fists balled excitedly, Ash watched as opponent's Camerupt charged at Torterra, with unfitting yet pleasing speed.
''Leaf Storm!'' Obedient as usual, the colossal grass type blasted a vortex of leaves forward, The barrage of leaves collided with the titan, halting the assault of the Eruption Pokemon, making it reel back from the highly powerful attack.
Malcolm snapped once more, ''Rock Polish and then Take Down once again!''
Glimmering under the sunlight, Camerupt concentrated its spiritual energy into its legs. Mooing it shot forward, once again aiming to collide its head into Torterra's hide.
''Superpower!''
On cue, the gigantic tortoise bulked up, smashing his own head into Camerupt, whose contact with Torterra's hard shell produced a loud cracking sound. Shrieking in pain, the beefy fire type ricocheted across the field from its own attack.
XXX
Seizing out a sack from her closet, May began to heap and dump whatever she could find from her wardrobe. She laid out all the necessities and began examining them, until a cough alerted her, she wasn't in the room alone. She pursed her lips to look at her mother standing on the frame of the door.
''Oh hey Mom,'' May weakly greeted.
''Getting this on the road already?'' she smiled, approaching to assist her daughter in folding some of her clothes.
''I just have this feeling Mom, that if I don't set out now, I am gonna lose him…again,'' May sulked. ''This has kinda sprung on me Mom. I am so scared. How will I face him? I have so much to ask him! I don't even know if he remembers me at all!''
''Been there…'' Caroline brushed some hair behind her daughter's ear.
''Huh?'' May's lips puzzled, as she tilted her head in puzzlement.
''I have kept this hidden from you and Max, but I think you'll understand when I can narrate this too you,'' Caroline sighed, taking a seat on the bed. She tapped to her side, signaling May to be seated next to her. With a deep breath, she began to reveal the past of her life. May was astounded by everything Caroline unfolded. To be a huge fan of romance, her eyes began to wet to learn how much pain and patience her parents had persevered to be where they were now. Their friendship and love was the strongest bond she had ever seen. She learnt that her maternal grandfather was against their relationship and how much May's father had to struggle to win over him.
''And so, if Norman hadn't showed up at the port at the last minute, I would have boarded that ship, and would be living a life in Kalos. God, I don't even want to know with whom I would grow old…'' Caroline relieved. Bringing her daughter's head closer, she kissed her forehead. ''I am not going to let you go through all of that, sweetie. ''I wish'' are the two words I just can't hear from your mouth. So go, bring him back!''
May embraced her mother one last time tightly, knowing she wouldn't be seeing her parents for a while. She slung her backpack over her shoulder and skedaddled out of her room, leaving her mother chuckling behind her.
XXX
Every trick Malcolm had, it never worked. Camerupt's shape had worsened ever since Torterra appeared on the field. Speaking of the field, all the spiky protusions were blown into smithereens ever since Torterra's Leaf Storm had collided with Camerupt's Eruption. Malcolm was going nowhere with this guy. An all out attack could only be the possible solution in this mindbender.
''Alright Eruption again!''
The ground in front Camerupt churned and bubbled with fiery intensity. The field blew up like a volcano, and a tower of inferno was raised threatening to consume Torterra entirely.
"Torterra, Rock Climb!" As the grass type obeyed, smashing trunk-like limbs into the ground below. Sharp claws tore into the ground, carving a path towards Camerupt with a virtual wave of uprooted earth, and Ash called out a second attack.
''Frenzy Plant!''
The torn ground shook with tremors, and the carved slope started producing up gnarled roots that headed for Camerupt. Not even intimidated by the highly scorching pillar of Eruption that was stooping in a curved path, it got killed by the thorny vines. The roots climbed up the giant fortification, and threw the fire type off it.
''No Camerupt!''
Before Camerupt would crash into the Earth below, a small cyclone of Leaf Storm, slowed the descent of the unmoving camel and it dropped the Pokemon on the floor.
Examining, the Rotom declared the results. ''Camerupt is unable to continue! Since Malcolm is out of Pokemon, the winner of this match and the Pokemon Coronation Battle Fest is….ASH KETCHUM!''
With Camerupt out of the match, Malcolm's image disappeared from the screen to make room for Ash's face, which took up the center of the screen, and "WINNER" spelled out in large, golden letters.
''AND THERE YOU HAVE IT, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! THE SURVIVOR AMONG THE FITTEST, ASH KETCHUM HAS FINALLY WON THIS POKEMON BATTLE FEST! WHAT AN AMAZING EVENT!''
Deafening shouts and whistles from the crowd nearly drowned Brad's voice out, even with the stadium's speakers in his favor. Fans shouted out in appreciation of the heart-throbbing finale. What an exciting conclusion!
Putting his arms around a proud Torterra, Ash brushed his face against his shell, displaying his appreciation, awestruck in the face of his victory.
''And now….''
All gazes were diverted back to the screen. Ash, Pikachu, Torterra, Brad and every being in the arena kept their eyes fixated on the jumbling numbers.
With a gong, Ash's rank in the official World Pokemon Championships was now an established …546
XXX
She bolted out of the door with a surprising speed, making her way out of the path. Norman too rushed out of the door behind her, soon to be joined by Caroline. ''May, at least go after dinner!'' he roared.
''Can't stop now, Dad!'' she giggled mischievously, sprinting out of the residence.
Jubilantly, she screamed into the air. ''I AM IN LOVE!''
I apologize, since the battles were short. But this chapter was focused on May's return, not the battles. Anyway, I hope I did a good job. I received a review asking when Incineroar will appear and I just had to oblige to that request.
Anyways, thanks for reminding that Gengar's ability is now Cursed Body. They should really put this on the show.
You'll be seeing a lot of May, henceforth, in every alternative chapter.
Okay, I am going to start with the next chapter, so I'll quickly list down the future chapters.
Winona
Rafe
Drew
Thank You!