StarMage:I'm so happy! I want to thank all the people that reviewed the story. Especially those that said the story was like watching the show! Thank
You!
Notes-
'thought' "speak" (author's notes) ~psychic communication~ spell
*******************************************************************************
Chapter Five- Chance Pop Battle: Ryan vs Ash
"Now where to eat. That place was good when I was out on my journey, but don't quite know now... Wow this place has changed..." Brian muttered to himself about where to take everyone to eat. It had been awhile since he had come to this place, but it wasn't that hard to find his way around.
"Wow! This place is cool!" Ash was following the group, but since he was also sight seeing, he had fallen behind. All the sights there were amazing to him in an unknown way that he didn't know that he was about to bump into some one.
"OW! Hey watch where you're going kid!" Ash shouted.
"You could do well to watch where you're going too!" shouted the kid.
The kid was actually younger than Ash. Brown hair that was spiked and, and the same shade of skin color Brian had only a bit lighter. The kid was wearing dark brown jeans with a black belt going diagonaly down from one point on his waist to a point on his leg which wasn't that low. It surprised Ash that it didn't just fall off. The shirt he was wearing was green and he had a black vest over it.
"Ash! Get over here or you're not getting any lunch!" shouted Brian.
"AAH! Look, you okay kid? Huh?"
Ash's appology was useless as the kid was nowhere to be seen.
"Wierd..." said Ash as he ran to catch up with everyone and get lunch.
***In the restaraunt half an hour later***
"Ash, we have a problem. The gym isn't open today. You'll have to try tomorrow for the crest," said Brian as he sipped some soda.
"WHAT!! But, how do you know!" yelled Ash disturbing the other customers.
"It's a gym leader thing. Now sit down and eat your lunch!" said Brian in a parental way.
Ash grummbled and started finishing his meal. Misty covered her mouth to stop her laughing because of the way Brian just talked to Ash.
***Later at the Poke Center***
"YAH!!!"
Ash slashed at a training dummy. He proceded to cut down about ten more. After more furious slashing and a ton of training dummys being destroyed, Ash finally calmed down. He sat cross-legged on the floor with Pikachu on his shoulder.
"So Pikachu, you ready for the battle tomorrow?" asked Ash a little too enthuasaticly from his andrenllin high.
"Pika pi..." Pikachu nodded a yes and trailed off.
Pikachu knew that Ash was a great trainer. Heck, he was pokemon master in not one, not two, but three leagues! Yet, some part of Pikachu told him that Ash wasn't too ready for this place. Sure, Ash had come up with one more attack. But that was one more attack out of the tons that the gym leaders knew. Pikachu had a feeling that Brian wasn't too confident in Ash as well. That, and he was hiding something.
"Well Pikachu, how about we try out that new move of ours one last time before tomorrow?"(You'd all like that wouldn't you?)
"Pika!" said Pikachu in agreement.
"Alright then! Let's go! Pikachu, use..." Ash was cut off by the PA system.(Sorry! Don't kill me! I just want you people to want to know what the attack is more!)
"All trainers, it is now past curfew. Please report to your rooms. Thank you!" said the cheerful voice of Nurse Joy.
"Darn it!" said Ash as he sheathed his katana. "I really wanted to practice our move one more time before tomorrow!" Ash grummbled as he went on to his room shared by Misty and Brock. Brian and Billy had their own seperate rooms. Ash settled in for bed and fell asleep with Pikachu at his side before Misty or Brock could enter the room.
***Next morning***
"WAKE UP!!!" shouted Brian.
Everyone woke up and stared groggly at Brian and Billy, who did not look at all pleased.
"Come on Ash! You do want to battle the gym leader today, don't you?"
Ash jumped up at the word "gym leader" but hit his head on the bed above him.
"Ow... Yeah I want to fight the gym leader! At what unearthly time have you woken us up at?"
Brian checked his watch. "Hmmm... About 9:00."
Everyone became wide eyed. Brian had actually let them sleep in.
"Now get up, get ready, and we'll get some breakfast and go!"
Ash, Misty, Brock, and Pikachu all hurried to comply. Soon after they were eating breakfast.
***An hour later***
The whole group soon appeared outside a huge building with many large trees around it. Ivy climbed its walls and many different plants scattered the ground around it. Ash was surprised to see no guards at the front gate.
"Hey, how come no guards here?" asked Ash.
"Oh, we only have those guys around when we don't want to be bothered." said Brian as if it was nothing. This kind of irritated Ash.
They continued on up the path to the gym. Soon enough, they reached the large doors that Ash was all to familiar with.
