AUTHOR'S NOTE: Greetings, readers! Here is chapter 111 of the continuing adventures of Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu as they continue their journey through the Johto region. This episode will feature Ash battling Gary in the Silver Conference, but from Tristan and Hillary's point of view. This battle, as you know, was featured in two Pokémon: Master Quest episodes: "The Ties That Bind" and "Can't Beat the Heat." This will feature some of the same dialogue in these two episodes, but I hope you enjoy this battle just the same. Tristan will get a chance to battle in the next chapter. Just a reminder that I don't own Pokémon. Pokémon, Pikachu, and all other Pokémon names are trademarks of Nintendo.
TEASER: Tristan, Hillary, and their family and friends watch the epic battle between Ash Ketchum and Gary Oak. With an extra chocolate shake on the line, will Tristan get his just desserts?
Chapter 111: A MATCH TO REMEMBER
(Music Cue: Opening & Title Screen 1997-1998 (as heard at the end of "Pokémon Emergency!"))
Last time, our heroes' brothers, Evan and Braden, as well as their grandparents and great-grandparents all arrived in Silver Town to watch Tristan compete and cheer him on. And to their pleasant surprise, Professor Oak and Ash Ketchum's mother, Delia, also arrived in Silver Town to cheer Ash on.
Tristan, never one to let an opportunity pass him by, decided to meet his hero, Ash, in person and reunite with Brock.
Hillary, also a big fan of Misty, decided to follow and meet her.
Both Tristan and Hillary were briefly reunited with Brock, whom they first met when they were just starting on on their first journey together.
Now with that fateful meeting behind them, Tristan prepares to battle his rival, Silver, in the Victory Tournament, but he and his family and friends decide to watch Ash's battle against Gary, as they know in their hearts and minds that this match will be nothing short of epic, and one of the greatest matches of all time!
The first battle in the Victory Tournament, which took place on the Ice battlefield was a one-sided match right from the start as a Sneasel dealt the finishing blow to a Machamp, rending it unable to battle.
"Ladies and gentlemen, that does it!" boomed the announcer. "Harrison has claimed victory in the first match of the first round!"
It was then that Tristan, Hillary, Evan, and Braden, their grandparents, Veronica and Eric, and their great-grandparents, Rachael and Stuart, came into the stadium and took their seats.
"Looks like we're just in time," said Hillary. "The program says that Ash and Gary are up next. They're both the same age and from the same hometown: Pallet Town."
"This is gonna be an awesome battle," agreed Evan. "I can't wait until it starts. I've wanted to see those two Trainers go head to head for such a long time, and I have a feeling they will."
"You bet they will," put in Braden. "Those two will definitely make it worthwhile."
The announcer began again. "The second match in this first round will be a battle between two Trainers of the same age and from the same hometown: Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town and Gary Oak, also from Pallet Town!"
Tristan saw Brock, Misty, and their own Pokémon friends cheering for Ash while a group of cheerleaders with pompoms cheered for Gary. "Whoa, Ash and Gary must've spared no expense for cheering squads."
"This is going to be a battle that'll go down in Johto League history," remarked Rachael.
"One for the history books," added Stuart.
The announcer continued. "Gary is the grandson of well-known Pokémon expert, Professor Oak. And Ash has earned himself quite a reputation as well by achieving the Best 16 at the Indigo Plateau! Folks, it would not be an understatement to say this will be one of the finest matches you'll see anywhere! Fasten your seatbelts! This battle is about to begin! Let's see what battlefield they'll be fighting on."
A digitally lit wheel spun round and round between the grass, rock, water, and ice emblems until it slowed and stopped on the rock emblem.
"And it's a Rock field!" said the announcer.
Instantly, the battlefield opened up and rocky terrain emerged from below.
Tristan looked in wonderment. "I guess the Trainers will have to adapt to how they use the field and the surprises that they have to watch out for."
"It's time to decide who takes the first move!" continued the announcer.
Another digital wheel with green and red lights spun round and round, this time signifying Ash and Gary's pictures. It then slowed and stopped on one of the red spaces.
"And the first move goes to Gary Oak!" said the announcer. "What Pokémon will he use first?"
(Music Cue: Johto Champion Battle (as heard in "The Ties That Bind"))
It was then that Gary sent out a large, blue bipedal Pokémon with reptilian features.
Ash followed up by sending out a bull-like Pokémon with a pair of horns and three tails.
"Nidoqueen and Tauros!" said Tristan.
"Power has emerged from these two Trainers right off the bat," added Braden.
