A/N: I'm so sorry that it's taken forever to update this. Writing this chapter in particular was difficult for me because I don't really like writing out Pokemon battles. I think it's because I haven't done it much and it becomes almost tedious. Anyway, this chapter was a bit hard to find inspiration, for one thing. I did spent a lot of time planning out the whole battle, including the sequences broken down into attack-by-attack. This was also after researching which attacks were possible to learn for all of these Pokemon who make an appearance. It was a lot of work. I did weave in extra stuff, so it isn't just the battle, move for move.
Anyway, enjoy. (Also I don't think an update for the rest of the chapters will be this long...unless I get incredibly busy with work).
-Sarah
Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon.
Chapter Three: Championship Match
Misty stared out in the distance, scanning the crowd for familiar faces. Spectators were already filing into the stadium. Judging by the volume of people, it was sure to be packed. It was getting late. Brock kept checking his watch. She had been beginning to seriously worry when she finally saw them. The water Pokémon trainer waved her hands frantically in the air.
Daisy Sketchit was the first to notice her, pointing them out to the others in the group. The fought the crowd to join with Misty, Brock, and Delia. Ash had quite the entourage come to support him in his final match. As well as his best friend, girlfriend, and mother, he had six others to cheer him on. There was the Oak clan of course. Professor Oak had been here with Gary to watch his previous match as well. They were now joined by Daisy and Tracey. Rounding out the new comers were May and Drew, taking a break from the new contest scene in Kalos. May wasted no time giving Misty a huge embrace.
"Guess what!" She exclaimed, unable to contain her exuberance. "Drew and I got married!"
"You what?" Misty's voice had jumped two octaves, leading her response to end in a squeak.
"Oh, congratulations," Delia said to the couple.
"When did this happen?" Brock asked.
"Yeah, how come we're only learning about this now?" Misty demanded.
"I'm sorry, Misty," May said. "But we didn't even know we were going to do it until we did it."
"Yeah," Drew said. "We just decided to elope. It was spur of the moment. Our parents weren't even there."
"How did they feel about that?" Delia asked, concerned.
"Well, they weren't thrilled that we didn't include them," May said, "but they're happy for us."
"It's getting late," Professor Oak interjected. "We better yet inside and get to our seats."
He was right. Although they had reserved seats, Misty knew that Ash wouldn't be right if he didn't see them before the match. She didn't want to miss a single second of it. She checked the time. They only had fifteen minutes before the match started. The group hastily made their way inside the stadium doors. Misty flashed her VIP pass, allowing them all into the restricted area. The group dashed off to find their seats.
It didn't take them long to settle down in the front row behind the challenger's side in the stadium. Ash would be out any minute. Misty settled in between Delia and Brock, fraught with anticipation. Daisy turned to Misty, wide excitement in her face and asked, "So, when are you and Ash getting hitched then, Misty?"
Misty choked on her water. She coughed violently, reminded of how much her lungs liked the taste of air. Everyone was staring at her. She blushed crimson, aware of the dozens of eyes on her.
"I–I don't know," she said. "We've never—I mean—he's never asked me."
"Do you think he will soon?"
Misty loathed all of Daisy's inquiring. "I have no idea what goes on in that head of his. Can we just enjoy and watch the match?"
Daisy opened her mouth to reply, but was interrupted by the announcer.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the most anticipated championship match that we have had in many years. Today we are going to witness the greatest match to date. Introducing, four-time conference champion and challenger, Ash Ketchum."
Hearing his cue, Ash took a deep breath, trying to qualm his nerves, before stepping out into the stadium. The crowd cheered at the sight of him. Misty's heart missed a beat when she first glimpsed at him. This was actually happening—he was one match away from being a Pokémon Master. Ash turned and saw her. Today was the day. All of his dreams were going to come true. He could feel it. The nerves that were there dissipated at once. She waved sheepishly at him, which he returned with a warm smile before stepping into the challenger's box.
"Now presenting the dragon master, Champion Lance."