"Alright Ash, you know what to do." said Brian.
Ash took his place infront of the door. "Spirit of the element, hear my cry!! Element earth!!!"
Green leaves of energy swirled around and collected infront of Ash's extended palm. Each one was sucked into the sphere. The energy grew greatly until it was huge. When Ash decided it was enough, he used it.
"Dispell!!"
The energy was launched and the doors began to creak open. Ash kept consentrating till the doors swung open and hit the walls.
"I think you over did it a bit, Ash," said Brock.
Ash shrugged it off as he walked in the doorway. The others followed.
"GYM LEADER!!! I WANT A BATTLE SO GET OUT HERE!!!" yelled Ash.
"Oh that's a nice way to ask for a battle," said Brian sarcasticly.
However, soon enough, a figure appeared. Ash, Brian, and Billy recognised it immeadately. Although only Brian and Billy knew his name.
"Who dares speak to me so rudely!" shouted the person.
"Um, Ryan, don't let your status get to your head..." said Brian as he trailed off.
The boy named Ryan did an anime faint. "Did you have to say that, Brian? I was just trying to creep him out!"
"Well, I've seen you do better, Ryan." said Billy.
Ryan fainted again. "Not you too, Billy!"
Ryan walked towards the group more. "Well, who was it any way? People should be respectful anyway."
Ash stepped up. "Okay, it was me. Sorry, I just want a battle."
Ryan laughed. "It's okay. Hey, wait a minute! Aren't you the guy that bummped into me yesterday?"
Ash blushed. "Yeah, it was me. Sorry. I never got a chance to appologise."
"It's okay!" said Ryan. "Now what were you saying about wanting a match?"
"Hold it. Um, Billy, could you take Ash, Misty, and Brock to the arena? I need to talk to Ryan about something."
Billy tried to search Brian's eyes for the truth but found nothing. "Okay then. I'll take them."
Billy lead the group to the area as Brian dragged Ryan off in the other direction.
"Um, Billy, what would Brian want to talk to Ryan about?" asked Ash.
"They probably just have some catching up to do." said Billy as he kept leading them.
They soon reached the arena. It was stone like the last one, but had many vines and roots all over. Some rocks jutted out of the ground and huge trees had their branches leen into the arena. Leaves graced the floor as did some grass.
"Whoa, this is really cool," said Brock.
"Isn't it?" said Ryan walking up to them with Brian behind. "This place took many years to perfect. Through those years, it has seen many battles, and it's face is still not scared." As Ryan said this, some sakura petals blew acros his face.
"Wow, that was dramatic," said Misty.
"Whatever, let's just get on with the match." said Ash.
"You need to learn patience, Ash." said Brian.
"Don't worry, Brian. It's okay. Since you're so eager to fight, fight we shall. This will be a team match. One pokemon of yours and yourself will fight me and one pokemon. The pokmon can only attack each other and we can only attack each other. If you win, Ash, I will give you the Earth Crest. Should you lose, you will have to try again."
"Sounds fair enough."
"Okay ref! Did you hear that!"
"That I did." said the refere that appeared out of nowhere. "Gym battle established! This is a team battle. Pokemon vs pokemon. Trainer vs trainer. No time limit! You will lose if you and/or your pokemon are knocked out or knocked out of the ring boundarys. Now, choose your pokemon partner!"
"Alright, go Pikachu!" said Ash. Pikachu ran to his side.
"That might not be a wise move, Ash. The some of the pokemon I use are ground types which are immune to electricty." said Ryan. "But, I won't stand in the way of your choice. Now it's my turn." Ryan's hand went and plucked a pokeball from his belt. "Go! Marowak!!!"
The bone pokemon soon appeared. Marowak held its bone in a way that was unable to be defined as either how to hold a club or sword.
"Pokemon partners are now chosen! You may not switch them what so ever durring the battle! Trainers! Ready your weapons!" shouted the ref.
Ash took out his katana, but was curious as to what Ryan would pull out. His curiousity was rewarded with a bit of a surprise. Ryan's weapon of choice was a staff. It was no ordinary staff. No, gym leaders have to have different weapons. What Ryan had was a brown staff with spikes at each end. There were seven in all. Three pointing up and four curving down. This went for the bottom as well.
"Weapons have been chosen and drawn. Fighters, go to your respective sides!" shouted the refere.
Both Ash and Ryan went to opposite sides of the ring. Their pokemon followed.
"Combatants are now ready! Let the battle begin!"