"Look at those two Pokémon!" remarked Evan. "Their power together could make the whole stadium shake!"
"Well, Ash and Gary have earned their spots here in the Victory Tournament," said Veronica. "I have a feeling that this is going to be one of the most epic and historic battles of all time."
"Gary has chosen to start out with his Nidoqueen, and Ash with Tauros!" said the announcer.
The referee raised both flags in the air, signifying to begin the match.
Nidoqueen started off by making a fist and pounding the ground, causing several boulders to fly across the field.
"Whoa, that's a Rock Smash!" exclaimed Tristan.
"Nidoqueen gets things rolling with a powerful attack!" said the announcer. "Those boulders falling like rain are throwing Tauros for a loop!"
"That Nidoqueen sure knows how to rock the stadium!" remarked Stuart. "I can feel it shaking all the way up here!"
"Hang on to something, everyone!" cried Rachael.
Tauros seemed unfazed and used its sharp horns to knock the rocks away from it. Then it charged in as fast as it could and used its horns to attack.
"Look at that incredible power!" boomed the announcer. "Tauros is moving like a bulldozer!"
Veronica seemed concerned. "I don't think using Horn Attack on a Nidoqueen is a good strategy on Ash's part."
"Why not, Grandma?" wondered Hillary.
"It's true that Tauros is a powerful Pokémon," replied Veronica, "but if Gary is as smart as I think he is, then I'm sure he's got a plan."
And sure enough, he did, for he had Nidoqueen grab Tauros by the horns and stopped it in its tracks.
"Look out, Ash!" cried Tristan.
Nidoqueen then fired a Hyper Beam attack at close range, scoring a direct hit on Tauros and sending it careening into rock after rock after rock, knocking it out instantly.
"Tauros is unable to battle...Nidoqueen wins!" declared the referee as he raised his red flag in the air.
The crowd roared in excitement.
"Unbelievable!" boomed the announcer. "Nidoqueen knocked out Tauros with just one attack!"
"Now I can see why you said just charging in wasn't a good strategy, Grandma," remarked Evan.
"That's right," agreed Braden, "because with reflexes as impressive as that Nidoqueen's is, that stubborn bullheadedness caused Ash to lose his very first Pokémon. He's not in a very good place right now."
"I know Ash will make a comeback somehow," replied Tristan.
"And now we wait to see who Ash will choose next to face his opponent!" said the announcer.
Ash recalled his Tauros and put his first Poké Ball away, then he took out his second one and threw it.
A bipedal beetle-like Pokémon with a blue exoskeleton emerged from the white light that shot out of it.
"Wow, a Heracross!" said Tristan. "It reminds me of mine."
But to everyone's surprise, Gary instantly recalled his Nidoqueen.
"Why'd Gary return his Nidoqueen?" wondered Evan. "That doesn't make sense. Unless he wants to use something that has the upper hand against Heracross!"
(Music Cue: Raid! (full version as heard in "The Ties That Bind"))
And Evan was all too right, for Gary threw his second Poké Ball, and a bipedal Pokémon with a red body and yellow flame designs emerged from the white light that shot out of it.
"A Magmar this time!" gasped Hillary.
"Ash has chosen Heracross, so Gary has substituted with his Magmar," said the announcer.
"Smart move," remarked Veronica. "Fire-types like Magmar have a huge advantage against Bug-types like Heracross."
"Yes, that's true, dear," replied Eric. "But let's see if Ash can overcome that difficulty.
"Come on, Ash, don't let the type worry you!" shouted Tristan. "You've got this!"
Quickly, Magmar unleashed a Flamethrower right at Heracross.
But Heracross dodged the attack and used his horn to strike Magmar repeatedly and furiously.
"That Fury Swipes attack scores a direct hit," said the announcer as Magmar was sent flying into the air.
"I think the announcer should've just said 'Fury Attack,'" said Rachael. "Heracross can't actually learn Fury Swipes."
Magmar recovered from its flight and unleashed a Fire Blast attack from its mouth.
"Magmar uses a Fire Pokémon's most powerful attack!" said the announcer.
Just then, Magmar combined with its own attack and struck it head-on, giving Heracross serious damage.
"Magmar's Fire Blast explodes across the field! Extremely effective!" boomed the announcer.
"Whoa, that's hot!" exclaimed Hillary.
"This looks bad," remarked Veronica nervously. "If Ash doesn't do something, and quick, Heracross is going to be out of the competition just like his Tauros was."
