Author's Note:
Here it is, the first top four battle of our Hoenn league conference. This isn't meant to be a super serious match, more just two friends testing each other. I do want to use this bit to explain why I brought Sakura in, for one I feel like the Kimono sisters have been underused in the canon (whether games; manga or anime). I also liked the idea of Nando in Sinnoh being a different kind of rival for both Ash and Dawn but it kinda fell short, with him hardly having a show as Ash's rival. This does mean I'm planning on some other rivals playing multiple roles for different members of the group in the future. There's one in Sinnoh I'm particularly looking forward too. Also, I've always tried to not let my personal opinion of Pokémon effect how I treat them in the series but one imparticular I've been accused of falling short with... I don't think I have; I've just not been showing it the favouritism some others do. This should be my redemption for that particular species. Giving them a pretty big role in the battle. We also get to see the nickname for Ralts, this one is a bit different since the person suggested the method of how to name them but the example, they gave didn't sit right so I did a little editing. The reader was COrrupt1 who suggested the name Gardna and while I'm not big on this name, the idea of it meaning guardian is what I've gone with so thank you. Not much else to say, just remember to vote in the poll and with that, let's begin!
Chapter Ninety-Six: Emerald Conference - Top Four: Legends
He stood in the corridor which lead out onto the stadiums battle arena. The smell of fried food from the vendors filled the air. A low rumble echoed out of his stomach with the patter of footsteps filling the airways. Chuckling lightly to himself, he shook his head to focus on the situation at hand.
"I hope your already in the Ruby stadium folks because the first of our top four battles is about to get underway!" The commentator announced. "It's sure to be an exciting match as we see the winner of this year's Hoenn grand festival go up against the second-place finalist in last year's silver conference!"
The crowd erupted in applause as the sign over the exit lit up. With a deep breath, he stepped forward. Part of him wished Pikachu were with him but his starter is somewhere in the stands since he's not registered for the match. Sitting with Serena and the others.
"Our first quarter finalist has made quite a name for himself over the last few years!" The commentator continued. "Having conquered the orange league and claiming a minimum top four placement in the three regional leagues he's participated in! So, give him a warm Ever Grande welcome, it's Ash Ketchum!"
Hearing the crowd erupt above, he glanced up with a wide grin stretching his face. His heart raced faster with each second. He waved up to the surrounding people. His heart thumped harder with each step. Turning back to the field, he reached the trainers box and focused on the opposing trainer's tunnel.
"And his opponent, a new top coordinator in the contest circuit after winning this year's Hoenn grand festival!" The commentator introduced. "With grace and beauty, she's bringing the heart of the Kimono sisters into everything she does! Give it up for Sakura Sayo!"
Leaving the trainer's tunnel, she walked out over the floor with her head looking down. Dressed in a traditional red kimono, her sleeves covered her arms as them were held together. She reached the trainer's box and bowed to him. Not wanting to be rude he mimicked the gesture.
"Both of these trainers have managed to prove themselves to be skilled in battle so we're in for a treat today!" The announcer declared as the judge walked into the middle box on the side of the field. "So now I'll hand it over to our referee for the rules of the battle!"
"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 an ice field! And Sakura shall reveal his Pokémon first!"
The plain field in between them opened and slid away from sight. Raising from beneath came a sheet of ice over the floor with spikes sticking up across the frozen field. His mind began running through options as he awaited his first opponent. None of his team are particularly built for this sort of field but really it matters more about who'll Sakura pick. If he were to pick, he'd probably go for one of the ones able to float or fly over the skiing ring.
"Help us with this endeavour, Vibrava!" Sakura commanded, holding her sleeved arm out.
In a flash of light, a species he was used to materialised in the air, buzzing around in the air. Unfortunately, he didn't have to much experience battling them due to Brock's being more of a chef. Shaking his head, he pulled out his Pokédex to scan the familiar looking Pokémon:
Vibrava, The Vibration Pokémon. The evolved form of Trapinch. To make prey faint, Vibrava generates ultrasonic waves by vigorously making its two wings vibrate. This Pokémon's ultrasonic waves are so powerful, they can bring on headaches in people
Putting the device down, he studied the ground dragon type as he hovered over the field. She certainly seemed to be in the same mindset but out of his two airborne fighters brought in, one is at a massive disadvantage, and he doesn't particular want to open up the match with them. Shaking his head, if he ignores the field then he's got the perfect counter for this opponent. He pulled out his Pokéball from his belt.
"I choose you, Granbull!" He shouted. His pure fairy type stood on the icy field, nearly slipping as she banged her fists onto her chest. Dropping down onto all fours, she growled threateningly up to their opponent. "You alright on the ice?"
She stretched one arm up to give a thumbs up gesture. Smirking in response, he narrowed his gaze across the field to take in the sight of his opponent.
"Vibrava verses Granbull!" The ref declared. "Let the battle begin!"
Sakura verses Ash: Round One
He frowned as the vibration Pokémon zoomed around the air over the field. His canine glanced back and forth, trying to track her opponent but to no-avail. He continued to watch and tightened his fist. Idea's rushed through his head as he tried to work out some sort way to attack.
A high-pitched screech echoed out of the pseudo bug. A semi-visible sound wave shot through the air.
"Strength on the floor!" He shouted.
Vibrating with a red outline, she smashed her fists down below her. The ground cracked and she fell slightly, letting the supersonic soar overhead.
Glancing up, he noticed the vibration Pokémon charging down. With wings spread, they shimmered in metal.
He barely had chance to shout out a warning due to her speed. Slashing the steel wing against his slightly trapped fairy type.
"Climb out and get moving!" He shouted.
Struggling out of the frozen cavern hole, she began sprinting across the ice. While their opponent came up from behind with another steel wing.
"Behind you!" He hollered.
She didn't hesitate to jump up in her strides, allowing the faster mon to soar underneath. Crashing down onto the top of the ground dragon type, she locked both of her arms around and crashed into the field. The two of them went sliding across the field.
Crashing into an ice pillar, she used a makeshift body slam to give Vibrava the impact. Standing over the pseudo-bug, a pink outline radiated.
