Author's Note:
Here it is, the start of the big battles and much like Johto, I wanted to start with one of rivals who started at the beginning and out of the two, I went with the anime canon one. This is gonna be interesting because while one has more experience, the other is a tactician and undeniably studied all of Ash's battles to prep for this match. It's going to be interesting to see how he handles such an opponent. We will also get to see how different Ash acts this time around. We've seen how he feels about the silver conference and now we get to see how he'd improve upon that performance. I will say that in the past, most notably the Kanto league, I got flack for making most (if not all) the battles close. This match might have something to do with that. Don't forget to vote in the poll and with that, let's begin
Chapter Ninety-Four: Emerald Conference - Prepared
He smiled as his lips moved in sync with Serena's. His hand lightly stroked her knee as he felt her hand fiddle with the bottom his shirt. Smirking at their little alone time, he felt his heart thump harder as they slowly pulled back from each other, taking the opportunity to breath.
"You feel ready now?" she asked.
"Uh huh, but a little more couldn't hurt." He went to lean in as he giggle echoed in his ear.
"Slow down big boy," she teased. "I'm surprised you're so eager."
"Why wouldn't I be?" he asked, rubbing his nose against hers. "When I've got a girlfriend like you, I mean?"
"Maybe because of the backstage cameras," she whispered. "Everything that happens back here can be shown on tele or the big screen."
"Wh-why didn't you-" He felt a cool sweat cover his face as he shot backwards. He would've fell on the floor if not for her ESP preventing him from moving.
She cut him off with a gentle kiss, lightly caressing his cheek with her hand. "Maybe I wanted to show everyone that your already taken."
"S-Serena!" He gasped.
"Don't worry, they probably wouldn't show it anyways." She giggled. "But maybe that's payback for the knee rubbing... what was with that anyway?"
"Don't you remember how we met?" he whispered.
A faint red blush coloured her cheeks and she threw her head into his chest. He felt a warm fuzzy sensation tingle out as she nuzzled into the embrace.
"I love you," she mumbled.
"I love you too." A sound echoed down the corridor, and he sighed, glancing up to the wall, he noticed the sign confirming his thoughts. "I guess I gotta go. Cheer for me?"
"Always..." she replied as they stood up, "and we'll need to thank Brock for keeping Pikachu, Sylveon and the eggs with him after breakfast. His knowledge has really helped since we brought them over. I bet it won't be long before they hatch."
"Maybe they'll hatch in time for them to see me and their daddy win a league conference." He smirked.
"You need to beat Sawyer first." She retorted. "And for that you need to get going. Good luck, love you!"
"Love you too."
He set out down the corridor with a stupidly wide grin on his face. Walking out onto the field, he straightened his expression as Sawyer stood on the opposite end. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath. This felt similar to facing Jimmy back in the silver conference but without the pressure of the whole Granbull situation... feeling the cheers from the crowd once more, he heard the dingle from the announcement office.
"Our two finalists are ready and waiting on the field so let's find out more about who'll be battling today!" An announcer echoed. "Hailing from the Kanto region in the town of Pallet, young Ash Ketchum has already made a name for himself in the league circuit! Being his third major tournament, he's one of the favourites to win this year's conference! With a deep love shown between all his Pokémon, give a warm Hoenn welcome to Ash Ketchum!"
Smiling up, he turned and waved towards the crowd. While he felt a little weird not having Pikachu with him, he didn't want to separate him from the eggs when not battling himself.
"And his opponent, a newcomer to the league scene but one whose impressed with his set ups and strategic thinking!" The announcer continued. "From Rustboro city it's Sawyer Shōta."
The crowd roared in applause as he watched the studious boy walk out of his own corridor with his notebook in hand. His kept down as if trying to shrink out of the audiences view. He might've lost his last battle with Sawyer but that's because Gardevoir wanted to see her limit. Just like he promised, he plans on winning this entire tournament and the true challenge starts now.
"It's bound to be a non-stop action-packed battle between mind and heart in the Sapphire stadium!" The announcer declared. "So now we'll hand it over to the referee for this match so she can explain the rules."
"This will be a six-on-six full battle, where both sides have registered their teams prior to arriving today," he explained, "we're not imposing a time limit and both sides will be able to substitute throughout. We'll take a fifth teen minute intermission when the first side loses three Pokémon. This'll be when we switch over the fields! Our first half shall be fought on a grass field! And Sawyer shall reveal his Pokémon first!"
The plain field in between them opened and slid away from sight. With a grassy meadow platform raising up, he noticed a couple trees decorating the open field. While he has the perfect Pokémon for this field, it might be a little early to reveal one of his trump-cards. In the end, he'll just let Sawyer's choice make his decision for him.
"You're up Slaking!" He shouted as he held his Pokéball out. A red light shot onto the field, materialising his first opponent.
A large, bulky, ape-like bipedal Pokémon slightly smaller than Norman's lay on the grass. The brown shaggy fur seemed well kept as one arm propped up the coconut shaped head. A confident smirk spread across his face as if challenging him to bring his best. He pulled out his dex for a quick refresher:
Slaking, The lazy Pokémon. The final evolved form of Slakoth. It is the world's most slothful Pokémon. However, it can exert horrifying power by releasing pent-up energy all at once.
Reaching for his belt, he already knew the species were naturally strong thanks to Norman. Just like Snorlax. Luckily, over the time at the Maple's one of his team ended up going head-to-head with the Pokémon who made up his fifth badge challenge. With his decision made, he tossed his device, "I choose you, Primeape!"
Materialising in the air, he crashed down with a heavy thud. Looking up to meet his opponents eye, his nose twitched, and eyes narrowed. Slamming his fists on the floor and his chest, he let out a series grunts. Pumping himself up for the battle ahead.
Ash felt himself smirk at the hesitation on Sawyer's face, he knew the studios boy likely had one after facing his Vigoroth. Which is why Primeape specifically focused on battling Norman for this match. He didn't really think Sawyer would lead with one of his power houses, but he could also understand why, giving him chance to take an early lead.
"And Ketchum goes with a solid type advantage to start this opening match!" The crowd cheered amongst the announcer. "Will it be enough to match Sawyer's brute or not?!"
Feeling himself get pumped up by his enthusiastic fighting type's actions, he tightened his fist. An uncontrollable smile spread over his face.
"Primeape verses Slaking!" the ref declared. "Let the battle begin!"
Ash versus Sawyer: Round one
"Close combat!" He hollered.
With great speed, the pig monkey Pokémon charged over the field. A flame of fighting type energy erupted around him. Pulling a fist back, he lept. Delivering a powerful blow into the normal types stomach. Landing beside the lazy Pokémon, he unleashed a flurry of quick punches. Slaking was loathing around.
A loud snore rumbled from the normal type as he pushed up into a standing position. Easily beating the fighting type in the height department.
Giving a swing of his trunk-like legs, he sent Primeape flying. Crashing into the tree on Ash's side of the field, he fell down face first.
Pushing himself up, his pig-monkey Pokémon grunted in anger. Ash couldn't help but gasp at the size of the hole on the tree trunk.
Jumping back to his feet, Primeape let out an ear-bleeding screech. Covering his own ears, he watched the lazy Pokémon cry out as his large hands sandwiched his head in-between them. Thrashing around as if trying to drown out the noise.
