Master of Legends (Chapter Three)
Disclaimer: I don't own Pokemon.
The time of the Indigo Conference came very quickly and Ash had swept through the competition so easily; in fact it was so easy that he only had to use one Pokemon the whole time.
The Indigo Conference was unique among all Pokemon League Competitions because of its strict regulations on what defined a match and what defined a battle and their rules were very strict. They had conditions in their battles that would determine if a Pokemon lost. Those conditions were:
The trainer recalls the Pokemon.
The Pokemon is knocked out or too weak to battle.
The Pokemon falls asleep.
The Pokemon refuses to battle.
Since the Kanto region was where the first original 150 Pokemon were discovered by humans they were the first to set up an official Pokemon League Competition and these rules had been in play since its inauguration. It was why Kanto was unique among Pokemon League Competitions.
Anyway when Ash got to Indigo Plateau he qualified for the Pokemon Championship when he showed his eight badges. After that Ash would be set randomly on one of four fields; The Water Field, The Ice Field, The Grass Field and The Rock Field. The computer would randomly chose the field for him and then he would battle on the field with a randomly chosen person who also got selected for that field.
Ash ended up battling on the Water Field first and his opponent was a person named Mandi. Ash easily decimated his Exeggutor, Seadra and Golbat with his Dragonair and it earned him a victory.
His next opponent was a young boy named Cain on the Rock Field. Once more Ash defeated his three Pokemon, a Rhyhorn, an Onix and a Nidorino, with just his Dragonair.
His ice field battle through him for a look for a bit as his opponent, Pete Pebbleman, used a Jinx, a Cloyster and an Arcanine. The Arcanine on the Ice Field through him for a loop, but once more he didn't really have a problem as his Dragonair swept through them all taking only minimal damage.
His final opponent on the grass field was a female named Jeanette Fisher. She was pretty good as her Beedrill and Scyther actually did quite a bit of damage to his Dragonair with their Twin Needle and Double Team combo attack. Her final Pokemon surprised him; a Bellsprout. That confused him as Bellsprout was the first evolution in the Victreebel line. Despite Bellsprout's amazing strength Dragonair defeated it with a dragon rush and dragon pulse combo attack earning Ash the victory on all four fields and his spot in the Victory Tournament.
After Ash had won his four rounds he congratulated Dragonair on all of her wins; he was so very proud of her. Ash had kept using Dragonair because she was the most experienced of all of his Pseudo-Legendary Pokemon. He was going to wait and use Metang and Bagon didn't want to battle until it reached its final form. Ash wasn't going to use any of his Legendary Pokemon until he passed the first round of the Victory Tournament where there would be six on six battles.
A couple days later and the matching for the Victory Tournament began. It involved all the competitors fishing out a Magikarp from a pool that had a number on it. Then the trainer's profile would be placed in the empty slot.
Ash fished out his own Magikarp and its numbers were "A-3." When he got his number he looked up and saw he was in the first half of the tournament, the fourth match to be precise, and his opponent was a boy named Ritchie from Frodomar City.
Ash had met Ritchie previously after his Fourth Match when foiling some thieves who tried to steal all of the Pokeballs from the competing trainers. The two of them hit it off rather well and when they saw that they would be battling together they promised to make it a glorious one.
That battle was now taking place; the sun was setting on Indigo Plateau and the fourth match of the victory tournament was about to begin. In the crowd Ash could spot his mother and Professor Oak sitting there waiting for the match to begin. He was also surprised that he spotted Gary Oak sitting next to his grandfather as well. Ash thought for sure Gary would've been long gone since he lost in his fourth match on the Rock Field, but he was surprised that Gary stuck around.
With that Ash faced Ritchie on the field; both of them were smiling at each other. Nothing needed to be said; they conveyed their feelings through eye contact and said all that needed to be said before the match. "Trainers, begin" The Referee called to them.
