AN: Well, about time I was able to get the time to get this to be put up. I know I have been slow when I said I would be faster, but unfortunately a lot of things have come up on my end that has prevented me from working on this chapter. Then I have had a massive case of writers block and had trouble finding a way to move forward. Thankfully I have most of the life part figured out and have found a way to proceed forward. Then trying to keep up with my schedule of which story is updated next, yeah things have gotten annoying. Well, your not all here for my excuses; let's get to the next chapter of Rise of a Legend! The harem is as follows:
Cynthia
Anabel
Korrina
Serena
Ursula
Elesa
Roxie
Hilda
Sabrina
Skyla
Zinnia
Pokémon- Attack
"Pokémon"- Pokémon speaking (people won't understand unless told otherwise)
"Pokémon"- Human Speech
'Pokémon'- Thinking
"Pokémon"- Pokédex Entry
Chapter 26:
Battle of Rivals and Darkness
(Forest Clearing- Three Hours Later)
We find Ash back in the clearing with his Pokémon, meditating as he awaited what to do next.
After hanging with everyone at the Pokémon Center, he decided to head back to the forest. He invited the others, but the only ones to join him were Serena and Miette. The others had things they needed to do, reluctantly.
They spent an hour and a half exploring the town and its shops to pass the time. Ash figured why not have fun since his time is a bit limited due to the tournament.
After getting a message from Alex to head back to the forest, he went straight there with the girls and the bags containing different things he bought the girls and one box for himself.
When they got there, Ash was pleasantly surprised to get a tackle hug from a grown-up Molly Hale.
Ash cared about Molly like one would a younger sister, always checking up on her when she could. He even sent her a Phanpy egg from his Donphan, after getting permission from his Ground type Pokémon.
He sadly hadn't kept up with her for a while until after he had adopted Alex as his sister. Soon after, he called Professor Spencer Hale and kept up with Molly again for a while. He had no idea he would see Molly at this tournament even if she was a battling prodigy.
After hugging her tightly in joy, he played with Molly after introducing her to all his Pokémon and they all took a shine to the young girl. They all played for over an hour and his Gardevoir took care of Ursaring's injuries.
Ash turned around to find Zyon walk into the clearing and was surprised by his student's injuries. He ran up to his friend and asked if he was alright. Zyon pulled Ash to the side and told him everything that happened between him and Shadow.
Hearing what had happened to his student caused the dark feeling that Ash usually felt around his ex-friends to surface. His eyes began to darken slowly before he caught it and pushed it back. Ash excused himself so he may go and meditate to calm his nerves.
It worked thankfully as he felt his rapidly moving aura slow down and the darkness seemed to fade away. He tried to use his aura to lock it down and hopefully keep it locked.
'I guess this will be the best that I could hope for right now,' Ash sighed as it seems he couldn't banish the dark feeling from his body, its lingering grip staying hidden as best it could. 'As long as it stays in stasis, I should be fine.' He got up to join the others before several alarms went off. Everyone looked at their beeping Pokétech's to find out that they had a message from the different Pokémon Centers.
"Hello trainers, the system is back up and the random generator has selected your opponent shall be along with the stadium you shall battle in. Thank you for your patience!"
"I got to go then!" Molly yelled out in joy as she read the message. "I got to see who my opponent is then meet up with papa and mama for dinner!"
"We will go as well," Ash said as he dusted off his pants. "We have to head there anyway, besides I'm curious on how your parents are doing since I last saw them. Be nice to see them for a moment to catch up." He turned to his Pokémon before calling out five of them and returned them. Pikachu ran and sat on his left shoulder.
The young Hale smiled brightly as she returned her Pokémon, only leaving out her Ursaring that wanted to walk around. They all, except Zyon who decided to stay behind again, made their way to the Pokémon Center.
When they arrived, the place was surprisingly packed with trainers and watchers alike. It took the group almost ten minutes to get up front. Ash was surprised to see Mia and Tai up front, holding hands. Looking up, he wanted to chuckle at the irony of her opponent.
Mia Seas vs Bruno. Both Elite Four members, one of Kalos and the other from Kanto. And both were Fighting type specialists.
This excited Mia as this was, to her anyway, her next trial to be the best. Bruno was hailed as one of the best Fighting type trainers in the world, his position as an Elite Four member being a testament to that skill. If she was able to beat him down, then she would be one step closer to being the strongest Fighting specialist in the world!
Ash could see that she was practically vibrating in place from her nerves and excitement.