Using the opening, his pure fighting type ran back across the field. Skidding across the floor. His foot collided into Slaking chin, causing him to stumble over.
Jumping up from behind, a red outline surrounded his body. Landing on the normal type's back, he thrashed around.
A mystic glowing light surrounded Slaking's body. Despite the onslaught of attacks, he didn't seem any closer to falling in the duel.
Panting heavily, Primeape came to a stop. Wobbling on his feet, he fell off and planted the grass beneath.
"And in his blind rage, it seems Primeape has confused himself!" The announcer declared. "Could this be Sawyer's opening for an early lead?"
Struggling to stand, he staggered side to side as he approached the tree. Winding his fist back, he began to swipe furiously at the trunk.
"Now's our chance!" Sawyer yelled. "Earthquake!"
The opposing normal type raised a hand and slapped it down onto the ground. Feeling the seismic tremors around, he fell down onto his behind for safety.
"Close your eyes and jump!" He shouted.
Grunting through the powerful ground type move, Primeape did just that. Grabbing onto one of the branches, he dangled as Slaking stood once more.
"Swing and-" He paused as his fighting type carried out the motion. "Let go now!"
With his picked-up momentum he lunged at the normal type. Locking his arms around his neck, he held on as the lazy Pokémon thrashed around. Luckily for Primeape, he had a lot of experience withstanding Tauros when thrashing about and Slaking's nature soon came thrash, settling down on the ground.
Stumbling off his back, the pig monkey Pokémon stumbled back as he shook his head. Meeting his eyes, he smiled seeing his fighting type break out of the confusion.
"I think it's gonna take a much bigger hit to take out Slaking buddy!" He smirked. "Supreme smash!"
Tensing his body up with arms crossed against his chest, the fighting type energy out formed. Vibrating, he could've sworn he saw steam emitting off the pure fighting types body. In the blink of an eye, he charged forward. Slowly standing up, he turned back to the normal type.
Winding his fist back, he shot across the field. The energy burning off his body putting a kick into his step. Sawyer cried out but to no-avail
Slaking was loathing around.
With a massive boom, fist collided into face. A massive gust of wind blew back as the lazy Pokémon was sent skimming over the floor. Crashing into the wall.
"Slaking is unable to battle!" The ref declared. "Making the winners of this round Ash and his Primeape!"
His fighting type collapsed down onto the floor, holding his fist whilst panting heavily. Sitting on the grass, he wiped a trail of sweat off his forehead.
"And Ketchum really makes a grand opening for the first full battle of this year's Hoenn League!" The announcer cheered amongst the roaring crowd, the pure glee in his voice brought a smile to his face. "Bringing out a self-created move, something not normally seen by anyone less than an elite four member!"
Feeling his heart swell at the praise, he turned to look back over the field. "How you feeling buddy? You wanna rest?"
The pig monkey Pokémon stood up and walked back over to his side. His mind thought back to the move they used. Of course, their intention has been to create a fighting type version of giga impact or hyper beam but it's more like an overheat with recoil from the blow.
"Nah." He shook his head. "If I'm gonna up my game then I need to keep going until it's over. However far I get, promise me that you'll let me fall."
"I can't promise you that," he replied, "I'm not going to let you hurt yourself unnecessarily... but if I do recall you then I won't send you back in."
Seeing the fighting type shrug, he turned and walked back out onto the grass. He could certainly understand the want to keep going and other Pokémon he has would do exactly the same... Meganium comes to mind... and Swellow... a lot of his female Pokémon actually.
His eyes met with the green-haired boy in the opposing trainer's box. He held the Pokéball containing his Slaking in his hand. Letting out a low sigh, he quickly attached it back to his belt. Glancing to his notebook, he seemed to scan something quickly before grabbing his second device.
"If power won't work then we'll use trickery!" Sawyer announced, holding a Pokéball out. "Go Banette!"
In the flash of a light, a dark gray doll-like Pokémon appeared on the grassy field. He had three short spikes on the head and a long zigzagging ribbon trailing off the back of the head. The mouth appeared to be some sort of zipper, and there were two purplish-pink eyes with slit pupils. The long, flat arms each had three-fingered hands, while the legs appeared short and stubby. A yellow, brush-like tail stuck out behind the new ghost. He scanned with his Pokédex:
Banette, The Marionette Pokémon. The final evolved form of Shuppet. Banette generates energy for laying strong curses by sticking pins into its own body. This Pokémon was originally a pitiful plush doll that was thrown away
Putting the device away, he frown at the match up. While his pig-monkey Pokémon has options to counter the type, he shook his head. Never being one to care much about type match up. Gym leaders literally make a career out of overcoming such disadvantages.
"And Ketchum hopes his Primeape can go two-for-two!" The announcer explained. "As Shōta hopes typing will put him back in this race!"
"Primeape verses Banette!" The ref declared. "Let the battle begin!"
Ash verses Sawyer: Round Two
He watched as the ghost type floated up into the air. Blue fire-balls orbited around him. Straightening up, his pig-monkey Pokémon seemed ready to dodge the will-o-wisp, but it wasn't needed. The fire-balls rained down as he spun over the field. Hitting the grass, walls of fire formed over the battlefield.
"We need to be careful!" Ash called out. "They're trying to limit our options so let's get going! Stomping tantrum for cover!"
Furiously stomping his feet in the ground, a massive dust cloud formed around him. Batting the flames away as it destroyed the greenery on the field.
Blocking the flames from containing his fighting type, a loud cry erupted from the dust. Primeape jumped up with his hands covered in dark type energy.
Smacking them into Banette's face, the ghost crashed down on the floor. Creating a shadow on the floor, he disappeared amongst the flames and dust.
Spinning in his flight, the pig-monkey Pokémon picked up momentum. Smashing down on the floor, a powerful seismic shockwave travelled on the floor.
Bursting out of the ground, Banette flew through his own fire wall. Lying on the ground, his body burned brightly.
"What a turn of events!" The announcer beamed. "Banette seems to be burned by his own move! Is there nothing Sawyer can do to take down Primeape?"
While he wanted to enjoy the combination, Ash couldn't. His fighting type was panting heavily and sweating buckets. Even if not burned by the flames, the intense heat was starting to affect him. He hadn't even recovered from the supreme smash used to end the first round.
"Now's our chance!" Sawyer hollered. "Speed!"
Disappearing back into a shadow on the floor, the pure ghost type shot across. With speed, he barely had time to even registrar a counter.
To his relief, Primeape was quicker on his feet. His hands radiated with dark type energy once more as he threw it in the direction of the ghost.
Leaping out of the ground, a red light shot out Banette's eyes. Shooting straight into Primeape's, he froze in place and hands faded back to normal.
Static electricity jumped off the Marionette Pokémon as he flew straight through his body. Wincing in place, his fighting type collapsed down onto one knee.
"Banette lures out his opponent and not on disables assurance but paralyzes Primeape in one go!" The announcer cheered. "Watch out folks!"
A wall of purple-ghost type energy formed and covered his fighting type, with the last of the dust cloud settling onto the field. Floating around his pig-monkey Pokémon, he threw a barrage of shadow balls onto him. Laughing manically as Ash tightly clutched the Pokéball on his belt.