Raising her arms up, she thrashed around in a brutal fashion. Clobbering the vibration Pokémon in her play rough assault.
Her fangs extended up as icicles. Swinging her head around, she clearly intended to end it quick with a powerful ice fang directly.
Falling on his behind, he noticed the field cracking from the violent shaking. Looking over the field, many of the ice pillars crumbled as cracks formed over the ice-sheet. His fairy type stumbled over as Vibrava pushed herself up from the brutal assault.
Grabbing hold off her tail, Granbull was dragged along as she tried to take off. Hovering just over the field, she couldn't break free from the fairy Pokémon.
Despite flapping her wings hard, she was neither strong enough to take off or break free. His eyes glanced around for something to help ground them since his it would turn into a match of endurance for who'd tire first. Not something he really wanted to risk the opening match on.
Before anything could come of the planning, the ground dragon glew white. With stronger wings, she began to get more height from the frozen field.
Growing in size, his canine couldn't hold on. She crashed back down onto the heavily damaged floor as his opponent let out an echoed cry.
The glowing stopped, revealing the familiar looking dragon with an insectoid body. A primarily light green colour covered her body, and a large pair of rhombus-shaped wings helped keep her airborne, with a red trim around their outline. Her feet were toeless, while her two skinny arms each had three-claws on each hand. Her tail had several dark stripes and three small green rhombus-shaped fins at the end, again with the red outlines. Taking in her head was difficult to the constant flying motion but he saw two large eyes in some sort of red covers like some sort of goggles, with a pair of green antennae pointing back. Swallowing hard at the change of events, he pulled out his Pokédex for a quick refresher:
Flygon, The mystic Pokémon. The final evolved form of Trapinch. Flygon whips up a sandstorm by flapping its wings. The wings create a series of notes that sound like singing. Because the "singing" is the only thing that can be heard in a sandstorm, this Pokémon is said to be the desert spirit
"And we get a unique turn of events with an early evolution!" The announcer declared. "How will Ketchum respond will be interesting for certain!"
Watching the newly evolved Pokémon soar around the sky, he frowned. Reaching for his belt, he held out one of his devices. "Return Granbull!"
The red light struck his fairy type as she sat up. Recalling her into the device as his opponent landed beside her trainer.
"Granbull has been recalled." The ref declared. "Meaning Ash will need to send out his second Pokémon to continue!"
Holding his device in hand, he sighed in relief and clipped it back onto his belt. He knew the power difference would now leave him at a disadvantage and while Granbull might've pulled out a victory, the risk wasn't worth it. Whoever gets the early lead can control the battle.
"Now we wait to see who'll be Ketchum's second Pokémon!" The announcer declared. "Hold on to your seats folks as we approach the next round!"
Glancing over the field, he knew it came down to his two airborne fighters. One of them would certainly win but it would mean bringing out his ace very early and she could still have a hidden powerhouse he's never met. He silently wished he brought Glalie, he'd be perfect for this situation but alas, it's not possible right now. Shaking the thought out of his head, he sort the chunks of crumbled ice on the floor. If only he could-"
"That's it!" His eyes widened as he snatched a device off his belt. "I choose you, Metang!"
His robotic steel psychic type materialised floating over the ice with his arms stretched out. He turned and gave a shy wave, earning a series of aww from the crowd. Smirking at the clear contrast between the sweet-natured Pokémon and his robotic appearances, he refocused on the battle as Flygon took off again.
"Ketchum goes with his friendly Metang but will an unevolved pseudo be able to counter Sakura's mighty dragon?" the announcer asked. "We could be in for another surprise evolution?! The only way to find out is to keep watching so don't go anywhere folks!"
He knew he was going in with a type disadvantage but other than Granbull, none of his line up really had the advantage. With Flygon unlikely to use the electric element, he knew Metang likely wouldn't lose control and they had something just as good to counter the dragon.
"Flygon verses Metang!" The ref declared. "Let the battle begin!"
Sakura verses Ash: Round Two
Ash smirked as he watched the dragon swirl around his floating metal robot. Watching carefully, she took a deep breath, releasing a searing flamethrower.
Releasing a wave of psychic energy, it caught the stream of flames. Directing it out to the side, it harmlessly passed by and into the wall.
Letting out a loud buzzing noise, a green tint of bug type energy radiated off her body. Crying from the high-pitched noise, he lifted his metal arms to try and block out the noise. Distracted by the bug buzz, he couldn't deflect the second flame thrower as it knocked him down to the ice.
"Metang!" He shouted as he shook his slightly burnt body. "Use bullet punch! Try and get her lower!"
Giving a nod, he turned and held both arms out. A silver sheen came over them and he disappeared in the blink of an eye.
Reappearing in front of the mystic Pokémon, he unleashed a series of punches. Stopping her flight in motion, she cried out from the assault.
Using the opening, he grabbed one of her wings. Turning to the side, he pulled and used the momentum with gravity to send her soaring downwards.
Letting go of his opponent, the steel psychic type followed her on the fall down. Straightening her wings, she managed to straighten out before crashing.
"Now use psychic on the field!" He hollered.
A wave of ESP radiated out of his body and lifted up several chunks of ice. Thrusting both arms forward, it sent the frozen projectiles forward. One by one, they hit her body and she cried out in pain. Unable to get lift, she ended up sliding down onto the frozen surface of the field.
"And Ketchum makes use of the field in a most unique way!" The commentator announced. "Given Flygon's typing, I bet those makeshift ice balls are painful!"
Unfortunately, his limited ammo didn't last long enough. Once he ran out of projectiles, he had no-way of preventing her subsequent take off.
"Use metal claw to create some more!" He shouted.
Extending both arms out to the side, the claws extended and turned silver. As he went around breaking chunks of ice, Flygon took back off into the field.
With five move ice balls floating around him, he turned and shot up. He sent the ice shards flying up in front of his ninety-degree climb.
The ice smashed into the dragon as she charged straight down. Letting out a loud roar, a blue flame of dragon type energy erupted around her. Each frozen projectile chunks off with their opponent picking up massive speed. His eyes widened as his Pokémon attempted to move.
