Surprised to see an update this soon? With the Christmas and New Year festivities finally calming down, I decided to use my free time to work on this before I restart the semester since I know I'll definitely be quite the busy Beedrill this time around with my new classes. I also hope you all are having a wonderful new year of 2014.
"Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome back to the grass field this fine day!" the jovial voice of the grass field commentator greeted, only to be mixed with equally loud cheers from the spectators. "We're nearing the end of the second week and the second preliminary round. Now let's turn to the field for our next combatants!"
The audience did as the commentator mentioned and cheered on as two notable and powerful Pokémon Trainers entered into the field at their prospective Trainer boxes. One particular group was more attentive and less boisterous than everyone else as they watched a friend of theirs about to begin his second battle.
"I was wondering when this week was going to end," Misty remarked. "It's been a while since we finally get to see Ash again. They had him battle the first day the Champions League started and now they scheduled him near the end of the week."
"I know what you mean, Misty," Iris agreed with a heavy sigh. "It doesn't help that he's been playing hard to find, especially with Georgia out and on the loose. What a kid."
"Look, girls, we don't understand what's really going on with him, but we'll try again getting a hold of him after this match," Dawn assured. "No need to worry."
"Hey, any of you have an idea on who Ash's opponent is?" Cilan questioned aloud, looking about the row of friends. "She appears to have a cool presentable outside with an inner spicy flavor to boot."
"You're on the right track, Cilan," Brock answered, looking down to the side that held the Trainer that Ash would be facing with a big grin. "She's known as the 'Cool Beauty' of Lilycove City of Hoenn with a love for spicy spaghetti with Tamato Berries and playing the clarinet. This is becoming quite the déjà vu, alright."
"I never would have imagined Ash facing off against her again," May commented offhandedly. "Who decides the Trainers facing each other anyway?"
"Does that really matter?" Max proposed. "I'm actually looking forward to seeing a rematch between Ash and Katie. I liked their match from the Ever Grande Conference years ago, though I was hoping to see another full battle instead of a three-on-three. I didn't think they'd face off this early in the tournament."
"I think we'd enjoy this battle either way," a familiar, confident female voice spoke up, much to Iris's irritation, by which she stood out of her seat just to glare at her.
"Not you again!" Iris complained, pointing at her rival standing on the staircase aisle by them. "How long are you going to keep harassing us?"
"Relax, it's not like I'm doing this on purpose," Georgia waved off. "You guys just happened to have a few spare seats next to you and I've wanted to see how Ash has been. Not against the law, is it?"
"There's nothing wrong to attend a match of someone we want to see," May said with a small shrug.
Before Iris could say anything else, Misty and Cilan both pulled her back to her seat to calm her down while Dawn gestured to a free seat next to her, which happened to be closer to the middle of the row. Georgia accepted the invitation with a respectful nod and gingerly sidled her way through the others, sharing a brief stare down with Iris as she went pass her, and got to the free seat.
"Glad civility still exists with some people," Georgia muttered under her breath.
"You haven't really done anything bad to us, so of course the right thing to do is to be nice and friendly towards you, so no need to worry," Dawn stated amiably. "Besides, I consider you a friend, even if I barely knew you while in Unova. Just give everyone else some time to get to know you."
"Thanks, Dawn," Georgia replied with a smile before looking down towards the grass battlefield. "I wonder if the battle's started yet."
At another part of the grass field stadium…
"I kind of wish they'd skip the introductions and regulations already," Paul grumbled, propping his head in his hand as his elbow rested on the arm of his seat. "We know what the rules are and who's competing right now. If we wanted to research more on the Trainers, we would've done so."
"It's standard Pokémon League rules and regulations that must be upheld," Sabrina explained. "Even if we're dealing with veteran Trainers, no exceptions are made." She then looked up at a particular exit higher up from where they sat. "Besides, it gives time for people who are late a chance to look for a seat."
The Veilstone City Trainer followed to where Sabrina was looking and saw Anabel run in through the gateway, seemingly out of breath. They watched her make her way down the stairs while tentatively holding on to the metallic railing as she looked back and forth, no doubt looking for a suitable place to sit.
