"Chapter 12: Round 7 - The Finals"
"Welcome, one and all, to Legends Stadium," the TV announcer said. "We are just moments away from the final match here at the Pokémon Masters Tournament. In a script not even the best movie writers could come up with, Ash Ketchum, a first-timer here in the Masters Tournament, has made it all the way to the finals only to come face-to-face with his own father, David Ketchum. This match has all the makings of one of the greatest Pokémon battles of all-time, so don't move a muscle. The Finals are about to get underway."
"Hey, stop hogging all the popcorn!" Tracey said, yanking the bowl of popcorn away from Bulbasaur. He and all of Ash's Pokémon who weren't at the tournament were gathered around a television in Professor Oak's house, anxiously waiting to witness the forthcoming match.
"You can do it, Ash," Tracey said.
*****
"Why aren't you down on the field?" Delia Ketchum asked Brock as he sat next to her in the stands. Also sitting with them were Professor Oak, Gary Oak, May, and Richie, who had all come to cheer on Ash in the most important battle of his life.
"Ash said he wanted to win this one on his own," Brock said.
"And he will!" May shouted.
"Let's hope so," Professor Oak said.
"Still no sign of Misty?" Brock asked.
"I'm afraid not," Delia said. "No one is answering in her room, and I couldn't find her anywhere on the island."
"And, without further ado," said the announcer, "it's my pleasure introduce you all to the two trainers who will be competing here today. First, a winner of two League championships, hailing from Pallet Town, Kanto, please give it up for Pokémon Master Ash Ketchum!"
Ash and Pikachu walked forward from the tunnel where they had been waiting, both looking extremely nervous. The roar of the crowd help to ease Ash's fears, but still, the Butterfrees were flying like crazy in his stomach. He took his spot in the Trainer's Box, trying to look strong for everyone to see.
"At the other end of the stadium," the announcer continued, "also from Pallet Town and a winner of an impressive seven League championships, please put your hands together for Pokémon Master David Ketchum!"
Ash's father exited his tunnel onto the field, feeling as confident as he ever had his entire life. He took his spot in his own Trainer's Box, smiling at Ash across the field. Crossing his arms, he impatiently waited for the start of the match."
"Here are the rules for the Pokémon Masters Tournament Finals," said the referee. "This will be a standard six Pokémon, anything goes match. Each trainer will send out one Pokémon on his team at a time, and whichever trainer has Pokémon remaining at the end of the match will be declared the winner. Are both trainers clear on the rules?"
"You bet," David said.
"Yes," said Ash.
"Good," continued the referee. "Then let this final match begin!"
"Alright Dad," Ash said. "If it's a fight you want, it's a fight you'll get. I'm not backing down now. Mew, I choose you!"
Ash sent out his first Pokémon of the match, the Psychic-type Mew. David chuckled as Mew emerged from its PokéBall at midfield.
"Predictable," he said. "Fortunately, I have the perfect Pokémon to counter it. Darserker, I choose you!"
David Ketchum tossed his first PokéBall out onto the field, and emerging from it was a strange Pokémon unknown to Ash. It stood about six-feet tall, was mostly black in color with a cape draped around its body. Sticking out from the cape were two menacing claws that looked as hard as a rock. Its feet apperared extremely agile and its face looked absolutely terrifying. It had a devilish grin and its two eyes were glowing an eerie red. Ash quickly took out his Pokédex to scan what Pokémon it was before the match began.
"Darserker," Ash's Pokédex said. "The Beserker Pokémon. It uses a combination of Dark and Fighting type moves to savagely beat its opponents. It is one of the hardest Pokémon in the word to tame."
"Trainers ready?" the referee asked. "Let the finals begin!"
"Alright Mew," Ash said. "You know the strategy for beating Dark types."
"Mew!" Ash's Pokémon answered back.
"Get ready, Darserker," David said.
"Don't tell me he's sticking with Mew," Gary said. "It's going to get pulverized."
"Mew, Transform!" Ash called.
"Darserker, now!" David shouted. "Use Shadow Punch! Don't let it transform!"
Darserker lunged at Ash's Mew as it began to glow, beginning its transformation. David's Pokémon let loose with its Shadow Punch, striking Mew before it had a change to fully change. Mew was sent flying backwards, still in its original shape.
