Irbrenneke: There are no current plans to bring back Butterfree. Maybe one day but not at the moment. As for Ash going to Cinnabar Island, no he will get a few more fire types but after the league.
RKF22: Well the time has arrived.
Reader: I can see were your coming from, for me Ash's strongest before Greninja was Corphish.
Guest: I think most writers give Ash more males than females. But don't worry I'll be giving Ash 4 more females, however he won't receive them till after the league. But I'm not promising an even 50/50 split. Even the anime hasn't told us the gender of Ash Pokémon except a few. Most people assume the majority are male.
The day of the tournament arrived and Ash was excited he had already registered. He selected the three Pokémon he would use in the first round. However, the tournament wouldn't begin until later in the day, so until it began they would explore the city. After a while they caught wind of a mansion supposedly haunted. Ash figured a ghost Pokémon made its home their and decided to check it out, though Brock and Misty were hesitant. After some convincing that if they didn't find anything after a few minutes they would leave. Upon arriving the mansion didn't look run down, or like a place where Ghost Pokémon appear at. Upon entering Ash could feel a shiver run down his spine, know a ghost was around Ash released his Dusclops.
"Dusclops, there's a ghost around, can you sense it?" Ash asked.
Dusclops looked around the area, before looking back at its trainer and nodded.
"Once you find I want you to use Shadow Punch." Ash ordered.
Nodding again, Dusclops began focusing once he found the target Dusclops throw a semi-transparent find that struck the Pokémon. A purple figure emerged from the darkness, its dark red eyes glowing. It had a menacing frown on its face, and two pointed ears on its head.
"It's a Gengar." Brock revealed.
"It looks pretty mad." Misty pointed out.
"Gengar." Ash stated taking out his Pokédex.
Gengar, the Shadow Pokémon, and the evolved form of Haunter. It can absorb surrounding heat, leaving a sudden chill.
"Looks powerful, Dusclops use Shadow Ball." Ash began.
Creating a purple and black orb, Dusclops fired it at Gengar, who in turn fired one back. The two attacks collided destroying each other. Ash then called out a Night Shade, causing Dusclops a beam of black energy towards Gengar, who repeated the motion. The two beams struggled to overpower the other, before Gengar's attack managed to push through. The attacks exploded and Dusclops being close was pushed back.
"Wow, that Gengar must be at a pretty high level." Brock stated.
"Dusclops use Dark Pulse." Ash ordered.
Creating a series of dark rings Dusclops fired the attack, only Gengar to phase out and reappear behind Dusclops smashing its right fist encased in ice energy on Dusclops's back. Dusclops stumbled forward, and turned to see Gengar moved again. Gengar the used Psychic, a pink and purple energy field appeared around Dusclops, as it was lifted before being flung. Gengar the threw another Shadow Ball, that knocked down Dusclops. Grabbing his Pokéball Ash returned Dusclops before nodding to Pikachu who hopped on to the floor. With its cheeks sparking Pikachu was ready to battle.
"Already Pikachu use Thunderbolt." Ash began.
"Pikaaaaa! Chuuuu!" Pikachu squeaked as it fired the powerful current of electricity.
Gengar easily flew out of the way, before retaliating with another Shadow Ball. Ash told Pikachu to evade it with a Quick Attack. Pikachu moved out of the way, and headed straight to Gengar.
"Ash what are you doing, Ghost Pokémon are immune to normal type moves." Misty warned in concern.
"Iron Tail!" Ash called out as Pikachu neared Gengar.
Suddenly, Pikachu slammed its tail in Gengar surround flying back dealing a significant amount of damage.
"I see how used Quick Attack to get in close then nail a super effective Iron Tail." Brock pointed out.
"That pretty clever." Misty admitted, as Togepi cheered.
Gengar growled, as it fired a Shadow Ball, causing Pikachu to avoid it with Double Team. Gengar cleared the doubles with Night Shade. When Pikachu was exposed it used Psychic to grab a hold of it. It then sent Pikachu flying, and before it could hit the wall Ash leaped towards it.
"Pikachu!" Ash yelled as he managed to catch Pikachu, before slamming into a wall.
"Oh no Ash." Misty said in concern, as she and Brock when to check on him.
Gengar was shocked, at what he saw. He could believe what that trainer just did.
"Pikachu Thunderbolt!" Ash shout taking his chance.
"Pikaaaa!" Pikachu shouted, unleashing the strong attack.
Gengar was so deep in thought he didn't notice the attack. Suddenly he was zapped but before Ash could continue, Gengar disappeared. Everyone stood still looking for any signs of it. After several minutes Ash's shoulders slumped, looks like Gengar got away.
