Welcome to the Ikimono League
By Neko (Silver Tru-Neko)
Disclaimer: I don't own Pokemon
Author's Note: Since they're nearly all revealed now, I'd like to thank Tru for her help in coming up with the different arenas ;) That was really fun to do, and I hope they were new and interesting (they certainly were interesting to write... talk about a lot of planning O.o I had to figure out who was facing who, and where, and who would win, trying to be true to canon. Don't get me wrong, it was fun, but complicated X.x)
Enjoy!
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Chapter 23 – The Ultimate Test!!
So that's his final Pokémon, mused Gary, watching Totodile hop happily by Ash's feet. Noctowl, Bayleef, and Tauros had already fallen; Ash was keeping Charizard and Pikachu for the next match. Of Gary's team, Ash had already taken down Pidgeot and Nidoqueen, leaving Umbreon, Arcanine, and two unknowns.
That leaves me four against three, Gary noted. And Arcanine's taken on water types before.
Gary nodded to the referee, "I'm staying in."
"It's Ash's Totodile against Gary's Arcanine! I wonder what tricks they have up their sleeves this round…it will all depend on the arena."
The nefarious Quicksand Arena disappeared, another sliding into place. Ash was pleased to recognize this one.
"And we're back to where we started, the Multi-Level Arena!"
The structures, slightly worse for wear, continued to stand tall and skeletal. Ash nodded to Totodile.
"Go get 'em!"
Totodile bounced forward eagerly; Arcanine stepped into the arena.
Ash knew he had to manipulate the terrain to win; biting his lip, he considered. Arcanine would be able to knock down structures, as Pidgeot had done; he would have to keep Totodile one step ahead, but if he used the towers, he should get more attacks in.
"Totodile, climb!"
Totodile ran to the nearest ramp, clambering up to the first level. He looked down at Arcanine, grinning toothily.
"Totodile, water gun!"
"Arcanine, take down that tower!"
Totodile aimed a gush of water at Arcanine just as the Pokémon barrelled straight into the structure holding it up. Totodile stumbled, grasping at a post to remain upright. But even as it did so, the whole structure fell in on itself in a heap of lumber and sawdust.
"Totodile!" Ash gasped. He saw first its blue head pop up from the mess, then Arcanine.
"Okay, water gun again!"
"Arcanine, get out of there!"
Arcanine leaped free of the timber, bolting across the field. Ash noticed with a jolt, however, that it was not as speedy as when it had faced Tauros. He was wearing it down, ever so slowly. Hiding a grin, Ash ordered, "Totodile, water gun!"
"Counter with flamethrower!"
The two Pokémon turned to one another, both unleashing powerful attacks. Water collided with fire; then, unbelievably, Arcanine began to force Totodile back.
"No way!" gasped Ash, even as he realized that, though Totodile had the advantage of type, it alone was no trump to Arcanine's strength and speed.
"Take down!" commanded Gary; Arcanine flew across the field as Totodile stopped its assault. It rammed into Totodile, sending the surprised smaller Pokémon soaring.
Totodile had luck, however, as it managed to latch on to a post and scurry out onto a platform. It faced off against Arcanine once more, both Pokémon panting.
"Looks like Totodile's getting pushed around! Can Ash pull another comeback on this field, or does Gary have the advantage this time?"
Ash glowered. I won't let him win this easily! He saw, however, that Totodile was no match for Arcanine, even slowed down. He needed more power!
Ash cast about for something he could use, mind formulating a plan.
"Arcanine, take down again!" ordered Gary. Arcanine charged, plowing through another tower. As it caved Arcanine leaped aside, just missing the falling planks. Totodile landed in the jumble of wood, crying out.
"You're finished," said Gary, satisfied.
A sudden exclamation from the announcer drew his attention; Totodile was struggling to its feet, and it seemed to be…glowing?
Gary and Ash's eyes widened as they both realized what was happening: Totodile was evolving!
"Totodile," Ash whispered, awed that his Pokémon was so determined to win for him it would evolve. The shining Pokémon rose up from the ground, claws elongating until it became…
"Crocnaw," growled Ash's new Pokémon, glaring at Arcanine. It snapped its more powerful jaws fiercely, the light of battle in its eyes.
Gary recovered quickly. "So you finally realized your Pokémon can evolve, huh?" he sneered. "But that won't be enough to beat me. Arcanine, flamethrower!"
Howling, the Pokémon unleashed another fearsome fire blast.
