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The cozy, toasty comforts of rented cabins were traded for grassy hills, a crackling campfire, and a gentle summer breeze, tonight. Outside of Pokemon village, Ash, Ritchie, and Himashi sat in the quiet wilderness at the bottom of a slope, roasting marshmallows over a flame.
Pikachu and Sparky sat between their trainers, doing the same with smaller sticks. Sparkles munched neatly on an uncooked marshmallow - they got so messy over a fire.
"You've seen that in person!?"
"Sure have." Ash snatched a bite of a marshmallow, flashing his Pokedex to Ritchie with his free hand. A small, orange specter appeared on the screen, surrounded by limbs formed by sparks of electricity.
"Rotom, the Plasma Pokémon. Rotom plays practical jokes, which it carries out by embedding its plasma body in electronic devices." Ash's Pokedex droned.
"What an interesting pokemon…! I'd love to see that in person."
"You sure?" Ash deadpanned. "It's not so nice when you've got a weed wacker chasing you."
"No way," Ritchie laughed.
"Piiikachu," Pikachu agreed with a pout. That Rotom was terrifying!
"A pokemon that can take over gadgets… It still sounds really cool, uh-huh!" Himashi leaned over from Ash's other side to get a good luck at the Pokedex entry.
"Well," Ash bit into another marshmallow, "you said you had some pictures from your time in Fiore, right? Let's see 'em!"
"Oh, right!" The other young man pulled his backpack over, searching through its content. "...Here! Check these out!" Ritchie pulled out a small collection of photos, handing one over to Ash at a time.
"Pretty cool lookin'." Ash observed the first; a large stone structure, not unlike a pyramid, fraught with moss and cracks, but otherwise untouched.
"That's the Fiore Temple," Ritchie explained. "Apparently, it was built in ancient times by both people and pokemon!"
"No kidding… That's amazing. Something created by people and pokemon working together. I like that a lot, don't you?" Ash smiled down at Pikachu, who quickly picked up.
"Pi…? Pikachu!" Pikachu cheerily agreed with a wave of his paw.
Ritchie handed over a second photo of the same scene, with Himashi taking up half of the shot, flashing a peace sign.
"Way to photobomb," Ash laughed.
"Just trying to make memories!" The dark-haired girl grinned.
"Speaking of making memories…" Ritchie handed another photo to Ash.
"Woah, is that Raikou?" Ash's mouth hung open. Pikachu's ears twitched, and he joined his trainer to peek.
The Thunder pokemon could be seen dashing off into the distance, its purple cape billowing in the wind. What looked like a corner of the ruins could be seen behind it.
"It sure is. Entei and Suicune were there too, but I didn't get to take pictures of them…" Ritchie trailed off, slightly disappointed.
"There were a couple of creeps that tried to capture them, there." Himashi pouted.
"That figures," Ash rolled his eyes.
"Yeah, they called themselves the 'Go-Rock Squad,'" Ritchie continued. "Had some big scheme set up to hypnotize them with capture styluses. They're supposed to be used to befriend pokemon, though."
"Leave it to another one of those gangs to mess that up." Ash took an angry bite into a marshmallow, smearing it across his lip.
"But, we gave 'em a good pounding, uh-huh!" Himashi chimed. "Entei, Raikou, and Suicune got out just fine!"
"That's why we're Pokemon Rangers, after all, right?" Ritchie turned to Himashi, holding a fist out.
She stared at Ritchie's gloved fist, beaming after a moment. She held her own fist out to bump against his. "Right! No one's hurting any pokemon on our watch!"
Ash smiled wide, wiping his mouth clean with a handkerchief. "I bet you guys make a great team, looking out for pokemon in the wild! You should be proud."
"Well, we do our best." Ritchie blushed, brushing a finger over his nose.
Himashi giggled, her face turning scarlet. "C'mon, now…" She regained composure, folding her hands in her lap. "Oh, yeah. Are you guys excited for your match, tomorrow? Nervous at all?"
"Nah." Ash shook his head. "Maybe we were the first time."
"But, we got that out of our system," Ritchie finished. "Now, I'm just excited to see how strong Ash is, now!"
"Ditto!" Ash grinned, raising a fist. "It's funny, sometimes, battling a friend. You don't want either one of you to lose… But, you'd feel even worse if you didn't go in, giving it your all." His match with Morrison, all those years ago, was still a clear image in his mind. "We put our all into preparing for this league, and we plan on winning, no matter what. Hope you're ready, Ritchie!"
"Definitely!" The brunette agreed.
"Piiika! Pikachu!" Sparky bolted up, pumping his paws in the air. He grinned, letting his cheeks crackle. His eyes were squarely on Ash's Pikachu. "Pika!"
"Looks like Sparky's excited to face Pikachu!" Ritchie chuckled, petting behind his partner's ear.
"Piiii... Pikachu." Pikachu turned away from Sparky, rubbing the back of his head.
"Pika?" Sparky tilted his head.
"What's wrong with Pikachu?" Ritchie did the same.
"Oh, right… I think Pikachu wants to save his turn for the finals," Ash explained.
"Save his turn?" Ritchie echoed.
Himashi butted in. "Whaddya mean?"
"Well, the thing is, I've caught so many pokemon over the years that I'll only able to use each pokemon in this league once. I get the feeling that Pikachu wants to be there for our victory, in the finals."
"You've caught that many!?" Ritchie gawked, leaning forward. A marshmallow slid off his stick, which Sparky just barely managed to catch with his mouth. Sparkles tutted, shaking her head.
"Uh-huh. When you catch a new team in almost every region you travel to, they really stack up."
"That's a lot of pokemon to take care of…" Himashi hummed. "I'm so jealous!"
"Yeah, it's really rewarding, making new friends everywhere you go!" Ash folded his arms behind his head, his stick free of any treats it'd hoisted. "But, it must be nice to spend all your time with the same pokemon, too, huh?"
"Yeah." Ritchie smiled, hugging his legs to his chest. "With my free time, I've focused on training hard with the few pokemon I have. I think it makes up for all the lost time!"
"Hey, I bet it does! I can't wait to see your oldest friends in action." Ash grinned at the thought. He hummed, then. The thought made him content in his choices for tomorrow's battle.
"Something wrong, Ash?" Himashi, leaned forward, poking his cheek.
"Oh, it's nothing!" Ash raised a hand with a bashful smile, before suddenly looking more serious. "But, I've gotta admit… There's another reason Pikachu won't be involved, tomorrow."
"Pikachu…" Pikachu's tail flicked. He felt embarrassed, but explaining things might alleviate his guilt in declining a battle with Sparky.
Ash's two friends leaned in, curious, and he continued.
"I don't wanna go into the nitty-gritty, for both of our sakes," Ash started, patting his lap, before Pikachu hopped into it, curling up. He resumed, stroking the pokemon's fur. "But, we had a really bad encounter with Team Rocket, a couple of weeks ago, maybe a month. It messed both of us up, but Pikachu got the worse end of the stick." Ash could feel himself getting angry. He kept himself level with a measured deep breath.
"That's awful!" Himashi gasped, brows knit low in offense. "I hope you beat them up, uh-huh!"
"It came a lil' late, but trust me, we did." Admitting that alone was cathartic, Ash found.
"I was wondering where you got that," Ritchie hesitantly pointed at the mark on Ash's cheek. "Am I on the ball, here?"
"Uh-huh." Ash gingerly traced the sliver of light skin. "It was pretty bad at the time, but as far as I'm concerned, it's a badge of honor, now." A reminder that Team Rocket couldn't do them in.
"That's actually pretty cool, uh-huh!" Himashi's eyes sparkled. "That must've hurt, though."
"Yeah, but anything to keep my friends and pokemon safe." Ash smiled gently.
Pikachu scaled Ash's chest, climbing atop his shoulder to nuzzle into his cheeks. "Pika!"
"Right, right," Ash chuckled. "And they'd do the same for me! Anyway… Ever since then, Pikachu's had a hard time battling at all. We were told he has Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder." Feeling his partner shrink in shame, he continued. "But, we've been working hard at it! So, Pikachu's working up the nerve for his big comeback."
"Pikachu!" Pikachu agreed. They'd win the league together, no matter what!
"Working as a ranger, I'm not surprised," Ritchie bitterly recalled. "It's not entirely uncommon for pokemon to be traumatized by inconsiderate thieves…" His knuckles were whitening. "But, with the right care, they always recover. And, you guys look like you've been doing a great job." The brunette's expression softened. "I know you're strong enough to beat 'em!"
"Of course, we are!" Ash cradled Pikachu with one hand, another pumped in a fist. "Hey, let's make sure we go all-out, tomorrow. So, we can keep getting stronger, than any threat we run into!"
"For the sake of the pokemon we love!" Ritchie finished Ash's thought, agreeing. "I'll agree to that." He held a hand out to shake.
Ash clasped his hand in Ritchie's, giving it a solid shake. "It's a deal!"
"Pika-Pika! Pikachu!" Sparky chimed in, jumping up to smack their hands with his paw, before addressing Pikachu. "Pi-Pika!"
"Pika… Pikachu!" Ash's Pikachu agreed, crawling down Ash's arm to slap his paw down, as well.
"I wonder what they said," Himashi thought aloud.
"I think I have an idea... "Ash hummed. "Pikachu and Sparky agree, and Sparky wants to battle Pikachu, after the tournament's over. Just for old time's sake!"
The two Pikachu nodded.
"How'd you know that?" Ritchie looked between the three.
"Just a feeling," Ash shrugged, winking at Pikachu.
Pikachu looked back to his trainer, a knowing smile curving onto his animalistic features.
This was as inevitable. Max knew it; he'd known it from the start. It was as certain as the eventuality that he wouldn't have his sister there to comfort him when he cried on his journey and as irresistible as the setting of the sun every day. But, just as he'd insisted May annoyed him and as much as he squeezed every second of sunlight out of the day, he'd ignored the reality of this battle.