"Try again," Ash said. "You've got to Transform or it's all over."
Mew once again tried to begin its transformation. However, Darserker was determined not to let it succeed. It attacked with another Shadow Punch, yet again stopping Mew from changing its shape to that of its foe. Darserker wasn't going to stop there this time, though. It ferociously began to attack Mew with faster, more powerful punches. The small Psychic-type could do nothing but quickly float from side to side and try to avoid them. Darserker, however, was far too accurate with its attacks and connected with Mew at every twist and turn it tried to make. Finally, one of its blows sent Mew down to the ground. There, Ash's Pokémon fainted.
"What a furious start to the Masters Tournament finals," the announcer said. "David Ketchum's Darserker made quick work of Ash's strongest Pokémon, Mew. Could this be the sign of a decisive victory here today for the father Ketchum?"
Ash, disappointed in losing his strongest Pokémon so early in the match, slowly recalled it back into its PokéBall. He now had a tough decision to make. He knew none of his Pokémon were particularly strong against Dark or Fighting types. He took his next PokéBall off his belt, figuring this Pokémon's speed, often underestimated by people, might just do the trick.
"Sceptile, I choose you!" he called, sending out his team's Grass-type Pokémon. Sceptile came out of its PokéBall facing the rather scary-looking opponent it would have to now beat.
"You can do it, Sceptile," Ash said. "I believe in you. Let's show them how important speed is in a battle."
"I'm afraid you're the one with a thing or two to learn, son," David said. "Darserker, Fire Punch!"
Darserker's left fist erupted into a ball of fire before it took off running towards Sceptile. Leaping into the air, it struck the Grass-type with its flaming fist before Sceptile even knew what had hit it. Though a little singed by the attack, Sceptile remained strong trying to show its opponent it wasn't going to be intimidated.
"That's the spirit, Sceptile," Ash said. "Now, use Agility!"
Sceptile raced towards Darserker and began to run circles around it, going faster and faster each time it went around. Darserker tried desperately to attack it with more Fire Punches, but Sceptile was moving too fast to be hit.
"Fine, if that's the way you want to play it," David said. "Darserker, Mind Reader."
Darserker closed its eyes and began to focus, trying to pinpoint Sceptile's exact location in order to hit with an attack. After a few seconds it could see Sceptile amidst the blur it had created from its fast movement. Darserker's eyes snapped open, signaling to its trainer that it was ready to attack.
"Fire Punch!" David yelled.
"Sceptile, quick, get out of there!" Ash shouted. Sceptile stopped its Agility and tried to escape from Darserker's oncoming attack, but it couldn't. The Dark and Fighting-type struck with another Fire Punch, sending Ash's Pokémon to the ground in severe pain. Sceptile struggled to get back up onto its feet, but it was evident to both trainers that its energy was almost gone and it was now a prime target for Darserker to prey upon.
"Uh, try a Leaf Blade," Ash said, unsure whether Sceptile was going to be able to muster anymore attacks. Sceptile fired its razor-bladed leaves at Darserker, but its attack fell well short of its intended target.
"Pathetic," David said. "Darserker, put it out of its misery with one last Fire Punch."
Darserker lunged at Sceptile, intending to take care of Ash's Pokémon for good with this final attack. Ash didn't know what to do, as he wasn't sure what kind of counterattack Sceptile would be able to launch in its weakened condition. Still, one option did come to his mind. He just hoped Sceptile would be able to do it.
"Endeavor!" Ash shouted. Sceptile tried its best to summon all the strength it could find and made its own lunge towards its oncoming foe. Sceptile crashed into Darserker, sending more force at its stronger foe than it received from the attack of David's Pokémon. The stunned Darserker flew through the air backwards and landed quite a ways away from its opponent. The strong blow by Sceptile delivered more damage than either trainer could have imagined as Darserker, trying to rise to its feet again, suddenly fainted.
"Darserker has been defeated," the referee said. "Sceptile is the winner!"
"Impossible!" David yelled in anger.
"Nothing is impossible with Pokémon," Ash said. "It seems you do still have some things to learn."
"So it would seem," David said, gritting his words through his teeth. He was becoming more agitated by the second, and knew it was time to end this now. "Metagross, I choose you!"
