"Venomoth, Psychic!" Neesha ordered.
The moth's eyes flashed blue, suspending an incoming Poliwrath. The muscular Tadpole Pokémon had his fist poised for a Drain Punch.
"Poliwrath, get out of there!" His trainer shouted.
"Throw it to the ground then Energy Ball!" The lepidopteran threw the amphibian to the ground before conjuring a green orb and throwing it right after. Poliwrath cringed from the psychedelic attack before getting struck with the Energy Ball. An explosion occurred before revealing the unconscious frog.
"Poliwrath is unable to battle, Venomoth is the winner! Therefore, Neesha is the winner!"
The female trainer cheered as her moth fluttered down, also happy about the win. She had used her Wigglytuff and Rapidash before Venomoth secured her advancement.
"Amazing job out there," she complimented her remaining Pokémon with a relaxing scratch.
"Ven~."
"Try a Spike Cannon!" Fergus shouted.
His Omastar was trying her best, firing multiple energy spikes to hit the nimble Tangela. Unfortunately, the reincarnated Helix fossil couldn't keep track of the vine-covered creature.
"Use Bind!" The Vine Pokémon threw several of his vines, Binding the Spiral Pokémon with his grasp. The mollusk squealed in pain from the constriction.
"Oma!"
"Omastar!" Fergus shouted in concern before getting an idea. "Mud Shot!"
The ammonite opened her beak and fired a few globs, hitting Tangela's face. The vine covered creature released his binds and struggled to get the mud out of his face.
"Now fire Ice Beam!" The Spiral Pokémon fired a trio arc of cryo energy that hit the Vine Pokémon and defeated him.
"Tangela is unable to battle, Omastar is the winner! Therefore, Fergus is the winner!"
"Radical, Omastar!" the surfer exclaimed and Omastar chirped happily. His Golduck and Vaporeon had also put in work along with the reincarnated fossil and Fergus couldn't be more happier.
"Magmar, Fire Blast!" Corey said.
The Spitfire Pokémon took a deep breath before breathing a kanji-shaped flame. The opponent's Dodrio quickly dodged and sped in with Quick Attack.
"Drill Peck!" The three beaks of the flightless bird began to spin before they charged headfirst.
"Wait for it," Corey calculated. Just as Dodrio was within range, Corey made his attack, "Thunder Punch!"
Magmar threw an electrified fist into the bird's body, causing the Triple Bird Pokémon to caw in pain. "Now, Flamethrower!" The fiery creature unleashed a torrent of flames, roasting the three-headed bird.
Dodrio held on from the flames but was looking rather crispy.
"Wrap this up with a Fire Blast!" The Spitfire Pokémon took another deep breath and exhaled the kanji-shaped flame that struck the flightless bird, taking him out of the fight.
"Dodrio is unable to battle, Magmar is the winner! Therefore, Corey is the winner!"
Corey's face broke into a grin when the pure Fire-type fired a happy sprout of flames. The cool trainer owned his victory with chosen team: Sandslash, Hitmonlee, and -of course- Magmar.
"Are you ready, Ash?" Misty asked as the trainer was preparing to walk into the stadium.
"Yes, Misty," Ash confirmed, "Why wouldn't I?"
"Well, AJ did beat you back then," Brock recalled.
Ash shook his head, "That was before I really started training. You guys have seen the results. You know it's true."
Both of his traveling companions shared a glance before nodding. "Right/Sorry for doubting you."
Ash accepted their apologies before saying, "Trust me, I know what to expect. AJ's been training his Pokémon with the equipment from his gym. I used similar equipment to practice on my own. Plus, there is a 50/50 chance Sandslash will be chosen. And I'm prepared for that."
The friends departed and Ash made his way into the stadium, just as the announcer was beginning.
"Welcome everyone! We have quite the match-up right here and right now! On the left, a League favorite whose skills have triumphed over every trainer he's faced, give it up for Ash!"
