Alright time for Ash vs Ritchie to see who will be in the top eight. Then well find out Ash's next opponent.
RKF22: Glad you enjoyed the chapter. And indeed, one does await.
NinjaFang1331: Thank you. Yah not many stories have Gary stay.
Reader: Glad you enjoyed the battle. Yah, I've seen only one other story where Gary stays so I thought it would be fun. Hopefully this battle doesn't disappoint.
Redflare ranger: I fine with having Ritchie already having a Charizard, however sadly it will not face Ash's Charizard in battle sadly. Reason I want to save Charizard for later.
Now I'm not going to confirm the paring yet, but I want to ask something. If I end up settling on the harem for Ash what should the limit be. I was thinking maybe 2 girls per regions, but I want to hear what you guys think the limit should be?
'I did it.' Ash thought, to himself, as the grouped walked off in order to get some food. After the battle, Delia promised, to make Ash a celebrate dinner for winning on all four fields.
Everyone was excited hearing that, even Gary. After all Delia's home cooking was the best. As they walked along, Ash could hear people muttering and pointing at him. He began to feel nervous, after all not many rookie trainers made it this far. Not only that, considering he was walking alongside Prof. Oak arguably the most famous professor helped. The paring for the next branch of the tournament were to be held the day after tomorrow in order to allow trainers and their Pokémon to rest.
Looking through the current list, Giselle won her final battle as well using her Marowak again. Unfortunately, A.J. looked to have been knocked out by Corey. Stilling according to the play-by-play A.J. still managed to take out 2 Pokémon. Neesha and Fergus also made it in, defeating some strong contenders. The last 4 alongside himself were Melissa who defeated Gary, a purple haired kid name Paul, who apparently was from Veilstone City in the Sinnoh region. Then there was someone named Ritchie, and finally a girl named Assunta. That made a total of nine trainers with the rest of the battle currently taking place today.
As the group walked to restaurant Delia were guiding them to, they coincidently ran into Neesha, Corey, Fergus, Joe, A.J., Giselle and her grandfather Mr. Goodshow. After an exchange of greeting their friends were invited to join them for dinner to which everyone accepted. Once they arrived Delia practical barraged into the kitchen where she began whipping up a storm and began cooking a fest stunning everyone. Everyone outside of the Oaks and Ash were stunned. Once the food was done a wonderful filled the area drawing curiosity from the other customers. The chiefs were so impressed they asked Delia for the recipe, to which she happily granted. As soon everyone took their first bite, they were shocked by how good it was.
"This is incredible, no wonder the chiefs asked for the recipe." Brock said, taking a bite.
Pikachu and Togepi were also enjoying the food. Everyone one else was especially impressed, taking about how it was the best thing they ever had. Soon everyone began chatting discussion ranging from what they thought of the tournament so far, to where they plan to go after the tournament.
"You know if you win your next battle, you'll then be allowed to use up to six Pokémon per match. How you decided on which Pokémon you'll choose?" Prof. Oak asked.
As Ash was chewing his food, he could practically feel his remaining rivals' eyes on him, waiting for an answer.
"I think it's best to wait to see who I'll face." Ash answered.
"Good idea." Brock agreed.
Prof. Oak agreed before informing, "Don't forget to inform me if you need any more Pokémon."
"Thank you, professor." Ash replied before taking another bite.
The rest of dinner went well, after finishing their food the different groups went their way. As Delia, Misty, Ash, Brock, Prof. Oak, and Gary were about to get on an elevator, when someone called out to them.
"Hold the door please, I'm going downstairs too." A boy called out.
"Sure." Prof. Oak replied.
They boy ran in, he had brown hair and eyes, and was wearing a green cap.
"Thanks." He thanked the professor.
"No problem." Prof. Oak responded.
"Aw, a Pikachu. Who's is it?" The boy asked, while kneeling in order to get a better look.
"He's mine. Pikachu is my partner." Ash replied.