Ash merely pulled out a pokeball and tossed it into the field. In a flash of light Ash's Dragonair appeared with a loud coo. "And there's his Dragonair" Ritchie murmured. Ritchie plucked a pokeball from his waist "Alright then I choose you Ampharos." On the field appeared a bipedal Pokemon with a long tail and a red gem on its forehead.
(A/N: Sorry, but I can't do Pokemon nicknames.)
"And its Ritchie's Ampharos vs. Ash's Dragonair" the MC announced. "Both Pokemon have never been defeated yet in this competition, but we'll see just which one is the better."
"Ampharos use Signal Beam" Ritchie ordered. Ampharos charged a beam of energy on its forehead.
"Dragonair, ice beam, let's go" Ash countered. Dragonair charged an ice beam in her mouth before both of them fired their attack. They collided in midair and exploded; the smoke cleared showing it was a draw.
"Use Wild Charge" Ritchie commanded. Ampharos glowed with electric energy before charging at Dragonair.
"Dragonair use Zap Cannon" Ash commanded. Dragonair formed a dark yellow electric ball in its mouth before launching it. The attack hit and Ampharos cried out as the Wild Charge died away and it fell to its knees with electricity dancing off of its body.
"Zap Cannon has Ampharos paralyzed" the MC announced as the crowd cheered.
"Now use Dragon Dance" Ash said. Dragonair raised its body into the air as its tail swirled around with a blue aura around its body.
"Ampharos, shake it off, hurry" Ritchie called to his Pokemon. "Hurry, before it's too late." Ampharos struggled against the paralyzing power of Zap Cannon, but it was too powerful.
Dragonair finished the Dragon Dance "Alright now Dragon Rush" Ash said. Dragonair charged at Ampharos with incredible speed as a blue aura surrounded her body. Dragonair hit head on sending Ampharos flying back.
"And Dragonair nails a super powered Dragon Rush; can Ampharos recover from such a devastating hit" The MC cried as the crowd roared.
"Ampharos, are you okay" Ritchie called. Ampharos struggled to get up before it did "I knew that wouldn't be enough to do you in; now use Brick Break." Ampharos' fist glowed as it charged at Dragonair.
"Dragonair, dodge" Ash said. Dragonair flew up avoiding the attack.
Ritchie smirked "Dragon Pulse now." Ash widened his eyes when Dragonair was hit with the super effective attack. "Good job Ampharos, brick break once more." Ampharos jumped and while Dragonair was distracted Ampharos nailed it hard with a brick break attack.
"Good move Ritchie, but try this on for size" Ash called out to him. "Dragonair use your Twister attack." Dragonair released a loud roar as the gem on her neck glowed. She formed a massive twister and sent it flying at Ampharos.
"Ampharos charge into it with Giga Impact" Ritchie commanded. Ampharos roared and charged into the Twister surrounded by purple energy. The twister did damage, but not as much and Dragonair was struck by the powerful Giga Impact. "Alright, good job Ampharos."
Ash smirked a bit "You scored a good hit, but you forget Giga Impact has a drawback" he said. Dragonair hopped back looking very strong while Ampharos was on one knee looking tired.
"Oh no, Giga Impact has a recharge effect" Ritchie gasped.
"Yep and now Ampharos is a sitting duck" Ash smirked. "Dragonair finish it off with Dragon Pulse." Dragonair launched a large ball of green energy at Ampharos and it hit. Ampharos cried out as it was launched back and landed on the ground all swirly eyed.
The ref raised the green flag "Ampharos is unable to battle; Dragonair wins."
"Dragonair comes out on top and Ritchie is down one Pokemon" the MC called as one of Ritchie's icons went dark. "Now we'll see what he chooses to bring out next to combat against Ash's powerful Dragon."
"Ampharos return" Ritchie said recalling his downed Pokemon. 'Good job old friend' he thought silently. He pulled out his next Pokeball "Go Magneton" he called out. And Ritchie's second Pokemon appeared out on the field electricity bouncing between its magnets.
"And Ritchie chooses Magneton as his second Pokemon" the MC announced. "In terms of type Ritchie has a slight advantage, but Ketchum's Dragonair has beaten all opponents it's come across so far in the tournament. We'll see if type advantage makes a difference."
