Chapter 8: Argenta vs Ash (Part 1)
About five minutes later, a young blue-haired professor, Professor Casin, wearing a Ralts ugly sweater, was carrying a few gifts and a basket full of berries. He would arrive at Argenta's house a bit late to his liking. He would come up to the front door and saw a note. "To any guests for the party; all are at the backyard for the holiday battle." He sensed something big as he could feel the battle brewing. "I wonder who is battling this year?" As he would head around back, he spots a familiar friend. "Gardevoir! Happy Holidays" Gardevoir smiled and takes the basket of berries. "Gardevoir!" He didn't noticed at first. But she has a lovely pendant with a rare stone on it. "Is that a Gardevoirite on your pendant?" She nodded as she would escort him towards a familiar spot in the area. He thought to himself as he was carrying the presents. "So Argenta has a new Pokémon that can mega evolve." Gardevoir smiled as she knew he would be thinking about the pendant. But had plans of her own.
Meanwhile, not too far from the house, everyone was gathered as they would see a battle arena. Many knew this arena, was the spot to train their Pokémon. But it's the site for the annual holiday battle. And this year's one promises to be huge. Kukui looked on and was rather nervous. A rarity for him as he had a feeling about something. Burnet, holding onto her son Lei, noticed Kukui and asked. "Hun, what's wrong? Out of all of us, you should be the most excited about your son battling." He nodded and answered. "True, but can you feel the energy out there? It's just like Poni Island." She gasped as she was a bundle of emotions back then. But realized what he meant. "You mean when you fought my dad? (Then it hit her that if what Kukui say is true..) Then that means that we have to brace for impact when it happens." Kukui nodded and saw Anabel approach them. She, like Kukui had a feeling this battle would not be for the faint of heart. "Kukui, I'm worried. I never saw Ash this calm before a battle. My mother may be over the top; But she won't hold back for anyone. And yet, he's going into the lions den without a care in the world." Before Kukui can answer, Burnet would reply with a smirk. "Ash is definitely the spitting image of my late father. Though at times reckless, he would show no fear in the battle. (She can remember in particular, Ash's last grand trial on Treasure Island. To say nearly had a motherly breakdown is an understatement.) He won't back down, no matter the opponent or the situation." Anabel nodded but had one question. "Everyone has talked about your dad. What did he looked like?" Burnet chuckled as she knew this could be funny. "Promise not to get mad at us? (Anabel nodded as she braced for it) He's not Ash's father. But, you know..." She would show Anabel the picture of her late father and her face was redder than any traffic light. "That's your FATHER!"
Burnet chuckled as she saw Greta and Lucy peek over Anabel's shoulder. Greta couldn't help herself at this opportunity. "Well well, I guess we can wait a few years before pursuing Ash." Lucy chimed in as well. "Say, if Brock is unavailable, are you cool about an open relationship." Anabel shooed the two out as she was still flustered about the picture. "Burnet, this has to be a joke. He's Ash, like twenty plus years in the future." Olympia, slid in and would whisper in her niece's ear. "Don't rush it Annie. When you get older, you'll be spending more time with him like this." She smirked as she had to keep her thoughts PG. "Aunt Olympia! I'm already ten shades of red right now." She pouted, but in the back of her mind she had thought of what Ash might look like down the road. To say she got her wish is priceless.
Palmer would be on the field in an official Pokémon referee uniform; as he will lay out the ground rules for this match. "This is Argenta's annual holiday battle set in the house of Capulets. (Apparently Palmer was given announcement cards.) The match will be a two on two battle. There will be no time limit; and both trainers can substitute Pokémon at any time. The winner will be the trainer with any remaining Pokémon. (Everyone was still on edge as they were dying to see the trainers come out.) Okay; representing the house of Montague, he is the first Alolan League champion, Ash Ketchum!"