"You're really lucky." The kid responded.
"I am thanks." Ash agreed.
Suddenly boy placed his hand on Pikachu's cheeks, Ash was just about to warn him, when he noticed Pikachu seemed to enjoy the rubbing.
"Looks like you're rubbing Pikachu the right way." Misty commented.
"I can see you really did well in raising your Pikachu." The kid stated.
"Thanks, I couldn't have asked for a better partner." Ash replied.
However, a loud thud went off, as the lights went out.
"What happened." Ash asked.
"The power went out." Brock answered.
"Try the emergency call button." Prof. Oak suggested.
"Right." Brock agreed, as he attempted to make contact with someone. "Hello, can anybody there here me? Hello there. Hey. Looks like its busted to."
"It's probably a power outage." Prof. Oak theorized.
"What show we do?" Delia asked.
"I guess were stuck here till someone restores the electricity." Prof. Oak answered.
"Oh no." Misty responded.
However, the sound of rustling suddenly caught everyone's attention.
When they looked at the source, they saw the boy opening a panel.
"Excuse me, may I burrow your Pikachu?" He asked.
"Okay." Ash allowed, before passing over Pikachu. "What for?"
"I want to use Pikachu's Thunderbolt to jumpstart the elevator. That should get us to the lobby." He answered.
"Say you got an interesting idea." Prof. Oak complement.
"That just might work. Let's try it" Gary stated.
"Okay Pikachu use Thunderbolt." Ash called out.
Grabbing the wires and connecting them to his cheek, Pikachu let loose a large amount of electricity. The lights turned on, and the elevator started up again.
"We're moving." Ash stated.
After a few moments the elevator arrived, and opened the door allowing everyone to exit.
"We made it." Misty cheered.
"I'm glad we held the door for you." Brock added.
"We can thank you enough." Delia thanked.
"Don't thank me thank Pikachu." The boy insisted.
"Thank you. What's your name?" Ash asked.
"Oh yeah. My name's Ritchie." Ritchie introduced, releasing he forgot to do so.
"My name is Ash, nice to meet you." Ash greeted.
"I got to go see yah." Ritchie said, as he ran off.
"Bye." Ash replied.
"What a sweetie." Delia stated.
"Very mature for a boy his age." Prof. Oak complemented.
"Unlike a certain other boy, we all know." Gary mocked looking at Ash.
Ash just ignored Gary; he wasn't going to let him get to him.
"I was really impressed by the he handled Pikachu." Brock added.
"Maybe he has one." Ash suggested.
There was a still a little bit sun left, so they spent the rest of the day looking around. The group played some of the games and won some interesting prizes. Prof Oak won a trivia game and received Moon Stone for a prize, to which the old professor happily accepted. Misty won a game involved catching some Goldeen using a paper net. It took a few tried since she hadn't played that game in a while. Misty ended up winning a Water Stone which she was ecstatic about. Brock won ring toss earning him an interesting item known a Protector. According to Prof. Oak a Protector was how trainers evolved their Rhydon into a Pokémon known a Rhyperior. Both Brock and Ash found this intriguing, causing them to wonder. Gary won a shooting game earning him a Metal Coat, causing him to look at it with interest. Delia won a raft receiving couple of tickets for something.
When Ash asked what it was too, she wouldn't comment, saying he'll find out later. Finally, Ash won Razor Claw. Apparently, he could use it to evolve his Sneasel into a Weavile, that was something he was going to check out. After playing a few more games, the group decided it was time to get some rest. The next day Ash and Pikachu were on a run, they were so full of energy they decided to go outside to burn it off. As they were running, they passed by a river where they noticed someone, he recently met. Deciding to greet the person Ash slid down a small hill, he ran to meet them by the river bank.
"Hey Ritchie." Ash greeted, getting Ritchie's attention.
"Oh, your Ash right." Ritchie greeted back.