They shared a dream. It bonded them together.
It also made them rivals.
"No hard feelings!" Max called out as the announcer began their introductions.
"Here, we have a pair of promising rookies! Max, a Johto native and son of Gym Leader Norman in Hoenn! And, Koda, a Sinnoh native hailing from Pastoria City!"
On the other side of the field, Koda merely nodded. "Don't get sentimental on me now, egghead."
"Let the match begin!"
Permission granted, both boys withdrew a pokeball from their belt.
"Poliwrath, let's go!" Max called out.
Koda tossed his pokeball. "Fearow."
Koda's feral, shaggy Fearow flapped its wings, huge wings beating savagely as Max's stalwart Poliwrath stood his ground, white gloved fists tightly clenched. Familiar with each other, neither pokemon showed any signs of hesitation or of backing down. Yet, Max calculated the risks here, and found he was the one in want of the odds to change. Fearow's typing and maneuverability might prove difficult for Poliwrath.
But, he knew Koda's battling style. That might be an advantage if Koda was straight forward as always, not thinking of Max's own strategies.
"Don't stall!" Koda snapped as soon as he saw Max flinch at the sight of Fearow. "I'll start, then! Fearow, Growl and then Leer!"
"He's still using such basic moves after all this time?" Misty wondered aloud, quirking a brow.
Drew crossed his legs. "I've heard of coordinators doing that for strategy. Why is this guy doing it, though?"
"He's debuffing Max," Professor Oak explained. "Even if it doesn't do a lot, lowering Poliwrath's drive to attack and making it feel scared and therefore opening up sloppy vulnerabilities can help. And, in high stakes battles like these, those little differences add up!"
"Hm. About like picking a weaker move that's flashier in a contest battle, then?" Drew asked.
"Right," Professor Oak agreed.
Back on the field, Poliwrath had done just as the professor said. His guard and drive to fight were beginning to be compromised. Max noted bitterly that Koda had picked up a bit of strategy from their time traveling together; the old Koda would have gone in straight for an attack. So, Max figured he should use his time wisely, too.
"Poliwrath! Mind Reader!"
Koda frowned. "Aerial Ace!"
A single flap of its wings brought Fearow down on Poliwrath. It battered the water type over the rear with its ragged wings.
"Water Gun!" Max yelled.
Poliwrath hit Fearow's fleeing form dead on with the Water Gun, forcing the bird to slow its ascent due to the sudden water weight.
"Drill Run." Koda shifted his weight, keeping calm and composed.
Fearow glided back around, building up speed for a brutal beak-first attack.
"Mud Shot!" Max gritted his teeth as he watched Poliwrath shoot the glob. It hit Fearow, bursting uselessly. "Dodge!"
Poliwrath dove to the side, barely able to escape the temporarily blinded flying type's aim.
"Fee!" the bird cawed.
"Leer and Growl," Koda ordered. "That was smart, Max."
"Thanks!" he said back. "But, Fearow's really getting to be a problem for me, so I'm gonna take him out."
"If you can," Koda smugly shot back.
"I will! Poliwrath, Mind Reader!"
Koda huffed. "Aerial Ace!"
Twice as rattled as before, Poliwrath stood his ground, eyes aided by premonition trained onto Fearow's every wing flap as it dropped down towards Poliwrath. His muscles ached from the tension of waiting for Max to give the other.
"Now!" the boy called, fulfilling his pokemon's wishes. "Circle Throw!"
"What?!" Koda snapped. "That crap again?!"
Just as the first wing beats pummeled Poliwrath, the water type snatched Fearow's legs and began spinning on his heels. Fearow soon was thrown off balance, at Poliwrath's mercy to be twirled around like a sack of potatoes. Unceremoniously, Poliwrath let go, sending Fearow sailing.
"Darn it!" Koda growled, returning Fearow before it slammed into the stadium sides. "That tactic's for cowards, Max!"
"But, it works," Max smugly noted, adjusting his glasses.
"Whatever… Machamp, let's go!"
The fighting type landed on the field with a thud, cracking all four of its knuckle sets in turn.
Koda tossed the now empty pokeball up and down. "Seismic Toss!"
Machamp sprinted forward. Grabbing Poliwrath with two of his hands, the Machamp began to tuck in, pulling Poliwrath against himself. Rolling forward and flipping, when he untucked, he slammed Poliwrath towards the ground.
"What kind of Seismic Toss was that?!" Max yelped.
Koda scratched behind his head. "Well, he can't fly, so we had to figure out how to do it somehow."
"Still! Gr… Poliwrath, use Mud Shot!"
On Max's command, Poliwrath looked up, supporting himself with trembling arms. Flinging a scattering of wet earth forward, it struck Machamp hard enough to make the brute stagger and try to clear its eyes.
"Tch… Tryna blind us. Fine! Machamp. Bulk Up." Koda knew better than to waste time with his rival.
"This is our chance!" Max yelled. "Poliwrath, we gotta Circle Throw him out!"
The amphibian got up, rushing to try to grab Machamp.
"Fat chance," Koda snarled. "Machamp! Vital Throw!"
With a longer reach and greater size, Machamp's arms snapped out, grabbing Poliwrath and stopping him in his tracks. Lifting the squat blue pokemon, Machamp threw him like a weight.
"Follow up with Cross Chop!" Koda ordered.
Machamp bolted forward.
"Why's it so fast?!" Max snapped before thinking it over. "Oh, right, it's all muscle…"
In short order, Machamp was upon Poliwrath, even before the pokemon could land! Hitting the water type with all four hands, it knocked Poliwrath out.
The referee raised a hand. "Poliwrath is unable to battle!"
"And, with that, Koda has gained the advantage!" the announcer called out.
Max grit his teeth. "Right… Time to take care of business. Gengar, let's go! Start off with Mean Look!"
As the ghost exited its pokeball, its eyes glowed. Machamp staggered backwards, but found itself unwilling to even look back at Koda. It was trapped.
"Well, crap," Koda muttered. "We're trapped… Bulk Up!"
"Ma!" the pokemon answered, kneeling down and tensing its muscles.
"Since you already know how this goes…" Max adjusted his glasses. "Gengar, keep using Shadow Ball!"
"This wouldn't work in a contest at all," Drew mumbled.
"Yeah, but it works for a battle," Ash noted. "Kinda brute force for Max, though."
May shrugged, laughing. "He did what he needed to, though! That Machamp can't touch Gengar; it doesn't know the right moves! So, Gengar can attack Machamp without a care in the world!"
"So, Koda's just trying to see how much energy he can make Gengar use up on Machamp, huh?" Ash rubbed his chin. "Kinda desperate. I would have tried flipping some of the field to improvise a rock type move!"
"Koda's still young," Brock said with a shrug. "You're kind of exceptional with improvising moves, Ash. Koda probably doesn't realize he could have Machamp use Cross Chop to cut out some of the field to throw or defend with."
"You would have thought Max would have told Koda, since we traveled together…" Ash muttered.
May winked. "That's just it! I think Max was being a stinker and keeping that info from Koda! They're friends, but Max can still be a little jerk!"
"Machamp is down for the count! Our trainers are now neck and neck!"
Koda returned Machamp, brows furrowed. "Alright… Time to get real. Skuntank, give 'em a taste of your Flamethrower!"
Hissing, the purple behemoth landed with a twitch of her tail. She did a handstand, spraying out what might as well have been dumpster fire.
Struck, Gengar recoiled a moment.
Max lifted his shirt to cover his nose and mouth before speaking. "Gengar, use Hypnosis!"
Luckily, the move landed. With a wave of his hands, the ghost type lulled the vicious dark type to sleep.
"Good! Now, use Shadow Ball!" Max ordered.
"Mean Look, Shadow Ball, and Hypnosis… I guess Max didn't teach Gengar another attack move." Ash rubbed his chin.
"That's gonna screw him, because Skuntank's gonna wake up eventually, and I don't think tank's in the name for nothing. That dark type isn't getting hit too hard out there," Misty noted.
Sure enough, Skuntank's sleep was short lived.
"Night Slash!" Koda called out, earning an ear twitch from the slumbering dark type.
She arose, yowling a battle cry before charging forward. Her long claws were coated in a black aura before she scratched at Gengar.
"Shadow Ball!" Max called again.
It was useless. Skuntank's Night Slash burst the Shadow Ball like a blade through a soap bubble.
"Alright!" Koda raised a fist. "Now, another Night Slash!"
Skuntank darted forward, readying the second attack.
"Destiny Bond!" Max ordered.
Gengar glowed red, and, soon, so did Skuntank. As Skuntank struck down Gengar, the ghost fainted, melting down through the air to the ground like a sad, deflated balloon. And, for a moment, Skuntank stood, grinning at her victory. Then, the cruel red glow took hold of her, knocking her out as well.
Then, she let off a pungent explosion.
"Alright! Got rid of her Aftermath ability!" Max cheered through his shirt. "I win! You don't have any more pokemon!"
"Get your eyes checked!" Koda yelled, pointing at the stadium screen.
The referee threw both arms up. "Gengar and Skuntank are both unable to battle!"
The announcer spoke up, just then. "In a clever tactical sacrifice, Max has put himself and Koda on even terms, with Max having a slight edge for fresh pokemon! How will this battle end?"
Max gulped. "Oh… Right. You've still got your Fearow."
"Ha!" Ash yelled, standing up in the stands again. "How's it feel to get embarrassed over a silly mistake?!" He knew Max was just a kid, but he couldn't help but recall all the times Max had rubbed his mistakes in his face when Ash was just a kid, too.
Max looked to his last pokemon. "Scizor, let's go!"
"Fearow, let's try again," Koda said.
The two pokemon regarded each other briefly. The bird squinted its eyes while the bug lifted a claw in threat.
Koda ended the stalling. "Drill Run!"
