"Chapter 10: Round 6 - Double Jeopardy"
"It really is good to see you again, Richie," Ash said while scarfing down a hamburger. Richie sat across the table from Ash, also enjoying his lunch, but not quite at the pace that Ash liked to eat. After a bizarre reunion of sorts yesterday, the two friends wanted to do a little catching-up before their 6th Round match later in the day.
"Yeah, I know," Richie said. "I haven't seen you since, what, your 16th birthday? Man, that was quite a day."
"Ugh, don't remind," Ash grumbled.
"Oh come on, it wasn't that bad," said Richie. "That was the day you fell in love with Misty, if I'm not mistaken."
"Yeah, and the day I almost lost her," Ash pointed out.
"Anyway," Richie said, trying to change the subject, "you ready for today's match?"
"I was born ready," Ash said confidently. "Even though you're my friend, you know I can't let you win. I've come all this way, I'm not going to back down now."
"I feel the same way," Richie said with a smile. "Battling you is always a fun challenge."
"This time it's about more than fun. The chance to go to the Masters Tournament finals is on the line."
"Yeah, but we can still enjoy the moment. I came here for more than just a chance to win. The experience of competing in this tournament has been a very fun one, and I'm trying to savoir every minute of it."
"Well, if I were you, I'd be more focussed on our match today."
"I guess. So did you find Charizard?"
"No."
"Did you even search for it?"
"Everyone on the island is keeping an eye out for it. I had better things to do last night, like preparing for the match. Besides, they let me transport another Pokémon to put on my team. Not that it matters either way, as I already know what Pokémon I'm going to use."
"You've changed a lot, Ash."
"You bet I have. I'm a much tougher trainer than when we last met."
"No, that wasn't quite what I meant. Forget about it."
Ash was a little confused by that comment. He just hoped that Richie wasn't going to start giving him lectures about what to do while here like Misty and Brock had been trying to do. He knew where he stood. He was doing the right thing. Both trainers had little to say the rest of the lunch hour as they finished up their meals.
*****
"This is it, folks," the announcer said. "This match will determine who moves on into the Masters Tournament finals and who has to keep dreaming for another four years. There's a lot at stake here."
Ash stood in the tunnel, waiting for his name to be called to enter the stadium. Pikachu, as always, stood at his side, with Brock and Misty standing not far behind him. All three could sense the nervousness Ash was feeling at that moment. He would never admit it, but they could tell.
"Please welcome, from the Kanto region, Pokémon Master Ash Ketchum!" the announcer shouted to the crow. Ash slowly walked out of the tunnel and onto the field, the fans cheering wildly with delight. Ash took his familiar place and awaited his opponent.
"And now, at the other end of the stadium," the announcer continued, "also representing the Kanto region, here's fellow Pokémon Master Richie!"
Richie entered the arena from his tunnel and took his place. The two friends looked across the field at each other, knowing that only one of them would get the chance to compete for the Masters Tournament cup two days from now.
"Good luck, Ash!" Richie shouted.
"Yeah, you too," Ash said.
"Here are the rules," spoke the referee. "This Round 6 match will be a Double Battle. Each trainer will use two Pokémon in this battle, and you will use both of them at the same time. The match will end when both of a trainer's Pokémon can no longer battle. Call your first Pokémon out now."
"Pikachu, are you ready?" Ash asked.
"Pikachu!" Pikachu said with excitement, dashing out towards the center of the field. Ash waited for Richie to send out his first Pokémon, though he had a pretty good idea of which one it was going to be.
"Sparky, go!" Richie shouted, throwing out a PokéBall. Sparky appeared from the ball across from Pikachu on Richie's side of the field.
"Raichu," Sparky said.
"A Raichu?" Ash wondered, a little taken aback. "You evolved Sparky?"
"Yeah," Richie said. "Sparky wanted to evolve for me, so I couldn't say no."
Pikachu and Sparky walked up to one another and shook paws as they reacquainted themselves with one another. Pikachu could tell that Sparky was a little different now. Not just in physical form, but in personality. It seemed a lot tougher and less friendly, though it was still treating Pikachu like its old buddy.
"Here comes number two!" Richie said, throwing out the PokéBall of his next Pokémon that would be competing in this double battle.