"Yah, Pikachu and I were on a run, when we saw you, and decided to say high." Ash explained.
"Pika." Pikachu agreed nodding.
"I see, well I just came out to get some fresh air." Ritchie explained.
"I see. Oh yeah, I forgot to ask, by any chance are you competing in the league?" Ash asked with curiously.
"Yeah, I got past all four rounds so far, how about you?" Ritchie replied.
"Yup, made it past the 4 rounds as well." Ash responded.
The two sat down on some rocks as they exchanged stories telling each other about their home town, even gym leader experience. After a while their stomach began to rumble. Deciding to go back, Ash invited Ritchie to join for breakfast, to which he accepted. When they arrived at the cabin, Brock and Misty were surprised by Ritchie's present but greeted him and invited him in none the less. After a good breakfast Ritchie joined the group for rest of the day, where they continued to explain the different booths even had time to catch a movie. Once the day was over Ritchie went his separate way.
The next day, the group decided to just relax, they stayed at the cabin until it was time to see who Ash would battle next. Once they arrived, they noticed Ritchie and went to greet him. After greeting him, he informed them that the drawing would be down by Magikarp fishing. Ash walked up to the receptionist he recognized her as the same one who registered him. Grabbing a rod, he places it in the bucket before pulling out a Magikarp with the markings saying A – 3 on it. Looking up to see who he will face; he noticed Giselle would battle Melissa the same girl who defeated Gary. And if he got past his next match, he would battle her. He saw Fergus would battle Neesha. Finally, his opponent was pulled up and much to his shook he would be battling Ritchie. Both trainers were shocked but accept this accepted as they shook hands promising a good battle.
Once the group arrived back at the cabin, they immediately began looking through all of Ritchie's data. So far, he had managed to get through the tournament with only three Pokémon. A Pikachu, Butterfree, and a Charizard, interesting all three Ash has, or in Butterfree's case had.
He could make a plan on to counter those Pokémon, but what if Ritchie didn't bring them. Misty suggested for Ash to bring his own Charizard, to the battle. The idea while tempting it was too risky if Ritchie brings Pikachu or maybe a water type. If only he could be something that could deal with all three of them. Then his eyes widen he did have one, looking through his other Pokémon and came up with the two he could add. With his team decided he had the Pokémon transferred over in order to do some last-minute training.
Once the training over he went to get some rest. The next morning, he let out his team wanted to give them a pep talk.
"Today we're battling a trainer named Ritchie, if we win were going to the top 8. This won't be easy from what I've seen he's a good trainer. But I believe in you guys I know we can win." Ash said. "Now let's win this!"
Suddenly a bright light filled the area surprising everyone, Brock and Misty ran outside just in time for the light to go out, leaving everyone in awe.
(Later that day)
The time had arrived it would now be him vs Ritchie. He had selected and chosen his three best choices now it was time to see them pull through.
"And now we have a battle between two promising rookie trainers. On the red field we have Ash Ketchum who has yet to lose a single Pokémon in this entire tournament. And on the green field we have Ritchie who also has yet to lose a single Pokémon, and has managed to make it through this tournament using only three Pokémon. Now we will see who's winning streak will come to an end." The announcer called out getting the crowd pumped.
"This will be a three on three, Pokémon substitution are not allowed. The battle will be over when all of one side Pokémon are unable to battle. Do you understand?" The ref said clarifying the rules.
Both trainers nodded, the ref signaled them to start as the each called out their first Pokémon.
"Go Happy!" Ritchie announced calling out his Butterfree.
"Pidgeot I choose you." Ash called out.
"Begin." The ref called out.
"Happy use Sleep Powder." Ritchie began.
"Free." Butterfree chirped as it flew above Pidgeot released a white powder.
"Pidgeot get away from there, then use Agility." Ash countered.
Pidgeot moved out of the way before the powder could get close. Pidgeot began glowing as Pidgeot began to fly at a faster pace.