The moment he went to recall him, his eyes burst open. Clenching a fist, he through it into the oncoming spooky-sphere.
It burst the shadow ball open and gathered ghost type energy around. An anger-filled rage cried out as he punched Sawyer's Pokémon in the face.
Flying across the field, he phased through the tree. Regaining control of his flight, the marionette Pokémon was engulfed by a red light.
"Sawyer has recalled his Banette!" The ref declared. "He'll need to select his next Pokémon to continue!"
Letting out a breath he didn't know he was holding, he watched Primeape slowly walk back across the mostly destroyed grass field. Static sparked off his body whilst panting heavily. He might not have taken much of a beating from the ghost but given his personality, he'd likely have preferred it.
"And Shōta makes full use of the switching feature!" The announcer declared. "But having reveal half his team might be a downfall for later in the match!"
Staring over the field, he noticed the green-haired boy furiously flicking through his book. His eyes darted from side to side as he tried to find notes.
"Come on Sawyer?!" He called out. "You can't just rely on those notes! Show us what you've experienced during your journey and give them a true match to remember!"
Seeing the blank stare for a couple moments being replaced with a confident smirk brought a smile to his own face. The green-haired boy switched his notebook with a Pokéball.
"Some words of encouragement from his opponent seems to have refocused Sawyer's attention!" The announcer declared. "So, let's see how this'll effect the battle going forward!"
"Your turn, Salamence!" Sawyer yelled.
In a flash of light, the quadrupedal, draconic Pokémon with a long, tapering tail materialised. While slightly smaller than J's, which is the one he's had the most contact with, he couldn't deny the presence he felt. This was a pseudo legendary for a reason. The large red-wings blew slightly as he let out an ear-bursting roar. With a loud roar, he noticed his fighting type grimace. He pulled out his Pokédex to scan the pseudo legendary
Salamence. The Dragon Pokémon. The final evolved form of Bagon. It flies around on its wings, which have grown in at last. In its happiness, it gushes hot flames, burning up everything it passes over. It finally achieved its life-long dream of soaring the skies
"Primeape!" He called out, putting his device away. "You sure your still good to go?"
Receiving a single nod with disgruntled snort, he walked back out onto the field. The static made each of his movements rigid.
"And Sawyer switches in his pseudo legendary to match Ash's Primeape!" The announcer explained. "Being his third consecutive fight in a row and with the typing, its clear Ketchum is on the back foot for this round. Question is, what does he have planned for this dangerous opponent?"
He couldn't deny that he's sure this will be his pig-monkey's final battle today. Not to say they won't try but this'll be more about identifying the dragons weak points and setting up for the others before he goes down. Primeape's tough but he also knows the likelihood of the battles outcome.
"Primeape verses Salamence!" The ref declared. "Let the battle begin!"
Ash verses Sawyer: Round Three
He narrowed his gaze as he realised the static would make a close up encounter next to impossible. At least for a straight shot. The mighty dragon let out an ear-bursting roar, spewing out a stream of flames. Seeing the cover they'd need, he smirked. "Run straight in!"
His fighting type charged into the flames with rugged movements thanks to the static. Performing a roll, he skimmed underneath burning river of flames.
"What could Ash be thinking?!" The announcer asked. "I don't know about you folks, but I don't see how-
The commentary died upon his pig-monkey emerging on the other side. Powering up a fire punch with the available flames, he upper-cut the pseudo, cancelling the flamethrower.
"Warrior's eye!" He hollered.
Using the moment of stunned pause, Primeape lept onto the dragon's back. Grabbing onto the scuff of his neck, he held on as he attempted to shake him off.
The giant red wings began flapping as he hopped off the ground. Extending one hand out like a karate chop, he sliced it down onto the centre where neck met body.
Stunning the movements of the lower body, the wings froze. His fighting type held on tight as they crashed back down on the mostly burned field.
Using the crash as an opening, he delivered two punches onto the back where wing met body. Their opponent struggled back to his feet as his pig monkey slid off.
Static overtook his body and he remained froze to the side. The blue tail shimmered in metal, striking him away.
"It seems Ash's Primeape has a second unique move which has seriously restricted Salamence's movements!" The announcer declared. "Just what other surprises await us from Ketchum and his fighting type?! Only one way to find out!"
Rearing up onto his back legs, the wings flapped frantically. Unable to take the form to create lift, it just blew a wind across the field.
Grunting as he pushed himself up, the static and makeshift gust held Primeape in place. Stomping down onto the ground, he entered a run.
Claws burned with dark blue flame as he covered the battlefield. Crashing into the pig-monkey Pokémon, he brought the claw down on his head.
With swift flick of the head, he shot out a sphere of dragon type energy. Striking Primeape in the back, he landed flat on his back.
"Primeape is unable to battle!" The ref declared. "Making the winners of this round Sawyer and his Salamence!"
He pulled his device out and quickly recalled the pure fighting type. Once he was safe in the Pokéball, he stared down and smiled. It might seem even because the score is one-to-one, but he really did a number on both Banette and Salamence. He certainly gave them an edge to start of this match.
Glancing up as he attached the device to his belt, he frowned. A red light engulfed Salamence as he returned into his own device. He couldn't help but smirk as he saw the look in the studious boy's eyes. He could already his plan, let his powerhouse rest up and recover from the match and keep him on the back foot with disadvantaged match ups. It's a pretty cleaver play on his part, but it'll take more than that to win the battle.
"Since Ash lost the last round, he's required to reveal his Pokémon first!" The ref declared.
Running through his team, he realised it didn't really matter because Sawyer will get the benefit of picking a counter. His eyes scanned the field and her smirked seeing the flames burning the last part of the grass away. He quickly pulled the device off his belt.
"I choose you, Swellow!" He shouted.
In a flash, his normal flying type materialised in the air. Soaring around like some sort of bird of prey, she made a steep dive. Landing directly in the flames, she seemed to bath as her wings spread out, letting out a vicious battle cry as she embraced the heat, quickly burning herself.
"And Ketchum goes with a feisty Swellow as his second Pokémon!" the announcer declared. "We'll have to see how her self-inflicted burn will play out!"
His eyes locked onto the green-haired boy. "You know, Ash. I was afraid you'd bring Swellow. Even back in your Rustboro gym match, she proved herself."
"What can I say, Sawyer?" he asked. "We're just getting started and we play on making it all the way in this league."
The flock leader let out her own battle squawk as she walked out into the centre of his half of the field. Despite the burning feathers, she didn't show any signs of pain or discomfort. A red outline of her guts activating radiated off her as their opponent pulled out a Pokéball.
"We'll need to see about that," he replied, sending out his next Pokémon, "I need you again, Banette!"
Seeing the ghost once more caused him to frown. He had two guesses on why Sawyer picked him. Either he's got a strategy designed to beat her specific for this battler or he just really doesn't want to reveal more of his team so early. Either way, it doesn't really matter.
"Swellow verses Banette!" The ref declared. "Let the battle begin!"
