After participating in the Kalos League, Ash decides to go to the Nessada region with his friends. Along the way, they face some unexpected events which will change the life of some of them.
Ch.21: Ash vs Diantha
It has been two months and Ash was about to challenge Diantha, but he had somehow lost his confidence since his battle with Drasna. Her Dragalge did a lot of damage to Greninja and Nurse Joy told him that he shouldn't use Greninja because of its injuries so he had to use other Pokémon, but what really disturbed him was the fact if he defeats Diantha, he won't be able to travel to other regions. His Charizard also was in no condition to compete since it took a lot damage battling against Siebold's water types. During his training, he got all new Pokémon, but none of them were ready for hard challenges so decided not use any of them. Some of his Pokémon had evolved: Servine evolved into Serperior, Gabite evolved into Garchomp, Boldore evolved into Gigalith, Pignite evolved into Emboar, Quilava evolved into Typhlosion, Buizel evolved into Floatzel, Palpitoad evolved into Seismitoad and Oshawott was now Samurott. The new Pokémon he got were Drapion, Hitmonchan, Rhyperior, Hydreigon, Claydol, Trevenant, Aipom, Gengar, Beedrill and Alakazam. He got Mega–Stones for Gengar, Beedrill and Alakazam. Aipom was acting much like the Aipom he got during the Grand Festival in Kanto. Red advised Ash to evolve it, but Aipom didn't want to evolve. Now he was in his dressing room, getting ready for one of his greatest matches ever. He knew that Serena, May, Bonnie, Clemont, Brock, Kaylin, Red, Delia and professor Oak will be there to cheer him on. He decided to use his Noivern, Krookodile, Infernape, Kingler, Sceptile and Pikachu against Diantha as they were some of the few that were in perfect form. He was thinking if there could be a way to be the Kalos champion at travel to regions he hadn't been yet. He knows the truth hurts and he had to choose: to become the Kalos champion or to travel. After some hard thinking, he made his choice. He will use Pikachu last so he could be fresh for Mega–Gardevior. Then, he heard the announcer. It was now or never.
"Ladies and gentlemen," said Goodshow. "This is the moment you've been waiting for. The battle between Ash from Pallet Town and the Kalos champion, Diantha, is about to begin."
Both Ash and Diantha made their way to the battle field.
"Are both trainers ready," asked the referee.
"Ready," answered Ash and Diantha.
"This will be a full six-on-six battle and the battle will be over when all six Pokémon on one side are unable to continue," explained the referee. "Choose your first Pokémon."
"Hawlucha, let's go," said Diantha as she brought out her Hawlucha.
"Noivern, I choose you," said Ash as he brought out his dragon/flying–type.
"Let the battle begin," said the referee.
"Noivern, use Dragon Pulse," said Ash.
"Hawlucha, dodge it and use Brick Break," said Diantha. Noivern fired its Dragon Pulse, but Hawlucha managed to dodge and landed its Brick Break on the flying/dragon–type. "Now use Flying Press."
"Counter it with Flamethrower," said Ash. Hawlucha was about to land its Flying Press, but Noivern successfully countered it with Flamethrower which also burned the fighting/flying–type. "Use Dragon Pulse."
"Counter it with Brick Break," said Diantha. Noivern fired another Dragon Pulse which Hawlucha tried to counter, but Brick Break wasn't as strong as before due to the burn. "Try using X–Scissor."
"Dodge it and use Hurricane," said Ash. Noivern managed to dodge Hawlucha's X–Scissor and landed its Hurricane which sent Hawlucha flying backwards, knocking it out.
"Hawlucha is unable to battle," announced the referee. "Noivern is the winner."
"Incredible," shouted Goodshow. "Ash manages to take out Diantha's first Pokémon, Hawlucha. Will the champion make a comeback?"
"That's awesome," said Bonnie. "Noivern completely dominated over Hawlucha."
"Return, Hawlucha," said Diantha. "Nice win, Ash, but to bring out the big guys. Aurorus, let's go."
"Aurorus," said Ash. "It's an ice–type, but it's also a rock–type so Noivern's attacks won't do much. Noivern, return. Sceptile, I choose you."
"A grass–type," asked Diantha. "An interesting choice. Aurorus, use Freeze–Dry."
"Sceptile, dodge it and use Leaf Blade," said Ash. Sceptile managed to dodge Aurorus' Freeze–Dry and scored a direct hit with Leaf Blade. "Use Dragon Pulse."