Lance walked into the stadium, to thunderous cheers. He had been champion for over a decade and the people loved him. Ash was determined to get them to love him as well. He would be the new champion. He could feel it in his bones.
Lance strolled into the champion's box, looking confident. Wordlessly, he tossed his cape off nonchalantly. Ash clenched his fists, the anxiety struggling to enter his body once more.
"Both trainers will compete with six Pokémon each. The challenger will be able to switch Pokémon at any time. This is sure to be a battle of epic proportions."
"You ready, Ash?" Lance called from across the arena. Ash nodded, swallowing. Pikachu hopped down from his shoulder as he braced himself for what was to come.
"Let the battle begin!"
"Pokeball, go!" shouted Lance as he tossed out the red and white ball into the arena. It popped open with a flash of light. A long angular figure emerged with its blue body. The horn on top of its head gleamed in the high sun. Ash was anticipating Lance using one of his favorite Pokémon. He looked down at Pikachu, and the electric mouse ran out in an instant. They had a great understanding, after all.
"Looks like the first battle is going to be Dragonair versus Pikachu! I wonder how Ash plans on battling this dragon Pokémon."
"Pikachu?" May said, her voice fluctuating upward. "What's he doing? Dragon Pokémon are resistant to electric attacks."
"Ash knows what he's doing," Brock said. "He wanted to use Pikachu in some way during this battle. Using him against a dragon that's not fully evolved would probably be the best bet."
"I sure hope you're right," May responded.
"Ash'll be all right," Misty said. He just had to be.
"Dragonair, Twister!" Lance called to his Pokémon.
Dragonair started whipping its tail in a circular motion as a cyclone began to form. The wind was beginning to pick up by Ash. He knew he had to act quickly. Dragonair flung its tail forward, sending the twister in Pikachu's direction.
"Pikachu, use your Agility!"
Pikachu sprinted at top speed, just managing to escape the attack in time. Ash put his arms up to brace himself from the wind. The attack went past him, sending a violent gust. Ash put his arms up to protect his face, while trying to watch the match. Pikachu was continuously dodging Dragonair's tail, but it looked as though he was on the ropes.
"Dragonair, use Dragon Tail!"
"Pikachu, Quick Attack!"
Pikachu managed to get his attack out first, throwing his opponent off balance. The dragon's attack missed, sending a cloud of dust through the arena. This was Ash's shot to incapacitate Dragonair. He had to take it.
"Pikachu, Thunderbolt!"
Pikachu's cheeks sparked, sending a shockwave at Dragonair. It gave a yelp in pain as the Pokémon's body lit up with electricity. Pikachu landed back on the ground of the arena. Dragonair stayed there, seeming to be immobilized, sparks still flaring out from its body.
"It seems like Dragonair has become paralyzed. This could only work in the challenger's advantage."
"Pikachu, Iron Tail!"
Pikachu jumped up in the direction of Dragonair, his tail beginning to glow white. Pikachu flipped through the air before striking Dragonair square in the head, right above the horn. The dragon swaggered and slammed into the ground as Pikachu landed on its feet. Dragonair remained unmoving.
"Dragonair is unable to battle. Pikachu is the winner," the official announced.
"Looks like the challenger is starting off strong, already taking out the Champion's first Pokémon," the announcer said over the roar of the crowd. "What Pokémon will the Champion send out next?"
Lance called back Dragonair. With a ray of red light, it went back into its pokeball. Ash decided he would do the same.
"Let's go, Altaria," Lance said as he tossed an ultraball out into the center of the arena. It popped open, and the fluffy bird Pokémon emerged.
"Come back, Pikachu."
"Pika," the mouse responded as he ran back to his trainer. Ash had taken another pokeball in his hand, ready to go. He tossed it as soon as Pikachu reached the challenger's box. The pokeball opened to reveal a tiny turtle Pokémon.
"It seems that the challenger has decided to switch Pokémon, so now his Squirtle will battle Lance's Altaria."
"Squirtle?" Drew said, much like May had before. "What's he doing?"