Ash walked to his side, giving a gentle wave to the crowd's cheers. Pikachu, on his shoulder, joined in. Once he arrived on his side, the announcer addressed his opponent.
"And on the right, a trainer whose wild strategies have helped him climb to his sixth round! Everyone, give a round of applause for AJ!"
The green-haired trainer had a smile on his face and waved to the crowd as an applause erupted. He cracked his whip -having it permitted on the field- which made the crowd go more wild.
"Well, Ash!" AJ addressed his opponent, "Looks like you and I are getting a rematch!"
"That we are, AJ," Ash said with a confident smile, "And this time, there will be a different outcome."
"I hope so! I've seen your battles and team!" AJ said, "You've improved tons and I can't wait!"
"This will be a three-on-three battle. Trainers, send out your first Pokémon!"
"Raticate, let's get wild!" AJ shouted as his first Pokémon materialized. The brown rodent snapped his incisors menacingly. "Cate!"
"Go." Ash said as he revealed his own first choice. Out came another surprise to Brock and Misty.
"No way…" Misty trailed.
Brock crossed his arms, impressed. "Well, I guess it isn't too much of a surprise considering Squirtle did the same."
"Ivy!" An Ivysaur appeared and shook his body before narrowing his eyes.
"Battle begin!"
"Raticate, start with Quick Attack!" The brown mouse sprinted across the field to the plant dinosaur.
"Seed Bomb!" The Seed Pokémon positioned his pink bud at the Mouse Pokémon and fired explosive spurts of seeds. The projectiles were avoided as Raticate plowed into Ivysaur.
"Magical Leaf to Power Whip!" Ivysaur grunted as he was hit. Restabilizing himself, the plant dinosaur sent a barrage of multicolored leaves that sliced the rodent before two purple vines slammed into the rodent.
Raticate hit the ground but was still rearing to go. "Focus Energy!" The brown rodent flared with a brief aura. "Now, Flame Wheel!" Cloaked in flames, Raticate blazed towards Ivysaur.
"Sludge Bomb!" The Seed Pokémon spat various poisonous globs, hitting the mouse and ceasing the Flame Wheel.
"Grab with a Vine Whip!" Ivysaur threw out a vine, grabbing the Raticate and firmly holding him.
"Use Hyper Fang to free yourself!" The rat's incisors gleamed before chomping into his trap. The plant dinosaur grunted in pain at the attack.
"Giga Drain!" The second stage Kanto Grass starter absorbed healing energy from the rodent, who began to struggle less and less.
"Cate…" The Mouse Pokémon growled weakly out before the Seed Pokémon set him down carefully.
"Raticate!" AJ yelled in concern for his first choice. Raticate slowly got up through his exhaustion, already tired from the fight. AJ saw he was feeling weaker from the array of attacks so he made dew with his next command. "Quick Attack one more time! Then Assurance!"
The rodent sprinted with a white trail, hitting the dinosaur. Then covered in a black hue, the rat growled and delivered another blow and sent the plant dinosaur skidding against the ground.
"Ivy…" Ivysaur growled out and felt the attack hurt.
"Why does Ivysaur look tired even after Giga Drain?" Misty asked.
"I'm not sure," Brock admitted. "I've hardly heard of that move."
Oak proved context. "It's a Dark-type move that strikes twice as hard if the opponent's been damaged."
"Ouch." Misty winced and Brock nodded.
"An attack that deals damage after the opponent's received damage. That had to land a major blow even after the Giga Drain."
Ash was familiar with Assurance since he had a few Pokémon on his team that knew it. And Ivysaur looked tired. But Ash felt his Pokémon's determination to continue his battle and obliged by giving it a shot.
"Ivysaur, Sunny Day to Synthesis!"
"Raticate, stop Sunny Day with Hyper Fang!"
