Finally, the chapter that I have been anxiously writing down is finished. The two part chapter of the character "Brendan Birch!". In chapter 27, I had supplied Brendan will be Ash's last opponent in Hoenn. No idea why this guy never became Canon! Else he would have been a formidable rival to Ash Ketchum. Many characters are involved in this one. And i promise to script down an exciting battle that would just intrigue readers to finish till the end.
Ash has took a ferry from Mossdeep to Staleport. Brendan too behind the Wheels from Little root.
Ash will be using his Hoenn Team,but with no Pikachu or Donphan. I'll slide that as a mystery. So let's begin!
Location: Staleport City.
It was the time of midnight. The only time when citizens would retire from their daily life and roll under the covers. For once they would excuse some privacy to the Staleport Beach. That included the Wingulls too. Only the water type Pokémon who lived by the beach crept out of their shelters. As this was their privilege.
Ash stood there transfixed at the moon. Tomorrow, he will be watching the moon from Sinnoh. This was his last night in Hoenn. And probably a reconsideration to revisit Petalburg City, sprint to Maple residence and tell May that he still Loves her. Something about the moon would always remind him of May. Sadly, it wasn't as beautiful as her. Already the stars glow as if they have kept a pocket of the daytime to shine all through the night sky. Ever since he reached Staleport, all his adventures in Hoenn kicked in. The moon had watched it all, and Ash wished he could just relive those... with May. To this day, it was a secret what she had wished for
Drat the sun that would rise tomorrow again, but until then he can sit there and gaze at the lunar beauty all night. He will remain there, taking a deep breath of the ocean air, listening to the percussion of waves.
A screeching halt of tires brought Ash back to reality. Huh, he questioned and looked left to find a jeep had just arrived. A few Krabby cursed the automobile, scurrying back to hiding. Why the noisy entrance? Disturbing the peace, the jeep flicked the headlights twice to find Ash and a Pikachu shielding their eyes.
Iriitated, Ash squinted to find someone had just stepped out of the four-wheeler. Maybe Ash was expecting this someone new? The man drew closer. He was tall and muscular, a bit dark skinned. He wasn't fazed by the chilly breeze of Staleport, brave enough just to sport a sleeveless vest and a sprawled open jacket. Ash could make out the stranger was a brunette, as bangs of dark brown had exit the beanie. He seemed to have held a piece of crumbled paper.
The two men stood opposite one another, just staring into each eyes. The waves gushed and gurgled. Pikachu rotated his head, switching his eyes between his trainer and the stranger, waiting for the silence to end. Why the men had ignited a rivalry before their identities.
"Are you AK?" the man questioned.
"Ash Ketchum, the full name," Ash answered narrowing his brows. "I presume that you are Brendan Birch."
"I heard your name before, just not sure when, but it does sound familiar..." Brendan droned, deriving from the ridiculous cartoons of Ash and Pikachu on the letter Ash had posted to him a month ago. Now he had found the man.
"You challenged me to a battle?" he inquired. "Why did you choose to have this battle a month later? Why not in Littleroot Town or The Battle Tower?"
"Well, I am glad that you showed up. I hate being stood up, you know. And the month was for you to train."
"Yes, your past records were too impressive to turn your challenge down. But just so you know, I am quite an achiever myself."
"I know that. Wallace's apprentice, Top Trainer at the Battle Tower, a Coordinator as well, and a former Hoenn League Champion. Did I get that right?"
"Yet you issued a challenge?" Brendan squinted.
"I have a feeling you entirely didn't went through all my records. But of course, the list of little ones were too long," Ash shook his head. "Well, let me introduce myself. I am Ash Ketchum, son of Red Ketchum, the Champion who never lost. I am the Champion of Alola Region and an apprentice to Leon, the Champion of Galar Region, whom I intend to beat one day! That is my ultimate Goal!"
Brendan's smirk broadened. "That's why I was waiting for this moment. To kick some Hoenn into Alola. Well, are we gonna let our records do the talking or should we get this started?"
"You agreed to a six on six,didn't you. Pick a ball and we'll begin." Ash fished out a chosen Pokeball, clarifying he was ready.
The Hoenn Native mirrored Ash's actions, smiling wickedly. "I hope you aren't sleepy. I wanna want you see your team getting pulverized."
"I'll give you something to cry back to daddy dearest." Ash smirked, winding up to toss a Pokeball. "Torkoal, I choose you!"
The tortoise stationed on the sand. With him, he brought the looming noon sun in the darkest of the hours, thanks to his Drought ability. With the scorching brightness above, Torkoal was to prove his toughness. Luckily, they were far away from the city, where the Sunlight wouldn't reach the Civilians, and even if it did, the Lighthouse would be a perfect assumption.
"Exploud, it's time!"Tossing out the pokeball with a barely contained sense of enthusiasm, Brendan called forth his pokemon.
The purple furred normal-type materialized in a flash, arms pumping in excitement. Ash's gaze narrowed at Brendan's first pokemon. It was a strong lead, not having many strengths or weaknesses. Ash didn't have many assumptions going into the battle, but perhaps Brendan was savvier than his casual demeanor lead on. Good thing his own first pokemon was also versatile.
Sensing his trainer's serious demeanor, Torkoal puffed but his second gift, smoke. He squared up to face Exploud, squinting in anticipation.
"Sunny Day won't be longing around for too long!" Brendan warned, taking a suave air. "Shadow Ball!"
A ghastly mass of darkness appeared before the Loud Noise Pokémon, crackling with dark lightning before being fired at Torkoal.
"Iron Defense!" Ash countered.
"Koal!" The tortoise obeyed by first tucking himself into his shell. and reinforcing his body with a layer of metal. The ghoulish orb burst into sparkles upon contact, making Torkoal sprawl out delightful.
Flashing a victorious, cool-tempered grin, Brendan opted to pounce on his style and momentum, throwing a hand up "Hammer Arm!"
The normal type flexed an arm, making the limb glow with fighting energy. Gurgling, he rushed ready to jet towards a vulnerable opening. Of course,Ash wasn't gonna make Torkoal look like a sitting duck.
"Use Smog!" Ash folded his arms.
Grinning, Torkoal sprayed a thick toxic Smog all over the place. It didn't take long before the poisonous gases reached Exploud. The Normal type coughed terribly, surrounded by the toxic wastes. Luckily, the impulse was a defense and Exploud was fortunate left unpoisoned.
"Overheat!" Confident in his senses,Ash thrust an arm forward.
"Exploud, get outta there!" Brendan yelled. This was exactly what he feared.
Powerful torrent of white orange flames from the SmoG itself, threw Exploud from the smoke, skidding on the sand. He toppled to a stop, wincing from the harsh burn. The Overheat was powerful to disturb Brendan's gait. He had never seen an Overheat this strong as before. From the Smog, Torkoal crawled out into the fray. Playing devious wasn't necessary at this moment of the battle.
"Exploud, use their Sunny Day to our advantage! Fire Blast!"
"Solar Beam!" Ash threw a hand forward,back to the offensive.