Ash would come out, along with his buddy Pikachu. He would be greeted with cheers from Anabel and his family as there was a calm demeanor from him. Something felt at ease with him; maybe because he thinks of this battle like a gym battle. But Pikachu felt something different from Ash. He's not worried, but knew it was going to be big. Palmer saw Ash would be on his side; as he would read the announcement of Ash's opponent. "And now, lords and lasses; representing the House of Capulets. She is a three time Ribbon Cup champion. A League Champion of Johto and a two time League Champion of Sinnoh. (Everyone thought this was overkill to announce Argenta. But this was her party, and would let Palmer continue.) And the Hall Matron of Sinnoh and Johto; Lady Queen Argenta!" Argenta would come out slowly, in a red and gold medieval hennin; or head dress. The style looked like a heart; and covered with jewels around the heart. It's draped with a lace red gown as she would appear with regality; Despite wearing her Alakazam ugly sweater. As she turn to her side of the arena; she looked over at Ash, and had a smile on her face; to which Anabel, Lucian, and Olympia saw with gasps. They knew this was Argenta before a battle; like the calm before the storm, that was her true nature.
As everyone saw the trainers awaiting the start; Scott was sitting right by Delia, along with her Mr. Mime videotaping the battle; had a question. "Miss Delia?, I have to ask, have you seen your son like this before a battle?" Delia smiled as she would answer in kind. "Well Scott, I would say the only other time I've seen him like this was when he took on Professor Kukui. But, (She looked at her Ashy and knew that wasn't the case.) I would say this is the first time I've see him this relaxed. Either he has a strategy already; or he's putting on a great poker face." He smiled as he replied. "I hope you're right about this." Scott looked at Ash once again and even he was perplexed. Sure he saw him face Brandon four times to finally win the Battle Frontier. But even those times, he never saw him like this. Palmer stepped backed as he would make the first call. "Lady Queen Argenta would call out her first Pokémon."
Argenta smiled as she pulled out her first Pokémon. "Now the curtain opens to a battle like no other. The stars align as the spirits watch the conflict resolve. May the spirits guide the Capulet and Montague to a peaceful resolution." Olympia chuckle as she thought her sis was at it again, being overly dramatic. "Come on sis, we do have karaoke tonight." Argenta pouted, as she hate to be rushed. "Alas poor sis, it will end in a moment. (She tossed her poke ball in the air.) Drifblim take the stage!" Everyone saw a floating purple and yellowish looking balloon Pokémon; seems baby Lei thought it was a balloon and was trying to grab it. Despite being held by momma Burnet. Burnet looked at her son and smiled. "Don't worry, daddy will show you what it is." She nodded as Kukui would pull out his Pokedex; and show his son a description. Drifblim, a balloon Pokémon. A ghost and flying type. Some say this Pokémon is a collection of souls burdened with regrets, silently drifting through the dusk. Kukui looked at Ash and wondered what he was going to pull out first. He thought to himself as He was nervous. "Alright son, what will you counter with?" Ash smiled as this was not his first encounter with Drifblim. He chuckled as Pikachu would leap off his shoulder and looked on. Normally he would leap onto the battlefield; but had a feeling it won't be battling today. Ash looked at Argenta with a smile, as he has his poke ball out. "This outta be a blast; but at least I'll have a ghost of a chance this time. (Argenta looked on, as he tossed his poke ball out.) Gengar I choose you!"
As Gengar would appear; everyone gasped at the size of the ghost Pokémon. Delia smiled as she remembered that Pokémon from last year's party. "Our party ghost has come once again." Burnet, who couldn't help herself had to chime in. "Like grandpa, like grandson." Kukui smiled as he saw Ash's Gengar. It was as big as Acerola's Gengar. He had to agree with his beloved. "Imitating your grandpa Ash? I know this will be good!" The others were surprised by Gengar's size. But apparently Anabel rushed to the battlefield, with a grin on her face. She would approach Gengar as she wanted to know this Pokémon's past and feelings. "I see (Gengar blinked, as Anabel looks at him.) Your former trainer abandoned you. He claimed you were bad luck. But looks like your luck has changed with Ash; am I right? (Gengar smiled and licked her; causing her to giggle.) Alright, (She would kiss his cheek gently) you stay safe out there. (She would approach Ash and kiss his cheek gently.) You better not lose out there love." That caught Ash by surprise as he didn't expect her to kiss him prior to battle. Argenta saw that kiss and was 'upset'. "Treacherous daughter of Capulet. How dare you side with that Montague!" Anabel giggled and stuck her tongue out playfully. "Sorry mother, but I have to root for my boyfriend." All Anabel could hear are Snickers from Greta and Lucy as she knew she'll never hear the end of it.