"I think for this battle, Ash wanted to have Pokémon he had a stronger connection to," Brock said. "Sure he has his Pokémon with a type advantage, but for the Championship match, he was feeling a bit sentimental."
"Well that's all and well," Drew said. "But let's hope that doesn't cost him the match."
"Altaria, Sky Attack!"
"Squirtle, use Hydro Pump!"
Squirtle withdrew into its shell as Altaria began to glow. The water Pokémon began to spin as the water streamed out of the holes of its shell. Altaria managed to avoid the attack completely, soaring up into the sky. It hovered in the air before flying down again, turning into a nosedive.
"Squirtle, Withdraw!"
Squirtle withdrew into its shell into its shell seconds before Altaria hit with its attack. The hit sent Squirtle through the air. Squirtle landed halfway down the arena. It popped out of its shell, ready to go.
"Altaria, Dragon Claw!"
"Withdraw again, Squirtle!" Ash shouted. He hated having to be defensive, but he needed to buy Squirtle some time while he thought of a strategy. There were still habits that he hadn't been able to shake. Winging his battles was one of them.
Squirtle hid in its shell once more as Altaria's claws glowed blue. It started thrashing as Squirtle huddled in its shell. After several blows, Ash knew that it wouldn't be able to take much more of this.
"Squirtle, try to break away!"
Upon hearing this, Squirtle started to shake in its shell. It tipped its shell on its side and let out a stream of water to roll away. It broke free from Altaria's attack, tumbling away with the bird tailing close behind.
"Ash has done some quick thinking to get Squirtle away from the brutal assault of Altaria."
"Altaria, Moonblast!"
"Quick Squirtle, use your Surf attack!"
Squirtle let out a rush of water, creating a tidal wave. Altaria's attack crashed into Squirtle, knocking it off its feet. It flew back, almost to the edge of the arena, not far from Ash. After what seemed to be an eternity to Ash, Squirtle struggled to stand, an arm still firmly placed on the ground.
"Squirtle, hang on!"
Squirtle began to glow white, as it remained rooted on that spot. Then, its body began to change in shape and size. Ash stared at one of his oldest Pokémon in awe.
"Misty, is it—"
"It's evolving," she answered back.
Where Squirtle had been standing, a Wartortle took its place once the light had dissipated. Ash was filled with excitement. It had become a whole new match.
"It seems that the challenger's Pokémon has evolved in the middle of battle. This could do much to change the course of action of the match."
"Wartortle, Ice Beam," Ash commanded, his newfound confidence shining through.
Wartortle opened its mouth and let out a strong beam. It hit Altaria square in the chest. Ice formed around its torso and wings, incapacitating it. It slammed to the ground, unable to move. It cried in pain for its head remained unfrozen.
"Ash's Wartortle had left the Champion's Altaria almost completely frozen. What will Lance do next?"
"Altaria, Perish Song!"
Altaria open up its mouth and began to sing. The song was incredibly bad, but also kind of melodic at the same time. Ash covered his ears, for the musical din bothered them immensely. Wartortle covered its ears as well, but it was of no use. The song was sung. After some time, both Pokémon would faint, through some kind of magic or whatever. Ash knew that he had to end this battle briskly.
"Wartortle, Skull Bash!"
Wartortle lowered its head as Altaria sat, unmoving. It began running toward it, head close to the ground. Wartortle collided with Altaria, shattering some of the ice, causing snow to begin to drift in the middle of the battlefield. When the sparkling dust had disappeared, Wartortle remained standing, while Altaria lay on the ground, immobile.
"Altaria is unable to battle. Wartortle is the winner."
Two down, four to go. Ash had been dreaming of this moment for years, and now he was one step closer. He called back Wartortle, aware that the Perish Song was still in play until he recalled his own Pokémon. Lance called back Altaria and tossed his next pokeball.
"Looks like Ash is really coming into his own," Gary said, though it pained him to admit it.
"Makes you want to get back into the game, doesn't it?" Daisy teased.