Exploud exhaled a blazing star of concentrated flames, and opposite to him Torkoal, drew the sunlight from Sunny Day above, launching a bright energy of light right at Fire Blast. Both met halfway, colliding to form a roaring wall of flames. The streams proved evenly matched, as they ate other out. All credits to the artificial sun above.
"Torkoal, attack with Body Slam!" Ash's cool demeanor briefly slipped.
Exploud wad strong, and Torkoal got the idea of his endurance when his Overheat wasn't enough to take Exploud down. With a grunt, Torkoal sprung into the air with all fours, determined to land his heavy body on Exploud.
"Smack 'em with Hammer Arm!" Brendan commanded, almost crouching with how far he was leaning forward.
Ash's eyes went wide upon hearing Brendan choice of move. He watched as Exploud's arm drooped to the side and took a glow, driving away some of the darkness, and a powerful haymaker to Torkoal's underneath made the reptile tumble on the sand, in pain.
Ash wasn't ready to give their opponents another breather. "Earth Power!"
The fire type began to glow in a golden hue. The beach began to rumble beneath Exploud's feet as Torkoal concentrated power. Jabbing his hind legs, a trail of golden cracks began to head out for Exploud.
Hell No!" Brendan snarled. "Crunch!"
Exploud leapt only seconds away, as the ground underneath him erupted, scorching sands and molten earth jutting out to hit apparently nothing but air. A Successful evasion! Eyes narrowed, Torkoal waited for Ash's command but the large Loud Noise Pokémon proved to be quite agile. Torkoal's trill of agitation quickly turned to a shriek of pain as Exploud's massive jaws clamped down his shell. Writhing in agony, he tried to shake off the vicious attacker to no avail, and Exploud just strengthened its grip.
Ash silently looked on as his Pokémon was wincing out. Exploud was too powerful to let it just bear down like that. Torkoal's Armor was strong but every defense had a breaking point. Guess, they had to play this dirty.
"Overheat, but don't spew out. Just heat yourself!"
"You must be kidding!" Brendan slapped his forehead.
All of a sudden, Exploud felt his mouth heating,as if his fangs would melt into ashes. His tongue was on fire. Torkoal concentrated all the burning intensity into his body, glowing chilly red forcing Exploud to pry open his mouth and release the Tortoise without a command from Brendan.
"Exploud, calm down!" Brendan panicked, finding his Pokémon to be thrashing wildly. Okay, now he realized he had underestimated Ash.
But the poor normal type had to douse the taste of burn from his mouth. All he needed was water and luckily, they happen to be on a beach. Flailing on the sand and waddling into the water, Exploud began to drown his mouth it down. Ash seeked another opportunity here, a perfect ending to this match up.
"Torkoal! Body Slam!"
Torkoal's smirk matched Ash's opposite to Brendan's frown. The tortoise hoisted itself with a willing risk to land in the water. Over the years that wasn't a bother anymore. Exploud so engrossed in soothing his tongue, bulged his eyes out when an unforgiving mass from behind threatened to smack him into the water.
"Koal!" the reptile exerted himself, throwing his fu weight at the Normal type. With air knocked out of his lungs, Exploud's consciousness betrayed him and lifelessly he began to float.
With no one to judge the match, it was hard for the trainers to deduce the battle as the sunlight above was diminishing. With no response from Exploud to Brendan's pleas, it was clear the Pokemon was out.
"Aggron, help me out here pal." He swiftly withdrew Exploud and replaced it with the afore mentioned beast. The large steel type's cry echoed through the waters, for it fell quiet once it caught sight of Torkoal standing across from it on the battlefield. The two Pokemon locked eyes for a moment. The Aggron simply scoffed with a snort, although the spark of recognition in its eyes remained.
Torkoal too, seemed to recognize this Pokémon. It was a part of gang from the Valley of Steel, that would constantly pick on him. After all these years, he couldn't believe he would run into this Pokémon. Alright, time for some payback.
"Torkoal, do you know that Aggron?" Ash blinked, as he tried to prod his pokemon out of its trance-like state.
"Koal!" the Tortoise nodded. Taking a breath, Torkoal exhaled smoke from his shell as a sign of challenge. Ash immediately got the idea, this was something to do with Torkoal's history in Valley of Steel. Nostalgia kicked in when Ash saw how brutally Torkoal was bullied just because he was a fire type. It was as if a storm had rolled across Ash's countenance. He witnessed the aftermath of delivering such an insult to a pokemon, his pokemon, only once. And that was one time too many.
"Then let's agree to continue this battle," said Ash, all pretense of good humor gone from his voice.
At his trainer's wish, Torkoal's growl returned in full force.
Brenda, the one oblivious to the past of these Pokémon, crouched forward. "Aggron, i am counting on you, buddy!"
A fierce roar split the beach air as Aggron hunkered low, its jaws curled into a vicious grin. It's trainer's face twisted to match.
"Earthquake!"
Ash's hand flew forward. "Torkoal, Iron Defense!"
Aggron's front legs crashed into the ground with a tremendous impact, sending the beach floor into chaos. As the ground heaved around him,Torkoal was tossed, yet unflinching but the protective coat of Iron Defense. Ash smiled. He knew Torkoal was at a type disadvantage as well when it came to Aggron's part Rock type. But that wasn't going to put Torkoal away.
"Autotomize and strike with Iron Head!" Brendan swayed his hand, deciding to go all out!
Gleaming to lighten itself, and erasing all the unnecessary weight, stampeding for the Coal Pokémon.
"Iron Def-!"
But Aggron was faster, and it dove to ram into the slower Tortoise. sending him tumbling. Torkoal skidded to a stop on the beach, spraying sand to his side. His feet and shell had created gouges in the sand. He shook the blow off, rapidly scrambling back to his feet.
Knowing the casualty of a minute, Brendan made his next move. "Metal Claw!"
This was an unofficial battle and rules could be bent a little. Aggron had already beared down upon Torkoal. As Aggron lumbered near, it wound up on its powerful hind legs, front claws glowing in a shiny silver. Torkoal reared back inside his shell, eyes tracking Aggron's attack. The Bulky steel type drove its fist down against Torkoal's shell where it crunched against steel plated armor, but didn't slow its descent.
Loud clang matched the sound of surfs, as Aggron exerted pressure oh his claws against Torkoal's shell. Ash watched as his Pokémon was reeling against the gargantuan, and he seized his que.
"Overheat!"
Heating up to boiling point, Torkoal exhalled harsh flames engulfing the Iron Armor Pokémon. Thick raging flames danced on Aggron's metallic hides making the Pokemon flounder in pain. For a moment, Ash felt Torkoal's feelings. There was no panic, no fear, no despair. Just dogged determination that if it wasn't going to win this fight, it would proudly go down swinging. Ash nodded in affirmation of his pokemon's feelings, his hand balling into a fist at his side.
"Earth Power!" Ash drove his fist into the air, watching as Aggron's plates had heated up too.
