(Author's Note)
What up readers, how have you been. Okay so this chapter will be about the Ascension Tournament and the beginning of Ash journey through Hoenn.
So I have finally decided on the pairing. It will be Ash x Korrina x Cynthia. Ash and Korrina will meet during the course of the tournament. He will meet Cynthia toward the ending of this book and in the next book which will be on his journey through Sinnoh.
Well I wasted enough of your time so lets the story begin!
Chapter 2 "The Real Ash"
The sun was shining brightly today in the Pokémon League Village as many trainer from across Kanto and a few from different region raced around the village. Shops were open, hotel was booked, and trainer are in preparation, all because of one thing.
The Ascension Tournament.
Novice Trainer across Kanto are gathered here once every five year for a chance to earned the title of Elite Trainer.
And at this town is where we find Ash Ketchum walking toward the registration office in his usual attire consisting of a blue overcoat over a navy blue muscle shirt. He also wore form fitting pants and a blue fedora with a strange yellow symbol on the center. Sitting on his shoulder as usual was his strongest Pokémon, Pikachu.
He was only concentrating on registering so he didn't notice that all the girl around him was now staring at him with their face crimson red. His partner, Pikachu, did and can only sweatdrop at his partner obliviousness of the opposite gender.
Finally after 5 minute of walking they finally arrive at the registration office. It was a simple two story circular building on the outside. On the inside however was fill with trainer registering for the tournament. Walking toward one of the empty desk, Ash was greeted by women wearing blue uniform.
"Good afternoon, how can I help you sir?" asked the registration official.
"Good afternoon, I'm here to register for the Ascension Tournament," stated Ash as he grabbed his Pokédeck and handed to the lady. He already know how it work.
The lady accept it with a thank you then replied to him, "There you're register, you will be able to find out your opponent in your Pokédeck this evening, good luck. "
With a thank you he turn and left.
(9:00 P.M)
After 5 hour of waiting in his hotel room Ash finally receive the info for his battle. It turn out his match was going to be the first battle of the tournament in the main stadium. He was battling some rookie if the kid accomplishment was something to go by. The kid who was name David barely collected 1 badge and it was from one of the minor gym. He was wondering which Pokémon to use since he doesn't want to destroy the kid but he also want to look good since he was battling first in the tournament.
Ash was so focus by his thought that he did not notice someone walking toward him, not paying attention as well.
Crash
The two crash into each other and the girl who crash into him was about to fall. The good thing was that thank to his enhance reflex after working out with his Pokémon he was able to grab and pull her up in time. The bad news is that he underestimated how strong he was and pull the girl into his chest.
Blushing crimson he released the girl and took a couple of step back. He notice that the girl was about the same age as him and rather tall, just 3 inches shorter than him. She was wearing a white with red outline blouse that just hug her curve rather nicely with a black spandex short and a white boots. She was also wearing a skater helmet that lets her pale blonde hair flow out as a ponytail. All in all she look gorgeous to Ash.
"Woh nice reflex," said the girl as she look up at him. She had to fight off a blush that crept to her face when she stared at his handsome face and muscular frame. It was a losing battle.
Ash broke out of his trance first and bought out his hand, "My apologies, I wasn't looking where I was going thus ended up crashing into a beautiful women such as yourself, by the way my name is Ashura Ketchum," he said in a smooth voice causing the mystery girl to blush, hard.
She gently shook her head before accepting his hand, "No that was my fault, I'm sorry, my name is Korrina," said Korrina in her angelic voiced.
After a moment of awkward silence Korrina decided to start a conversation, "So are you here to compete in the tournament?" she asked.
"Yeah I'm planning to test myself before heading to the Hoenn region to complete in the Ever Grande Conference," replied Ash as they started to head toward the Pokémon Center unconsciously. "So from your accent you're not from Kanto are you?"
"Well no actually, I'm from the Kalos region," said Korrina.
"That awesome I have a friend in Kalos, her names Serena, and she told me Kalos contain Pokémon from different region, is that correct," asked Ash.