Argenta and Ash shook their heads before getting back to the battle at hand. Argenta looked at Gengar and knew for its size; it would be giving up speed. Before she could make her move, Ash would start out with one. "Gengar use Mean Look" Gengar's eyes glow dark red, as eyes appear all over, before Drifblim was glowing slightly red. This move prevents Argenta from switching Pokémon. Olympia saw that move and knew her sis wouldn't like it. She knew sis doesn't like to be confined or backed into a corner. "Well sis, looks like Ash has picked up a few tricks." She had to giggle a bit, knowing Ash is one trainer that you can't predict. Argenta smirked as she didn't anticipate that move. But would make her move. "Alright Ash, you want a ghost fight. I'll make you regret this. "Drifblim, use Quick Attack!" Drifblim moved towards Gengar with break neck speed. Ash knew his Gengar was at a disadvantage in the speed department. But had some tricks to make up for it. "Gengar wait for it, (Ash saw Drifblim and made the move) use lick!" When Drifblim was in range, Gengar would use his long tongue to knock Drifblim to the side.
Argenta was surprised that lick attack had some power as she didn't show her frustration. But wanted to keep going on the attack. "Drifblim use thunderbolt" Ash saw that and would counter "Gengar use thunderbolt as well." Both attacks cancel each other out, as so far Gengar is holding its own against Argenta's first Pokémon. Lucian looked on and saw his mother cool and calm with a smile on her face. But he can tell she was getting frustrated that she has yet to break Ash's strategy. He thought to himself "mother, don't let Ash get to you. He's unpredictable yes; but you're an coordinator. Use that to your advantage." Argenta looked at Gengar and thought of something sweet. "Alright Ash, try this out. Drifblim, spin around and while spinning, use will-o-wisp!" Drifblim spins like a top before launching bright purple flames towards Gengar. Ash saw this and smiled, as he knew that strategy well. "Gengar, use shadow ball back to back!" His Gengar would launch shadow balls and once again both attacks cancel out. The two attacks showcase a wonderful firework display; which got oohs and ahhs from the crowd.
Tobias saw Argenta's expression of disbelief and knew this was getting bad for her. He looked over at Anabel who was just as concerned about the battle. "Anabel, have you seen your mother like this?" Anabel sighed and replied. "No. Ash is besting her, not only by moves. But by of his knowledge of contest moves as well. It's not like for her opponent to be a step ahead of her. But she's facing what were up against; an unpredictable opponent." Argenta looked over at Ash and Gengar and saw how relaxed he was. She thought to herself. "How can he be this calm after that. And here I am the one struggling. (She shook her head trying to calm herself.) So this why my daughter said that he's hard to predict. (She smiled knowing beating him would be sweeter.) Now I know what to do."
Ash looked over at his Gengar, as he knew they would have to be ready for anything. "Stay sharp out there Gengar." Gengar nods as Argenta would declare her next attack. "Drifblim, use ominous wind." Drifblim eyes glowed purple, before a gust of purple haunting wind would head towards Gengar. Ash quickly would make his move. "Gengar dodge" His Gengar would dodge the attack; only to see Drifblim right above him. Argenta knew her speedy Pokémon would make this possible. And was now ready for the final strike. "Alright Drifblim, use Hypnosis! (She saw her friend used no attack as she was baffled.) Drifblim, why aren't you using Hypnosis?" Then she gasped and saw Gengar glow a dark purple. Her anger was justified as she knew the ability. Burnet saw the glowing Gengar and was surprised. "What happened to Gengar? How it avoided Hypnosis?" Olympia would chime in "Ash's Gengar has Cursed Body as an ability. Meaning at anytime, it can disable a move for a short period of time." Burnet smiled as she chanted. "Way to go Gengar!" Olympia couldn't believe that luck. But chuckled as she had to admit, that was Ash alright. Something like that would change the landscape of a battle.
Ash saw this opening and didn't waste time. "Gengar use shadow ball back to back." Gengar would leap up and launch multiple shadow balls that would hit Drifblim, knocking it to the ground. "Drifblim!" Argenta couldn't believe her friend was down from a super effective move. But before she could counter, Ash would finish this. "Gengar use ice punch." Gengar would move in, as his right hand turned icy white, as it would strike Drifblim for a super effective finish. The impact caused a brief little cloud; but as it settled, Drifblim was frozen solid. Palmer moved in to make it official. "Drifblim is unable to battle!" The crowd cheered as they were in shock to see Argenta's first Pokémon go down. Anabel in particular, wanted to hug Gengar. But was shocked to see Gengar glow red, and in pain. Ash looked on as he was baffled by this. "Gengar, what's wrong?" Lucian knew this and chimed in. "That's Aftermath. If a Pokémon finishes off another Pokémon with a contact attack, the Pokémon in question loses at least a quarter of health."