Ash also saw that Alex will be facing one of the old Kalos Elite Four members, Malva who was a Fire type specialist.
'Its funny since it was Alex that took her spot in the first place,' Ash thought as he saw his sister was excited to battle Malva again. Tai is facing a girl named Trisha and Delia is against Maxum. Who am I…against…' he trailed off as he found his picture and his opponent.
He will be doing a three vs three battle at Stadium B, no surprise there. His opponent though will be one of the most ironic battles he has seen in a while.
His opponent is going to be Gary Oak.
As he gazed at the picture, Ash felt the dark feeling rush throughout his body, despite him trying to lock it up only moments prior. His breathing became rough as it took all he had to hold back so much dark rage. The dark aura burned through him like a wildfire burning through a forest.
"Ash, are you alright?" Serena asked as she gently laid her hand on his arm. This caused Ash's head to snap at her direction, his eyes darkened slightly from the darkened energy that reflected how he felt. When seeing Serena's concerned face, the dark feeling retreated again.
Ash shook his head to clear it. "Yeah I am fine, just a lot of aura signatures concentrated in one area. Kind of gave me a small but painful headache."
"That's one of your ex-friends right?" Miette asked next as she looked to the screen. "Your old rival that decided to become a researcher instead of continuing his journey. Will you be alright?"
"Yeah I will be just fine," he replied calmly. "Tomorrow is going to be an interesting battle." He felt Pikachu rub its cheek to his, causing him to scratch the Electric type behind the ears. "We got some preparing to do buddy. The others are going to be excited for this."
The Next Day- Stadium B
The crowd roared in excitement at seeing two strong trainers staring the other down. Both battlers were tensed up, both for different reasons.
Gary was doing this in a attempt to get his childhood friend and best friend back. To Gary, this battle brought back memories of him and Ash always butting heads against each other. How they used to compete over everything and how Ash beat him in his last personal league. 'This brings back some good memories,' he thought fondly as he gently gripped his Pokeball.
Ash only saw this as a chance to get back at one of the traitors by knocking him out of the tournament. This would further prove to them how wrong they were to betray his trust. Just like Gary, he thought of all the times that they had argued or fought. Competing over every little thing, which lead to Gary always insulting him and putting him down. Making him feel small and stupid. 'This brings back terrible memories,' Ash thought angrily.
"Let's see what you got after all this time Ashy-boy!" Gary called out as he tossed the Pokeball, releasing a very powerful Electivire who burst out with a powerful shout. Electricity sparked around the Thunderbolt Pokémon's body as he pumped his fists.
Ash looked unimpressed as he also threw out his own Pokeball and released his happily chirping Leavanny.
"Electivire vs Leavanny!" the referee announced over the crowd. "Begin!"
"Leavanny, Razor Leaf!" Ash commanded as Leavanny fired the sharpened leaves towards the Electric type Pokémon.
"Counter with your Iron Tail then use Thunder Punch on Leavanny!" Gary commanded as Electivire raised his two glowing tails to block the leaves as he charged forward. His two fists sparked with electricity as he got closer to his opponent.
"If you want to play this close then fine," Ash said as he crossed his arms. "Use Leaf Blade!" The Grass/Bug type nodded as she rushed forward with her bladed arms glowing a bright green.
The two Pokémon met in a powerful clash that sent a small shockwave around. The two struggled for a moment, but soon Electivire began to gain ground fast. Pushing the fist away, Leavanny swung with her other arm, but it was quickly blocked by Electivire's other fist.
'Electivire has more physical strength than my Leavanny, but it is definitely slower than her,' Ash thought as he watched Leavanny dodge another Thunder Punch. "Leavanny, duck and use String Shot on its legs."
Leavanny dove under another electric fist and shot the sticky webbing towards Electivre's left foot. It wrapped around it in a split second. Leavanny stood back up and pulled the thread which caused the surprised Electivre to fall forward, knocking him completely off balance.
"Use Iron Tail to keep it away from you," Gary commanded. 'I can't allow Ash to gain any form of ground against us. He's just way too unpredictable!' The Electric type launched his two hardened tails towards the ground behind him without looking, causing Leavanny to jump away to avoid the impact. The string was cut off thanks to the Iron Tail, freeing Electivire from her grasp.
'Dammit, I didn't see that one coming!' Ash yelled mentally. 'I should have predicted that move, damn you Gary Oak!' As Ash mentally raged, he didn't notice the dark feeling return with force. It quickly spread, slowly encompassing his core and infecting his aura.