"It doesn't matter what he sends out," Ash said, taking a PokéBall off his belt. "I'm going to use Mew to take it down fast."
Richie's second Pokémon materialized from its PokéBall and onto the battlefield next to Sparky. The massive Pokémon towered overtop of Pikachu and Sparky. They both stretched their necks up to see the large, menacing figure of a Tyranitar looming over them.
"Uh-oh," Ash said, suddenly rethinking his course of action.
"I think you better forget about Mew," Brock said.
"I think you're right," Ash agreed, putting Mew's PokéBall back onto his belt and removing a different one. "New plan. I'll go with the Pokémon I just received."
Ash tossed the PokéBall of his latest addition to his team onto the field, and appearing from it was the Bug and Fighting-type Pokémon, Heracross."
"And the Pokémon are set," said the announcer. "It's Ash's Pikachu and Heracross versus Richie's Raichu and Tyranitar. With so much on the line, this is bound to be a terrific match, so let's get Round 6 underway!"
"Alright guys," Ash called out to his Pokémon. "Just concentrate on taking one at a time. Pikachu, you handle Sparky. Heracross, take Tyranitar."
"Ash, don't you think your Pokémon should work as a team for this one?" Misty asked.
"She might be right, Ash," Brock added. "Richie's Pokémon have a definite size advantage. Challenging each one-on-one might not be the best strategy."
"I know what I'm doing," Ash said snidely, ignoring their advice.
"Fine, be that way," Misty replied back.
"Alright, both of you!" Richie shouted to his Pokémon. "Attack Pikachu!"
Richie's Raichu, Sparky, took off running towards its fellow electric-type, preparing to engage it with a Quick Attack. Pikachu quickly jumped out of the way of the speedy Raichu, only to look up to see Tyranitar bearing down on it, ready to strike with its huge claws.
"Team up on Pikachu?" Ash said. "I don't think so. Heracross, get in there and stop Tyranitar!"
Heracross rushed to Pikachu's aide, sliding in front of Tyranitar. It stood in front of it, ready to bear Tyranitar's powerful attack.
"Heracross, use Protect!" Ash shouted. His Heracross crossed its arms in front of its body and took the powerful punch of Tyranitar. Ash's Pokémon didn't even budge from its position, fully receiving the attack without damage.
"Sparky, Thunderbolt on Heracross!" Riched shouted.
"RaiCHUU!" Sparky screamed as it launched its Thunderbolt attack at Ash's Heracross who was now no longer protected. The attack hit, electrifying the Bug Pokémon. Sparky continued to pour on the power until Pikachu intervened, slamming into it hard and cutting the attack short.
"Nice save, Pikachu," Ash said, his attention now shifting back to Heracross, who was trying to recover from its shock while being harassed by Tyranitar.
"Attack Tyranitar with Megahorn!" Ash called out to Heracross. His Pokémon jumped into the air and straight at Tyranitar, ramming its huge horn into the midsection of Richie's Pokémon. Tyranitar, easily withstanding the damage, took hold of Heracross's horn and proceeded to slam it into the ground. Tyranitar lifted its massive foot and brought it down on Heracross's back, pinning it to the dirt. It cried out with a loud roar to let all who could hear it know of it dominance.
"Pikachu, you've got to help Heracross!" Ash shouted. Pikachu, however, was unable to respond to its trainer's calls because it had its hands more than full trying to evade Sparky as it continued to pressure Pikachu with its speedy attacks.
"Come on, Ash, think of something!" May cheered from the stands. "I know you can do it!"
"Both of Ash's Pokémon are in serious trouble!" the announcer said. "Richie seems to have complete control over this match."
"Pikachu, go run towards Tyranitar!" Ash called out after thinking up a new strategy.
"Pika?" Pikachu said inquisitively as it hopped over another one of Sparky's Quick Attacks, not quite sure what Ash was thinking. The small electric-type was beginning to grow tired from all the evading.
"Just do it!" Ash yelled. Pikachu turned its attention away from Sparky and started a mad dash towards Richie's other Pokémon. Sparky, not impressed by Pikachu's lack of willingness to battle it, took off after its adversary. Pikachu came to a screeching halt when it reached Tyranitar. It saw it was busy as it continued to squash Ash's Bug-type. Pikachu turned around and noticed Sparky was almost there as well, and it looked towards Ash for direction, not sure what it was supposed to do now. Ash looked on intently as he watched Sparky come to a stop before Pikachu.