"Do you ever take these future foresights for granted?" Paul asked wryly.
"For the most part, the visions I receive for the future are accurate, but not unchangeable," Sabrina replied, focusing her gaze on Anabel as she neared their level. "There have been a handful of Trainers that have been able to defy what I originally see, usually regarding their prowess in battle."
"You're up to something with that look."
"… I'm just extending a free seat to someone in need."
As if her cryptic predictions were spot-on, Anabel appeared to stop in place at their row and looked around before discovering them. There was only a couple of people sitting in between the row from where the Salon Maiden stood and where Sabrina and Paul sat. Although she appeared hesitant at first, Anabel slid through the row and easily passed the people sitting on the row before arriving to where Sabrina was.
"Excuse me, but were you the one that reached out to me and offered a seat next to you?" Anabel asked politely.
"I am," Sabrina answered with a soft smile. "We've met before, so I'm sure you won't feel too out of place sitting with us, provided that you won't mind."
"Not at all! I actually just got out from watching a colleague of mine battle before coming here, which is why I'm kind of out of sorts at the moment."
"Really? Who was it?"
"Greta, the Arena Tycoon. She narrowly took the win with her Medicham. I'm glad she's still in the tournament. A couple of us were unfortunately knocked out by second round, including our Sinnoh branch."
"Oh, my. Well, the entrants for this Champions League seem to have greater potential than the previous one, as far as I've been told by my father. He was the former Saffron Gym Leader who competed in the Champions League ten years ago, just so you know."
Anabel and Sabrina merely shared smiles before the former remembered to take her seat. As she did so, she glanced over Sabrina and took a double take on realizing who was sitting next to her as well.
"Paul?" Anabel spoke up. "I didn't know you were here too."
"It certainly can't be just coincidence," Paul replied with light sarcasm, earning a minor disapproving look from Sabrina. "I'm doing what any smart Trainer would do and learn from the competition. Speaking of such, I think the commentator's finally done spouting out steam."
"This will be a three-on-three Pokémon battle with no time limit," the referee reviewed to both Trainers. "Substitutions are allowed for both Trainers. The battle will be over when all three Pokémon on either side are declared unable to battle."
"I've been waiting for the chance to face you again, Ash," Katie spoke up, bearing a competitive smirk. "I've heard you've gotten stronger since our time at the Ever Grande Conference. I'm here to show you that so have I."
"… …" Ash maintained his semblance of quiet dignity, though the growing smile on his face appeared to betray the impression he first made upon his return to competing in a tournament.
"Not talking, huh? My, don't we feel all grown up," Katie remarked with a giggle. "Just remember that not everyone will take that new silent charm of yours as full-fledged maturity. But just to make sure that isn't the case, you free after this battle, big guy?"
"… …?"
Even if Ash's eyes weren't fully visible underneath the shadow of his cap's visor, his detectable facial expression and posture defined his bewilderment from the sudden proposal from the Lilycove Cool Beauty. The audience members that were able to hear Katie started to howl uproariously.
"Folks, I know that the battle hasn't started, but I can't help but ask you this to make sure I wasn't hearing things," the commentator spoke up. "Thanks to our special audio technology installed in the battlefield, we can pick up anything our competitors and referee say. Did Katie try asking out Ash after the battle?"
The repeated question caused the remainder of the audience that didn't catch it for the first time to howl, laugh, and cheer. A good majority of fans, mainly the female populace that supported Ash, shrieked the loudest for mainly being envious of Katie making a move on him.
"You've got to be kidding me!" Iris yelled irately. "Is everyone out there just want to get with Ash?! They're acting like little kids!"
"The sad part is that I don't think even Ash understands what he does half the time outside of battling," May sighed.
"How does he do it?" Brock mumbled, having been astounded by how many young females cheered on for Ash.