Ash verses Sawyer: Round Four
He inwardly smirked as his female bird shot into the sky, even without using quick attack it was hard to keep track. Their opponent tried to follow but couldn't match her speed. As she evened out, her white underside helping to camouflage with the clouds. Banette began to dive back down to the floor.
Spreading her wings, she shot down as a metal shimmer sparkled under the sun. Quickly, catching the ghost, she spun to knock him off to the side.
Flames surrounded her body once more as she evened out. Her beak extended and glew as she charged straight in.
"Disable!" Sawyer shouted.
Looking up, two red beams shot out of each of his eyes. Shooting straight through his normal flying type, she seemed to momentarily freeze.
Her beak returned to normal as the ghost type slid under her stomach. Shooting out a multicoloured beam of psychic energy, it struck her underside.
Entering a roll through the air, she crashed into the charred trunk of one of the trees. Her talons locked in, absorbing most of the force.
"Now charge beam!" the green-haired boy hollered.
Landing on the life-less ground, the marionette Pokémon held his hands together. A ball of electricity formed, bursting out in a condensed beam.
"Let's use it Swellow and that trick from Winona!" He threw his own fist into the air. "Thunder Armor!"
Kicking off from the tree, bits of ash crumbled beneath. Charging into the electrical beam, she aimed her beak to pierce the attack. Her wings spread and shimmered in metal once more. Breaking into the electric type move, she didn't even flinch. Flames and static battled as her wings conducted the element.
"Shadow sneak and lets recuperate!" Sawyer yelled in a panic.
Smirking as the beam stopped, a shadow diving down into the ground. He locked eyes with his bird, she already knew what to do.
Doubling her speed, she crashed into the ghost a second before he merged into the ground. Planting her talons in the ground she stood tall
"Sh-she unlocked her hidden ability?!" He gasped.
Banette crashed over the floor, landing on his stomach. Flames erupted over his bird as he felt a smirk overtake his lips.
"Yep!" he replied, "upon her evolution. We just needed to keep it secret until it was need. Now Facade!"
She jumped forward with a red outline darkening around her body. Bringing her wing down onto his head, she started a brutal assault. Using her wings, beak, and talons, she relentlessly beat on the marionette Pokémon. Ending with a round-house kick, knocking him in front of his trainer.
"Banette is unable to battle!" The ref declared. "Making the winners of this round Ash and his Swellow!"
He smiled widely as his fully evolved normal flying type turned to face him. Rolling her wings back, ignoring the flames around her, she cracked her head to both sides. Strolling back over the devastated rocky ground which use to house a luscious green garden.
"Please tell me that it'll get better," she uttered.
"He's brought his Salamence." He informed.
"Great!" She roared with a certain glee. "I've always wanted to beat a dragon! That queenie at the lab was too scared to face me in a fight."
"You mean Dragonite?" he asked, quirking an eyebrow up.
"Never bothered to learn her name," she replied.
"-go!" Sawyer's voice drew their attention. His swallow Pokémon turned and stood tall against their next opponent.
In a flash of light, one of the species he's probably seen more than most during Hoenn appeared. Between their duels with the members of Magma and facing this very one himself, not to mention the grandma from the Winstrate family, he's got quite the experience with Camerupt. Glancing around the field, a rocky ground with small fires seems like the perfect setting for him. Silently shrugging to himself, he pulled out his Pokédex:
Camerupt, The Eruption Pokémon. The final evolved form of Numel. The humps on Camerupt's back are formed by a transformation of its bones. They sometimes blast out molten magma. This Pokémon apparently erupts often when it is enraged
Going over his previous encounters in his head, he put the device away, they're slow but powerful. Of course, the best way to victory would be cooling his internal magma but Corphish who did that before isn't registrared. His only option for that root would be-
"Swellow might've beat Banette, but this is the Pokémon I truly prepared to face her." Sawyer voice drew him out of his thoughts. Locking eyes with the studious boy on the opposite side of the battlefield. "Camerupt is the perfect counter for her. We knew the likelihood you'd bring her today."
That did it. Seeing the narrowed gaze of the field, the fact she was heavily outweighed didn't really matter right now. Regardless of wanting to keep the lead, he already knew what the next match up would be. Normally he'd have full confidence in her, but Swellow is one Pokémon Sawyer has seen the most.
"Would me trying to talk you out of this help?" he asked his normal flying type.
"Why?" she asked.
"Because he clearly wants you in this battle," he replied, "and remember, if you lose here then you don't get to face Salamence."
"Easy, I won't lose then," she shrugged, turning back to face them, "if facing me is what he wants then it's his mistake to make. I can handle a little heat."
Sighing, he pinched the bridge of his nose. Glancing up to the board, he can already see he's in the lead and thinking about it, he doesn't really have a good counter on hand for the fire ground type. Despite his gut telling him the green-haired boy has a plan, he needs to trust she can handle herself.
"Swellow verses Camerupt!" The ref declared. "Let the battle begin!"
Ash verses Sawyer: Round Five
He smirked as she jumped off the ground. Tucking her talons in, she spread her wings. Shooting out across the field, her wings shimmered in metal as their opponents head did the same. Smashing head on, the fire ground type barely moved an inch as she took off into the sky.
Lava and black smoke erupted out of the eruption Pokémon's humps. Spewing up towards his normal flying type, consuming the sky.
Spinning and spiralling across the ground, she kept one step ahead. Skilfully flying up through the lava plume, she performed a u-turn mid-air.
Diving back into the cover, her wings closed together. Disappearing from sight, a heavy thud echoed as the collision was covered from sight.
Swellow shot parallel to the ground with a smirk on her face. The ground started to rumble, and she landed, facing the cloud of smoke and ash once more.
"Come on, I want you to do. I want you to do it," she uttered barely above a whisper. Camerupt stampeded across the field. "Come on hit me! Hit me!"
Leaping up onto his face, her talons stuck into his snout earning a pain-filled cry. Repeatedly slapping her wings into either side of his head.
Shaking his head to try and throw her off, the eruption Pokémon veered off course. Both Pokémon went tumbling toward the stadiums wall.
Letting go of her opponent, she used the wind making up the power barrier to soar over. Flames consumed her body as Camerupt crashed. Rearing back from the collision, a small puff of smoke exhaled over the flaming bird. Coughing violently, she crashed down onto the scorched earth field.
"Swellow!" He called out as she rolled onto her stomach, using her wings to push herself up. "We need a plan of attack! Now Camerupt are energised by-"
"I have a plan!" She cried, kicking off the ground into a head on charge. "Attack!"
Soaring over the field, she crashed her beak into his forehead. Bringing her wings down onto his head, she lept over top. Her wings shimmered in metal and smashed into his hump. Diving down to the side, she swooped underneath and whacked the front knee, causing him to stumble over.
Letting out a loud cry, massive rock spikes erupted out of the ground as she soared away. The fire ground type struggled back up as she escaped.
"You ready to try my plan now?" he asked.
Swellow kicked off the ground, avoiding the rock tomb completely. Checking out the new field lay out, her path seemed more direct and closed off.
"Hit even harder?" she squawked. "If you say so!"
Sighing, he pinched the bridge of his nose. Evening out close to the ground, she weaved between the rocks closing in once more.
With a mighty roar, a stream of flames spewed out of Camerupt's mouth. His female bird didn't even try to dodge, raving in the pain of the flamethrower.