There was worse to come for Heracross, for while it was still surrounded by powerful flames, Magmar, still close to Heracross, unleashed a Flamethrower attack and scored a direct hit.
"Again at close range, a Flamethrower attack!" said the announcer. "This could be the end for Heracross!"
"Come on, Heracross!" shouted Tristan.
Fortunately, Heracross wasn't one to give up, for it furiously flapped its wings and the flames disappeared.
(Music Cue: Gym (version 1 1997-1998 (as heard in "The Ties That Bind")))
"Incredible!" boomed the announcer. "Heracross was faced with flames and used its wings to blow them away!"
Then Heracross charged in as the big horn on its forehead glowed.
"That's Heracross's Megahorn attack!" exclaimed Braden.
Magmar wouldn't give up without a real fight, for it unleashed another Flamethrower to try and stop Heracross, but it was all in vain, for Heracross's Megahorn scored a direct hit on Magmar.
"Magmar is hit by the most powerful Pokémon attack!" shouted the announcer.
Magmar fell to the ground in a heap as little embers spat out of its mouth; it had been knocked out.
"Magmar is unable to battle...Heracross wins!" declared the referee, raising his green flag in the air as the crowd roared.
"I don't know if I'd call Megahorn the most powerful attack," remarked Veronica, "but that Heracross is really something."
"Yeah, way to go, Ash!" shouted Tristan. "I knew you could do it!"
"With a disadvantage against Magmar, Heracross still managed to knock its opponent out using guts alone!" said the announcer. "And now this match is tied at one to one!"
"That Ash is better than I thought," said Braden. "Normally, I'd be worried whenever someone uses a Bug-type against a Fire-type. But his Heracross certainly has been raised well. I wonder if it's because of the training or because of its fondness for sap. Most Heracross are happiest with consuming sap from trees."
"Keep in mind that Gary still has five Pokémon remaining, so I wouldn't count him out just yet," reminded Eric.
Remarkably, Eric was right, for it was then that Gary sent out a strong blue bipedal Pokémon with a hard shell and two strong cannons on its back, much to everyone's surprise.
(Music Cue: Flying Poké Ball Chaos (as heard in "Shell Shock"))
"Look, a Blastoise!" exclaimed Evan.
"Gary's choice for third Pokémon is Blastoise!" said the announcer.
"Whoa, it sure looks tough," remarked Tristan. "Ash will have his work cut out for him this time."
"You're right," agreed Veronica. "Blastoise isn't only strong, but has enough waterpower to blast anything hard as rock to pieces."
"Like those rocks on the field?" asked Hillary.
"Precisely," replied Veronica. "It looks like Gary wants to finish the match right here and now, and it doesn't look like he's leaving anything up to chance."
True enough, Blastoise fired a Hydro Pump attack at Ash's Heracross.
"Uh-oh!' gasped Evan. "That Hydro Pump looks strong! Too strong!"
"Heracross is in big trouble," said Veronica worriedly. "This is one attack I don't think it'll weather."
Sure enough, Heracross tried to hide behind the rocks for protection. But unfortunately, Veronica was right, for Heracross and the rocks were blasted, and Heracross was knocked out on the spot.
"Heracross is unable to battle...Blastoise wins!" declared the referee, raising his red flag in the air to a roaring crowd.
(Music Cue: Johto Trainer Battle (as heard in "Can't Beat the Heat"))
"What power!" boomed the announcer. "Blastoise blew away Heracross and the rocks it was using to shield itself!"
"That was the most Hydro Pump I've ever seen!" exclaimed Tristan. "I hate to admit it, but Gary trained his Pokémon exceedingly well."
"No rock could stand a chance against that kind of power," remarked Hillary.
"What will Ash choose as his third Pokémon?" said the announcer.
Ash threw his third Poké Ball, and a large, sticky amorphous Pokémon made out of sludge emerged from the white light that shot out of it.
"It's a Muk," said the announcer. "But what attack could Muk possibly use against such a powerful Blastoise?"
"Why Muk?" wondered Evan. "I don't think it stands a chance against Blastoise."
Blastoise charged at Muk using Skull Bash and scored a hit on it, but Muk hung in and battled back using Sludge Bomb on it.
But Blastoise wouldn't go down so easily, so it quickly spun round and round to block it.
"Blastoise used Rapid Spin to send that Sludge Bomb back where it came from," said the announcer.
"That's right," agreed Veronica nervously. "And with a defense as powerful as Blastoise, it's going to be very tough for Muk to get a victory here."
Blastoise tried to tackle Muk head-on, but Muk held its ground and surrounded its body all around it.
