Chapter 38
Friday, March 31th
"Well that's a sight you don't see very often," Cassidy commented as she peered into the living room. Ash was sprawled out on the sofa in a t-shirt and shorts, mouth ajar as he snored audibly. Pikachu rested on his stomach, curled up tightly as he slept, undisturbed by Ash's boisterous sound effects.
Shauna joined her at the doorway and couldn't help but giggle at the sight of them. It was late in the afternoon, a time that Ash and Pikachu were usually somewhere on Route 6 practicing for their next battle. For today, they canceled their usual training in favor of a day of rest. It was rare Ash took a day off from training, especially since he was planning to face his father next. The past week and a half he had redoubled his efforts with Pikachu, yielding further progress with their Electric Terrain. But training so relentlessly came with its drawbacks.
"All that big talk yesterday, but look at him now," Shauna said with a snicker. When Ash and Pikachu got home last night, they could hardly move a muscle. Shauna advised them to take a day off to let their bodies recover, and Cassidy was quick to throw in her own two cents, but Ash insisted that they needed to keep practicing. Thankfully Macy was still awake, and with a request for 'Ashy' to stay home, he complied. Although, her request came with the expectation that he would spend the evening playing with her, not sleeping on the couch.
Macy was 'kind' enough to let him sleep during the early portion of the afternoon, but as she reentered the living room and discovered that Ash was still asleep, she puffed out her cheeks with a belligerent pout. She approached and tilted her head back, beginning to holler Ash's name at the top of her lungs. Her shout startled Pikachu who discharged some lightning into Ash who bolted upright, throwing Pikachu off of him before he fell off the couch, squashing Pikachu beneath him. Shauna and Cassidy burst into a fit of laughter as Ash lay on the ground twitching, and it only intensified when he finally rolled off of Pikachu, revealing his partner in a pancaked form.
"Uhh, Macy, what are you screaming for?" Ash groaned as he sat up to peel Pikachu off the floor.
"You and Pikachu are s'posed to play with me!" She declared.
"Can't you let me sleep for like fifteen more minutes, Macy?" He asked her.
In response, she put her hands on her hips and looked at him expectantly. Ash furrowed his brow at the sight of her posture.
"When did you become such a diva?" He asked her.
"Diva?" She repeated as her usual innocence returned. "What's that?"
Ash looked to Cassidy and Shauna who stood in the doorway.
"Don't look at me, Ash," Cassidy said, causing Ash to shift his gaze to Shauna. Instinctively she raised her hands in defense.
"That has Miette written all over it!" Shauna proclaimed. Ash thought about it for a moment, making a side by side comparison of Macy's posture during that moment and Miette's. He blinked as it dawned him.
All of the exposure Macy had to his friends was finally starting to settle into her young mind. She was becoming a tiny version of them! If Miette was already making an impression on her, then Ash would have to stop Brock from speaking with her at all costs! He became mortified at the thought of Macy trying to charm the boys in her class once she started pre-school in the same manner that Brock would try to converse with a woman.
Cassidy, Shauna, and Pikachu shared a glance at the change in Ash's expression.
"What could he possibly be imagining?" Cassidy muttered.
"I'm not sure if you want to know," Shauna stated.
"Ka-chu," Pikachu said in agreement.
Shauna opened the front door and greeted Brock with a cheerful wave.
"Ash, Brock is here!" She called out.
"Bring him into my den," Ash hollered in return and Shauna rolled her eyes. Brock shot her a curious glance as she motioned for him to follow her into the living room. When Brock entered the room, he saw that it was only Ash in the living room, seated on the sofa with one leg crossed over the other and his chin propped up on one of his hands. He held a pretzel stick with his lips, but upon seeing Brock, he removed it and held it with two fingers.
"Ash, are you trying to smoke that pretzel stick?" Brock inquired, but Ash ignored his question and made a gesture for him to take a seat on the opposite sofa.
"Brock, I need to talk to you, man to man," Ash replied. Shauna muttered a comment under her breath before she turned to leave and rejoin the Cassidy and Macy in the kitchen. "Hold on, Shauna! I need you here too!"
"For what?" She exclaimed. "I thought you wanted a 'man to man' talk."
"I need a witness," Ash answered, causing Shauna to deadpan.
"Are you serious?"
Ash looked to her, and their brief eye contact was her answer. He wasn't playing around.
"What did you want to talk about?" Brock asked to initiate the conversation.
Ash paused for a moment, placing the pretzel stick in his mouth again. Once he removed it, he exhaled and Shauna found herself regretting the decision to sit on their discussion.
"Brock," He began. "You know you're my best friend, right? As my best friend, you've spent a significant amount of time around my family, Macy especially since you helped watch her over the last few months. I really do appreciate all of your help during our low points, but I think we're going to have to reduce the amount of time you spend around Macy going forward."
"Huh?" Brock furrowed his brow.
"I know this might come as a surprise to you, but it's just as difficult for me. You are my best friend after all, but I don't want Macy following in your footsteps," Ash paused, placing the pretzel between his lips for a moment.
"What are you talking about?" Brock demanded to know.
"I don't want Macy becoming a flirty, miniature version of you," Ash stated with narrow eyes.
"Wait, you think I'm teaching Macy how to flirt?" Brock exclaimed incredulously.
"Aha, a confession!" Ash shouted as he jumped to his feet, pointing the pretzel stick at Brock. Both he and Shauna could only stare at Ash, dumbfounded.
"Why in the world would you think I'm teaching Macy how to flirt?" Brock asked him.
"Not teaching her directly, but by example. She sees you trying to pick up girls while you're here!"
"Hold on a second, why are you so worried about Macy learning from Brock, she's only three years old!" Shauna interjected. "If anything, you should be worried about Casey since she's thirteen. Boys will start to notice her pretty soon."
Ash snorted.
"Boys don't like Casey," He said plainly. "In fact, most of them are afraid of her because she can be as scary as a Sharpedo. There's nothing to worry about there."
"Oh my god," Shauna muttered as she pinched the bridge of her nose. Only Ash would compare his little sister to a shark Pokemon.
"Now wait one minute," Brock said suddenly. "Who has Macy seen me flirt with? The only time she ever sees me is either here, or at my house. What girls come here that I could try to hit on?"