David threw out his next PokéBall, summoning forth the huge Steel/Psychic-type, Metagross. It stood before the weakened Sceptile, ready to attack a moment's notice.
"Sceptile, are you okay?" Ash asked. "Are you going to be able to continue?"
Sceptile nodded its head to show that it still wanted to battle, though Ash worried about leaving it out there. He knew it wasn't going to last much longer.
"I'm sorry, Sceptile," said Ash. "I can't let you battle any further. Return!"
Ash took out Sceptile's PokéBall in order to recall it, but David had other ideas.
"Quick Metagross!" he yelled. "Metal Claw!"
The bulky Metagross managed to leap forward and strike Ash's Grass-type with its Metal Claw attack before it could be recalled. Sceptile went down in a hurry and didn't get back up.
"Sceptile can no longer battle," said the referee. "Metagross has won this battle."
"Hey!" Ash shouted at his father. "That's cheating!"
"Sorry son," David said, "but you've got to be quicker on the draw if you want to become an Ultimate Master."
Ash grumbled something under his breath as he recalled Sceptile. He took out his next PokéBall, ready to up the ante of this match.
"Snorlax, I choose you!" he called, throwing the ball out onto the field. Emerging from it was the sleepy-as-always Snorlax. It woke up from its snooze inside the PokéBall and rose to its feet, preparing to take on Metagross.
"Snorlax, Dynamic Punch!" Ash called.
"Block it!" David shouted. Both trainers watched as Snorlax reared back and prepared to launch its powerful punch attack at Metagross. It brought it first forward, trying to lock it on to Metagross as best it could. Metagross simply moved out of the way of the attack and watched as Snorlax swung and missed. The force of the attack caused Snorlax to start spinning in circles, eventually leading to the huge Pokémon's loss of balance. It fell on its back as Metagross was now moving into its attack position.
"Meteor Mash," David said. He wanted to get rid of Snorlax as fast as possible and he knew Metagross's most powerful move would more than do the trick, especially since Snorlax was vulnerable now.
"Snorlax, uh, do something!" Ash said, growing into a bit of a panic from knowing what was about to happen to his Pokémon. Snorlax tried desperately to get back onto its feet but the heavy Metagross jumped on top of it, preventing it from sitting up. Metagross raised its two front claws into the air above it, then jumped straight up. Forming in its claws were several balls of red energy. Ash could see those were the meteors it was about to unleash. He wanted to call out to Snorlax, tell it what to do, but his mind was drawing a blank. He suddenly couldn't think straight anymore. He could only helplessly watch as Metagross let loose its Meteor Mash, sending the attack straight at Snorlax. It collided with the Normal-type hard, instantly knocking it out.
"Snorlax is defeated," the referee said. "Metagross wins."
Ash, at a loss of words for what was happening, recalled Snorlax without saying anything and took out his next Pokémon. He threw its PokéBall onto the battle arena, and Feraligatr was the Pokémon that popped out of it.
"I hope this Pokémon is more of a challenge," David said. "I expected more from you, son."
Ash hated to admit it but his father was right. He was better than this. He tried to focus on the match, but more and more he was losing that focus. He only had one thing on his mind at this point: Misty.
"Let's end this quickly, shall we?" David asked, not expecting a response from his opponent. "Metagross, Meteor Mash."
Metagross once again powered up its signature attack and fired it upon Feraligatr. Ash didn't know how to counter it. He was at a loss for strategy as well as words now. Misty was the only thing coming to his mind now, and it was starting to drive him crazy. When he finally snapped out of his sudden daze, he could see that his Feraligatr was at the breaking point from Metagross's attack. Seconds later it fainted, and Ash knew he was in big trouble now.
"This match is beginning to grow one-sided," the announcer said. "David's Metagross is wiping the floor with each Pokémon Ash sends out, and the young trainer from Pallet seems to be offering no counterattack whatsoever. What could be the cause of this sudden change in attitude for Ash?"
The referee blowing his whistle interrupted Ash's continuing thoughts of confusion.
"Intermission," he said. "Both trainers and their Pokémon are granted a 15 minute break."
"Perfect," Ash thought, turning around and dashing off the field into the tunnel behind him. "I just hope I'm not too late."
"What the...where in the world does that boy think he's going?" Professor Oak asked.
