Welcome Back!
Wow! Finished this within a week frame! I really hope this chapter was worth the wait! I won't keep this as large as the previous two, as I desperately want to move to Koga! Ohh man! Did I slip it out again?! XD Well, we all knew how this one was gonna end anyway…
Okay, so Slowbro was no slouch, but luckily Ash did make his strategy come true. And now the Hermit Crab is an easy target. But then comes Lapras, which wasn't easy to write. Tell you what…find out yourself!
Let's go!
''Laxx!'' the heavy gourmand materialized back on the scorched beach, refreshed from infatuation which gave Ash more confidence.
"Slow…" Slowbro sat back, surrounded in a faint green mist. His health began to stockpile, once again. But his mind wasn't in the right place. Sadly, that was the only functioning organ he had. Feeling awfully dizzy all of the sudden, hardly anything made sense. Looking at the behemoth, he managed to stand up but once he'd managed that he held his head, experiencing mental trauma from the sight of the giant creature.
''Goodness heavens! It turns out Slowbro is struck with confusion from all that jam with Typhlosion!''
''Oh Slowbro…'' Lorelei buried her face in her palm, and raised it back to glare at the smirking Ash. She smiled though, intimidation totally swept away. ''I get it. You wanted to change Slowbro's ability. That's where you eyes were since the beginning.''
''Nah..''Ash refused. ''I had no other choice to be honest.''
"Talk about some rough luck," Brock lamented. "I don't think I'd be standing right after an attack like that, either. This could be bad."
''Slowbro, Surf!''
No response…
''Kinda reminds me of Psyduck…'' Misty disgraced.
''Snorlax, Shadow Ball!''
Inky black orb formed in Snorlax's mouth, striking Slowbro violently. The referee held his judgement, observing with watchful eyes. Slowbro could be seen, laying belly-up, with both him and the Shellder on his tail sharing the same dazed and defeated expression with their eyes.
''It's over for Slowbro! It was a clean flawless victory! But ooo- this is the part where many challengers gulp down their throats! Sometimes you just gotta pack it in and gear up for the next game!''
''Yay!'' May pumped her fist in the air. ''Whoo-hoo! Ash!''
''See that's what I was talking about,'' Brock crossed his arms.
''Way to go Snorlax,'' Ash punched the air.
''Snorlax!''
"To think I'm now pushed to my limit, it's been a long time since I've had this feeling," Lorelei mused, unclipping up her final PokéBall from her hair. "It feels like the rush of a river having broken free from its dam. I remember having that rushing feeling at your age, but don't think I've gone past my prime just yet."
She lobbed the last Pokeball in the water, and waited patiently for it to burst, and let the light spit out the occupant inside. The plesiosaur Transport Pokemon crooned upon arrival, his melody adding sweetness to the breeze. This one was massive. Lapras swam to the shore, craning his long neck over at Snorlax, glimmering blues eyes locked with the squint.
''Oh man! I already got the chills!''
''Alright, there's no pressure! All I have to do is take out Lapras and move on!''
''Oh man! Snorlax's bulky build makes up for the strength, but longer the match, the more weaker this game, while Lorelei tends to favor an offensive style with her ace Lapras! One that wears down opponents quickly making them easy picks for the final attack!''
Snorlax padded on the shore, taking a dip inside the freezing shallow water.
'Since Snorlax had used the last move, this time it's Lorelei's turn! Begin!''
Lapras let out a beautiful cry, filling the sky with black storm clouds. After so much summer heat the heavens broke to release a torrent of rain. Each drop was as large as a cartoon tear and they fell like gravity had been turned up a notch. Every official able to run picked up their pace holding futile hands skyward to fend off the worst.
''Oh good…rain was all that was left,'' May snorted, holding up an umbrella.
''Hydro Pump!''
The huge blast of crystalline water was a complete overkill. Apparently, it wasn't conceivable as the torrent struck home, pushing Snorlax behind. Roaring with agony, Snorlax exerted his physical pressure, blocking the gush.
''Oh yeah?'' Ash raised a questioning brow. ''You think a mini tactic like that would be enough to put down Snorlax?...Heavy Slam!''
Snorlax picked himself up and lunged above the waters. Glinting off a silver shine, he tackled Lapras with a clothesline, sending him pushed against the slushy waters.
''Yikes, it's huge!'' Misty gawked.
"Hm. Use Hydro Pump!"
Lapras managed to right himself, catching his breath. He was nursing a visible bruise below his throat, unable to pay attention to his trainer's command.
''We're ready this time, Protect!''
A green gleam prevented the aquatic assault. Lapras sneered displeased with its failure but pleased that he managed to get Snorlax on the defensive rather than the offensive.
''Belly Drum!''