Shauna cringed at how openly Brock posed his question.
"There's Valerie, Serena, Miette, and even Shauna!" Ash listed for him. Shauna couldn't believe that Ash included her on that list. Brock would never, in a million years, try to hit on her. Right?
"Valerie is off-limits, you know that! And the rest of the girls, while beautiful in their own right," He said as an aside. "Aren't the type of girls I'm into. So, I'm going to stand by my point, who-has-Macy-seen-me-flirt-with?"
Ash pursed his lips, his entire accusation now resembling swiss cheese. Brock smirked at him, knowing that Ash didn't have much else to say. So, Ash turned to Shauna.
"We'll let our jury decide then!" Ash declared.
"Jury?" Shauna exclaimed.
"Yeah, give us the verdict."
Shauna deadpanned. She only stared at the two of them who awaited her decision, but instead, she rose from the sofa and shook her head.
"Ugh, you guys are so freakin' crazy! Do you want me to start drinking again?"
Ash and Brock shared a glance before they burst into a fit of laughter.
A group consisting of Ash, Brock, Shauna, Cassidy, and Macy sat in the living room. Ash and Macy were seated on the floor playing 'makeup,' or that was what Macy referred to this game as. After seeing Shauna put on makeup a few times at their house, Macy took up an interest in it as well. However, her interest wasn't in wearing it but applying it to someone else. Today, her victim was Ash.
He saw some of Macy's previous works, so he was glad that he would be spending the rest of his evening at home. No one besides those that were here with him would have to see his face.
With his eyes closed, Ash could hear someone snickering from across the room. He was willing to bet all the money in his bank account that it was Brock, so Ash opened up one eye to take a peek. It was Brock laughing, but he and Shauna were also taking several snapshots of him with their phone cameras.
"Yeah, laugh it up," Ash said to them, causing Macy to huff as she stood in front of him.
"Ashy, eyes closed!" She declared. Ash apologized and followed her direction, allowing her to continue applying eyeliner with the small pencil she held.
Cassidy did her best to hold back her laughter for the sake of what was left of Ash's pride. It took a measure of humility to let your little sister draw on your face in front of your friends. Although, according to Brock, this wasn't the first time Ash's face had been drawn on curtsey of his sisters. Cassidy struggled to determine if the job done to Ash's face was hideous or adorable. It was done by a three-year-old, so of course, expectations needed to be tempered, but with lipstick smeared on his lips and blush practically slapped onto his cheeks, it was hard to admire Macy's purity as she worked.
Ash's phone blared on the table next to him, so he reached out to pick it up. He assured Macy that it would only take a moment for him to deal with it, but upon seeing the name on his screen he jumped to his feet.
It was a name he hadn't seen or even thought about in months.
Hun, one of the elites among the Red Skulls.
"I'm sorry Macy, I have to take this phone call. Pikachu, can you step in for a minute." Ash suggested.
"Pika?" Pikachu perked up on the couch, ears raised and mouth agape.
"I didn't stutter," Ash replied as he stuck out his tongue.
"Pikachu!" Macy exclaimed as she rushed over to Pikachu to begin decorating his face. Ash snorted as Pikachu allowed her to do so begrudgingly. With that, he went on his way, heading upstairs to answer his phone.
"Hello?" Ash said to start the conversation.
"Hey Ash, I know it's been a while," A gruff voice responded that Ash quickly recognized as Hun's. "Do you remember me?"
"Yeah, of course. I remember working with you," Ash answered.
"That's good," Hun answered softly. "Because I need you."
There was some shuffling in the background as Ash gulped.
"For what?"
"I'm uh…in a bit of a pickle," Hun stated. "And believe it or not, you're the only trainer in the whole city that can settle this."
Ash could hear a voice snap at Hun in the background.
"Look, if you want him to come here then you need to shut up and let me talk to him!" Hun barked in return, but a 'thwack' followed closely.
"Talk to me like that again and see what happens!" An unfamiliar voice hollered.
Hun coughed and groaned for a few moments.
"What's going on? Are you okay?" Ash demanded to know.
Hun sighed deeply before he spoke.
"Do you know about the old steel mill on the west end?"
"Yeah, I've been there before," Ash responded. "But what's going on?"
"There was supposed to be a meeting between the Red Skulls and White Lotus today. But things didn't go the way we hoped and it turned into a standoff," Hun revealed and Ash instantly thought of N. "I need you here soon otherwise they'll start taking more hostages."
"Hostages?" Ash repeated in shock. "What do they want from you guys?"
"They want your dad," Hun stated and Ash's eyes widened. "He was supposed to be here with us, or at least that was part of the agreement for the meeting. But Aaron didn't show up…and the White Lotus didn't take to kindly to that because all of their higher-ups are here."
"But what can I do to fix that?" Ash inquired.
"They're trying to get Aaron to show up, so they took me as the first hostage. But Aaron's not going to show up just to save my skin, he knows better than that," Hun explained. "But if you were to get caught up in this mess, he might show his ugly mug. I know you want to see him again, don't ya?"
Ash's mouth hung open.
"H-How do you know that?"
"I don't think you saw me, but I was there that night you chased after you dad at the Hidden Cove," Hun continued. "He doesn't come out of hiding often, so this might be your best chance to see him again."
Ash paused as he thought about what Hun offered him.
A chance to see his dad again. Perhaps another chance to talk to him and challenge him to an official battle in person. He couldn't pass on that! Something like this wouldn't get dumped in his lap a second time.
"I'll be there," Ash said with a nod.
"Good, and make sure you bring Pikachu, there's going to be a battle," Hun said before someone cut him off. There was a brief struggle before a new voice spoke through the phone.
"Ash Ketchum, I presume," It was a woman's voice. "We've wasted enough time waiting on Aaron to show up. You've got thirty minutes to get here otherwise your friend here will be leaving with us."
The call was ended abruptly and Ash took a moment to look at the clock on his phone.
6:08pm.
Driving safely could get them to the west end in thirty-five minutes, but with Brock behind the wheel they could shave off a few minutes. It was do-able if they left right now!
"Brock, Pikachu! We have to go now!" Ash hollered as he came sprinting down the staircase.
"What's happening?" Brock asked as he jumped to his feet.