"So far, so good," he thought to himself. Sparky's cheeks began to spark as it prepared to attack Pikachu with a Thunderbolt. Pikachu, still very worried and completely clueless to Ash's strategy, looked at its trainer again, wondering what in the world he was thinking of. Pikachu knew it was only moments away from being blasted by Sparky's electric attack.
"Perfect," Ash said. "Alright Pikachu, this is it. When I say so, jump."
"Quick Sparky, Thunderbolt!" Richie called. His Raichu unleashed its electric shock, trying to finish Pikachu off in one big static blast.
"Now!" Ash yelled. On his command, Pikachu leapt up into the air as Sparky's Thunderbolt sailed underneath of it and right into Tyranitar. The attack was a direct hit as Tyranitar was immediately delivered with a massive amount of voltage right straight into its body. Sparky immediately ceased the attack when it saw what had just happened. Tyranitar fell over in pain, releasing Heracross from its foothold.
"Oh no! Richie shouted. "Get up, Tyranitar!"
Tyranitar slowly got back up onto its feet and resumed its position next to Sparky, more than a little annoyed at the friendly fire it had just received. It bellowed a loud roar at its partner and Raichu began to shout back at it.
"Now, while they're busy arguing!" Ash shouted. "Heracross, fling Pikachu into the air with your horn!"
Heracross bent down and allowed Pikachu to climb up onto its large horn. With one swift motion, it sent Pikachu flying up into the sky directly above their two opponents.
"Pikachu, Thunder!" Ash called out to his Pokémon in the sky. Pikachu summoned a massive bolt of lightning down from the clouds above it and sent it straight down to the ground. The Thunder attack shot down right into Sparky and Tyranitar, severely electrocuting both Pokémon. Pikachu landed back on the ground behind both of Richie's Pokémon.
'Time to end this," Ash said, sensing the ball was now fully in his court as both of Richie's Pokémon were a little stunned. "Heracross, Megahorn! Pikachu, Tackle attack!"
Both of Ash's Pokémon dashed into action. Pikachu raced towards Sparky and Heracross towards Tyranitar. Each Pokémon leapt into the air at their targets at the same time, striking with their attacks in unison. Tyranitar and Sparky reeled backwards from their blows, falling to the ground.
"This can't be it," Richie said. However, deep inside, he knew both of his Pokémon had given it all they could. They each struggled to try and get up, but in the end, neither had enough strength to do it. Both fainted at centerfield.
"The match is over," the referee said. "The winner of this semi-final match is Ash Ketchum!"
"And it's all over folks!" shouted the announcer. "Pikachu and Heracross both KO'd their foes at the same time, and that impressive victory sends Ash Ketchum on to the finals of the Pokémon Masters Tournament! What a match between these two long-time friends!"
Ash and Richie met at midfield after recalling their Pokémon. The two friends shook hands after completing their toughest match against each other yet. Richie, obviously disappointed, was still happy knowing that he lost to a friend and a great Pokémon trainer.
"Great match, Ash," he said. "You really are the best."
"Thanks, Richie," Ash said.
"Good luck in the finals. I know you'll win it for sure, and I'll be there to see it, I promise."
"Don't worry, Richie. I'm going to prepare harder than ever these next couple of days. I'm going to be ready for the finals, and nothing is going to hold me back from that."
Both trainers turned to head back to their respective tunnels to leave the field. After Ash had left the tunnel, he could see Misty standing there waiting for him.
"I knew you could do it," Misty said smiling. "You're almost there."
"Yeah, I know," Ash said. "Hey, where's Brock?"
"He said he wanted to go check something," Misty said, pointing to the Pokémon Breeder a little ways away from where they were standing. "I'm glad to see you realized you needed to use teamwork to win that one."
"I knew it all along," Ash boasted.
"You sure didn't look like it in the beginning."
"I told you I know what I'm doing. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a lot of preparing to do before the finals."
Misty grabbed Ash's arm as he tried to walk away from her.
"What's the hurry?" she asked. "You've got two whole days. Come on, let's celebrate this victory."