"Not really," he replied. "Daisy, you know that part of my life is well behind me. Research is much more fulfilling."
"This is my life," she sighed. "Surrounded by researchers."
"You say that like it's a bad thing," Tracey commented with feign hurt in his voice.
"No, it's not, hun. I just wish there was a little more excitement at times."
"Excitement is not all what it's cracked up to be," Misty said. "At least you didn't have to go diving in the ocean to rescue Tracey."
"Well," Tracey said. "He's your burden."
She made no reply, turning her attention back to the match. It was true. He was her burden. She hoped that she would not have to carry that burden again after a heart-breaking loss.
Ash was in the thick of another battle. His Glalie was going head-to-head with Lance's Haxorus. Although Glalie had the type advantage, Haxorus was surely putting up a tough fight.
"Haxorus, Dragon Claw!"
"Glalie, counter with Ice Fang!"
The two collided in the air. Haxorus hit with its glowing claws. Glalie managed to chomp on its side with its ice fangs. The two Pokémon were knocked back by the other's blow. Glalie was shaken but not out. It was ready for more.
"Haxorus, Focus Blast!"
"Glalie, Hyper Beam!"
Beams of great magnitude shot from both directions. They collided in the center of the arena, creating a mass explosion. The ground began to shake as a giant dust cloud formed and encased everything in a blanket of smoke. The sting that it caused for his eyes made him quickly close them. He yanked the collar of his shirt above his mouth and nose so he could breathe.
When the smoke had subsided and the field could be clearly seen, Ash learned what became of the Pokémon. Haxorus and Glalie were slumped over on the ground, knocked out on the blast.
"Both Pokémon are unable to battle. Trainers send out your next Pokémon."
"Oh in a stunning turn of events, both Pokémon were taken out by their own attacks. The match is still in Ash's favor, having five Pokémon left versus Lance's three, but this battle isn't over yet, folks!"
"Aerodactyl, go!" Lance shouted, tossing out the pokeball.
"Come on, Wartortle!"
"Looks like the challenger sent out Wartortle again. Was that long enough of a rest or will it be made into turtle soup after its battle with Altaria?"
Lance didn't look worried by the return of Wartortle in the slightest. "Aerodactyl, Sandstorm!"
Aerodactyl began to flap its wings as the dust kicked up around it. Ash once again had to block his eyes from the sand that starting to fly around the arena, making it hard for him to see the action. He couldn't even see his own Pokémon. This was not good.
"Wartortle, Hydro Pump!"
Wartortle sprang into action, spinning around inside its shell as it spurted out heavy streams of water. Aerodactyl flew above the clouds of sand to avoid the attack. Wartortle's attack continued to miss as the fossil Pokémon remained out of Wartortle's vision. The elements were almost too much for Ash, putting him at a great disadvantage. In that moment, he had wished he had spent more time training in the desert.
"Aerodactyl, Dragon Claw!"
"Wartortle, Withdraw!"
Wartortle withdrew into its shell. It was still hard for Ash to see his Pokémon, which made it more difficult to support it. He could make out the faint shape of Wartortle's shell and that of the prehistoric Pokémon. The attack knocked Wartortle back, but it didn't look defeated, yet.
"Aerodactyl, Thunder Fang!"
"Wartortle, watch out!" cried Ash, certain that the attack would be too much for his water Pokémon.
"Oh no," Misty gasped as well. As a water gym leader, she knew too well how damaging electric attacks were to pure water types.
Unfortunately for Wartortle, it was too late. Before it could avoid the attack, Aerodactyl managed to sink its fangs into the side of its shell, sending a powerful shockwave throughout Wartortle's body.
"Wartortle no!"
Wartortle lay motionless on the ground. Even though the sand flying through the air, he knew that it wasn't getting up.
"Wartortle is unable to battle. The victory goes to Aerodactyl."
"Wartortle return," Ash commanded as he called back his Pokémon. He calculated his next move carefully, taking the current playing field into consideration. There was one option with his current Pokémon.