"We don't have much time; I'll explain in the car!" Ash hollered as he threw open the front door.
As the boys went rushing out the door, Cassidy and Shauna looked to each other with their brows furrowed. Macy stomped her feet with a great pout, shouting to Ash and Pikachu that she wasn't finished yet.
6:11pm.
The west end was also known as Vermilion City's industrial district. It was the reason Vermilion City flourished following the Great Crisis, as they were the first to begin mass-producing steel and shipping it around Kanto to assist with the reconstruction. However, the high demand for steel during the rapid reconstruction led to Vermilion City burning through its natural resource of iron ore, which resulted in the steel mill being shut down within the last ten years. It was a massive complex nestled into the barren hills, remaining untouched since its heyday. The abandoned steel mill became a location for street battles due to its distance from the heart of Vermilion City.
Today, the old steel mill was used with the intention a peaceful discussion between the White Lotus and Red Skulls. The purpose of their discussion was to address the constant fighting between them and hopefully cool the tension between both parties. However, the King of the Red Skulls, Aaron Ketchum, was absent from the meeting and that only served to increase the frustration of the White Lotus.
"How can we expect to reach an agreement if their King isn't here to speak with us?"
"Talking with them wasn't going to solve anything. We never should've considered this."
"Let's not be hasty…perhaps there is another way to make their King make an appearance."
As the highest-ranking member of the Red Skulls present, Hun was challenged by Laura and her Rapidash. The stakes of the battle were made apparent before the battle began.
"If you lose this battle, you'll be taken hostage. Your release will depend on if your King decides to show up," Laura declared as she stood alongside her Rapidash.
There was no option to decline. Lotus trainers were stationed at every exit and they outnumbered the Red Skulls five to one. Recognizing that everyone present could be taken hostage if he refused, Hun agreed with the condition that they would be set free if he wins. Tragically, he and his Houndoom were beaten and taken captive. However, that was far from enough to earn Aaron's attention. So, Hun made a proposition to N, King of the White Lotus, who took great delight his suggestion.
"Aaron isn't going to come to rescue me, so holding me for ransom isn't going to get you guys anywhere," Hun stated. "But…there is someone that he would probably come to save. His son…Ash Ketchum."
N raised his brow with intrigue.
"What are you suggesting?"
"If Ash gets involved, Aaron would consider coming here," Hun said definitely.
And that led to his desperate call to Ash.
Though, Hun found himself questioning if that was the right decision. The state of the steel mill was proof that things were getting out of hand. The machinery and metal basins were damaged, dented and desecrated from the battles between the trainers present, the Red Skulls being the losing end of said battles.
Hun winced as he shifted a bit, glancing down at his bruised and swollen forearms. He shot a glare at the Weepinbell that stood beside him since, her Vine Whip was responsible for the condition of his arms. She returned his glare and extended the vine on top of her head as a warning. Hun scoffed and turned the other way, and came face to face with his other guard, a Farfetch'd. The feathered Pokemon shot a leer with his sharp eyes and raised the weapon he held, striking the metal catwalk that they rested on.
With a groan, Hun avoided eye contact with both Pokemon. He imagined this meeting going all sorts of ways, but he didn't think the White Lotus would go as far as taking him hostage. The Red Skulls came as a formality, to test the waters between both groups. But the Red Skulls didn't come with any intention of trying to make some sort of truce. The unrest between them and White Lotus ran far deeper than most trainers cared to know.
Calling Ash was the last move Hun had on the table, and he had no idea how things would unfold from here.
6:31pm.
"It's not coming off!" Ash screamed as he rubbed his cheeks furiously. He stared at himself in the mirror of the sun visor, horrified by the makeup job Macy had done to him. The blush, the lipstick, the eyeliner, it was all smeared on his face, to begin with, and his removal job was only making it worse. He looked like a clown more than anything else, and Pikachu didn't fare much better than him. "How do you get this stuff off, Brock?"
"I don't know, does it look like I wear makeup?" Brock asked in return, though his focus remained on the road. They were well above the speed limit, approaching the gated entrance to the steel mill. "It doesn't matter, we're almost there."
Even though it was a sizeable complex, it was pretty obvious where they were going. They were multiple trainers outside of the main building, their Pokemon alongside them. Brock parked quickly and Ash adjusted his cap, wishing that the visor could cover his entire face. Pikachu climbed onto his shoulder, though he did his best to hide behind Ash's head as they approached the entrance of the steel mill. There was a total of ten trainers of the Red Skulls, all which started to whisper amongst themselves at the sight of Ash.
"Is that the guy we're waiting for?"
"He's just a kid."
"And what the hell happened to his face?"
Ash blushed, not that anyone could tell considering Macy applied blush to his cheeks, forehead, and chin…
Waiting at the archway to enter the mill itself was a trio of Lotus trainers. Two of them moved aside for Ash and Brock to enter while the third became their guide. Ash took a deep breath and did his best to ignore the comments concerning his appearance. He was here with a purpose.
As they ventured further into the mill, Ash looked around at the tall steel basins, imaging the time when this place was operational and likely unbearably hot. After suffering through his most recent match with Flint and his Magmar, Ash was certain he had an idea of what the staff experienced while they worked here. Their journey continued up into the network of catwalks and scaffolding until they reached an area where the Lotus trainers gathered. It was a sizeable crowd of them, all standing on the ground floor around a slightly raised platform. If Ash guessed, he would say that this spot was formally used by the metal basins that he saw throughout the mill but was removed to create a makeshift battlefield.
Perched up the catwalks was a group of six trainers, all of which Ash recognized. The first was the silver-haired member of the Red Skulls that called him here, Hun. He was separated from the rest of the group with a pair of Pokemon watching over him. The five remaining trainers made up the top-ranking members of the White Lotus, the Lotus Heads. Not only were they revered among their Kingdom, but they were all ranked within the top ten of the underground circuit.
'Nitro' Laura - Rank 10.
'Phantom' Koga - Rank 9.
'Shortcake' Sashay - Rank 8.
'Gateway' Joe - Rank 7.
And last, but certainly not least, was the King of White Lotus, Rank 1 in the entire circuit, N the 'Chosen One.'