"Pidgeot use Air Cutter." Ash continued.
Pidgeot made a x formation using her wing, as she fired several blasts of air towards Butterfree.
"Happy block it with Psybeam." Ritchie defended.
Butterfree eyes lit up as a they fired a multicolored beam from them. The two attacks collided as a layer of smoke was created. When it was clear both Pidgeot and Butterfree were having a stare down.
"Happy Double Team, then Sleep Powder." Ritchie called out.
"Free." Butterfree chirped as it created several duplicates of itself. They all flew off in different an attempted to slow down Pidgeot.
"Pidgeot use your Double Team then Heat Wave." Ash retaliated.
Pidgeot created several copies before they fired a blast of hot air, that incinerated the powder.
Butterfree and his copies flew away in an attempted avoid the blast. While the real one managed to avoid the blast, its copies weren't.
"Happy use your Air Slash."
Sending a barrage of wind blades towards Pidgeot who easily weaved through them, Pidgeot then rose in the air to get above Butterfree. Pidgeot the disappeared from a second, leaving no trace.
"Happy Protect." Ritchie defended.
Butterfree narrowly managed to create a barrier, in time as Pidgeot slammed into it with white streaks following it. Not wanting to be too close in case Butterfree goes for another statis condition, Pidgeot flew several feet away. Pidgeot then fired her own set of wind blades as they struck the barrier. The barrier disappeared just in time for the last wind blade to strike Butterfree.
"Free." Butterfree cried out in pain as it fell back.
"Happy no." Ritchie cried out in concern.
"Pidgeot use Hurricane." Ash continued.
Pidgeot began flapping her wings intensely as it picks up a fierce wind then began spinning around in a tornado. Butterfree was ensnared by the tornado throwing it around in its fierce winds.
"Happy use Psybeam to break out of the Hurricane." Ritchie called out.
Butterfree's eyes lit up as it blasted the sides of tornado, only to be sucked in by the mighty winds. However, Butterfree's eyes glowed pink, as it let out a blast of psychic energy that wrapped around the winds before dissipating them. Butterfree then managed to ensnare Pidgeot in its psychic attack.
"Happy use Sleep Powder." Ritchie called out with a cheer.
Butterfree attempted to put Pidgeot to sleep again, as it fired white powder towards Pidgeot.
"Pidgeot use Heat Wave." Ash defended. He knew if Pidgeot was put to sleep it might be the end for her.
As the powder was getting closer, Pidgeot shrieked as she managed to let out a blast of hot air that burned up the powder. Butterfree had to release Pidgeot from Psychic's hold in order to get away in time. As Butterfree flew away Pidgeot used the opportunity to use Double Team. As Pidgeot created its doubles, they then began firing a series of Air Slash. Butterfree managed to get another protect up as the wind blades continued slam into the barrier. This bushed Butterfree closer and closer to the ground.
Knowing one good strike would put an end to this battle, Ash calmly waiting for the right spot, and once he saw it, he called out...
"Brave Bird!" Ash yelled out.
Pidgeot flew down as she was cloaked in blue flames, rushing towards Butterfree with intense speed. Seeing it opponent ready to crash into it, Butterfree fired a Psybeam from it eyes that smack into Pidgeot. Pidgeot rushed through the Psybeam, and slammed into Butterfree crashing them both into the ground. Dust kicked into the air, as neither Butterfree or Pidgeot could be seen. Pidgeot then flew out from the dust cloud, as it began to fade away. Sparks were coming off of Pidgeot from the recoil of Brave Bird. When the dust finally cleared Butterfree was revealed to be out cold.
"Butterfree is unable to battle, Pidgeot wins." The ref called out, raising the flag.
"And Ritchie takes the first lost, as Butterfree could withstand Pidgeot assault. Now we must wait and see what Pokémon Ritchie chooses next." The announcer called out.
(Up In the Stand)
"Yes, Ash gets the first win." Misty cheered.