Without any overpowering offensive capabilities, Torkoal took some time to charge up an attack of this magnitude, but the payoff was worth it. Aggron was sent flying as chunks of molten earth surged from the ground, searing the exposed hide of its underbelly and leaving scorch marks all over its plate armor.
Brendan gawked in shock, the tremors making his heart race. Frantically, he commanded. "Use Surf in those cracks!"
Eyes snapped ope, Aggron spit a compact ball of water onto the golden splits of earth. Crashing waves burst from the impact point, climbing to swallow and retrieve every result of Earth Power. Surf didn't end its part there as they carried forward, and a huge tidal wave came crashing upon Torkoal, soaking the poor tortoise, poking his disgrace for the element.
This time it was clear Aggron's attacks had taken a toll. Torkoal huffed and grunted as it hauled itself back upright, and Ash grit his teeth. Aggron was a strong brute for sure but Torkoal was very much determined to end this on his own and Ash respected that.
"Body Slam!"
"Iron Head"
With a triumphant screech Torkoal obeyed, slamming himself into Aggron's head, careful to watch out for the sharp horns. Torkoal's attack had taken the fully evolved pokemon by surprise, and it toppled over backwards under the force of the charge with a startled cry.
"Metal Claw!"
Having bowled through Aggron, Torkoal slowed to a halt and turned to rush once more at its downed opponent. But Aggron was already back on its feet as Torkoal closed in, and this time Aggron's front claws met Torkoal's front in a fierce clash, holding it at bay.
But Torkoal would not be denied, and its feet churned against Aggron's grasp. Slowly, the larger evolution was driven back, leaving scrapes where its heels had dug into the sand. Brendan's eyes quickly narrowed, and he shouted at the two stalemated pokemon, voice laced with frustration.
"Flash Cannon!" the Hoenn Native grimaced.
Ash eyes shot up, hand raised to make a counter. "Quick, Solar Beam!"
Growing apart, the two natural rivals released the stored energies of their birth elements, Overheat and Flash cannon thriving force against one another. With no sunlight around, Solar Beam failed to fight the beam of metal and Torkoal was thrown off the beach, writhing in pain.
"Koal..."
"Torkoal, it's okay buddy. You don't have to continue." Ash pleaded as he saw the Tortoise regain his bearings, announcing his resolve and fixity of deafitng Aggron with a spray of smoke. Bursting out he landed another Body Slam on Aggron. Right then, Ash noticed something unsettling. The red patches on Torkoal's shell was glowing with warmth but heating with rage. As if Torkoal was about to...
Shit that's right! He had taught Torkoal Explosion but only for emergencies. And now he regretted it.
"Torkoal no! I forbid it!"
Aggron struggled to lift Torkoal from itself but only seconds passed and Torkoal made a self detonation. Boom, the explosion took place, and both Pokémon were careened towards their trainers. Aggron, with ability like Sturdy escaped, but Torkoal was in Abad shape. Overheated and charred, Torkoal laid in front of an helpless Ash. His determination hadn't faltered but his body didn't sem to respond to him and finally, he gave away and fainted.
"Oh man,he really wanted to win this," Ash sighed, sad that he couldn't accomplish his Pokémon's wish, "But that was an awesome start Torkoal. You did more than you could. And didn't even cry once," Ash chuckled at the capsule Torkoal was returned in.
On their opposite, Aggron struggled to lift its mass on its feet. Shocked he was, as the Torkoal once he knew had grown this powerful to just damage Aggron's system. One more move from the reptile, and Aggron was be back in the capsule, nursing its wounds. It wouldn't show so,but Aggron had gained a massive respect for Torkoal.
Pikachu urged to jump in, but Ash protested. "No hold on Pikachu. I wanna give this one a try!"
Swirling into action, Ash launched a second Pokémon into the battle. The ball spiralled and burst open, to reveal the Pokemon inside. The sands on the field, raised to worship the Pokemon as if he was their Lord. With a feral cry, the Pokemon brewed a harsh sand storm on the field. Aggron looked on in anticipation, but Brendan had to shield himself for the sand gusting into his eyes. With the moonlight, it became clear of Ash's choice as a Tyranitar stepped forward. A roar from the dark type and all of Aggron's pride was swallowed.
To challenge Aggron slammed its massive tail on the sand, triggering a small quake. Brendan wasn't sure whether it was Tyranitar's inner strength, spite, endurance or attitude, but in the end the Armor Pokémon was not phased. Ash had chose this powerhouse wisely.
"I thought better go with an heavy hitter myself," Ash grinned, resting a hand on each hip.
"Surf, Aggron!" Brendan punched forward.
"Aaaaag!" Aggron ducked its head, its steel horns glowing in the moon light. A blue sphere produced between them. The titan jerked its head forward, releasing a rushing wave. The waves from the sea collaborated, joining together to form an even stronger tide racing out for Tyranitar.
"Destroy with Hyper Beam!"
Tyranitar retaliated with blasting a violet horrendous beam of strength. Brendan only hoped the Normal type move could lose effect. Unless... It could pass through it. Water wasn't sturdy enough to drown the force behind the Hyper Beam. But atleast, the move wasn't very effective against a Steel-Rock hybrid right?
Hyper Beam crashed into the coming wave of the Surf, blasting a hole in between and splitting them, crashing down on either side of the Armor Pokémon.
Tyranitar tensed, when he felt the sand below getting wet.
"Dynamic Punch, let's go!" Ash tightened his fist.
Gruffing, Tyranitar stomped, a bright blue glow capturing his fists.
"Aggron, Autotomize and Iron Head!" Brendan rushed, face scrucned with intensity.
"grroonn" Once again, the lustrous polish took over, boosting Aggron with extra speed. Evading the Hyper Beam, Aggron charged forward, gaining extra momentum. Before Aggron knew, the other rocky reptilian had already made its reach first.
While Dynamic Punch would have hit and changed the course of the battle, Autotomize ensured Aggron's swiftness would still be in the competition. While Aggron did slam its hardened head into Tyranitar's jaw, Dynamic Punch had hit its mark in the steel hide of Aggron's gut.
Yet it counted as hit and a perfect qualification for the additional effect being Confusion. Tyranitar continued to hold his head, righting his footing. Stars were not just twinkling in the sky,but also in Aggron's vision dancing around its head.
"Damn, Aggron's confused."
"And its not going anywhere, Payback!" Ash brushed a finger under his nose.
The moment came when Torkoal was avenged, when Tyranitar struck a Claw into Aggron's skull, putting the lights out. With a hit like that, Brendan's Aggron lacked the fortitude to back up its strength, and one attempt later,succumbed under Tyranitar's assault.
Triumphant, Tyranitar screeched claiming his victory over Aggron in such a manner as it would be crowned the king of a mountain.
Exasperated Brendan stepped forward, upset over another loss. He recalled Aggron, praising to put up to good fight. Truth be told, he hadn't taken out a single Pokémon of the foe. Torkoal had used a suicidal move dealing Aggron most of the damage. And then head to head with a Tyranitar is no ordinary feat.