Thumping his large belly, Snorlax's power piqued again. He left some of his vitality drain but Ash knew how to reimburse that.
''Lapras, Body Slam!''
The titanic weight of the Transport pokemon crashed down upon the behemoth. He flapped his arms to no avail, gasping for breath after it'd been knocked from his lungs. The violent crash of a heavyweight against the surface sounded. Snorlax was submerged, tumbling toward the depths. His primitive reaction had taken control and Snorlax thrashed with no more mind than a monkey in a whirlpool.
''Rest!''
The gargantuan sure heard that, well at least his feelings with Ash were connected. Reaching the floor of the sea, Snorlax fell into a deep slumber.
''Now there's not a single thing to worry about. With Rest active, Snorlax won't feel uneasy inside. Plus the energy lost in Belly Drum is now replenished.''
''Tensions are quickly raising high, with no answer how's Snorlax doing underwater!''
''Lapras, Dream Eater!''
''Oh shit! Not that!''
Dunking his long neck inside the water, Lapras soon located the snoozing Snorlax despite the disoriented waters. Potent red eyes stole the energy from Snorlax who shivered, suffering a nightmare. The cloud of red energy was sucked into Lapras.
''Lorelei has the ability to sneak up and pounce her tricks on her opponents with little warning. But sooner or later, Ash will find a weakness.''
''Sleep Talk!'' Ash screamed, knowing that Snorlax's peaceful slumber had just got cursed. An odd displeasure forming in his gut. That move had let him with a few bad experiences, to say the least. Already disturbed from his slumber, the sleeping Pokémon hopped to his feet on reflex under water. Snorlax parted his maw wide enough, a sound blasted out reverberating in the water, rattling any marine life around. The emitting sound waves travelled to the surface, shattering Lapras eardrums. He squealed, splashing his head out, wincing at the sounds rining in his ears.
''That was Hyper Voice,'' Misty noted.
''Pika pi''
''That is correct,'' Brock concurred. ''It works on a simple physics theory that sound waves travel much faster under water than in air. And they are louder since no background source cancels them out.''
''Sleep Talk again!''
Snorlax's lashes took an eerie glow, and right above the water, so did Lapras's form shortly after. Psychic hold took the match from there, making the huge Transport Pokemon spin inside the water like a drill. Try as to release through, Lapras was caught into it, and birled harshly, creating a twister in the sea water.
''Drill Run!'' Lorelei countered.
Since the drilling phase had already created momentum, Lapras cried, increasing impulse, into a gyro spin forcing his way out of the psychic hold. He plunged into the vortex's center, the gyrating horn struck Snorlax twice, making him tumble from one foot to another. Rather than emerging from the vortex, the attack coupled with voluntary spin. Lapras emerged from the apex, gracefully bursting out from the water, thousands of droplets rained from his form.
Shaking his large rotund head, Snorlax shook awake from his slumber, letting out a snarl. ''Snor…'' Paddling out his arms, the big cat swam to the surface and took his place at the narrow ends, where feet could be stationed.
''You're awake!'' Ash chirped.
''Snorlax!''
''Alright Ash, there's more than one way to sheer a sheep. Catch her off-guard and victory is yours!''
''Freeze Dry!''
''Metronome! Let's see what comes up!''
With a swipe of its arms, Snorlax launched a splatter of mud.
"meeee!" Lapras crowed, smacked head-on by the muck. He'd attempt to shake it free, his face coated in dirt. Nevertheless, he obeyed, firing a blast of cold from the pulse on his horn. The attack flew past Sleeping Pokemon, harmlessly blasting the water with frost.
''Wow! Snorlax is really giving Lapras a hard time!''
''Now's the chance! Hyper Beam!''
Raising his mouth, all orange particles began to coalesce in it. Snorlax shrieked, a booming magma-colored stream fired from him. The battlefield was obscured in heat and smoke, forcing those present to guard their eyes and mouths. Ash and Lorelei included, who waited eagerly for the smoke to clear. All orbs turned on the action as the debris began to clear, growing wide in disappointment.
A blue gigantic figure, floated by the support of his flippers, marked only by the number of singes on his skin. ''ras..,'' the Transport Pokemon grunted, attempting to shake off the damage dealt by the powerful move.
"Man… Talk about strong. Lapras is still hanging in there. I guess that's gotta mean it's meant for handling a lot of attacks." May remarked. From what she remembered of her past battles with Solidad… If one could call them battles, that was… That suited her battling style well. Lapras were truly a powerhouse, if used right.
''Man, when you think you have seen all in this business. I wouldn't wanna be in either trainer's shoes now.''
''Use Rain Dance.'' Lorelei snapped her fingers.
A thundering cry to the heavens brought dark rain clouds anew. Chilling raindrops peppered the field, once more.
''Brine!''