"Let's go Pikachu!" shouted Ash. "PIKA!!" They then charged forward.
"Marowak, let's do it!" shouted Ryan. "Maro-wak!" They too went forward.
"Okay Pikachu! Use Thunder to distract them!" commanded Ash as he prepared to swing.
"PIKA!!" shouted Pikachu as he let out a massive amount of electricity.
Ryan dodged through the attack as did Marowak and headed for Ash. "Marowak! Bone Crush Pikachu!"
"BONE CRUSH!!! That sounds too painful for Pikachu!" shouted Misty.
"Don't worry," said Brian. "Bone Crush won't hurt Pikachu that badly. Marowak's just going to hit Pikachu fairly hard on the head with its bone club. Nothing to worry about."
Brian was right. Pikachu was trying to avoid being hit on the head with Marowak's bone at the same moment that Ash and Ryan were at a stalemate. Ash had slashed and Ryan blocked very effectively with his staff.
"Not bad, Ash. Let's shake things up now shall we?" Ryan jumped back and Marowak came to him. "Ready Marowak?" Marowak readied its bone. "Okay then! Gaia Fisure!!"
Ryan stabbed his staff into the ground and Marowak hit its bone club on the ground. As soon as they did, a fisure came forth from where they had made their inital impact. Within the fisure came a green light and as it went on, rocks spiked up. These two fisures were headed for Ash and Pikachu.
"Pikachu, we can just avoid them right? Then let's go!"
Both Ash and Pikachu ran around the ring, but the fisures followed their every move.
"Why are these things following us!" yelled Ash in frustration.
"There's a reason it's called the Gaia Fisure. Gaia is equal to earth. So as long as you are on the ground/earth, you can not avoid this attack."
"Okay then! Pikachu, come toward's me!"
Pikachu got the idea and ran towards Ash. The fisures followed. When they were about to hit each other, they both jumped up and the two fisures hit each other in an explosion.
"Well done, Ash." said Ryan jumping up into a tree. Marowak followed. "But will you be able to fight me up here?"
"What! But isn't that out of bounds?"
"Fighting in the trees is not out of bounds. If you are hit out of the tree and out of the ring boundarys, you lose." said the referee.
Groaning, Ash jumped up and grabbed a branch with Pikachu on his shoulder. He pulled himself up and took out his katana again.
"Are we going to fight or not!"
"As you wish!" said Ryan jumping out of some branches while spinning his staff above his head. Marowak came out and headed for Pikachu. When the two landed, the branch didn't even shake as they attacked their targets. Ryan swung powerfully at Ash and didn't disurb a single leaf. When Ash swung his katana, all the branches around shook. Pikachu was a bit better off. Both him and Marowak were at a stand still. Pikachu had taken a good sized branch and was using it to defend himself against Marowak's bone.
'How is he doing this! He moves so powerfully, yet he doesn't shake anything! At this rate, I'm going to fall off from the shaking I'm making rather than knocking him off' thought Ash as he tried to block another blow. At this point, Ash and Pikachu had sustained the most damage. Ryan and Marowak had only a few cuts and bruises.
"Ready to give up yet?" said Ryan taking another battle stance.
"Not just yet!" said Ash as he charged forward.
Ash would have hit were it not for the fact that Ryan had jumped down onto the ring.
"Will you make up your mind on where you want to fight!" shouted Ash as he came down. The two pokemon still fighting followed.
"Prepare to lose now, Ash! Rock Shard Spike!!"
Ryan slammed his staff into the ground again. Rocks came out and headed towards Ash. Ash got hit and almost was knocked out of the ring.
"I'm not... Giving up! Pikachu! It's time for that move of ours!" shouted Ash as he got up.
"Pika!" said Pikachu as he jumped back towards Ash while avoiding Marowak.
"Ready! Let's go!"
Ash put away his katana and Pikachu threw away the branch. Both took a stance and readied their fists as if boxing.
"Ready Pikachu? Attack!! Lightening Fist Barrage!!!"
Both Ash and Pikachu charged forward, electricty comming from their fists. Pikachu met up with Marowak first and let his fists fly. Marowak was hit a bit, but found the patern and managed to dodge afterward. Ash was doing the same to Ryan. Ryan had only been hit twice by the lightening fists and was dodgeing to the rythem. Ryan was doing pretty well until Ash broke the rythem and punched him in the stomach. Ryan screamed a bit from the pain seeing as Ash was older, so he was a bit stronger with physical power. The electricty made the hit hurt worse. Ryan hit the floor afterwards. Marowak saw this and bonked Pikachu on the head to get away. He ran over to Ryan, who was already getting up.