With the same intense speed as before, Fearow was upon Scizor, who'd thrown its claws up in defense. The bug was pushed back and even down, leaving a skidding row in the dirt as proof of the struggle.
"It's doing so much damage!" Max exclaimed.
Koda nodded. "Even if Scizor's steel typed, it's still a bug going up against a bird. So, let's show 'em Iron Head!"
"Iron Defense!" Max ordered, eyes widening.
It was just in time. A silver gleam overcame Scizor as Fearow headbutted it. A metallic clang rang out through the stadium, but Scizor had successfully deflected Fearow's attack.
"Fine… Aerial Ace!" Koda ordered.
"You, too, Scizor! Use Aerial Ace!" Max copied.
The two pokemon separated. Fearow circled around to gather up speed. Scizor jumped up, reading for impact. The two collided, stalling for a moment before Scizor was flung back down.
"Drill Run!" Koda yelled.
Max frowned. He had to figure out something. This was going south fast. Neither pokemon was going to last much longer! A light went off in his mind, soon, and suddenly. "Fury Cutter, but hit it to the side!"
Holding back, Scizor tensed. Fearow drew closer, and he jabbed. It knocked Fearow off course! The Drill Run missed, and instead, Fearow crashed into the ground.
The flying type bounced off of the field, collapsing into an unconscious pile.
The referee threw a hand up. "Fearow is unable to battle! Max and Scizor are the victors!"
"We won!" Max cheered.
Scizor looked back, wearily raising a claw in celebration.
The announcer concluded the match. "What a stellar management of an attack! Our winner for this round, Max of Hoenn, has done fantastic!"
She crumpled the shiny wrapper up, tossing it in the trashcan as she followed Dawn into the makeshift market tent. The promotional Cynthia ice cream bar had been too great a temptation for May to ignore. She bit into the strawberry-and-rocky-road ice cream bar, teeth far too used to harsh meals to be bothered by the cold.
"Whatcha lookin' for?" May asked around a mouthful of strawberry bites.
"Wallace," Dawn said with determination. "I'm gonna find something cute with his face or I'll die trying."
"Don't get dramatic."
Ignoring May, Dawn began digging through the little bin with pokedex charms on it. Various champion's prize pokemon were within, all wearing said champion's signature accessory. Bypassing a Garchomp sporting a black coat with a twinge of guilt, Dawn's hand darted furiously for a Milotic in a white beanie.
"Yes!" she cheered, pulling the charm back…
Only to realize the charm's cord was tangled up in the cord of another charm, in the hand of another girl. The other charm was a Lance Dragonite, sporting a rather dramatic looking cape.
Dawn looked down at the tangled charms, at the other blue haired girl, back at the charms, and then snatched.
"Gimme that!"
"What?! No!" the other girl yelled, tugging on her side of the tangle.
Neither giving up, the two girls glared each other down.
"Gimme the charms! I'll untangle 'em!"
"Fat chance! This is the only Dragonite in the bin! I'm not gonna let you run off with Lance's cape!"
"Who cares about Lance's stinky cape?! I want the Wallace charm!"
"Who cares about… Girl! It's Lance's cape! The Lance! With THE cape!"
May, who had watched all of this about as passively as one could imagine, stepped to Dawn's side, blue eyes wide in curiosity. "Hey, aren't you Marina? Like, as in Marina the top coordinator and idol superstar?"
Dawn's jaw dropped and her grip on the charm loosened. "What?! You're that Marina?!"
Satisfied to have the charm tangle, Marina immediately set about untangling the two. "Yep! And… Here you go. Here's your waterboy." She handed Dawn back the Wallace charm. "Ehehe! What a pretty cape…!" Looking more closely at the two girls, she snapped her fingers. "Hey! You're the new top coordinator, May! And, you're that big upcoming runner-up from Sinnoh, aren't you? What was it? Dane? Donna?"
"Dawn," Dawn corrected. She'd been called worse, though.
May mockingly bowed, winking as she rose. She waved her empty popsicle stick as she spoke. "The Princess of Hoenn now has a real title to claim! It's cool you know who we are, though!"
"Chyeah!" Marina whipped out her phone. "Hey, you girls mind taking a pic with me? I run a picture blog, so it's good to have photos with other celebs on there! Keeps the traffic flowing, good for my image and all."
"Oh, I'm down!" May adjusted her headband.
"Me, too!" Dawn smoothed her hair down.
Soon, all three girls were crammed close, posing sweetly for a selfie on Marina's phone.
"Nice! Thanks." She clicked away on her phone, uploading the picture on her blog.
"Hey, wait, you don't even coordinate anymore. Whatcha tryna keep up your image for?" May asked.
Marina smiled. "Oh, I just became a top coordinator for the fame, honestly! About like when I entered the Silver Conference way back when! I'm, like, a professional influencer! I do promotional work and exhibition battles! In fact, I'm gonna help draw in new performers in these things called Showcases in Kalos!"
"A Showcase?" Dawn and May echoed in unison.
"Here, it's easier to show you. Watch this! It's called a Pokevision. This is the Kalos Queen; she's the current top performer in Kalos!"
"Whoa…! Pretty!" May cooed.
"... It's like an appeal. Where's the battling?"
"There isn't any," Marina said as she finally put her phone away. "It's all about aesthetics."
Dawn frowned. "... I don't think that's for me."
May snickered. "You can't even dance! Of course it's not for you! Did you see all the twists and turns she was doing?"
"Hey! I can do, like, slow dances and stuff!" Dawn insisted.
"Yeah, but you can't do anything cool!" May said with laughter. "Face it, you're a huge klutz!"
Dawn blushed, groaning. "I'm just unlucky…"
"You two are a riot!" Marina giggled. "Well, I gotta go! I'm sure my boyfriend is wondering where I am… I promised him I'd help him train." She waved goodbye to the girls as she headed to the counter to pay.
Dawn looked down at her own charm before clutching it tightly. "... Marina's really talented, but I definitely wanna be a coordinator for a while longer. Like, at least until I'm too old to be traveling all the time, you know. I want as many trophies as my mom!"
"The match between Ash Ketchum and Ritchie Jayne in Indigo Stadium will begin in five minutes! We ask that both competitors be ready to enter the arena on time, prepared with your pokemon!" A booming voice blared over loudspeakers, across the Plateau.
Standing near one of the hallways leading to the inner stadium, Ash winced. "That felt kind of like a personal call-out."
Ritchie smiled, resting a hand on his hip. "Well, you remember last time-"
"I know," Ash cut him off. "That's not happening again… Nothing's stopping me from facing you here, today!" He grinned, holding the end of his cap between his thumb and index finger.
Ritchie unconsciously mirrored his gesture. "Right!"
"Good luck, you two." Brock offered, stepping forward.
"You'll do great!" Misty encouraged.
"I'll be cheering hard!" Dawn winked, holding out a pom-pom. "For both of you!" Even with her implicit bias, she could tell in Ritchie's face that he appreciated the gesture.
"For both? I guess I'll do the same… Aw, this is gonna be confusing!" Himashi whined, clutching both of her fists. "Both of you better not lose!" Even with her tearful determination, she faltered. "Uh, wait…"
"I'm sure they know what you mean," Professor Oak interjected, from the back of the group. "Give it your all, Ash, Ritchie."
"I'll get plenty of pictures~!" Delia cooed, already taking snaps with her camera.
"I do," Ash agreed with Professor Oak, giving the group a thumbs-up. "Now, I've gotta split. Gotta do something real quick, before the match starts!"
"Ash!?" Ritchie stammered. "I just said…!" He huffed. "He's already gone."
"I hope he's using his head," Brock frowned, crossing his arms.
"No need to worry." Dawn turned back to the group, her blue eyes shimmering. "I bet Ash is just getting psyched up for the battle, that's all! You know how he is."
Ash silently thanked fate that the locker room closest to his end of the stadium was completely empty, right now. He stepped into the open space, lined with metal-lined compartments and benches. "Time for a quick pep talk," Ash spoke aloud, to Pikachu in particular. He retrieved three pokeballs from his belt.
Three flashes of light followed, one after the next. First was a small shape that took a stout, quadrupedal form, with a large bulb on its back. "Bulba," Bulbasaur croaked.
The second was somewhat taller, sporting a round shell, fluffy ears, and a similarly soft, swirly tail. "Wartortle!" He cried, boasting his trademark sunglasses.
The last was much larger than the previous, rattling the room with a roar. With a flick of his fiery tail, Charizard stood beside Wartortle.
"Alright, guys. It's crunch time, now, so I just wanted to talk to you, real quick."
The starters from Kanto tilted their heads, save for Pikachu.
"The three of you were some of the first pokemon to ever join me on my journey. You've been with me through thick and thin, beginning to end, no matter what we've asked of each other."
Ash eyed Charizard, who stubbornly avoided his gaze. "And, that's what's gotten us this far. We're back at another crossroads, against Ritchie, for the first time since our match, in this same spot, years ago. I believe in all of you, and I know that, this time, we'll win!"
"Bulba, Bulbasaur!" The grass starter cried. Bulbasaur was determined. This time, he didn't carry the shameful burden of exhaustion; of being too tired to fight Ritchie. He was fresh, and sturdier than ever.
"War, Wartortle!" The water starter clamored, pounding his fist against his hardy shell. He'd gone down pitifully to a Sleep Powder, before. He remembered his humiliation upon hearing the news, when he'd woken up. This time, he'd teach this guy what-for!
The fire starter huffed a fiery breath. His tail flicked, leaving a heavy dent in a nearby locker. No matter how much he tip-toed around it, he didn't plan to repeat his shameful behavior.
Ash winced. "Hey, no long faces, here. Let's win this match, and win this tournament!" The trainer crouched, holding a hand out, palm-down. "Let's win it as a team!"