"Look at that!" cried the announcer. "Muk has completely enveloped Blastoise!"
"Ew! That's gross!" exclaimed Hillary. "I sure wouldn't want to get buried like that Blastoise."
"That's the same technique Muk used when it defeated Jeanette's Bellsprout last year," added Tristan. "Boy, that was a good move."
"Can Blastoise escape?" asked the announcer.
Just then, Muk's body grew and grew until it was pushed back by Blastoise's Hydro Pump.
"Whoa, that Hydro Pump just took Muk by surprise!" exclaimed Evan.
Fortunately, Ash recalled his Muk before it collapsed.
"Phew!" sighed Braden. "That was a close call."
"You're right," agreed Veronica. "That Blastoise has been trained exceptionally well. Gary has proven himself a formidable opponent."
"Is there any way that Ash can beat it, Grandma?" wondered Tristan.
Pikachu was worried, too.
"In theory, the odds aren't in Ash's favor," replied Veronica. "However, with enough skill and a little bit of luck, there might just be a way for him to pull through."
"Just when things were going Ash's way, he was forced to call back his Muk," said the announcer. "Ash is already down two Pokémon, so his next choice will be a crucial one."
It was then that Ash threw another Poké Ball and his Bayleef emerged from the white light that shot out of it.
"It's Bayleef," said the announcer. "But will Ash's Bayleef be enough to turn this match around for him?"
"It should," smiled Evan. "Grass-types have the advantage against Water-types like Blastoise."
"That's true," agreed Eric. "But we'll have to see if Bayleef is strong enough to defeat it."
Blastoise unleashed another Hydro Pump at Bayleef.
But Bayleef, much to everyone's surprise, used Vine Whip to jump high into the air.
(Music Cue: Rocket Powered Disaster (as heard in "Can't Beat the Heat"))
"Whoa!" cried Rachael. "Bayleef flies?"
"My stars!" added Stuart.
"Bayleef makes a huge leap," said the announcer.
Bayleef then shot a Razor Leaf attack at Blastoise, but Blastoise blocked it with Rapid Spin.
"That Rapid Spin is deflecting every single Razor Leaf!" said the announcer.
Next, Bayleef, still up at a great height, attempted to slam Blastoise to the ground with Body Slam.
"Yeah, Bayleef's full weight should stop that Rapid Spin in its tracks," said Hillary excitedly.
"I wouldn't count on it," cautioned Veronica. "It seems that Gary knows it's coming."
And Veronica was all too right, for Blastoise then bit Bayleef on the leaf to stop its attack, much to everyone's surprise. There was worse to come, for Blastoise began to spin it round and round like a top.
"Bayleef is helpless against Blastoise's powerful attack!" boomed the announcer.
Blastoise then tossed Bayleef into one of the stadium walls, knocking it out.
"Bayleef is unable to battle...the winner is Blastoise!" declared the referee as he raised his red flag in the air.
(Music Cue: The Moon Stone (full version as heard in "Enter the Dragonite"))
The crowd roared in excitement as Gary and Blastoise celebrated their second consecutive win.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we'll be taking a five-minute intermission here, giving Ash time to regroup after losing three of his Pokémon," said the announcer.
"So an intermission, huh?" said Tristan.
Veronica nodded. "This is the standard rule for Trainers in the Silver Conference no matter which one of them loses their first three Pokémon first. It gives the Trainers time to create new battling strategies, and come up with a way for how to battle back."
"Yes, and for Ash, this couldn't come at a better time," agreed Eric. "Gary seems to have evolved his Pokémon so much while Ash hasn't. Still, I wouldn't count Ash out of the match just yet. I'm sure he'll come up with a unique strategy to win against Gary."
"This is a real exciting match," said Evan. "I'm sure glad we're seeing it live."
"I'm sure Delia and Professor Oak are, too," added Veronica.
"Plus, it'll give me some ideas on how to adapt to the field I use when I battle Silver," replied Tristan.
Pikachu eagerly agreed. It couldn't wait to see what would happen next.
Then Tristan thought, I know you can do this, Ash. If anyone can win against Gary, you can. You have what it takes, and I believe in you.
Five minutes later, a buzzer sounded, indicating that the intermission had ended.
"Time for the second half of our match," said the announcer. "As of this moment, Gary has five Pokémon remaining while Ash has only three. Which Pokémon will they choose?"
(Music Cue: Johto Rival Theme (full version))
Ash sent out a blue bipedal Pokémon with a cream-colored face, belly, and feet while Gary sent out an orange quadrupedal canine Pokémon with black stripes.