"Leavanny use Energy Ball!" Ash commanded, his tone getting colder with each word. The Bug/Grass type paused for a second, noticing her master's shift of tone. Ignoring it for the time being, Leavanny fired multiple Energy Balls at Electivire.
"Knock those away with your Brick Break," Gary commanded. Electivires arms glowed a bright white as he swung his arms, blocking some of the balls but was quickly overwhelmed.
Ash smirked darkly as he had a plan to take full control. "Leavnny, use Razor Leaf and follow after it, make sure you keep them coming!" Leavanny ran forward in high speeds, firing the Razor Leaf at Electivire.
The onslaught of sharpened leaves hammered into Electivire who was flailing his arms wildly in a attempt to block them, not having time to use Iron Tail to defend himself.
"Use String Shot on his arms then slide under him," Ash commanded. Following orders, Leavanny shot the Bug type move which quickly wrapped around Electivire's left arm and ran around the Electric type before sliding under his legs. This flipped Electivire before he was slammed onto his back.
"Now fling him up and use Energy Ball before slamming him back down, hard!" Leavanny, though slightly reluctant due to his cold tone, followed orders and yanked the downed Electivire into the air and shot the green ball of energy. It traveled along the String Shot and slammed into Electivire, before being slammed into the hard Earth.
"Give it time to recover, use Leaf Blade and don't let up," Ash commanded. Leavanny's arms glowed green before she rushed at the slowly recovering Electric type.
'This is strange,' she thought as she slashed Electivire over and over. 'Ash is being uncharacteristically brutal here. Plus, our bond seems to be weakening over time.' "Are you okay Ash-dear?" She redirected that last question to her trainer through her aura, but got no response.
"Electivire, blow it away with Thunder!" The Electric type released an electric blast that not only threw the Nurturing Pokémon back, but destroyed the ground as well.
Leavanny recovered and used her arms to backflip away and get back to her feet. "Not going to lie Ash, that actually hurt a lot. I would rather not get hit by that,' she said through their bond as she took a fighting stance.
"Over power her and keep your control! Thunder Punch!" Gary yelled out as Electivire rushed forward.
'Fine, I'll just leave him unable to counter,' Ash smirked darkly. 'Leavanny, evade and rush him with Leaf Blade! Don't get in a power match.'
Leavanny felt her aura connect to Ash's and looked in confusion at both what she felt and heard. The usual warmth she felt when she and Ash connected aura's was no longer there. It felt cold and full of anger. She even felt it try to influence her aura quickly; to a point she tried to cut their connection on pure instinct, but all she could do was hold it back.
What worried her the most, she couldn't understand her trainer at all!
So confused and distracted, she had no time to dodge the Thunder Punch which slammed into her gut with powerful impact. She yelled in pain as Electivire continued his onslaught of electrifying punches.
'Leavanny, what are you doing!?' Ash yelled mentally, angry that his Leavanny didn't follow orders. "Dodge by ducking and use X-Scissor as a shield so you can get away!"
Leavanny quickly dodged the next fist that was aimed at her face. She wasted no time and used X-Scissor, just in time to block another Thunder Punch. Using that split second, the Bug/Grass type rolled away and jumped away from the powerful Electivire.
Clenching his fists tightly, Ash growled out his next orders through his aura. 'Leavanny, use Energy Ball and aim for his feet!'
Leavanny once more could not understand what her trainer said through her aura. All she heard was her name and "aim for his feet". She assumed he meant the last attack she used so she charged forward while readying her X-Scissor.
'What are you doing, Leavanny!?' Ash yelled mentally in frustration. 'I said to use
Energy Ball you useless bug!'
"Electivire, counter with Iron Tail and then hit it hard with Brick Break!" Gary countered. 'What is going on here? Ashy-boy is not battling like I have seen him, he's out of it. And his Pokémon keeps attacking without a command.'
Electivire used Iron Tail to trip up the Bug/Grass type easily and slammed the glowing arm into the side of Leavanny's head and sent her flying.
"Grab her quickly and unleash your Thunder!" Gary commanded. Electivire's tail wrapped around the airborne Leavanny's leg and unleashed the devasting Electric type attack before being thrown back to Ash.
The moment Leavanny cried out in pain, Ash's eyes widened in horror as the struggling Leavanny got to her feet. 'Leavanny! Leavanny are you alright?! Please answer me!'