"What can stop your Swellow?!" Sawyer yelled with a hint of disbelief. "How is that even possible?!"
His eyes narrowed as a tint of blue radiated off her. Crashing into the eruption Pokémon. A fiery ball engulfed both of them, erupting upwards, revealing the two Pokémon on the ground next to each other. Swirls replaced both sets of eyes.
"Both Pokémon are unable to continue!" The ref declared. "Because Sawyer has lost three of his Pokémon, we'll take a fifthteen minute intermission!"
She smiled down to the field as Ash recalled the normal flying type. The crowd cheered as both trainers walk off the field, which sunk below, being replace with the normal linings whilst awaiting the second half. Glancing around, she noticed many of the spectators standing, their feet clanking the metal floor.
"How did Swellow pull that off?!" Max practically jumped out of his seat.
"Endevour," she replied, "she knew it was gonna be an all or nothing. Despite her confidence, she knew her raw strength couldn't match Camerupt."
"Sawyer would've accounted for it-" Max stopped as she flashed him a smirk.
"Usually, especially after her domination over Vigoroth before Sootopolis!" She stretched her arms above her head. "But that's why Ash kept talking."
"Huh?"
"Swellow isn't exactly the strategic type and they both know it," Brock explained, "by making it seem like she's ignoring him, it gave Sawyer a false sense of security. If she didn't believe she could take him down, even with endeavour then she would've given in."
"How can, you be sure?" he asked.
"Because she'd have had the chance to fight a Salamence." She smiled. "They might've scraped her pride when Camerupt came out, but she isn't stupid."
"Anyway, what did you make of Primeape?" Brock asked. "He seemed on top form to me."
"He was great!" The young trainer beamed. "But why hasn't Ash been picking better match ups? He could've switched to Swellow when Banette first-"
"I'mma say it's more what the Pokémon wanted. Both Swellow and Primeape are pretty blunt," she explained, "And using their brute strength has left him and the others in a stronger position going into the second half. Which is great because they're a lot less prideful."
"You know who he's bringing?" he asked.
"Of course," she replied.
"Any hints?" he asked.
"Nope." She smirked. Poking the tip of her tongue out. "Where would the fun be in telling?"
"Alright folks, it's time to get back to this exciting second half of the opening match to Hoenn's top eight tournament between Ash and Sawyer!" The announcer declared as both trainers walked back out. "And this time it'll be on a water field! Ketchum shall select his Pokémon first."
"This isn't good," she mumbled. Eyes glued as the basic field slid back to reveal a water pool with two white floats in the centre.
"What isn't?" Max asked.
"Out of his line up... I think this might be the worst field possible for-"
"I choose you, Duskull!" She watched his first capture in Hoenn materialise, floating over the crystal-clear water. Pinching her lips together, she frowned as a familiar dragon from the first half. He stood on the floating platform with his head, tail and wings overflowing due to the size.
"This is gonna be a tough match up for Ash," Brock uttered, "Salamence is a powerful opponent and Duskull isn't about raw power. I think Sawyer wants to even up the numbers."
"Then why isn't Ash switching to a more favourable match up?" he asked.
"Because he has a plan," she muttered.
"Do you think he'll win?" Max asked.
Unable to tear her eyes away, she clasped her hands together and held them up to her mouth. With her elbows resting on her knees, she felt her heart thump harder with each passing second. She really can't be certain about this opening match... but she knows he'll win the battle as a whole. He has too.
"Duskull verses Salamence!" The ref declared. "Let the battle begin!"
Ash verses Sawyer: Round Six
He smirked at the sight of the pseudo legend flapping his red-wings. While able to get a little height, it was clear Primeape's pressure point punches were still effecting him.
Floating in place, blue balls of fire orbited around his body. One by one they shot up after the fully evolved opponent. An ear-bursting roar rumbled the stadium as the mighty dragon spewed a dark-blue dragon flame from his mouth. Seeing the dragon breathing consume his will-o-wisps, Duskull moved.
Racing around the field, walls of fire blocked his path. For a split second his eye glew bright blue. "Shadow sneak straight up!"
Climbing at a direct ninety-degree angle, his body turned into a shadow. Weaving between the flames, he crashed into his stomach. Disappearing from sight.
"Guess we'll just need to set up!" Sawyer declared. "Dragon dance."
"Don't let it!" He hollered.
A red outline radiated off the pseudo's body, as his pure ghost type appeared on top of Salamence. Shooting a red beam out of his eye, it struck his back. All colour seemed to drain from their opponent as bright balls of energy shot from the sky. Using another shadow sneak, Duskull avoided his own future sight.
His eyes widened as Sawyer pulled out his Pokéball, already seeing where the green-haired boy was going. "Mean look!" He hollered.
Stopping in front of the pained face, his eye shot out a second red light. Engulfing the dragon in his own light, it blocked the light from his Pokéball.
"And Ash traps Salamence into the fight!" The announcer declared. "But we've got to ask if the ghost can truly handle the pseudo powerhouse?!"
Using the momentary stun, he formed and fired another will-o-wisp. Thanks to the short distance it struck his face, setting the dragon ablaze.
Throwing himself forward, his jaw foamed with dark type energy. Snapping down on his ghost, he swung his head side-to-side.
Duskull came crashing down and plopped into the water. A fiery blue followed with the mighty dragon diving after him.
"Twister!" Sawyer yelled.
Seeing the cyclone of water erupt from within the pool, a smile formed on Ash's face. Remembering his first league conference when he had Gyarados do a similar move during the Kanto league. Shaking his head, he notice the water spitting everywhere, soaking himself through.
Realising that his ghost was somewhere in the mess, he took a deep breath. "Hex into the tornado!"
Watching the cyclone closely, he noticed a tint of purple coloured the storm. It waved between the water, darkening or lightening in the flow.
A mighty cry echoed from within the storm. Breaking apart the storm, the pseudo legend began flying out as the water crashed back down.
Landing on the platform, a mystic heal glow lightened his body. His eyes glanced around in a panic. "Duskull!"
His ghost type phased up through the platform, landing on his back. Panting heavily, he shook the water off and slowly floated up
"With roost we're gonna need to up our game!" He shouted, grabbing his ghost types attention. "Use curse!"
Turning around, he requiem Pokémon charged into the pseudo. Salamence attempted to crunch him once more but couldn't react in time. Duskull entered his body. A dark outline surrounded his body. His eyes bulged despite the eyebrows narrowing. Wrinkles consumed his face as his nose twitched in anger.
Shooting out of the back of the dragon, his ghost looked ready to fall. He couldn't even attempt to dodge the tail which shimmered in metal.
Crashing into the pool, he bobbed up with a swirl replacing his singular red eyes. Offering a sympathetic smile, he recalled his first caught Hoenn mon.
"Duskull is unable to battle!" The ref declared. "Making the winners Sawyer and Salamence!"
Whispering a word of thanks to the device, he clipped it back onto his belt. Looking across the field, he saw the green-haired boy recall his own Pokémon from the field. Inwardly smirking, he knew the boy would bring Sceptile as his starter and arguably his strongest Pokémon but that was part of his plan.