Thanks to diving straight down, there wasn't anywhere for his Metang to hide. He took a deep breath as a thought entered his head.
"Charge in with gyro ball!" He shouted.
While he could feel his pseudo hesitate for a second, he did start spinning. A ring of steel type energy formed as he started moving closer to the dragonfly.
Both Pokémon clashed in the middle of the air, but Metang couldn't win. With gravity on her side, Flygon forced him straight down into the field and through the ice. A loud crash roared with the shattered field. The entire ground started shaking as smoke covered up the results.
As the earthquake finished, Flygon rocketed back up. Looping around, she blew the smoke away and landed beside her trainer.
He turned to the creator and frowned. His steel psychic type lay at the bottom of the ice cave with swirls for eyes.
"Metang is unable to battle!" The ref declared. "Meaning the winner of this round are Sakura and her newly evolved Flygon!"
Holding his device out, he frowned and recalled his fallen partner. Whispering a word of thanks to the friendly robot, he sighed and clipped it back to his belt and looked over the field. He noticed the mystic Pokémon panting heavily as she slouched next to Sakura.
"Rest up for now, Vibrava." She smiled.
Seeing her give the mystic Pokémon a break did help him relax. He really only has one choice left given the current field to face her, but he'd rather keep him secret a little while longer... although given the state of the field, he's gonna need to do something to handle traversing the mostly caved in floor.
"And Sakura takes an early lead with giving Flygon a well-deserved rest!" The commentator announced. "So, who'll Ketchum choose as his third Pokémon?!"
Closing his eyes, he took a device off his belt. While unconventional, that was his whole purpose of bringing this Pokémon. With Flygon out of the action, he might be able to even the numbers up a bit more. With a deep breath, he held the device out. "I choose you, Muk!"
In a flash of light, he pure poison type materialised on the field. Almost instantly, he turned and jumped up, knocking him onto his behind. Laughing joyfully, he returned the welcoming hug from his old friend. While some might find it weird, he couldn't help but find his sludge monster endearing.
"And Ketchum shows off that special bond which got him into the orange league!" The announcer declared. "But how will Muk handle the field?!"
Getting his Pokémon to end the show off affection, he returned to his feet just in time to see the flash of light. On the other side of the field, the large, mouthed Pokémon he saw in the grand festival stood. Smashing his hands against his body, not to different to his Primeape now he thought about it. Letting out a low breath to calm himself, he reached into his pocket and pulled out his dex:
Exploud, The loud noise Pokémon. The final evolved form of Whismur. Exploud triggers earthquakes with the tremors it creates by bellowing. If this Pokémon violently inhales from the ports on its body, it's a sign that it is preparing to let loose a huge bellow
He frowned as he put the device down. Clearly, she wanted someone to use range since the field is pretty much destroyed... and if memory serves him right, he's one of her stronger fighters. Normal types also tend to have wide move pools. No matter how you look at it, he's really at a disadvantage.
"With neither side really having an advantage, it's going to come down to how well each side handles the obstacles placed in front of them!" The commentator announced. "Will the loud mouth Exploud be letting out a victory cry or with the sludge sweep through in the end? Only one way to find out!"
Glancing down to his friendly poison type, he smiled. While he won't look it, they can easily dismiss the field issue and with his body, he can take a lot of moves with ease. Maybe not as much as Snorlax but he has other advantages than being the raw powerhouse... besides, most tend to underestimate him and that's one of the biggest advantages. He's pretty sure Sakura is too since she could've brought out Espeon right about now.
"Exploud verses Muk!" The ref declared. "Let the battle begin!"
Sakura verses Ash: Round Three
He watched as a wave of electricity sparked around the normal type. Expanding out in a ring shape, it ripped over the field, fizzling in the air. His pure poison type took a deep breath, shooting out blobs of dirt to block the shock wave before it even got close to striking him.
Transferring into sludge, he rained poison down over the field. Dissolving more of the destroyed ice field as it struck the ground.
Exploud wasted no-time in letting out an ear-bursting pitch. The high-pressured boom burst shot through the toxic spikes, imploding them upon contact.
Soaring over the field, it seemed his sludge monster was stuck due to the destroyed field in front of him. A smirk flicked upon Ash's face.
"Shadow sneak and get in close!" he hollered.
Diving into the ground, a shadow formed on the floor. Zooming into the frozen-sludgy cavern, the boom burst struck where he once sat.
Emerging from the other side, he flew a short distances. With glowing purple hands, he delivered a double poison jab upon landing.
Stumbling back from the blow, Sakura's pure normal type struggled with a lack of space to move around. He shook his body and narrowed his eyes.
"Use hyper voice to knock him back!" Sakura commanded.
Opening his mouth with a deep breath gave Muk the perfect opening. He shot out a toxic ball of sludge directly into his mouth. Coughing from the toxic, he tried to spit it out, kneeling over. Extending his two arms out, he grabbed the normal type, tossing him down into the frozen-toxic cavern.
"It seems Muk has taken control of the battle by making the field his own!" The announcer declared. "Question is how will Sakura respond?!"
"Hydro pump to wash it out!" She hollered.
He watched as the normal type, slipping around in the toxic sludge shot out a jet of water. Bits of purple coloured it as it shot up out of the hole.
Muk slivered to the edge of the field. With his own deep breath, he shot out his own liquid, a purple venoshock onto the loud mouth Pokémon.
Blocking some of the water, it sprinkled down creating a small layer of liquid at the bottom of the cavern. It was while diluted, it certainly still held some of the toxins in with the colour. His eyes widened seeing a good way to limit his opponents move options and a good way to end it.
"Switch to poison gas!" He shouted.
His venoshock stopped with a thick purple gas oozing from his body. The cloud of poisonous gas covered the hole. He couldn't help but smirk since it would limit the sound-based moves unless Exploud breaths in the toxins. A lot of his different elements would also ignite the combination... speaking off.
"Now finish it with thunderbolt!" He hollered.
Diving into the floor, another shadow formed. Picking up speed by running in circles he shot himself over the field, leaping out and flying as a result.