'Looks like Ritchie's playing it smart' Ash thought. "Dragonair use ice beam." Dragonair launched a massive ice beam attack.
"Magneton dodge and use Gyro Ball" Ritchie ordered. Magneton dodged to the side and avoided the ice beam before launching itself at Dragonair. The Gyro Ball hit head on making Dragonair cry out before she flew into the sky. "After it" he called.
"Dragonair flamethrower attack now" Ash called. Dragonair twirled in midair and shot a massive flamethrower at Magneton.
"Dodge and use thunder wave" Ritchie shouted in return. Magneton swirled in midair and launched a massive thunder wave that hit Dragonair. "Yes, now hit it with hyper beam." Magneton launched a massive hyper beam and it hit Dragonair sending the Dragon Pokemon down to the ground.
"A stunning turnaround; this could be the end for Dragonair" the MC roared as the crowd exploded in excitement.
"Now finish it off with a flash cannon" Ritchie ordered. Magneton built up the massive steel type attack and prepared to launch it, but…
"Fire Blast now" Ash shouted. Dragonair's eyes glowed red briefly before launching a massive kanji of fire at Magneton. The attack hit head on creating a massive explosion of fire. Ritchie gasped while Ash grit his teeth slightly in anticipation. The fire began to vanish and Magneton fell out of the smoke and landed on the ground swirly eyed.
"No way" Ritchie gasped.
"Magneton is unable to battle; Dragonair is the winner" the Referee announced raising the green flag.
"And with that Ritchie is down to his last Pokemon" the Mc announced as Ritchie's second icon went dark leaving one left. "Can he pull out the miracle and make a comeback?"
Ritchie recalled his Magneton and looked at Ash's Dragonair; it looked exhausted, but Ash still had two more Pokemon he could use and Ritchie had no idea what else he had. 'My last chance' he thought. "Go Pikachu" he called sending out his final Pokemon. It was the small Mouse Pokemon Pikachu only Ritchie's had a small tuff of fur sticking out on its head.
'He's good' Ash thought. 'From the Pokemon he's used so far it's safe to assume Ritchie's a specialist in electric type Pokemon. That's a rare specialty; not many can handle them.' "Alright Ritchie let's do this."
"Bring it on" Ritchie smirked. "Pikachu use thunderbolt." Pikachu launched a massive thunderbolt at Dragonair.
"Dodge it" Ash called. Dragonair flew into the air avoiding the thunderbolt. "Dragon Rage now" he called. Dragonair flipped and launched a blast of energy at Pikachu. The attack missed, but the backlash hit Pikachu slightly.
"Don't give in Pikachu; Thunder wave now" Ritchie shouted. Pikachu launched a thunder wave at Dragonair; the dragon Pokemon swerved to avoid it. "Keep attacking, don't give in." Pikachu kept launching wave after wave of thunder until one of them managed to clip Dragonair on the tail. The Dragon Pokemon cried out as she came to the ground "Yes, Volt Tackle, let's go."
Pikachu charged at Dragonair with a large wave of lightning surrounding it before slamming right into Dragonair. Dragonair let out a small cry before toppling over to the side with swirly eyes.
"Dragonair is unable to battle; Pikachu wins" the referee announced raising the red flag. One of Ash's icons went dark.
The crowd roared "I can't believe it" the MC cried. "Ash's Dragonair has been defeated."
"Well, so it finally happened" Professor Oak said.
"What do you mean Gramps" Gary asked.
"Throughout the entire tournament Ash has used only his Dragonair and hasn't lost once" Professor Oak said shocking Gary. "This Ritchie is very skilled to have defeated Ash's Dragonair, but it doesn't matter because Ash's next Pokemon will end this."
Down on the field Ash recalled Dragonair. "Ladies and gentleman; as incredibly as it sounds, this is the very first defeat we've seen from Ash's Dragonair here at the competition. Now we eagerly await the identity of his second Pokemon."