"Shōta manages to even up the score but not without Salamence taking the toll!" The announcer declared. "Now the question we're all asking is, will he be able to keep up this momentum or will Ketchum turn it back around?! It's still all to play for in this exciting opening match to the winner's tournament!"
"You know, Sawyer, I knew given the chance to set up, Salamence would be a problem for us!" He smiled, producing a Pokéball. "Which is why I had both Duskull and Primeape limit him before they fell. Now let's get this second half truly moving! I choose you, Seviper!"
His poisonous serpent landed on the floating platform closest to him. Letting out a low hiss, she crouched her head whilst letting her dagger tail swayed.
"Don't forget we saw her swimming ability back in the Sootopolis gym!" Sawyer beamed, producing a Pokéball in hand. "You're up, Scizor!"
In a flash of light, the red bipedal metal covered bug materialised on the opposite platform. His razor-sharp pincers snapped together in an aggressive manner as the wings popped out, casting his shadow over his poison type. Pulling out his Pokédex, he scanned the bug steel type:
Scizor, The Pincer Pokémon. A final evolved form of Scyther. Once it has identified something as an enemy, it will continue beating them with its steel-hard pincers until there's nothing left but scraps. They were once known to train humans as warriors in ancient times
Putting the device away, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Part of him wished he still had Primeape available or even Swellow since this steel type would prove a problem but given the circumstances, he couldn't worry about what if now. Reopening his eyes, he let a soft smile rest upon his lips.
"Seviper verses Scizor!" The ref declared. "Let the battle begin!"
Ash verses Sawyer: Round Seven
His brow narrowed as the bug steel type shot across the field, his beating wings creating ripples in the water. The large pincers shimmered in a silver metal colour. Within seconds he stood in front of his pure poison type, rapidly punching down with speed.
"Coil into wrap!" He instructed. "Trap him!"
Grunting within the assault, he body piled up on the platform. Opening her mouth, she took a bullet punched inside, allowing her to bite down hard.
Being pulled back, her body used the opportunity to constrict around his waist and shoulders. Restricting the movements and ending the initial assault.
"Throw her off!" Sawyer yelled.
Tightening her grip, Seviper spat the metal claw out. Her head hissed right next to his as the pincer Pokémon wobbled back and forth.
"Glare then let's go for a swim!" He instructed.
Bringing her head round despite the struggle, she locked eyes with her prey. Two red beams shot from her eyes into Scizor's.
Static jumped off the metal body as she let go of her grip. Slithering into the pool, tried to use her tail to drag him in with one leg.
With closed eyes, he seemed to vibrate in place as if meditating. Throwing his claw down, it snapped down on the bridge of her tail, causing her to let go of the bug steel type. A black shadow could be seen under the water as he returned to the meditative pose.
His eyes widened remembering his Torkoal's own reactive style. Of course, he caught Scizor in the valley of steel, so he'd have similar training and tactics.
"Now!" Sawyer yelled.
Shooting up off the platform, he floated around in the air. Slashes of wind shot down into the water, aimed for his pure poison type.
"They can see you!" He shouted.
Moments later a thick black smog emerged from the water. Covering the huntress from sight completely.
Seviper, presumably needing air, pounced up. With an open mouth, foaming of dark type energy, she aimed straight for his leg.
An air cutter came down and struck her face, knocked her back into the black-pool. Static overtook his body, causing the bug to splash down himself.
Narrowing his eyes, he tried to make out the fang-snake Pokémon but to no-avail. Their opponent treaded water as he swam over to the platform he originally started on. Sticking out like a sore thump within the completely-haze covered arena. Climbing up, he coughed whilst on his hands and knees.
His pure poison type pounced up after him, landing beside the bug steel type. Using her superior speed to constrict him once more.
"Use Poison tail repeatedly!" He shouted. Seeing the weird look from the huntress, he tightened his fist. "Trust me! I've got a plan!"
Raising her dagger-tail, the tip glew a venomous purple. Slashing it around, it harmlessly bounced off the metal body of Scizor as he struggled back up.
"Ketchum seems to be making a big mistake by trying to hurt a steel type with some poison type moves!" The announcer declared. "It looks like this could-"
"Venoshock!" He cut the announcer off.
Opening her mouth, a bright purple liquid shot out. Drenching both Scizor and the platform, it collided with the sparks from the poison tails bouncing off the metal body. A flame ignited setting the toxic ooze into a makeshift flamethrower. Consuming the pincer Pokémon and spreading over the platform.
Releasing her grip, she dived back into the water, disappearing from sight. He watched the bug steel type struggle against the flames to join her.
"That's game set and match Sawyer!" He called out. "Scizor can't handle the flames and Seviper has the advantage in the water."
As if to prove his point, a glimpse of the fang-snake appeared wrapping around the pincer Pokémon. Dragging him under the surface into the unknown.
"He might have a type immunity but he's in no-condition to fight her right now," he explained, "there no shame in calling a battle already lost."
Biting down on his inner cheek, every so often Scizor or Seviper would emerge for breath before being dragged back under. He tightened his fist, not the greatest fan of this style but he knew it was his best chance. While it's a tough lesson, he couldn't deny being happy to have learnt it himself as a new trainer.
"Alright!" He called out. "Scizor can't battle like this! I'm forfeiting him from this battle."
"Let him go!" He instantly followed.
Moments later the bug steel type burst up from the pool, panting heavily. Weaking climbing up to the platform by Ash, a red light consumed his body.
"Scizor has been declared unable to continue by his trainer!" The ref declared. "Making the winners of this round Ash and his Seviper!"
Glancing down to the pool, he saw some light ripples in the water from his venomous snake. Pulling out his own Pokéball, he recalled her and smiled at the device. She maybe the vicious sort but at least she's listening to him more. "Good job and rest up."
"Ketchum makes a surprise turn around in what seemed to be a sure-victory for young Sawyer!" The announcer declared. "By turning the field into an attack, itself and not letting up the kid from Pallet town has once again taken the lead but will he be able to handle the rest of his opponents team?"
"You really surprised me there, Ash!" Sawyer admitted. "How did you know that would work?"
"We didn't, not definitively at least." He shrugged. "I just trust in my Pokémon... I also focused on what I knew of Torkoal's style, since he ended up training the Aggron who likely trained your Scizor during the valley and out of all my Hoenn Pokémon, she got closest to beating him initially."
"Well, we won't fall for such a thing again." He declared, producing a Pokéball. "I need you again Salamence!"
In a flash of light, the pseudo-legendary appeared once more. Standing on the burning platform, he let out a loud roar. Despite the sweat covering his forehead, either from the flames or his previous encounter covering, he still had that intimidating factor.
"Sawyer... You've really come a long way from the day we first met." He pulled out a Pokéball. "But I'm afraid we're not losing again. I choose Glalie!"
His pure ice type materialised floating over the platform on his side. A cool mist radiated off his body as he grinned with a low chuckle.
"Guess he wants a rematch?" he asked.
"No... no." He shook his head. "I don't think Glalie is one to hold grudges... He just happens to be my best option to face Salamence."
"You won't win on typing alone-"
"Who said that we were planning on it?" he smirked.