"So, how do you like my attack?"
Ryan winced a little as he got up. "Not bad Ash. Not many have been able to knock me down like that, but I'm not done yet. Neither are you."
"Ash has gotten stronger very quickly, Billy. Yet, why do I still feel that he isn't truly picking up what's important." said Brian.
"Don't let it get to you. I'll still do that favor of yours and keep an eye on him." replied Billy.
"Thanks. Could you also do me one other thing?"
"What would that be?"
"To tell him to make up other attacks for other types and elements. Also, teach him the basics. You know what I mean."
Billy did not look at Brian as he replied. "I will do this, but I still feel that you should tell him what you are plotting."
"I can't risk that until he's at least at the Elite Match."
"Then, I will do what you ask of me, friend, with no regrets."
Both stopped their wispering and returned their view to the battle at hand. Misty and Brock were sitting down and watching with extreme interest. Both Ryan and Ash were attacking each other at a furious pace. Pikachu and Marowak were in the same sort of situation.
"Why! Won't! You! Just! Stay! DOWN!" yelled Ryan as he blocked off Ash's katana and punched him square in the cheek.
Ash stummbled back a little but took a stance again and charged forward yelling, "I won't go down until you do!"
The two forces clashed as did Marowak and Pikachu. Both teams were worse for wear, but neither would give up.
"JUST STAY DOWN!!!" screamed Ryan as he assulted Ash with his staff.
"NO, YOU STAY DOWN!!!" shouted back Ash as he attacked back.
"PIKA!!" yelled Pikachu as he bashed at Marowak with his tail.
"Maro! Maro! Marowak!" said Marowak as he took blows and gave some back.
"The battle has gone on for two hours!! Combatants! Report to your sides for a five minute rest!" declared the ref.
Ryan and Ash, both panting from exaustion as were their pokemon, reported to the opposite sides.
"Wow, Ash! That was great! How come you never told us about that move!" said Misty.
"Misty, leave him alone for now. He must rest. He's been battling for two hours. Let him be for now and you can ask him everything later." said Brian.
"Oh, alright... But you're still going to tell me that stuff, Ash!" demanded Misty.
The five minutes passed like seconds as the ref blew on his whistle, signaling the time out was over.
"Ready to lose!" said Ryan.
"Not just yet!" said Ash.
"GO!" shouted the ref.
Ash and Pikachu dashed off with new strength to fight the advancing Ryan and Marowak. The two teams colided and a giant boom was heard. Both teams were thrown back. Neither was knocked out of the ring.
"Ash, let's let this last attack decide it all!"
"I agree! This has gone on far enough!"
"Gaia Ray!!"
"Lightening Fist Barrage!!"
Ryan launched a ray of green energy at Ash. Ash charged up his fists and ran towards Ryan. The beam would have hit had Ash not jumped up and stuck a Ryan that had seemed to know he was there a long time ago, but didn't do anything. Ash's punch knocked Ryan out of the ring.
"Take that, Ryan... Ugh..." Ash's train of thought was stopped as he dropped dead tired on the floor. Ryan got up only to see and hear Ash.
"Okay then..." Ryan too colapsed from exaustion.
***Later at Ash's room in the Poke Center***
Ash's figure lay in bed. Misty and Brock were with him. Brian and Billy were talking to Ryan in the other room. Try as they might, they could not listen in. As a bit of good news, Ash's eyes began to twitch.
"Hm... Where am I?"
"Ash! You're awake! Wow! What a battle!" said Misty.
"Yeah, it was better than when you fought Josh!" said Brock.
Just then Brian, Billy, and Ryan came in the door.
"Well done, Ash. You did well in that battle." said Billy.
"Hm. Yes, I must admit, you have gotten better." said Brian.
"So, Ash, I honor of your victory, I present you with the Earth Crest." said Ryan opening his palm.
Ash looked inside to see a small jade leaf rimmed with gold. The veins of the leaf were done in gold too. In the center was an emerald that shined brightly. Ash took this into his own hand and clutched it tightly.
"Thank you," said Ash. "I can't tell you how hard I tried for it."
"I think we can tell," said Ryan winking at Brian which went unseen. Everyone laughed at the remark.
____________________________________________________________________________
StarMage: Okay, that's this chapter. I hope you all like it. Please review! I like knowing what people think of what I write. In the next chapter! Brian is ready to leave the group and return to Star City. Why did he talk to Billy before he left? And what pokemon are in the two pokeballs each he gave Ash, Misty, and Brock? Find out in the next chapter: Brian's Departure! Mystery of the gifts!
