Enjoy the story
The hot noon sun pounded down on Ash as he rode on Pidgeot. They were now only several hours away from Goldenrod again. A week had gone by, and Ash was now returning to watch the rest of the Grand Festival.
Pidgeot suddenly gave a cry. Ash followed its eyes and saw a glint of silver. The shape finished in the distance and Ash grinned. Them taking the roundabout way to Goldenrod had just paid off. Ash called to Pidgeot, "How old would you think?" Pidgeot gave a caw which Ash knew. He nodded and commented, "Good, that means it's still growing. We can continue our experiment, but first we got to catch it. Charizard, I need your assistance."
Out came his great fire dragon. Charizard was extremely reptilian in appearance. Thick legs, and smallish arms were on the torso, and a long neck led to the angular head. Two large wings sprouted from its back. Charizard had hit the last major growth spurt before reaching full size and was much larger than last time he had been used. Charizard was now approaching nine feet. He was now easily in the upper half of Charizard at the Charicific Valley, which were known to be much larger than most. This was odd to Ash as Charizard had never been particularly large, but would now tower over the typical trainer Charizard. Ash had a theory that it was either the diet of the Charicific Valley or the intense training that led to their large size. Ash was now attempting to catch younger pokemon to see if he might be able to create similar conditions which would allow them to grow larger than average.
Charizard let out a roar and a Flamethrower that would alert all the surrounding pokemon to their presence. Ash then yelled, "Skarmory, I challenge you to a battle."
From the forest below rose a silver bird. It was a fearsome looking pokemon. A long vicious beak extended from its head, and its feathers looked dangerous. It was all silver except its eyes which were yellow, and its talons and lower part of its wings which were both red. The fearsome flying and steel type rose to the challenge. Skarmory were extremely territorial and would never back down from a fight. It gave a fearsome screech before charging at Charizard.
"Charizard, Flamethrower."
Charizard shot out the flames, but Skarmory had an answer. Skarmory started to spin as it dived, a Drill Peck. The flames passed right around it due to the air currents it created. Skarmory passed through the entire length before hitting Charizard in the chest. Charizard shook it off with a grunt as Skarmory put some distance.
Ash grinned. This Skarmory was becoming more attractive by the second. He yelled, "Steel Wing followed by Dragon Claw." Charizard started to climb towards Skarmory. His wing started to glow, and Skarmory mirrored the attack. The two struck each other's wings. Skarmory seemed off balance after colliding with the larger foe, and Charizard did a one eighty turn and struck with his claws glowing blue. Skarmory managed to see this and twisted in midair to block it with another Steel Wing, but Skarmory was now positioned awkwardly with its back facing the ground. Ash immediately yelled, "Dragon Rage."
The orange ball surrounded in flames connected with the stomach of Skarmory. Skarmory let out a screech of pain as the attack pushed it downwards. It got lucky that Skarmory actually didn't offer enough resistance to make the attack explode. Had Skarmory been in a proper flying position, it would be much worse. It still greatly damaged Skarmory before it managed to get over the attack. The attack continued down before evaporating before hitting the trees. Skarmory was breathing heavy now as it threw its head back and launched a solid silver beam at Charizard. A Flash Cannon.
Ash quickly yelled, "Ignore it and use Fire Spin." Charizard sent the vortex of flames. They passed the sides the Flash Cannon and surrounded Skarmory, who started screeching in pain. The Flash Cannon continued and connected with the torso of Charizard. Charizard smirked. Such an attack was no more effective on him then throwing a pebble would. Skarmory was still trapped and being hurt by the Fire Spin. Ash knew this was the end and ordered, "Flare Blitz."