"Wow, a Snorlax and an Arcanine!" said Rachael. "Two powerhouses right there!"
"But I thought Gary would stick with his Blastoise. But why?" wondered Hillary.
"I bet Gary wants to save Blastoise for last in case it's needed," replied Braden.
"Ash chooses Snorlax while Gary has chosen Arcanine for this battle," said the announcer.
The battle began with Arcanine charging in towards Snorlax, who jumped in the air and tried to crush it. But Arcanine saw it coming and unleashed a powerful vortex of fire, which trapped Snorlax in it.
"Arcanine's Fire Spin makes a direct hit!" said the announcer. "Snorlax is completely immobilized!"
"Uh-oh!" said Hillary worriedly.
"Come on, Snorlax, you can do it!" shouted Tristan.
Pikachu and Togepi cheered loudly for Ash and Snorlax.
Then out of the vortex, Snorlax unleashed a Hyper Beam attack and scored a direct hit on Arcanine.
"Wow, check out that power!" gasped Braden.
"Now that was awesome," smiled Veronica.
Arcanine collapsed on the ground and struggled to get up.
"Snorlax launched that attack with all its might," said the announcer. "Can Arcanine continue?"
But Arcanine failed to get back up, and fainted.
"Arcanine is unable to battle...Snorlax wins!" declared the referee as he raised his green flag in the air.
The audience roared in excitement as they heard that declaration.
"I don't get it, Grandma," said Evan. "How could a slow Snorlax beat a really fast and powerful Arcanine?"
"Normally, Snorlax aren't very agile," explained Veronica. "But its immense power, if trained the right way, can help any Trainer overcome that difficulty."
"I must admit, that Snorlax is really something else," remarked Braden.
"This could be just the thing to turn this match around," said the announcer. "Now let's see which Pokémon Gary chooses next."
Gary threw another Poké Ball, and his Nidoqueen emerged from the white light that shot out of it.
"Nidoqueen comes out for a second appearance," said the announcer.
"Hold on!" gasped Tristan. "Doesn't that Nidoqueen know Hyper Beam too?"
"Yep," answered Hillary. "Ash had better be careful, for if Nidoqueen connects with Hyper Beam, it could be all over for Snorlax."
To everyone's surprise, Nidoquen used its tail as momentum to help it jump high into the air. Then it kicked Snorlax twice.
"Nidoqueen's Double Kick hits its mark," said the announcer.
Then Nidoqueen launched another Hyper Beam attack at Snorlax.
"Snorlax, watch out!" shouted Rachael.
Fortunately, Snorlax leaned back to dodge Hyper Beam, and then it leaped into the air and made a fist with icy energy in it, scoring a direct hit on Nidoqueen.
"Whoa, that's an Ice Punch!" exclaimed Tristan. "And a highly effective one!"
"That Ice Punch strikes like a ton of bricks," said the announcer.
Nidoqueen collapsed on the ground; it had fainted.
"Nidoqueen is unable to battle...Snorlax wins!" declared the referee as he raised his green flag in the air again to a roaring crowd.
"Snorlax has beaten two of Gary's Pokémon, leaving both Trainers with three remaining," said the announcer.
"This is turning out to be quite the battle," remarked Stuart. "I haven't seen a battle this epic in years."
"Maybe Ash can win against Gary after all," added Evan.
Then Gary sent out a bipedal insectoid Pokémon with a red metallic exoskeleton.
"A Scizor? But why?" wondered Hillary.
(Music Cue: Kanto Trainer Battle 1997-1998 (as heard in "Can't Beat the Heat"))
It was then that Scizor struck Snorlax quickly and repeatedly.
"Scizor hits Snorlax with a flurry of Quick Attacks!" said the announcer.
"Snorlax is in big trouble!" exclaimed Evan. "That Scizor's way too fast for it to outmaneuver!"
Snorlax tried to hit Scizor with Hyper Beam, but Scizor was too fast for it to connect.
Then Scizor's claw glowed in a silver aura and struck Snorlax with it.
"That Metal Claw makes a clean hit," said the announcer. "This could be it."
Sure enough, Snorlax fell to the ground, defeated.
"Snorlax is unable to battle...Scizor wins!" declared the announcer as raised his red flag in the air and the crowd roared in excitement.
"Gary has trained his Scizor well," remarked Eric. "Ash has his work cut out for him now."
"You're right, Grandpa," agreed Tristan. "That Scizor is one of the fastest Pokémon I've ever seen."