Sigh Ash decided to come back another time, soon everyone made their way to the Pokémon Center then back small area for the event. There would be thirty-two trainers competing and only 5 rounds. Looking his eyes widen seeing three trainers he met though his eyes narrowed at 1 one them in particular.
"Damien." He growled, searing that if they face he would make him pay for hurting Charizard.
"Pikaaa…." Pikachu also growled, remember the trainer.
Brock and Misty also had frowns neither of the please seeing that trainer's photos.
"Hey Ash." Hearing another voice, the group turned to see another familiar face.
"Hey Joe." They greeted their old friend from Pokétech.
"It's good seeing you guys again." Joe greeted back.
"Its good to see you too." Ash replied.
"What are you doing here?" Misty asked.
"I completing in the tournament, thought it would be good practice before the Indigo League." Joe answered.
"You got all eight badges that's great." Brock replied remembering how Joe said he was going on a journey.
"Thanks, so I take it your competing here too." Joe asked.
"Yah, and I'm going to win it." Ash stated.
"Glad to see you haven't lost that confidence." A new voiced replied. Turning around the groups saw another trainer they were familiar with.
"Hey it's A.J." Ash said.
"Yup, glad to see you remember me." A.J. replied.
"How could I not, how you've been?" Ash asked.
"I'm great, I managed to collect all eight badges, and now I'm entering this tournament. I was hoping to see you here." A.J. answered.
"That's great to hear." Misty stated.
Nodding A.J. then noticed the other trainer next to him. "Hey your Joe right." He stated.
"Yah, it's good to see you again." Joe replied.
"You too know each other?" Brock asked.
"Yah we met each other, and battled before." A.J. answered.
"And this time I'll win." Joe stated.
"You can try, but it will end up like last time." Joe replied.
"Well you can battle it out if you like but I got a tournament to win." Ash challenge.
The three trainers stated each other down, before a microphone caught their attention. The announcer showed cased each match up. Ash would the first among the group to battle, the A.J., and then Joe. He also stated the rules each trainer will 3 Pokémon, and the battle will each will one trainer knocks out three Pokémon. The final battle will be a full 6 on 6, and substitutions were allowed.
"Well guys I look forward to see how much stronger you got, but don't underestimate me, I've gotten stronger too." Ash stated.
The couple first couple of battles went by, and it was finally Ash turn. Standing on the field Ash faced a trainer named Josh from Fuchsia City.
"Begin select your Pokémon." The ref announced.
"Go Golduck." Josh called out.
Golduck was a bipedal blue duck, with a blue gem on its forehead.
"Gol Golduck." Golduck called out.
Wanting to know more as he called out Scyther, Ash also pulled out his Pokédex.
Golduck, the Duck Pokémon and the evolved form of Psyduck. It makes its home in lakes and is able to swim faster than a gold medalist.
"Scyther." Scyther cried out, ready to battle.
"Josh will make the first move begin." The ref announced.
"Golduck use Psychic." Josh began.
Golduck eyes glowed blue, as it attempted to grab Scyther.
"Scyther Double Team." Ash countered.
Creating several copies, Scyther managed to keep Golduck from finding him.
"Now Quick Attack." Ash called out.
Moving with incredible speed Scyther and the copies flew towards Golduck.
"Golduck Hydro Pump on all of them." Josh countered.
"Golduck." Golduck said, before unleashing a powerful burst of water.
The attack struck each copy, but the real Scyther avoid the attack.
"X-Scissor." Ash retaliated.
Bring his arms together in an X form, Scyther slammed into Golduck sending it sliding back. Golduck caught itself and glared at Scyther before its trainer told it to use Icy Wind. Golduck unleashed a gust of cold air towards Scyther.
"Scyther use Quick Attack straight up to avoid it, then Aerial Ace." Ash countered.
With a trail of light behind it, Scyther flew straight up, with Golduck changing the trajectory in order to hit Scyther. The attack was unable to hit Scyther, as it Scyther disappeared from view before suddenly ramming into Golduck.
Golduck crashed into ground, causing Josh to growl as he returned Golduck. With a frown he called out his next choice. "Magneton go."
Magneton was three grey sphere with a magnet on each one.
"Magneton." The Pokémon mutter as it floated.
Magneton would be too risk too with Scyther, so Ash decided to switch out while doing damage.
"U-turn." He muttered.
Scyther glowed green as it rammed in Magneton before being sucked back in its Pokéball.
"U-turn?" Misty asked.
"It a bug type moves the let the user deal an attack before returning to Pokéball. This allows the trainer to selected another Pokémon." Brock explained.
Looking at his partner, Pikachu nodded before jumping on the field. While he could have used Rhydon, with that Golduck still not knocked out, Ash didn't want to risk it coming back out.