Ash made eye contact with N briefly. The sight of Ash caused N's eyes to widen before he looked away, concealing his smile with one hand. The four heads of the White Lotus looked across the catwalk, spotting Ash on the opposite side of the field. Two of them laughed openly at Ash's expense, while the remaining two fought to control themselves in the same fashion as N.
The first of them to gain a bit of composure was Laura, who initiated the conversation.
"It's…it's about time you showed up," Laura stated slowly.
"He should've stayed home looking like that," Sashay muttered, earning a laugh from Joe. Laura snorted and shot a glance back at Sashay before she turned back to Ash.
"Are you ready to battle?" Laura asked him as she raised Rapidash's Pokeball.
"Hold on!" Ash hollered in return. "You guys are already planning things out like I'm going to lose. What do I get if I win?"
Laura scoffed.
"If you win?" She asked incredulously.
"You heard him!" Brock shouted as he stepped forward. "You all want to take him hostage if he loses, but what are you going to do when he wins?"
"You have no say in this," Laura proclaimed before she made a gesture to their audience of Lotus trainers. "I think you're forgetting that you have no friends here."
"Now Laura, where's your spirit as a trainer?" N interjected, surprising his subordinates. "I know you of all people expect the best from your opponents."
Laura looked back at N with a narrow glance. He merely smiled, knowing full well that he cornered her. With a sigh, she turned back to Ash gave him a gesture to proceed.
"Alright, we'll hear you out." She said.
"Thanks," Ash said with a nod before he made his announcement. "If I win, I want everyone to go home!"
There was a short silence. Then N of all people burst into a fit of laughter.
"What the hell are you talking about?" Laura barked at him.
"Look, I don't understand everything that's happening here," Ash began. "But we're all trainers, here right? We shouldn't be battling to take hostages. So, if I win, I want all of this to stop."
"Are you crazy?" Laura exclaimed.
"He must be, I mean he came looking like a mess." Sashay added, unable to get past Ash's makeup. Joe and Koga stifled a laugh.
"We agree!" N declared, shocking everyone present. The Lotus Heads looked to N in question, but he made a gesture for the battle to commence.
Laura exhaled before she tossed her Pokeball down to the field. It cracked open, releasing her Rapidash who went up on his hind legs as he cried out triumphantly. Hearing the rustle of the flames on Rapidash caused Ash to wince. Memories of treating Pikachu's burns from his last match flooded into his mind, but Ash felt Pikachu grip his shoulder with his small paws.
"Pi-ka," He said to Ash with a nod of reassurance.
"Yeah, you're right, we've got this," Ash agreed.
"Glad to hear it, so go kick some ass!" Brock said as he slapped Ash's back.
"Pikachu!" Ash hollered and his partner leaped from his shoulder fearlessly. It was at least a fifteen-foot drop down to the battlefield, but Pikachu landed softly and stared at his latest opponent. Rapidash's fiery mane was more intimidating the closer he got to it.
One of the Lotus trainers down below stepped onto the battlefield to act as the referee. Up in the catwalks, Koga approached N.
"What are you scheming?" He asked N.
"Nothing," N replied simply as he glanced at Koga. "I wanted to allow Ash to showcase his skills to you guys. Have you seen him in any of his matches?"
Koga shook his head.
"He's the current number one contender, so don't look down on him. I get the feeling you'll be impressed with what you see." N explained, causing Koga to raise his brow as he looked across the field.
Despite Ash's appearance, if N had a high opinion of him, then there was no reason for Koga to doubt Ash either. Fascinated with the battle now, Koga was anxious for it to begin. N, on the other hand, grinned broadly as he saw further opportunities for this battle.
"Sashay, did you bring your phone mount?" N asked as he approached the purple-haired girl.
"Uh, yeah, I did actually," She noted as she rummaged through the tote bag that was slung around her shoulder.
"Good, can you record the battle with me? I want to put it up on the PokeHub later." N explained and she raised her brow.
"Collecting footage on the kid, huh?" She asked him cheekily.
"Something like that," N replied as he took out his own phone.
The two of the finished setting up just in time as the referee performed his final check with both trainers.
"Battle begin!" He shouted, raising both of his hands.
Ash felt a gust of wind blast his face as he scanned the battlefield. Again, Rapidash went up on his hind legs with a great cry, asserting his presence on the field. As he stomped his feet, the fire on his mane jutted outward in an impressive display.
"I hope you're ready! Rapidash is one of the fastest Pokemon in Vermilion City and you're about to see it yourself!" Laura declared as she raised a fist. "Let's start off strong with a Flame Wheel!"
The flames running down Rapidash's back engulfed his whole body before he kicked off with his hind legs to get a powerful start. With three gallops he crossed the field and Ash raised his brow at how quickly Rapidash could accelerate considering his size. But Pikachu also specialized in that area and darted off to avoid any contact with the Flame Wheel. Rapidash wasn't a large Pokemon by any means, but running on four legs meant his control wasn't as precise as Pikachu's. It was far from a weakness, but it was something that Ash and Pikachu could take advantage of.
Rapidash galloped around the perimeter of the field to turn, locate and approach Pikachu again. It afforded Ash and Pikachu more than enough time to consider their next move.
"Thunderbolt, Pikachu!" Ash hollered. Pikachu's crackled before all of his electrical might was unleashed, blinding the audience momentarily. In the brief instant that Ash saw the Thunderbolt interact with Rapidash brought back a memory from his match with Flint. The lightning fizzled out in Rapidash's Flame Wheel, proving to be too hot for direct electrical contact.
Ash cursed under his breath for forgetting something like that. But thankfully, their Thunderbolt accomplished something else. Rapidash's vision was left a blurry mess from the sudden flash, forcing him to stomp all his feet to come skidding to a halt. The flames around him dispersed, causing Ash to furrow his brow. Perhaps it wasn't like Magmar's Flame Charge which kept him at higher temperatures throughout the battle which meant…
"Pikachu, try Thunderbolt again!" Ash hollered.
Seeing Pikachu's cheeks begin to spark again, Laura looked to Rapidash who was still dazed as his vision was clearing.
"Rapidash, throw down a Fire Spin at your feet!" Laura commanded quickly. Rapidash opened his mouth, a stream of flames touching down on the ground around him which erupted into a great and protective cyclone. Pikachu's Thunderbolt was swallowed by the flames, but it confirmed Ash's suspicions.