Raticate's incisors gleamed again and ran over to the Ivysaur again. The plant dinosaur fired a miniature sun into the air, the sun's rays turning harsh. Opening his bud, the Seed Pokémon regained more energy just as the brown Mouse Pokémon was upon him.
"Leaf Storm!" Instantly, Ivysaur's leaves spun and summoned a vortex of leaves that consumed Raticate just before contact.
The cyclone of leaves threw the rat to the ground before letting up and revealing himself to be unconscious.
"Raticate is unable to battle, Ivysaur is the winner!"
Misty and Brock let out breaths of relief. "That was close. I think that's been the closest Ash has been to losing a Pokémon since the league started."
Brock commented. "This is where it will get tough for Ash. The trainers before Ash breezed through them except for Ritchie."
Oak chimed in. "Exactly. The further Ash gets, the tougher his opponents will be."
"Well, whoever he faces, I'll have complete faith in my son. Whether he wins or lose, I'll be proud." Delia stated.
"Return, Raticate." AJ said. "Great work out there." He pulled out his next choice, "Magneton, let's get wild!"
The tricolops Magnet Pokémon floated about and clicked. "Magneton."
"Ivysaur, return for now." Ash said and selected his second choice. "Go, Vulpix."
The red-brown multi-tailed fox appeared, looking happy to fight. "Vul~."
"Vulpix, start with Fire Spin!" The fox spewed a vortex of flames towards the triclops.
"Separate!" The Magnet Pokémon split into three, avoiding the spiral.
"Woah…" Ash said, this was the second time he had been surprised at the league. The first was with Jeanette's Bellsprout. But a small fact like that was not going to deter him.
"Tri Attack!" The magnet trio merged again and created a triangle. The Electric/Steel type fired the shape with electric-fire-ice properties towards the vulpine.
"Use Heat Wave!" Vulpix glowed red and scorching orange-red waves were sent out. The two moves engaged and exploded on contact before the Heat Wave continued.
"Light Screen!" Magneton summoned a glass screen that prevented the Heat Wave from hitting. "Use Lock On!"
Ash inwardly groaned at that move. With a reticle on the Fox Pokémon, he knew that the next move would be a guaranteed hit. So, he quickly came up with a plan.
"Vulpix, use Swift!" The multi-tailed fox spun his tail around, firing several stars that struck the magnet trio.
"Magneton, Thunder!" Sparks emitted from the Magnet Pokémon and fired a large bolt of lightning towards the Fox Pokémon.
"Wil-O-Wisp!" Vulpix cried out and several purple flames circled his body. The fox knew what his trainer wanted and prepared. Once the bolt was close, the purple flames orbited quickly, creating a brief shield to defend himself from the blast.
"Wow! Ash's Vulpix has managed to use Will-O-Wisp as a defensive move! Clever thinking on Ash's behalf! But will it last?!" The announcer complimented and wondered.
While it was effective, Vulpix was beginning to strain from the force of the Thunder attack. The maroon fox's concentration was more bent on defense.
"Magneton, Tri Attack again!" The magnet trio ceased their electric attack and fired the electric-fire-ice properties again, this time hitting the fox since his concentration was more on Will-O-Wisp.
Ash gritted his teeth as the attack hit Vulpix. The fox managed to stand and glared at Magneton.
"Separate again then use Thunderbolt, Discharge, and Zap Cannon!" AJ yelled.
The Magnet Pokémon divided and fired the three separate attacks. One fired a yellow bolt of lightning, blue streams of electricity, and an electrical orb.
"Dodge them!" Vulpix sped around them, using Quick Attack and saw the magnets about to reconnect. Ash saw this and went for his next move. "Fire Blast!"
Vulpix concentrated and spewed a kanji-symbol flame that struck the magnet trio hard. After the attack, Magneton looked crispy and Vulpix looked somewhat exhausted.
Ash knew this was from the use of Fire Blast. While Vulpix had the move, he wasn't still used to such moves and taking all his energy out. Nevertheless, Ketchum was proud of the progress.