Notes-
'thought' "speak" (author's notes) ~psychic communication~ spell
*******************************************************************************
Chapter Five- Chance Pop Battle: Ryan vs Ash
"Now where to eat. That place was good when I was out on my journey, but don't quite know now... Wow this place has changed..." Brian muttered to himself about where to take everyone to eat. It had been awhile since he had come to this place, but it wasn't that hard to find his way around.
"Wow! This place is cool!" Ash was following the group, but since he was also sight seeing, he had fallen behind. All the sights there were amazing to him in an unknown way that he didn't know that he was about to bump into some one.
"OW! Hey watch where you're going kid!" Ash shouted.
"You could do well to watch where you're going too!" shouted the kid.
The kid was actually younger than Ash. Brown hair that was spiked and, and the same shade of skin color Brian had only a bit lighter. The kid was wearing dark brown jeans with a black belt going diagonaly down from one point on his waist to a point on his leg which wasn't that low. It surprised Ash that it didn't just fall off. The shirt he was wearing was green and he had a black vest over it.
"Ash! Get over here or you're not getting any lunch!" shouted Brian.
"AAH! Look, you okay kid? Huh?"
Ash's appology was useless as the kid was nowhere to be seen.
"Wierd..." said Ash as he ran to catch up with everyone and get lunch.
***In the restaraunt half an hour later***
"Ash, we have a problem. The gym isn't open today. You'll have to try tomorrow for the crest," said Brian as he sipped some soda.
"WHAT!! But, how do you know!" yelled Ash disturbing the other customers.
"It's a gym leader thing. Now sit down and eat your lunch!" said Brian in a parental way.
Ash grummbled and started finishing his meal. Misty covered her mouth to stop her laughing because of the way Brian just talked to Ash.
***Later at the Poke Center***
"YAH!!!"
Ash slashed at a training dummy. He proceded to cut down about ten more. After more furious slashing and a ton of training dummys being destroyed, Ash finally calmed down. He sat cross-legged on the floor with Pikachu on his shoulder.
"So Pikachu, you ready for the battle tomorrow?" asked Ash a little too enthuasaticly from his andrenllin high.
"Pika pi..." Pikachu nodded a yes and trailed off.
Pikachu knew that Ash was a great trainer. Heck, he was pokemon master in not one, not two, but three leagues! Yet, some part of Pikachu told him that Ash wasn't too ready for this place. Sure, Ash had come up with one more attack. But that was one more attack out of the tons that the gym leaders knew. Pikachu had a feeling that Brian wasn't too confident in Ash as well. That, and he was hiding something.
"Well Pikachu, how about we try out that new move of ours one last time before tomorrow?"(You'd all like that wouldn't you?)
"Pika!" said Pikachu in agreement.
"Alright then! Let's go! Pikachu, use..." Ash was cut off by the PA system.(Sorry! Don't kill me! I just want you people to want to know what the attack is more!)
"All trainers, it is now past curfew. Please report to your rooms. Thank you!" said the cheerful voice of Nurse Joy.
"Darn it!" said Ash as he sheathed his katana. "I really wanted to practice our move one more time before tomorrow!" Ash grummbled as he went on to his room shared by Misty and Brock. Brian and Billy had their own seperate rooms. Ash settled in for bed and fell asleep with Pikachu at his side before Misty or Brock could enter the room.
***Next morning***
"WAKE UP!!!" shouted Brian.
Everyone woke up and stared groggly at Brian and Billy, who did not look at all pleased.
"Come on Ash! You do want to battle the gym leader today, don't you?"
Ash jumped up at the word "gym leader" but hit his head on the bed above him.
"Ow... Yeah I want to fight the gym leader! At what unearthly time have you woken us up at?"
Brian checked his watch. "Hmmm... About 9:00."
Everyone became wide eyed. Brian had actually let them sleep in.
"Now get up, get ready, and we'll get some breakfast and go!"
Ash, Misty, Brock, and Pikachu all hurried to comply. Soon after they were eating breakfast.
***An hour later***
The whole group soon appeared outside a huge building with many large trees around it. Ivy climbed its walls and many different plants scattered the ground around it. Ash was surprised to see no guards at the front gate.
"Hey, how come no guards here?" asked Ash.
"Oh, we only have those guys around when we don't want to be bothered." said Brian as if it was nothing. This kind of irritated Ash.
They continued on up the path to the gym. Soon enough, they reached the large doors that Ash was all to familiar with.