Magmar could defend himself again Pikachu's electricity passively thanks to Flame Charge. Rapidash needed to actively defend himself, which put them in the driver's seat. Ash smiled and licked his bottom lip.
"Hah, you can't do anything about Rapidash's Fire Spin, huh?" Laura asked him from across the field. "Let's see how you handle this, attack with Flame Wheel!"
The whirlwind of fire that protected Rapidash converged around him as he burst forward, closing the distance between himself and Pikachu rapidly. With his small and nimble body, Pikachu evaded the attack yet again but Laura smirked at the sight of Pikachu's consistent response to danger. He would flee with a burst of speed, but it was easy to trigger it and his movements were predictable.
"Rapidash, let's combine Bounce and Agility!" Laura commanded.
Rapidash located Pikachu in a split second and before he crouched, his powerful leg muscles seeming to ripple before he boosted himself into the air. There were gasps from the audience as Rapidash almost touched the ceiling before he plummeting toward the field with pinpoint accuracy. Pikachu dashed away from Rapidash's landing point, but he was startled when Rapidash immediately covered the distance between them in one gallop.
"Pika!" Pikachu exclaimed as he was sent tumbling across the field.
"How do you like that?!" Laura hollered as she crossed her arms, wearing a large smile.
Ash raised his brow and returned her smile, impressed with her response to Pikachu's speed. It was always interesting to see how their opponents would compensate for the difference in speed, and Laura did so admirably. Rapidash possessed the keen awareness to track Pikachu's movements after forcing him to avoid Bounce, and Agility provided him with the rapid acceleration to chase down Pikachu in an instant. But again, Rapidash and Laura had to actively invest resources to keep up with Pikachu. It wasn't like Flint and Magmar who were passively improving throughout the battle.
"Alright, Pikachu," Ash stated as Pikachu returned to his feet and brushed his chin with his forearm. "I think I've got a feel for them."
N narrowed his gaze as he observed Ash. He could see a change in Ash's demeanor. He stood with more poise, his confidence overflowing.
"Rapidash, go again!"
"Pikachu, use Quick Attack and Double Team!"
Rapidash was the first to take action as he leaped into the air and once again, he landed where Pikachu was previously standing. However, he found himself surrounded by six after-images of Pikachu. Rapidash's eyes became narrow before he boosted himself forward with Agility at one of the images, but he passed right through it and Pikachu went on the offensive. Rapidash was battered as Pikachu struck his body three times. Stunned from the successive hits, Rapidash stumbled backward and took a moment to observe Pikachu's Double Team. The after-images wavered away, leaving Pikachu to shoot a smirk at his opponent, a challenge for him to try again.
"One more time, Rapidash!" Laura called out calmly. Rapidash could hear the change in her tone of voice. She was experimenting, searching for any sort of weakness in combo Ash and Pikachu unveiled.
Following the command of his trainer, Rapidash jumped into the air a third time and descended toward Pikachu. As Rapidash touched the ground, a squadron of Pikachu's was summoned as bait for Rapidash's Agility. He rushed forward again to tackle one of them, but the image was unaffected. Rapidash turned to face Pikachu and brace for the attack, but he was struck from the opposite side.
Laura clicked her tongue with a frown. Pikachu's movements were completely and totally unpredictable. Even if they could make up the difference speed, it meant nothing when Pikachu was capable of moving that fast along with the advantage of using misdirection. Rapidash was becoming frantic as Pikachu mixed in feints, drawing Rapidash's attention one way before striking him with a Slam attack from the opposite side. They would have to try something else to counter Pikachu's combination because speed wasn't the answer.
"Now Pikachu, get in close and use Thunder Wave!" Ash hollered which prompted a response from Laura.
"Rapidash, Fire Spin!" She called out immediately to defend against the attack.
An inferno erupted around Rapidash, eating up the jagged lightning bolts that Pikachu launched. The flames swirled around Rapidash, protecting him from the vast majority of the Pikachu's offense. Both sides arrived at a stalemate where their offenses stalled, unable to do any significant damage.
"And that means it's time to stop being conventional," Ash said to himself as he looked across the field, spotting a frown on Laura's face. She was probably anxious to do some damage to Pikachu that could potentially slow him down. They could use that desperation to their advantage. "Pikachu, let's get right in there with Spark and Quick Attack!"
"Rapidash, you've got the bigger body! Overpower them with Flame Wheel!" Laura barked in return.
Pikachu ignited himself in an electrical cloak and surged forward, leaving a trail of sparks as he raced toward his target. Rapidash's Fire Spin shrunk in size, rotating only around his form as he lunged to meet Pikachu with an impressive broad jump. They collided and both Pokemon were sent reeling from the impact, their respective cloaks exploding on contact. Pikachu came away looking worse for the wear with several patches of burnt fur on his upper body, but physical contact with Pikachu always came with a price.
Electricity sputtered around Rapidash's body, causing him to grimace visibly as he fought to move his legs. Ash smiled and pumped his fist. The opportunity he was waiting for finally arrived!
"Pikachu, use Electric Terrain!" He shouted triumphantly. Their trump card!
As Pikachu went down on all fours and raised his tail, Ash thought back to the debut of Electric Terrain against Flint. One part of him was grateful for Flint allowing them to set up Electric Terrain, but another part of him was annoyed that they received the freedom to do so. Part of the strategy behind using Electric Terrain was finding the opportunity where Pikachu could build up the electricity that he needed in order to apply that effect to the field.
Another electrical cloak flared to life around Pikachu, though this one was far darker than his normal yellow lightning. It was an almost orange color before he gave a great shout. There was a flash and the field was bathed in an electric shower that screeched. Most of the trainers at the edge of the field took an instinctive step back as Pikachu discharged another wave of electricity and the lightning on the field jumped into the air.
"What kind of move is that?" Laura exclaimed as she tightened her grip on the railing of the catwalk.
"Whoa!" Sashay and Joe added, Koga raised his brow with a growing smirk.
"Pikachu, no holding back now! Show them your Quick Attack!" Ash declared and Pikachu pressed forward. The crowd stirred as Pikachu raced around the field faster than their eyes could track in the form of a yellow lightning bolt.