Best play this defensively. Brendan hurled a third Pokeball out. Oblivious to the high pressure building on their side of the battlefield, Claydol spun slowly on its axis as it sized up the increasingly vexed Tyranitar standing across from it. Keeping several eyes fixed forward, the ones at the back of its head swiveled to Brendan''s face to find its trainer frowning in concentration.
Ash straightened his stance and pondered curiously. The opponent was straight forward and cocky, but not an idiot. Having chosen a part Psychic type like Claydol against a Dark Type such as Tyranitar... so Brendan has his secrets as well. Tyranitar was a critical resource for the battle, and losing him early could prove risky. Maybe, if he could just unveil what Brendan had planned. Recalling Tyranitar, Ash set the sand brewing stage for another of his Pokémon.
"Alright Glalie, I choose you!" Ash called, tossing his next Pokeball forth.
Light flashed in the shape of the Face Pokémon. His grim smirk only added the intimidation to the night. The eerie grin couldn't stay long as it twisted when Glalie felt a whiplash of sand hitting from behind. Damn! The circumstances had ruined his entrance.
"Claydol, start things off with Psyshock!"
Claydol struck swiping those tiny hands, sending out purple streaks, sailing out for Glalie. They twisted and squiggled through the air, combining to form a powerful arc of Psychic bolt.
"Gyro Ball, break through and attack!"
Persistent by nature, Spinning into a blur with its usual silver orbit, the ice type shielded himself, sending the supernatural Psychic substance to and fro, well out of his way. Or anyone else's for that matter. Indeed, the metal sheen had done its duty of protecting Glalie.
Now with power builtup enough, Glalie launched himself in a spinning tackle. But Brendan already seemed to be on phase three.
"Claydol, use Reflect!"
A shimmering barrier appeared in front of the ground-type just in time for it to shudder in protest. The barrier held, but the raw power of Glalie's blow still left Claydol reeling.
"That was lucky…" growled Brendan as he scowled at the still-spinning ice type. Something diabolical clicked in his mind. "Ancient Power, while its still spinning!"
The stalactites that lay strewn about from the earlier earthquake attack began to levitate from Claydol's energy. Bathed in a glowing light, they rained down upon the turbulent Glalie, whose precise timing had slown down from the spinning. Glalie spun merrily, dodging the first few projectiles, but soon one found its mark, and then another and another.
But the distance caused gave Glalie a better room to dodge and he skirted through Claydol's attack with minimal damage. But again, another smack from the traitor: the Sand Stream ability Of Tyranitar. That is why Glalie always opted to go first.
An idea bounced off Brendan's head, as his cunning eyes glanced at a turn around. "Rapid Spin, quick!" he decided, with a hope that the sand storm would give them a leverage.
Spinning into a fury, Claydol whipped up a twister of sand. The frenzied maneuver began to bulk, the gyration finally unleashing a tornado at Glalie.
"Blizzard!" Ash furrowed his brows. That needed a hit to the face.
"Lie..." Great and extraordinarily enormous dark clouds raged across the dark sky bringing along a great source of distress, unrest and wretchedness.
It was none other than a catastrophic blizzard that threw hard, strong and extremely cold missiles from the sky. The sands as well as the water were almost instantly paved, with a thick, cold and an elegant coat of white, contributing immense shivers to anyone. While Claydol, let's just say Glalie went a little overboard just like always. The Ice type had turned the ancient Pokémon into a comical snowman.
Brushing off parts of the snow, Claydol began to reveal itself, cold and numb. Any source of heat would be much appreciated. However, a little exertion from Rapid Spin took care of that. Brendan winced, not having utilized Claydol correctly. He couldn't use Trick Room as that Glalie knew Gyro Ball. If he wanted to know the foe better, toying around would be the best.
"Ancient Power!"
Once again chunks of rocks hidden under the snow lifted up, soaring for Glalie. Brendan watched on in horror as how smoothly Glalie simply crunched down upon the biggest projectiles. Claydol squeaked in surprise with the way its attack was shed, and prepared to fire a second volley, this time faster thanks to the raise in all stats it received. Except it never got the chance to unleash it.
"Disable!" Ash's voice rang out in time with Glalie's erratic movements, launching a shockwave that left Claydol beginnings of it's next ancient power died mid-air and crumbled to the ground.
Brendan grimaced at their predicament. Claydol did not have any other long range move. But after witnessing Glalie's raw strength, Brendan had no interest for his Pokémon to get up close. But if they had no choice...
"Claydol, use Cosmic Power and switch with Power Trick!"
Radiating in an illuminating light, Claydol shone like the moon. It was just so beatific to watch. And it was so mysterious, as if Claydol communicated with the moon. And then, the Clay Doll gleamed, with anger on his eye, Power Trick had worked. Now it's attacks would hit harder.
"Rapid Spin!"
Accelerating it's body into a spin once again, Claydol began surfing on the snow, ready to ram into Glalie, its one and only target. Puddles of sand and snow began scattering around as Clay Doll closed in. Ash had less than time to think.
"Water Pulse!"
"Glaaaa..." Spitting out a tiny orb of pressurized water at Claydol's tip at end of the south of its body, Glalie stopped the turbulence. The secret was Claydol's body was still recovering from the frost. And using the properties, water froze the portion halting the spinning.
"What the-!?" Birch spat.
Having Claydol lured in trap, Ash decided to go for the final kill. "Sheer Cold!"
The chilly winds began howling, in herald of a huge snowstorm to arrive. Flakes began to infest the ground type, and Glalie began to channel a crackling orb in front of his mouth.
Brendan couldn't take it anymore. His fist tightened and his teeth grit. They had no choice. Only if he would have taught Claydol Teleport
"Sorry Claydol, Explosion!"
Claydol who understood why Brendan had made such a command, dutifully obey, bracing itself. Unlocking its self destruct ability, it exploded taking Glalie along. Ash gaped watching the scene, his own Pokémon performing a blow up minutes ago. He could comprehend what Brendan was going through.
The smoke threw each Pokémonaway from each other. Like a beach ball Glalie's unconscious form was caught swiftly by Ash, while Brendan too ashamed used the Pokeball on time, leaving Claydol in it for a nap.
How easily he lost three Pokémon to this stranger. What happened to him? He arrived in full confidence. Was that just virtuality? He had beaten the best Trainers of Hoenn, yet today he met his match.
Proudly smiling down at the unconscious ice type, Ash exhaled. "Nice one Glalie. You were dominating the whole battle. Thanks." with a flash, Glalie was returned.
Frowning, glares met one another. Wordlessly, both trainers selected a new pokeball from their arsenal and tossed them to begin the next round. Tyranitar reappeared with a roar, immediately defensive. The spherical device owned by Brendan jiggled bursting out to release a Rypherior.
Great! Another gargantuan! What is it with Hoennites and their obsession for rocks, ground and steel. Just hope there's not a Groudon in Brendan's belt, or that would be catastrophic.
Eyes of the two titans met one another, ready for a Clash of the titans. Growls could be heard in their breaths, and if this deadlock could get serious, both would abandon their trainers orders any moment now.