"I don't have time to celebrate!" Ash said, ripping his arm away from her.
"Why don't you just cool it, Ash? Ever since you won that first match, all you seem to care about is winning this tournament. I know it's important, but it's not the only thing in the world."
"Will you stop being a distraction already? We'll have plenty of time to celebrate if I win. So could you just leave me alone until then?"
"Ash...."
"You heard me, get lost. I'm tired of you trying to tell he how to win this thing. I'm more than capable of winning it on my own, and I don't need you to be a constant distraction."
"Fine, if that's the way you want it, I'm leaving!"
Misty turned around to walk away from her boyfriend, infuriated but at the same time tears were starting to flow from her eyes. She couldn't believe he'd say something like that.
"That's right, keep walking. I don't need you. I'm going to win this tournament on my own, you'll see!"
Misty couldn't take anymore. She started to run away as fast as she could, not wanting to hear anything else from Ash. She kept on running until she was gone from Ash's sight.
"Hey Ash, come here a second!" Brock called to him, unaware of what just had taken place between Ash and Misty.
"What do you want, Brock?!" Ash snapped back, still agitated over Misty.
"Uh, there's something here you need to see," Brock replied.
"Oh fine!" Ash said before trudging over to where Brock was standing.
"What is it, Brock?" the still annoyed Ash said. Brock didn't say anything, he only pointed up to what he was staring at. Ash looked up, and could see Brock was looking at a huge videoscreen. The screen had a picture of the Masters Tournament bracket, which showed all the trainers matched which each of their opponents throughout the tournament. Not sure at what exactly on the screen he was pointing at, Ash looked closer at Brock's hand and he could see he was pointing the center of the screen, where the names of the two people who would be facing off in the finals were. Ash could see his name, but when he saw the name of his next opponent, he froze. A cold shiver went down his spine and the color practically melted off his face. Brock noticed how Ash looked and could have sworn Ash had just seen a ghost.
"I didn't know you had a cousin," Brock said.
"I....I don't," Ash stammered, still in disbelief of the name he was reading.
"Then who is David Ketchum?" asked Brock.
"He's my father," Ash said.
"It really is good to see you again, Richie," Ash said while scarfing down a hamburger. Richie sat across the table from Ash, also enjoying his lunch, but not quite at the pace that Ash liked to eat. After a bizarre reunion of sorts yesterday, the two friends wanted to do a little catching-up before their 6th Round match later in the day.
"Yeah, I know," Richie said. "I haven't seen you since, what, your 16th birthday? Man, that was quite a day."
"Ugh, don't remind," Ash grumbled.
"Oh come on, it wasn't that bad," said Richie. "That was the day you fell in love with Misty, if I'm not mistaken."
"Yeah, and the day I almost lost her," Ash pointed out.
"Anyway," Richie said, trying to change the subject, "you ready for today's match?"
"I was born ready," Ash said confidently. "Even though you're my friend, you know I can't let you win. I've come all this way, I'm not going to back down now."
"I feel the same way," Richie said with a smile. "Battling you is always a fun challenge."
"This time it's about more than fun. The chance to go to the Masters Tournament finals is on the line."
"Yeah, but we can still enjoy the moment. I came here for more than just a chance to win. The experience of competing in this tournament has been a very fun one, and I'm trying to savoir every minute of it."
"Well, if I were you, I'd be more focussed on our match today."
"I guess. So did you find Charizard?"
"No."
"Did you even search for it?"
"Everyone on the island is keeping an eye out for it. I had better things to do last night, like preparing for the match. Besides, they let me transport another Pokémon to put on my team. Not that it matters either way, as I already know what Pokémon I'm going to use."
"You've changed a lot, Ash."
"You bet I have. I'm a much tougher trainer than when we last met."
"No, that wasn't quite what I meant. Forget about it."
Ash was a little confused by that comment. He just hoped that Richie wasn't going to start giving him lectures about what to do while here like Misty and Brock had been trying to do. He knew where he stood. He was doing the right thing. Both trainers had little to say the rest of the lunch hour as they finished up their meals.
*****
"This is it, folks," the announcer said. "This match will determine who moves on into the Masters Tournament finals and who has to keep dreaming for another four years. There's a lot at stake here."