Laura palmed her forehead, dumbfounded by the sight in front of her. She saw and battled all sorts of Pokemon, but the kind of speed Pikachu was putting on display was otherworldly and he certainly wasn't shy about using it.
For but a brief moment, Pikachu was among the viewing party up in the catwalks. He settled on the railing right in front of N, startling the King and his subordinates with his sudden appearance. Getting over his momentary shock, N smiled and gave the small Pokemon a nod. Pikachu beamed at him and sent a salute to the camera phone that N held. Laura's gawked at the sight of Pikachu on the banister right beside her, and there was a flash as he took off once again. Her head snapped to the side to look back down at the field when she heard Rapidash cry out as Pikachu struck his side. Despite Pikachu's small stature, all the momentum he could build while running could turn him into a deadly projectile with an electrical field around him.
Rapidash was sent skidding across the field on his side from the blow, and Ash threw his fist in the air.
"Follow up with Thunder Wave!"
"Rapidash, use Fire Spin!" Laura called out desperately.
Even as rested on his side, Rapidash was still able to summon a cyclone of fire to protect himself, but it did little to deter Pikachu. Even though the Fire Spin eliminated a portion of his Electric Terrain, Pikachu still had several pathways to use to get above the twisting flames. Pikachu traced out a pathway of lightning that led up into the air and positioned himself above the peak of the Fire Spin. Hovering over the twister briefly, Pikachu spotted Rapidash and vaulted down the eye of the tornado to great his opponent with a grin.
A lightning bolt shot out of the top of the cyclone and the audience gasped in shock as the whirlwind of fire burst, revealing Rapidash who rested on his side. He couldn't even find the strength to struggle against the paralysis. The electricity that was creeping around the surface of the field latched onto Rapidash's body at Pikachu's command, acting as additional restraints.
"Now let's finish this, Electro Ball!" Ash shouted and Pikachu jumped into the air, the electricity in the field rising with him. It all converged around the end of his tail, being shaped into a sphere of howling lightning. Pikachu spun to launch it down at Rapidash, engulfing him in a raging storm of snapping lightning bolts. Rapidash cried out from within, causing his trainer to tremble up on the catwalk.
Who was this kid!? He couldn't any older than a high schooler, yet he and his Pikachu thoroughly dismantled her! Every bit of progress she thought she made during the battle was fruitless in the end as it only served to help Ash secure the victory. She sunk to her knees and slammed her fist against the railing.
Unlike Laura, the remaining Lotus Heads marveled at Ash and Pikachu's display as the field returned to its natural state, allowing the referee to examine Rapidash. The winner was declared, but the audience of Lotus trainers refused to cheer on Ash's behalf. They remained in stunned silence, waiting to see what would happen next. Another Pokeball was thrown down to the field and it cracked open to reveal lean Pokemon of average height with a bulging sac beneath his chin.
"Toxi-croak," He groaned, observing his fallen comrade in Rapidash. He then looked to Pikachu and his gaze became narrow.
"Koga, what are you doing?" N asked as Koga stepped up alongside Laura on the catwalk.
"Call back Rapidash, I want to face him now," Koga stated as he observed Ash across the field. She bit down on her lower lip, balling up her hands into fists that trembled visibly. The sound of two more Pokeballs opening snatched both Laura and Koga's attention as two more Pokemon were added to the field. A Lopunny and Kecleon both stood alongside Toxicroak, studying Pikachu closely.
"Hey, what are you guys doing?!" Brock hollered.
"Let me battle him first!" Joe declared as his Kecleon stepped forward.
"Nice try, but I believe I was the first to make a request." Koga pointed out.
"You call that a request?" Joe exclaimed.
"Haven't the two of you ever heard of ladies first!" Sashay interjected.
"Call back your Pokemon," N stated as he stepped in between the group.
They all eyed him wearily, but N remained stone-faced.
"I said to call back your Pokemon," N repeated himself. "We made an agreement with them, and we're going to stand by our word. He beat Laura, so they're free to go."
Koga shot N a sharp glance but complied. Seeing Koga follow N's command, Joe and Sashay also complied, albeit begrudgingly.
"You're really going to let them walk out of here?" Laura asked as she rose to her feet.
"This has been nothing more than a waste of time," N pointed out as he looked toward Hun. "Their King is a no show, so we've accomplished nothing. We're withdrawing…that's final."
N's tone changed, sending a shiver down the spines of his closest subordinates. N stepped forward on the catwalk to announce that the meeting concluded with Pikachu's victory which caused a great deal of murmuring among the Lotus trainers. But an appearance from N's Zoroark on the field was their final warning. They were done here.
Joe approached Hun and called back the Farfetch'd and Weepinbell to their Pokeballs. With a nod, Joe motioned for Hun to cross the catwalk and return to his savior, Ash.
"You might have slipped away today, but don't think that this is over," Joe whispered to him. "If your King refuses to protect you, it won't be long before your group collapses."
Hun scoffed at him.
"How can you all consider yourselves trainers when you go around helping that tyrant?" Hun asked in return. Joe shot him a sharp glance.
"As a trainer, I'm obligated to do everything I can to take care of my Pokemon. I'm willing to do whatever it takes so that I can fulfill that," Joe reasoned with him, causing Hun to narrow his eyes.
"Even at the cost of everyone else?" Hun asked him in a hushed voice. "You're no trainer…you're a sellout."
Joe's jaws became tight as he clenched his fists. Before he could take action, a hand was placed on his shoulder and with a glance, he saw that it was N.
"Don't you have somewhere to be?" N asked Hun politely with a smile. His cheerful expression left Hun unnerved, and he dropped the conversation. Now wasn't a time to pick fights, considering it was N that was letting him go free. Hun gave a short nod and went on his way as the Lotus Heads turned to leave.
As Hun neared the celebrating duo of Ash and Brock, he gave a grateful nod to Ash.
"Man, I can't believe you've gotten so good since the last time I saw you," Hun exclaimed as he shot Ash a grin. "That was some great battling you did down there."
Ash scratched at the back of his neck sheepishly as he looked down to the field. He could see Pikachu chatting with Zoroark. Their progress over the last few months was thanks in no small part to Pikachu. His courage to face his fears and learn electrical manipulation was nothing short of brilliant.