Lapras screamed out, summoning what remained of his energy and channeling it into a giant stream of water that slammed Snorlax behind.
''Protect!''
Once again, Snorlax shielded himself, but it was too late. Damage was already done. With rain combined super powered Brine, this could have been a fire type's nightmare. The cloud began to clear itself, revealing the sun once again. Snorlax doubled over hacking for breath.
"Good work," Lorelei's eyes narrowed, her lips curving into a little, predatory smirk. "Lapras, use Thunder."
Ash gasped. "Shoot!"
Lapras let out an echoing cry towards the sky. Flashes of gold danced through dark storm clouds. Crackling, before a pillar of light struck. Snorlax roared in agony. Consumed in crippling electricity, he fell towards the slushy waters.
''Oh man! It seems Lapras is seriously angered for the long run!''
''Finish this, Body Slam!''
Ash punched forward. ''Psychic!''
Hopping on the current just above the water, Lapras leapt into action, bringing his full body weight to crash down upon Snorlax, but…
Again the psychic hold halted Lapras's motion stuck in the air, and turned him around. He was yanked back down, head underwater, while flippers flailing out from struggle.
''Focus Punch!''
Lapras had his wind knocked out of his lungs, when a huge fist crashed on his belly, that he couldn't see. Bubbles left the Sea Creature's mouth, erupting outward.
''Freeze Dry!''
''Freeze Dry?'' May blinked. ''Doesn't she know that Ice Type moves won't work best against Snorlax?''
''She's definitely planning something else…'
''With all this rain, and now that we know Lapras can use Thunder, we all have a faint idea where Lorelei is heading with this.'' Brock frowned, shaking his head.
''Compared to Lapras's other teammates, Lorelei can't pull off a sneaky one with him. If you carefully watched Dewgong, you'd notice Lorelei was trying to distant Dewgong from Venusaur. Maybe with Lapras and Dewgong, she relies mostly upon a heavy attack on her opponents.'' Brock surmised.
''Now that you mention it…''
Head still dunked underwater, the Transport Pokemon fired a freezing blast right at Snorlax's under section. Below Snorlax felt funnily numb, than he usually was. In fact, his entire lower body had been frozen. Ice had captured the water around him, rising and consuming his body. In a glacier on the surface, Snorlax had been frozen solid. But the weight was now beginning to pull the titan underwater. Ash's face twisted in horror, finally catching up Lorelei's intention.
Pummeled momentarily, the water type righted himself and surfaced back up, gritting his teeth. The pain from the punch was indescribable.
''Even after a punch like that, Lapras still insists to spin! What a battle! Seems like it's never gonna end!''
''You know how they say,'' Lorelei smirked. ''The biggest doesn't always mean the best.''
"Pikachu... " Pikachu pouted.
"Lorelei got him," Brock admitted reluctantly, scratching the back of his head. Through his friend's eyes, this was hard to watch, to say the least. Even he felt a sinking sensation of disappointment. "It's over."
''It's not over yet!'' Ash spat at the group, holding his steely gaze back at Snorlax, who was submerging inside the water with pace. ''Metronome!''
Purple darts travelled like the speed of light across the fray assaulting Lapras with its barrage. The cat got his revenge. Lapras bellowed out in pain, with her eyes grew baggy beneath.
''Alright, that works in our favor! Metronome again!''
''Should he be really gambling like this, Brock?'' Misty looked up at the doctor for advice.
''I think May's the one who should be answering this one,'' he smiled at the brunette. ''After all that I have seen Munchlax and Skitty, Metronome is quite the charm.''
''But also the risk. Firstly it can't be predicted. Whatever comes up either works in your favor, or against you. I can't recall how many times that move has let me down. Sometimes it even activates Self-Destruct. In contests line, it can be both unpleasant and embarrassing. In my opinion, Ash is just taking a high risk with that move.''
A cyclone of water (Aqua Tail) hit Lapras, but this time instead of dealing damage, it replenished his energy.
''See what I mean? You never know what really comes up.''
''Alright, this has gone long enough,'' Lorelei chastised. ''Body Slam!''
''That makes the two of us, sister!'' Ash leaned forward. ''Heavy Slam!''
Strong strengthened hide, thick skin made of metal began to break through its freezing foundations. Sharp, angular structures began to melt and crack. Within, Snorlax's limbs trembled. Feet was out, rejoiced to greet moisture. Polished silver, Snorlax soared forward.
A rushing vortex of blue captured all eyes. Enveloped in those lights, Lapras swam straight ahead across the field, ready to pummel Snorlax with all his might.
''Oh I dread the collision! This is gonna be ugly…in the most beautiful sense of words…''
''Come on Snorlax….'' Ash panted.