"Bulbasaur!" The Seed pokemon extended his vine atop Ash's hand. Wartortle's hand came next, and Charizard's large claws piled reluctantly on top. Pikachu scaled Ash's arm to put his paw down last. "Pika!"
"The match between Ash and Ritchie will begin in one minute, and counting! Both competitors must enter the arena on time, or penalties will be dealt!"
"We must've made a hell of an impression…" Ash winced, quickly recovering. "Let's prove them wrong!"
He remembered a night sky, nearly pitch-black., lit only by the blaring stadium lights. Sweat-stained clothes, and the shame of thousands of eyes locked on him, leaping from the tattered remains of Team Rocket's balloon. He recalled his legs feeling like jelly, and his eyes like lead weights, from his grueling escape. He remembered his iron will to begin his match, regardless.
Only that last detail escaped the long-stowed confines of the past. Today, Ash breathed in fresh air with no struggle. Sunny skies blanketed the battlefield and stadium over. Roaring cheers of excitement left no uncomfortable silence. His mind was clear, his pokemon were fresh, and his heart was raring for action. He stepped onto his box at one end of the battlefield, opposite of Ritchie.
His friend, clad in blue, had already been waiting for him. Ash watched his expression soften as he stepped out into plain sight. Sparky seemed to be bouncing on his shoulder.
"Both trainers are on the field, and ready to battle! Now, we'll be starting the seventh, and second-to-last match of the first of the final rounds! Most of those watching may not remember, but for some, this is a blast from the past! These two trainers have met in this arena, once before, many years ago! And, beyond that, in the very same round! Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town, and Ritchie Jayne of Frodomar City battled to advance to the quarterfinals, where Ritchie advanced! I'm sure that goes without saying that this will be a heated battle! No doubt, Ash will fight hard to settle the score!"
"They really dug deep for this one, huh?" Ash remarked, unnerved. "Hey, Ritchie! Let's not let any of that get in our heads, alright?"
Ritchie beamed, flashing a thumbs-up. "Definitely not!"
"This will be a three-on-three match, until all of either trainer's pokemon are unable to battle. Both contestants can change pokemon at any time." The referee stood to the side of the flat field, raising a hand. "You may begin!"
"Bulbasaur," Ash started, chucking a pokeball. "I choose you!"
"Saur!" The Seed pokemon appeared.
"Then, I choose Sparky!" Ritchie pointed forward. Sparky hopped off of his shoulder, dashing to oppose Bulbasaur.
"I'll start," Ash began. "Bulbasaur, Sunny Day!"
An orb of light launched from the bulb on Bulbasaur's back, hanging high above the fray. Its effects amplified the sun, casting a lamp of solar heat upon the stadium.
"At the very beginning of the battle, Ash's Bulbasaur has used Sunny Day! What could be up their sleeves!?"
"Sunny Day, already… They must be setting up for Solarbeam." Ritchie's brows furrowed. "Sparky, use Return!"
"Pika!" Sparky cried, charging the grass type. He lunged with a full-body tackle.
Bulbasaur swiftly vaulted over Sparky with little trouble, landing on all fours. "Bulba!"
"It's so fast!" Ritchie gawked. Was he really battling a Bulbasaur!?
"That's his ability," Ash explained, "Chlorophyll. When he's soaking up sun, it gives him a big boost in speed. Pretty handy, huh?" Not waiting for an answer, he pointed. "Solarbeam!"
Without hesitation, Bulbasaur fired a sudden burst of light from his bulb, kicking up a tunnel of dust.
"Dodge, and use Return!" Ritchie ordered.
"Pika!" Sparky charged again, leaping just out of Solarbeam's range. He didn't stop to acknowledge the booming explosion behind him, slamming into Bulbasaur's skull.
"Saur!" Bulbasaur cried, thrown airborne by the physical assault. He felt his head throb - just how powerful was that Return!? It was something he didn't have time to ponder, forced to land roughly on all fours.
"That hit hard," Ash mused aloud. "I've never seen Return before."
"Return is a special attack that gets stronger, the better a pokemon's bond with their trainer," Ritchie explained. It was really more of a boast. "It's the perfect move for us; I know you understand that, ash!"
"I like it." Ash's lips curved into a smile. His heart was already racing. "We'll show you our bond, too!"
"Use Charge Beam!"
Sparky channeled golden electricity on each of his cheeks, firing a thin, focused beam at Bulbasaur.
"Dodge it," Ash ordered, "and get in close!"
The Seed pokemon charged, leaping over the beam with relative ease. He barely felt the cling of static brush his underbelly.
"Now, Power Whip!"
"Bulba… Saur!" Bulbasaur threw his body around, firing two glowing vines from his bulb. His tried and true extremities whipped across the fray, smacking harshly into Sparky's right cheek.
The Electric Mouse cried, bouncing roughly off the terrain.
"A brutal hit from Power Whip! But, Pikachu doesn't look like it's close to giving up!"
"Pika…" Sparky stood on all fours, bearing his tiny fangs with a grin. "Pikachu!" He shook his head, freeing his characteristic tuft of fur free of dust. He was ready for more.
"Your Bulbasaur's strong, Ash." Ritchie praised, his demeanor hardening quickly. "Double Team!"
Sparky began to dash again, this time, running circles around Bulbasaur. Then, there were two Pikachu, and three. Four. Ash admittedly lost count after six, as a near-cohesive ring of Pikachu enveloped Bulbasaur.
"So's Sparky!" Ash beamed. "I don't think it's all too often I see a Double Team that impressive."
Ritchie smirked. "Use Return!"
Several copies of the Pikachu charged out of the ring towards Bulbasaur.
"Dodge them," Ash shouted. "Behind you!"
The Seed pokemon had no time to turn, relying on his trainer's coaching. A backflip avoided the flanking charge, and a leap to the side avoided the second charge. A third and fourth came, each dodged with impressive footwork.
"Bulbasaur's gotten so fast," Misty marveled. "He's always been impressive, but he hasn't been taking any hits, even when he's surrounded!"
"It's funny," Brock started. "I was pretty sure that all starter pokemon either had Overgrow, Blaze, or Torrent. Bulbasaur having Chlorophyll as an ability wasn't something I expected."
"That is usually the case," Professor Oak replied. "But, as I'm sure you know, most species of pokemon have a hidden ability, in addition to the primary one they carry. Bulbasaur's, of course, is Chlorophyll. I don't recognize Ash's Bulbasaur as one I've given out, so he must have been bred with that ability by chance."
"Whaddya think? Bulbasaur's pretty impressive huh," Ash boasted.
"He sure is," Ritchie agreed. "Sparky, use Charge Beam!"
Rather than Pikachu clones charging wildly into the fray, quick bolts of electricity fired from the stampede surrounding Bulbasaur.
"Bulba!" Bulbasaur jumped over one bolt, only to be struck by another. Irritated, he landed on all fours, blowing on the slight burn on his bulb. Another Charge Beam struck his side, startling him.
"Bulbasaur, be careful!" Ash called out.
"Saur!" The Seed pokemon ducked another, but this left him open to another, striking his forehead.
"Bulbasaur's too tough to go down to attacks like that… But, they're only getting stronger." Ash grimaced. "If this goes on much longer, he'll be overpowered… Hey, Bulbasaur!"
"Bulba!" The grass type stood at the center of the Double Team, craning his neck to Ash.
"Let's blow this problem away! Leaf Storm Counter Shield!"
"Bulbaaa!" Bulbasaur cried, tossing his head about. 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. Powerful winds rustled the clones, wiping them out, one by one.
"Pikaa!" Sparky cried, caught up in the storm, before he was launched across the fray.
Leaf Storm died away, afterward, leaving only Bulbasaur at the center, who was breathing heavily.
"Wow! What a counter from Ash's Bulbasaur! All of Double Team was wiped out, and Ritchie's Pikachu took damage, to boot! Impressive power, from a first-stage pokemon!"
"Are you alright, Sparky?" Ritchie leaned forward, as Sparky tumbled towards his end.
"Pika… Pikachu!" The Electric Mouse pushed himself to his feet with a grin. Despite his scratches, he was still ready to rumble!
"I thought so." Ritchie smirked, gazing across the battlefield. "That was really impressive, Ash! Your Bulbasaur's really powerful."
"This is just the beginning," Ash assured, beaming with pride. The former protector of the Hidden Village was reliable as ever.
"Bulba!" Bulbasaur croaked, blushing from the praise.
"Just what I wanna hear. Sparky, Return!"
"Pika!" Sparky charged Bulbasaur, again.
"Dodge that," Ash coached.
Bulbasaur was way ahead of his trainer, leaping high above the ground, clear out of Return's reach.
"Got you," Ritchie smirked. "Thunder!"
"Pika!" Sparky shrieked, enveloped in a blinding flash of electricity. Golden lightning tore through the air, striking with Bulbasaur with innumerable, unforgiving bolts.
"Bulbasaur!" Ash gasped, eyes turned to pin-points.
"What a tremendous Thunder attack! Bulbasaur may have met his match!"
The Seed pokemon dropped towards the earth, hitting the stadium with a thud. He croaked, sizzling with grey wisps of smoke trailing from his body. Many of his nerves were numb, others sore from Sparky's scorching attack. "Bulba… Saur…" He groaned, unmoving.
Several silent, tense seconds passed. The referee leaned from his vantage point. "...Bulbasaur-"
"Bulba!"
Bulbasaur struggled to stand on all fours, glaring daggers at the referee. He wasn't going to give in, just yet. He wasn't leaving this league without a win. Not after all of their hard work.
"Bulbasaur won't go down that easily," Ash boasted. "Bring it on, you two!"
"You asked for it!" Ritchie tensed his features, throwing a hand out. "Use Return!"
"Pikachu!" Sparky charged in, once again, with all of his might.
"Catch him, with Power Whip!"
Bulbasaur's vines shot from his bulb, snapping across the field to wrap around Sparky's body.