Locking eyes with the young boy, he felt his heart thump harder. Assuming he's right about Sceptile then his final three mon shouldn't have a problem and there's no way Salamence had long enough to rest... Duskull's attempts to hinder him should still be able to help them out in this match.
"Glalie verses Salamence!" The ref declared. "Let the battle begin!"
Ash verses Sawyer: Round Eight
His pure ice type spun out to the side as a searing flamethrower roared over the field. Letting out an artic blast from his mouth, Glalie moved around his side, keeping clear of the fire-breath. Fire erupted around the red-winged dragon from Duskull's previous burn. Acting like a shield against the icy wind.
"Look out!" Ash shouted.
His warning came too late as the flaming tail whacked straight into the face Pokémon. Knocking him into the water, he resurfaced quickly, shaking himself dry.
"We're going to need to get some air!" He instructed.
In the blink of an eye, his newest team member shot high. Evening out around the highest seats in the stands. A cool mist helped block him from view.
The pseudo legend took his bait. Ascending at a slower rate, you could feel the power with each flap of his wings. His flames washing away in his tailwind.
A spew of razor-sharp icicles shot down, skimming off the dragon's body. Doing little to prevent his rampage, he shot a burning flamethrower into the mist.
Bursting through the light barrier, it seemed useless as Glalie emerged underneath the blue dragon. Balls of ice formed between his horns, shooting up.
One by one he let out a series of ice spheres. Their opponent thrashed around trying to meet him, but his ice type kept just out of view.
"Sorry to say Sawyer but this is where we're pulling away." He informed, drawing the green-haired boys attention. "I knew coming into this battle we'd have two major threats and a possible third. The third being Slaking, assuming he evolved since our last match and Primeape spent a lot of time training against Norman's as a way to be prepped for it. As for Salamence and Sceptile... well-"
"Salamence get back down here!" He turned back up to the pending battle. "They're planning something!"
With a mighty roar, the pseudo dragon dived down. Easily tripling in speed, he dived down and crashed into the pool.
"Use the ice counter shield!" He countered.
His pure ice type had another ice ball form between his horns. Diving down, an ice beam shot out, but it barely moved an inch above him. Spiralling around him as his body rotated whilst falling. An ice cocoon formed around him, taking on a sort of drill shape.
Bursting up and climbing onto the platform, Salamence shook his body. "Flamethrower!" Sawyer yelled. With another cry, a searing flamethrower roared.
Striking the ice drill, steam flew off. Mist created a tailwind as the ice shrunk, his face Pokémon slowly becoming visible from his protective shield.
"Headbutt straight between the wings!" He hollered.
Ducking out of the melting cocoon, he used the built-up momentum. Crashing down straight onto the back, the pseudo cried out in pain.
With his opponent collapsed on his side, Glalie took his opportunity. Floating up from the impact, he formed another ice beam in his horns. Spinning around, he shot it straight down onto the dragon Pokémon. A cool mist expanded out, covering the initial hit.
Moments later, his face Pokémon floated over to him. As he reached his side, the mist faded to reveal swirls in Salamence's eyes.
"Salamence is unable to battle!" The ref declared. "Making the winners of this round Ash and his Glalie!"
He embraced his ice type with a hug. Shivering slightly from his cool-body temperature, he let out a joyous laugh. "Wait to go buddy! You did great out there!"
Letting him go, the face Pokémon floated back out over the field. Giving him chance to take in the sight of the field, he saw Sawyer holding his Pokéball in hand, whispering to it. Clipping it back to his belt, he looked back and locked eyes with himself.
"How did you plan that out?" he asked. "You only saw Salamence battle once... shortly after evolving."
"I'm gonna let you in on a secret, Sawyer, none of this has been planned. We've taken the situations as they arise." He shrugged. "Sure, I knew you'd panic if you thought we had a plan, but we didn't know what that panic would cause you to do. I just knew you're the biggest threat when you've got a strategy and you have a clear mind to pull it off. Creating that panic was more of just a way of evening the playing field."
"B-but you-"
"Do we come up with some strategies beforehand?" he asked. "Sure. But honestly, I was expecting Swellow to be the one to face Salamence. She's been pretty vocal about getting the chance to battle a dragon. You just ended that idea by going after her ego... with Camerupt being the perfect counter."
"What about Primeape and Slaking?" he asked.
"That was true... but it was also mostly because he was the strongest opponent we could find-" He shrugged. "Nothing to do with you potentially having one."
"With Sawyer down to his last Pokémon, and Ketchum still having three of his left and one still unknown its clear who the battle is in favour off!" The announcer declared. "But we've seen from behind victories in the past! Can the Hoenn-town hero pull off what would be a massive upset?!"
"What do you say, Sawyer?" he asked. "Ready to give these guys a battle worthy of opening the top eight?"
"Sure am!" He smirked, holding a Pokéball out. "Let's go Sceptile!"
In a flash of light, a reptilian bipedal Pokémon materialised. He had a somewhat long neck and two crests on top of his head. He had semi-circular, yellow eyes with red rims, one had a scar slashed over. A lower jaw and belt-like band across the waist in the same colour. Two lines running along the back, down the middle with two rows of yellow bulbs shaped like seeds. A long tail hung behind, shaped like a palm tree's branch. Both of the long arms had two sharp, elongated leaves and three claws. Wanting a quick refresher, he pulled out his Pokédex to check out the starter Pokémon:
Sceptile, The Forest Pokémon. The final evolved form of Treecko. Sceptile has seeds growing on its back. They are said to be bursting with nutrients that revitalize trees. This Pokémon raises the trees in a forest with loving care. While the blades on its arms can cut through hundred-year-old trees
"Not gonna lie, Sawyer, this is one battle I've very much been looking forward to!" He smirked. "What do you say, Glalie? Wanna go for a second round?!"
Letting out a joyous cheer, a smirk took over his face. He couldn't help but smile at the confidence the young mon possessed. It seemed like only yesterday he was a troublesome Snorunt from a small island wanting to run from his mother. He's grown so far in such a short amount of time too.
"Glalie verses Sceptile!" The ref declared. "Let the battle begin!"
Ash verses Sawyer: Round Nine
He smiled as the two Pokémon charged headfirst towards each other. Several icicles shot out of the face Pokémon as he closed in, blocking the incoming barrage off bullet seeds. With great speed, the pure grass type bounced off the surface of the water, reaching the platform next to Ash.
"We're gonna need to slow him down!" Ash instructed. "Keep moving and use icy wind!"
Without hesitation, he spun on his axes and continued to zoom around the field. Letting out a cool icy breath as he covered the field.
A cool mist formed over the field, helping cover his ice type from view. Sceptile, however, still stuck out like a tall-sore-green thumb.
"Hiding won't help this time, remember Sceptile live in forests!" Sawyer's voice informed. "His senses are keen. Even the slightest movement will make a noise which we can pick up on. There's nowhere for your Glalie to hide!"
Letting out an ear-bursting screech, the sound waves blew a chunk of the mist away. Crashing into the face Pokémon, he was blown back.
Slamming into the stadium wall, he shook his head. A green glow of a leaf blade shone through the remaining light mist.
"Who said we were hiding?" he asked. "That's Seviper's things, no Glalie's!"