Sparks jumped off his body as he joyfully flew over the field. A bolt of electricity shot down through the gas and into the liquid filled cavern.
Flames ignited on the top layer as a boom echoed from underneath. The blow expanded out, striking his bulky body as he landed back on his original side of the field. A massive erupting blew up with flames melting away even more of the ice. It took nearly a minute for the smoke to clear once and for all.
Looking down into the cavern, it was about a third full of purple toxic liquid. The ice complete dissolved and Exploud floating on his back with swirls for eyes.
"Exploud is unable to battle!" The ref declared. "Meaning the winner of this round is Ash and his Muk!"
Turning to his sludge monster next to his trainers box, he cheered. Throwing a fist up into the air, the crowd erupted in applause. Moments later, he found himself back on the floor with Muk hugging on top of him. A joyful laugh escaped as his friendly Pokémon tickled in his embrace.
"Cuddle!" He grinned.
Returning the gesture best he could, he glanced over the field to see Sakura whispering to the Pokéball in hand. Struggling to get back to his feet, he glanced to see her with another Pokéball in hand. She held it out and released her third Pokémon onto the field. He pulled out his dex to scan the familiar species:
Espeon, The sun Pokémon. A final evolved form of Eevee. Espeon is extremely loyal to any Trainer it considers to be worthy. It is said that this Pokémon developed its precognitive powers to protect its Trainer from harm
Espeon materialised on the toxic liquid. A purple mark formed over her face as she treaded water.
"You alright to keep going, buddy?" he asked.
Letting out a monstrous cry, he slivered to the edge and plopped down. Liquid ooze splashed everywhere as the two Pokémon faced off on the very different type of field. Glancing up, he caught sight of the kimono sisters stare towards him.
"You're not switching?" she asked.
"Not if I don't need too," he replied.
Her expression changed, her lips pinched together and browl lowered into a frown. He couldn't help but inwardly smirk as the two Pokémon faced off against each other. Despite sitting at a type disadvantage, he knew he had a good plan for handling this opponent. In fact, the whole reason he decided to bring Muk for today's battle was to counter the eeveelution. While his type is poison, he fights more like a ghost type after all.
"Espeon verses Muk!" The ref declared. "Let the battle begin!"
Sakura verses Ash: Round Four
He watched the sun Pokémon flick her head around. A multicoloured beam of psychic energy shot out of the head gem. Striking his stomach, the pure poison type was knocked back through the toxic water. With his expandable body taking most of the blast he shook himself from the blow.
A mystic light covered his body as he raised himself up. Waves rippled out from the sludge monster as he bulked up both types of defences.
Her eyes flashed with ESP for a brief moment. With no sort of attack visible, Muk started raging across the field.
Jumping across the now sewer-like field, Espeon showed a better range of movement. Her agility kept her just out of the poison types reach.
"Venoshock!" He hollered, knowing he lost the speed battle.
With a deep breath, he spewed out a jet of purple liquid. Spraying over the field, it added to the raising water level.
A golden box formed over the eeveelution, blocking the poisonous liquid. Spraying off the sides, harmless to the sun Pokémon.
"Light screen-" He hissed, tightening his fist. Taking a deep breath, he shouted, "shadow sneak and get in close!"
Disappearing under the water, a dark shadow zoomed across with speed. He lept out towards Sakura's Espeon once more.
She didn't even attempt to move as another shield formed around her. The red box forced him to bounce off with his move hardly effective.
Before he could counter the mixed wall combination, a roar from above drew his attention. Balls of future sight energy rained down into the now sewer-like field. Smoke erupted as they exploded around his sludge monster. His cries of pain followed through once more.
Watching with bated breath, Muk's battle cry indicated he was fine. The smoke cleared to show him shaking his body but mostly unharmed.
He sighed in relief, silently thanking Gengar for that time she turned part of him into black sludge... he wasn't sure how she did it but it's truly helping now.
"Shadow sneak once more!" He instructed. "We need to get rid of those shields!"
Diving back into another shadow. He shot across the field once more. Leaping out before crashing into the eeveelution, his arm extended out with a glow of orange fighting type energy. Smashing through both reflect and light screen, he crashed into her. Skidding through the water with her trapped underneath.
"Psychic!" "Hex!" They shouted at the same time.
The two energies erupted out of the two Pokémon, blocking both from sight. An eruption from the close chemical reaction filled the creator.
Looking down as the smoke faded, he noticed Muk standing closer to his edge of the field. Panting heavily with a dull expression, while Espeon laid helplessly in the water. Her inflicted poison having slowly withered down her health throughout.
"Espeon is unable to battle!" The ref declared. "Meaning the winner of this round is Ash and Muk!"
Pulling his ball of his belt, he wasted no time in recalling the sludge monster. He did great handling two opponents back-to-back, but he clearly needed a rest, he's tough but he's not exactly one of the headstrong fighters who'd keep going until they fall. A wild card in every idea of the name.
Glancing over the field, he noticed Sakura holding her device with a sympathetic stare. Gently resting her forehead against the device.
"And Ketchum takes the lead for the first time in this battle!" The announcer declared. "But can he keep it as we see who'll Sakura pick for the next round!"
Focusing on the kimono sister, he hovered his own hand over the collection of Pokéballs. Glancing down to the sewer-like field, he couldn't help but cringe since none of his team are really suited for this sort of field... well, except Muk. His best bet would be someone able to fly but Metang's already down.
"I need your assistance!" Sakura declared, holding her device out. "Go Azumarill!"
He watched the aqua rabbit materialise down in the cratered field. A purple mark formed over her face as she stood in the toxic water. Taking up a battle stance with arms, he sighed. Pulling out his Pokédex for a quicker refresher on the water fairy type:
Azumarill, The Aqua Rabbit Pokémon. The final evolved of Azuril. Azumarill's long ears are indispensable sensors. By focusing its hearing, this Pokémon can identify what kinds of prey are around, even in rough and fast-running rivers
Putting the device back into his pocket, he swiped one of his Pokéballs into his hand. Part of him wanted to hold off on this one but given she's gone with the second of her team not caught in Hoenn, its appropriate. Besides, he'll appreciate the challenge with typing and is easily the best option he has for the current field layout... maybe he should've thought it through before creating the sewer with Muk. Enlarging the device, he held it out.