Ritchie was overflowing with confidence now "So, who's next?"
Ash smirked "Well you're definitely good, but let's see how you fare against my second Pokemon; go Metang" he shouted launching a Pokeball into the field. In a flash of light appeared Ash's Shiny Metang.
"And Ash's second Pokemon is Metang" the MC roared as the crowd cheered.
Ritchie was clearly not expecting this, but nevertheless "I'm not gonna give up no matter what Pokemon you bring out. Pikachu use Volt Tackle." Pikachu charged forward once more to deliver a devastating Volt Tackle attack.
"Metang use hyper beam" Ash commanded. Metang built up a hyper beam between its claws before launching it. The attack hit and Pikachu gave a cry as it was forced from the volt tackle and launched back on the ground.
"Pikachu" Ritchie called worriedly as Pikachu got back up. 'That hyper beam's power was off the chart. It stopped my Volt Tackle like it was nothing.' "Pikachu let's try your electro ball attack." Pikachu's tail gathered up a lot of electricity before it formed a ball and launched it at Metang. The attack hit and Metang was launched back a bit from the attack, but was mostly unharmed.
"Metang let's end this; gyro ball" Ash called. Metang glowed silver and charged at Pikachu.
"Pikachu counterattack with thunderbolt" Ritchie called out. Pikachu launched the largest thunderbolt it could muster and the attack hit. It was so powerful that Metang couldn't hold the Gyro ball and went falling for the ground in front of Pikachu. "Great, let's end it with electro ball."
"Bulldoze" Ash merely said with a smirk. Ritchie realized too late that Ash had planned this; Metang sprang back to life and flipped in many circles avoiding the electro ball and slammed its claws into the ground creating a massive shockwave that his Pikachu point-blank range and we all know what happens when a ground type move hits an electric Pokemon at point blank range.
Pikachu was sent flying back and skidded along the ground before coming to a stop "Pikachu" Ritchie called as Pikachu tried to get up. "You can do it" he called encouragingly as Pikachu managed to get to its feet only to fall. "Pikachu" he cried as Pikachu was still.
"Pikachu is unable to battle; Metang is the winner" the referee called raising the green flag. "The winner of the match is the green trainer Ash Ketchum." Ash's picture took up the entire screen with 'Winner, Congratulations' proudly displayed.
The crowd erupted into cheers at Ash's victory. "Good job Metang, you were awesome" Ash said recalling his Pokemon. Ritchie picked up Pikachu smiling even though he lost; it was a good match.
"Congratulations Ash" Ritchie said shaking hands with Ash. "It was a great battle."
"Oh yeah; you're strong Ritchie. You're the first person to ever defeat my Dragonair" Ash said with a grin.
"Well I'll just have to train even harder so I can beat that Metang as well" Ritchie said with a grin making them both laugh.
NEXT DAY
The next day the battles of the Top Eight Trainers began; Ash was in the fourth match and was facing a trainer named Assunta. She was good, but Ash was proving he was better.
The crowd cheered at the spectacular battle that had been going on thus far. "This battle is really heating up, but even though it's almost done the fire of the trainers is far from extinguished" the MC roared loudly over the cheering crowd. "Assunta has two Pokemon left while Ash has four Pokemon left; his Dragonair and Metang have been defeated and now we'll see what other Pokemon he had under his command."
Assunta released her next Pokemon "Assunta has chosen Spearow as her next Pokemon. What will Ketchum send out in response?"
Ash had been waiting for this moment for a long time; he had chosen which Pokemon he would reveal for his first tournament. Since he was in Kanto he would use his only Kanto Legendary. Ash pulled the Pokeball off of his neck and enlarged it. Tossing it into the field there was a bright flash of light and the crowd was shell shocked. For like a few seconds before they began screaming and cheering so loud Ash couldn't hear anything else.
Mew happily floated in the middle of the field giggling at all the attention she was receiving. Ash's opponent was also gaping at this new development. Finally the MC recovered "In all my years as a Pokemon Battle Announcer I never thought I would live to see a day where a trainer reveals a Mew. Folks this is Pokemon history right here."