"I think I have a pretty good idea," Delia said.
"Welcome, one and all, to Legends Stadium," the TV announcer said. "We are just moments away from the final match here at the Pokémon Masters Tournament. In a script not even the best movie writers could come up with, Ash Ketchum, a first-timer here in the Masters Tournament, has made it all the way to the finals only to come face-to-face with his own father, David Ketchum. This match has all the makings of one of the greatest Pokémon battles of all-time, so don't move a muscle. The Finals are about to get underway."
"Hey, stop hogging all the popcorn!" Tracey said, yanking the bowl of popcorn away from Bulbasaur. He and all of Ash's Pokémon who weren't at the tournament were gathered around a television in Professor Oak's house, anxiously waiting to witness the forthcoming match.
"You can do it, Ash," Tracey said.
*****
"Why aren't you down on the field?" Delia Ketchum asked Brock as he sat next to her in the stands. Also sitting with them were Professor Oak, Gary Oak, May, and Richie, who had all come to cheer on Ash in the most important battle of his life.
"Ash said he wanted to win this one on his own," Brock said.
"And he will!" May shouted.
"Let's hope so," Professor Oak said.
"Still no sign of Misty?" Brock asked.
"I'm afraid not," Delia said. "No one is answering in her room, and I couldn't find her anywhere on the island."
"And, without further ado," said the announcer, "it's my pleasure introduce you all to the two trainers who will be competing here today. First, a winner of two League championships, hailing from Pallet Town, Kanto, please give it up for Pokémon Master Ash Ketchum!"
Ash and Pikachu walked forward from the tunnel where they had been waiting, both looking extremely nervous. The roar of the crowd help to ease Ash's fears, but still, the Butterfrees were flying like crazy in his stomach. He took his spot in the Trainer's Box, trying to look strong for everyone to see.
"At the other end of the stadium," the announcer continued, "also from Pallet Town and a winner of an impressive seven League championships, please put your hands together for Pokémon Master David Ketchum!"
Ash's father exited his tunnel onto the field, feeling as confident as he ever had his entire life. He took his spot in his own Trainer's Box, smiling at Ash across the field. Crossing his arms, he impatiently waited for the start of the match."
"Here are the rules for the Pokémon Masters Tournament Finals," said the referee. "This will be a standard six Pokémon, anything goes match. Each trainer will send out one Pokémon on his team at a time, and whichever trainer has Pokémon remaining at the end of the match will be declared the winner. Are both trainers clear on the rules?"
"You bet," David said.
"Yes," said Ash.
"Good," continued the referee. "Then let this final match begin!"
"Alright Dad," Ash said. "If it's a fight you want, it's a fight you'll get. I'm not backing down now. Mew, I choose you!"
Ash sent out his first Pokémon of the match, the Psychic-type Mew. David chuckled as Mew emerged from its PokéBall at midfield.
"Predictable," he said. "Fortunately, I have the perfect Pokémon to counter it. Darserker, I choose you!"
David Ketchum tossed his first PokéBall out onto the field, and emerging from it was a strange Pokémon unknown to Ash. It stood about six-feet tall, was mostly black in color with a cape draped around its body. Sticking out from the cape were two menacing claws that looked as hard as a rock. Its feet apperared extremely agile and its face looked absolutely terrifying. It had a devilish grin and its two eyes were glowing an eerie red. Ash quickly took out his Pokédex to scan what Pokémon it was before the match began.
"Darserker," Ash's Pokédex said. "The Beserker Pokémon. It uses a combination of Dark and Fighting type moves to savagely beat its opponents. It is one of the hardest Pokémon in the word to tame."
"Trainers ready?" the referee asked. "Let the finals begin!"
"Alright Mew," Ash said. "You know the strategy for beating Dark types."
"Mew!" Ash's Pokémon answered back.
"Get ready, Darserker," David said.
"Don't tell me he's sticking with Mew," Gary said. "It's going to get pulverized."
"Mew, Transform!" Ash called.
"Darserker, now!" David shouted. "Use Shadow Punch! Don't let it transform!"
Darserker lunged at Ash's Mew as it began to glow, beginning its transformation. David's Pokémon let loose with its Shadow Punch, striking Mew before it had a change to fully change. Mew was sent flying backwards, still in its original shape.