Zooming to the side, the grass starter turned to try and follow... but continued along his same path. Crashing into the stadium wall, the rest of the mist faded.
Revealing his ice types handy work. The entire water field was frozen over, creating a sort of skating ring or ice field in its path.
"Now for the fun to begin!" He smirked. "Double team and ice shard!"
Letting out a joyous laugh, his ice type copied himself over the entire field. Floating over the now-ice field, each of them had a sphere of ice form in the horns.
"Don't get confused, Sceptile!" Sawyer shouted. "Just focus!"
Closing his eyes, the king of the forest took a couple steps back on the ice. His arms crossed like some sort of meditative pose as the ice shards fired.
Within seconds his ice burst open, and he spun his tail around. Iron shimmered over the tree as it crashed into the ice shard, shattering it. Crashing down onto the floor, chunks of ice broke off. Running forward, his feet seemed to use the debris as skates to control his movements.
Not being one to sit still, the real Glalie attempted to rush out of the way. While most of the clones faded from lack of concentration.
Skidding to a halt, a green sphere of grass type energy formed at his mouth. Sceptile launched his energy which smashed straight into his ice types back.
"Glalie return!" He hollered, pulling out his Pokéball. Sighing once he was safe, he held the device close. "Thank you, the ice field will help more than you could know. Rest up because I don't know how the rest of this is going to play out. I might need you to make another appearance."
"Ash has recalled his Glalie!" The ref declared. "He'll need to select his next Pokémon to continue!"
"I choose you!" He tossed his next device in the air. "Seviper!"
She landed on the ice field, shivering slightly as he caught her Pokéball. Locking eyes with her next opponent, she put on a stoic expression, letting out a low hiss whilst crouching. Her tongue gently pocked out as her dagger-tail waved back and forth.
"Seviper verses Sceptile!" The ref declared. "Let the battle begin!"
As their opponent took off once more, making a charge for his pure poison type. Seviper let out a thick black smoke from her mouth, engulfed the upper half of the ice field, she disappeared from sight. The grass starter burst out the other side, sliding to a stop, seeming confused about his targets disappearance.
"You just need to listen!" Sawyer instructed. "Just like before!"
Closing his eyes, he took up the same meditative stance. After nearly ten-seconds, his expression dropped, and face scrunched up together.
"I'm afraid that won't work here!" He informed. "Seviper's specialty is hunting. Glalie might not be good at covering his tracks, but she is."
Sceptile's eyes burst open, and his body erupted with a green light. Glowing leaves shot out of his body with a wind vortexing around him.
Blowing the smoke away, he noticed his serpent no-where in sight. The field didn't even seem disturbed like when she dug before.
"What?!" Sawyer gasped.
Cracks formed in the ice behind the grass starter. Shooting up from behind, she wrapped around her prey. Both her tail and fangs glew bright purple.
"How?!" The young boy blinked, seemingly frozen in place.
Striking him with both of her main weapons, she infused her venomous toxins. Constricting harder as his thrashed around him.
"Remember the iron tail which broke the field?" he asked. "She used that to make it less obvious where she went."
The yellow bulbs on his back glew bright. Bursting off, it struck her body and knocked her off. Spinning on the spot, his large tail knocked her away. Looking closely, he saw a purple mark over the starters face. A green outline radiated off his body once more and his eyes widened.
"Return Seviper!" The red light engulfed his poisonous serpent. The second leaf storm fading. "Great work. Now rest up, you've done a good job so far."
"Ash has recalled his Seviper!" The ref declared. "He'll need to select his next Pokémon to continue!"
"So, whose the last entry in this battle?" Sawyer asked. "Torkoal? Metang? Gardevoir?"
"Oh Sawyer... Everyone so far, you've had some experience with. Even Primeape." He pulled out another Pokéball. "I wanted to pick someone you've never battled before or even met... which means I'll choose you, Venusaur!"
With a heavy thud, his fully evolved kanto starter landed on the make-shift icefield. Leaving a few cracks where he hit, slowly walking onto the frozen platform in front of him. The two fully evolved grass starters stared each other down as the crowd above went silent.
"Venusaur verses Sceptile!" The ref declared. "Let the battle begin!"
Sceptile wasted no time in taking off from his position. With a more controlled speed, his leaf blades glew with grass type energy.
Lifting his front feet up, he slammed them down sending a seismic tremor out. Cracking the ice on the floor surrounding him.
Tripping on the trapped ice, he went tumbling over the field. Skidding out on his stomach away from the seed Pokémon.
Several vines shot out of the plant on his back and whipped the shattered shards of ice. Sending them flying over the field, they struck the forest Pokémon as he struggled up to his feet. Grunting in pain, he collapsed down with one knee. Panting heavily, a green outline of energy radiated off his body.
"I think that's overgrow." Ash informed. "You know what to do."
Letting out a loud cry, several brown seeds erupted out of his plant. Raining over the field, it struck the ground, exploding upon contact.
Seed bomb by bomb they destroyed move of the field. Shooting off with speed, Sawyer's starter charged down the only intact path.
Stopping just in front of his own grass starter, his iron-covered tail spun and whack him across the face. His arms came down with an x-scissor in the spin.
More vines shot out and wrapped around his torso, trapping his arms next to his body. A small brown seed launched out of his back, landing on Sceptile.
"Leech seed shouldn't-" Sawyer panicked.
The seed burst open, with roots growing out. Wrapping around the pure grass types head, his green aura faded
"Not leech, worry seed," he shrugged, "it helps with limited abilities like overgrow. Now as you were Venusaur."
With a powerful cry, he lifted the forest Pokémon high above his body with the vines. A thick blob of toxic sludge shot out, directly onto the pure grass type like some sort of poisonous volcano. Releasing his vines in time, the sludge bomb sent Sceptile flying over the field. The force destroying the last path to him.
Landing in front of the green-haired boy, he grunted as the sludge slid off onto the ice. Pushing himself up, the starter was panting heavily.
"We'll need to go all or nothing, Sceptile!" Sawyer yelled. "Leaf storm."
His body erupted with a green light and glowing leaves shot out of his body once again. Swirling around him like some sort of tornado.
Pink petals erupted from Venusaur's back-plant. The two storms expanded out and clashed, leaves and petals blocking the pending clash.
"Petal dance can't overpower leaf storm Ash!" Sawyer's voice echoed. "It just can't happen!"
He smirked at the young boy's voice... it reminded him of several of his past league battles but he's now on the opposite side of the field. With a deep breath, he felt the chills from the vortex of power as he focused his attention. "What about petal blizzard?"
"What?!" Sawyer's panic echoed.
Two bright lights blipped through the petals and leaves. He felt the hairs on his arms stick up as the two grass starters powered up a solar beam.
The two white beams launched and collided together. A ball of solar energy formed and exploded. The blast blew both the leaves and petals away, evaporating most of the field.
Each side braced as the explosion passed through them. A deafening silence lasted as the world stood still. As the air rushed back into his lungs, he saw his rivals Pokémon stumble forward and collapse onto his stomach. Swirls replaced his eyes as his seed Pokémon shook off the last attack. The crowd erupted in applause.
"Sceptile is unable to continue!" The ref declared. "Making the winner moving onto the top four Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town!"
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