"You ready Mew" Ash called to her. "This is your big debut." Mew looked more excited than ever a she flew in circles before facing her opponent. The match had begun, but it looked like Assunta was still trying to get over her shock at seeing a Mew. "Well if you won't attack then I will" he called to her. That seemed to snap her from her shock "Mew attack with stone edge."
Mew formed stones around her body before launching them at Spearow. "Spearow dodge" Assunta shouted quickly. Spearow quickly flew and avoided the attacks only to notice Mew appear right in front of it "What" Assunta gasped, shocked at the speed.
"Ice beam" Ash said simply. Mew launched an ice beam point blank range sending Spearow flying back where it impacted with the wall. Spearow fell to the ground with a tiny groan and didn't move.
"Spearow is unable to battle; Mew is the winner" the ref announced raising the green flag. Assunta's fifth icon went dark leaving her with only one left.
"A devastating ice beam leaves Assunta with only one Pokemon left; what will she choose to combat against Ash's Mew" the MC called out.
Assunta grabbed her last Pokeball; she knew that odds are she was going to lose. Even if by some miracle she managed to defeat Ash's Mew that meant she would still have to defeat three more Pokemon that were all fresh. 'I may lose, but I'm taking that Mew down' she thought before throwing her final Pokemon out to the field.
"Assunta has chosen Ivysaur for her final Pokemon" the MC announced. Immediately Ivysaur launched its vine whips at Mew. Mew swerved from side to side avoiding the vine whips like it was a game of tag. Ivysaur growled before launching a leech seed.
Ash was kind of amazed by this; Assunta had trained her Ivysaur well if she didn't even need to give it a command to attack so Ash decided to stay quiet as well and let Mew do her own thing. If she needed help then Ash knew she could always read his mind.
After avoiding the vine whip for a bit Mew flew up into the air before launching a flamethrower. Ivysaur dodged the blast and jumped into the air vanishing in the light of the sun before launching a powerful beam. "And here comes Ivysaur's Solar Beam" the MC called.
Mew merely teleported away and dodged the attack and reappeared behind Ivysaur "And Mew's teleport leaves Ivysaur wide open" the MC called as Mew formed an attack. The attack ended up being another flamethrower. The attack enveloped Ivysaur and sent it flying. Ivysaur landed on the ground burnt up and extra crispy. Ivysaur attempted to get up, but collapsed.
"Ivysaur is unable to battle; the match is over. Ash is the winner" the ref announced raising the green flag. Assunta's icon vanished leaving Ash's to take up the screen with 'Winner, Congratulations' displayed proudly.
"A spectacular finish to a spectacular battle; Mew's powerful flamethrower was too much for Ivysaur to handle" the MC cried as the crowd cheered loudly.
"Great job Mew" Ash said as Mew flew into his arms. Ash snuggled her tightly "You did a great job out there; you never let me down do you" he smiled at Mew who nuzzled him affectionately.
Upon the unveiling of Mew Ash had become the number one fan favorite to win the tournament and sure enough when he advanced to the Semi-Finals he used Mew and swept through his opponent. Then Ash proceeded to the finals and was somewhat disappointed when it wasn't even a challenge. He had defeated the trainer once more using just his Mew.
Being crowned the Pokemon Champion of Kanto didn't feel as rewarding as Ash thought it would be. The only real challenge he had was facing Ritchie and Assunta, but the moment after he thought about it and knew why. The Legendary Pokemon were considered the most powerful Pokemon of them all so it would take a very experienced trainer or someone who also had a Legendary Pokemon to contend with them.
The moment after Ash was handed the winner's trophy by Mr. Charles Goodshow himself Ash got a new goal in mind. For as long as Kanto has existed it shared Champion and Elite Four Members as one… well not anymore. Ash was going to go on a long journey, find potential Elite Four Members and then talk to Mr. Goodshow about Kanto having its own Elite Four and Champion.