"Counter it with Ancient Power," said Diantha. Aurorus managed to counter Dragon Pulse and fired another Freeze–Dry which hit Sceptile.
"Sceptile, can you get up," asked Ash. Sceptile stood up and was ready to take Aurorus down. "Alright then. Use Leaf Blade."
Sceptile ran towards Aurorus and landed another Leaf Blade.
"Aurorus, use Hyper Beam," said Diantha.
"Sceptile, dodge it and use Energy Ball," said Ash. Thanks to its speed, Sceptile managed to dodge Hyper Beam and fired an Energy Ball which landed on Aurorus, knocking it out.
"Aurorus is unable to battle," announced the referee. "Sceptile is the winner."
"I can't believe what I'm seeing," said Goodshow. "Ash takes down Diantha's second Pokémon. The trainer from Pallet Town must've been training very hard for this battle."
"Ash has a total advantage," said Serena. "That's two Pokémon in a row."
"If he keeps winning like that, he'll be the new champion in no time," said Red.
"You can do it, big brother," shouted Kaylin happily.
"Aurorus, return," said Diantha. "I'm surprised by the strength of your Pokémon, Ash, but let's see how you'll deal with my next Pokémon. Gourgeist, let's go."
"So it's Gourgeist," said Ash. "Sceptile, return. Krookodile, I choose you."
"Gourgeist, use Leech Seed," said Diantha.
"Krookodile, counter it with Dragon Claw," said Ash. Gourgeist fired its Leech Seed, but Krookodile managed to counter it with Dragon Claw. "Now use Stone Edge."
"Gourgeist, counter with Razor Leaf and then use Phantom Force," said Diantha.
"Krookodile, use Dig," said Ash. Gourgeist countered Stone Edge with Razor Leaf, but its Phantom Force missed due to Krookodile being underground. "Now use Dragon Claw."
Krookodile came out behind Gourgeist and landed a direct hit with Dragon Claw.
"Gourgeist, use Razor Leaf," said Diantha.
"Krookodile, dodge it with Dig and then use Crunch," said Ash. Krookodile once again dodged Gourgeist's attack and landed a powerful Crunch which was enough to knock Gourgeist out.
"Gourgeist is unable to battle," announced the referee. "Krookodile is the winner."
"And Ash knocks out 3 of Diantha's Pokémon in a row," said Goodshow. "Ash appears to be Diantha's biggest challenge."
"Gourgeist, return," said Diantha. "Goodra, let's go."
"So it's a Goodra," said Ash. "Krookodile, return. Infernape, I choose you."
"Ash's fourth Pokemon is Infernape while Diantha sends out her Goodra," said Goodshow.
"Why would Ash choose Infernape," asked Serena. "Fire–types are not very effective against dragon–types."
"He probably has a plan," said Brock. "Something like this happened at the Orange Islands. Ash use his Charizard against Drake's Dragonite. Back then, Ash's plan was to use Charizard to tire out Dragonite."
"How did you know about that," asked professor Oak.
"Misty told me about it," answered Brock.
"Infernape, start up with Flamethrower," said Ash.
"Goodra, counter it with your own Flamethrower," said Diantha. Infernape and Goodra fired their fire attacks which collided in the middle of the field. "Now use Dragon Pulse."
Goodra fired its Dragon Pulse which struck Infernape.
"Infernape, use Focus Blast," said Ash.
"Goodra, counter it with Sludge Bomb," said Diantha. Infernape and Goodra's attacks once collided in the middle of the field, but this time, Infernape landed a Focus Punch, which Goodra didn't see coming.
"Infernape, use Flare Blitz," said Ash.
"Goodra, counter it with Thunderbolt," said Diantha. Infernape cover itself in flames and flew towards Goodra, but the Kalos dragon–type managed to counter it with Thunderbolt. Infernape cried in pain and was send flying back.
"Come on, Infernape," said Ash. "You can do it. Use Flamethrower."
Flamethrower was too fast and directly hit Goodra, but didn't do much damage.
"Infernape is barely standing so use Dragon Pulse," said Diantha. Goodra fired its Dragon Pulse which struck Infernape and was enough to knock it out.
"Infernape is unable to battle," announced the referee. "Goodra is the winner."
"And Diantha manages to knock out Ash's first Pokemon," said Goodshow. "How will Ash deal with Goodra?"
"Infernape, return," said Ash. "You did your best. I'm proud of you. Sceptile, I choose you."