Charizard let out a roar and flew in a direct line to the immobilized Skarmory as he became surrounded in flames. Ash watched Skarmory intensely. How a pokemon reacts when they know they are going to lose. Skarmory hesitated for a second before headed straight for Charizard. It didn't even have a move that stood a chance, it just wanted to face its destiny head on. Ash grinned again. This was his kind of pokemon. Charizard smashed right through and sent Skarmory tumbling. A poke ball sucked it in before it fell ten feet. Pidgeot then swooped down so he could grab the poke ball before it fell any farther. Ash quickly scanned his new pokemon. It would be useful. He tucked the poke ball in his now crowded belt and called to Charizard, "Magnificent work, Charizard. I'll fly on you the rest of the way, and give Pidgeot a rest."
Ash was searching the city now. He didn't feel like going to the pokemon center yet, and had decided to explore. He had released Eevee, so the pokemon could enjoy the sights and sounds of the unfamiliar big city. Eevee was looking around excitedly while Pikachu was pointing things out to her.
It seems many of the last battles were still going on, and people were rushing all over the place. Ash was trying to avoid getting jostled by the crowd. It wasn't an easy task when you were trying to check out the multiple shops at the same time. Ash had practically decided to give up when he saw a gathering of people. Besides at the shops, everyone was moving around. The group of people standing still immediately caught Ash's attention and he walked over.
He worked through the crowd to see their object of attention. It was a women. She had unique dark gray hair. It wasn't black, but not gray either. She seemed pretty tall for women standards, and was well endowed. She looked to be in her early thirties or possibly her early twenties. She was pretty attractive in a unique way, but Ash didn't see why she would be attracting so much attention.
"It's really her. Karen," Ash heard a kid say next to him in awe.
Ash turned to him and asked, "Karen?"
The kid laughed and said, "You not from Johto, huh? Otherwise you would know Karen. She's the dark type specialist of the Elite Four. She's the pride of Johto."
Ash frowned and asked, "Isn't Lance the Johto Champion? Why is she the pride of Johto?"
The kid smirked and explained as if everyone knew and he was talking to an idiot, "Yes, but Lance is also a Kanto Elite Four member. Plus, he doesn't make any public appearances. He just battles and believes his personal life should be his alone. Karen is pure Johto. She is the strongest of the Elite Four and constantly representing Johto. She is extremely popular."
Ash looked away from the kid and thought. Lance had to stay secretive due to the G-men, but Ash had never realized that people from Johto actually didn't like that. Ash thought a champion should stay secret, but I guess everyone didn't.
Ash smiled. An Elite Four, Ash looked at Pikachu who nodded enthusiastically. Ash slowly walked forward into the empty circle that had surrounded Karen who was reading a book. Ash paused several feet from the inattentive Elite Four member before clearing his throat and asking quietly, "Excuse me, Karen. Are you busy?"
Karen looked up in surprise. Probably no one ever actually broke the bubble and approached her. She recovered quickly and said with a smile, "Not at all. What is it?"
Ash quickly said announced in a strong voice, "My name is Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town, and I challenge you to a battle." The crowd immediately started muttering murderously.
Karen's jaw dropped. She had been expecting a courageous fan. She hadn't been challenged in a street since she'd become an Elite Four. She quickly recovered and looked at the man in front of her. Unruly black hair and a Pikachu and Eevee on his shoulder. He looked familiar. She wasn't sure why, but she felt compelled to battle him. She would have done it anyways. An Elite Four can't turn down a challenge.
She smiled and closed her eyes before answering, "I can't deny such a request. If I remember correctly there is a park nearby. We shall battle there."
Ash nodded and followed as she started walking down a street. The crowd followed and Ash heard what they were saying. His decision to challenge Karen had not been popular. He was now considered an idiot without common sense.
They arrived at the field and Ash quickly walked a good distance away. He then turned to Karen who called, "Since you initiated the challenge, you shall state the rules."
Ash nodded and announced, "It shall be a three on three. After one pokemon is unable to continue, both trainers shall send out a new pokemon. The first person to gain two wins shall be the victor." Karen nodded in agreement.