"Charizard, I choose you!" he shouted, tossing out the pokeball.
Charizard popped out, soaring up in the air, above the clouds of dust in the arena. With the sandstorm below, Ash was sure that this match up would turn out to be a sky battle. He was certain that Charizard would have a bit of an edge here.
"Looks like Ash has chosen his Charizard to replace Wartortle. I have a feeling that this battle is going to happen above our heads. I hope you brought your binoculars, folks!"
"Well, this is a familiar sight," commented Brock.
"At least this time Ash is being held captive by Aerodactyl," replied Misty.
"Do you think that's why Ash sent him out?"
"Must be."
Misty watched the battle, nostalgia tugging on her heartstrings. It seemed like a lifetime ago when the three of them had stumbled onto that fossil dig. They were just kids then. Ash hadn't even completed in one Pokémon League conference yet. Gary was still Ash's rival and a complete ass to boot. Who knew that a ten-year-old could be so horrible?
She watched as the two soared through the sky above, recalling the terror she felt when Ash was being carried away by the Aerodactyl. This time was also plagued by anxiety, but of a different sort.
Charizard had managed to get a hold of Aerodactyl around the neck. It tightened its grip as it secured the chokehold.
"Seismic Toss, Charizard," Ash commanded.
Charizard began to fly Aerodactyl in a circle as it was winding up its attack. Then it flew down into a dive bomb, holding its opponent tightly. It let go as it pulled out of the dive at the last moment, inches from the ground. Aerodactyl slammed into the dirt, but the attack wasn't enough to make it faint. It struggled to lift its body off the ground.
"Charizard, finish it off with Sky Drop."
Charizard flew up above once more, with the sandstorm beginning to subside. It took aim at its weakened target. Charizard dive-bombed once more, this time with the intention of making contact. It slammed into Aerodactyl with much intensity. Charizard bounced back to its feet, its opponent unmoving.
"Aerodactyl is unable to battle. Charizard wins."
"Well this has turned into quite a battle, folks. Ash has taken out all but two of Lance's Pokémon. This match is still not over for we know that Lance usually saves his best for last."
"Salamence go!" Lance called as he sent out his next Pokémon.
The next dragon came out onto the field, roaring at its opponent for intimidation. Charizard sized its opponent up, determined to not show any fear. Lance remained unfazed at the odds in Ash's favor. He fiddled with the pin on his lapel, and a ball of energy formed around Salamence as it transformed. Mega Salamence emerged, ready to take on Charizard.
"Whoa, Lance can mega-evolve his Pokémon?" May said. "Not many trainers can do that."
"Yeah, what's Ash going to do?" Drew asked.
"He'll be fine," Misty replied.
"How can you be so sure?" Drew answered.
"I just know."
Ash knew he would be fine. He had nothing to worry about, at least in this case. He tugged on the chain around his neck, lifting it out from under his shirt. He thought that this was a possibility, so he came prepared. He held the end of the pendant out in the direction of Charizard. It began to glow as his Pokémon was encased in the same ball of energy. After a long moment, Charizard emerged in its mega form, its skin black as the night, the fire seeping out of its jaws.
Ash glanced back at Misty in the stands, a small smile fighting to appear on his face. She had been the one to track down a mega stone for him. It had been a gift for their last anniversary only a couple months prior to this match. He had spent countless hours working on being able to master all of its secrets. Charizard happened to be his favorite subject.
"Ash knows mega evolution too?" Gary said, genuinely shocked.
"Yeah," Misty replied. "He's been secretly training with that key stone for a few months now. I'm the only one who knew about it. You're not mad are you?"
"Well, no not really," Gary replied. "I could have helped him, but if he doesn't want my help, then his loss."
"You know it's not like that," she replied, turning her attention back to the match, already started during their brief conversation. A glowing dragon's tail clashed with glowing dragon claws. The two sparred in the air in an elegant dance of flight. They exchanged blows to a crowd twittering with excitement.
"Salamence, Dragon Breath!"
"Charizard, counter with Heatwave!"