Anabel saw her mother smile, as she returned Drifblim to her pokeball. She thought to herself at that moment. "Even in defeat, you're already striking back with a vengeance. (She looked over at Ash with concern.) Love, be careful. My mom won't hold back any longer." Palmer checked out Gengar as he asked Ash a question. "Ash, do you want to switch Pokémon?" Ash looked at Gengar and asked him. "Want to take a break pal? (Gengar shook off that ability and shook his head no. Seems he's ready to go.) No Palmer, Gengar will continue."
Meanwhile, not too far from the battlefield; Gardevoir and the professor would arrive at a special tree. Out of all the trees, this tree still has its leaves. And it holds a nice surprise. Casin would smile as he would see the "holiday" tree as vibrant as ever. Well, it's a tree with a large hollow that he uses to hide gifts for his family. But he smiled as a group of Ralts and Kirlias would emerge. "Hello everyone! Sorry I'm a bit late, but I'm here with your presents." Gardevoir would present the basket of berries from Galar, as the group would run up and playfully tackle Casin; before hugging him for the delicious sweet berries. "Careful, I'm ticklish!" He laughed as they would scatter; as one of the Ralts would present him with a gift. "For me? (He saw the Ralts nod in delight) Why thank you." He smiled as he would open the gift and saw a pokeball and a glove with a key stone. He looked at Gardevoir and realized that she wants him to be his trainer. "Gardevoir, are you serious? You want me to be your trainer?" Gardevoir nods and smiles as she knew him for such a long time. Plus she knew that he was the only trainer that would be suititable for battles. And in this case mega evolution.
Back at the battlefield, Argenta looked over and knew the time has arrived to show Ash why she's the queen of the battle tower. "Oh brave young Ash. Ever the bold and handsome one. You may have bested my first Pokémon; but you won't defeat my one and true ace. (She pulled out her pokeball and tosses it.) Alakazam, my friend, take the stage!" Her Alakazam came out of the pokeball and it's her favorite Pokémon. The crowd gasped as they could feel the tide about to change. Ash noticed her Alakazam and knew he had to take care of it right now. "Gengar use shadow ball!" His Gengar tried, but winced as that Aftermath effect did more damage than they anticipated. Argenta smirked as she didn't waste time. "Young Montague fool, Alakazam, use hypnosis!" Alakazam moved in quickly and in a matter of moments, put Gengar to sleep. Ash saw his Gengar asleep as he tried to wake him up. "Gengar, come on buddy wake up!" Argenta had a devilish grin as she wasn't playing around this time. "Sorry Ash, but this ends here. Alakazam use shadow ball back to back!" Alakazam launched a wave of shadow balls and it didn't take long before they would do massive damage. Ash saw the attack and screamed. "GENGAR!" It was hard to watch from the stands, but they knew Argenta had enough of getting pushed around and this was her message. When the dust settled, Gengar was unable to continue and Palmer would make it official. "Gengar is unable to battle!" Delia saw her ghostly friend wiped out as she chimed in. "Did she had to go over the top on Gengar?" Olympia nodded and replied. "This is Argenta when she is backed into a corner. She's like a lioness and she will defend with everything she has. The question is, what Pokémon will Ash bring out." Ash returned his Gengar to his pokeball as he smiled. "Thanks Gengar, take a good rest." Argenta looked over at Ash as she smiled and asked the young trainer.
"So Ash, do you want to continue?" Ash looked at her and smiled. "More than ready to go Argenta." He pulls out a pokeball as it appears Pikachu won't be battling. Sabrina looked at Ash and knew something was different and she thought to herself. "What could he bring out to match wits with Argenta's Alakazam?" Everyone was on pins and needles trying to figure out his second Pokémon. Ash smiled as he looked at Kukui. "Like father, like son, right? (Kukui thought it would be Incineroar. But remembered that they are in Alola. So which Pokémon of his Ash will bring out.) I choose you..."
[] End of Chapter 8 []
[] Sorry for the long delay, Thanksgiving with the family was crazy. But we will find out which Pokémon Ash will bring out. Plus we will find out the truth about Professor Casin. []