Ash thought quickly. None of his new pokemon would stand a chance. Pikachu had trained earlier and was slightly tired. Charizard and Pidgeot were worn out from flying him here. That meant he had Bayleef, Floatzel, and Infernape to choose from. Not the best line up for a dark type trainer, but he could have worse.
Karen took the initiative and threw her poke ball and announced, "Come on darling." Out of the poke ball came a small black bird. It was tiny with a large bushy tail, a yellow beak, and funny hat shaped arrangement on its head. A Murkrow. Paul has a Honchkrow. Ash immediately thought. Karen could easily have evolved it, so she must have a reason for keeping it unevolved. Most likely the size. Murkrow was so small, it could be trained to move extremely fast and almost impossible to hit. Speed would be needed. Bayleef was at a clear disadvantage so she was out. Floatzel probably had the best type advantage, but Ash doubted he would be fast enough. Floatzel was fast, but not to the level of a flying type. Infernape was fast enough, but had the type disadvantage. Ash quickly decided and threw a poke ball as he yelled, "Show them your will, Infernape."
His fighting and fire type sprang onto the field. Infernape would be vulnerable to the flying type moves, but its fighting type moves would be at normal affectivity due to Murkrow's dark type characteristics. Infernape also was the pokemon that had the only chance of being as fast as Murkrow.
Karen raised her eyebrows. The kid had chosen a pokemon that had a disadvantage. Ash grinned at her shock. He then ordered, "Infernape, use Flamethrower."
Infernape growled and shot the attack at the flying type. Karen closed her eyes as the Murkrow dodged on its own. It practically disappeared when it moved out of the way. Ash grit his teeth, it was even faster than he had thought. Karen calmly ordered, "Aerial Ace."
Ash watched as the pokemon moved toward Infernape at frightening speeds. Ash quickly ordered, "Dig, and then follow up with Mach Punch." Infernape dug a hole to dodge before jumping out a launching a fist at the back of Murkrow.
It looked like there was no way to dodge, but Karen ordered calmly, "Go down and use Wing Attack." Murkrow immediately dived down and pulled up so that it was now upside down and heading at the stomach of Infernape.
Ash quickly yelled, "Use the Mach Punch to repel it." Infernape shot his fist down and the attack connected with the Wing Attack. Infernape grunted and slid back a foot or two, and Murkrow was forced off balance. It managed to regain its balance and hovered several feet above Infernape, who was glaring at it.
Karen was impressed. To use the attack to actually soften her own attack. She quickly ordered, "Sky Attack, Murkrow." Her pokemon started to glow white as it charged up the attack.
Ash immediately ordered, "Flare Blitz."
Infernape surrounded himself with fire and launched at Murkrow. Murkrow followed and moved towards Infernape. Right before they connected, Karen yelled, "Dodge and up." Murkrow then used its incredible speed to dive down and avoid the Flare Blitz. It then came straight up and connected the attack into the exposed stomach of Infernape. The super effective attack sent Infernape soaring through the air. Infernape finally hit the ground, gathering a small cloud of dust. Karen smiled and claimed, "Looks like that's all Infernape wrote."
"Not quite," Ash informed her confidently. She looked at the cloud to see Infernape slowly standing up. He quickly continued, "Infernape is far too determined to be taken out in one hit. You'll have to go a lot better than that."
Ash then looked at the situation. Murkrow was far too fast to hit without a plan. He had to distract Murkrow. He then yelled, "Infernape, keep using Fire Spin. Trap that Murkrow." Infernape cried and shot the flames.
Infernape kept up the attacks, but Murkrow proved fast enough to continue dodging. Ash knew that Infernape knew what he was thinking, though. Finally the objective was complete. Murkrow had been forced closer to the ground to avoid the attacks.
"Quick, attack with Close Combat to keep it from getting back into the air," Ash yelled. Infernape immediately jumped at the vulnerable pokemon and attempted to hit it with anything it could. Punches and kicks all found open air as the extraordinary Murkrow managed to dodge them all.