Salamence reared its head back before opening its mouth. Its fiery breath came out in a violet ball of fire. Charizard twirled in a rapid circle, the force sending out a molten-hot wave of sparks. Charizard's overpowered Salamence's reducing it to a softball-sized orb of flames, which didn't do much to damage the fire lizard.
"Salamence, Zen Headbutt."
Salamence's body began to glow blue. As a psychic attack, it was sure to do some damage to Charizard, Ash had concluded. Salamence started charging toward Charizard. Ash had little time to react.
"Charizard, Fly!"
Charizard soared up in the air, narrowly avoiding the attack. He was ready to dive-bomb Salamence when Lance commanded it to use Hurricane. The dragon flapped its wings at supersonic speed, the force of the wind knocking Charizard off its course, the fire dragon crashing back into the ground. He managed to rise to his feet before Lance landed his next attack.
"Salamence, Dragon Rush!"
"Charizard, Hyper Beam!"
Salamence flew full force Charizard as he opened his mouth, absorbing energy. Salamence was about a foot away, poised to attack when Charizard let out the beam of intense energy, blasting its opponent across the arena. Salamence crashed to the ground in front of Lance. It did not move a muscle after that.
"Salamence is unable to battle. Charizard wins."
"Well, look at that, folks. Ash's Pokémon have managed to knock out all but one of Lance's Pokémon. There hasn't been a challenger to do this in quite some time, but don't think that Lance is out of this match!"
"C'mon Ash, you can do this," Misty whispered to herself. "Only one more to go."
Lance called back Salamence. Ash contemplated giving Charizard a rest. They made eye contact, however, and Ash saw the desire to continue to the conclusion of the match in Charizard's eyes, causing him to hesitate, and eventually change his mind. With him needing to recharge from the Hyper Beam, Ash couldn't switch him out at the start of the match up with Lance's last Pokémon anyway.
"Let's go, Dragonite," Lance said, throwing his pokeball out for the final time.
Ash had anticipated as much. It wasn't a secret which Pokémon was his signature. Dragonite with Lance was like Ash with Pikachu—you couldn't have one without the other.
Charizard stood, immobilized by the Hyper Beam attack. Lance commanded Dragonite to attack with the same one that Salamence was unable to land. Dragonite moved like a jet—Ash had never seen a Pokémon so fast. Lance ordered Dragonite to attack again with Extreme Speed. Dragonite moved so quickly that it was hard to know when one attack ended and the other began.
"Charizard, Flamethrower!" Ash commanded when his Pokémon had recovered from the barrage of attacks.
Charizard took a deep breath and let out a stream of flames, hitting Dragonite in the chest. It didn't do much as Dragonite managed to hit another Extreme Speed attack while Charizard was still completing his attack. However, before Dragonite could speed back away, Charizard managed to get a hold of it, knocking it off balance. He was able to hang on long enough for Ash to give the next command.
"Seismic Toss!"
Charizard flew above the arena, Dragonite caught in its grip. However, as he started to wind up for the attack, the dragon managed to slip out and zoom behind Charizard. Ash shouted to Charizard to look out, fraught with panic. Yet, it was too late. Dragonite had already reversed the tables, taking Charizard in its grip.
"Dragonite, Sky Drop," Lance commanded.
Dragonite was a fighter jet going down into a trick dive. At the last possible second, it lifted up, its body inches from the ground. It dragged Charizard across the arena before letting go, slamming Charizard in the ground. His eyes stirred; Ash watched in horror as Lance launched another attack.
"Dragonite, Aqua Tail!"
Dragonite's tail glowed aquamarine. It slammed it down onto Charizard's back. Charizard let out on final roar before closing its eyes. He did not move once more.
"Charizard is unable to battle. Dragonite is the victor!"
Ash called back Charizard, thinking of his next move. He couldn't send out Pikachu. Dragonite had too much of an advantage. He only had two options after that. He went with the one that made the most sense to him in that moment.
"Sylveon, go!"