A rippling explosion crackled where the two met, black smoke consumed both attacks. Lorelei minutely shook her head, trying to clear herself of what was rattling inside her brain. She didn't time this wrong, did she?
''This two fellows won't be happy until they blast the island into an orbit!''
''Hang in there…'' Ash winced, guarding his eyes.
''Sheer Cold!''
The smoke became thinner and distilled from pure air, but the air itself was an enemy, bringing along the harsh winds. The color black came from the two silhouettes from a long distance. Lorelei guarded her vision with a hand, hiding from the all-consuming glare, until the heat died out. Sadly only one of them stood. Perched upon frozen Snorlax's colossal belly, Lapras stood victorious but was himself in a poor condition. He coasted lazily on his flippers, heaving breaths struggled for oxygen after the demanding ultimate attack.
Snorlax wasn't budging at all.
''Snorlax is unable to continue! Lapras wins!''
Ash sighed tiredly, retrieving the giant in his capsule. ''You were awesome Snorlax. Just look how tired Lapras really is. You made the job easier for me, pal. Thank you.''
''What a series of events! Snorlax snatched the defeat from jaws of victory! It has now boiled down to one Pokemon each!''
"Ugh, they were so close." May pouted, collapsing into her seat to rest her cheek in her palm. She huffed, standing back up after a moment. "But, they went out in style! And, part of being a great trainer is accepting defeat with grace!
''He still has his last Pokemon,'' Brock assured.
"It's not like Lapras is doing much better," Misty added. "Look at it!"
Indeed, the powerful Transport Pokémon had been run ragged. Huffing heavily for breath, the Pokémon's chest rose and fell. Burn marks adorned his skin and shell, a bruise spanning just below his throat.
''Who do you think Ash saved for last? Any guesses?'' May pursed her lips in a question.
''Knowing Ash, we can't doubt his excellent selection of Pokemon. I don't know how many Pokemon he's collected over the years, but if I were him, I would probably go for the stealthy Sceptile or the enraged Infernape.'' Brock replied.
''I think we've been sitting here long enough to realize Type Advantages won't work,'' Misty deadpanned.
Grabbing fresh new ball, Ash lowered himself before launching it forward. ''You're up!''
Roaring with fury, the royal Sea Lion settled on the beach. The ocean had no shortage of predators that looked for a quick fight. And Samurott was no exception. With an appetite to battle that is unrivaled, Samurott drew one of the seamitars, and fumbled his whiskers.
''Hey I have seen that Pokemon before. I recall Max sending a picture of it from Unova…'' May mused, holding up her Pokedex, to fish out more information.
''Samurott, the Formidable Pokemon. The evolved form of Dewott. In the time it takes a foe to blink, it can draw and sheathe the seamitars attached to its front legs. One swing of the sword incorporated in its armor can fell an opponent. A simple glare from one of them quiets everybody.''
''A water type?'' Misty raised a brow. ''As much as I am falling in love with that Pokemon, Ash has just made the wrong choice at the wrong time. Lapras can use Freeze Dry which has vindictive effects on a water type.''
''Not to forget, Lapras's ability Water Absorb gives Lorelei the edge here,'' Brock added.
''it's so quite here you can't even hear the waves. Just look at the grand determination on those two faces and tell me we are not in for the most intense battle ever.''
''Perfect to lock horns heh, Lorelei,'' Ash cockily smirked.
''Hmm…if you think that is enough…'' she replied.
''Sure Ash has managed to make this far, but will Samurott's heavy hits be enough to seize the day? It takes way more than a crown and a sword to impress Lorelei's Lapras!''
''Begin!''
''Perish Song!''
A terrible, scornful glare was sent at Samurott. Boy, to say his glare was intimidating. A low, eerie chant was sung, as a light blue glow enveloped. Entire long dictated the lyrics of vulnerability. The song exploded into tunes, for kindling at this point of the battle, was Samurott's fateful pyre.
The water type grimaced at the foreboding melody.
''Samurott is cornered!'' May clenched her fist. ''And Ash can't even switch out!''
"No good," Brock shook his head. ''If Ash doesn't knock out Lapras in three turns, we all know this was a good trip.''
''I told you she'd play him!''
''Had to take fun outta it, didn't you?'' Ash sneered. ''What you gotta class or something?''
''If I would, my students would be watching me beat you,'' Lorelei favored another tight smile.
''Yeah….well the jokes on you. Teaching also indicate signs of a failed career,'' Ash quipped, pushing himself into deep thought. 'We'll just have to finish 'em off, before Perish Song counts down.'Ash smiled to himself, and extended a hand. ''Retaliate!''