Leavanny looked back to her trainer, her eyes wide. 'Ash, is that you dear? I can finally hear you clearly again!' The Bug/Grass sighed in relief as she felt that dark feeling from Ash receding as their bond returned. Ash's usual warmth seems to be back.
'What do you mean?' Ash asked in confusion. 'I have been giving you orders through my aura this entire time.'
'I know Ash dear, but I could not understand them,' she replied as she turned her gaze back to Electivire, who stood ready. 'Let's talk about this later Ash-dear, right now we have a battle to win!'
'You can't continue in your condition Leavanny,' Ash spoke in worry. 'You can barely stand, let alone…' but he paused as he felt the Nurturing Pokémon's determination through their aura bond. 'Fine Leavanny, have it your way. Let's take him down.'
Leavanny nodded as she charged forward, a wide smile on her face. "Let's win this!"
"How do you expect to beat me when your already so hurt?" Electivire taunted as he readied himself to counter whatever they had planned.
"Leavanny, use String Shot and cover the battlefield around them!" Ash said, the dark tone in his voice becoming less apparent quickly. The Grass/Bug type began firing the stick substance around Electivire while staying out of reach of her confused opponent.
'Alright, what are you up to Ash?' Gary wondered as he watched the Nurture Pokémon run and jump around his Pokémon while releasing the sticky web-like substance. "Whatever it is, I best stop it right here!' "Use Thunder to blow it all away!"
The Thunderbolt Pokémon crossed his arms as he charged up before shooting his arms outward and released a devastating electric blast that tore away at the ground and surrounding String Shot.
A thick cloud of smoke and debris covered the battlefield and Pokémon, making it difficult to see the battling Pokémon.
'Now Leavanny!' A smirking Ash commanded as another thread of the sticky Bug type attack rushed out and wrapped around the Electivire.
When the smoke cleared, the audience and Gary were shocked to find Electivire trapped another String Shot. Many of the sticky webbing wrapped around his body, completely immobilizing him. A line of the thread connected to Leavanny's mouth.
"Let him have it, Energy Ball!" Ash commanded as Leavanny fired the green ball of energy down the thread and smirked as it slammed into Electivire.
The Electric type cried out in pain as green sparks of energy traveled across its body.
"Come on Electivire, break free with Thunder!"
"Don't let him, pull him forward and knock him off balance. Then nail him with another Energy Ball!" Ash commanded quickly, knowing Gary would try that again.
Before Electivire could charge up for another powerful blast, he lost concentration and his footing when Leavanny tugged him forward with a strong tug. He cried in pain as the Grass type attack slammed into him and sent him sliding across the ground.
"Now pull him in for a Leaf Blade!" Ash yelled as Leavanny reeled Electivire in, dragging him across the ground once more.
"Electivire, try to use Iron Tail to get out of there!" Gary commanded frantically. The Electric type's tails glowed before crying out in pain once more, which made him lose concentration again.
Gary and Electivire weren't expecting Leavanny to run forward and slam the Leaf Blade into them, unknowing that Ash gave the order through his aura.
"Show him how the ground really feels and hit him with X-Scissor," Ash said calmly staying focused on the Pokémon than his opponent. He could feel that darkness still there, waiting for him to slip back into it.
Leavanny jumped and spun, using the momentum to lift the heavier Pokémon, and slammed Electivire into the awaiting Earth. She quickly followed suit with a powerful X-Scissor that kicked up some dust but not enough to fully cover them.
Seeing that the consistence of attacks withered away her String Shot, Leavanny jumped away just in case.
Everyone watched, surprised, as the cut and bruised Thunderbolt Pokémon stood back up.
Ash sighed as he assessed the situation. 'I should have expected as much. Electivire was easily one of Gary's strongest and durable Pokémon, but it also look like it can't go much longer.' He turned his attention to his heavily panting Leavanny. 'Not that we are any better. The next few strikes will end this for one or both of them.'
Ash felt Leavanny link their aura so he gave his Pokémon his attention. 'Let's finish this off with one final charge, much like in the old days Ash-dear. I'm feeling nostalgic.'
Ash smiled softly as he nodded. "Leavanny, full power Leaf Blade!" Leavanny cried as her arms glowed bright green once more. They also grew in length as she charged her power more and the energy blades also became sharper.
'Electivire won't be able to dodge that so easily with her speed, so let's take this the next best way; head-to-head!' Gary thought as he clenched his fists. "Thunder Punch full power!"