"Alright Ash, you know what to do." said Brian.
Ash took his place infront of the door. "Spirit of the element, hear my cry!! Element earth!!!"
Green leaves of energy swirled around and collected infront of Ash's extended palm. Each one was sucked into the sphere. The energy grew greatly until it was huge. When Ash decided it was enough, he used it.
"Dispell!!"
The energy was launched and the doors began to creak open. Ash kept consentrating till the doors swung open and hit the walls.
"I think you over did it a bit, Ash," said Brock.
Ash shrugged it off as he walked in the doorway. The others followed.
"GYM LEADER!!! I WANT A BATTLE SO GET OUT HERE!!!" yelled Ash.
"Oh that's a nice way to ask for a battle," said Brian sarcasticly.
However, soon enough, a figure appeared. Ash, Brian, and Billy recognised it immeadately. Although only Brian and Billy knew his name.
"Who dares speak to me so rudely!" shouted the person.
"Um, Ryan, don't let your status get to your head..." said Brian as he trailed off.
The boy named Ryan did an anime faint. "Did you have to say that, Brian? I was just trying to creep him out!"
"Well, I've seen you do better, Ryan." said Billy.
Ryan fainted again. "Not you too, Billy!"
Ryan walked towards the group more. "Well, who was it any way? People should be respectful anyway."
Ash stepped up. "Okay, it was me. Sorry, I just want a battle."
Ryan laughed. "It's okay. Hey, wait a minute! Aren't you the guy that bummped into me yesterday?"
Ash blushed. "Yeah, it was me. Sorry. I never got a chance to appologise."
"It's okay!" said Ryan. "Now what were you saying about wanting a match?"
"Hold it. Um, Billy, could you take Ash, Misty, and Brock to the arena? I need to talk to Ryan about something."
Billy tried to search Brian's eyes for the truth but found nothing. "Okay then. I'll take them."
Billy lead the group to the area as Brian dragged Ryan off in the other direction.
"Um, Billy, what would Brian want to talk to Ryan about?" asked Ash.
"They probably just have some catching up to do." said Billy as he kept leading them.
They soon reached the arena. It was stone like the last one, but had many vines and roots all over. Some rocks jutted out of the ground and huge trees had their branches leen into the arena. Leaves graced the floor as did some grass.
"Whoa, this is really cool," said Brock.
"Isn't it?" said Ryan walking up to them with Brian behind. "This place took many years to perfect. Through those years, it has seen many battles, and it's face is still not scared." As Ryan said this, some sakura petals blew acros his face.
"Wow, that was dramatic," said Misty.
"Whatever, let's just get on with the match." said Ash.
"You need to learn patience, Ash." said Brian.
"Don't worry, Brian. It's okay. Since you're so eager to fight, fight we shall. This will be a team match. One pokemon of yours and yourself will fight me and one pokemon. The pokmon can only attack each other and we can only attack each other. If you win, Ash, I will give you the Earth Crest. Should you lose, you will have to try again."
"Sounds fair enough."
"Okay ref! Did you hear that!"
"That I did." said the refere that appeared out of nowhere. "Gym battle established! This is a team battle. Pokemon vs pokemon. Trainer vs trainer. No time limit! You will lose if you and/or your pokemon are knocked out or knocked out of the ring boundarys. Now, choose your pokemon partner!"
"Alright, go Pikachu!" said Ash. Pikachu ran to his side.
"That might not be a wise move, Ash. The some of the pokemon I use are ground types which are immune to electricty." said Ryan. "But, I won't stand in the way of your choice. Now it's my turn." Ryan's hand went and plucked a pokeball from his belt. "Go! Marowak!!!"
The bone pokemon soon appeared. Marowak held its bone in a way that was unable to be defined as either how to hold a club or sword.
"Pokemon partners are now chosen! You may not switch them what so ever durring the battle! Trainers! Ready your weapons!" shouted the ref.
Ash took out his katana, but was curious as to what Ryan would pull out. His curiousity was rewarded with a bit of a surprise. Ryan's weapon of choice was a staff. It was no ordinary staff. No, gym leaders have to have different weapons. What Ryan had was a brown staff with spikes at each end. There were seven in all. Three pointing up and four curving down. This went for the bottom as well.
"Weapons have been chosen and drawn. Fighters, go to your respective sides!" shouted the refere.
Both Ash and Ryan went to opposite sides of the ring. Their pokemon followed.
"Combatants are now ready! Let the battle begin!"
"Let's go Pikachu!" shouted Ash. "PIKA!!" They then charged forward.