"And I have to apologize for dragging you two into our mess," Hun added as he looked down at the Lotus trainers as they departed. "I didn't have much of a choice with how things were going."
"Can you tell us what was happening here?" Brock asked him with a straightforward stare.
"I owe you guys that much, but not here alright?" Hun said with a gesture to their surroundings. "I want to let my guys outside know that we're alright too."
Pikachu climbed up the scaffolding with the grace of a Persian, joining Ash, Brock, and Hun on the catwalk. Upon arriving, he tugged at Ash's pants leg to get his attention.
"Oh yeah, you were great out there as always, Pikachu!" Ash exclaimed as he kneeled down to complement his partner.
However, Pikachu was unconcerned with the results of their battle. Rather, he pointed down to the field where N's Zoroark still stood. Ash followed Pikachu's gesture and saw that the dark Pokemon was looking up to his own trainer on the opposite side of the field. When Ash looked toward N, he saw the trainer in question was watching him the entire time.
The Lotus Heads were already gone, and N stood by himself. As they made eye contact, N tilted his head and gave Ash a great smile along with a gesture for him to follow. Ash raised his brow before he looked down at Pikachu.
"Uh, you guys go ahead," Ash said to Hun and Brock. "We'll catch up with you."
Pikachu quickly scaled Ash's body, placing himself on Ash's shoulder while his trainer dashed off to pursue N.
N led them to a lonely balcony in the upper levels of the mill that provided them with a view of the entire complex, as well as Vermilion City's cityscape in the distance. As they walked, Ash took the time to study N's Zoroark. This was the closest Ash had ever been to Zoroark, and considering they could be an opponent soon, he wanted to get a better idea of what they were up against.
Zoroark could sense Ash's intense stare and glanced his way. Ash raised his brow, as did Pikachu, and their curiosity became more pronounced when Zoroark suddenly crouched over and shrunk to the size of a kickball. His spherical shape spasmed for a moment before it returned to his normal size, but he took on Ash's appearance. Everything about it was perfect, the hair, the hat, even the makeup that was still on his face!
"Huh!" Ash exclaimed as he practically fell over. "What the…how the…? Whoa!"
N laughed openly at Ash awestruck expression.
"How did Zoroark do that?" Ash asked as he looked toward N.
"Zoroark is a master of illusion," N replied with a gesture to his companion. "He can copy someone's appearance after seeing it just once. Check this out."
Zoroark morphed again, taking on N's appearance. Staring at them side by side, it was impossible to find any sort of difference between them. N made a few gestures and Zoroark mirrored them perfectly, earning a laugh from Ash and Pikachu.
"He's also a master of deception, so he takes a lot of time to study his opponents and learn their habits," N explained, all the while Zoroark was mimicking his every move. "He'll learn everything he can about you so that he can predict your every move, every thought…and counter you."
Despite the humor of Zoroark copying his trainer perfectly, Ash could hear the change in N's tone. He wasn't quite as friendly as he always was, and that easygoing smile of his was gone. In its place was a neutral expression, eyes wide as he studied Ash intently. Ash narrowed his gaze and Zoroark returned to his usual form.
"Why are you volunteering information like that?" Ash asked him.
"Well, you are the current number one contender, I'd like to believe there will be an official battle between us some time," N raised his brow at Ash, a faint smile on his face. "Am I wrong for assuming that?"
Ash gulped and he could feel Pikachu become tense on his shoulder.
"No way, I definitely want to battle you," Ash responded. "There's…someone else I have to battle first."
"Ah, and who might that be?"
"Aaron Ketchum, the King of the Red Skulls," Ash answered, his eyes straightforward. N pursed his lips for a moment before he crossed his arms.
"I guess it's fair that he would take priority," N noted after he gave a shrug. Then he perked up as he gave the match up some thought. "I'd really like to see that actually. I've heard that the best battles you'll see are between trainers that have a strong relationship outside of battling. Like a father and a son."
Ash looked away from N, raising a hand to scratch behind Pikachu's ear.
"I wouldn't describe our relationship like that," Ash trailed off for a moment. "But I have to battle him. There's something that needs to be settled between us."
"Hmm, a battle with stakes…" N noted with a smirk. "I'm even more interested now. I'll definitely be in the audience for that one, but don't look for me, I don't want you feeling distracted or anything."
Ash looked toward N, and the young man shot him a playful grin.
"Since it looks like it will still be a while before we have a battle, would you care to chat for a moment?" N asked him. Ash creased his brow but gave a nod in reply. "Excellent, because…ever since the first time we've met, you've had me thinking about what it means to be a Pokemon Master."
Ash pursed his lips, recalling that old conversation. It was months ago, but he still remembered N's thoughts on the subject.
"However, I don't see the Pokemon Master as a figurehead, like you do, I see them more as…a ruler."
Ash met N's gaze again, and he made a gesture for him to speak.
"You could say I had a bit of a…change of heart," N commented as he looked away from Ash.
"Really, so you don't see a Pokemon Master as some kind monarch?" Ash asked him hopefully, but N shook his head.
"On the contrary, I believe in that thought even more now," N began as he made a gesture toward his Zoroark. "Mastery of Pokemon. I now consider it to be…oneness of self, and Pokemon. The bond you forge with your Pokemon, it's tested through everyday life. When you train together, battle together, succeed together, fail together…and above all else, learn together. When a trainer accumulates these things, they improve that bond with their Pokemon, which leads to that ideal that you believe in so strongly, Ash," N turned to face him as he said this. Their brief eye contact sent a chill down Ash's spine as N's gray eyes shimmered. "But the truth of the matter…is that it all leads to strength. And strength, in turn, provides the right to rule as Master of Pokemon."
Ash opened his mouth to respond but held back for a moment.
He struggled to wrap his head around N's belief that a Pokemon Master was a ruler…
It didn't make sense to him!
A Pokemon Master would…offer a hand to help. Not rule with a tightly clenched fist.
A friend to all people and Pokemon.
"Hold on a second!" Ash piped up as he raised a hand to point at N. N smirked as he saw a change in Ash's temperament that came with a ferocious updraft around them. "A Pokemon Master is not some kind of ruler! He would never try to dominate people and Pokemon to impose his will! That's just wrong!"