"Well, there was his previous reputation of being the friendly and optimistic guy that cares for all Pokémon and helps anyone in need," Georgia mentioned. "Combine that with his talent and strength as a powerful Trainer along with his new façade of quiet dignity, it's a wonder why girls here are suddenly attracted to him by the droves since his revival into the big leagues."
"Yet by the looks of Ash, it doesn't look like he even knows that he's gotten quite the 'fan club,'" Max pointed out. "I'm the youngest here and even I can tell he's as clueless as ever. At least that's one thing that hasn't changed about him."
"That'll soon change, little man," Georgia replied with a wink.
"Will the battle ever start?" Paul muttered in boredom. "It's not like he'd even care from all this attention. I know I don't."
"A good amount of tolerance is all one really needs, especially at times like these," Sabrina advised evenly, taking a glance at Anabel.
Though the Salon Maiden appeared calm, Sabrina slightly flinched from the aura that momentarily flared out of her. Her outer emotions at that moment were all too clear for the Saffron City Gym Leader to see, only to be emphasized with a crackling noise. On closer inspection, the noise originated from Anabel's flexing hands.
Sabrina looked away with a bit of redness in her face out of a combination of astonishment and fleeting fear. At that point, she decided to give Anabel a bit of space and hoped that things would be normal once the battle went underway.
"Some people more than others," Paul concluded snidely, smirking with his eyes closed.
"Trainers, please select your first Pokémon!" the referee requested once the audience calmed down.
"Ladies first," Katie began, holding her chosen Poké Ball on hand as Ash drew his. "Galvantula, come on out!"
"… Torterra… I choose you!"
The Pokémon were released simultaneously into battle. Galvantula was the first to materialize from its bright energy form, only to be followed up with a larger and more imposing Pokémon to face it. Torterra landed on the grass heavily, accompanied with a stony look.
"Looks like the first round is between Galvantula and Torterra!" the commentator announced.
"Wow! Is that Torterra?" Dawn praised. "It's been so long!"
"It's really grown since we last saw it compete," Brock noted.
"How can you tell?" Iris asked. "It looks like any Torterra to me, but then again, I haven't seen a lot of Torterra to tell the difference."
"Trust me. I've been around since Ash's Torterra was a Turtwig. I can tell that its size isn't the only thing that's changed since the Sinnoh League."
Everyone else decided to take Brock's word and watched on. The spectators around them followed their example to a degree and calmed down to the point that that started murmuring on their predictions on who would win and what other Pokémon the Trainers are going to use for their battle. Seeing that this was Ash they were dealing with now, one of a handful of Trainers outside the Elite Four and Champions that completely obliterated their first-round opponent, the people were expectant for an intense match.
"Let the battle begin!" the referee declared, raising both flags in the air before leaving the one for Katie's side up. "Katie is allowed the first move."
"That Torterra threw a wrench in my plans with its type, but no matter," Katie muttered. "Galvantula, start us off with Sticky Web!"
Galvantula crouched lower and aimed closely upon Torterra, firing off large sticky globs of silk from between its mandibles. The Continent Pokémon braced itself as several globs that landed around and upon it instantly expanded into nets.
"Oh, my! Looks like Torterra's already caught up in the Sticky Web, as well as any future Pokémon Ash will send out if they're unlucky to get near it," the commentator narrated.
"… Hmm…" Ash looked on grimly, but didn't appear to be too fazed by the hazard.
"You're already aware of my personal battle style, Ash," Katie called out. "That's why I made this little changeup just for you and anyone I faced before, but mainly for you. Are you impressed? Time for a Signal Beam, Galvantula!"
"… Rock Climb!"
"Tooaaar!" Torterra roared, winding back on its hind legs.
"What's this!" the commentator voiced in concurrence with the thoughts of everyone watching. "Torterra's breaking out of the Sticky Web like it's nothing!"
Just as the commentator had exclaimed, Torterra tore out of the Sticky Web that had latched onto its frontal legs as it reared up and just before it slammed down hard upon the ground. The resulting forward stomp caused an up-slide of earth to rise toward Galvantula. The EleSpider Pokémon was caught off guard, wobbling from the tremors Torterra caused as the earth beneath it rose to the highest point among the rest. It reached a fair height that leveled off with a quarter of the stadium's full height.