Sparky coughed, flailing against the glowing, constricting vines. Tried as he may, he was yanked into the air above.
"Now, slam 'im!" Ash called, throwing an open palm down.
"Bulbasaur!" The vines jerked downward, smashing Sparky brutally against the arena.
"Cha!" Sparky squeaked, the breath knocked from his lungs.
"Sparky…!" Ritchie grit his teeth. "...Use Thunder!"
Sparky howled, and unleashed his wrath. Lightning shot through Bulbasaur's vines, frying the Seed pokemon with haste.
Bulbasaur cried, hastily retracting Power Whip.
"That's bad… That was the same way Bulbasaur lost to Pikachu, back when we first caught him." Ash frowned, standing up straight. "...That was back, not long after we started our journey."
"Pikachu!" Pikachu cooed. He remembered that battle well. Determined, he raised a paw in support of his teammate. "Pika-Pikachu!"
"Bul… Ba…" Bulbasaur groaned, pushing on his two front legs. His breaths were heavy, and his body was sore and charred. He wasn't sure how much more he could take, after Thunder.
Sparky faltered on his hind right leg, favoring his left to stand, with rapid, squeaky breaths. His body had grown sore. The conclusion to this match was right around the corner, he was sure. And, he was going to win! "Pikachu!"
"Ritchie," Ash addressed his fellow trainer. "I know that Sparky's been with you from the very beginning… I know he has no plans to give up. He's shown how sturdy he is, already. But, I can say the same for Bulbasaur! We've been partners, through thick and thin."
"Bulba…!" Bulbasaur cried, forcing himself on all fours. All of those years ago, he'd had no love for trainers. He'd only seen abandoned pokemon who weren't good enough for humans. Ones they'd hurt out of frustration. But, Ash had proved himself different, then and now.
The Indigo League, the Orange League, the Johto League, even the Battle Frontier. And, most recently, Mt. Silver. No obstacle was too great for Bulbasaur's hardiness and Ash's wit.
"Hey, I believe it!" Ritchie beamed, adjusting his cap. "I never had the chance to battle Bulbasaur, back then, but from what I've seen today, you two are a great team! But, so are Sparky and me! Our goal is to keep getting stronger, just like yours!" With a hand outstretched, Ritchie shouted. "You'll see that bond, now! Sparky, use Return!"
"Pikachu!" Sparky shrieked, dashing towards Bulbasaur with all of his might. "Pika, Pika, Pika…!"
"Bring it on," Ash goaded, "Stop him with Power Whip!"
Bulbasaur launched his vines, the glowing tendrils slamming into Sparky's skull.
The Pikachu pushed onward with vigor, dust kicked up with every step closer.
"This is it!" Ash called, throwing a hand outward. "Bulbasaur, Leaf Storm!"
Ritchie did the same. "Sparky, Thunder!"
A furious storm of leaves collided with a burst of electricity, capturing the field in a loud, ground-trembling explosion. Sparks and ashes blew out of the thick, black smoke.
Ash clenched his fists to the point of hurting his palms. Ritchie did the same.
The crowd watched on with baited breath as the smoke began to wisp away.
Bulbasaur and Sparky each laid in the center of the field, on their sides, unconscious.
The referee raised both hands. "Pikachu and Bulbasaur are both unable to battle!"
"Wow! What an explosive battle! Pikachu and Bulbasaur gave it their all, and showed their determination in droves!"
Ritchie paced onto the field, scooping his companion into his arms. "Hey, you did great. Thanks, Sparky!"
The Pikachu stirred, nuzzling into Ritchie's arms. Meanwhile, Bulbasaur was absorbed in a flash.
"Awesome job, Bulbasaur." Ash looked down upon the pokeball with pride, smiling wide. As sappy as he felt, he didn't have time to revel in that, now. "You did great. Now… Wartortle! It's your turn!"
A second pokeball was chucked, and the Turtle pokemon appeared. "Wartortle!" He cried, sporting his signature sunglasses, posing with crossed arms.
"Wartortle's not as big on the sappy speeches, but we're still coming at you with our all!" Ash declared.
"I'd hope so!" Ritchie threw a pokeball forward. "Go, Happy!"
"Free~!" Happy fluttered forth, hovering opposite of Wartortle. "Free!"
"Now that I think about it… This is how we opened our first battle," Ash smiled, nostalgic. "Back then, Sleep Powder took Wartortle down… Come to think of it, that was a pretty bogus call." Ash's face scrunched. "But, that's in the past! We'll be careful, this time!"
"Wartortle!" The water type retracted his shades, poised for battle.
"We'll see how far that gets you," Ritchie taunted. "Butterfree, Acrobatics!"
"Free~!" Butterfree zipped haphazard patterns through the air, its speed leaving several after images trailing behind its approach.
"That's fast…!" Ash's expression hardened. "Use Skull Bash!"
Wartortle launched himself at Butterfree, tucking his chin into his shell.
The two pokemon clashed in mid-air, Wartortle's tough skull crashing into Butterfree's. He heard the bug squeak in pain, but its momentum shoved the water type back, skidding across the ground.
"War! Wartortle!" The water type postured, crossing his arms. He'd like to see it try that again!
"You wanna give that another go, huh?" Ash smirked. Well, he wasn't one to deny his pokemon's preferences. "Okay, let's try Skull Bash, again!"
"Free!" Butterfree chirped, floating back and forth, as if he were ready to box. He felt the same!
Ritchie picked the same up, quickly. "Acrobatics, again!"
Wartortle and Happy spent a moment tracking left and right, sizing each other up. A sprinting head-charge met a blinding show of acrobatic prowess, bashing each competitor against the other, and then again, and a fourth time.
"Wartortle and Butterfree are stubbornly having it out, with head-to-head collisions! And, neither seems to be giving an inch!"
Wartortle skidded across the battlefield, stubbornly standing upright. "War!"
Butterfree hovered back towards Ritchie. He was beginning to sport a bruise on his forehead, and he was confident he'd seen the same on Wartortle. That'd been a sufficient test of wills.
"Happy's gotten really strong!" Ash complimented, smiling from cheek to cheek. His fists were closed tight with excitement. "You must've trained really hard. But, we're not losing! Ice Beam!"
Wartortle cried, firing a freezing beam towards the Butterfree.
"Thanks, but I can say the same for Wartortle." Ritchie threw a hand to the side. "Dodge, and use Psychic!"
Happy veered to the side of the chilled air, picking up a subtle glow.
Wartortle found himself being chucked brutally through the air, disoriented by the merciless show of telekinesis.
"Use Hydro Pump, to launch yourself at Happy," Ash countered.
The Turtle retreated to his shell, turning into a wild spin, aided by a forceful torrent blasting around him. His momentum slowed, and was then reversed by the jet, sending him flying back towards Happy. The gushing water continued, quickly closing in on the bug type.
"Happy, Whirlwind!"
"Freee~!" Butterfree furiously beat his wings, summoning a powerful gust. Winds reduced Hydro Pump to scattered mist.
Wartortle was blasted with Whirlwind, tossing him back towards Ash. He landed on all fours, dragging himself to a halt. "Wartortle…"
"Holy crap… That's some Whirlwind." Ash gawked, wiping sweat from his brow.
"It stopped Hydro Pump, like it was nothing!" May gasped, holding her cheeks in her palms.
"From Wartortle, even…" Misty found herself pouting. "You're not losing out there, after beating my gym, Wartortle, c'mon!"
"It's 'cause he uses Happy so much, uh-huh!" Himashi chirped up, answering the group's unspoken thoughts. "When you're a ranger, you're not allowed to catch pokemon you meet on your patrols. Heck, we weren't even supposed to use our own! But, we battled a lot with the pokemon we already had, off the clock."
"I wondered how Ritchie kept up with Ash, with all of his work on the side," Brock mused. "No offense; being a ranger is a really noble career, but it doesn't sound like it leaves much room for battling."
"Nah, you're right. If we didn't bend the rules a little, we'd be out of luck!" Himashi rested her chin in her palms. "There's only one thing Ritchie loves more than battling; meeting and taking care of pokemon."
"Just like Ash." Dawn smiled to herself, keeping her eyes glued to the battle.
"Happy, use Sleep Powder!" Ritchie resumed.
"Free!" Happy flapped his wings, secreting a cloud of spores meant to lull the target to sleep.
"We can't fall for that again… Aqua Tail!"
Wartortle sprang high, pointing his fluffy tail at the incoming attack. A roaring twister launched from his tail, blasting away the powder, and striking Butterfree, to boot.
"Looks like it'll be harder, this time," Ritchie remarked, more excited than he was dejected.
"A lot harder," Ash answered. "Skull Bash!"
"War!" Wartortle charged, launching his body at Butterfree. The bug type swiftly dodged.
"Got you," Ash smirked. "Ice Beam!"
Wartortle popped his head out of his shell, firing a freezing beam in mid-air.
"Shoot!" Ritchie clenched his teeth. "Psychic!"
Happy exerted his telekinesis once more, bouncing the incoming Ice Beam back towards Wartortle.
Falling towards the ground, he was a sitting duck. Ice Beam struck, flooding him with a painful chill.
"Acrobatics!"
Happy zipped in, smashing into Wartortle's shell.
Ash kept his cool as Wartortle slid back, brushing his thumb over his nose. "Wartortle's defenses have always been top-notch!"
"Wartortle!" The turtle pounded his fist on his shell. As much damage as he'd endured, he was ready for more!
"Then, we'll just have to get past them," Ritchie countered. "Happy, Sleep Powder!"
The Butterfree unleashed another cloud of infectious powder.
"Get ready, Wartortle!" Ash warned.
"Now, use Psychic!"
"Huh!?" Ash flinched. "What's he up to?"
Faint blue light emanated from Butterfree, willing the Sleep Powder to gather and surround Wartortle, turning into an inescapable swirl.