Pokémon nearby silently crept deeper into their hiding spots. Who Would wish to be in the same perimeter as these two destroyers.
"Gonna make your lizard crawl back under a rock!Rock Blast!"
The Pokemon put his onyx, stony hands in the air, spewing out a barrage of boulders.
"My lizard eats rocks for breakfast!" Ash outstretched a hand. "Outrage!"
A rage driven Tyranitar charged towards his opponent, wildly thrashing each boulder with a fist or the tail, erupting them into smithereen. Bounding towards the opponent, Tyranitar crushed the Rock Blast completely, with now an intention to crash a fist into the producer.
"Megahorn!" Brendan ordered.
Tyranitar was forced to abondon his impulse of combat, when his dark type element was threatened by a remarkably sharp glowing horn, that came in his way. Each time the horn came, he slipped to the side, each time avoiding it by mere inches.
Ash's heart was already beginning to gain a pace. He smiled nonetheless. "Grab the horn, and Outrage once again!"
Ducking under another thrust by Rhyperior, Tyranitar grabbed the sharp horn on its dull end, holding on tight. Exhibiting unbelievable strength, he stopped Rypherior's movements with his hold. He put his tenacity to use, snarling as he pummeled Rhyperior's skulls with angry punches, stopping at nothing to pound on his opponent.
Rhyperior groaned in pain, unable to stop the repeated blows to his head.
Brendan grimaced. "Shake him off and use Megahorn!"
Grunting in undignified fury, Rhyperior bucked his head, spinning his horn like a drill. This caused a cut in Tyranitar's palm making him release the giant Rock structure. Now, he made a perfect target. "Perior!" He roared, slamming his shining spike into Tyranitar's chest. Appropriately, Tyranitar screamed.
"You OK?" Ash responsibly questioned. Tyranitar huffed, grazing a hand on the bruise.
"Alright then, Payback!"
Tyranitar brandished a fist, one full of hatred and vengeance.
"Rock Wrecker!" Brendan spat.
"Rhy-Rhy-Rhy… Perior!" The Drill pokemon summoned a huge boulder, firing it.
Tyranitar's eyes went wide, his strength channeled towards stopping the oncoming gargantuan stone. He groaned as the hurling object hit the bruised spot, completely unable to stop it in its tracks. Struggling to gain any sort of hold, he screeched as the rock exploded.
Crapp..." Ash peered on with wide eyes. Rock Wrecker was the most devastating Rock Type move, known to only a few Pokémon of that class. His eyes flicked from the dust cloud to Rhyperior, it's breathing and heaving becoming quite apparent. That's the mark they had to hit. Although, they had to bring Rypherior down to hit the dark on the spot.
Tyranitar huffed, angry from the rubble, dusting himself off.
"Don't even think we'll let you take advantage of that!" Brendan scoffed. "Tyranitar is our prey! Rypherior, Hanmer Arm!"
The huge, burly Drill pokemon sprinted towards Tyranitar, ready to bring its giant hand on the reptile.
"Tyranitar, Bulldoze!"
Stomping on the beach repeatedly with full body, creating shockwaves on the tremors bombed upon Rypherior making him lose control of his footing. "Perior!" The rock type wailed in pain, stopping in his tracks to support himself on one knee.
"Damn!" Brendan hissed, face twisted by the back fire .
"Repeat the prey thing, man..."
Brendan grimaced. "Megahorn!"
"Rhy!" The pokemon growled, his horn glowing emerald. He stepped forward, only to grunt and falter in his footing.
"Knew my plan would work! Rypherior has lost double the Speed Stat from using Hammer Arm and Bulldoze. Tyranitar, Outrage!"
Tyranitar had been waiting for this. He eagerly sprung at the ailing pokemon, pummeling him with a series of clawing and whips to the face and chest, quickly overwhelming him. Seeing that Rhyperior was weary, he finished his combination with a kick to Rhyperior's chest with both legs.
The Drill pokemon groaned, sliding far back across the battlefield. It huffed, its eyes filled with fury centered on Tyranitar. Ash was awestruck by its resilience. So mesmerized that he recollected Professor Kukui's lecture on the Pokemon.
Brendan on the other hand sighed a relief. Man, he though Rypherior was a sure goner. With a fury like Tyranitar, which Pokémon could stand before the pseudo. It was hard not to enjoy the challenge before him. With that in mind, he smirked.
"Rock Blast!"
Meanwhile, Ash was along a similar train of thought. A grimace that showed quickly flipped into a smirk.
"You gotta use Stone Edge to protect yourself!"
Thumping a palm on the beach, chunks of stones exploded out, shielding Tyranitar from the multitude of boulders . Tyranitar's adrenaline rushed and he followed the sea of rocks, readying a power fist.
"Shit!" Ash bit. The effect of exertion from Outrage had rushed in. Stone Edge were crumbling the rocks, and whatever remained were crushed by Tyranitar. His body took on an orange glow after every strike, steam expelling from his nostrils.
"That's Dynamic Punch! I ain't losing another Pokémon to that again!" Brendan grunted, tightened a fist. "Dig!"
Canon arms defiantly burrowed Rypherior underneath, longer than usual as legs weren't as healthy to comply. Still, since they were on the beach, the tunnels in earth caused water to sprap out, and Rypherior could still easily maneuver under the ground. That meant Solid Rock has been protecting Rypherior all this time. Without warning, a spout hit Tyranitar, further driving him into madness.
Without orders, Tyranitar lifted himself and stomped into another Bulldoze. But the ground underneath gave away, making the Armor Pokémon fall into a hole created below. Scientifically put, even though Rypherior was lacking speed, the water had helped it to dig faster and Ash did not see that coming. Much worse, his Pokémon wasn't obeying at all!
Brendan had planned ahead by creating an opening into the beach, cause now even the tides from the sea fell into the hole, cornering Tyranitar, who screamed in agony. All its rage was channeled into frustration, and released into a Hyper Beam in the sky.
"Tyranitar, come back!" Ash sprinted towards the hole, Pikachu following suit closely.
Cautious not to lose such a precious chance, Brendan beat him to it. "Hammer Arm!"
From the walls of sand an enormous hand struck out into Tyranitar's jaw, making the pseudo dinosaur helplessly crash into the other wall, all out.
Despite it was dark, yet the moonlight aided Ash to find his Pokémon on his bottom, immobile while Rypherior hacking for breath, victorious.
"Thanks for giving it your all," Ash spoke aloud as he returned the dark type. "If only I was a bit careful with you." Clipping Tyranitar's capsule away and replacing with a new one, Ash gave Brendan the coldest stare he reserved for people like Blaine or Bea. Tyranitar could be saved, but Brendan made the wrong move by intercepting. His Pokémon would pay!
"Crawdaunt, I choose you!"
A red ruffian appeared in a flash, growling menacingly and clacking his pincers. Rypherior simply sneered. Crawdaunt narrowed his eyes in a snap. If on the beach, Crawdaunt was a master on the terrain. Be it a Rypherior or a Kyogre, he won't back down. He had a reputation of the Rogue Pokémon to live up to.