Vulpix shared a look with his trainer, almost having an internal conversation. Both of them nodded and agreed to make this last move count.
AJ looked at his Magneton, knowing another Fire-type move like that would be the defeat. Magneton's eyes became determined as ready to end this round.
"Alright, Magneton! Wrap this up with Spark!" Magneton sparked and charged at the fox.
"Vulpix, Fire Spin!" The Fox Pokémon sent a vortex of fire that consumed the incoming Magneton. Shrouded in electricity, the Magnet Pokémon was still being worn down by the flames but prevailed and collided with the vulpine. An explosion went off and when the smoke cleared it revealed the outcome.
"Both Pokémon are unable to battle. This match is a draw!"
"Folks, believe me when I say, I'm shocked! What an outcome! Though it is unfortunate that this is officially Ash's first loss in the league! Let alone draw!" The announcer exclaimed.
"Wow…" Ash's two traveling companions said.
"I'll say," Oak commented. "Ash's first loss in the league."
"Yeah, it hurts to see Vulpix lose." Delia added.
"AJ's a tough trainer. He started his journey around the same time Ash did." Brock informed them. "And I have a feeling who's AJ's last Pokémon."
"Thanks for your help out there, Magneton." AJ applauded his fallen Pokémon once he returned it.
Ash returned Vulpix and congratulated him. "You did wonderful out there. Don't feel bad. Win or lose, I'm still proud of you." He pocketed him away and had his hands on his last Pokéball.
"Well, Ash," AJ began, "I admit you've greatly improved since our first encounter. Glad I get to battle you in the league." His face shifted to a determined expression. "But, I plan to win this round! So, without further ado, Sandslash! Get wild!" The rowdy trainer threw out his ace who appeared on the field and scratched his claws together.
"Sand!" The pangolin cried.
Ash took a deep breath. "Trust me, AJ. I've been looking forward to a rematch. But believe me when I say, this round is mine." Ash took out his Pokéball and threw it, revealing the occupant within.
"Geot!"
Misty and Brock were blown away by the reveal. "Wait, which one is this one?" Misty asked and Brock shrugged.
"That would be his natural born one." Oak informed them.
"I've always wondered when she would evolve." The Pewter City Gym Leader thought aloud. "She's been through plenty of battles."
"Wait, this seems familiar…" Misty mused before she realized. "Wait, this is like their first battle!"
"What do you mean?" Delia asked.
"Like they said, they battled before. However, AJ won with just Sandslash when it was a Sandshrew. So, I suspect she and Ash want to settle the score." Brock realized.
On the field, AJ recognized the choice as well. "Huh, so you want to end this like it started, eh?"
Ash adjusted his hat slightly before nodding. "You bet. She and I have been looking forward to this and I promised her a battle."
Ash's natural born Pidgeot flapped her wings above the field and Sandslash extended his claws ready.
"Well, let's give them what they want! Stone Edge!" Sandslash jumped and an array of stones surrounded him. Thrusting a claw forward, the rocks flew towards Pidgeot.
"Air Slash!" The Bird Pokémon flapped her wings, sending air-fueled crescent blades that prevented the stones from getting close. "Double Team!" Pidgeot separated into 8 copies.
The pangolin kept his eyes peeled but each bird looked identical, making it unable to trace the real one.
"Sandslash, Rock Slide!" Glowing with a silver aura, the Ground-type Mouse Pokémon summoned boulders from above and rained them upon the birds.
"Feint Attack!" The birds dove in with the boulders chasing them. The real Pidgeot rammed into Sandslash before the others phased out of existence. The boulders missed as Pidgeot maneuvered gracefully away.
"Pin Missile!" Sandslash's quills fizzled before unleashing multiple energy needles.
"Pidgeot, Hidden Power!" Flapping her wings, the bird sent several green orbs that stalled the quill projectiles, creating several explosions. "Aerial Ace!" Through the explosions, Pidgeot re-emerged and slammed into the pangolin.