"You've gotta fight it!" Ash coached. "Keep yourself awake; we've gotta think of something!"
"Warrrrr…" Wartortle yawned. His lids felt heavy, and his legs like jelly. He did his best to stay conscious, but the spores filling his lungs were bringing him closer and closer to slumber. He fell on all fours.
"We can't beat it just by blasting around Wartortle; it's everywhere…" Ash wiped sweat from his forehead with the back of his glove. He grinned. "So, we'll just have to hit it all! Wartortle, Hydro Pump Counter Shield!"
"War…!" Wartortle shook his head, willing himself to jump. "Wartortle!"
He quickly retreated to his shell, torrents from every gap in the defensive plating. The burst sent him spinning, first horizontally, then diagonally, and soon, in every which way surrounding him.
"Wow! Butterfree started by swarming the field with Sleep Powder in a wild combination, but Wartortle's come back with the same! This 'Counter Shield' has fired back like a dam, cracking under pressure!"
The gushing combination even reached Butterfree, knocking the doused bug back a few feet.
Finally, the attack began to calm, and Wartortle landed, surrounded in mist. He was hunched over now, gasping for breath. The combination was never an easy feat. But, the smirk on his face told another story. He was proud of himself, and he didn't plan to falter anytime soon. "Wartortle…!"
"Wow, Ash." Ritchie smiled, resting a hand on his hip. "You've used that move twice in this match; it's really impressive! Heck, you even gave it a name. Must be one of your favorites!"
"It is." Ash ran his index finger over his nose, smug. "It's a move that Dawn and I came up with! That's what happens when we all work together!"
"That's our move~!" Dawn gushed from the stances, shaking her pom-poms. "Way to show off our handiwork, Ash!"
"Well, Sleep Powder's out of the way… But Psychic's gonna be a problem." Ash frowned, clenching his fists. Neither Wartortle, nor Happy looked ready to give up easily. 'We'll either have to wear Happy down, or trick them to get around it, somehow…'
While Ash seemed to be lost in thought, Ritchie took advantage. "Acrobatics!"
Butterfree shot forward, trailed by a purple blur.
"Crap." Ash snapped out of his daze. "Use Aqua Tail, on the ground!"
"War!" Wartortle stood upright, blasting the field below him with a swirling jet. The pressure launched him high above, dodging Butterfree.
"Free!" Butterfree shook his head, displeased to be doused with a splash from Aqua Tail.
A glint appeared in Ash's eye, then. "Wait a sec…"
"Happy, use Psychic to bring him back down!" Ritchie ordered, bringing Ash out of his thoughts, again.
Happy exerted his telekinetic grip, catching Wartortle in his ascent.
The Turtle flailed his body, struggling against the psychic grip. As high as he'd come, he was just as vulnerable to be yanked back down. The fall looked like it going to be devastating.
"Quick," Ash urged, "Hydro Pump!"
Wartortle tucked into his shell, spinning into a gushing Hydro Pump.
"Skull Bash!" Ash commanded.
Wartortle's descent stopped short, Hydro Pump launching him towards Happy, instead. He shot out of his shell, smashing his head into the Butterfree's stomach. He took the squeak as a sign of success.
"Don't let up!" Ash grinned, punching forward. "Aqua Tail!"
Wartortle dropped to the field, turning to fire another torrent.
"Use Psychic!" Ritchie shouted.
"Free!" Butterfree grunted, tensing his body as he exerted his will over the incoming jet. With a brief struggle, he put up an invisible stopper in Aqua Tail, just inches from his weary form.
"Shoot," Ritchie hissed. "He's barely holding it off…! Stay strong!"
As the residual splashes of Aqua Tail burst around Butterfree harmlessly, Ash saw his opening. With a smirk, he threw a hand out. "Now, use Ice Beam on that water, Wartortle!"
Wartortle turned to face his opponent, firing an Ice Beam from his mouth.
The unforgiving cold wrapped around Happy, freezing the stray streams. The Butterfree was quickly trapped in a block of ice, falling towards the field.
"Happy!" Ritchie gasped.
"Now's our chance," Ash shouted, throwing his hand out. "Skull Bash!"
Wartortle sprinted towards the falling chunk of ice, lunging to smash into his target.
The ice splintered, then shattered, freeing Happy with a brutal crash.
The referee watched the Butterfree tumble to the ground, covered in frost. "Butterfree is unable to battle! Wartortle is the winner!"
"What a finish! Butterfree's Psychic kept Wartortle at bay, but it could only hold up for so long, against the water type's brute force, and Ash's quick thinking! But, Wartortle must be pretty tired after that match!"
"That's just like Ash!" Dawn boasted, resting her pom-poms on her hips. "Just one more to go!"
"Empol!" Empoleon squawked from beside her, raising a wing in support.
"Ooh, and Happy fought so hard…!" Himashi pouted. "B-but, Wartortle did, too!"
"Way to go, Wartortle!" Misty cheered, waving a fist. "You did the Cerulean Gym proud!"
"Great job, Happy." Ritchie recalled his pokemon, beaming at the ball in pride. "That was a lot of fun." Pocketing the sphere, he looked across to Ash. "Nice moves, Ash! You really caught me off-guard with that Ice Beam."
"Well, we had to get around that Psychic, somehow!" Ash proudly laid his hands on his hips. "Wartortle gave it his all. But, it's not over yet!"
"Right!" Ritchie reached for his belt, grabbing his last pokeball. "So, get ready, Ash! I'm not holding back at all!" He took a step back, winding up, before tossing the ball.
"Zippo, I choose you!"
The spinning pokeball spit out a flash of light, quickly taking the shape of a giant, winged creature. Light became solid matter, entering with a loud, booming roar. A flap of orange, teal-webbed wings beat the air, kicking up clouds of dust around Wartortle.
"War…!" The Turtle guarded his eyes, standing tall after. "Wartortle!"
There were marks on his shell and skin, Ash noticed. "Talk about power… And, Wartortle looks pretty winded. You wanna sit this one out?"
"War!" Wartortle protested, folding his arms. "War, Wartortle!"
"Guess you want to see this through to the end." Ash smirked. "Fine with me!"
"Then, bring it!" Ritchie challenged. "Zippo, Flamethrower!"
The Charizard tossed his head, blasting flames towards Wartortle.
"Hydro Pump!"
Wartortle retreated, launching a merciless jet in return.
Water clashed with fire, center-stage, erupting into a cloud of hot steam.
Wartortle stood, wincing from the blistering heat.
"They were dead even!" Ash grit his teeth. "Even with the type advantage."
"Zippo, Dragon Claw!"
The Charizard stomped towards Wartortle, bearing long, emerald claws.
"Dodge it!" Ash shouted.
Wartortle crouched, waiting for the first swipe. He jumped over a vertical slash, leaping on Zippo's forehead to avoid an uppercut. Tumbling behind the fire type, he clung to the floor to avoid another horizontal slash.
Zippo grunted, raising an armed claw high. With a roar, he stabbed towards Wartortle's shell.
Ash's breath hitched. "Wartortle, watch out!"
"War!" He swiftly rolled over, avoiding what became a groove in the ground by turning onto his back. He shifted his weight to roll again, quickly growing pale. He croaked.
Tried as he may, the turtle couldn't roll off of his back. Certainly not quickly enough to pull himself out of danger.
Ritchie grinned. "Now's your chance, Zippo! Dragon Claw!"
The dragon's mighty jowls curved into a triumphant grin, a hot puff leaving his nostrils. Both extremities, armed with huge, glowing talons were pulled past his head. With a roar, he slashed at Wartortle.
Ash gasped. "Ice Beam!"
"War!" Wartortle returned fire, blasting Zippo with cold. The beam enveloped Zippo's claws, making him howl in pain. He stumbled back, but found no relief.
Wartortle continued on, stubborn, until he pushed himself onto his hind legs.
Zippo growled, irritated. He felt numb, from the forearms down.
"What's this!? Wartortle's Ice Beam has frozen Charizard's claws solid!"
"Bingo," Ash smirked. "Use Aqua Tail!"
"That's bad…!" Ritchie swallowed. "Pull up, and dodge it!"
Zippo flapped his wings, soaring out of Aqua Tail's range.
"Now, Skull Bash!"
Wartortle charged, smashing his skull into the Charizard's chest.
The Flame pokemon reeled, coughing from the impact.
"Power-up Punch, with both hands!" Ritchie countered.
Zippo growled, hoisting his frozen limbs above his head. With a heavy breath, he smashed each into Wartortle's shell.
Wartortle hacked, going silent at the sensation of shattering ice smashing into his shell. He was sent plummeting, crashing into the arena floor.
"Now, finish it!" Ritchie ordered, pointing towards Wartortle. "Flamethrower!"
A scalding Flamethrower crashed into the ground, cresting off of its target in a storm of embers.
The flames cleared, and Wartortle laid in their wake, covered in ashes, unconscious.
The referee raised a hand. "Wartortle is unable to battle! Charizard is the winner!"
"Thank you, Wartortle." Ash recalled the starter, gazing at the ball momentarily before placing it away. "Stubborn, as always. I'll make sure your fight doesn't go to waste."
"Pikachu…" Pikachu leaned over Ash's shoulder, patting the pokeball while he had the chance.
"He really was brave!" Ritchie called from across the field, smiling at Ash and Pikachu. "He held up, even after fighting Happy. But, I hope there's more where that came from, because we're not done yet!"
"Groarh!" Zippo bellowed in agreement, widening his stance.
"Not by a long shot…" Ash shared a knowing smile with Pikachu, tightly clutching the last metallic capsule in his grip. "I've still got one pokemon, and he's going to settle this." The trainer from Pallet winded up, chucking it with all his might. "I choose you…"
"Charizard!"