"Magneton use Thunder." Josh began.
"Pikachu Thunderbolt." Ash countered.
The two Pokémon fired the high voltage of electricity at they struck each other. Not wanting to let up, Ash had Pikachu sprint forwards.
"Switch over to Flash Cannon." Josh countered.
Magneton stopped the Thunder, and it began avoiding the light energy. It then fired a metallic colored beam towards Pikachu.
"Pikachu use Dig, then Double Team." Ash replied.
Pikachu burrowed underground, and the Flash Cannon just missed by a few seconds. Magneton looked around searching for any sight of Pikachu. Suddenly the ground burst, as dozens of Pikachu popped out and surrounded Magneton.
"Magneton Discharge." Josh called out.
Magneton unleash a blue flare of electricity the struck every Pikachu. When the attack ended all the Pikachu disappeared, before the ground burst again as Pikachu landed an uppercut on Magneton. Not wanting to let up, Ash called out for a Brick Break. Pikachu's paw glowed, as he slammed down on Magneton. Magneton grounded, as slammed into the ground.
"Magneton get up, then Tri Attack." Josh growled out.
Magneton groaned in pain as it floated into the air again, a landed a three beam attack.
"Pikachu agility." Ash countered.
"Pika." Pikachu squeaked.
Pikachu sprinted as it glowed pink, causing Pikachu to move faster. Pikachu managed to avoid the first two beams, and then was struck by the third. Pikachu flew back, before he managed to land on his feet.
"Pikachu use Double Team." Ash ordered.
"Pika." Pikachu squeaked as it created several copies.
"Now Iron Tail." Ash added.
They all ran forward with their tails glowing, and they got close Magneton countered.
"Metal Sound." Josh countered.
Magneton released an ear piercing sound, causing everyone to cover their ears. The real Pikachu stopped in order to cover its ears, using the opportunity Josh told Magneton to use Gyro Ball. Magneton spun around as it destroyed the Pikachu copies, and smashed into the real Pikachu.
"Pikachu don't give in use Dig." Ash retaliated.
Pikachu quickly burrowed into another underground again, as its opponent countered.
"Thunder into the hole." Josh ordered.
"Light Screen." Ash defended.
The powerful electric attack went straight into the hole, everyone waited for any signs of Pikachu.
"It's over Josh said confidently.
"Not yet, Pikachu Brick Break, finish it with Thunder." Ash replied calmly.
Pikachu erupted from the ground as it slammed its paw onto Magneton. Magneton to slammed into the ground, Pikachu's cheeks sparked as it let loose a large amount of electricity. Magneton groaned as it tried to get up only to collapsed again unable to continue.
"Magneton is unable to battle Pikachu wins." The ref announced.
"Alright Ash is ahead." Misty cheered.
"Yah he's really improved." Brock added.
Returning Magneton, the Josh released a Pokémon made up of blue vines, with two red feet.
"Tangela go." Josh called out his last Pokémon.
Looking at Tangela, Ash decided to let Pikachu rest, and called him back.
"Scyther, I choose you." Ash called out the Mantis Pokémon again.
"Scyther." Scyther cried out ready to battle.
"Tangela use Power Whip." Josh started off.
"Scyther Air Slash." Ash countered.
Tangela's vines glowed green as they extended heading straight towards Scyther. However, Scyther slashed the air sending the crescent blades towards the vines. Using the opportunity Ash had he told Scyther to push forwards and use Wing Attack. Scyther slammed into Tangela sending it back. Ash wouldn't let up telling Scyther to use Swords Dance.
Scyther began glowing red as its attack increased, while Tangela managed to regain itself. Josh the ordered Sludge Bomb, to which Scyther used Double Team. Seeing another attack avoided Josh returned Tangela before bringing out Golduck.
"Golduck use Calm Mind." Josh called.
Golduck closed its eyes as Golduck glowed as it increased its special attack, special defense. Josh also took in a series of deep breaths, wanting to keep himself calm. Seeing water his opponent was planning Ash had Scyther use Double Team.
"Nice try, Golduck use Screech." Josh countered.
Like with Magneton from before Golduck released an ear piercing screech that caused the real Scyther to cover its ears. Using the opportunity Josh called for Psychic, the attack took ahold of Scyther, then unleashed a powerful Hydro Pump. Scyther was pushed back as it slammed into the ground. Scyther growled as it tried to get up, not wanting to risk it, Ash returned Scyther again. Nodding to Pikachu again, he jumped down from Ash's shoulder ready for another battle.