''Lapras, use Thun- huh!'' she couldn't finish. Her eyes went wide, deep behind those glasses. Oh how bewildered she looked, so doubtful and quizzical. She wondered if anyone else saw what she did. Her voice couldn't left her throat. A rush of fear gripped her. Could this really be true. On the opposite end, right behind Ash she spotted something, illusion or supernatural, she didn't know, but he was right there standing behind Ash, throwing a hand out mirroring Ash's action.
''Red?''
She caught a glimpse of Samurott drawing his sword, just like Red's Charizard reared those emerald claws for the finish all those years ago. It was so nerving watching all this, even the stoic, stone cold Ice Master was trembling.
She recalled everything. Everything word of Red's prophecy….Her mind stopped thinking, and she was pushed into the past.
Flash back, 24 years six months ago,
"Look at that, there's a celebrity in my office!" Lance marveled. "Oh hello to you too, Red!"
Delia and Agatha both laughed, while Blue playfully rolled his eyes.
"Real funny, Lance," Red scoffed.
"My, look at this little stud!" Blue gasped, getting to his feet to gently hold the baby's face in his hands. "He's just going to be a pain in the ass when he grows up, isn't he? Like a certain someone."
A vein popped in Red's forehead, and Delia's laughter only strengthened. Lance just smirked, knowing exactly where Red's reaction stemmed from.
''Yeah well,…Gary still wears a frock. Burn.''
''Whatever man, our boys are gonna be a real hit in the next decade,'' Blue smiled, ''But I have a feeling you're gonna raise yours just the nerd you are.''
''You think you turned out fine?'' Red scoffed. ''At least my Dad doesn't forget my name…''
''Hey, he's a renowned scientist, it happens!'' Blue scorned.
Tired of their never ending bicker, the Ghost Master silenced both of them with a thump of her cane on the floor. Old as she was enough and a bit miffed as always at the topic of Professor Oak, she approached the baby cradled in the Champion's arms.
''Oh my sweet,'' Agatha crooned the baby. ''Reddick, I believe you have done a fine job for your replacement…''
''This could be my only shot!'' Red grinned.
''Hey, what do you mean by that?'' Delia snorted. ''Do you mean we are not gonna have another baby?''
''No, that is not what I meant at all! I'm just saying I have high hopes for Ash.'' Red sweatdropped. Blue and Lance only glanced at each other and sighed.
Ash let out a shriek and reached out towards the old lady's hair, trying his best to tug it. Red shrieked and pulled the baby away from the elite trainer, causing him to whine in frustration. ''Ash, that's not nice! You can't pull a person's hair like that!''
''Oh don't scold the dear child, Red,'' Agatha assured. ''This are the prime times of the toddler for stirring mischief!''
''Yeah…but we are at the receiving end….''
''shouldn't Bruno and Lorelei have been here by now.'' Blue wondered. ''Or were they stuck at the convention again?''
''I think I saw them earlier….'' Delia began.
''Them who?''
Delia looked over her shoulder and was surprised to see the two aforementioned trainers standing in Lance's doorway.
"Just complimenting your punctuality," Lance lied smoothly, an impish smile playing on his lips.
Even though just of sixteen, Lorelei wasn't fooled. She knew the male redhead was up to something. She looked like she wanted to say something snarky, but the flashy scurry of the giant besides her caught her distraught.
''Whoa, look at that!'' Bruno amazed in his rough voice, staring down way down, at the five month old baby in Red's arms. ''What's up kiddo!''
Ash blinked his auburn onyx eyes, staring deeply at the giant tanned hulk.
''Oh yeah, you and Lorelei haven't seen him. Say hi to Ashton Christopher Ketchum!''
''I get to name our next one,'' Delia drawled.
''What is your obsession with children?'' Red scowled, while Bruno looked in her direction and beamed. ''Oh you brought the wifey as well!''
"'Wifey'?" Delia repeated, scrunching her nose up.
''Hey you know something…Ash looks just like Delia!'' Bruno cackled, making the others sigh in the room. He rubbed Ash's cheek gently, as the baby tried to hold the large finger in his hands.
''Hmmm…now that you brought it up,'' Blue scoffed. ''I think so too, but maybe that's because she's his MOTHER!''
"Not quite," Lorelei contested, walking over to the fighting type specialist's side. "He has Red's face. Look at his nose. He has Red's mouth too, only lips are fuller. Eyes and color has Delia written all over him.''
''Oh thank you Lorelei!'' Delia cupped her hands, blushing red hot!
Blue whispered near Lance. ''How could women pick out those and we can't?''
''That's easy. They have a finer eye for detail.''
''You tell me,'' Blue sighed. ''I stopped looking at their details since I got hitched.''
A dark, death glare from Agatha made Blue's spine go cold, and he gulped.
''So, Red,'' Lorelei couldn't help but ask. ''What plans do you have for him? Is he gonna a be a Pokemon Master too?''