"Well it is true that Kalos has many Pokémon from different region but they are difficult to find," replied Korrina.
They talked to each other all night until they parted way in the Pokémon Center. Ash seem to be enjoying Korrina company so much that he forgot one important fact and that fact is going to murder him.
(The Next Morning)
"Ouch Pikachu I said I was sorry" said the frantic Ash as he dodge another bolt of electricity.
"Pika Pika Pikachu," was the angry cry of the mouse Pokémon.
It seem that Pikachu fell off Ash's shoulder when he bumped into Korrina and when he got up he saw to trace of Ash. After a 3 hour long search Pikachu finally manage to find his way to the Pokémon Center and found Ash with some girl but when he reaches them they were already separated and Ash went into his room. Surprise surprise the room was lock so he had to climb the window but was attack by some trainer who thought Pikachu was a wild Pokémon. Pikachu easily dispose of the trainer Pokémon but by the time he finish it was morning and he found Ash with the same girl he bump into eating breakfast together. Completely ignorant of Pikachu disappearance.
"Come on Ash dodge that Thunderbolt," cheered Korrina who was happily watching the exchange between Ash and Pikachu.
(3 Hour and 5 Empty Ketchup Bottle Later)
After 1 hour of dodging Thunderbolt. 1 hour of apologizing and 1 hour of finding the right way to apologize, Ash, Korrina, and Pikachu was on the section in the stadium build for competitor to stay.
"Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen and welcome to this year Ascension Tournament," roared the MC, "Trainer all gather here for one purpose." He pause for dramatic effect, "and that is the chance to gain the title of elite trainer!" It seem to work as the spectator roared loudly in response. "Now on the green side we have David Shamorax from Celadon City," the MC roared as he pointed to his left where David was slowly walking out. David was a simple 13 year old with basic gear and brown hair. The crowd also cheered for David. "Now on this side we have the apprentice of Professor Oak, Ashura Ketchum from Pallet Town." The crowd cheer even louder as they all knew Professor Oak. Since Professor Oak invited him into the tournament the league official instantly theorize that he was the apprentice of Professor Oak.
When the two trainer arrived at their assign box the referee immediately raise his flag. "This is a three on three, single battle, no substitution are allow, are you ready," he stated receiving a nod from both competitor, "well then Began!"
"Senior before junior," stated Ash as he grab an Ultra Ball that just appear in his hand, "Nidoking, I need your assistance," with that said he threw the ball into the field where it open in a bright purple flash that had everyone except Ash and surprisingly Korrina closed their eye. When the light ended everyone gasp. The Nidoking that Ash summon was not like any Nidoking they have ever seen. A regular size Nidoking would be at the height of 4'7 but this one was easily 8 feets tall. Nearly double the size of a regular Nidoking.
"Nido Nido Nidoking," roared the drill Pokémon.
"Wow would you look at that folks, that Nidoking is huge and it look strong too," commented the,MC.
David shakily threw his Pokéball and shouted out, "I choose you, Raticate."
A regular size Raticate came out and instantly shrink because of the glare Nidoking send it.
"This battle between Nidoking and Raticate began," shouted the referee.
"Let finish this quick, use Quick Attack on that Nidoking," exclaimed David loudly.
"What a brash move, Nidoking grab that overgrown mouse and use Venom Drench, send it flying with Mega Punch," Ash commanded calmly.
Raticate quickly become surrounded by a white light as it ran at it top speed, which is pretty slow to Nidoking. All Nidoking did was grab the mouse Pokémon with it left arm before seeping it's venom into the mouse bloodstream. After that was done Nidoking right arm glowed white before it punch Raticate sending the mouse Pokémon flying and crashing into the wall on the other side of the stadium, causing dust to fly out. When the dust clear everyone can see Raticate cover in bruise, unconscious.
"Would you look at that folks, first Ashura makes Raticate weak by covering it with poison then knocked it out of the game with one might right hook. Ashura Ketchum clearly is not someone to be taken lightly," commented the MC as the spectator cheered loudly.