Ash threw another Poké Ball, and Muk emerged from the white light that shot out of it.
"Ash calls on Muk for a repeat performance," said the announcer.
Scizor charged in and used Quick Attack on it.
However, Scizor only got hurt from the encounter and pulled back.
"Well, that's one way to deal with speed attacks when you have a slow sludgy Muk," remarked Hillary.
"True, but Ash can't just defend from those attacks," replied Braden. "He has to find some way to defeat that Scizor, who's immune to Poison-type attacks."
Muk then used Sludge Bomb on Scizor, but Scizor easily dodged and used Metal Claw on it. Muk never felt the impact from Metal Claw, but Gary cleverly had Scizor toss Muk into the air.
"Unbelievable!" exclaimed the announcer. "Scizor is actually throwing Muk!"
True enough, Muk was in big trouble, and Scizor launched a flurry of stars from its claws at Muk.
"Muk gets pummeled by that Swift attack!" boomed the announcer.
Muk collapsed on the ground from the damage. It had been knocked out.
"Muk is unable to battle...Scizor wins!" declared the referee as he raised his red flag in the air to a cheering crowd.
"Scizor has put an end to Muk's battling for the day," said the announcer. "And now Ash Ketchum has only one Pokémon remaining. Gary Oak still has three Pokémon in his arsenal. What will Ash's last Pokémon be?"
Tristan's family looked on in concern, but Tristan still wouldn't give up. Don't give up, Ash, he thought. You can still win.
Ash threw his last Poké Ball, and his Charizard emerged from the white light that shot out of it.
"Ash's final Pokémon is Charizard," said the announcer.
"Oh, no, not Charizard!" cried Rachael.
"Don't worry, Great-Grandma Rachael," Hillary assured her. "I'm sure it'll battle this time."
(Music Cue: Charizard (Lizardon) Appears! (as heard in the Japanese version of "Emperor of the Crystal Tower: Entei"))
True enough, as Scizor charged in with a Steel Wing attack, Charizard launched a Flamethrower, which Scizor easily dodged; however, Charizard, unwilling to let Scizor get away that easily, launched another one, scoring a super-effective hit on it.
"That Flamethrower's hitting Scizor at a very close range," said the announcer.
Scizor collapsed and fainted.
"Scizor is unable to battle...Charizard wins!" declared the referee as he raised his green flag in the air to a roaring crowd.
"Charizard found the right opportunity to cut through Scizor's defense," said the announcer.
"And that's not all," added Evan to the others. "Scizor's Bug-type and Steel-type characteristics made Charizard's Flamethrower four times as effective as it normally would.
"Wow, you did all that math without having to take off your shoes and socks," teased Braden.
(Music Cue: Cross the Stormy Sea (full version as heard in "The Fourth Round Rumble"))
Then Gary threw another Pokémon, revealing another surprise: a bipedal tortoise-like Pokémon with a shell made out of green rocks.
"Gary's sixth Pokémon is a Golem," said the announcer.
"Not good," said Hillary worriedly. "Charizard's at a huge disadvantage this time."
"And Gary still has his Blastoise in reserve," added Veronica. "Ash will be fighting a big uphill battle here."
Pikachu and Togepi cheered loudly for Ash and Charizard.
"So, Evan, do you need me to do the math on Charizard's type weaknesses?" asked Braden.
"Uh, no, thanks," replied Evan. "Charizard's Fire-type and Flying-type characteristics against a Golem? I think I can figure that out."
Golem glowed in a crimson aura and jumped into the air and landed on the ground with such force that it created an earthquake that made the whole stadium shake.
"What's that?" bellowed Rachael.
"A Magnitude!" replied Stuart as he and Rachael barely held on to the seats.
"Golem's Magnitude sends out shockwaves," said the announcer. "The power of a Magnitude is never the same, but this one looks pretty powerful."
Charizard flew into the air and carried Golem into the sky with it in attempt to toss it to the ground with a Seismic Toss.
"Charizard is lifting Golem higher and higher!" said the announcer.
"Can a Charizard even carry a Golem, Braden?" wondered Tristan.
"Not for very long," answered Braden. "As strong as Charizard is, Golem weighs over 600 pounds, which is second only to Snorlax's weight of over 1,000."
And sure enough, due to the incredible strain it was experiencing, Charizard was forced to drop Golem, who made an easy landing.
"Charizard's Seismic Toss failed," said the announcer.
Golem then proceeded to roll Charizard out of the match with a Rollout attack; however, Charizard unleashed a powerful ball of orange energy from its mouth at Golem, scoring a direct hit on it and creating a huge explosion that rolled it out of the match instead.