Ash stood in the tunnel, waiting for his name to be called to enter the stadium. Pikachu, as always, stood at his side, with Brock and Misty standing not far behind him. All three could sense the nervousness Ash was feeling at that moment. He would never admit it, but they could tell.
"Please welcome, from the Kanto region, Pokémon Master Ash Ketchum!" the announcer shouted to the crow. Ash slowly walked out of the tunnel and onto the field, the fans cheering wildly with delight. Ash took his familiar place and awaited his opponent.
"And now, at the other end of the stadium," the announcer continued, "also representing the Kanto region, here's fellow Pokémon Master Richie!"
Richie entered the arena from his tunnel and took his place. The two friends looked across the field at each other, knowing that only one of them would get the chance to compete for the Masters Tournament cup two days from now.
"Good luck, Ash!" Richie shouted.
"Yeah, you too," Ash said.
"Here are the rules," spoke the referee. "This Round 6 match will be a Double Battle. Each trainer will use two Pokémon in this battle, and you will use both of them at the same time. The match will end when both of a trainer's Pokémon can no longer battle. Call your first Pokémon out now."
"Pikachu, are you ready?" Ash asked.
"Pikachu!" Pikachu said with excitement, dashing out towards the center of the field. Ash waited for Richie to send out his first Pokémon, though he had a pretty good idea of which one it was going to be.
"Sparky, go!" Richie shouted, throwing out a PokéBall. Sparky appeared from the ball across from Pikachu on Richie's side of the field.
"Raichu," Sparky said.
"A Raichu?" Ash wondered, a little taken aback. "You evolved Sparky?"
"Yeah," Richie said. "Sparky wanted to evolve for me, so I couldn't say no."
Pikachu and Sparky walked up to one another and shook paws as they reacquainted themselves with one another. Pikachu could tell that Sparky was a little different now. Not just in physical form, but in personality. It seemed a lot tougher and less friendly, though it was still treating Pikachu like its old buddy.
"Here comes number two!" Richie said, throwing out the PokéBall of his next Pokémon that would be competing in this double battle.
"It doesn't matter what he sends out," Ash said, taking a PokéBall off his belt. "I'm going to use Mew to take it down fast."
Richie's second Pokémon materialized from its PokéBall and onto the battlefield next to Sparky. The massive Pokémon towered overtop of Pikachu and Sparky. They both stretched their necks up to see the large, menacing figure of a Tyranitar looming over them.
"Uh-oh," Ash said, suddenly rethinking his course of action.
"I think you better forget about Mew," Brock said.
"I think you're right," Ash agreed, putting Mew's PokéBall back onto his belt and removing a different one. "New plan. I'll go with the Pokémon I just received."
Ash tossed the PokéBall of his latest addition to his team onto the field, and appearing from it was the Bug and Fighting-type Pokémon, Heracross."
"And the Pokémon are set," said the announcer. "It's Ash's Pikachu and Heracross versus Richie's Raichu and Tyranitar. With so much on the line, this is bound to be a terrific match, so let's get Round 6 underway!"
"Alright guys," Ash called out to his Pokémon. "Just concentrate on taking one at a time. Pikachu, you handle Sparky. Heracross, take Tyranitar."
"Ash, don't you think your Pokémon should work as a team for this one?" Misty asked.
"She might be right, Ash," Brock added. "Richie's Pokémon have a definite size advantage. Challenging each one-on-one might not be the best strategy."
"I know what I'm doing," Ash said snidely, ignoring their advice.
"Fine, be that way," Misty replied back.
"Alright, both of you!" Richie shouted to his Pokémon. "Attack Pikachu!"
Richie's Raichu, Sparky, took off running towards its fellow electric-type, preparing to engage it with a Quick Attack. Pikachu quickly jumped out of the way of the speedy Raichu, only to look up to see Tyranitar bearing down on it, ready to strike with its huge claws.
"Team up on Pikachu?" Ash said. "I don't think so. Heracross, get in there and stop Tyranitar!"
Heracross rushed to Pikachu's aide, sliding in front of Tyranitar. It stood in front of it, ready to bear Tyranitar's powerful attack.