"Ash knew he couldn't risk Pidgeot getting by a Sleep Powder other wish that would level he open for several attacks." Brock stated.
"Ash made sure Pidgeot kept her distance until Butterfree was weaken enough to get in close with a Brave Bird." Gary added.
"Now Ash just had to take out, Ritchie's two next Pokémon." misty commented.
"Go Sparky!" Ritchie said, as he released his Pikachu, who had a few tuffs of fur on his head.
"And Ritchie decided to go with his Pikachu, and Electric Pokémon who has an advantage over Pidgeot, a normal and flying type." The announcer stated.
"Sparky start off with Thunderbolt." Ritchie began.
"Pika Chu!" Pikachu squeaked out as it fired a bolt of electricity.
"Pidgeot dodge it." Ash countered.
"Geot." Pidgeot chirped as she turned to the side avoiding the blast of electricity.
"Pidgeot fight back with Air Slash." Ash retaliated.
Pidgeot cawed as she fired several air blades towards the ground.
"Pikachu use Quick Attack." Ritchie defended.
Pikachu took off as he ran around the field as the blade struck the ground behind him. Once the last once missed Pikachu turned around and fired a yellow ball at Pidgeot managed fly out of the way. Knowing that first to strike would mostly likely win the trainers prepared for the assault.
"Sparky use Thunderbolt again." Ritchie continued.
Pikachu let out more bolts of electricity as Pidgeot flew around the them before retaliating by firing another Air Slash. Pikachu would use another Quick Attack in order to avoid the wind strikes. After avoiding another series of hit, Ritchie told Pikachu to focus on Pidgeot's movement. Once it had Pidgeot flight pattern Pikachu the fired a web made of electricity. Pidgeot fired a Heat Wave that managed to block the electricity. However, another Electro Ball had been fired that managed to hit Pidgeot. This caught Pidgeot off guard, as she lost control and began falling towards the ground. Ash began calling out to Pidgeot trying to help her regain control. Pidgeot then opened her eyes, as she managed to restabilize herself, as she narrowly avoided the ground. With Pidgeot back into the air, she looks for Pikachu only to find he had disappeared. She then released there was something on her back.
"Sparky use Thunder!" Ritchie called out.
"Chu!" Pikachu called out as he blasted Pidgeot with a high amount of electricity. Pidgeot shrieked in pain, as she was struck.
"Pidgeot shake it off." Ash ordered.
Pidgeot then flew in all directions, make sharp turned, doing several flips in an attempted to shake Pikachu off. Pikachu held on for dear life, as he continued to blast Pidgeot with more electricity. Knowing Pidgeot would last much lonely Ash tried to think of thing to knock Sparky off.
"Pidgeot use Quick Attack and then Brave Bird." Ash called out.
Pidgeot took off with a high amount of speed, causing Pikachu to hang on for dear life. Pidgeot then erupted in flames, forcing Sparky to jump off. However, while the air Sparky fired another Electro Ball, the smack into Pidgeot's back sending into the ground.
"Finish Pidgeot off with Iron Tail." Ritchie called out.
Pikachu's tail glowed a metallic color as he braced himself, as he fell towards the ground. As Pidgeot looked up, she saw Pikachu right before he rammed his tail into her. The force sent her crashing on her back, as Pidgeot landed with swirls in her eyes.
"Pidgeot is unable to battle, Pikachu wins." The ref announced.
"After taking out Butterfree, Pidgeot now fall to Pikachu. How will Ash combat against it?" The announcer questioned.
(Up in the Stands)
"Poor Pidgeot she was doing so well." Misty muttered.
"Yah Ritchie wanted Pidgeot close enough to the ground to get Pikachu to hop on her." Brock stated.
"Once he did that Pidgeot wasn't able to get Pikachu off fast enough and took major damaged." Gary added.