The pokeball opened, and the fairy type emerged. Sylveon shook her pink and white head, the ribbons flapping around as a result. She was the only Eevee evolution in his arsenal; Sylveon had a bit of a special place in Ash's heart. This was all due to Misty, for she was from an egg that her Vaporeon had produced, which then hatched into his Eevee. Since he had given her Vaporeon, she wanted to return the gesture, giving him the egg she had received from the breeding center. It was Sylveon that would help Ash achieve victory.
"Dragonite, Extreme Speed!"
Dragonite rushed into the fairy Pokémon with all its might. It knocked into Sylveon, throwing it back. Sylveon skidded across the dirt. She shook her head before returning to her feet.
"Sylveon, use Attract!"
Sylveon's eyes sparkled as she began to dance around. Ash expected Dragonite to see hearts in its eyes. It was only a matter of time, and then the match would be his for sure.
"Sylveon is so cute!" May exclaimed. "Hey, Misty. Do you think Ash would let me borrow it for a contest or two?"
"Um, I don't know about that," she replied. "He's very attached to her."
"That's because you're the one who gave her to him," Daisy piped in.
"Really?" May asked.
"Yeah," Misty replied, her cheeks turning a slight twinge of pink.
"That's so romantic," May said, throwing a side-glance at Drew. "
I wish someone would give me a Pokémon like that."
Drew chuckled and acted like he hadn't been paying attention to the conversation. They watched on as Sylveon continued her attack. Dragonite should have been infatuated by no, but nothing was happening.
Ash was confused. "This should have worked by now, unless—"
"Dragonite's a girl!" Misty exclaimed, standing up. This was bad. Being unable to use Attract effectively caused Ash to lose a huge advantage.
"Dragonite, Dragon Rage!"
Dragonite let out a massive ball of flames at Sylveon as Ash tried to think of his next move. The move struck Sylveon before he could come up with a counter move. Luckily, she endured the hit, shaking it off after, her fur a bit singed.
"Nice job, Sylveon. Now use Moonblast!"
Sylveon jumped up and let out a pink and silver ball from the ribbons on her body. It hit Dragonite, causing her to stagger. A bubble of hope formed in Ash's chest. He might have a chance against Dragonite, after all.
"Dragonite, Hyperbeam!" Lance shouted, determined to get this battle over quickly.
An orange beam started to form on top of Dragonite's horn. Thinking on his feet, Ash ordered Sylveon to use Dig. She managed to burrow underground before the attack reached her. Dragonite stood, peering around, alert, and unsure where the fairy Pokémon would pop back up.
Sylveon came up from behind Dragonite, managing to hit the dragon's tail and knocking it off balance. Startled from the sudden appearance, Dragonite countered by flapping her wings and soaring upwards.
"Dragonite, use Fly!"
Dragonite swooped down at her opponent. She crashed into Sylveon, pushing her off her feet. Damaged from the physical attack, Sylveon struggled to stand. Dragonite returned to the air.
"Dragonite, Fly again!"
"Sylveon, Swift attack!"
Sylveon shook her fur, letting out a powerful attack of lightened up stars. It hit Dragonite mid-air before she was able to dive bomb Sylveon again. The attack did not knock the dragon out of the air, however.
"Dragonite, Hurricane!"
Dragonite beat her wings like she did with Charizard before. Ash covered his face, protecting it from the dust that had kicked up. Sylveon tried to keep low to the ground, but the gust picked her up and carried her across the stadium. She slammed into the wall and fell to the ground. She did not stand.
"No!" Ash shouted.
"Sylveon is unable to battle. Dragonite is the victor!"
"This has become an exciting match. Dragonite has knocked out two of the challenger's Pokémon. What will Ash do next?"
Ash was hesitant to send out Pikachu. Dragonite had too much strength for him to consider it, and the conditions were not quite right. Ash knew how he could change that part. He threw out the last of his pokeballs.
"Let's go, Goodra!"