"Heracross, use Protect!" Ash shouted. His Heracross crossed its arms in front of its body and took the powerful punch of Tyranitar. Ash's Pokémon didn't even budge from its position, fully receiving the attack without damage.
"Sparky, Thunderbolt on Heracross!" Riched shouted.
"RaiCHUU!" Sparky screamed as it launched its Thunderbolt attack at Ash's Heracross who was now no longer protected. The attack hit, electrifying the Bug Pokémon. Sparky continued to pour on the power until Pikachu intervened, slamming into it hard and cutting the attack short.
"Nice save, Pikachu," Ash said, his attention now shifting back to Heracross, who was trying to recover from its shock while being harassed by Tyranitar.
"Attack Tyranitar with Megahorn!" Ash called out to Heracross. His Pokémon jumped into the air and straight at Tyranitar, ramming its huge horn into the midsection of Richie's Pokémon. Tyranitar, easily withstanding the damage, took hold of Heracross's horn and proceeded to slam it into the ground. Tyranitar lifted its massive foot and brought it down on Heracross's back, pinning it to the dirt. It cried out with a loud roar to let all who could hear it know of it dominance.
"Pikachu, you've got to help Heracross!" Ash shouted. Pikachu, however, was unable to respond to its trainer's calls because it had its hands more than full trying to evade Sparky as it continued to pressure Pikachu with its speedy attacks.
"Come on, Ash, think of something!" May cheered from the stands. "I know you can do it!"
"Both of Ash's Pokémon are in serious trouble!" the announcer said. "Richie seems to have complete control over this match."
"Pikachu, go run towards Tyranitar!" Ash called out after thinking up a new strategy.
"Pika?" Pikachu said inquisitively as it hopped over another one of Sparky's Quick Attacks, not quite sure what Ash was thinking. The small electric-type was beginning to grow tired from all the evading.
"Just do it!" Ash yelled. Pikachu turned its attention away from Sparky and started a mad dash towards Richie's other Pokémon. Sparky, not impressed by Pikachu's lack of willingness to battle it, took off after its adversary. Pikachu came to a screeching halt when it reached Tyranitar. It saw it was busy as it continued to squash Ash's Bug-type. Pikachu turned around and noticed Sparky was almost there as well, and it looked towards Ash for direction, not sure what it was supposed to do now. Ash looked on intently as he watched Sparky come to a stop before Pikachu.
"So far, so good," he thought to himself. Sparky's cheeks began to spark as it prepared to attack Pikachu with a Thunderbolt. Pikachu, still very worried and completely clueless to Ash's strategy, looked at its trainer again, wondering what in the world he was thinking of. Pikachu knew it was only moments away from being blasted by Sparky's electric attack.
"Perfect," Ash said. "Alright Pikachu, this is it. When I say so, jump."
"Quick Sparky, Thunderbolt!" Richie called. His Raichu unleashed its electric shock, trying to finish Pikachu off in one big static blast.
"Now!" Ash yelled. On his command, Pikachu leapt up into the air as Sparky's Thunderbolt sailed underneath of it and right into Tyranitar. The attack was a direct hit as Tyranitar was immediately delivered with a massive amount of voltage right straight into its body. Sparky immediately ceased the attack when it saw what had just happened. Tyranitar fell over in pain, releasing Heracross from its foothold.
"Oh no! Richie shouted. "Get up, Tyranitar!"
Tyranitar slowly got back up onto its feet and resumed its position next to Sparky, more than a little annoyed at the friendly fire it had just received. It bellowed a loud roar at its partner and Raichu began to shout back at it.
"Now, while they're busy arguing!" Ash shouted. "Heracross, fling Pikachu into the air with your horn!"
Heracross bent down and allowed Pikachu to climb up onto its large horn. With one swift motion, it sent Pikachu flying up into the sky directly above their two opponents.
"Pikachu, Thunder!" Ash called out to his Pokémon in the sky. Pikachu summoned a massive bolt of lightning down from the clouds above it and sent it straight down to the ground. The Thunder attack shot down right into Sparky and Tyranitar, severely electrocuting both Pokémon. Pikachu landed back on the ground behind both of Richie's Pokémon.
'Time to end this," Ash said, sensing the ball was now fully in his court as both of Richie's Pokémon were a little stunned. "Heracross, Megahorn! Pikachu, Tackle attack!"