"Try again," Ash said. "You've got to Transform or it's all over."
Mew once again tried to begin its transformation. However, Darserker was determined not to let it succeed. It attacked with another Shadow Punch, yet again stopping Mew from changing its shape to that of its foe. Darserker wasn't going to stop there this time, though. It ferociously began to attack Mew with faster, more powerful punches. The small Psychic-type could do nothing but quickly float from side to side and try to avoid them. Darserker, however, was far too accurate with its attacks and connected with Mew at every twist and turn it tried to make. Finally, one of its blows sent Mew down to the ground. There, Ash's Pokémon fainted.
"What a furious start to the Masters Tournament finals," the announcer said. "David Ketchum's Darserker made quick work of Ash's strongest Pokémon, Mew. Could this be the sign of a decisive victory here today for the father Ketchum?"
Ash, disappointed in losing his strongest Pokémon so early in the match, slowly recalled it back into its PokéBall. He now had a tough decision to make. He knew none of his Pokémon were particularly strong against Dark or Fighting types. He took his next PokéBall off his belt, figuring this Pokémon's speed, often underestimated by people, might just do the trick.
"Sceptile, I choose you!" he called, sending out his team's Grass-type Pokémon. Sceptile came out of its PokéBall facing the rather scary-looking opponent it would have to now beat.
"You can do it, Sceptile," Ash said. "I believe in you. Let's show them how important speed is in a battle."
"I'm afraid you're the one with a thing or two to learn, son," David said. "Darserker, Fire Punch!"
Darserker's left fist erupted into a ball of fire before it took off running towards Sceptile. Leaping into the air, it struck the Grass-type with its flaming fist before Sceptile even knew what had hit it. Though a little singed by the attack, Sceptile remained strong trying to show its opponent it wasn't going to be intimidated.
"That's the spirit, Sceptile," Ash said. "Now, use Agility!"
Sceptile raced towards Darserker and began to run circles around it, going faster and faster each time it went around. Darserker tried desperately to attack it with more Fire Punches, but Sceptile was moving too fast to be hit.
"Fine, if that's the way you want to play it," David said. "Darserker, Mind Reader."
Darserker closed its eyes and began to focus, trying to pinpoint Sceptile's exact location in order to hit with an attack. After a few seconds it could see Sceptile amidst the blur it had created from its fast movement. Darserker's eyes snapped open, signaling to its trainer that it was ready to attack.
"Fire Punch!" David yelled.
"Sceptile, quick, get out of there!" Ash shouted. Sceptile stopped its Agility and tried to escape from Darserker's oncoming attack, but it couldn't. The Dark and Fighting-type struck with another Fire Punch, sending Ash's Pokémon to the ground in severe pain. Sceptile struggled to get back up onto its feet, but it was evident to both trainers that its energy was almost gone and it was now a prime target for Darserker to prey upon.
"Uh, try a Leaf Blade," Ash said, unsure whether Sceptile was going to be able to muster anymore attacks. Sceptile fired its razor-bladed leaves at Darserker, but its attack fell well short of its intended target.
"Pathetic," David said. "Darserker, put it out of its misery with one last Fire Punch."
Darserker lunged at Sceptile, intending to take care of Ash's Pokémon for good with this final attack. Ash didn't know what to do, as he wasn't sure what kind of counterattack Sceptile would be able to launch in its weakened condition. Still, one option did come to his mind. He just hoped Sceptile would be able to do it.
"Endeavor!" Ash shouted. Sceptile tried its best to summon all the strength it could find and made its own lunge towards its oncoming foe. Sceptile crashed into Darserker, sending more force at its stronger foe than it received from the attack of David's Pokémon. The stunned Darserker flew through the air backwards and landed quite a ways away from its opponent. The strong blow by Sceptile delivered more damage than either trainer could have imagined as Darserker, trying to rise to its feet again, suddenly fainted.
"Darserker has been defeated," the referee said. "Sceptile is the winner!"
"Impossible!" David yelled in anger.
"Nothing is impossible with Pokémon," Ash said. "It seems you do still have some things to learn."
"So it would seem," David said, gritting his words through his teeth. He was becoming more agitated by the second, and knew it was time to end this now. "Metagross, I choose you!"