"Why would he choose Sceptile," asked Bonnie. "Noivern would be a better choice."
"Let's see how this will turn out," said Clemont.
"Sceptile is one of his strongest Pokémon," said May.
"You're right," said Brock. "If Sceptile can defeat a Darkrai, then it can defeat a Goodra as well."
"Wait a minute," said Serena. "Ash's Sceptile won against a Darkrai?"
"That's right," answered Brock. "Sceptile is one of Ash's few Pokémon that managed to beat a legendary Pokémon? The others are Pikachu and Charizard."
"Pikachu defeated a legendary Pokémon," asked Bonnie.
"Yeah," answered May. "It defeated Brandon's Regice."
"Sceptile, Mega–Evolve," said Ash as he Mega–Evolved Sceptile. "Use Energy Ball."
"Goodra, counter it with Sludge Bomb," said Diantha. Sceptile and Goodra fired their attacks which created a huge explosion when they collided. "Use Flamethrower."
Goodra fired its Flamethrower which hit Sceptile, causing the Hoenn grass–type to cry in pain.
"Sceptile, use Dragon Pulse," said Ash. Sceptile fired its Dragon Pulse which hit Goodra directly. "Let's finish it of with Frenzy Plant."
"Goodra, use Dragon Pulse full power," said Diantha. Sceptile and Goodra fired their attacks, but Goodra's Dragon Pulse somehow overpowered Sceptile's Frenzy Plant and the grass–type was hit by the dragon attack. "Finish it with Flamethrower."
Sceptile was still recovering from Dragon Pulse and just as it was about to stand up, Sceptile was hit by Flamethrower which was enough to knock it out.
"Sceptile is unable to battle," announced the referee. "Goodra is the winner."
"Sceptile, return," said Ash. "You were great. Take a long rest. Kingler, I choose you."
"And Ash chooses Kingler as his fifth Pokémon," said Goodshow.
"Kingler, let's end this in one hit," said Ash. "Use Crabhammer."
"Goodra, use Thunderbolt," said Diantha. Kingler's pincer glowed and slammed it at Goodra, but the dragon–type unleashed a powerful Thunderbolt. The collision between the attacks created a cloud of dust. When it cleared, both Goodra and Kingler were lying unconscious.
"Both Goodra and Kingler are unable to battle," announced the referee. "This match is a draw."
"Kingler, return," said Ash. "You did just what I wanted you to do."
"Goodra, return," said Diantha. "Nice one, Ash. Now I have two Pokémon and you have three. Tyrantrum, let's go."
"Noivern, I choose you," said Ash. "Let's do it, Noivern. Use Dragon Pulse."
"Tyrantrum, dodge it and use Dragon Dance," said Diantha. Tyrantrum dodged Noivern's Dragon Pulse and boosted its attack and speed with Dragon Dance. "Now use Dragon Claw."
"Use Hurricane," said Ash. Tyrantrum was about to hit Noivern, but the flying/dragon–type flapped its wings and hit Tyrantrum with the flying attack which not only did damage, but also confused Tyrantrum. "Now Dragon Pulse."
Noivern fired its Dragon Pulse which this time landed on Tyrantrum.
"Tyrantrum, try using Stone Edge," said Diantha. Although it was confused, Tyrantrum fired its Stone Edge which hit Noivern directly and was enough to knock it out.
"Noivern is unable to battle," announced the referee. "Tyrantrum is the winner."
"Noivern, return," said Ash. "You were great. Krookodile, I choose you."
"So it's Krookodile again," said Diantha. "Tyrantrum, use Dragon Claw."
"Krookodile, use Dig," said Ash. Tyrantrum, however, couldn't use Dragon Claw because of the confusion and slammed its head on the ground while Krookodile dug underground and hit Tyrantrum with the super–effective ground–type attack. "Now use Dragon Claw."
Krookodile landed its attack on Tyrantrum and the dragon/rock–type was send flying back.
"Krookodile, finish it with Stone Edge," said Ash. Krookodile once again landed its attack on Tyrantrum which was enough to knock it out.
"Tyrantrum is unable to battle," announced the referee. "Krookodile is the winner."
"Unbelievable," said Goodshow. "Ash manages to take out Diantha's Tyrantrum and now she's down to her last Pokémon."
"Tyrantrum, return," said Diantha. "That was a nice battle, Ash, but I'm not done yet. Gardevoir, let's go."