Both of Ash's Pokémon dashed into action. Pikachu raced towards Sparky and Heracross towards Tyranitar. Each Pokémon leapt into the air at their targets at the same time, striking with their attacks in unison. Tyranitar and Sparky reeled backwards from their blows, falling to the ground.
"This can't be it," Richie said. However, deep inside, he knew both of his Pokémon had given it all they could. They each struggled to try and get up, but in the end, neither had enough strength to do it. Both fainted at centerfield.
"The match is over," the referee said. "The winner of this semi-final match is Ash Ketchum!"
"And it's all over folks!" shouted the announcer. "Pikachu and Heracross both KO'd their foes at the same time, and that impressive victory sends Ash Ketchum on to the finals of the Pokémon Masters Tournament! What a match between these two long-time friends!"
Ash and Richie met at midfield after recalling their Pokémon. The two friends shook hands after completing their toughest match against each other yet. Richie, obviously disappointed, was still happy knowing that he lost to a friend and a great Pokémon trainer.
"Great match, Ash," he said. "You really are the best."
"Thanks, Richie," Ash said.
"Good luck in the finals. I know you'll win it for sure, and I'll be there to see it, I promise."
"Don't worry, Richie. I'm going to prepare harder than ever these next couple of days. I'm going to be ready for the finals, and nothing is going to hold me back from that."
Both trainers turned to head back to their respective tunnels to leave the field. After Ash had left the tunnel, he could see Misty standing there waiting for him.
"I knew you could do it," Misty said smiling. "You're almost there."
"Yeah, I know," Ash said. "Hey, where's Brock?"
"He said he wanted to go check something," Misty said, pointing to the Pokémon Breeder a little ways away from where they were standing. "I'm glad to see you realized you needed to use teamwork to win that one."
"I knew it all along," Ash boasted.
"You sure didn't look like it in the beginning."
"I told you I know what I'm doing. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a lot of preparing to do before the finals."
Misty grabbed Ash's arm as he tried to walk away from her.
"What's the hurry?" she asked. "You've got two whole days. Come on, let's celebrate this victory."
"I don't have time to celebrate!" Ash said, ripping his arm away from her.
"Why don't you just cool it, Ash? Ever since you won that first match, all you seem to care about is winning this tournament. I know it's important, but it's not the only thing in the world."
"Will you stop being a distraction already? We'll have plenty of time to celebrate if I win. So could you just leave me alone until then?"
"Ash...."
"You heard me, get lost. I'm tired of you trying to tell he how to win this thing. I'm more than capable of winning it on my own, and I don't need you to be a constant distraction."
"Fine, if that's the way you want it, I'm leaving!"
Misty turned around to walk away from her boyfriend, infuriated but at the same time tears were starting to flow from her eyes. She couldn't believe he'd say something like that.
"That's right, keep walking. I don't need you. I'm going to win this tournament on my own, you'll see!"
Misty couldn't take anymore. She started to run away as fast as she could, not wanting to hear anything else from Ash. She kept on running until she was gone from Ash's sight.
"Hey Ash, come here a second!" Brock called to him, unaware of what just had taken place between Ash and Misty.
"What do you want, Brock?!" Ash snapped back, still agitated over Misty.
"Uh, there's something here you need to see," Brock replied.
"Oh fine!" Ash said before trudging over to where Brock was standing.
"What is it, Brock?" the still annoyed Ash said. Brock didn't say anything, he only pointed up to what he was staring at. Ash looked up, and could see Brock was looking at a huge videoscreen. The screen had a picture of the Masters Tournament bracket, which showed all the trainers matched which each of their opponents throughout the tournament. Not sure at what exactly on the screen he was pointing at, Ash looked closer at Brock's hand and he could see he was pointing the center of the screen, where the names of the two people who would be facing off in the finals were. Ash could see his name, but when he saw the name of his next opponent, he froze. A cold shiver went down his spine and the color practically melted off his face. Brock noticed how Ash looked and could have sworn Ash had just seen a ghost.
"I didn't know you had a cousin," Brock said.
"I....I don't," Ash stammered, still in disbelief of the name he was reading.
"Then who is David Ketchum?" asked Brock.
"He's my father," Ash said.