"Espeon, I choose you!" Ash called out a feline-like Pokémon with lilac fur, purple eyes and a red gem on its forehead.
"Espeon." Espeon cried out.
"Fantastic when did Eevee evolve?" Prof. Oak asked.
"In the morning actually, I didn't know Eevee could evolve without a stone." Misty answered.
"Oh yes, in order to evolve into Espeon, and Eevee needs to have a strong bond with its trainer and evolve during the day if it evolves at night then it will become an Umbreon." Prof. Oak explained.
"It's so cute." Delia gushed.
"An interesting choice as Ash decided to use Espeon, a pure psychic type, and one of eight Eevee evolutions." The announcer called out.
"Espeon use Calm Mind." Ash began.
Espeon began glowing, as soothing thoughts enter its mind. Note wanting its opponent to power up Pikachu launched a Thunderbolt at Espeon.
"Psychic." Ash defended.
Espeon's eyes glowed pink as she managed to catch the Thunderbolt stopping it in its track. Espeon then sent the attack back at Pikachu who leap to the side. The gem on Espeon's forehead then glowed as it fired a Psybeam form it. The Psybeam landed on the ground in front of Pikachu, but the force of the attack sent Pikachu back.
"Espeon use Sand Attack." Ash continued.
Espeon then began pawing at the sand, kicking it up, creating a dust cloud. Noting wanting Pikachu to be easy pickings, Ritchie had Pikachu defend itself with Double Team. When the dust cleared Espeon was nowhere to be seen, until the ground burst releasing several Espeon from underground.
"Shadow Ball." Ash called out.
"Sparky use Thunderbolt!" Ritchie defended.
The two attacks collided destroying the other, creating a smokescreen. Then a rainbow of lights blasted through smacking into Pikachu. Pikachu grunted as he slammed into the ground.
"Sparky use Light Screen." Ritchie defended.
"Pikachu." Pikachu grunted creating a rainbow barrier.
"Sparky use Electro Ball." Ritchie continued.
"Iron Tall." Ash defended.
Pikachu launched a ball of electricity towards Espeon, who's tail turn metallic as she sliced the ball in half.
"Espeon use your Light Screen." Ash ordered.
Espeon then created her own rainbow barrier, before jumping out of the way of another Iron Tail. Espeon then retaliated by firing another Shadow Ball. A barrier appeared taking the blunt of the attack, but it still kicked up some dust. Pikachu then fired back with a Thunderbolt that also crashed into a barrier.
"Espeon another Calm Mind." Ash called.
Once again soothing thoughts entered Espeon's mind as her power increased. Not wanting Espeon to continue to power up, Ritchie retaliated by having Sparky use a Volt Tackle. Pikachu took off as his body cackled with electricity. As Pikachu was about to slam into Espeon her eyes glowed as Pikachu was suddenly lifted off the ground. Espeon fling Pikachu several feet away, and smacking into the ground.
"Espeon use Take Down." Ash ordered.
Espeon took off with a burst of speed as she smacks in Pikachu who cried out in pain. Not letting up, Espeon then jumped as she to hit another Iron Tail into Pikachu. Pikachu reacted quickly as the struck but with his own Iron Tail.
Knowing Sparky would run out a steam soon Ritchie then told Sparky to launch a Thunderbolt. Espeon's eyes glowed as she caught the Thunderbolt before launching it back. Pikachu then used Quick Attack as he avoided the redirected the before smacking into Espeon. Not backing down Ash countered by having Espeon catch Pikachu with Psychic then blasting him with a Psybeam. Pikachu cried as he flew back, as a barrier cracked and faded away. With Light Screen over Ash then told Espeon to hit Pikachu with several Shadow Ball. Pikachu was hit by as barrage of purplish-black orbs before collapsing on the ground out cold.
"Sparky no." Ritchie cried out in worry.
The ref looked to see if any signs Pikachu getting up but found none, he held up the flag and called out. "Pikachu is unable to battle, Espeon wins."