Karen looked worried though. Murkrow couldn't keep this up, and she ordered, "Double Team." Murkrow created multiple copies of itself that surrounded Infernape.
Ash growled and countered, "Attack with anything you can. FirePunch, ThunderPunch, Mach Punch, Iron Tail. Just hit it." Infernape growled and started to follow. Infernape attacked and destroyed multiple copies as it searched for the real one. Hands and feet were joined by tail as Infernpape swung wildly.
Karen knew she had to act and ordered, "Use Psychic to put some distance between you and get into the air." She hadn't expected to actually have to battle.
Murkrow's eyes glowed purple as it summoned up a force to control Infernape. Ash yelled desperately, "Fight and use ThunderPunch."
Infernape growled and fought the power as his fist started to glow. Infernaoe raised its fist slowly and attempted to attack. Finally Murkrow won and Infernape slid back several feet from the Psychic.
Ash now yelled with a plan, "Flare Blitz."
Karen smirked and ordered, "Sky Attack."
The two attacks shot at each other, and just like before, Murkrow dodged. Ash immediately yelled, "Use Fire Spin below you." Infernape shot the attack below it, and the attack shot at where Murkrow had just appeared. The pokemon was so small that the flames passed right around it, but it successfully blocked Murkrow in. Ash now commanded, "Flare Blitz right down the eye of your Fire Spin."
Infernape now shot like a bullet towards Murkrow. Karen smirked before ordering, "Protect." Infernape bounced painfully off the green shield, and Karen continued, "Finish Shy Attack. Then follow up with Psychic." She hadn't expected to need either of those moves, but she would finish this now.
Murkrow connected into the stomach of Infernape, and then used Psychic to stop the pokemon. Then Infernape got slammed into the ground hard. The dust cleared to show Infernape on its feet, but seconds later he fell back.
Ash returned Infernape as Karen returned her Murkrow. Ash had not expected it to know Protect. She had a perfect defensive offense. She covered every hole in their defense and attacked whenever their opponents were vulnerable. Ash just got handled just how he handled May a week ago.
Karen called over, "I'm impressed. I didn't think you would come close to hitting Murkrow. This time I'm serious though. You won't find it so easy. Come out darling." Out came a Vileplume. The round bottom supported a large red flower on top.
Ash instantly cursed having used Infernape. Baytleef and Floatzel were both at a disadvantage. Bayleef's grass attacks would only be a quarter effective, and Floazel would be bombarded with grass types attacks. Floatzel knew plenty of ice type attacks. That was his best chance. Ash released Floatzel as he yelled, "Show them your will, Floatzel." Floatzel glared at his opponent. Floatzel immediately felt the power of their opponents and grinned with anticipation.
Karen was stupefied again. Once again Ash sent out a pokemon at a disadvantage, and said pokemon looked eager. She started this time, "Petal Dance, Vileplume."
Ash quickly ordered, "Dig." Floatzel dodged the attack, and stayed underground. Ash watched Karen and Vileplume looked for their opponents. Ash now yelled loudly, "Come out, and use Ice Punch."
Floatzel launched from the ground behind Vileplume and swung a glowing fist. Karen ordered automatically, "Mega Drain." Vileplume didn't even turn around before a green vine of energy shot from the center of its flower. This attack circled around Floatzel who dried in pain before resisting into a pained growl.
Ash quickly yelled, "Ice Fang." Floatzel opened its mouth and the two fangs of ice connected with the Mega Drain. A small explosion occurred and Floatzel was dropped. Ash looked at Floatzel. The grass type attack had already damaged his pokemon quite a bit. This was a completely different match. The last match had been mainly chasing and dodging, but this one was a match of power moves. Ash quickly ordered, "Brick Break."