"I knew she would send Gardevoir for the last round," said Ash. "Let's keep it going, Krookodile."
"Who do you think is going to win," asked Kaylin.
"Krookodile is a dark/ground–type and Gardevoir is a psychic/fairy–type," said Clemont. "According to type match–ups, the advantage belongs to Gardevoir. Not to mention that Krookodile already battled against Gourgeist and Tyrantrum so it must be feeling tired."
"Gardevoir, use Shadow Ball," said Diantha.
"Krookodile, counter it with Crunch," said Ash. Gardevoir fired its Shadow Ball, but just as the attack was about to hit Krookodile, the Unova Pokémon destroyed it with its jaws. "Now use Dig."
Krookodile buried itself underground and Gardevoir didn't know from where it could come from. After a few seconds, Krookodile came out right in front of Gardevoir and fired a close–ranged Stone Edge which hit Gardevoir.
"Gardevoir, use Shadow Ball," said Diantha.
"Krookodile, dodge it with Dig," said Ash.
"We won't fall for that again," smirked Diantha. "Gardevoir, use Moonblast when it comes out." This time, however, Krookodile came out from behind Gardevoir and hit the psychic/fairy–type with Crunch, canceling Moonblast and went underground once again. "Gardevoir, use Shadow Ball in the hole."
Gardevoir fired Shadow Ball in the hole and the attack hit Krookodile which caused the Intimidation Pokémon to come out.
"Krookodile, use Stone Edge," said Ash.
"Gardevoir, use Moonblast," said Diantha. Krookodile fired their attacks, but Gardevoir's Moonblast appered to overpower Krookodile's Stone Edge and the dark/ground–type was hit by the fairy attack, knocking it out.
"Krookodile is unable to battle," announced the referee. "Gardevoir is the winner."
"Krookodile, return," said Ash. "I'm proud of you. You deserve long rest. Time for my last Pokémon. Pikachu, I choose you."
"He's using Pikachu," asked Clemont in disbelieve.
"It makes sense," said Brock. "Remember that Greninja took a lot damage battling Drasna's Dragalge. Nurse Joy must've told Ash not to use it against Diantha. The same goes for Charizard. It was badly injured battling against Siebold's water types."
"At least Greninja was not in his special form when battling Dragalge," said Serena
"Special form," asked Red.
"It's a form that Greninja can turn into when it battles, but doesn't happen always," said Clemont.
"Pikachu, let's start up with Quick Attack," said Ash.
"Not gonna happen," said Diantha. "Gardevoir, use Shadow Ball."
"Pikachu, counter it with Iron Tail," said Ash. Pikachu ran with full speed towards Gardevoir, but the psychic/fairy–type fired a Shadow Ball and Pikachu was forced to switch to Iron Tail and managed to counter the ghost attack. "Use Thunderbolt."
Pikachu fired its Thunderbolt which struck Gardevoir, but for some reason the electric attack didn't seem to do any damage.
"Gardevoir, Mega–Evolve," said Diantha as she Mega–Evolved Gardevoir. "Use Psyshock."
"Pikachu, Counter Shield," said Ash. Pikachu unleashed a Thunderbolt while spinning and successfully countered Psyshock. "Use Iron Tail."
Pikachu's tail glowed and slammed it directly at Mega–Gardevoir.
"Gardevoir, use Shadow Ball," said Diantha.
"Pikachu, counter it with Iron Tail," said Ash. Gardevoir fired its Shadow Ball which Pikachu once again countered with Iron Tail. "Now use Quick Attack."
Pikachu ran at full speed towards Mega–Gardevoir and managed to hit it with Quick Attack. "Use Thunderbolt."
Pikachu fired its Thunderbolt which once again struck Mega–Gardevoir, but again, it didn't do much damage.
"What's wrong with Pikachu," asked Bonnie. "The last time Pikachu battled Gardevoir, it managed to land some hits which did some damage, but now, it seems like Pikachu has got weaker."
"It doesn't seem weak to me," said Brock. "I think that Pikachu is holding up its power. It's not battling like when it battled with Red's Raichu."
"I think you're right, Brock," said Brock. "The question is, why would he do that."
"Gardevoir, use Moonblast," said Diantha.
"Pikachu, counter it with Iron Tail and use Volt Tackle," said Ash. Gardevior fired its Moonblast which Pikachu managed to counter with Iron Tail and slammed its Volt Tackle on the psychic/fairy–type and to everyone's shock, Gardevoir was still standing. "Use Volt Tackle one more time."