"Aqua Jet!" A trainer with straight forward offensive style, Ash made the move, unable to suppress his anger.
"Hammer Arm!"
Crawdaunt shot forward in a spiraling jet. Before Rypherior could hoist his hefty arm, the crustacean slammed into his knees, eliciting a yelp from the giant. Brendan struck, immediately catching what Ash was plotting. Rypherior winced, bring his stony arms down on Crawdaunt, only for the crawfish to be shielded by a layer of Protect.
"Crabhammer, right on the joints!" Ash punched forward.
The strong pincers flashed. No matter how thick and strong Rypherior's limbs were, Crawdaunt decided, he was gonna break them!
"daunt!" he cried as he swung forward his Claw. Weakened, Rypherior couldn't counter that, and he wasn't as relatively agile as Crawdaunt. Striking hard, Crawdaunt began battering the brute's legs. Bellowing, Rypherior was brought down to a knee. But even after being on the receiving ends, he was still durable and close, but not finished with yet.
"We gotta find a way to punch into Solid Rock," Ash grit, finding super effective attacks renderless. "Bubblebeam!"
The thought of Ash battling hardline, though, did sound kind of cool. At least, that's what Brendan was thinking. Crawdaunt obeyed again, gaining distance to spray a thick cocoon of bubbles explosively towards Rypherior.
"Megahorn!"
Shuffling forward, Rypherior tried to pick up speed, but his body was drained with vitality. He rose, only for his legs to rebel against him. With gravity defied, Rypherior kneeled, blinded by the flurry of soapy bubbles right into the face.
"rior..." He grunted In pain. It sounded like a drone from a Slowbro.
"Aqua Jet!"
"Rypherior, don't give up! Rock Blast!"
Already deprived of vision and stamina, Rypherior channeled his remaining vigor into a scramble of launched rocks. Miraculously, the veiled rocketing crawfish was hit by one boulder in the face, sent skidded.
However, fresh and newly arrived, Crawdaunt lifted himself back up. Come on, he's gonna just wave that as a pebble to the face. He's already brought too much to the fight.
"I gotta play this defensively. I can't switch out Rypherior now. I am kinda banking on my last two Pokémon to finish this." Brendan examined.
"Crunch!"
Pincers snapping wide, Crawdaunt leaped,cclasping his claw hard on Rypherior's horn. Hard to believe, but Brendan had lured them in.
"You should have known Rypheriors use their horns as a drill, right." Brendan cockily smirked.
Ash only saw what Brendan meant, when the latched water type was sent spinning into the water, when Rypherior's drilling tool. Clumsy and dizzy, Crawdaunt shook his face, lifting himself from the water. He was ready to jump in and kick ass once again, just when he heard a soft croon, a small murmur. Under the moonlight, in the sea, Crawdaunt spotted a petite Corphish pleadingly gazing at him, in their language asking if its evolved form is fine.
Confidence and driven by inspiration,Crawdaunt nodded, swimming to pat the little crawfish. Cherished, the Corphish dunk its head back into the water, letting Crawdaunt resume his battle.
Ash smirked, witnessing everything. He knew now, the Crawdaunt would hate to lose. Throwing a hand, Ash retaliated. "Aqua Jet!"
Crawdaunt took off again, boosted forward by the surfs. Eyes flashing at the spee, Brendan called. "Quick, Rock Wrecker!"
Ash narrowed his eyes, seeing the distance between the two Pokémon closing in rapidly, and the orb in Rypherior maw enlarging. Calculating the timing, Rypherior launched the suitably sized boulder, but Crawdaunt just passed through, outstretching his claw. The resulting explosion shook the waters, sending shards of stones flying everywhere. Both trainers squinted through the cloud of dust to see the results, to find Crawdaunt emerging out and smashed into Rypherior with enough ferocity to send the beast, skidding into unconsciousness.
The imprint of Rypherior was found with swirled eyes,while Crawdaunt crawled, overweening with pride. Again, a heavy loss of Brendan. The laser retrieved Rypherior back into his ball as Brendan sighed.
Man, he hasn't been this anxious since his battle with Steven. One miscalculation, and he was no longer the Champion of Hoenn. No, this won't be the same. He still has his ace Pokémon with him.
"Shiftry, come on out!" Brendan chucked the next Pokémon, intending to use the Wicked Pokémon. The sound of a click clack defined Shiftry's landing on the beach, ready for a vicious fight. Taunting with his leafy appendage, he decided to toy with the Rogue Pokémon. Sharing the same common class of being dark type, a rivalry was automatically ignited.
"Alright, let's toy around!" Ash thrust the air with an open arm. "Bubblebeam!"
"Sucker Punch!"
The wooden clicks were the only warning Crawdaunt heard before he was sent tumbling from a smack in the face. Pissed, Crawdaunt sprung back on his legs, not appreciating the sneaks.
"Crabhammer!"
"daunt!" readying a pincer,Crawdaunt took a huge leap in the air.
"Screech!"
Shiftry opened his mouth wide, letting out an ear-splitting waves barraged Crawdaunt, making the crustacean cringe in pain.
"What's the big idea? They just want to deflect all our attacks?" Ash bit.
"Leaf Tornado!"Brendan took advantage of the lull in the action. A storm of leaves was summoned, yanking Crawdaunt into its spin.
"Great… So, playing into their strategy's out of the question." Ash frowned. "Guess we'll just have to bide our time. Crawdaunt, Swords Dance!"
Even as he was tossed about, Crawdaunt snapped his claws, a red aura flashing about him.
"Not Taking the bait this time, Ash!" Brendan grimaced. "Leaf Blade!"
"X-Scissor... "
Both Pokémon vamoosed to soar towards one another. Crawdaunt efficiently shielded behind his cross of glowing claws, the one move he can use to end this, while Shiftry launching himself, one hand drawn with a green sword ready. The clashed and crossed one other, and like any samurai climax, went passing through, with silence covering up the impact.
Both landed, but did not crane their necks to look behind. The wind whistled and suspense built. Raising from his crouch, Shiftry groaned at his scars from X Scissor. Crawdaunt, who wished to continue longer, wasn't excused by the sharp pain across his body. Collapsing to the side, and there were swirls in the crustacean's eyes.
Wait! This was a very sensitive moment for Brendan. Any mistake now and this battle would be a flight risk. He has two Pokémon left and so does the opposition. All he has to do is stay alert. Shiftry's swiftness is the key he must continue with.
With a final salute, he was recalled back. Ash smiled down at the occupied pokeball. "Thanks for your hard work." His attention was directed at Shiftry. It was far from fatigue,but wasn't hard for Ash to gauge out, there were a few scratches and heavy breaths from the grass type.
But if stealth was the challenge, Ash would answer it. "We've gotta strike back, here and now!" Ash winded up, tossing a pokeball backhanded. "It's your turn, Swellow!"
"Swellow!" Swellow cried, flapping his wings on the waters driving them with force.