"I choose you, Charizard!" He hollered.
In a flash of light, his fire flying type appeared flapping over the toxic water. Flexing both arms to the side, his tail flame burned brightly, and he let out a massive battle cry. The crowd cheered louder, which seemed to inflate the fire-lizards ego. Flying around in a circle, he paid the audience some extra attention, earning more applause and even some laughter from the people in the stands.
"It seems like Ash has gone for power but at the cost of typing!" The commentator announced. "How will it affect the outcome?! Let's find out!"
Part of him wanted to tell his fire flying type to stop messing about but he couldn't deny he enjoyed playing for the crowd a little bit. Just being able to show off their skill on the battlefield is one of the best feelings in the world.
"Azumarill verses Charizard!" The ref declared. "Let the battle begin!"
Sakura verses Ash: Round Five
He narrowed his gaze as a powerful jet of water rocketed up into the air. His fire flying type kept out of range, turning to ascend higher into the sky. A smile formed on his lips as he realised the poison curtsy of toxic spikes gave them the edge since Azumarill is on a time limit now.
With the hydro pump stopping, the aqua rabbit shot up surrounded in water. Zooming into the sky with impressive speed from the aqua jet.
"Look out!" He shouted.
Slowing his ascent, he glance down to see the incoming opponent. He slapped his wings together to blow himself back, narrowly dodging.
With a deep breath, he shot out a searing flamethrower. Scrapping the water, Sakura's partner spun and bounced over the top.
Shooting out another blast of water, the hydro pump struck his face. Cancelling his fire-lizards flames, she spun back into another aqua jet.
Charging over the air, she crashed into his chest. Using his larger size as a platform, she easily took back off with another aqua jet into the sky.
Entering a fall, he clenched his fist. Before he could even think of a move, he saw his Pokémon's eyes burst open. Spreading his wings, he picked up wind beneath and used it to make a u-turn before crashing into the field. With a mighty cry, he rocketed back up into the sky.
"Aqua-Rollout!" Sakura shouted.
Her water fairy type stopped her aqua jet and came to a stop. Performing a spin in the air, she ended up falling face first.
Curling up into a ball, she spun through the decent. A power barrier formed over her body as the two Pokémon closed in. Water spewed out, creating a sort of shield on the wind around the rollout. Every second she picked up speed in the decent, getting closer towards his flame Pokémon.
He had to admit, it made a really pretty display, clearly one of her contest combinations. "Solar beam!" He hollered.
Letting out a loud roar, he shot out a beam of white-solar energy. His grass type beam hit the combination, skimming off some of the water barrier.
Feeling the bright sun on his skin made him thankful for the Hoenn weather. Just like Torkoal taught him, any of his team requiring solar energy in this region is sure to get it quickly. Abandoning her combination, she shot to the side away from the beam.
Diving back down to the field, she dropped below his fire flying type who took back higher. Another aqua jet formed as she tried to control the fall.
"Charizard!" He called out. "Ready to show off those new tricks which Aerodactyl's been teaching you?!"
Letting out a massive roar in response, he watched the aerial battle with a smirk. Coming to a stop mid-air, he flexed both arms to the side. His wings, tail and claws each shimmered into a silver metal colour. With his metal appendages, he turned and charged headfirst to his opponent.
Entering a dive, Azumarill seemed to try and return to safety in the destroyed sewer-field. His eyes widened with a wide grin overtaking his lips.
"Ember straight into the toxic sludge!" He hollered.
Stopping in his own dive, he opened his mouth. Shooting out a barrage of small embers out as Azumarill attempted another turn back to the sky.
The fireballs hit the toxic-water and burst alight. Like a grease fire, it burned on the surface of the water, creating a pit of flames beneath them.
"Looks like Ketchum has trapped his opponent between his Charizard and a hot place!" The announcer declared. "How can Sakura turn this back around!"
Her water fairy type shot straight into his fire-lizards stomach. Knocking him back, both Pokémon came to a pause, giving him chance to re-steel himself.
Smashing his wings either side with a steel-wing slap. He used the dazed expression to spin and knock her away with his iron tail.
Charging into the helpless aqua rabbit, his metal claws clutched tight. With a steep dive, they flew down into the heart of the flames.
Flying back out moments later, he tossed his opponent down beside Sakura. Letting out a victorious roar, he slammed his chest akin to Primeape.
"Azumarill is unable to battle!" The ref declared. "With three of Sakura's Pokémon unable to battle, we'll take a fifth teen minute intermission!"
Max sighed happily as he relaxed back into his seat. Reaching out, he rubbed the head of his psychic fairy type who sat in his lap. Lying on the back of the seat was his starter, Geico while Ozone and Shade chased each other around. Unable to wipe the grin from his face, he glanced to the side where Wally sat.
Feeling a tingle in his cheeks from the boys expression, he took a deep breath to try and calm himself. Turning to the other side, he noticed Brock and Serena in a conversation as his sister took of down the metal seating floor towards the food vendor. Refocusing on the older siblings figures, they turned to him.
"So how are you liking the older members of Ash's team?" Brock asked.
"They're awesome!" He beamed. "Who knew a Muk could be super stealthy whilst also taking hit after hit?! Or Charizard going against a water type!"
"Ash always said type is just one aspect in a battle and not even the most important." Serena smiled softly. "But as for Muk... now I think about it, he got his style once he learnt shadow sneak... you know, there was a poison gym in Kanto and their leader had a ninja mystique. Maybe they were inspired."
"I just assumed it was adaption and trial and error." Brock shrugged. "Just going with what works and fine tuning the strategy."
"Probably-" she concede. "Ash never was big on finer details and just going with what works."
"I can't way for the chance to have my own team and to compete in the league!" He beamed. "Right guys?!"
His Pokémon team cheered in unison. Glancing around to all four of them, he could see it now.
"Well, you've got a bit of wait before then, Max." Brock interjected with a light chuckle. "Speaking off, what about Ralts?"