"After a taking down Ash's Pidgeot, Ritchie's Pikachu wasn't able to get another win, and we anxiously wait to see who Ritchie chooses for his last Pokémon." The announcer stated.
"Wow Espeon sure did great." Misty complemented.
"No doubt, she has gotten a lot stronger now." Brock added.
"Where did Ash catch an Eevee?" Gary asked. Eevee was one of the Pokémon he hadn't found yet so he was curious where he found her.
"He found her in the woods outside of Pallet Town the day after you left." Brock answered.
"What!" Gary yelled out.
"Quiet Ritchie is about to let out his last Pokémon." Misty stated.
"Go Zippo." Ritchie called out his last Pokémon.
"Roar!" A Charizard roared out.
"And Charizard is Ritchie's last Pokémon will it be able to take out Ash's last two Pokémon, I guess we're about to find out." The announcer stated.
"Zippo Fire Spin." Ritchie began.
"Espeon redirect it." Ash countered.
Charizard opened its mouth as it fired a spiral of flames, as the flames go close, Espeon's eyes glowed as her Psychic caught the flames and fired it back.
"Flamethrower." Ritchie continued.
Charizard then fired a torrent of flames the tour threw the Fire Spin, and slammed into Espeon. Since Espeon's Light Screen had ended Espeon took the full blunt of the attack, causing her to cry out in pain.
"Espeon use Double Team, then Morning Sun." Ash called out.
Espeon created several copies as they all began glowing. The wounds on Espeon's body began disappearing she switch to recovery mode.
"Zippo use Earthquake." Charizard flew into the air, before slamming into the ground shaking the earth.
As the ground shook Espeon gritted her teeth as her copies disappeared. Before she could react, another Flamethrower blasted her back. Espeon landed on the ground panting, she couldn't keep this up for long, so she fired a Psybeam at Charizard who flew out of range for her Psychic.
"Zippo use Smokescreen." Ritchie continued.
"Roar." Charizard roared as a cloud of smoke was created.
Espeon's attack passed through the smoke but no cries of pain could be heard. Knowing Espeon's attack mostly missed, Ash had Espeon use Protect. Espeon got the Protect up just in time, as a Fire Spin wrapped around the barrier. Knowing Espeon would be vulnerable once the barrier disappeared, Ash thought of what to do when it disappears. Knowing Espeon was most likely going to go down, Ash knew what to do.
"Espeon use Future Sight." Ash called out.
Once the flames were gone and the barrier disappeared a blue orb flew into the air before disappearing. Before Espeon could make another move, Charizard had flown down, and capture Espeon in its jaws using its Crunch attack. Espeon cried out in pain, before Charizard flung her away. Espeon crashed into the ground, as she struggled to get up.
"Zippo finish it off with Flamethrower." Ritchie called out.
Charizard blasted a torrent of flames that struck Espeon sending flying. Espeon crashed into the ground, as she tried to get back up, only to collapsed on the ground. The referee made sure to see if Espeon could get up before calling the fight.
"Espeon is unable to battle and Charizard is the winner." The ref announced.
"Espeon put up a valiant effort, against Charizard, but just didn't have the fire power to take it down." The announcer stated.
(Up in the stand)
"Poor Espeon she tried so hard." Misty said, sadden by her lost.
"Charizard made sure to keep out of range from Psychic." Brock added.
"Still, she managed to get off a Future Sight which means her work wasn't for naught." Gary stated.
"Ash still has one more, and it's the perfect match against Charizard." Brock stated.
"And now we see what Ash's last Pokémon will be." The announcer stated.
Tightening his gloves, Ash looked on with a determined look. He and his Pokémon made it this far, and they weren't going to fall here.
"Rhydon I choose you!" Ash called out his last Pokémon.
"Rhy!" Rhydon roared as he was let out.
"Charizard vs Rhydon begin!" The ref announced.