The Thunderbolt Pokémon clenched his fists tightly as powerful sparks roared to life. The sparks hit the ground and sparked more sporadically as he gathered more power to them.
"Now charge/charge!" Both Gary and Ash commanded as the two Pokémon took off at high speeds. They ran past each other and spun on their heels, using the momentum to increase the power of their strike.
The powerful Leaf Blade slammed into the equally powerful Thunder Punch. Normally Electivire would have the edge in this struggle, but thank to the angle Leavanny was in, the Electric type move slid past but just barely over her head.
The Bug/Grass type swung her other arm and slashed Electivire across the chest but did not notice the Thunder Punch in the Thunderbolt Pokémon's other arm slam into her head.
Leavanny hit the ground hard while Electivire collapsed backwards with a soft 'Thud'!
"Both Leavanny and Electivire are unable to battle," the referee as the audience cheered and the trainers returned their Pokémon. "Send out your next Pokémon."
"This brings back memories, right Ashy-boy," Gary said to Ash who only narrowed his eyes. "It seems that you and I are still even after all this time."
Ash clenched his fists tightly after hearing his ex-friend speak to him. 'Equals? Us? You never treated me like we were one, always taunting and making fun of me. No, I will not accept him as my equal just like he never has!' Ash shook his head to rid himself of the darker thoughts as the dark aura tried to return. 'I have to end this before I do something I may come to regret.'
Ash looked up again when a white flash caught his attention and saw Gary had released his Umbreon, who was staring him down. The young champion shook his head as he smirked at the duo. "You really think we are even Professor?" Ash asked as Gary frowned at being addressed so formally by someone he perceives as his best friend. "If I remember right, Electivire was one of your strongest Pokémon you own. Leavanny on the other hand, while powerful, is nowhere near my strongest team. Let me show you just what one of my best could do. This should most certainly bring back some memories for you since you seem so fond of it. Pikachu, you are up."
The Mouse Pokémon jumped off his shoulder and ran to the battlefield, his cheeks sparking. "This is nostalgic, it feels good to be able to battle." Ash smiled warmly at his starter.
"It's just going to be the same as every other time Pikachu," Umbreon taunted, not noticing the frown on Ash's face as he glared at the Dark type. "Do you think you can keep up with me?"
Pikachu sighed before he glared hard at his opponent, making Umbreon slightly nervous. "You will just have to see for yourself."
Both trainers nodded at the referee who returned the nod and raised his flags. "Begin!"
"Umbreon, use Quick Attack!" Gary commanded, knowing that Pikachu was a tough opponent, so he had to take control as early as he can. Umbreon tensed his legs before taking off with blurring speeds.
"Spin with Iron Tail," Ash commanded, going into his 'Champion Mode'. Pikachu's tail glowed and hardened as the Electric type leaned on his back and spun at high speeds. It looked like a lesser version of a Gyro Ball.
The two Pokémon collided, but the spinning momentum gave Pikachu more than enough power to overpower Umbreon and throw the Dark type back.
Umbreon stayed on his and lashed out with a Dark Pulse once he heard Gary's next order.
"Dodge it Pikachu and use Electro Ball," Ash countered. "Aim the attack low and be ready." Pikachu laid flat as the Dark Pulse flew over him. The Electric Mouse snapped it's tail forward as the Electric type attack was flung just parallel to the ground.
Gary's eyes widened as he quickly realized that his Umbreon was going to land on top or in the path of the Electro Ball. "Quick Attack as fast as you can!"
Umbreon stretched outward in a attempt to reach the ground. The body of the Moonlight Pokémon was lit by the electrical light for a brief second before he vanished in a black and yellow blur, barely dodging the Electro Ball.
"Thunderbolt," Ash commanded as he looked to the left, not at all bothered by Umbreon's speed. Pikachu instantly fired the Electric type move towards the direction looked.
Umbreon appeared, confident after moving at such incredible speeds, only to be caught off guard by the direct hit of Thunderbolt. The Dark type cried out in pain of the powerful move.
"Umbreon, try and push it back with Dark Pulse," Gary commanded. Umbreon pushed through the pain as she charged through the pain and released the powerful Dark Pulse. The Dark type attack pushed the Thunderbolt back with a lot of difficulty.
Umbreon cancelled the attack and jumped away in time to avoid the attack.
"Iron Tail quickly Umbreon!" Gary commanded. The Moonlight Pokémon spun on his heels as his tail hardened in time to block an Iron Tail from Pikachu. "Use Toxic."