Red grinned, looking down at his son, who was gurgling to reach out to his father.
''He'll be the very best one…no one ever was…''
Her mind was brought back to the present. The last thing she saw of Samurott was the fearsome glint in his narrowed eyes before he disappeared in a blur, much to everyone's shock. That haunting growl gave away his position as Lapras looked up. The Formidable Pokémon was right overhead, much to Lapras's silence and Lorelei's failure to counter.
With no nature of forgiving he had brought along today, the Sea Lion dealt a punishing strike on top of Lapras's head, all that anger from Snorlax's loss was retaliated back with vengeance. He passed through the Plesiosaur, seamitar still making a swipe.
Landing on his hind legs, Samurott waited.
Everyone looked on with pantomime curiosity.
With one last frosty breath exhaled, Lapras lowered his neck and fell face first on the sand, rendered unconscious as revealed through its spiraling pupils. There was no question of any vitality after a Hit like that.
''Lapras is unable to battle! The winner of this battle is Samurott! And since Lorelei is out of Pokemon, the victor of this Champion's League Battle is Ash Ketchum!''
Lapras joined her teammates, whose colors were switched off from the scoreboard, leaving only Samurott. Under Ash's visage, the word written in gold and bold flash : WINNER.
''And it's done! What an awesome outcome from such a wild ride! Both are Champions in my books.''
"We… we won!" Ash laughed tiredly. He expected to explode into cheers. To boast. To revel loudly in his victory. "Phew… and that was just the first one, huh? Talk about a close call." The trainer wiped sweat from his brow, smiling to himself. "Somehow, I got the feeling it'll only get tougher from here."
''rott…''
Ash looked up, and saw Samurott undulating towards him, giving away a triumphant grin. With no shame in admitting he was still pretty attached to Ash, the water type leaned his body weight into him, ignoring the wince he elicited from the human, thanks to his spikes.
"Well done." Ash smirked in turn, "You were awesome."
A red flash consumed him Samurott, making him at home in his Pokéball.
''Ash!''
''Pika!''
The raven haired trainer turned around, eyes didn't take a minute before he was tackled down by a yellow blur.
''Pika pi!''
''Yeah bud, we did it!''
As he cozied the mouse in his arms, his face was met with May's next. Onyx hues swam deep in those sapphire orbs. Next a voluptuous breasted woman came onto him. May captured her boyfriend in a hug, throwing her arms around his shoulders. Sniffling, she buried her face in his marked cheek, leaving a stain of her lips.
''You did it…I knew you could!''
Ash smiled, stroking May's back. He needed a propping up like that, after this battle. Her breasts were being squished against his chest, and he blushed crimson. If this is what he gets after whopping an Elite Four, maybe he could get lucky the night he beats Lance.
May and Ash stood upright once again on the field, fingers still entwining with each other.
"You did it, you dumbo!" Misty chirped, meeting the man up-front. He got a friendly punch in the arm, instead. "Way to go, Ash. Never thought you could knock an Elite out of the park like that!"
''Yeah…I heard you cheering me on…'' He squinted his eyes after the joke. ''The kinda cheering brought me this far. How about you become a mascot for every opposition.''
''Well,…you know how I worship Lorelei…'' Misty laughed sheepishly.
Brock stifled a chuckle and stepped forward first. He looked down upon Ash, clapping a hand on his friend's shoulder. "Congratulations, Ash." Lit with gentle, fraternal pride, Brock admired his best friend. "Your unpredictability won you this one!"
''Thanks…Really means a lot to hear from you guys.''
"What a performance!" May cooed, stepping up to Ash, her fingers linked together. "Seriously, I think that was your best battle, yet!"
"You guys are too much." Ash grinned bashfully, rubbing his head. "We just did what we always do, and fight our hardest!"
''And I hope you'd continue that attitude forth.'' Came the voice of the older woman standing behind them. She appeared as tranquil and spacey as ever despite the cold and merciless persona she held during the battle.
"… Lorelei… how was I…?" Ash broadened his shoulders as a sign of respect when addressed.
"Nothing else can be said what's already been shared in our battle, young man," Lorelei replied, extending a hand out for the Pallet Town Trainer to shake. "You've raised your Pokémon so well, though I can tell that they've had a harsh push to become as strong as they are now. It was probably one of the most unpleasant experiences you've ever had in life."
"… Mm…" Ash nodded, shaking her hand. ''Lorelei, if you don't mind me asking…you were spaced out during my last call, weren't you? Don't you think you could have easily countered that?''
Her fingers rose to hide a small chuckle from her lips. She turned away from him, and gazed at the sea. She answered differently, the one totally opposite to Ash's question.