"Raticate is unable to battle the winner is Nidoking, trainer send out your next Pokémon," exclaimed the referee.
David, clearly pissed, return Raticate then threw another Pokéball out, "I choose you Muk!" With that said a Muk was summoned to the field. "End him with Hyper Beam!" he shouted, clearly desperate.
Seeing the incoming attack Ash just smirked before commanding Nidoking calmly, "Nidoking Sucker Punch, then finish it with Earth Power."
Before the Hyper Beam was about to be fired a fist made of pure shadow impact it mouth making Muk lose his concentration thus ending the Hyper Beam but Nidoking was no finish, he punch his right arm into the ground causing the ground underneath Muk to explode in pure power. When everything return to normal they saw a knock out Muk.
"Muk is unable to battle the winner is Nidoking," stated the referee.
"There it is again folks, Ashura Ketchum knockout his opponent Pokémon with a very clever strategy and receive no damage." said the MC.
"I choose you, Wartotar," yelled David.
"Sorry kid but I have another thing to do, Nidoking Thunder," commanded Ash.
Seeing the little turtle Nidoking grin evilly before it's body was surrounded by electricity. It then fired it at the sky confusing many people. After a couple of second a huge Thunder was sent crashing into Wartotar who just fainted.
"Wartotar is unable to battle the winner are Ashura and Nidoking" exclaimed the referee.
"Amazing folks that was one great battle, Ashura's Nidoking totally annihilate David's Pokémon without receiving any damage!" shouted the MC.
(V.I.P. Box)
"That was one strong Nidoking," stated a purple hair man wearing a magenta magician attire.
"You are correct Will, that Nidoking destroy all of that young trainer Pokémon without even trying," stated a man with black hair and wearing a ninja outfit.
"You're both right Will, Koga, that Nidoking is strong, such power," said an impress man with white pant and no shirt.
"Not to mention that he's cute, I wonder if he's single," said a giggling women with blue hair and an attire that was very revealing.
"You scare me sometime Karen," said the muscular man.
"Oh shut up Bruno and put a shirt on, we're in a public place," said Karen.
Behind all of them was a man with red hair and a red cape, "You've grown out well Ash." was his thought.
(Following Day)
The next evening we find Ash and Korrina together in one of the many restaurant of the Pokémon League Village. Both trainer already won today match and was moving on to the quarter-final. Both Ash and Korrina was just talking about some mundane thing when a question was suddenly asked.
"So Korrina what would you do after the tournament end," asked a curious and cautious Ash because he was really enjoying her company unknowingly she was feeling the same thing.
It took a while but Korrina finally answer, "I'm not very sure, I guess just travel around and catching strong Pokémon I guess." Even though on the inside she want to travel through Hoenn with Ash, alone.
Ash was about to suggest something when a voice interrupted them, "Are you Ashura Ketchum?" He turn around and came face to face with Koga, the poison master of the elite four.
"Yes it is, now what an elite four member like you need," said Ash sharply while glaring at the man because he doesn't like when his alone time with Korrina was interrupted especially when they have limited time together. He doesn't care if that person was the champion or Arceus himself, no one bother him when he's on a date with Korrina.
"Woh no need to get hostile I just want to test your prowess as a trainer," stated Koga as he raised his hands. By now a crowd started to form with some news reporter as well. "How about a three on three battle, if you manage to win I'll give you a newly hatched Croagunk."
Ash looked at Korrina and seeing her nodded was all the confirmation he needed. "Fine, hurry up I have somewhere to be," Ash said coldly as he began to walk toward one of the battle field available in the village. Many people gasp when they heard how rude he was to an elite four member while Korrina giggled, she liked it when he gets mad when someone interrupt their dates. Koga was surprised no one acted like that toward him except Lance. Now that he thought about it, Lance and Ash acted very much alike. The way they battle, the way they speak, and even the way they look down on people who was a waste of their time. If he didn't know any better he'll thought that Ash was Lance son. "Nah that impossible, like Lance would get married and have a kid." If only he knew.