"What about them?" he asked.
"Haven't you thought of a nickname yet?" he asked. "It's been a good while."
"Oh yeah-" He chuckled, scratching the back of his head. "Sorry. Guess we forgot to tell you. Ralts name is Garan."
"Garan?" Serena questioned, flicking her eyebrow up. "You mean-"
"Yep, it's Kalosian for guardian!" He beamed. "It works regardless of the evolution we go and can be both for guys and girls."
"Technically, guardian in Kalosian is either gardinne for a girl or gardien for a guy." Serena corrected. "Garan does have origins in the language but not so much now-adays."
"Aww man-" He faltered.
"No worries, it still works Max-" She smiled. "I'm surprised you went with something Kalosian though."
"We heard you trying to teach Ash the language a few days back." He shrugged. "And Garan liked the sound of it, so we started researching."
"Hehehe, I don't think she was teaching him the language-" Brock chuckled as a high-pitched squeal squeaked out of the honey-blonde girl. Her cheeks burned bright red as she covered her face with her hands. "It's just Ash has a thing for hearing her speak-"
"Shut it, Brock!" Serena shouted, covering the older boys mouth.
Rolling his lips into his mouth to try and stifle his laugh, he turned back to Wally. While he wanted to include his boyfriend in the conversation, he couldn't really shake the thought out of his head. What sort of stuff was she saying in the moment? He could just imagine her saying really mundane stuff but because he doesn't understand, he's getting really into it... given how close they tend to be, he wouldn't put it past them.
"And we're back folks with the second half of the first top four match in the emerald conference!" The commentator announced. "And we're pleased to announce that the second half will be thought on a desert field! Now to hand it over to the trainers! Ash will be revealing his Pokémon first!"
He turned back down to the field to see both trainers walking back out. The middle stage opened up to reveal a sand covered field with a couple cactus' stood mostly for decoration. While he was sure Charizard would be fine due to flying, he couldn't say the same for Muk given the new environment.
"I choose you, Muk!" He shouted, tossing his Pokéball into the air.
In a flash of light, his pure poison type appeared in front of him. Turning around, he crawled back and tackled Ash over, giving him a big hug. A series of laughs came from the crowd around them as he smiled at the sight.
"It's nice seeing a Pokémon and trainer so friendly." Walley stated.
"Yeah." He chuckled slightly. "But I... why would he pick Muk for this field? He's hardly the best option."
"Muk's already battled remember so he's not really giving much away." Brock chimed in. "It's likely a safe play to the second half moving."
A flash from the field drew his attention. Standing in front of Sakura was a familiar looking plant Pokémon. Mainly from being Drew's main partner who evolved during the grand festival final but also the berry store near Petalburg forest. He pulled out his Pokédex:
Roserade, The bouquet Pokémon. The final evolved form of Budew. Hidden within the bouquet on each hand are thorned whips loaded with virulent poison. Roserade moves gracefully as it corners its prey and mercilessly lashes them with its whips
"Am I the only one confused by their choices of Pokémon?" He asked, putting the device down.
Looking side to side, he saw his friends and boyfriend all glancing down to the field. Frowning, he looked down to Garan in his lap who looked back.
"I don't think they're listening to you." The feelings Pokémon offered through telepathy.
Shrugging, he knew his Pokémon was right. Turning his own attention to the impending battle, he couldn't help but shake within his excitement.
"Roserade verses Muk!" The ref declared. "Let the battle begin!"
Sakura verses Ash: Round Six
Ash smiled as the call for the battle was made, "bud! Great work before but this time, let's try not to destroy the field, kay?"
Letting out a cry of agreement, he raised both arms up in an intimidating manner. A look of confused spread over as poison dark sprinkled into the sand.
"You're not the only ones who can use toxic spikes." Sakura smirked. "Right Roserade?"
As if to answer her declaration, his sludge monster disappeared into the sand. A shadow zoomed across and he dived out ready to catch his opponent, but she spun out to the side like some sort of dance. Ending on one knee, her two bouquet hands were pointed towards Muk as he landed on the floor.
Thick brown seeds shot out and landed over his body. Bursting open, vines engulfed his body with energy being sapped through red lights.
"Try sludge wave to escape!" He hollered.
Extending his body up, towering of the bouquet Pokémon. Waves of sludge flooded out and creeped into the ground, unaffecting the leech seed.
Leaping back from the poison type move, she landed on one knee. Pointing her flower-hands towards Muk, clouds of golden pollen erupted out.
Coughing as he settled back down, he tried to wave the stun spore away. Static jumped over his body as he cringed, unable to move.
"Extrasensory!" Sakura instructed.
Performing a dance over the sandy floor, her eyes glew with ESP. Radiating out from her body, it struck his pure poison type. The combination of moves forced him to take the blast head on. Being pushed back over the floor, his fists tightened as he knew the chances of winning were slipping away.
"Alright Muk, we're gonna need to go on the offensive now!" He hollered. "Let's go shadow sneak into ice punch!"
Landing on the floor, crying out in pain. He slipped into a shadow on the floor. Zooming across but with slower movements than before.
Leaping out behind the grass poison type, his ice-covered fists delivered a double hit. Spinning out from the blast, he saw his sludge monster stop moving.
As the static overtook his body with the red glow of leech seed draining, his eyes widened. White balls of solar energy flew into the bouquet-hands.
"Muk get out of there!" He shouted.
Wincing from the combination of hindrance. He was helpless as Roserade shot a powerful solar beam out of her hands.
Throwing his sludge monster across the field, he smashed into the far wall. Turning on a heel, he ran up to his pure poison type.
"Muk is unable to battle!" the ref declared. "Making Sakura and Roserade the winners of this round!"
Pinching the bridge of his nose, he slouched in place just before his unconscious Pokémon. Not wanting to waste time, he held out Muk's Pokéball to recall him and remained in place. Part of him felt bad about his loss because Muk wasn't one of his battle-hungry fighters. At least Pokémon like Swellow, Meganium or even Primeape take enjoyment in opponents able to take them down. Clutching the device closely, he closed his eyes and stood up, walking back to his box.