"While it's close, Poison Jab!" Sandslash grunted before his claws took a venomous shade of purple and jabbed into Pidgeot's stomach. The Bird Pokémon cawed in slight pain but shook off the Ground-type Mouse Pokémon.
"Swift now!" AJ yelled with a crack of his whip. The pangolin spun in midair, sending a flurry of stars that honed in on the regional bird.
"Mirror Move!" Pidgeot summoned a black mirror that sent its own flurry of stars, creating another explosion.
"Alright, time to deal some real damage!" AJ declared, "Use Earth Power for a boost and then Rollout!" Sandslash nodded, the two had come up with this plan to deal with Flying-types.
Slamming a claw into the ground, yellow cracks appeared and created an Earth-erected ramp. Sandslash began to run and rolled into a ball, using the ramp to gain altitude.
"Crush Claw!" The pangolin uncurled, once at a reasonable height, and had crimson claws primed to strike.
"Steel Wing!" Pidgeot's wings turned to metal and blocked the attack.
"Grab its talon!" Sandslash managed to snag Pidgeot's talon, making her squawk in shock. "Now, Poison Jab back to back!" The pangolin's claws turned to the venomous shade once more and jabbed the chest of the bird.
Ash looked up, showing some concern over the fact that AJ's ace was striking Pidgeot over and over again. But he knew she could hold on.
"Pidgeot, use Pluck!" Pidgeot's beak shined light blue and pecked Sandslash relentlessly, causing him to guard his face instead of attack. The more pecks he got, the more he tried to defend himself. One more Pluck attack and Sandslash fell to the ground. Lucky for him, the ramp was still intact and broke his fall. The Ground-type Mouse Pokémon shook himself and glared at the Bird Pokémon.
"Let's finish this." Ash claimed before thrusting his hand out. "Hurricane!"
In the air, Pidgeot flapped her wings repeatedly, creating a massive current that turned into a natural disaster. Sandslash balked out the sight and dug his claws into the ground to hold himself.
"Hang in there, Sandslash!" AJ yelled over the wind. The pangolin's claws began to lose their grounding and the Ground-type was sent into the air.
"Now Pidgeot, Sky Attack!" The Hurricane ended and Sandslash flailed in the air. Pidgeot soared with a golden aura around her. She rocketed into the Ground-type Pokémon, effectively knocking the wind out of him. After the attack, Sandslash plummeted to the ground.
"Pidgeot, catch Sandslash." The Bird Pokémon grabbed the pangolin with her talons and set him down. The Kanto regional bird backed away and revealed the swirly eyed Mouse Pokémon.
"Sandslash is unable to battle, Pidgeot is the winner! Therefore, Ash is the winner!" The ref declared.
"Another intense battle! Even if one of Ash's Pokémon tied, he still managed to get the win! This definitely makes him the trainer to beat!" The announcer said. The crowd let out a cheer as the two trainers approached one another.
"You did amazing, girl," Ash praised his Pidgeot who crooned where her trainer scratched in between her feathers.
Sandslash weakly stirred, feeling humiliated by the bird but AJ walked over and patted his head. "Don't sweat it, Sandslash. You did great out there." His ace looked proud at the mention and squeaked with content.
Both trainers shared a handshake. "You sure have gotten stronger and better, Ash."
"So have you, AJ."
The whip-wielding trainer cracked a smile, "Now, go on and win the Indigo League!"
Ash smiled back, "You can count on that."
"He's moving on!" Misty cheered in her seat. Togepi chirped happily with his 'mother.'
Brock folded his arms, impressed, "Yep. Even with a tie."
"Indeed. From here, the trainers only get stronger and stronger." Oak reminded them.
Delia added her two cents. "Whatever happens, Ash will fight his best. I know that's a fact. And no one disagreed with that.