After a couple of minute they arrive at an abandon battlefield, which are not abandon anymore since many people were there, including the media. Even Mr. Goodshows was there grinning from ear to ear.
Koga took a Pokéball from his sleeve out and threw it while exclaiming, "Ariados, battle time." And out came a giant spider Pokémon.
Seeing the insect just make Ash scoff,"Is that all you got," said Ash in a mocking tone making Koga anger increase. "Maybe the saying was true old people tend to forget how to fight," Ash mocked.
Hearing that literally make Koga exploded, "Just hurry up and stop stalling," he shouted. He hated this kid, the way he mock him was just like how Lance mock him.
"Fine I have somebody waiting for me so Pikachu, finish this quick." Hearing his trainer command Pikachu jumped onto the battlefield crossing it's little arm and looked at Ariados like it wasn't worth his time making Ariados angry.
"Senior Citizen, gets the first move," said Ash coldly.
Koga gritted his teeth but kept his mouth shut, "Ariados barrage of Poison Sting."
Seeing the attack was about to fired he coldly order, "I have no time for games Pikachu use Magnet Rise and Encore."
Seeing the incoming projectile, Pikachu just look bored as suddenly it's body glowed yellow making Pikachu floated through the air, when Ariados was about to aimed at Pikachu it's spider-like body glowed white, signaling that Encore hit its mark, and it kept using Poison Sting where Pikachu once was.
"End this, Pikachu with Thunderpunch." That was all Pikachu needed to hear as it suddenly punched Ariados with a fist cover by blue lightning. Ariados crashed into a tree knockout.
Saying Bruno was shocked would be an understatement. His Ariados was just knockout ny some Novice Pokémon. He was not the only one as everyone except Korrina was shocked that an elite four member Pokémon was beaten so easily.
"Hurry up old man, I want to continued my date so just send the rest of your Pokémon so we could get this over with soon," said Ash coldly. Many of the spectator were shocked this kid is clearly insane if he think he can take on two of the elite four Pokémon using only one but then again he did beat Bruno's prized Ariados like it was nothing.
"You'll regret this kid. Crobat, Venomoth your up," exclaimed a clearly angry Koga as he threw two Great Ball into the sky and his Pokémon came out. "Venomoth use Poison Powder, and Crobat use Gust to blow it at that Pikachu."
Seeing that the incoming projectiles were coming at Pikachu at an alarming rates he just smirk.
"You know that was pretty good old man, but still you left them wide open, Pikachu use Agility, then Discharge."
Pikachu smirked when he heard the command running so fast he left an after image. Pikachu suddenly appear between Venomoth and Crobat. Crying out it's name Pikachu unleash a torrent of electricity that hit both Pokémon making them fall to the ground.
"Oh no you don't Crobat get up and use Aerial Ace, while Venomoth use Bug Buzz."
Before the two Pokémon can unleash their attack they were stopped by a simple command.
"Flash"
After that one word everyone was blind as all they can see is a bright white light. When the light clear they can see Pikachu standing on two feet with it's arm cross and the two ELITE FOUR MEMBER Pokémon knockout.
Everyone was surprise and the media was going wild, exclaiming to the camera how the apprentice of Professor Oak just beat Koga with only one Pokémon. The girl in the stand suddenly have heart for eyes when they gazed at Ash. Something that infuriated Korrina nut she doesn't know why.
After a while Koga returned his Pokémon while Pikachu hopped onto Ash shoulder. He walked over to Ash with a neutral face and held out a Dusk Ball. "I'm a man of my word so here the newly hatched Croagunk," Koga said trying to keep the venom from his voiced, and fared miserably.
Ash just grabbed the Pokéball and walked toward the spectator. Many girls were swooning as seeing their crush walking toward them. They were all about to asked him on a date but before they can.
"So, can we continued our date Korrina," Ash said with a charming smile as he held out his hand to help Korrina up.
With a victorious smirk Korrina grabbed his hand, "Of course we can." And so they went to finish their date but not before Korrina throw another victorious smirk toward the girl who were glaring at her.