Ash looked undeterred as he saw the purple sludge gather in Umbreon's mouth. "Twist your body and throw Umbreon away. Then use Electro Ball to counter."
The Mouse Pokémon smirked as he followed Ash's orders exact. The sudden movement surprised Umbreon who was pushed by his opponent. The Moonlight Pokémon twisted around and fired the Poison type attack only to be blocked by the Electro Ball. The explosive impact covered both Pokémon before dissappitating quickly.
The crowd let loose a deafening roar of excitement as the two battling Pokémon glared at one another. Many began to see just how outmatched Umbreon seemed to be as Pikachu was able to counter his every move.
"Get in close Pikachu," Ash thought through their aura bond. "It's time to show Gary just how much damage we can do."
"Right!" Pikachu replied as he charged forward at high speeds.
Umbreon braced himself as he grit his teeth. 'Pikachu is so much faster than he used to be, and that's saying something. I don't know how many of those hits I can take it; it's starting to really affect me.'
"Use Quick Attack and keep moving! Don't let Pikachu get in close!" Gary commanded. 'Using this, I can buy some time to formulate a strategy. Facing Pikachu head on his bad due to it having more power than my Umbreon. Plus, the fact that it also knows Volt Attack is bad for us too.'
He watched as his Pokémon zipped across the battlefield in a black and yellow blur. Umbreon would appear in one spot before vanishing and appearing in another.
"Pikachu, use Thunderbolt to the left," Ash commanded through his aura again. Pausing his run in a split second, Pikachu fired a devastating Thunderbolt to what seemed a random direction.
Gary, having remembered Ash doing this earlier, decided not to risk it. "Umbreon, jump back now!" In a blur of seconds, the Moonlight Pokémon appeared and jumped back in time to avoid being hit by the Thunderbolt.
The Thunderbolt caused an explosion that pushed Umbreon back as he cried in pain before shaking it off.
"Not bad Professor Oak," Ash smirked mockingly, his aura darkening for a second before returning to normal. "Let me take things up a slight notch for you. Use Thunder on the battlefield!"
Pikachu's eyes narrowed as his cheeks sparked violently before a powerful burst of electricity that tore the ground and singed the stadium walls, which were a good distance away, as it spread out.
Umbreon, who had nowhere to run, cried out in pain as the Thunder coursed through his body. The crowd was blinded by the bright light from the Thunder, many having either to look away or cover their eyes. When the light finally died down, everyone was shocked as the battlefield was now mostly charred soil and rubble. What was more shocking was that Pikachu didn't even look winded after that attack.
On the hand, Umbreon laid sprawled out and unconscious. He couldn't even attempt to hold out as the blast was too much for his already worn out body to handle.
"Umbreon is unable to battle, victory goes to Pikachu! Please send out your final Pokémon!" the referee announced over the loudly cheering crowd. He was thankful he kept his distance as the blast made his hair stand straight from the static, at a distance! Made him realize that blast was extremely powerful.
As Gary returned Umbreon, Ash gazed bored at his opponent. "Do you see the difference now Gary? The Pokémon I use on my main team are on a whole other level when compared to what you have been facing thus far. If you still don't want to accept it, then send out your ace. Send out your strongest and I'll take it down as well!" Pikachu stood there, his cheeks sparking.
Gary took a deep breath, calming his nerves since he knows Ash is trying to get a rise out of him; not like he wasn't trying to do the same. 'Ok, so maybe we are not on the same level as we used to be. I should have expected Pikachu to be stronger than ever.' Taking out his last Pokeball, he kissed the top of it.
"Your my last shot! Go Blastoise!" He tossed the ball and the powerful Water type started for Kanto burst free with a powerful roar.
'I expected as much from him,' Ash thought as he smirked. 'I should use my strongest…no. I'll save him for later as a surprise for the higher tier trainers.' "Pikachu, come on back buddy. I know who I want to use here for him."
Pikachu nodded relunctantly as he jumped back to his favorite spot on Ash's shoulder. Said trainer grabbed a Pokeball off his waist before tossing it. "May the aura guide you, Lucario!"
The ball burst open as the most gorgeous Lucario that the crowd has ever seen revealed itself calmly. It's silver fur practically sparkled in the sunlight. It's red, intimidating eyes glared as Blastoise, unnerving the Shellfish Pokémon. The crowd was so shocked by the Lucario, that everyone was silent.