Wings spanned. A roaring flame crackled about, tossed by a powerful tail smacking into the ground. Teal eyes glimmered, staring down the Flame pokemon's counterpart. Charizard felt a spark of intrigue, and the birth of a fierce rivalry. He threw his head back, drowning out the crowd with a deafening roar. Shockwaves flew, disrupting Ritchie's side of the field, this time.
"And, Ash has also chosen Charizard! It's the moment of truth, for these two trainers and their pokemon!"
"I'd forgotten how powerful Ash's Charizard was!" May gasped, leaning forward in her seat.
"He's a force of nature," Dawn remarked, looking on with interest. "I've never seen a pokemon like him!"
"Thank goodness, he won't be throwing in the towel again," Brock remarked, on a soberer note.
Catching a few looks of confusion, Misty explained. "The last time Ash and Ritchie battled here, Charizard wouldn't take Sparky seriously, and dozed off, costing Ash the match."
"It was pretty embarrassing," Max emphasized. "I couldn't believe it when I saw it, on TV!"
"Well, I'm confident," Professor Oak attested. "Charizard will be eager to prove himself, now."
"Aaahh, this is so intense!" Himashi shook her fists. "I can't wait to see 'em fight! Come on, Ash! Come on, Ritchie!"
"You ready, Ash?" Ritchie smirked, adjusting his cap.
"Ready!" Ash attested. "Right, Charizard?" Met with silence, Ash hesitated. "...Charizard?"
The Flame pokemon was silent. His gaze wouldn't meat Zippo's, nor Ash's.
"...Everything okay?" Ash frowned. No, there was no way that disaster would repeat itself. He was sure of it.
Charizard turned, suddenly, to fire a Flamethrower, roasting Ash, and barely missing Pikachu.
The audience was filled with gasps and whispered worries, immediately.
The referee swallowed. "Disorderly pokemon may earn the trainer a penalty, if they prove a danger to themselves, or anyone else in the arena!"
"No, no, it's fine!" The charred trainer waved his hands. "I promise, it's fine!"
The referee quieted, and Ash breathed a sigh of relief. "I understand… I understand Charizard's feelings. He remembers surrendering during our last battle, Ritchie," he addressed his friend. "As well as I do, or probably even more clearly. That was his formal apology, and his promise to fight with everything he has, this time." He made eye contact with the dragon, offering a warm smile. "Right?"
Charizard huffed, spitting out a brief red flame, turning back to Zippo. One of his heavy feet stomped the arena floor, making it quake. A provocative gesture with his claws egged the other on.
"I'm happy to hear it!" Ritchie beamed, from across the field. "Because I want a battle with you guys, like no other!" He stood with a wide stance, pulling a closed fist behind him. He tossed that hand forward with gusto. "Zippo, Flamethrower!"
"Charizard, Flamethrower!"
Charizard and Zippo launched a heated assault. Both met halfway, exploding into a roaring wall of fire. Neither stream pushed beyond the other, equally matched.
"Dead even…" Ritchie's brows furrowed. "Dragon Claw!"
The wall of flames parted for Zippo, who charged through the heat with elongated claws.
"Get in the air!" Ash ordered.
With a flap of his wings, Charizard avoided a slash from Zippo.
The grounded dragon grunted, leaping after Charizard to slash at his chest, once more.
He found no resistance, his second strike missing.
"Good," Ash encouraged. "Flamethrower!"
Charizard soared, spitting a Flamethrower down at his approaching counterpart.
"Dodge!" Ritchie ordered. "Then, Flamethrower!"
Zippo's eyes grew wide at the sudden burst, and he jerked to the side. Hot flames just barely missed his wings. He roared, returning fire with another Flamethrower.
Charizard pulled back, avoiding the counter attack. Another came his way, and he spun, weaving safely out of the way of the attack. A third Flamethrower, even, shot right by him.
"He's so fast!" Ritchie gawked, his head tilting back to keep the two pokemon in his sights. "Zippo can't land a hit!"
"You like that?" Ash boasted, beaming with pride. "Charizard's trained in the Charicific Valley, for years. Battling all of those different Charizard, his reactions are top-notch, now!"
"Is that so?" Ritchie smiled to himself. "Power-up Punch!"
Zippo had launched another Flamethrower, watching Charizard intently as he twisted under the attack. A perfect opportunity to swoop in, hoisting a glowing fist behind him.
Zippo roared, smashing his fist into Charizard's jaw. He felt a sudden rush of adrenaline, just as he felt Charizard's skull rattle.
"That looked like it hurt… Flamethrower!"
Charizard flipped in the air, rubbing his jaw. Eager to claim redemption, he fired another Flamethrower.
Flamethrower hit, blasting Zippo higher into the sky.
Its ascension came to a halt, soon, a flap of his wings blowing the flames away.
"It tanked it!?" Ash clenched his teeth, horrified.
Ritchie threw a hand out. "Flare Blitz!"
A swing of Zippo's tail ignited a blue flame around his body. He roared, plummeting to piledrive Charizard, slamming him with all of his weight. Blue embers scattered with the impact.
Charizard reeled from the pain in his side.
Ash punched into the air. "Now, Seismic Toss!"
The pokemon's legendary fiery resolve didn't waver. He lunged for his nearing opponent, crushing him in a stubborn bear-hug. Charizard continued his descent, ready to suplex Zippo.
"Break free!" Ritchie shouted, pumping his fists. "Dragon Claw!"
Zippo struggled, hissing through his fangs. With enough struggle, he yanked an arm free, striking back with ferocity.
A vicious slash struck Charizard's belly, forcing him to release Zippo.
"Another Dragon Claw!" Ritchie ordered.
Zippo pursued, slicing at Charizard, again.
Ash punched forward. "Dragon Tail!"
Charizard twisted his body, narrowly avoiding Dragon Claw. He swung around, smashing into Zippo's jaw with his teal, gleaming tail. A burst of tinted flame crossed the other's cheek, leaving it singed.
"Good, he's still got the edge in speed," Ash thought aloud. His confidence returned with a smirk.
"Pika!" Pikachu agreed, confident. They would still win this!
"Flamethrower, now!"
Charizard righted himself, blasting Zippo with another Flamethrower.
"Endure it," Ritchie encouraged. "Power-up Punch!"
Zippo charged the heat, braving it to smash his fist into Charizard's gut.
Charizard doubled over, his fire instantly quelled.
"I had a feeling…" Ash's eyes narrowed.
"Pikapi?" Pikachu tilted his head.
"Charizard's faster than Zippo, but Ritchie keeps building up his strength with Power-up Punch. We've always geared towards speed, and I guess they all went for brute force… So, that's our challenge, today. We have to overcome that power!"
"Charizard!" Ash crossed his arms over his chest, throwing them outward. "Dragon Rush!"
Charizard roared, drowning out the audience's clamors of excitement. Pulling back from Zippo, he became enveloped in a wild, bright blue glow. The horns and fangs of a dragon emanated from flickers of light, filling the pokemon's body with primal, draconian strength.
"So, we're clashing head-on, huh?" Ritchie grinned, throwing a hand forward. "You read my mind, Ash! Zippo, Flare Blitz!"
Zippo answered with his own thunderous cry, quickly surrounding himself in a lively blue blaze.
"Go!" The cry of both trainers boomed.
Charizard and Zippo shot towards one another with a burst of speed, leaving onlookers with bated breath.
Zippo huffed through his teeth, and Charizard roared. The two streaks of light drew near.
The power of fire, and that of dragons, collided above. Ripples of energy blasted their surroundings, assaulting the stadium with the resulting shockwave. A powerful wind rained white-hot embers from above, mercifully avoiding the audience.
"You can do it, Charizard!" Ash clenched a fist tight. "Give it your all!"
"Keep at it, Zippo!" Ritchie encouraged.
Copper and coal hues alike didn't stray from the sight, even as they strained from the light that rivaled the sun.
"Grrroarrh…!" Charizard snarled, shoving his shoulder against his opponent's. Wings sprouted from his aura, sweeping to smash into Zippo.
"Roah!" Zippo pushed on, flapping his wings to push on forward.
Flares swirled and burst, a deafening explosion the result.
Ash swallowed. Falling trails of smoke caught his attention. Charizard fell from the debris.
The trainer felt his heart sink into his gut. "Charizard…!"
"Pika-chu!" The mouse gasped, gripping Ash's shoulder.
Zippo fell from the smoke, wearily flapping his wings for a slow descent.
"What a collision! But, it looks as if Ritchie's Charizard came out the victor!"
"Hang in there!" Ash cupped his hands around his mouth, calling in vain.
Charizard collapsed, crashing into the earth with a whimper.
Ash gasped. "Charizard!"
Zippo landed, easing onto one knee.
"Is Charizard down for the count…? I think this could be it, folks!"
The referee squinted, hesitant to raise a hand.
"Come on, Charizard…" Ash pleaded, his knuckles turning white. "I know you can do this! You're more than strong enough!"
"Oh, dear…" Delia crossed her hands in her lap. "Does Charizard still have a chance?"
"Charizard's super strong, uh-huh… But, so is Zippo!" Himashi squirmed, conflicted.
"Charizard never goes down easy," Max recalled. "It has to have more fight than that! If it loses, then I won't get my battle with Ash!"
"Come on, Charizard! Come on, Ash! Come on back with a blinding flash!" Dawn chanted with vigor, her voice loud and clear over the deathly silent crowd. "I know you've got fight left in you!"
Ash swallowed. "Well, we've fought our hardest, with no regrets…"
He was roused from his thoughts by a loud crash.
Charizard's tail had slammed into the earth, leaving a dent. The flame on his tail still burned with vigor.
The referee's hand had started to raise. With that sign of life, he lowered it.
Bruises and burns covered him, from head to tail. Still, Charizard shoved the earth with his claws, pushing onto all fours. With a snort, he forced himself once more, to stand on his hind legs.
His teal eyes burned, white-hot, with intensity. He stared across the field, capturing Zippo in his gaze. He wiped his chin, exhaling a puff of smoke. "Groarh!" He had no intentions to lose, today.