"Light Screen." Ash this time started off. The last Light Screen wore off, see he wanted to increase Pikachu's defenses. With a new barrier up Ash knew he had to increase Pikachu's attack next.
"Pikachu Dig then Nasty Plot." Ash called out.
Burrowing under the ground Pikachu increased its power out of sight. Not wanting to let that happen, Josh told Golduck to use Hydro Pump. Firing the powerful water attack, Ash countered calling out Thunder. The ground shook, as the two attacks collided. The ground was covered in cracks, before Pikachu popped out from behind Golduck.
"Now Thunder Wave." Ash called out.
Golduck yelled as it felt the move, its body cackled with electricity. Josh quickly retaliated by calling out for Psychic. With Pikachu in the air, Josh continued with Psyshock. Golduck unleashed a wave of purple energy, then slammed into Pikachu. However, the attack was somewhat blocked by Light Screen. Golduck then flung Pikachu into a wall, causing Pikachu to cry out in pain.
"Ah Pikachu." Ash called out in worry.
Pikachu struggled to get up, but still wasn't out yet. Looking Golduck, Pikachu glared before yelling "Pika Pika."
"Okay Pikachu use Dig again." Wanting to buy time till the paralyzes builds up Ash decided to keep Pikachu out of the way of Screech and Psychic.
"Golduck use Hydro Pump again." Josh retaliate, wanting to get Pikachu to surface.
"Pikachu use Quick Attack then Volt Tackle." Ash ordered.
The ground from beneath Golduck, as Pikachu cloaked in electricity slammed into Golduck. Golduck flew back a landed on the ground with a thud.
"Now finish it off with Thunder." Ash called out.
"Golduck use Psychic." Josh called out.
Just as Golduck's eyes glowed, the electricity cackled stunning Golduck, as it felt the paralyzes. Unable to stop Pikachu, Golduck was shocked with massive amounts of electricity. Golduck collapsed with swirls in its eyes.
"Golduck is unable to battle Pikachu wins." The ref announced.
"After taking Magneton, Pikachu takes another win by defeating Golduck." The announcer said.
"Wow, that was close. Pikachu's Thunder Wave sure came through." Misty stated, releasing a sigh.
"It also helped by setting up that Light Screen, with that Ash was able to buy enough time for the Light Screen." Brock added.
"Hey sure has improved." Misty complemented.
"He sure has." Brock added.
Josh returned his Golduck, and Ash called back Pikachu. He knew Pikachu used up amount all of his energy, and he wanted Scyther to get a win as well. Releasing Scyther, Josh also released Tangela.
"Okay Scyther use Quick Attack." Ash began.
"Tangela Poison Powder." Josh countered.
"Scyther Double Team get away from there." Ash defended.
As Tangela released a purple powder, Scyther quickly flew out of range.
"Air Slash." Ash continued.
Slicing the air, Scyther sent the crescent blades towards Tangela. Tangela retaliated with an energy ball. The attack managed to block some of the blades but the rest struck Tangela. Ash the told Scyther to use another Double Team.
"Now Quick Attack and combine it with Aerial Ace." Scyther flew towards Tangela with incredible speed, as Josh retaliated with Bullet Seed.
Tangela fired several seeds, but they either missed or hit fakes. Then Scyther disappeared entirely before reappearing and ramming into Tangela. Tangela cried as it flew, and landed on the ground with a thud. Scyther then let loose another Air Slash, Tangela tried to block then with a Sludge Bomb, but with counter block all of them. Scyther then flew in close and struck Tangela with a X-Scissor and Steel Wing combination. Tangela cried out as its crashed into the wall, unable to battle. Seeing the swirls in Tangela's eyes the ref held up Ash's flag.
"Tangela is unable to continue, and Scyther is the wins. Which means the victory goes to Ash." The ref declared.
"What an incredible match, Josh put up a good fight but in the end, Ash's Pikachu and Scyther were too much." The announcer called out.
With battle Ash and Josh shook hands as they thanked each other for a good battle. With his battle over Ash took Pikachu and Scyther to be looked over by Nurse Joy. As they watched A.J. they watched him use a Beedrill, and Raticate in order to take down a Weezing, Dodrio, and Poliwhirl. Joe on the other struggled a bit taking down a Tentacruel, Tauros, and Vileplume, with his Victreebel, Hypno, and Staryu. Finally, Damien decimated his opponent with his on Victreebel, and Machamp. Once the battles were over for the day, the group along with A.J. and Joe went to grabbed food while they caught up. As everyone turned in for the night, certain Gengar was standing on the roof top of a mansion as it thought about a trainer it battled against today.
Alright first battle done, just 4 more to go., and Gengar made its appearance. Gengar will be the last Pokémon Ash catches before they league.