David threw out his next PokéBall, summoning forth the huge Steel/Psychic-type, Metagross. It stood before the weakened Sceptile, ready to attack a moment's notice.
"Sceptile, are you okay?" Ash asked. "Are you going to be able to continue?"
Sceptile nodded its head to show that it still wanted to battle, though Ash worried about leaving it out there. He knew it wasn't going to last much longer.
"I'm sorry, Sceptile," said Ash. "I can't let you battle any further. Return!"
Ash took out Sceptile's PokéBall in order to recall it, but David had other ideas.
"Quick Metagross!" he yelled. "Metal Claw!"
The bulky Metagross managed to leap forward and strike Ash's Grass-type with its Metal Claw attack before it could be recalled. Sceptile went down in a hurry and didn't get back up.
"Sceptile can no longer battle," said the referee. "Metagross has won this battle."
"Hey!" Ash shouted at his father. "That's cheating!"
"Sorry son," David said, "but you've got to be quicker on the draw if you want to become an Ultimate Master."
Ash grumbled something under his breath as he recalled Sceptile. He took out his next PokéBall, ready to up the ante of this match.
"Snorlax, I choose you!" he called, throwing the ball out onto the field. Emerging from it was the sleepy-as-always Snorlax. It woke up from its snooze inside the PokéBall and rose to its feet, preparing to take on Metagross.
"Snorlax, Dynamic Punch!" Ash called.
"Block it!" David shouted. Both trainers watched as Snorlax reared back and prepared to launch its powerful punch attack at Metagross. It brought it first forward, trying to lock it on to Metagross as best it could. Metagross simply moved out of the way of the attack and watched as Snorlax swung and missed. The force of the attack caused Snorlax to start spinning in circles, eventually leading to the huge Pokémon's loss of balance. It fell on its back as Metagross was now moving into its attack position.
"Meteor Mash," David said. He wanted to get rid of Snorlax as fast as possible and he knew Metagross's most powerful move would more than do the trick, especially since Snorlax was vulnerable now.
"Snorlax, uh, do something!" Ash said, growing into a bit of a panic from knowing what was about to happen to his Pokémon. Snorlax tried desperately to get back onto its feet but the heavy Metagross jumped on top of it, preventing it from sitting up. Metagross raised its two front claws into the air above it, then jumped straight up. Forming in its claws were several balls of red energy. Ash could see those were the meteors it was about to unleash. He wanted to call out to Snorlax, tell it what to do, but his mind was drawing a blank. He suddenly couldn't think straight anymore. He could only helplessly watch as Metagross let loose its Meteor Mash, sending the attack straight at Snorlax. It collided with the Normal-type hard, instantly knocking it out.
"Snorlax is defeated," the referee said. "Metagross wins."
Ash, at a loss of words for what was happening, recalled Snorlax without saying anything and took out his next Pokémon. He threw its PokéBall onto the battle arena, and Feraligatr was the Pokémon that popped out of it.
"I hope this Pokémon is more of a challenge," David said. "I expected more from you, son."
Ash hated to admit it but his father was right. He was better than this. He tried to focus on the match, but more and more he was losing that focus. He only had one thing on his mind at this point: Misty.
"Let's end this quickly, shall we?" David asked, not expecting a response from his opponent. "Metagross, Meteor Mash."
Metagross once again powered up its signature attack and fired it upon Feraligatr. Ash didn't know how to counter it. He was at a loss for strategy as well as words now. Misty was the only thing coming to his mind now, and it was starting to drive him crazy. When he finally snapped out of his sudden daze, he could see that his Feraligatr was at the breaking point from Metagross's attack. Seconds later it fainted, and Ash knew he was in big trouble now.
"This match is beginning to grow one-sided," the announcer said. "David's Metagross is wiping the floor with each Pokémon Ash sends out, and the young trainer from Pallet seems to be offering no counterattack whatsoever. What could be the cause of this sudden change in attitude for Ash?"
The referee blowing his whistle interrupted Ash's continuing thoughts of confusion.
"Intermission," he said. "Both trainers and their Pokémon are granted a 15 minute break."
"Perfect," Ash thought, turning around and dashing off the field into the tunnel behind him. "I just hope I'm not too late."
"What the...where in the world does that boy think he's going?" Professor Oak asked.
"I think I have a pretty good idea," Delia said.