"You know, it's strange. During our battle, you reminded me a lot like a certain trainer. Your styles were similar in terms of aggression and power, yet completely different at the same time. My, he was a trainer even the other regions feared. Say Ash, aren't you the son of Red Ketchum?''
''Yeah…kinda surprised you knew that.''
''Well, then. My suspicions were correct.'' Lorelei giggled. ''To think the boy who took a tinkle on me would be the same one to defeat my Ice Style.''
''Tinkle?'' Ash quizzed, recalling if he ever did that. ''I don't think I ever did that to you in Mandarin Island, Lorelei. Besides, I stopped peeing on people at…seven.''
''That was not the first time I met you, handsome.'' Lorelei suppressed. ''Your dad would bring you a lot to the Headquarters. I have known you since then.''
''Oh…well that clears it up.''
''Pi…'' the rodent poked Ash's cheek.
''Hmm…What's up?''
''Pika…'' the mouse pointed behind him. Ash craned his face around his shoulder to watch his friends shocked and jaw hung down.
''What is it guys…You look like you saw a ghost or something…''
Misty, the short tempered as always, grumbled. ''After all these years, you never bothered to tell us you are the son of the 'Red Ketchum'?''
''Well, it never come up…'' Ash chuckled shamefully.
''You can't sprang that on us!''
''Never thought it was a big deal anyway,'' Ash reasoned. ''Hardly knew him.''
''Well,'' Brock conceded. ''Explains the natural talent.''
''Thanks Lorelei,'' Ash turned back to the elite, as making her wait would seem disrespect. His serious expression gave way to a glowing grin. "You really made me give my all! I hope we could battle real soon sometime."
"I'd be failing as an Elite Four member if I didn't," Lorelei replied. ''I am happy to report you have grown a lot stronger than the last time we fought. Carry on ahead. You have just got a taste of the Pokemon League's power. But let me warn you, the rest of the Elite Four are far stronger than me. It only gets tougher from here.''
''I wouldn't have it any other way,'' Ash balled a fist. ''Do you happen to know who am I gonna face next?''
Three figures standing behind him and a rodent on his shoulder fell face-first on the ground. Ash paid no heed.
''Well, of course. Your next battle will be against Koga, the poison type specialist.'' Lorelei responded. '' You'll find him and his venomous Pokemon in the forbidden forest, north of Fuschia City. And trust me, it is no picnic visiting that place. I recall your battle will take place next Friday.''
''Correct…''
''Give my compatriots hell, okay,'' Lorelei icily smirked, adjusting her glasses. With a look of acknowledgement to the rest, she turned around and walked away.
''Alright…think what you want. But when I beat Lance, it's gonna be my victory, not my father's.''
Ash heard a groan behind him. He turned around beamed at them…''Hey guys, what do you see we roll to the other side of the island and party hard?''
If they were gonna stay in for the night, they would definitely take the advantage. And after a struggle like that with Lorelei, what would be the best way to celebrate the victory over their bitter cold foes.
Old days reminiscent, the gang ignited a fire and with the equipment they had along, they set the table. With Brock around, worrying about food was futile. While the crowd of pokemon devoured their offerings, most of all, Ash's team, the humans enjoyed their sharings of processed foods.
Brock sighed hard. ''It was so good to see Lorelei in person. If only I was available, I would have asked her out and made her fall in love with me.''
''Okay, A) No…and B) Do you think being unavailable is the only thing stopping ya?''
''I'm a doctor,'' Brock reasoned, miffed.
''Yeah…who treats ouchies off Pokemon.''
''Alright, she's way out of my league, but it wouldn't hurt to dream..''
''I thought you didn't have a league,'' Misty muttered silently.
''You said something?''
''No nothing,'' Misty hesitated.
Ash's phone chimed again. He tiredly groaned and reached for it. 'I m getting these all day! I'll just reply thanks to all…''
He gently touched a screen, popping up a holo-gram. Using tools of voice recognition, each messages were responded with a considerate 'Thank You' attached with a Smiley.
''Do you wanna ask?'' Misty whispered over to Brock. He reluctantly chewed on, making Misty groan even more.
''Ash?''
''Yeah Mist?''
''I know you're tired of this question…but just what is that?''
''A phone obviously Mist.''
''Oh I see, but I was more curious about the hologram part. You see, our phones don't do that, just yet.''
''Ah! Okay, watch this.'' Ash pulled his tongue out, concentrating as he extracted a small chip, a microprocessor from his phone. Once the card was out, the screen was left with no color, neither a case. It was a simple rectangular glass screen. Ash zipped out a similar transparent screen from his bag, next to his chair, and simple placed the micro-chip on it. Activated to life, the chip merged into the glass, encasing its technology all over it. The cell phone became restored to life, and upgraded with updates.