"Golem is unable to battle...Charizard wins!" declared the referee as he raised his green flag in the air to a roaring crowd.
"Wow, talk about power!" exclaimed Eric. "What was that?"
"That was Dragon Rage," answered Veronica. "One of Charizard's most powerful attacks. I've never actually seen Charizard use it until now, and it's obvious to me that it's gone through some serious training."
"But now the toughest battle is still ahead," reminded Braden. "And we all know who Gary's last Pokémon will be."
"But I know Ash will find a way to beat it," said Tristan.
Sure enough, Gary threw his last Poké Ball, and Blastoise emerged from it.
"And now, for the final battle, Gary brings back his Blastoise," said the announcer. "And Ash will be staying with Charizard. Based on type, Blastoise has the advantage, but only time will tell."
(Music Cue: Kanto Champion Battle (as heard in "Can't Beat the Heat"))
Charizard began the last battle by unleashing another Flamethrower attack at Blastoise; however, Blastoise blocked it by using Rapid Spin.
"Again, Rapid Spin proves a strong defense, this time, against Charizard's Flamethrower," said the announcer.
"Uh-oh," said Hillary worriedly. "Fire attacks won't work very well against a Water-type like Blastoise."
Blastoise then retaliated by using the two cannons on its back to unleash Hydro Pump, which struck Charizard full-force.
"Hydro Pump scores a direct hit, causing problems for Charizard," continued the announcer.
"As expected, Water attacks work extremely well against Fire-types like Charizard," said Evan.
"Duh," replied Braden. "Water puts out fires in case you haven't noticed."
Charizard flew up to escape Hydro Pump and tried to fly behind Blastose, but Blastoise saw it coming and scored a direct hit with Skull Bash.
"That Skull Bash is right on target," said the announcer. "With Charizard's Flamethrower attack pretty much worthless at this point, is there any way Ash can turn this around?"
Charizard then flew up and tried to attack Blastoise; however, Blastoise used Hydro Pump to stop it from getting closer.
"Blastoise unleashes a powerful barrage of Hydro Pump blasts while Charizard can't find any room for a return attack," said the announcer.
Tristan clenched his fists; he was on the edge of his seat. "You can do it, Charizard! Don't give up!" he shouted.
"It's hopeless," smirked Evan. "There's no way a Charizard can beat a Blastoise, especially when its Hydro Pump is doing an excellent job of keeping it at bay."
"You don't know that!" retorted Tristan. He turned to Veronica. "There has to be a way for Charizard to win, isn't there?"
"There's one chance left, but it won't be easy," replied Veronica. "Charizard has to take a clear shot at Blastoise from close up. Charizard can fly around as much as it wants, but it'll eventually tire out, giving Blastoise the opening it needs. Ash has to come up with an unorthodox strategy to defeat it, and quick."
Sure enough, Charizard, who was still desperately trying to dodge Blastoise's Hydro Pump attacks, simultaneously unleashed Flamethrower attacks at Blastoise to no avail. All Flamethrower did was hit the battlefield. Then suddenly, Charizard began to use Flamethrower on the battlefield instead of hitting Blastoise.
Blastoise stopped its attacks as Charizard continued.
"Charizard is striking the field with Flamethrower," said the announcer. "What sort of strategy could Ash have up his sleeve?"
Tristan's friends and family were confused.
Even Veronica was puzzled.
Charizard continued to strike its Flamethrower. Then suddenly, the rocks began to shrink.
"I'm starting to get awfully sweaty for some reason," said Tristan as he wiped sweat from his forehead.
"Is it just me, or did it suddenly get hot in here?" wondered Rachael.
"It's not just you, dear! Look!" exclaimed Stuart as he pointed to the field.
Sure enough, there were red spots all over the battlefield. Steam was beginning to rise from it, and the temperature in the stadium had risen considerably.
"No way!" exclaimed Evan.
"Charizard stopped Blastoise!" added Braden.
"What kind of crazy...?! I mean, what a novel and unique strategy," said the announcer. "Charizard's Flamethrower attacks are melting the field, leaving Blastoise with nowhere to run."
"The announcer sounded a little confused there," chuckled Hillary.
"Now that's what I call red-hot," remarked Tristan.
"Good one, grand-sonny," laughed Eric.
Veronica was most impressed. "In all my years as a Trainer, I've never seen a strategy quite like this one before. One misstep for Blastoise, and it's all over for Gary."