The thought sounded good to him and Ash already had a potential candidate. "So Ash, you never told me you had a Mew" Ritchie said as the two of them sat alone in the now deserted arena.
"I was saving Mew for the rest of the tournament" Ash replied as they watched Mew and Pikachu play around in the field. "Kind of wish I didn't thought."
"Hmm, why" Ritchie asked curiously.
"You saw how easily Mew swept through everyone" Ash said. "It was hardly and challenge. I mean, as trainers who made it that far in the competition I expected more of them. I mean, I know Mew is a Legendary Pokemon and all, but… I don't know, I guess I just expected more."
Ritchie was silent for a moment "I get what you mean Ash, I do. But don't forget, Pokemon like Mew are called Legendary for a reason. The fact that you have a Mew is downright astounding."
"I have more than Mew, trust me" Ash told him.
"What" Ritchie said shocked. Ash explained to Ritchie about his dream as a child, to be the best and absolute strongest Pokemon Master and the only way to do that would be to capture the best Pokemon. He even explained that he found Mew when he was seven and they remained friends until he was ten when she became his first Pokemon. After that they went about the world and captured Pokemon and that Ash had a total of twelve Legendary Pokemon. "Whoa" was all Ritchie could say in response.
Ash laughed a bit at Ritchie's response "Yeah, anyway, ever since I was a boy I wanted to capture all the Legendary Pokemon and be the best Pokemon master that ever lived. Now that I've been crowned Champion of Kanto I needed a new dream and I've got one."
"This I gotta hear" Ritchie said with a grin. Everything Ash had said so far had been nothing short of amazing.
"After I was given the trophy" Ash continued. "I thought of a new dream; Kanto and Johto, for as long as anyone can remember, have shared Champions and Elite Four. I want it all to change; I want Kanto to have its own Champion and its own Elite Four. I plan on going on a long journey and in three to five years gather four trainers who could be Elite Four and appeal to Mr. Goodshow about my idea."
"Wow" Ritchie said in amazement. "That sounds amazing; I guess you'll serve as the Champion." Ash nodded "But… what would be your type?"
"I've thought of that" Ash said with a smirk. "The Legendary Type." Seeing Ritchie's confused look Ash elaborated "Think of it Ritchie; Legendary Pokemon are Pokemon that a lot of trainers and researchers waste their lives trying to find, let alone see one. And trainers are always looking for new challenges; imagine them all flocking to Kanto for a chance to battle the Legendary Pokemon to test themselves. They all want to be the best; well they can test themselves by going against the very best."
Ritchie nodded in understanding "I see what you mean; any trainer would love to battle a Legendary Pokemon."
"Yeah, so tell me Ritchie, do you specialize in Electric Pokemon" Ash asked changing the topic.
Ritchie nodded "Yeah, I wanted to specialize in them when a Raichu saved me from some wild Mankey's. I always liked electric type; they're really cool moves, and their shocking performances in both battles and contests. They're my favorite."
Ash nodded in understanding and thought of something "Say Ritchie" he asked getting his new friends attention. "How would you like to try and be one of my Elite Four" he asked.
Ritchie was shocked to say the least "One of your Elite Four… are you serious?"
"Of course" Ash said. "After all, you were the first person in this competition to not only give me a challenge, but also defeat my Dragonair. Not to mention that there has yet to be an Electric-Type Master of the Elite Four in any region. You could have the honor of being the very first."
The more words that flew from Ash's mouth the more tempting it sounded. Finally Ritchie nodded "Yes, it would be an honor."
"Great" Ash said as Mew and Pikachu ran back to them. Mew landed on Ash's shoulder as Pikachu jumped on Ritchie's. "I'll keep in touch with your Ritchie. In the meantime, continue to travel, capture Pokemon and grow stronger. When we meet again I expect a true challenge."
"You got it" Ritchie grinned and shook hands with Ash. "I'll train so hard that you won't recognize me when we next meet."
"I expect nothing else" Ash said with a grin on of his own. With that the two of them turned and departed off to start their new adventures. Both of them were confident that when they would meet again they would be much more powerful.
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