''This guys, is a more advanced version of the Rotom Phones we came up with. We are working on it since past two years. With only this chip, you can make a cell phone out of anything made up of glass. Size doesn't matter, as you can also upgrade it into a TV or a Laptop. You can lose your phone, but not this baby. With this, you data is always secure. And in case of theft, it will immediately alert the nearest Police Station, with your details. Work is still in progress, that's why we never launched it yet.''
''You think people will buy those?''
''Buy them? This will be the hottest thing. Just imagine, all these telecommunications companies will be non-operative and will be looking for a sale. That's where I jump in and buy them at half of their worth. That is both evil and genius.''
''Beautiful…'' Misty snorted.
''Seriously Ash I can't overstate how impressed I am by your battle today. If Max were here, you'd have a devotee.'' May admired, taking a slurp of her stir fry.
''Well you know,'' Ash took a bite of his broccoli, swallowing it down. ''I just believe it was some choices I had to make the last minute. If my Pokemon didn't give it their all, I would never have known the opposition's power. Am I right or what?''
''Pika Pikachu!''
''Saur!''
''Raww!''
''ZZZZ...''
''Rott!''
''Phann!'' (Donphan: Ash's sixth member he had chosen for today, trumpeted.)
''Enjoy your meal guys! You worked hard today!''
''Honestly, when you chose Samurott as your last Pokemon,'' Misty shook. ''I thought it was all over.''
''I did too,'' Ash grinned, looking over at the Sea Lion chomp his food. ''But I put everything up to the fate. If I hadn't recalled Snorlax when he was infatuated by Jynx, I would have lost the edge early. Luckily his Special Defense came a lot handy, in tiring out Lapras and all I had to do was unleash Samurott on him.''
''I was very much intrigued the way you chose your Pokemon today, and efficiently used them.'' Misty appreciated.
''It was no biggie. I was up last night streaming battles of Lorelei, Glacia the Elite Four of Hoenn and Wulfric the Gym Leader of Kalos. Plucking out ideas you see. Most would question why I chose Samurott, but I needed a Pokemon who would have the terrain advantage a well. I created a paradigm using the five stats – Attack, Special Attack, Defense, Special Defense and Speed. And it made my work easier to categorize the selection.''
''I see,'' Misty nodded, before mumbling something into May's ears. ''You don't have to do this. You can do a lot better than him.''
''Anyway…'' Brock picked up. ''Speaking of team, have thought who you would choose against Koga.''
''Right when I beat Lorelei this afternoon.'' Ash slumped into his foldable chair. ''Koga uses Poison Types. They are tricky and pull a lot of sneaky stuff. I just have to counter with that. Can't just bank on one battling style you see.''
''So you wanna keep us under the table a little longer, don't you?'' the doctor joked.
''No it ain't like that. You'll see them tomorrow for a pre-jitter training.'' Ash spoke aloud. ''We leave after breakfast. Fuschia City isn't far from here so we'll reach there by noon.''
''Cool…Hey, I think the Chichibu Yomatsuri Festival is in season, so get your Kimonos on.'' Brock educated.
''We don't have any on us.'' Misty and May stared at one another and refused.
''We can rent those off the markets.''
''Shoot!'' Ash yelped, hopping up off his chair.
''What is it?'' May questioned.
''I just remembered, I have packed low on bathroom stuff and I even had to buy underwear!''
''You couldn't stop at bathroom stuff?'' Misty scoffed. ''Now I'll get all sorts of images.''
''didn't your Mom say she packed them for you?'' Brock helped.
''The wrong size, and all of them are whities.'' Ash whined.
''Uhhh…stop it!'' Misty clasped her head.
''Ironic, your mother reminds you the same thing from last fifteen years, and you forget even that. Does your mother even know you change your underwear regularly?'' Brock chuckled.
''Yeah…every time she puts me on her knee…''
''Long back?''
''Last week…'' Ash shamefully hung his head.
''That's okay,'' Misty calmed down. ''Daisy always lectures me about protection too. I just hate her for that.''
''My mom does the same with sanitary pads.'' May sighed. ''and excessive makeup.''
''Yeah my mother never lectured me on protection.'' Ash smiled widely, proud of that. ''Apparently, she wants a grandchild too bad.''
With a round of laughs, Ash and company enjoyed their night, winding down from a long day of heart-thumping battles. A nice reprieve; but, one that wouldn't last long, with the battle with the treacherous Koga just out of reach.
Three weeks for a Pokemon Episode! Man the wait will be torturing. Rumors are they'll revive a Dracovish and Ash will catch that! Man, it will be disappointing if that doesn't happen in the first episode of 2021.
I see that my story has crossed 300K Words, and I'm exceptionally proud.
Thank You for staying with me!
I hope I could deliver the Koga Chapter just as same!
See you all soon!