Zippo righted himself, still breathing heavily. "Roah!" He roared in reply. He felt much the same.
Ash flinched, watching a Flamethrower shoot right past his head. The wall behind him was scorched.
"Roah!" Charizard spat, putting Ash in his sights. Brows furrowed in disgust, he slammed his tail against the ground.
"..." Ash stood in momentary silence. He smiled. "I get it. You're not too happy I was about to let it go, huh?" He didn't need to wait for an answer. "Sorry about that… You're right! This battle's not over, until it's over!"
Charizard nodded, turning back to face Zippo. The flame on his tail ignited like a torch.
"Your Charizard's amazing, Ash!" Ritchie called from across the fray. "I'm not disappointed at all. Heck, this is just what I entered the tournament for! To see what you guys can do. So, let's fight all-out, right till the end!"
Zippo roared, standing upright.
"It looks like I spoke too soon! Charizard is still raring to fight! But, how will it end!?"
~Charizard.~
Charizard yanked his head around, bewildered. That was Ash's voice, wasn't it!? But, his lips weren't moving.
~It's me.~ Ash smiled from the trainer's box, slowing his breathing to a quiet calm. ~If we're going to win, I need to ask you a favor.~
The pokemon tilted his head. He could tell, from his strong hearing, that the crowd was getting antsy.
~I know that you're a free spirit; that you like to fight head-on, and I respect that. But, right now, if we're going to win, we can't be working on different wavelengths. You're going to have to just trust me. Can you do that?~
Charizard listened in silence. He finally nodded; redundant, as Ash had his answer before he did so.
Ash smiled wide, his copper eyes shimmering. "Great. Then, let's settle this!"
Ritchie tilted his head. He felt Sparky do the same. It looked as if Ash had been speaking to Charizard - getting some sentiment across. But, he hadn't heard a thing. "I guess that's a strong bond for you… You thinking what I'm thinking, Zippo?"
Zippo snapped his tail in affirmation.
Ritchie nodded. "Ash, we're going to give you guys the fight you deserve!" He pointed forward. "Zippo, use Flamethrower!"
Zippo snapped his head forward, launching a scalding Flamethrower.
"That's just what we want!" Ash grinned, pointing towards Zippo. "Flamethrower!"
Charizard stomped the field, returning fire. Flames met and parted in another blazing star.
"Take to the sky!" Ash commanded.
Using the cover of smoke and embers, Charizard shot into the air above.
"I get it." Ritchie smiled to himself. "Charizard's been over-powered, so Ash is looking for a lucky break. Sorry, but we're not giving you that! Follow him, with Flamethrower!"
Zippo gave chase, firing his next assault.
Charizard dipped from the incoming fire, quickly forced to soar above the next.
Ash punched forward. "Dragon Tail!"
Charizard somersaulted, coming down with his gargantuan, glowing limb.
"Catch it!" Ritchie shouted.
Zippo clashed his claws together, crushing down upon Charizard's tail. He bore his fangs, struggling to push back. The teal flame was only inches from scorching him.
Ash's face scrunched. "Toss him off!"
Charizard roared, spinning his hips about. With a vigorous lurch, he sent Zippo flying.
"Keep climbing," Ash coached.
Charizard soared higher, his wings now spanning Zippo's view of the sun. The other Flame pokemon shot up, quickly closing the distance.
"You can't run forever, Ash!" Ritchie boasted.
"Wasn't planning on it." A grin spread across Ash's face. "Charizard, Dragon Rush!"
Still ascending, Charizard dipped back, turning belly-up. In a swift turn, he shot into a nosedive.
Zippo had no time to change his path, staring into the eyes of a furious aura that swallowed him whole.
Charizard smashed into Zippo, carrying him plummeting through the remains of an indigo explosion.
Ritchie gasped. "Zippo!"
"This is it!" Ash roared, hugging his arms across his chest. "Seismic Toss!"
Charizard ignored the rushing wind, wrapping his arms securely around Zippo's back. He could feel the other struggle, and continued to apply pressure. He felt his arms growing sore.
The arena spiraled near, and he roared, chucking Zippo with all of his might.
The earth below trembled, and dust boomed across the field, swarming Ash and Ritchie, alike.
The audience gasped and exchanged hushed whispers. The dust clouds scattered.
Charizard stood, falling onto one knee.
Before him, Zippo laid, embedded in a crater, motionless.
The referee threw a hand in the air. "Ritchie's Charizard is unable to battle! That makes Ash's Charizard the victor, and Ash the winner of this match!"
"Wow! After that last clash, that was not the outcome that many expected, but Charizard showed true and blue resilience, pushing his way to victory! What a thrilling, earth-rattling conclusion to Ash and Ritchie's match!"
Even as the crowd exploded into victorious clamor, Charizard huffed, exhausted.
"Way to go!"
The Flame pokemon found himself pulled into a strong-armed hug, by none other than Ash. The trainer laughed, nuzzling his cheek into Charizard's chin.
"Pi-Pikachu!" Pikachu hopped atop Charizard's shoulder, chirping his congratulations.
Charizard could only smile, and return the favor with a well-placed Flamethrower.
"I'll… Take that as a thank you…!" Ash huffed, coughing up soot. He beamed with pride, all the same. "Way to give 'em hell, out there."
The dragon smirked, before throwing his weight on Ash, slipping from consciousness.
Ash scrambled to recall the fire type before he hit the ground, placing it back on his belt. "Guess you need a rest."
"After that, I can only imagine!" Ritchie approached, having already recalled Zippo. He stood opposite of Ash, holding a hand out. "Congratulations, Ash."
The other trainer smiled, reaching to shake Ritchie's hand. "Thanks, Ritchie. Thanks for that great battle."
"Right back at you!" Ritchie winked. "...I should probably get these guys healed. I'll catch you, outside!"
"Yeah, good idea." Ash grinned, playing with his cap. "I think we all could use a rest after that!"
With those words exchanged, the two trainers went their separate ways.
Ash's entourage, including Delia, Oak, and of course, Himashi, stood just outside the stadium halls, waiting for the two trainers, some antsier than others.
Koda tapped a sneaker against the tiled floor. "They're taking their sweet time. You guys sure that Ash isn't getting that Flamethrower checked out? He took it point-blank."
"Oh, if Ash let that kind of thing bother him, he wouldn't be Ash!" Delia chimed, waving her finger matter-of-factly.
"You sure are taking that easy, being his mom," The boy deadpanned.
"If she didn't, I think she'd go crazy." Misty remarked.
"Hey, if you're gonna roast me, at least wait for me to show, first."
The group turned their attention to the hall before them. Two trainers of equal height walked into sight, each sporting a Pikachu on one of their shoulders. Ash and Ritchie stepped before their peers and elders, a smile on each of their faces.
"Ooh, congratulations, uh-huh!" Himashi shoved past Misty and Brock, grabbing each of Ash and Ritchie's hands, shaking them vigorously. "That battle was so good! Your pokemon were amazing, Ash; I've never seen them so strong! B-but, you were great too, Ritchie! You almost had it! That was a match to remember, uh-huh!"
"I'm just… glad… you… liked it…!" Ash stammered out, jerked around violently by the ranger. Just how strong was she!?
"Thanks… A… Lot…!" Ritchie replied, struggling just the same.
Pikachu and Sparky were less amicable, their cheeks crackling.
Brock gasped, putting an arm out in front of the group. "Get back!"
Sparkles immediately abandoned her post.
"Pika…!"
"Chu!"
A golden flash enveloped, Ash, Ritchie, and Himashi alike, sizzling them with so many volts.
Smoke trailed from the three, their hair a frizzled mess.
"Really… Really cool, uh-huh…!" Himashi stuttered, dazed.
"Pikachu." Sparkles tutted at her trainer, scratching behind her ear with her foot.
"Anyway," Misty ignored the results, "congratulations! You finally got to have your match!"
"And, what a finale!" Brock agreed. "You should be proud."
"Thanks, really!" Ritchie brushed his hair back into place, scratching his cheek. "I'm just thrilled we had no interruptions, this time!"
"No kidding," Ash agreed. "After all these years, I'd say it was worth the wait!" He clapped a hand on Ritchie's free shoulder. "Hope you don't mind me being the one to move on."
"Nah." The brunette shook his head. "I only entered this to measure my progress. We got what we wanted, right, Sparky?"
"Pika-Pikachu!" The wild-furred rodent cheered, pumping his paw in the air. He'd had his fun!
"Just make sure you win in my place, alright?" Ritchie winked at Ash.
Ash smirked, folding his arms across his chest. "No need to worry; that's a promise!"
"There you go, stealing my catch phrase again!" Dawn teased, pointing a finger at Ash's chest with a wink. "You'd better start giving credit!"
"It's just so good, I thought I'd catch it," Ash shot back with a cheeky grin. "You're a trainer, too, you know how it is."
While the older gang of youths went back and forth, Koda turned to his own peer, ignoring them. "That same rule goes for you, too, y'know. Don't make me look bad, after beating me."
"I won't." Max grinned, toying with his thick-rimmed glasses. A bold shimmer flashed over the lenses. "I've got this whole tournament figured out!"
"Yeah, yeah. Being shady doesn't make you look confident." The pale youth folded his arms, his hands tucked into his long sleeves. In a rare display, he smiled at his companion. "Just make sure you do your thing."
"Hey, I didn't come all this way, for nothing." Max smiled to himself, turning on his heel. His sights were set on just one thing; or, rather, one person. The crimson-clad teen with the Pikachu on his shoulder, who was clearly boasting, playfully wagging his finger as he exchanged words with his peers. Max swallowed, shifting in his sneakers.
He could never understand how, despite it all, Ash could be so unshakably confident.
'We'll see just how far that confidence goes, Ash. Sooner or later, we'll see!'