Clipping the device back to his belt, he ran over his remaining three options. Charizard would make the most sense given the typing but having him inflicted with poison or leech seeds this early would be a pain. It's the same combination he's used with Venusaur, so he knows how devastating the results are. Neither of his other two Pokémon really have a type advantage but he has one whose not at a disadvantage at least.
"I choose you, Grovyle!" He shouted, tossing his Pokéball out.
His pure grass type materialised on the field as a purple mark formed over his nose. Not showing on with a calm expression, he turned towards Ash and took out his twig. Planting it into the ground by his feet, he turned and walked back over the sand field. Taking up an off offensive stance with his arms out.
"And Ketchum makes things interesting by making a battle of grass types!" The announcer declared. "But he's already on the back foot thanks to the toxic spikes! Question is, will they be able to overcome it, or will Sakura regain the lead by going two for two?!"
"You sure do keep things interesting." Sakura called out. "Didn't expect you to go for a grass match right here! Thought you'd use Charizard!"
"Did you want me too?" he asked.
"Doesn't really matter." She shrugged. "We need to beat both of them eventually. Does the order really matter?"
"Don't worry, he'll be back later!" He smirked. "Just thought I'd let the other guys get in on the action! Why you scared?"
"Not a chance!" She returned with her own smirk.
Letting out a low chuckle under his breath, he tightened his fist and narrowed his eyes. Feeling his heart thump against his chest, he couldn't stop the wide grin from over taking his face. The rush of an impending battle made him feel on top of the world. On contrast to the end of the last round.
"Roserade versus Grovyle!" The ref declared. "Let the battle begin!"
Sakura versus Ash: Round Seven
He watched closely as his grass type took off with speed, blowing sand up in his tail-wind. Both arms spread out to the side and glew a sickly green with bug type energy. Reaching his opponent, he swiped down in a flurry of quick slashes, each building up on strength from the previous one.
"Hit and run!" He shouted.
Seeing her bouquet-hands point towards his chest, he didn't want to risk her tricks again. His grass type turned on a heel, taking off across the field.
A blast of purple liquid shot out and hit the ground where Grovyle previously stood. The blown-up sand acting as a sort of protective shield.
"That's it!" He shouted. "Get close and then box in!"
Spinning once more, he took off and swiped a fury cut once more. Ending behind his opponent, he waited for her to face him once more.
Slamming a fist down on the ground, four rocks shot up around the grass poison type. Venoshock liquid leaked out through the rock tomb prison.
Walking away from the prison, he stopped midway and took up another stance. Solar energy flew in from the top of the opening above the rocks. Holding his breath, an explosion blew from within the prison. With Roserade walking out, drenched in her own venoshock, and panting heavily.
Holding her bouquet-hands out, a series of pins shot out. Flying over the field, with speed and precision.
Taking off in a charge towards them, his arms crossed with the same bug type glow. An X shape formed in front of him, taking the pin missile head on.
Adding the energy into his bug type move, he ran straight into his opponent. Knocking her flying, his speed kept him at an even pace with her.
With the built-up momentum, he swung his head. The leaf on top extended out and struck Roserade's defenceless body before it landed.
Sending the grass poison type flying over the field. Skidding over the floor, she landed beside Sakura with swirls in her eyes.
"Roserade is unable to battle!" The ref declared. "Making the winner of this round is Ash and Grovyle!"
He let out a breath of relief as his wood gecko walked back over the sandy field. His forehead was sweating, and he seemed to almost stumble over one of the sandy hills with the purple mark over his face more present. His mouth went dry as he knew the poison was starting to take its toll on him.
"You alright to keep going, Grovyle?" he asked.
The look in his eyes answered the question. While not exactly a battle-lover like Swellow, he certainly had his prideful streaks. Being more of a lone ranger, they both knew he's best going on a straight run until he falls. Even if the Pokéball stabilises his condition, his current adrenaline will fade if switched.
"I need you again, Flygon!" She shouted.
Landing on the desert-field, the mystic Pokémon looked as good as new. His grass type wiped his head and took an offensive stance. He already knew the likely outcome of this match but maybe it could serve another purpose. He's seen a lot of Flygon fight but not really faced one himself-
"And Sakura has brought her Flygon back out!" The announcer declared. "Given the field and typing, it's clear she holds the advantage going into the next round, but we've seen both trainers overcome such obstacles as well! It's still up for both trainers as the fight for the final battle placement gets underway!"
This would be a good learning session for him given his opponent. Not to mention, being newly evolved can come with their own issues. If Flygon is drastically different, then he can use that to his advantage. Not to mention it'll lead him into the right way to defeat this opponent. He could already think of a few options but without knowing her final Pokémon... it left him feeling nervous.
He may have the numbers going into this round but that hardly tells the full story of the battle. He had the numbers in most of the match with Paul back in the silver conference. Shaking his head, he knew he couldn't continue mulling over the if's and or's of the battle.
Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath to calm himself down. Grovyle is certainly in a good place right now and ready to take on the pending challenge.
"Flygon versus Grovyle!" The ref declared. "Let the battle begin!"
Sakura versus Ash: Round eight
He smirked seeing his wood gecko take off with great speed. Their opponent wings buzzed as she took off. Leaping from the top of one of the sandy heaps, his grass type shot up and latched onto the mystic Pokémon's face. Green balls of energy flew out of her and into him as he climbed around onto her back.
Shooting up into the sky, she made several loops and sharp turns. Clearly trying to knock him off her back but to no-avail.
Flicking his head around, he slapped the dragon with his head leaf. Raising one hand up, it glew an orange colour with fighting type energy.
Bringing a brick break down on the dragons neck. The duo began falling once more. Spreading her wings, she managed to catch herself quickly though.
Entering a stable flight in a circle, her body vibrated. Dark green waves of bug type energy radiated off with a high-pitched buzz.
Wincing from the blow, his wood gecko let go off the mystic Pokémon. Falling down, he entered a downward spiral through the air.
"Leaf tornado!" He shouted.