"Marowak, let's do it!" shouted Ryan. "Maro-wak!" They too went forward.
"Okay Pikachu! Use Thunder to distract them!" commanded Ash as he prepared to swing.
"PIKA!!" shouted Pikachu as he let out a massive amount of electricity.
Ryan dodged through the attack as did Marowak and headed for Ash. "Marowak! Bone Crush Pikachu!"
"BONE CRUSH!!! That sounds too painful for Pikachu!" shouted Misty.
"Don't worry," said Brian. "Bone Crush won't hurt Pikachu that badly. Marowak's just going to hit Pikachu fairly hard on the head with its bone club. Nothing to worry about."
Brian was right. Pikachu was trying to avoid being hit on the head with Marowak's bone at the same moment that Ash and Ryan were at a stalemate. Ash had slashed and Ryan blocked very effectively with his staff.
"Not bad, Ash. Let's shake things up now shall we?" Ryan jumped back and Marowak came to him. "Ready Marowak?" Marowak readied its bone. "Okay then! Gaia Fisure!!"
Ryan stabbed his staff into the ground and Marowak hit its bone club on the ground. As soon as they did, a fisure came forth from where they had made their inital impact. Within the fisure came a green light and as it went on, rocks spiked up. These two fisures were headed for Ash and Pikachu.
"Pikachu, we can just avoid them right? Then let's go!"
Both Ash and Pikachu ran around the ring, but the fisures followed their every move.
"Why are these things following us!" yelled Ash in frustration.
"There's a reason it's called the Gaia Fisure. Gaia is equal to earth. So as long as you are on the ground/earth, you can not avoid this attack."
"Okay then! Pikachu, come toward's me!"
Pikachu got the idea and ran towards Ash. The fisures followed. When they were about to hit each other, they both jumped up and the two fisures hit each other in an explosion.
"Well done, Ash." said Ryan jumping up into a tree. Marowak followed. "But will you be able to fight me up here?"
"What! But isn't that out of bounds?"
"Fighting in the trees is not out of bounds. If you are hit out of the tree and out of the ring boundarys, you lose." said the referee.
Groaning, Ash jumped up and grabbed a branch with Pikachu on his shoulder. He pulled himself up and took out his katana again.
"Are we going to fight or not!"
"As you wish!" said Ryan jumping out of some branches while spinning his staff above his head. Marowak came out and headed for Pikachu. When the two landed, the branch didn't even shake as they attacked their targets. Ryan swung powerfully at Ash and didn't disurb a single leaf. When Ash swung his katana, all the branches around shook. Pikachu was a bit better off. Both him and Marowak were at a stand still. Pikachu had taken a good sized branch and was using it to defend himself against Marowak's bone.
'How is he doing this! He moves so powerfully, yet he doesn't shake anything! At this rate, I'm going to fall off from the shaking I'm making rather than knocking him off' thought Ash as he tried to block another blow. At this point, Ash and Pikachu had sustained the most damage. Ryan and Marowak had only a few cuts and bruises.
"Ready to give up yet?" said Ryan taking another battle stance.
"Not just yet!" said Ash as he charged forward.
Ash would have hit were it not for the fact that Ryan had jumped down onto the ring.
"Will you make up your mind on where you want to fight!" shouted Ash as he came down. The two pokemon still fighting followed.
"Prepare to lose now, Ash! Rock Shard Spike!!"
Ryan slammed his staff into the ground again. Rocks came out and headed towards Ash. Ash got hit and almost was knocked out of the ring.
"I'm not... Giving up! Pikachu! It's time for that move of ours!" shouted Ash as he got up.
"Pika!" said Pikachu as he jumped back towards Ash while avoiding Marowak.
"Ready! Let's go!"
Ash put away his katana and Pikachu threw away the branch. Both took a stance and readied their fists as if boxing.
"Ready Pikachu? Attack!! Lightening Fist Barrage!!!"
Both Ash and Pikachu charged forward, electricty comming from their fists. Pikachu met up with Marowak first and let his fists fly. Marowak was hit a bit, but found the patern and managed to dodge afterward. Ash was doing the same to Ryan. Ryan had only been hit twice by the lightening fists and was dodgeing to the rythem. Ryan was doing pretty well until Ash broke the rythem and punched him in the stomach. Ryan screamed a bit from the pain seeing as Ash was older, so he was a bit stronger with physical power. The electricty made the hit hurt worse. Ryan hit the floor afterwards. Marowak saw this and bonked Pikachu on the head to get away. He ran over to Ryan, who was already getting up.