The purple dragon came out of the pokeball, raring to go. As one of the few dragon types out of his dozens of Pokémon, Goodra was one that had won him many tough matches. With it being his second-to-last Pokémon, Ash was hoping that it could secure his win.
"Goodra?" Daisy said, a slight amount of confusion plaguing her voice. "I thought that Ash released his Goodra a long time ago."
"He did," Misty said. "Ash really liked the Pokémon and missed having one around, so he went out and caught a Goomy and raised it into a Goodra all over again."
"Oh, so it's not the same one?"
"Yeah. Ash couldn't go looking for it again when he knows that it's needed back in Kalos. Once he let's a Pokémon go, he allows them to go on and be happy."
"Makes sense."
The battle continued, Dragonite using Extreme Speed once more. Ash had a feeling that Lance tended to favor this Quick Attack on steroids. He was getting frustrated at the fact that he hadn't been able to land a hit first. Even without the first-priority attack, Dragonite was so fast. It crashed into Goodra, pushing it over onto the ground. Goodra bounced back, ready to go. Ash noticed that Dragonite's breathing was started to get a little heavy.
"Goodra, Dragon Breath!"
Goodra took a sharp inhale before letting out its fiery breath. The attack flew across the stadium and hit Dragonite, her body going a bit off balance. Ash commanded for Goodra to Body Slam. Goodra flung its body at Dragonite, but the attack missed, sending it crashing into the ground. Goodra bounced back on its feet as Dragonite swiped at it, fighting back, but missed the smaller dragon, allowing it to move out of her reach.
"Dragonite, Outrage!"
There was an aura that started to glow around Dragonite. A wave of power flew out of her in an outward ring. The wave traveled across the battle arena, striking Goodra down. Ash knew that Outrage was a repeating move, powerful, and quite possible to knock out his own dragon. Thinking that he might end up being down to his final Pokémon, he knew some preparations would be in order.
"Goodra, Dragon Dance!"
Goodra began to shake around before Dragonite launched her next Outrage attack. The previously blue and sunny sky suddenly turned dark. A clap of thunder echoed throughout the stadium as the drops began to fall.
Misty and Brock pulled out their umbrellas, so used to Ash's battle tactics that the change in weather didn't even faze them. The others, however, were not that fortunate. Those of them who had hoods on their jackets and sweaters were better off than the one or two who were completely exposed.
"A little warning, next time would be nice, Misty," May moaned.
"Sorry," Misty shrugged as she shared her umbrella with Delia.
"Well, folks. I hope that you brought some rain gear because it's about to get really wet around here."
The next wave of the Outrage attack came for Goodra again. Ash countered with a Muddy Water attack. It managed to protect Goodra, sending the wave of water crashing into Dragonite. She was swept away, but only for a few feet, and thus her attack continued. It erupted from her body once more, this time hitting Goodra in full. The attack critically hurt the Pokémon, Goodra struggling to get up once more. Ash glanced back at Dragonite. The attack was over, but Dragonite was panting and seemed dazed.
"Goodra, try to hit it with another Dragon Breath!"
As Goodra was readying its attack, Lance commanded Dragonite to attack with Dragon Rush. Though she stared back at him confused at first, Dragonite zoomed forward, emitting a strong aura of energy. Dragonite slammed into Goodra, sending it soaring through the air. It collided with the ground. Goodra tried its best to stand, but it got halfway upright when it slumped back down. Ash's heart dropped.
"Goodra is unable to battle. Dragonite is the victor!" The official announced.
"And just like that, both trainers are back down to their final Pokémon. Dragonite has taken out the last three of Ash's Pokémon. This battle is coming down to the wire, and it could go either way at this point."
Ash called back Goodra, his nerves on fire. This was not how he had all things planned. The other Elite Four battles had not been this difficult for him. He was afraid of blowing it, right here in front of everyone. He was so close that he could almost taste it. His body was quivering when he felt a familiar face against his leg. He looked down at his best buddy. Pokémon and trainer locked eyes, and a wave of calm washed over the young man. He would end this like he began it.
"I guess it's all up to you, Pikachu."