"What will Gary do?" said the announcer. "Blastoise has been completely immobilized."
Blastoise unleashed a powerful barrage of Hydro Pump attacks to try and cool the field down, but all it did was create a huge steam cloud that enveloped both it and Charizard.
"Would you look at that!" said the announcer. "Trying to cool down that red-hot battlefield with a Hydro Pump attack was all it took to cover it with a thick layer of steam. And now it's impossible for anyone to see what's happened to either Blastoise or Charizard."
Just then, the steam cleared up.
(Music Cue: OK! Orchestra & Guitar (as heard in "Can't Beat the Heat"))
"There they are!" continued the announcer. "Having been thrown together, Charizard and Blastoise are locked in close-range hand-to-hand combat."
"All right!" said Tristan excitedly. "Now Blastoise is the one in trouble!"
"You're right," agreed Veronica. "With Charizard being so close, Blastoise can't properly aim its Hydro Pump attack, thereby putting it out of commission."
Charizard tried to finish Blastoise off with Dragon Rage, but Blastoise quickly withdrew into its shell to avoid it. Charizard then hauled Blastoise up into the air as high and as quickly as it could.
Blastoise then tried to bite Charizard on the shoulder in an attempt to force it to let go, but it was all to no avail as Charizard roared and spun around in faster and faster circles.
"And Charizard is going to try Seismic Toss once again," said the announcer. "Folks, it looks like this time, it's going to work."
And it did, for Charizard sank Blastoise to the ground like a stone, hitting the ground with a tremendous crash as the impact created a huge cloud of dust to form.
Everyone in the stadium was on the edge of their seats.
Mr. Goodshow was sitting in his office watching the battle unfold.
All of Tristan's and Hillary's Legendary Pokémon friends were watching the big screen anxiously to see who would emerge victorious from the battle.
A moment later, the dust cleared, and Blastoise struggled back to its feet.
Charizard and Blastoise stared at each other intently.
Charizard looked determined and had seemingly escaped unscathed.
However, Blastoise had taken a lot of damage from the impact from Charizard's Seismic Toss, and wincing in pain from the injuries it received, Blastoise finally collapsed to the ground. It had finally been knocked out.
"Blastoise is unable to battle...Charizard is the winner!" declared the referee as he raised his green flag in the air and the crowd began to roar in excitement.
(Music Cue: I Got a Victory Badge! (full version as heard in "Don't Touch That 'dile"))
"Blastoise has been defeated!" boomed the announcer. "The winner is Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town!"
The crowd's roars were heard throughout all of Silver Town.
"It was a long and fierce battle, and in the end, Ash emerged victorious!" continued the announcer. "It was something to see!"
Tristan was left in awe of Ash's victory. "I can't believe it. Ash won."
Pikachu and Togepi jumped up and down and cheered loudly as they had just learned that Ash had won against Gary.
"He really did it," whispered Evan.
"He did, didn't he?" added Hillary.
"Now that was awesome," remarked Veronica. "I think Ash has what it takes to become a Pokémon Master someday. What say you, Tristan?"
Tristan then smiled. "He sure does."
"Now that was a battle I won't forget for a long time," remarked Rachael.
"Yes," agreed Stuart. "One of the very best ever."
Hillary then turned to Tristan. "Well, Tristan, it looks like you won our little bet, so later this evening, I'll give you an extra chocolate shake. My treat."
"Oh, that's right! I get an extra chocolate shake!" shouted Tristan as he excitedly jumped for joy.
"I thought that might get you excited, Tristan," chuckled Eric.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the next battle is about to begin!" said the announcer. "The battle between Tristan from New Bark Town and his opponent, Silver, will take place in five minutes!"
Tristan exclaimed in shock. "That's my match! I'd better get down there! Come on, Pikachu!"
He and Pikachu started to leave, but Veronica stopped him.
"I just wanted to let you know that you're a great Pokémon Trainer, and we're all rooting for you, dear," smiled Veronica.
"You can do it," added Rachael.
"You've got this, grand-sonny," put in Eric.
"Go get him," smiled Braden.
"Yeah, go kick Silver into next week!" finished Evan.
Tristan nodded. "I'll do my best." And he and Pikachu dashed out of the audience and proceeded down to the stadium to face his rival.
And so, with that hair-raising battle out of the way, the time has finally come for Tristan to face his longtime rival, Silver, the boy who originally stole away with Totodile before the start of his Johto journey. Will Tristan have what it takes to win against his rival again? Stay tuned and find out!
► TO BE CONTINUED