"Wait, I recognize that Lucario," Gary said as realization struck him. "That's the Lucario that was with that Satoshi guy that we ran into when we arrived on the island!" Then his eyes widened when he began to realize why the name sounded so familiar to him earlier.
It was Ash's middle name!
'How in the world did I not see it before!?' Gary mentally berated himself. 'He rarely ever used his middle name, but it should have been more obvious. I guess simple was enough to get by everyone.'
"So, you figured it out," Ash said with a small smirk. "It doesn't really matter to me at this point. Show us a good time Professor."
"Begin!"
"Use Rapid Spin, Blastoise!" The Shellfish Pokémon ran forward before withdrawing into its shell and spun at extremely high speeds, racing towards the calm Lucario.
"Dodge it," Ash said simply. Lucario jumped over the spinning shell, not even bothered by the stinging winds.
"Use Bite Blastoise!" Blastoise shot out of his shell, lunging at the airborne Aura Pokémon.
"Throw him off with Blaze Kick then follow it up with Aura Sphere," the silver furred Lucario left foot lit up in flames before doing a backflip. The flaming kick hit the Blastoise's jaw, susbsiqeuntly closing its mouth. Then he quickly fired the charged up blue sphere at Blastoise's head.
The explosion from the attack pushed Lucario back who landed gracefully onto the ground while the Shellfish Pokémon hit the ground with a loud 'THUD'.
"Blastoise, use Hydro Pump! Keep it away for now!" Gary commanded, seeing that Ash's Lucario was too agile to fight up close. 'This will hopefully give me time to come up with a better plan.'
'Your plan isn't going to help you Gary,' Ash thought. "Lucario dodge and use Extreme Speed." Lucario spun on his heel and dodged the Water type attack with ease before vanishing. He reappeared with his foot in Blastoise's gut, who was hunched over and dry heaving in pain before being launched back by the force. "Follow it up with a combo of Extreme Speed and Aura Sphere."
Blastoise regained his barings before Lucario appeared in front of him again, this time with an Aura Sphere fully charged. Lucario slammed the attack into Blastoise who was sent into the arena's walls, hard.
"Lucario, return and stance," Ash commanded smoothly. The Aura Pokémon nodded and jumped back to be in front of his trainer and took his usual fighting stance. 'Those were only love taps. Blastoise should still be ready to continue battling,' Ash thought as he watched his old rivals strongest Pokémon get up.
'There has got to be a way around that Lucario!' Gary thought, frustrated as he watched his starter stand to his feet. That's when Gary's eyes widened when he noticed the band on Blastoise's right arm. 'That's right, I still have that!' He grabbed the key chain on the left side of his belt buckle and clutched the orb on it tightly.
Ash smirked as he realized what is about to happen. 'So, he has the ability to mega evolve his Blastoise. It wasn't there for only show. Question is, do they have to skill to hold it together and use the increased power from it. Let him go through with it my friend. Let's see if he can make us have to take him more seriously.' Lucario nodded at the command as Ash said the last part through their aura bond.
"This is our last shot Blastoise," Gary said as his stone began to glow. "Blastoise, Mega Evolve!" Both Gary's and Blastoise's stones glowed brightly as the two energy streams released and waved around. Once the two streams touched each other, they stayed locked and Blastoise glowed brightly and became hidden by a bright light that made many look away.
When the light died down, Blastoise's appearance had been altered quite a bit. The biggest change was that instead of two medium sized canons on his back; Blastoise now had two smaller canons on his arms and one large on sticking out his back now.
The Shellfish Pokémon had successfully become Mega Blastoise.
Activating his aura sight, Ash couldn't help but be impressed by how much stronger that Blastoise got through the evolution. 'They have a strong bond, but no where near as strong as ours.' "Give us your best."
"Your not going to evolve your Lucario?" Gary asked. He was more confused when he heard Ash chuckle at his words.
"How about you make us have to mega evolve," Ash said in a mocking tone. "You worry about your Pokémon and I'll worry about mine. Use Bullet Punch."
Lucario's fists glowed before hardening and he disappeared before reappearing in front of the mega evolved Pokémon. He unleashed a barrage of punches that connected with his opponents gut. He finished with a punch to his cheek that made Blastoise skid back.
"Rapid Spin Blastoise," Gary called out as his Pokémon corrected his balance. Spinning fast, Blastoise rushed forward with much greater speed than before.
"Stop him," Ash commanded through his aura. Lucario nodded as he caught the spinning Blastoise with both hands. The Aura Pokémon skidded across the ground before using more power and stopped moving altogether. This shocked everyone in the stadium, as Lucario stopped an attack from a mega evolved Pokémon with his bare hands.