"Another Pokémon from the Hoenn region, you sure you the Champion of Alola?" Brendan quirked a brow, throwing a hand up. "Leaf Blade!"
Elongating a sharp blade from his leaves, Shiftry flew forward. Ash had to take a double take at what he was seeing. Shiftry's altitude over the water was amazing. Swellow who didn't have to be told, caught Shiftry by his talons, taking him for a spin towards the water.
Shiftry landed on the surface, his wooden feet providing him the ability to float on water.
"Leaf Tornado!" Brendan was running out of patience.
With a cry of his name, Shiftry spun. What started as a small cyclone of leaves erupted into a full-blown storm, worthy of its name. Countless leaves, blooming with natural energy, tore at the battlefield in every direction.
"Hurricane!"
Long, sturdy, battle-tested wings began to beat ferociously, kicking up a nasty wind that rustled the waters below. All the errant leaves were blown,doing their best to float on the water. Shiftry meanwhile, grew furious as he was battered with the unforgiving gust. A nasty, red gleam flickered in its predatory eyes, his hatred for the bird.
Brendan exhaled, his heart pounding against his ribcage.
"try.." The Wicked Pokémon grunted.
"Air Slash!"
"Sucker Punch!"
A leafy slice on Swellow's neck made the bird spit out the tiny orb of pressurized air into the sea. The Swallow coughed out, open from another strike from Shiftry.
Ash cracked his fingers. "Wing Attack!"
A whack to the face, a slap that defined payback sent Shiftry plummeting into the water, the feet continuing their marvellous job to keep the wood afloat. Signs of low stamina was now evident in Shiftry. If one move hits, Ash is closer to this victory than Brendan.
"Aerial Ace!" Ash pumped up. Oh yeah, now for the juicy part.
Flapping, Swellow ascended. A silver streak surrounded him, prefacing a speedy descent, making even the waters part as Swellow glided above them.
"Double Team!" Brendan grimaced.
Swellow's beak crashed, but only against a mirage ahead of which was nothing but air. Splitting at the last second, and once again merging into one Shiftry cackled, saved by the bell.
"Now, Rock Slide!" Brendan revealed his plan, and Shiftry raised his leaves up, following the orders. A number of boulders appeared once more, heading straight for the flying type that was already close by.
"Use Aerial Ace to dodge it!"
Already in his stride, the avian didn't waste a moment in weaving between boulder after boulder, several times coming within inches of being scraped by the careening projectiles. But years of flight and experience had benefitted him well, and it hadn't taken a single hit.
"Shiftry's gotta be a bit tired out, now... Now's our chance! Swellow, Air Slash! Now!"
The flying type's beak parted, a small blade of air began to churn in the birds mouth. Soon after, a brilliant orb of wind energy was launched, cutting through the air at incredible speeds before crashing into Shiftry.
"That oughta do it!" Ash spoke to himself aloud, satisfied with the success of his counter attack. His eyes turned to their opponent, though, who was braced behind, a curtain of leaves.
"Use Rock Slide!" A sobering shout boomed through the air, followed by Shiftry bouncing off the air. Despite Ash's hopes and suspicions, it wasn't down for the count just yet. For all he knew, it may have been faking its pain all along. Black irises trembled, teeth grit in frustration.
"Swellow, Aerial Ace again!"
Another angry screech from Shiftry, echoed through the air, followed by a flurry of boulders being thrown towards their flying target once more. The bird ducked and barreled past multiple stones, coming closer and closer to homing in on his opponent. Eyes comparable to those of a hawk centered in on the piece of wood pokemon, intent on pursuing it with laser-like focus.
This would be his downfall, as a boulder came flying seemingly out of nowhere, crashing directly into Swellow just under its beak - his functional blind spot. Ash could only watch in horror as his Pokemon had its focus knocked right out of him, finally being pummeled by several more boulders, making the Swallow immerse into the water, his state of vitality a mystery.
"Hate to be the bearer of the news, but Swellow is done for, and shortly so will you!" Brenda snorted.
"You sure about that?" Ash cocked a brow. Brendan would give anything to know what that smirk was about, and he was answered in one word.
"Reversal!"
"Damn it!" Brendan gawked.
Bubbles boiled, as a frustrated Swellow erupted from the waters, towering his flight high above the speed of no less than a bullet, Shiftry couldn't be able to keep up. Before it could fight back, the Wicked grass type was struck hard, being thrown backwards off its feet, with the flying type still in pursuit. From the impact point to the shore, Shiftry was sent toppling off, singed rather harshly and completely unconscious.
"Yeah!" Ash punched in ecstacy.
"Pika pi!"
Sighing, Brendan did no different by recalling the fallen Pokémon. "I'm guessing you planned that counter all along, didn't you?" His coy smile was mirrored by Ash - the returned gesture affirming Brendan's suspicions. A gleam of mischief went off in Ash's eyes.
"Not that you can comprehend..."
"Then I guess, we'll just stop you!" Brendan huffed, releasing his final Pokémon. "Swampert, let's Do this!"
The bulky Mudfish pokemon appeared next, materializing on the sand. Ash knew instantly by Swampert's muscle power it has been well trained and powerful as the word. Swellow, already low on stamina would not be able to continue very long, and the Bird had already done his job. All of his Party had, except the one he had been saving for last... The Special one. One who would claim the final victory.
Ash drew two Pokeballs, one that he used to recall Swellow, and the other he threw with gusto. "Sceptile, I choose you!"
Throwing the last reserved Pokeball out, Ash released one of his most arguably strongest Pokémon. With a prideful posture, the reptile adjusted the twig in his mouth. Loosening the scarf around his neck, he let air cool down the region. Brendan didn't seem so thrilled as the grass type starter was now seeming a threat to his own.
Sizing each other up as their trainers assessed their competition, a subtle posturing match began between Sceptile and Swampert. While the Grass type flexed his claws, the water type flexed his muscles. As the protector of the Forest snapped his neck, the Hoenn starter spread a bistro table sized paw.
Brendan meanwhile, reached an unfortunate conclusion: Swampert could not out speed Sceptile on land. However, that wasn't an issue. He was a water type, after all.
"Use the water!" Brendan yelled out.
Swampert splashed into action. The difference in approach was already setting a tone for the match.
"Sceptile won't be as fast in water as he is on land... Man, I sure do love a challenge," Ash narrowed his eyes and smirked." Sceptile, remember I taught you the corelation between mass and acceleration?"
"Tile!"
"Alright, use Agility!"
Scattering splashes, a green blur zipped across the waters, footwork channeling a small torpedo around Swampert as the Forest Pokémon circled around it. A Whirlpool raged with Swampert in the center, with the Mud Fish turning his head to spot an opening.
"Swampert, we'll show them type isn't everything! Use Muddy Water!"
Leaking dirt from his body, bfown mucky waters were spiralled in every direction. Yet, Sceptile was too fast to be seen.
"Giga Drain!" Ash followed, sensing Brendan was now edging to frustration.
