DISCLAIMER: Don't own Pokemon, do own this story

It's now time for the semi final stage of the Pokemon World Cup. We're getting there guys...keep on

Chapter 8: Fight for the Final

That evening, Ash was at home watching the final match of the quarter-final with Misty and Brock. Pedro won 4-0 and so the final four places were taken. Tomorrow would be the draw to decide who would play who. Would he be paired up with his arch-rival Gary, or his new friend Thomas, or even Pedro, who was his country's best at Pokemon. Whoever it was, it was sure to be a great match. The next morning, Ash went to the receptionists for the draw. 'Here is the draw for the semi finals of the Pokemon World Cup. The official pressed a button which started the balls rolling. He picked out a ball...'Pedro...will face...' The others waited with baited breath. '...Gary. That also means that Ash will face Thomas.' Ash and Thomas both looked at each other. The pair, who had become friends since the league started, now have to face each other in battle for a place in the final. He went back to his lodge. Misty and Brock were waiting for the news. 'Guys...' he said as he walked through the door. '...I'm playing against...Thomas.' Misty and Brock both gasped. The match was going to be held on that day at about 5pm. '...and I suppose Gary's facing Pedro?' guessed Misty. 'You got it!' said Ash.

The next morning, Ash was walking in the park with Brock. 'I'm excited about my match this afternoon' said Ash. 'Yeah, it's gonna be good I reckon' said Brock.'

That afternoon, Ash was waiting in the tunnel to be introduced by the announcer. 'Welcome to the Indigo Stadium for this crucial semi-final clash between Ash and Thomas for a place in the Pokemon World Cup Final! And now, please welcome our first contestant, Ash!' Ash came out of the tunnel to a roar from the crowd. 'Next, please welcome his opponent, Thomas!' Thomas came out and took his place. The ref came up to them. 'Best of 10, the first to 6 wins! If it's a draw, we go into a tie-breaker battle.' Ash and Thomas shook hands and went to their podiums. 'Here we go...we're just a possible 11 battles away from finding out our first finalist. Ash begins with Charmander and Thomas goes for a Butterfree. Charmander gets the mercury rising with an ember attack, which is dodged well by Butterfree. Next up Butterfree blows everyone away with a gust of wind. This commentator wonders, how many more bad puns can I come up with before the battle is up? Anyway, Charmander onto the attack. He takes a swipe at Butterfree with his claw and...ooh, hits him straight on the wings. Butterfree, down on the floor, the ref comes up...and it's victory for Ash on this first round.'

The pair were playing like champions. Six matches later, it was 4-3 to Thomas. Everytime Ash won a battle, Tom won the next. Who was going to win in this battle of friend vs friend. The answer came about half-an-hour later...

'...If he gets this one and knocks Ash down, he goes through. If not, we go into tie-break situation. Ash's Pikachu, with thundershock...Beedrill is down and out. That's it! We go into a tie-break situation with Ash vs Thomas playing one battle for that crucial place in the final tomorrow afternoon. Don't forget this afternoon, we have the second semi-final between Gary and Pedro followed by the 3rd-place play-off between the two runners up of these semis. Anyway, the players come out for this final battle. One Pokemon each, the last one standing wins the match. Ash chooses Squirtle...and Thomas goes for a Ivysaur, recently evolved from Bulbasaur during his second-round match, a spectacle for the fans no doubt. The match begins and both players launch forth with a barrage of attacks...'

The match lasted for over 15 minutes. None of the two players were gonna give up soon. 'A quarter of an hour into the game, and we're still undecided. At this rate, the second semi might be postponed for an hour or so. Both players are feeling the pressure as Squirtle launches with a water gun attack and...WOW! SENSATIONALLY KNOCKS IVYSAUR ONTO THE FLOOR! This could be it folks, we might have our finalist here. The ref comes up to check Ivy's condition and...yes! The crowd cheers say it all. Ash Ketchum, from Pallet Town, has made it to the final of the Pokemon World Cup. He must be absolutely over the moon. He goes over to congratulate his friend, Thomas, on a great match...' 'That was probably one of the hardest battles in ages' said Ash. 'Yeah. Well done on your victory Ash. Now go out there and beat your opponent!' said Thomas. 'Good luck in the play-off' said Ash. '...Ash walks off to cheers from the crowd, no doubt off to do some serious training for the final tomorrow afternoon...'

That afternoon, the second semi-final was decided. Ash watched on the TV, eager to find out who his opponent was. Misty and Brock were watching the game too. Later on, the winner of the match was announced...

'Yes, we have our final two. It's gonna be Ash Ketchum vs Gary Oak for the 2006 Pokemon World Cup Final. We now know that Pallet town will be home to the trophy come Saturday, but who will be lifting it on tomorrow night's Closing Ceremony, which includes the trophy presentation.'

Also, Thomas managed to win his third-place play-off, earning him a bronze medal. The only thing to decide now was who was gonna get the trophy, and, most importantly, the title of Pokemon World Champion. The stage was set for the biggest match of both of their lives. Arch-enemies from the start, but who was going to come out on top?

Right, next time, it's the big one, The Pokemon World Cup Final. Will Ash overcome this challenge as he finally gets to battle his arch-rival for the ultimate prize, the title of Pokemon World Champion? Find out in Chapter 9!

R and R