"Counter with water gun!" encouraged Ash.
Crocnaw took up a defensive crouch, shooting a jet of water back at Arcanine. The attacks collided, this time Crocnaw holding its own. Very suddenly the simultaneous attacks exploded, rocking the field and sending both Pokémon flying backward.
"Crocnaw!" Ash gasped as his Pokémon hit the ground rolling. He needn't have worried, however, as it bounded easily to its feet a moment later. Arcanine took longer to stumble to its paws, tiring.
"We can do this, Crocnaw!" Ash encouraged. "Let's try bubble beam!"
Crocnaw fired off bubbles, knocking Arcanine off its paws; with a yowl, Arcanine was sent crashing into the base of a tower. It wobbled precariously above the Pokémon; Arcanine glanced upward nervously, splayed on its back. Ash saw this too, and grinned triumphantly.
"One more bubble beam! Take out the tower!"
Crocnaw raised its head, aiming higher this time; the bubbles cracked through the structure's foundation, and the whole thing collapsed inward on top of the poor Pokémon.
Arcanine gave a howl as the wood splintered over it, soon ensconced in a pile of rubble. It thrashed weakly to get free, scrabbling with its paws and howling madly.
"Arcanine!" Gary watched helplessly as his Pokémon struggled, hearing the pain in its voice. This match was over; his Pokémon could do nothing in this state.
"Let's finish this," Ash confided. "Bite!"
Crocnaw charged, teeth gleaming; Arcanine flopped to the ground, unable to free itself in time to dodge this final attack. Ash grinned widely, fists clenched, mind screaming: take that, Gary!!
Arcanine can't take any more, Gary thought desperately. I can't let it suffer any more!
Without even registering it he was moving, limping forward, eyes on his Pokémon.
"Stop the match!" he yelled, distantly hearing his voice cut through the air. His heart pounded in his ears; all he could think was, Arcanine!
The referee raised his flags, a bright flash in the corner of Gary's eye. Crocnaw stopped short, small meters away from Arcanine's injured form. Gary knelt beside his Pokémon's head, easing it with a touch.
Arcanine growled weakly, confusion in its eyes; Gary knew it was wondering why it couldn't continue fighting, as it always had at his side. Gary stroked its head gently. "You've had enough, my friend," he murmured. "You're hurt, aren't you."
Arcanine tapered off into a slight whimper, struggling to pull free from the wreckage. Gary saw various splinters sticking out of its fur; he could only wonder how much damage his Pokémon had sustained.
"You did very well, so take a rest," he continued, holding out a ball. He tucked Arcanine away safely before rising and turning defiantly to the judge.
"I hereby withdraw Arcanine from the match," he announced. The referee nodded, startled, and raised his right flag.
"Arcanine is withdrawn; Crocnaw wins!"
Gary could have sworn, as he turned to go back to his square, that Victor gave him a small nod from the sidelines. Gary didn't turn back to check; he knew his choice had surprised everyone, but it had to be done. What was the point of letting the fight continue, when Arcanine had already reached its limit? Gary now looked over the dilapidated battlefield, Ash and Crocnaw at the other end. Very well, he thought, we're down to three-on-three. Your Pokémon might have evolved, Ash, but it's still worn from the battle. This next set is mine.
Gary picked his next Poké ball. "I choose you…Electabuzz!"
The yellow-and-black Pokémon flashed to life beside Gary, flexing its muscles.
"An…?" Ash, on the other side of the arena, was taken aback. He'd never seen Gary use one before!
Ash straightened, hiding his shock. "Well, you might have the advantage, but Crocnaw can still take you!"
Gary smirked. "If you think so."
"It's now Crocnaw versus Electabuzz! There's sure to be more rapid-fire fighting in our next arena!" The announcer reached for his remote, and the Multi-Level Arena sank into the ground, soon to be replaced by…
Geysers again, noted Ash grimly. This time both Pokémon would have to watch out for the burning jets of steam.
So this is it, thought Gary. After this it's Pikachu and Charizard; I've got the perfect counter for both. Now I've just got to win this one.
"Electabuzz! Use quick attack to get close, then use thunderpunch!" ordered Gary. Electabuzz nodded, rushing off across the arena. Crocnaw froze uncertainly in its tracks as Electabuzz flickered in and out of sight.