Floatzel started running at Vileplume, but Karen ordered, "Flash." Immediately Vileplume let out an intense light from its body. Ash closed his eyes in pain, and heard the cry from Floatzel who was much closer. Karen continued by ordering, "Sleep Powder."
"Use Whirlpool as a shield until you can see again." Floatzel created the adjusted shield with his eyes closed. The Sleep Powder got caught in the Whirlpool, and Floatzel was starting to gingerly open his eyes.
Karen ordered, "Launch a Solarbeam when you can." Vileplume's flower started to shine as it took in the sunlight.
Ash yelled, "Dodge it." Vileplume then launched the attack, which blasted through the Whirlpool easily before passing over a hole. Floatzel had used Dig to escape underground again. Ash heard Karen call for her pokemon to charge up another Solarbeam. Ash quickly yelled, "Surface and use Focus Blast."
It took a second before Vileplume was launched into the air when Floatzel surfaced right under it. Floatzel started charging the Focus Blast.
Karen yelled desperately, "Straighten out and use Solarbeam." Vileplume managed to flip around and launch the Solarbeam at Floatzel. There was no time to dodge, so Floatzel launched the half charged Focus Blast.
Focus Blast managed to slow the Solarbeam down, but the attack was far too powerful. Solarbeam blasted through and encompassed Floatzel in bright green light. Dirt flew away from the crash sight. Ash watched nervously as the light faded, and the wind stopped throwing his hair around. Finally the attack stopped to show Floatzel still standing with his arms crossed over his chest. Floatzel was covered in marks, but still grinned at his opponent.
Ash knew that Floatzel couldn't take another hit and commanded, "Ice Beam, full power." Floatzel struggled to gather the needed energy after the devastating move it had just endured. By the time it was launched, Vileplume had already gathered enough energy for another Solarbeam. The two attacks launched at each other.
Three Solarbeams in a row had clearly affected the power of this one. It was far smaller, but it was compressed into a smaller beam which would be just as devastating. The two attacks connected and fought for control. Floatzel put his heart into the attack and successfully pushed the Solarbeam back, but Ash saw Floatzel suddenly flinch in pain. Floatzel couldn't keep up the attack, and the Solarbeam increased in power to push it back. The Solarbeam connected with Floatzel and drove him across the field viciously. Several spectators were forced to jump out of the way as the attack continued to push Floatzel. Floatzel smashed into a tree and literally snapped it before hitting another and sliding down. Floatzel was clearly unconscious.
Ash returned Floatzel and watched as Karen walked up. She stopped in front of him and claimed, "That was some battle you gave me. Harder than any I've had outside the Champion's League. I assume you transferred from a league."
Ash nodded and informed her, "I've competed in the Indigo Plateau, Silver Conference, and Evergrande Competition. I've also won the Orange League Islands Challenge and defeated the Kanto Battle Frontier. I'm currently training to compete in the Sinnoh League."
Karen looked impressed and stated, "So much for one so young. Very few people have successfully conquered either of those. I'm sure you did very well in the regional competitions too. I even remember Lance talking about a young trainer with a Pikachu who 'will probably surpass any other. He is the future.' Those are the exact words of Lance. I assume that is you."
Ash grinned and shrugged before saying, "You'll just have to ask Lance about an Ash Ketchum. Maybe he knows another trainer with a Pikachu. I know one who is the one who knocked me out at the Indigo Plateau. I still haven't gotten revenge for that match, but thanks for battling me." He then stuck out a hand.
Karen smiled and shook his hand. Ash prepared to walk away from the mocking crowd. He heard multiple statements again, and smiled at their ignorance. He may have lost badly, but he put up a fight against an Elite Four member. That was enough for him. He was then interrupted by voices.
"Wow, Ash is the one that challenged Karen."
"Nice to see you again, Ash."
Ash got Skarmory, and you will see some of his other new pokemon in the next chapter.
I felt I had written Ash as too dominant, and needed to show he wasn't quite unbeatable yet. Karen was just someone I wanted to write about.