Disclaimer: I don't own Pokémon.
Chapter Twelve
Giovanni started the meeting with an air of impatience. "Report!" He barked out to the various Rocket admins sitting around the table in the Rocket Conference Room. No one wanted to start talking because the news was not necessarily good, and no one wanted to get on Giovanni's bad side. Therefore, Archer kicked Proton, who was sitting across from him. After Proton jumped, Giovanni turned his attention to him and the steely gaze caused Proton to start talking.
"Well, sir, the dark balls work 100% on wild pokémon…" He trailed off.
"And?" Giovanni questioned.
"The dark balls sometimes work on trainers' pokémon."
"WHAT?" Roared Giovanni.
Feeling guilty and watching Proton squirm, Archer answered the question. "Well, the balls only work on pokémon who don't have a strong bond with their trainers. If the pokémon has a strong bond with its trainer, the balls do not work."
Giovanni closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths before responding. "That makes these balls useless! Only weak trainers have weak bonds. All of the champions gloat about the bond they share with their pokémon. Figure out another way that we can weaken those idiots in time for the Cup!"
Petrel spoke up. "Well we could just swarm the Coliseum with grunts as a distraction and focus in on one or two specific topics."
Giovanni smirked. "I like it. The two targets are the Commissioner and the winner of the tournament. We'll strike as soon as their battle ends, when they're at their weakest."
"What should we do?" Arianna questioned.
"Simple. Capture the winner and kill Gowly. Meeting dismissed." With that, Giovanni swept out of the room with his Persian.
-Line Break-
Today was the day. Ash's rematch with Norman. Gallade was pumped and ready to go. He was not willing to lose a second time. Ash was counting on him! With an air of confidence, Ash and Gallade walked into the gym and silently made their way to their side of the field. Norman was already waiting for them on his side of the field. As Brock and May sat down in the stands, the ref walked up to the field.
"This will be a one-on-one rematch battle between Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town and Norman of Petalburg. The challenger must use his Gallade, and the leader must use his Slaking. This battle will end when either pokémon is unable to continue. Battle begin!"
"Go Slaking!"
"I choose you, Gallade!"
"Slaking, end this battle before it starts, use giga impact!"
"Brace yourself Gallade! Try to dodge!"
As Slaking became enveloped in a bright aura, Gallade began to run around the field in an attempt to confuse Slaking. However, Gallade proved no match as Slaking slammed into him, sending Gallade flying. As Slaking calmed down, Gallade slowly stood up. Norman's eyes bulged when he saw that. How did that Gallade survive? Norman thought to himself.
"Quick Gallade, while Slaking is tired use drain punch non-stop!"
Gallade's fists began glowing as rushed at Slaking. As Gallade continued to punch Slaking, Slaking continued to look weaker and weaker as Gallade looked healthier and healthier. However, Slaking slowly started to twitch before Ash and Gallade could notice. Norman, however, did.
"Now, Slaking use shadow claw!"
A dark glow enveloped Slaking's paw before he scratched Gallade. The attack sent Gallade reeling. Both pokémon ended up on their respective side of the field. Both pokémon were tired from their battle. Both Ash and Norman knew that one more attack would finish the battle. Unfortunately for Ash, Norman remembered that Gallade knew destiny bond, so that trick was unlikely to work.
"Well, Ash, we learned this move yesterday just for you. Use toxic!"
A poisonous blob flew out of Slaking's mouth and struck Gallade, who then became purple and started coughing. Oh no. Ash thought to himself. We're going to have to defeat Slaking before that poison defeats us.
"Well, we have a new move too. Gallade use close combat!"
Gallade rushed at Slaking and began to continuously hit him. As Slaking took damage from the attack, Gallade took damage from the poison. Both pokémon were on their last reserves on strength. Finally, after several moments, Slaking finally collapsed to the ground.
"Slaking is unable to battle. The winner is Gallade. That means that Ash Ketchum is the winner and recipient of the normal coin!" After that, Gallade collapsed as well.
"Well, I guess Gallade is unable to battle, but Ash is still the winner."
"We did it!"
"Congratulations Ash! Here is your coin!"
Ash took a white coin from Norman and posed with it. After a few more rounds of congratulations, Ash left for the pokémon center to heal Gallade. While in the pokémon center, Brock and May walked up to Ash's table.
"I think this is where I take my leave, guys. The ferry's coming soon."
"Ok May. We'll see you at the cup, right?"
"For sure!"
With that, May left Petalburg, and Ash picked up his Gallade. Ash and Brock then proceeded to leave the city as well. As they left the city, Ash reflected on all of the battles he had experienced since the start of the tournament. Hmm. These battles are getting closer and closer, and we're only halfway done. We're going to have to train really hard so that we can win this tournament. The other competitors are going to be really strong if they beat these leaders. But we're going to have to be stronger.
-Line Break-
"Sir?"
"Yes Mr. Walker?"
"Ash just defeated Norman, but it was close. We're now on our way to Fortree City."
"Excellent Mr. Walker. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a meeting I need to go. Keep updating me on his progress." Gowly then turned off his communicator.
"Of course, sir…." Jackie trailed off as he heard the dial tone. Why does he always hang up on me? Jackie wondered to himself.
-Line Break-
"Well, old friend, I guess Ash is strong. But only the actual tournament will tell us everything we need to know."
Indeed Master. Lucario responded.
"But now we have to go to the champions' meeting. Prepare for our departure to Kalos in the meantime."
Lucario nodded in response.