"Rhydon start off with Rock Blast." Ash began.
"Charizard Flamethrower." Ritchie countered.
Rhydon's horn began to glow, as it fired several blasts of energy towards Charizard, retaliated with a torrent of flames. The two attacks collided as they destroyed each other, leaving the two Pokémon to glare at each other.
"Rhydon use Iron Defense." Ash continued.
Rhydon smashed his fist together as it glowed a metallic coloring, increasing its defenses.
"Charizard use Fire Spin." Ritchie called out.
Charizard spat out the spiral of fire towards Rhydon who burrowed underground, to avoid the flames.
"Charizard use Earthquake." Ritchie retaliated.
"Rhydon use Protect." Ash calmly called out.
Rhydon returned to the surface where it managed to get a barrier up that blocked the tremors that filled the fields. When the barrier disappeared, Rhydon created a Rock Slide causing massive boulders to rained down from the skies. Charizard did its best to weave through the rocks having one managed to stun it for a moment, allowing Rhydon to zapped Charizard with a painful Thunderbolt. Charizard roared out in pain before being struck by several blasts from Rhydon's horn. Charizard collapsed on the ground before picking itself back up. Glaring at Rhydon, Charizard took off into the air again. This time Charizard fire a green breath, unleashing the power of its Dragon Breath. Seeing the attack Rhydon counter by firing off its own Flamethrower unleashing a powerful torrent of flames.
"Rhydon use Swords Dance." Ash called out.
Several swords appeared around Rhydon as the circled around him, increasing his power.
"Charizard, you use your Swords Dance." Ritchie retaliated as he increased his own powers.
"Rhydon use Rock Slide." Ash continued.
More rocks fell from the skies as Charizard this time burrowed into the ground. Rhydon summoned another barrier as Charizard resurface slamming into the barrier. Charizard quickly took off into the air before Rhydon could fire another counter attack. Charizard spun around in order to avoid a Thunderbolt from Rhydon. Charizard then fired another Fire Spin, towards Rhydon. Rhydon's hand glowed with purplish-black energy, as it slashed attack the Fire Spin with a Shadow Claw, slicing the attack in half.
Rhydon then used another Iron Defense in order to increase his defenses more. Knowing this Charizard created a light blue sphere between his hands as he launched a Focus Blast. Rhydon's arm glowed as he slammed it on the Focus Blast deflecting it into the ground. Rhydon this time fired a bolt of lightning for before summoning another rainstorm of rocks. Charizard did his best to avoid again. But it was too much as Charizard fell to the ground, pinned down by rocks.
"Charizard use Blast Burn!" Ritchie cried out.
The flame on Charizard's tail erupted as he unleashed a massive blast of fire towards Rhydon.
"Rhydon use Stone Edge!" Ash defended.
Rhydon smashed his fist into the ground causing massive pillars of stones to erupted out of the earth, heading towards Charizard. The two attacks collided, but to the enhance power of the Swords Dance, the pillars of stones tour through the flames slamming into Charizard. Charizard was thrown back, slamming into the wall before collapsing into the ground out cold.
"Charizard is unable to battle, Rhydon wins, which mean the victor is Ash." The ref announced.
"He done it, once again Ash made through another tough opponent with being going on to the top 8." The announcer called out, as the crowd cheered.
"We did it!" Ash cheered, with the crowd running up to Rhydon thanking him for his hard work.
Rhydon roared his own cheers glad to win.
Ritchie walked up to Charizard returning, after thanking him for his hard work. Ritchie stared at the Pokéball with a said smile, before looking at Ash. Ash noticed Ritchie and stared back; Ritchie nodded at Ash before walking off the stage.
Ash smiled too, today's battle was the tough so far, and it will only get tough. Still, he would that intimidate him, after all he was going to win the whole thing.
Alright, that's Ash vs Ritchie I hope you enjoyed it. I not going to say who Ash's next opponent will be but feel free to guess.