"Crocnaw, don't just stand there! Water gun and knock it back!" Crocnaw growled agreement, shooting a jet of water as Electabuzz appeared next. The Pokémon was too fast, however, leaping above Crocnaw in the next instant. Electricity crackled from its fist as it flew at its opponent.
"Crocnaw!" gasped the Pokémon as it was suddenly flung aside, body paralyzed by a surge of electricity.
Electabuzz landed, darting sideways to avoid a jet of steam.
"Good work!" Gary congratulated.
Crocnaw staggered to its feet, rubbing its singed cheek.
Ash smiled, seeing his Pokémon was all right. "Okay, Crocnaw, bite!"
Crocnaw charged, growling; Gary ordered, "Light screen now!"
Electabuzz raised its hands, a shimmering shield forming in front of it. Crocnaw was coming in too fast; though it tried to slow itself, it careened nevertheless into Electabuzz's waiting attack. Crocnaw jerked, sparks flying as it collapsed at Electabuzz's feet.
"Crocnaw is unable to battle!" The flag went up. "Electabuzz wins!"
Gary nodded, pleased. Electabuzz trod back to his side.
That was quick, Ash noted grimly as he retrieved Crocnaw. Damn, he hasn't lowered his guard any. Looks like I'll have to take out… "Charizard, I choose you!"
Charizard roared, glad to be back in the game. Electabuzz squared its shoulders.
"Charizard and Electabuzz are about to fight it out! Let's see the terrain…" The announcer pressed a button on his remote; the field shifted, the dreaded Quicksand Arena arising anew. Ash relaxed slightly.
At least Charizard can fly over it. I won't get stuck this time, he promised, tugging on the brim of his hat.
"Okay, Charizard, start this off with flamethrower!"
"Electabuzz, dodge and use thundershock!"
Ash raised his eyebrows as Gary let Electabuzz jump onto uncertain ground; he certainly had been more cautious last time. Maybe his luck was finally changing.
Electabuzz clenched its fists, sending a wave of lightning back at Charizard. At Ash's word, his Pokémon fled to the skies.
"Electabuzz! Thunder!"
The Pokémon lit up the sky with the strength of its assault; even high above, Charizard was not spared. The dragon plummeted, stunned.
"Charizard!" Ash screamed; his Pokémon spread its wings and caught hold of the air, snarling. Ash relaxed, realizing his Pokémon wasn't giving up so easily. "Okay, now seismic toss!"
Charizard grasped Electabuzz around the middle, streaking into the sky with the other Pokémon. It circled, accelerating steadily until it was a blur around the stadium. Ash watched, fists clenched in hope, as Charizard dove for the final blow.
Electabuzz smashed into the ground with a cry, finally lying still. Charizard landed, roaring victoriously.
"Electabuzz is unable to battle! Charizard wins!"
Ash released his vice grips, grinning slowly. "Yeah! That's what I'm talking about!" Nothing can beat Charizard, he gloated happily.
Ash had to sober as Gary returned Electabuzz, reminding him, "It's not over yet." The scoreboard flashed, indicating that both trainers had two Pokémon left. Ash had a good idea of whom Gary would choose next.
"That was unbelievable!" enthused the announcer. "After a lightning defeat at Electabuzz's hands, Ash Ketchum rebounds to victory with Charizard! It's down to the final four Pokémon here in the Canine Cup challenge."
Gary raised his next choice, eyeing the Poké ball. "This one's up to you," he said, brushing the ball with his lips before flinging it into the air. "Blastoise!"
Ash nodded to himself. So it was Blastoise versus Charizard, huh? Exactly what he'd hoped for.
"Go get 'em, Charizard!" he yelled, Charizard agreeing with a roar.
"Charizard versus Blastoise? Let's see what arena they're in," said the announcer.
A small part of Ash's mind realized that, with perhaps only two matches to go, they had not yet seen the sixth and final arena. There was already Multi-Level – Charizard would dominate with flying type, Mirror – again, flying type, Geyser – fire type's advantage, Pit and Quicksand – also where Charizard's wings would come in handy. So what else was there?
The new gym rose up from the ground, and Ash realized with a jolt that this was it: the final battlefield.
He sucked in a breath, glancing across the field at Gary and Blastoise. A confident smirk adorned Gary's face.
Well, this is certainly interesting…
To be continued...
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What is the final arena? Any guesses? Remember, it's certainly not normal... Find out next time! *evil cackle*
Have Ash's Charizard and Pikachu got what it takes to beat Blastoise and Umbreon? Please review!