"So, how do you like my attack?"
Ryan winced a little as he got up. "Not bad Ash. Not many have been able to knock me down like that, but I'm not done yet. Neither are you."
"Ash has gotten stronger very quickly, Billy. Yet, why do I still feel that he isn't truly picking up what's important." said Brian.
"Don't let it get to you. I'll still do that favor of yours and keep an eye on him." replied Billy.
"Thanks. Could you also do me one other thing?"
"What would that be?"
"To tell him to make up other attacks for other types and elements. Also, teach him the basics. You know what I mean."
Billy did not look at Brian as he replied. "I will do this, but I still feel that you should tell him what you are plotting."
"I can't risk that until he's at least at the Elite Match."
"Then, I will do what you ask of me, friend, with no regrets."
Both stopped their wispering and returned their view to the battle at hand. Misty and Brock were sitting down and watching with extreme interest. Both Ryan and Ash were attacking each other at a furious pace. Pikachu and Marowak were in the same sort of situation.
"Why! Won't! You! Just! Stay! DOWN!" yelled Ryan as he blocked off Ash's katana and punched him square in the cheek.
Ash stummbled back a little but took a stance again and charged forward yelling, "I won't go down until you do!"
The two forces clashed as did Marowak and Pikachu. Both teams were worse for wear, but neither would give up.
"JUST STAY DOWN!!!" screamed Ryan as he assulted Ash with his staff.
"NO, YOU STAY DOWN!!!" shouted back Ash as he attacked back.
"PIKA!!" yelled Pikachu as he bashed at Marowak with his tail.
"Maro! Maro! Marowak!" said Marowak as he took blows and gave some back.
"The battle has gone on for two hours!! Combatants! Report to your sides for a five minute rest!" declared the ref.
Ryan and Ash, both panting from exaustion as were their pokemon, reported to the opposite sides.
"Wow, Ash! That was great! How come you never told us about that move!" said Misty.
"Misty, leave him alone for now. He must rest. He's been battling for two hours. Let him be for now and you can ask him everything later." said Brian.
"Oh, alright... But you're still going to tell me that stuff, Ash!" demanded Misty.
The five minutes passed like seconds as the ref blew on his whistle, signaling the time out was over.
"Ready to lose!" said Ryan.
"Not just yet!" said Ash.
"GO!" shouted the ref.
Ash and Pikachu dashed off with new strength to fight the advancing Ryan and Marowak. The two teams colided and a giant boom was heard. Both teams were thrown back. Neither was knocked out of the ring.
"Ash, let's let this last attack decide it all!"
"I agree! This has gone on far enough!"
"Gaia Ray!!"
"Lightening Fist Barrage!!"
Ryan launched a ray of green energy at Ash. Ash charged up his fists and ran towards Ryan. The beam would have hit had Ash not jumped up and stuck a Ryan that had seemed to know he was there a long time ago, but didn't do anything. Ash's punch knocked Ryan out of the ring.
"Take that, Ryan... Ugh..." Ash's train of thought was stopped as he dropped dead tired on the floor. Ryan got up only to see and hear Ash.
"Okay then..." Ryan too colapsed from exaustion.
***Later at Ash's room in the Poke Center***
Ash's figure lay in bed. Misty and Brock were with him. Brian and Billy were talking to Ryan in the other room. Try as they might, they could not listen in. As a bit of good news, Ash's eyes began to twitch.
"Hm... Where am I?"
"Ash! You're awake! Wow! What a battle!" said Misty.
"Yeah, it was better than when you fought Josh!" said Brock.
Just then Brian, Billy, and Ryan came in the door.
"Well done, Ash. You did well in that battle." said Billy.
"Hm. Yes, I must admit, you have gotten better." said Brian.
"So, Ash, I honor of your victory, I present you with the Earth Crest." said Ryan opening his palm.
Ash looked inside to see a small jade leaf rimmed with gold. The veins of the leaf were done in gold too. In the center was an emerald that shined brightly. Ash took this into his own hand and clutched it tightly.
"Thank you," said Ash. "I can't tell you how hard I tried for it."
"I think we can tell," said Ryan winking at Brian which went unseen. Everyone laughed at the remark.
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StarMage: Okay, that's this chapter. I hope you all like it. Please review! I like knowing what people think of what I write. In the next chapter! Brian is ready to leave the group and return to Star City. Why did he talk to Billy before he left? And what pokemon are in the two pokeballs each he gave Ash, Misty, and Brock? Find out in the next chapter: Brian's Departure! Mystery of the gifts!