The green blur emanated an emerald glow from the waters, and very soo n the colors illuminated the waters. From the turquoise trail of energy, three green statics wrapped up Swampert, sapping away its energy. Sceptile continued to blitz into circles until his body was filled with excessive energy he would burn later in this fight.
From the vibrance, Swampert roared in pain. This was really irritating.
"Hang in there!" Brendan encouraged. "Ice Beam!"
Missed!
"Damn it! It's hard to catch when Sceptile's moving in circles!" The rage miraculously sprouted an idea. "Swampert I got it! Use Mud Shot repeated but only at one spot!"
Swampert had regained his composure, flexing to fire compact masses of mud at one particular desired fence of the water. With unstoppable onslaught, the balls of mud hit the grass type hard, throwing him off the water, gaining Swampert a susceptibly took extra damage as water was still freezing from Glalie's Blizzard.
The reptilian had stubbornly held onto his last bit of energy, refusing to get done in by just one move.
"Can't believe I'm saying this but that Giga Drain was highly impressive," Brendan sighed.
"Sceptile, another Giga Drain!"
"Sceptiiiiile!" Sceptile let out his glowing vines again, the rest of his body captured in a green glow, with them.
""Into the water!" Brendan cried. Every bit of energy was precious jewels.
Gurgling, Swampert disappeared further into the water, where his feet weren't touching the floor. Giga Drain's tendrils crashed against the surface, spraying a cold mist. Swampert had escaped.
"Now, Ice Beam!"
A ray of ice shot out of the water towards Sceptile, who hopped clean out of the attack's range, landing atop one of the remainders of frozen sheets from Blizzard and the missed Ice Beam.
"Once again!" Brendan threw a hand out,
Swampert's face emerged from the water, firing another chilly beam, one to freeze guaranteed. The Forest pokemon escaped with another leap, soaring high above the water.
"Got them!" Brendan clicked, "Hydro Cannon!"
The Mudfish popped out of the water, promptly firing a huge glob of condensed water at Sceptile.
"Leaf Blade!" Ash gasped, fist clutched tightly against his jeans.
Coming with inches of going berserk from a possible confusion, Sceptile flailed his arms, his sharp leaves bursting the sphere into splashes. Swampert was safely within his sights now, even as he fell. "Tile!" He shrieked, launching himself to slice the water type was well.
"Focus Punch!" Brendan hollered.
Drawing the first back, the glowing punch clashed with the sharp Leaf Blade, both Pokémon engaged in a battle of physical supremacy which was at an impasse. They couldn't back down but they couldn't push further. When they felt their muscles strain, they threw themselves apart.
"Scep"
"Pert..."
"Swampert,disappear in the water!"
Swampert brought both of his fins back and penetrated the Sea water and went out of sight. Sceptile narrowed his eyes as he looked for any trace of movement so he could prepare to dodge. Seconds ticked by and Swampert was yet to attack and the anticipation was becoming too much for Ash.
Sceptile patiently waited just for a sound to near him. In the moonlight aided darkness, Sceptile couldn't afford to be a sitting duck. His ear twitched a little when he felt a movement close to his legs. A small smirk displayed his teeth, when Swampert erupted from below, a glowing fist drawn back.
"Use Detect to dodge!" Ash called out.
Natural fighting instincts helped Sceptile read Swampert's movements, taking a dart behind.
"Giga Drain!" Ash screeched. Brendan gaped.
Sidestepping, Sceptile launched the parasitic rays again. They wrapped around Swampert, painfully draining the water type. This was way more feasible than Drain Punch, and Sceptile didn't have to risk homing on his opponents. He made a note to thank Serperior next time they met.
When Swampert was finally shown mercy, he huffed, head hanging. It was obvious he was doing his best to hold it together under pressure.
"Damn! Just hooked on stealing energy, aren't ya?" Brendan levered at Ash, disgusted and turned again towards the field. "Rain Dance!"
Swampert's eyes began to glow a light blue and the wind started to pick up. The sprinkle turned into a light rain shower and another gust of wind picked up. Even if Swampert was low on steam, at least his water type moves would have a slight power up. Also, the cold winds could enhance his Ice Beam.
"Leaf Blade!" Ash yelled. End this before it gets serious.
Sceptile crossed his arms and two long, curved blades extended from his arms. He crouched down and shot at Swampert as fast as he could. His agility was perturbed by the constant pitter patter of the rain, making him slow down.
"Protect!"
The large glowing blade smacked hard but it wasn't Swampert skull, instead a huge green dome. The surprise counter didn't stop Ash as he continued to have Sceptile continue with his assault.
"Jump on the dome and use Leaf Blade once again!" Ash swayed his hands.
"You must be joking!" Brendan chuckled.
"Let's see how funny I am!"
Sceptile took the hint, and mounted the Protective Dome, using it to take a huge bound in the air. Stretching a hand out, leaves elongated into two green katanas like a saber. Just waiting for the timing, and when it came true, the dome disappeared and Sceptile left all hopes on the gravity.
Defenseless, Sceptile swiped his blade across Swampert, making him wince. The slash followed through, launching the water type with such ferocity that he smashed into a Rock pillar protruding out at the shore, leaving it to crumble and cover him in debris.
The Leaf Blade was too strong for him to stand a chance and unfortunately, embedded in concrete, Swampert went black. That was all she wrote. Gritting his teeth, Brendan retreated Swampert in his ball, before turning on a heel.
''Not even a goodbye? Awfully rude…'' Ash shrugged his head.
''Ash…'' Brendan mumbled, craning his neck. ''You don't scare me. You are stronger, I'll give you that, but next time, it's gonna be different. Don't let this victory go to your head! I am more than a match for the likes of you."
''Call me when ready…but just know, I'll be stronger.''
Cold eyes locked before Brendan gave a slight nod and headed towards his car. And Ash just smirked. He found a new rival today...
Wo-ho! The anime is bringing one surprises after the other! Bea, Flygon, Alola! Everything was so thrilling! I really have some high hopes! Plus we also have the Lucario hint! Can't wait! With the news, that episodes will now air on Friday, only boosts my anticipation.
Anyway, we can officially close the lid on Hoenn arc. Done and dusted! I was planning the next land Ash steps in would be Sinnoh, well it is, but a couple of stops after. I am creating a twist in the next chapter for which Ash returns to Kanto, for a family celebration. And then a few amendments start. Also, he'll be in Alola before going to Sinnoh. As for May, stay tuned, that's all I can say. Because now, this story is partly about her too!
Q & A:-
Does Ash have a Rillaboom?'
Depends if he catches a Grookey in the anime.
Why all of Ash's Pokemon are evolved?
We never know in the future if they are evolved or not. If in the story, I continued with Bulbasaur, and in the anime they make him return as an Ivysaur, that's just extra for me.
What plans do you have for Goh and Chloe?
Not sure. They won't be involved romantically, though.
Any Galar catches for Ash have you planned?
No.
What's the climax?
Pokemon World Championships.
Any Legendaries Ash has?
If you consider Melmetal a legendary. Apart from it, no.
Next on Back in Action:-
Gary Oak!
Brock!
Misty!
Now these chapters will get you riled up!