No one notice a lone figure hiding behind a tree with his arm cross. His amber eye flash blue for a second before he spoke, "You come far Ash, but you're still too young to think about beating me." With that said he left with an orange dragon-like Pokémon with antenna and a small wing following him.
(The Next Morning)
The next morning we can find Ash with Korrina together again enjoying their time together and the breakfast. No one was here to bother them since Ash left Pikachu with Nurse Joy and none of the trainer in the Pokémon Center haven't woke up yet. They were still talking when a beep sound was heard from their specific Pokédeck.
"Oh look I found out my next opponent."
"Me too"
"I'm battling against, " they both said.
"Korrina!"
"Ashura!"
Both Ash and Korrina were both staring at the piece of machine unwilling to believe who they were pair up against.
"Well I knew this was going to happen sooner or later and since we're in the semi-final it not really surprising," said Ash calmly but on the inside he didn't want to battle Korrina.
"Yeah I guess," was the replied he got from Korrina. She look upset because she doesn't want to battle her crush.
"Well good luck Korrina."
"You too Ash."
(Afternoon)
"Welcome everybody to the second round of the semi-final," exclaimed the MC as the spectators roared in response. "On the green side we have The Battling Mistress, The Warrior Champion, The Fighting Princess, give it up for Korrina."
As he was speaking Korrina walked out but instead of her usual attire she now wore a white with black outline blouse and a tight white jeans. She wasn't wearing her helmet so her light blond hair was swept on her left shoulder. This appearance apparently catches many guys attention since their were many wolf-whistle throw her way.
"Uh I can't believe I'm wearing this, but it all worth it if I'm battling Ash," she thought with a smile.
"Now on the red side we have the The Blue Knight, The Legend Slayer, The Pokémon Prince give it up for Ashura Ketchum," exclaimed the MC quite loudly. As Ash walked down to the battlefield everyone noticed that he too wasn't wearing his usual attire. Instead of his suit he wore a blue tunic over a tan long sleeve shirt with a tan form fitting pants. On his head was the same hat but instead of blue its black. He also wore a blue glove with a black cloak on his back, covering his arm. Pikachu was on his shoulder as usual with it's arm cross.
Seeing Ash like this cause Korrina to blush and the majority of the girl to almost faint.
"This is a 3 on 3 battle with no substitution. Trainer are you ready," asked the referee and received a nodded from both trainer. "Very well then begin!"
"Hawlucha battle time," yelled Korrina as her Great Ball open revealing Hawlucha.
"Blastoise, I need your assistance," claimed Ash as his Blastoise came out with a roar.
"Hawlucha Hone Claw then Flying Press."
"Iron Defense then deliver a point blank Water Pulse."
Hawlucha claw started to glow white before it fly up then came down on Blastoise but before it could the turtle Pokémon glowed metallic gray and then charge up a Water Pulse. When Hawlucha landed on Blastoise said Pokemon just grabbed it before press the Water Pulse onto Hawlucha stomach making it fly back a couple of feet but got back up.
"Keep on the pressure Blastoise, use Hydro Pump."
"Dodge Hawlucha with Bounce, then use Aerial Ace."
Not wanting to give Hawlucha a time to rest Blastoise fired a highly compressed stream of water at Hawlucha. Before it hit, said Pokémon bounced up into the sky before disappearing and reappearing behind the turtle Pokémon, tackling it.
"Ice Punch!"
Before Hawlucha can fly away Blastoise grabbed it then punch the said Pokémon with it's ice covered fist.
"High Jump Kick!"
Before Hawlucha was sent flying it's leg glowed red then kick Blastoise up, sending it flying.
Hawlucha crashed into the ground knockout while Blastoise flied up and crashed into the stadium's wall, also knockout.
"Both Pokémon are unable to battle, I declared this round a draw." stated the referee.
"That was one amazing fight people, both trainer's Pokémon took hit after hit and still came back for more but what what did we expect this is the battle between the prince and the princess after all," yelled the MC getting a roared of approval from the crowd.