Pikachu once again covered itself in yellow electricity, but this time, Gardevoir hit the electric–type with Shadow Ball which send it flying.
"Gardevoir, finish it with Psyshock," said Diantha. Gardevoir fired its Psyshock which hit Pikachu, causing the electric–type to fly backwards and to slam into the wall behind Ash, unconscious.
"Pikachu is unable to battle," announced the referee. "Gardevoir is the winner. The victory goes to the champion, Diantha."
"And that's it, folks," said Goodshow. "Diantha is still the Kalos champion. Ash started well, but his winning streak didn't last for long."
"Pikachu, I proud of you," said Ash. "Sorry I made you lose, but it was the only way."
"Pikachu," said Pikachu as he nodded in understanding.
"Ash," said Diantha as she and Gardevoir made their way towards Ash and Pikachu. "That was a great battle. You really proved to be a one great challenger. But what happen with Pikachu? It's like he wasn't using its full power."
"Must've been from a last minute training," lied Ash.
"Too bad," said Diantha. "I was hoping you would send out your Greninja, but I understand why you didn't. I'll be glad if we battle again someday."
"It'll be my honor," said Ash as he and Diantha shook hands.
(Later that day)
"I guess this is it," said Ash to Pikachu. "Tomorrow afternoon, you and me are going back to Kanto."
"Pika Pikachu," said Pikachu sadly.
"Don't be sad, buddy," said Ash. "I'm sure we'll meet Serena, Bonnie and Clemont some time in the future. Besides, no matter what, we'll still be friends."
At that moment, his family and friends came into the room and walked up to him and Pikachu.
"Ash, that was a great battle," said Clemont.
"But what happened with Pikachu," asked May. "It was like, he wasn't using his full power."
"OK, you got me," said Ash. "You see, I realized that if I become a champion, I wouldn't be able to travel anymore so I told Pikachu to hold its power against Gardevoir, because I want to travel to other regions and meet a lot of new Pokémon. I still want to become a Pokémon Master, but I don't want to be stuck in one place for an entire year."
"You want to travel even if it means not to become a champion," asked Red.
"Sounds like the Ash I know," said Brock. "Ash is not Ash when he's not travelling."
"Yeah, but now I don't know where to go," said Ash. "I've been to so many regions."
"You know, Ash," said professor Oak. "The world is a big place. There are a lot more regions you can go to. Speaking of which, there's a region not far from Sinnoh. It's called Nessada Region. From what professor Kass had told me, there are all kinds of activities like Pokémon Contests and Showcases. There's even a Pokémon League. But it's really hard there. In order to enter the League, you don't need 8 badges, you need 18. Also, every Gym Leader has a Pokémon that can Mega–Evolve. That means you have to face 18 Mega–Evolutions in order to compete in the Nessada League. But the thing is there are no new Pokémon. Beginner Trainers can choose from all starters from Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova and Kalos. There's another region, called Reborn Region, but it's not that hard."
"Well, Pikachu," said Ash. "Our next journey will be in the Nessada Region."
"Pika," said Pikachu with excitement.
"Ash, I was wondering if I can come with you," said Serena nervously.
"Of course you can come," said Ash. "All of you can come if you want to."
"Let's get to Kanto first and then we'll decide," said May.
(The Next Day)
Ash, along with his family and friends were at the Lumiose Airport and were waiting for the plane for Kanto. When they got on the plane, Kaylin was sitting next to Ash as her Pikachu was cuddling with Ash's before falling asleep and as a big brother Pikachu pulled his sister closer and fell asleep. Behind Ash and Kaylin were Brock and May who sat in front of Serena and Bonnie. In front of Ash and Kaylin were Delia and Red who were sitting behind Professor Oak and Clemont. After a few more minutes, the plane took of and everyone were waiting to arrive in Kanto.
To be continued…
That's all for now. Ash loses to Diantha. In case you didn't understand, before the battle, Ash told Pikachu to use only 30% of its full power, but its attacks still did some damage on Mega–Gardevoir. With this chapter ends the Kalos arc. Next time, Ash and Red will have a one on one battle, because Red wants to see Greninja's special form and he'll use Mega–Evolution for this battle, but it won't be Charizard. Also, Team Rocket will follow Ash to the Nessada Region, still trying to capture Pikachu. The next chapter will be posted in Thursday or Friday. Until then, have a good day.