N frowned at Ash. A deep frown with his brow lowered. It only took a glance into N's eyes for Ash to see that he became obstinate.
"I don't see how you expect a Pokemon Master to make a difference, Ash," N pointed out. "The greatest leaders were unconventional and willing to push boundaries. A Pokemon Master has to go above and beyond anyone in history."
Ash swallowed his answer, biting down on his lower lip in frustration.
N had a valid point. History supported his stance.
But…
"Pushing boundaries isn't the only way," Ash stated in a low voice. "People can and will push back if you try to force them one way. Someone inconsiderate of the public couldn't be Pokemon Master."
N raised his brow for only a moment as he became filled with mirth. Their discussion was becoming more fun than he anticipated.
"It's like I said earlier, battles between people with strong relationships have more weight, and you know what? I think our battle is going to be legendary, Ash," N began with his arms outstretched. "This will be so much more than a contest between Pikachu and Zoroark. It'll be a battle between everything we believe in. You and your belief that in an ideal world, people will change to suit the world around them against the truth…that unquestioned strength will prevail over anything, even the ignorance of mankind."
Ash tightened his stance, casting an unyielding stare in N's direction.
"Alright then, we'll settle it with a battle," Ash said with a nod of agreement.
N beamed.
"I couldn't think of a better way."
Saturday, April 1st
Giselle considered herself to be incredibly perceptive.
Especially when it involved Pokemon battles. Her insight into a battle was deeper than almost all her peers. She fully understood the basic principles of battling and had a strong grasp of the finer nuances that escaped amateur trainers.
So, when Ash asked her to review a battle that he took part in yesterday, Giselle was expecting to see the usual performance he would put on. Winging it…was one way to describe how he battled. Ash wasn't fond of plans. He appreciated the information, but following a plan wasn't his strong suit. In fact, Giselle was certain that if someone handed Ash a script for a play, he would toss it aside and do improv in front of the audience.
In most cases, that would be a disaster. But with Ash, he had a way of making things work and his battle against Laura illustrated that almost perfectly.
According to Ash, he didn't have a plan or any information on Laura. He went in blind, but no one would get that impression watching him in action. Every move, every exchange, was done with careful thought as he led the match toward its finale. Ash was in control from beginning to end, and it was a sight to behold, and the bit of showboating from Pikachu in front of the camera made it even sweeter!
"Well?" Ash asked her when she looked up from her phone. The video of Ash's battle was posted on the PokeHub by N of all people, so it already gained a few thousand views.
Giselle pursed her lips before she motioned for them to go away.
"I need to look at it again," Giselle responded, earning a collective groan from the group.
"I didn't really come here to practice today, but a little sparring couldn't hurt," Ash noted as he rose to his feet. "Cubone, Pikachu, let's go!"
As the boys went off to entertain themselves, Giselle restarted the battle from the beginning. She tilted her head with a smirk as Ash took the time, experimenting with Rapidash's defensive abilities. It was clear that he was making comparisons to Flint's Magmar and using that information as the battle progressed.
After a second playthrough, Giselle decided to watch it a third time, paying closer attention to how Laura responded to Ash's actions. Seeing Laura become desperate proved how oppressive Ash's style could be. He was actively forcing Laura to commit to moves she didn't want to, and then punishing her for doing that. Pikachu's Electric Terrain whittled down the options available to Laura, and with limited options, it was easy for Ash to counter whatever move she picked.
She recalled her three keys to surpassing the Five Kings in the form of a Venn diagram with three circles. A powerful Pokemon. A skilled trainer. And the training for them to maximize each other's abilities. Ash and Pikachu managed to blend together at least two of these three requirements at different points, but today was the first time that he put all three together!
She replayed the battle one last time, and she didn't bother to pause it as she watched closely. During this playthrough, she discovered the scariest detail of all. Everything happened so quickly! Lightning-fast! It was no wonder the pressure from them was so tremendous, he was acting and reacting at a pace that gave his opponent almost no time to think.
In only a moment Giselle thought of a proper name for Ash and Pikachu's battling style.
The Blitzkrieg.
"Anything yet, Giselle?" Ash asked, causing her head to snap up from the video.
The boys bunched up around her again, ready to hear what she had to say.
"I've got nothing," She said with a sigh. "You were awesome."
Ash and Pikachu shared a toothy grin with each other.
"That's high praise coming from you," Brock pointed out.
"Don't get used to it," Giselle quickly added, earning a laugh from the group.
There wasn't a doubt in Giselle's mind. That battle yesterday…was Ash's finest hour.
She looked back down to her phone, realizing that her thumb slipped and she paused the video. Giselle stifled a laugh after discovering that she managed to pause it at a closeup of Ash's face during the battle. Seeing the smeared makeup on his face, Giselle reconsidered her earlier statement.
It was almost Ash's finest hour.
A/N
This chapter has joined my favorites list. I love everything that I've written so far, but there are some chapters where I feel like I achieved a higher standard than what I normally set for myself. This chapter feels like one of those.
The name for Pikachu's personal battle style was chosen by MjrGenMatt. All credit for it goes to him because he came up with the perfect name, in my opinion. This chapter was just a demonstration of what Ash and Pikachu can achieve, but they still have a long way to go to be the very best.
A big thanks to all of you who reviewed! I see a lot of you are noticing some of the little hints I tuck away in each chapter. As I said before, we're in the endgame now, so pay close attention to everything going forward. I'm sorry I never got around to responding to each of you, I haven't had much time to myself lately…which leads to what I'm about to say next.
This is a special announcement (special for me, I don't know if you guys are going to like what I'm about to say lol) that I will also post on my profile, just to make sure no one misses it. I just got a new job, a real job in fact. It's the whole 'nine to five' life and everything, so my writing time got whittled down to nothing since I'd hardly be at home. I'll do my best to stick to my once a month schedule, but please don't fault me if I don't deliver. It's only temporary work that will only last into the summer, so if my updating slows down, don't worry, it won't be the norm for long. I have every intention of finishing this story, and I refuse to abandon it due to a lack of time. In the meantime, I intend to buy a good laptop so that I can at least write while I'm on the go. But whatever happens, wish me luck!
Thanks for listening to me, and I hope to see you all again at the next update. Early March is the target, so until then, be good, be smart, be safe!