"Don't hesitate, Hydro Pump!" Gary yelled the moment the starter was stopped. The mega popped out from his shell as he fired the powerful attack from all three canons. The attack hit directly and pushed Lucario back and was slammed into the wall on the other side of the arena.
Gary smiled, happy to have gained some ground against his childhood friend. "How do you like that Ashy-boy? Regretting your decision yet?"
Ash felt his anger, not at his Pokémon getting hurt, but at the traitors tone and him calling him by that nickname again. This time though, Ash did not feel dark feeling rise again, he was just angry. He took a deep breath that calmed his nerves as he gazed back to the battlefield with a bored look.
"Lucario, stance," Ash spoke out, surprising Gary at his relaxed command. A silver blur appeared in front of Ash before it was revealed to be a calm Lucario who looked fine. The wet fur being the only signs that he was even hit by the Hydro Pump. He took the same stance that he was in before. "You got anything else Professor? We are not even trying on our end."
Gary clenched his fists in frustration as he thought over every plan he could think of. "Blastoise, Hydro Pump and spread it out. Be ready to strike."
The Shellfish Pokémon fired the attack, moving his two arms so a wave was created. The Hydro Pump created a slight powerful wave that also began to destroy the ground.
Ash and Lucario were both calm at the approaching attack. "That's it?" Ash whispered. "Cancel it out with Aura Sphere." Lucario charged the attack in an instant before shooting it forward.
When the Aura Sphere contacted the wave of water, it exploded and caused the water to harmlessly disperse.
Ash chuckled at the looks of surprise on everyone's faces. He knew that normally mega evolved Pokémon outclasses most other Pokémon, but it was nothing to him and Lucario. His aura partner was just that strong and was already used to battling mega evolved Pokémon in his base state.
"Extreme Speed and send him upwards," Ash commanded though his aura. Like before, Lucario vanished from view. Blastoise was broke from his shock to find himself in pain from his chin and sailing upwards. Lucario appeared above the ascending mega evolved starter in a blur of speed.
"Send him back to the Earth," Ash smirked. "Bone Rush." A familiar staff of blue aura appeared in the silver furred Pokémon hands as he swung the attack downward. The Bone Rush slammed into the head of the Shellfish Pokémon, causing Blastoise to cry out in pain as he was send towards the ground.
The ground shook upon impact as a cloud of dust and debris was thrown about. Lucario flipped before he landed softly, in a crouch position before taking a battle stance again.
When the dust finally settled, Blastoise was on his back, completely unconscious. A bright light shone once more, but now Blastoise was back in his original form.
"Blastoise is unable to battle," the referee announced. "Moving on to the next round is Champion Ash Ketchum!" The crowd cheered at yet another glimpse at Ash's true power. It was amazing to see a mega evolved Pokémon get dominated by a non-mega Pokémon with little to no effort.
Gary returned his starter in complete shock, not believing just how much Ash now outclassed him. He couldn't even counterattack with his last two Pokémon. Just how much stronger was Ash now? What other monsters were on his main team? He looked up to see Ash walking up, his Lucario by his side.
Gary reached out and shook his hand with Ash, wincing when he felt his old rivals grip tighten.
Lucario snapped his head to Ash, feeling the darkness in Ash try to rise and take control of his master before it was pushed back moments later. Settling at a more manageable level. Plus he wasn't too worried due to Pikachu being right on his shoulder, ready to calm Ash down should he start to lose himself.
Ash quickly let go before he wordlessly turned away and made his exit from the battlefield. Ash just wanted to get away from Gary as fast as possible, before his anger becomes too much for him to handle.
'I really need help from the others,' Ash thought as he left. 'This aura is getting difficult to control.'
While the young champion walked away, the ex-best friend of Ash clenched his fists in frustration as he too made his way off the battlefield in the opposite direction. 'We will get you back Ash. I swear it man. We will make it up to you!'
AN: And that is the end of this chapter, I hope that you all enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed writing out this battle. This chapter was to help show just how skilled Ash's main team truly is. Lucario and Pikachu are two of his main team, not involving any Legendary Pokémon. Either way, I hope it came out well and I do apologize once more for how long it took. Just have a lot on my plate and more just keeps piling on, while also wanting to give you all the best that I can give. As usual, Comment, Follow, and Favorite. I'll see you all next time!
Dragon Soul94 is out!