Increasing his spin, multiple leaves swirled around him. Acting as a barrier, he crashed into the sandy floor. Seeing the leaves and sand blow out to the side, he was in a sort of push-up position. A mystic glow with solar energy covered his body as he slowly tried to stand.
"They're going for solar beam!" She shouted. "Whirlwind!"
Stopping in her tracks, the mystic Pokémon quickly flapped her wings. A powerful gust blew against him, blowing sand back as he formed into a red light.
"Hehe, actually Sakura it was synthesis." He chuckled as a red light shot off his belt. With a powerful roar, he Charizard materialised back on the field.
With a slightly startled expression, he glanced around. Looking upwards, his eyes locked onto the ground dragon type.
"Flygon's whirlwind has forced Ash to switch back into his Charizard!" The commentator announced. "How will this affect the battle going forward?!"
As if to answer the question, his fire flying type let out an ear-bursting roar. Flexing his wings and arms to the side, he slightly blew the sand away. Taking off into the sky, he rocketed up towards the dragon ground type. The two turned and shot high up into the sky but his starter Pokémon was faster.
Clutching his clawed hands onto her side, his wings opened like a parachute. His physical strength used the change in momentum to spin Flygon around.
Making a complete hundred-and-eight turn, he sent the mystic Pokémon down. With a deep breath, he shot out a dark blue flame of dragon energy.
Striking Sakura's Pokémon as she crashed into the sand. Rings of blue fire sizzled on the sand as she pushed herself back up.
"Sandstorm!" Sakura instructed.
Standing back up, her wings began to beat fast. A wind current formed, swirling around the field, picking up the sand from the field.
"Don't get caught in their trap!" He shouted up to his own Pokémon.
Flapping his wings, he sent slashes of air down to hit the sandy shield. Each one gave him a little more height to get out of the sandstorm range.
Peeking into his open mouth before the sand fully blocked his view. He smirked seeing solar energy build up within.
He couldn't be sure how long it took but the solar beam came, striking the floor. Exploding out, it disrupted the wind current and weakened the sand shield.
Looking up through the thinning weather condition, he saw the two Pokémon flying around. His fire flying type on the tail of his opponent.
Letting out an echoing cry, rocks formed floating around her body. Sliding off in her tail wind, the first crashed straight into Charizard's chest.
Being knocked back allowed their opponent to create more distance. The rockslide continued as large boulders blocked his path. Charging headfirst into them, his wings, claws, and tail shimmered into a metallic silver colour.
Using a combination of his steel-armour moves, he broke through the rocks. Leaving rubble to fall onto the ground below.
"Draconic seismic rush!" He hollered.
Reaching the mystic Pokémon, he wrapped his arms around and cut off her own wings from extending out. Pulling back, the started circling around in the air with a spin added to disorientate his opponent. With speed built up, the duo went flying straight down.
Opening his mouth, he shot out a dragon pulse. Bursting open, it blew back on the wind, engulfing the two fallen Pokémon.
Crashing into the ground, a wave of sand blew up forcing him to cover his eyes. Peeking through once the blast passed over, he saw flames burning the field.
An ear-bursting roar echoed out and a searing flamethrower shot into the sky. His fire flying type stood over the downed dragon-insectoid.
"Flygon is unable to battle!" The ref declared. "Making the winner of this round Ash and Charizard!"
Max couldn't stop the wide grin from stretching his cheeks, pushing his glasses up. Feeling the power of the flame Pokémon from here with his victory cry and accompanying flamethrower. He could only imagine what it would be like being right next to him... maybe Ash would let him take a flight on-
"What's this?!" The announcer asked. "It seems Sakura has decided to call the match there! It looks like Ash shall be our first finalist moving on!"
Being drawn out of his thoughts, he looked down to the field where both trainers stood in the middle, sharing a handshake. She had already recalled her fallen Flygon while Charizard stood behind Ash. Parting ways, they each exited through their respective trainer tunnels.
"Wha-" He uttered. "But... why?"
"Whoever Sakura had in her last spot; I think she knew they couldn't take on four of Ash's Pokémon in a row-" Brock suggested. "She's also only seen two of his Pokémon in action. Even if she could take out those two... I don't think she saw it as worth it."
"Sakura wouldn't fight a losing battle," Serena added, "Ash might. He just enjoys getting to battle regardless, but Sakura is a Kimono sister foremost."
"She still could've tried-" he muttered.
"You'll understand as you get more experience as a trainer." Brock placed a hand on his shoulder. "It's as much about caring for your Pokémon as it is training them. Remember how Ash recalled Granbull earlier? He knew she couldn't beat Flygon on that field."
"I think Sakura could've beat Grovyle given the condition he left the match in," Serena added, "but Ash could've saved him until the very end, and she still didn't know who his last member was. It's actually similar to what Paul did back in the silver conference."
"I don't think Ash would appreciate that comparison," Brock chuckled.
"Do either of you know who his last Pokémon was?" he asked.
"Crawdaunt." She smiled. "Which wouldn't pend well for her. A head strong fighter who can do close up and long range is tough to counter."
"And his typing matched well with Charizard," Brock added, "whichever way you look at it, Sakura was done for, and she knew it."
"Weird," he mumbled, "during the fight, it felt a lot closer than that."
"When your supporting one side more than another, it's easy to focus on the worst-case scenario," Serena stood up. "So how about we go and find them."
"I bet they'll be at the centre," he suggested, standing up as the others followed suit.
Following behind the two older trainers, he couldn't help but feel a little self-conscious. Glancing to the side, he noticed Wally walking in silence with his Ralts positioned on his shoulder. Seeing the boys hand, he wondered if he should hold it. More often than not Ash and Serena did whilst on the adventure, but he doesn't really feel the need for such a thing. Is that bad for him or are they just not really the more open sort of affection as the older couple?
Shaking his head, he can figure it out later. If Wally isn't trying to do it either than surely its fine... right?
Thanks for reading... Please Favourite, Follow and Review. Also, feel free to ask any questions through PM, I will answer them all, although don't expect too big of spoilers. Don't forget to vote in the polls. I really appreciate the support. Thank you and see ya next time...