"You were great, Hawlucha," said Korrina as she return the unconscious Pokémon. "Machamp battle time."
"This isn't over, Charizard I need your assistance," called out Ash as his shiny Charizard came out..
"Wow would you look at that folks, a shiny Charizard vs a shiny Machamp," stated the MC getting more cheered from the crowd.
"Machamp Focus Energy, follow by a barrage of Mach Punch."
"Blind it with Smokescreen then get into the air for Flame Burst."
Machamp glowed white as it's muscle get even bigger, then at an alarming speed it ran to punch Charizard but Charizard prove to be faster because she fired off a huge swarm of smoke before taking off into the sky. There Charizard fired a small fireball that explode on contact with the smoke from Smokescreen causing dust to fly up.
When the smoke cleared what they saw was shocking, there in the middle of the smoke were Machamp unscratched.
"What how is that possible," exclaimed an astonished Ash.
Korrina just grinned before replying, "Before that attack hit, I had Machamp use Wide Guard."
"That was smart, Charizard use Sunny Day follow by Flamethrower."
Charizard fired a bright orange beam into the sky causing the sun to be harsher before blowing out a stream of white fire at Machamp.
"Use Karate Chop to destroy it, then use Dynamic Punch."
When the flame came near it Machamp just slash it with Karate Chop causing the flame to be cut in half before running to punch Charizard.
Ash smirk his plan worked. When Machamp was a second before hitting Charizard Ash said one simple word, "Solarbeam!"
The round was over, before Machamp can hit Charizard, it got hit by a blast of pure nature energy that intensified thanks to Sunny Day. Machamp had fainted.
"That was one tough round people but it seem Charizard pull out a surprising victory!" exclaimed the MC.
"This is my last Pokémon, go Lucario."
"A Lucario huh, be careful Charizard," warned Ash who received a low grunt.
"Lets start Charizard use Heat Wave."
"Lucario, Me First."
Charizard was about to unleash its attack when Lucario unleash a wave of pure heat making Charizard winced and landed on the ground.
"Extreme Speed, into Bone Rush."
Not giving Charizard a chance to rest Lucario suddenly materialize in front of Charizard and smash it with it's white bone making Charizard fly upward.
"Charizard pull yourself together and use Dragon Pulse."
"You too Lucario."
Charizard spread it's wing before unleashing a purple swirling dragonic energy from it's mouth. Lucario did the same. When the two dragonic attack impact each other a huge explosion follow. Not wanting to waste a perfectly good cover Ash used his aura to sense where Lucario was and send that info to Charizard.
"Fire Punch."
Thank to Ash, Charizard was able to hit Lucario with it's flaming fist sending it flying back.
"If we're going down we'll go down fighting, Lucario Final Gambit."
Using every ounce of it's energy Lucario tackle Charizard making both of them crash into the wall. When the dust clear everyone saw the two Pokémon knockout.
"Charizard and Lucario are unable to battle, the winner is Ashura Ketchum," stated the referee.
"Amazing folks after an astounding match Ashura Ketchum win, and will be moving on to the final happening this evening," exclaimed the MC making the crowd cheers.
(This Evening)
A Dragonite fell down from the sky as a Pikachu landed on it's body lighting said Dragonite with electricity. As they crash toward the ground a huge dust cloud appear. A moment later a Dragonite appear knockout with Pikachu standing their with a smirk.
"There you have it the winner of the Ascension Tournament is Ashura Ketchum," cried the MC as the spectator cheered loudly.
(Line Break)
Ash stood on the first place podium as he was handed a golden trophy with a Pokémon League symbol st the center.
"The winner of the Ascension Tournament Elite Trainer Ashura Ketchum," roared the MC.
Ash just smiled as he waved to the crowd, happy that his dream was one step closer to completion. One step closer on a long road toward becoming a Pokémon Master.
(Author's Notes)
And Cut! There you have it folks the second chapter of Hoenn Arc: The Adventure of Ashura Ketchum. The next chapter will be the beginning of his journey through Hoenn. Don't forget to review, I'm new so I would like your opinion.