"What power is this?!" Katie cried out. "The Sticky Web's doing nothing?!"
Torterra gave off another fierce roar as it begun its stampeding climb with the use of its temporarily extended claws. Galvantula was still left in shock from the sudden attack, unable to do anything once the Continent Pokémon reached it and forcefully rammed it off from the top.
Galvantula was sent off into a wall, creating a sizeable crater in it before its body fell out and onto the ground. While it landed flat on its stomach, its shaking legs attempted to lift itself off the ground.
"It seems Galvantula isn't ready to throw in the towel just yet," the commentator noted. "But that Rock Climb did a number on it. Can it last another round against Torterra?"
"If Torterra wasn't a Ground-type, Volt Switch would've been some use to me," Katie hissed under her breath, pointing a Poké Ball to where Galvantula was. "Oh, well. Galvantula, return now!"
"To those that are familiar with Katie's tactics, she's done another early Pokémon substitution," the commentator narrated. "Who will she send out now?"
"Well, I didn't expect to be hit that hard, but now, I'm going to force you to show me what other Pokémon you're going to use, Ash," Katie announced resolutely, pulling out her second Poké Ball just as the risen earth from Torterra's Rock Climb sunk back into the ground. "Let's go, Venomoth!"
The Poison Moth Pokémon was the next to emerge from Katie's arsenal. It took to the air and floated warily over Torterra, who merely leered back in return. The referee raised his flags up, signaling the continuation of the battle.
"And Katie's second Pokémon is one of her commonly used Pokémon, Venomoth!" the commentator announced as Venomoth's image lit up in place of Galvantula on the Trainer scoreboard monitor. "Venomoth has the type advantage, but will it be able to use it against the titanic Torterra?"
"Of course, we got this," Katie assured. "Venomoth, go!"
"… Torterra… Energy Ball!" Ash commanded, giving a slight upward tilt of his cap.
Torterra quickly reacted with a quick formation of the vibrant green orb and launching it at the incoming Venomoth. However, the flying opponent proved to be fast enough to evade the Grass-type attack.
"Venomoth, Disable!"
Venomoth vibrated ominously as its eyes lit up with a peculiar power. The same light suddenly outlined Torterra's body, catching the Continent Pokémon off guard. The light of Disable lasted for a moment before disappearing.
"Quite the turnaround!" the commentator exclaimed. "With Disable thrown into play, Torterra's Energy Ball can't be used for a while now."
"This should put Torterra's abilities to the test," Brock commented.
"What do you mean, Brock?" Max asked. "Torterra's been doing just fine so far."
"See, when I last traveled with Ash, Torterra needed to work on a unique style that's different than most of Ash's other Pokémon," Brock explained. "I'm sure most of you have noticed the pattern since you all traveled with him at one point or another."
"Most of his Pokémon are usually speedy hard-hitters, Pikachu being the prime example," Iris pointed out.
"It looks like it's evaluating time!" Cilan announced cheerfully, much to everyone else's sheepishness and Iris's annoyance. "Ash and his Torterra: the solid combination between these two is a whole new and different flavor for me to taste altogether. What Torterra makes up for its lack of speed, it does so with an earthy, natural defense that's proven to be difficult for even the sharpest Guillotine to penetrate. Take into account its patient attitude, it's capable of simmering under hot flames, waiting for the time to strike. Once the time comes that it's beaten long enough, it strikes… with sheer power… and raw, exquisite taste! Such boldness! Such flawless defense! It's a whole new dish under the repertoire known as Ash."
The group was left speechless once more, both by his rather incredible analysis of Ash's Torterra and the way he did the said evaluation.
"Honestly, who writes your lines?" Georgia questioned mordantly.
"I hate to say it, but his Torterra has gotten stronger," Paul remarked grudgingly. "It still doesn't hold a candle to my Torterra."
"Considering that your Torterra's been with you since the beginning of your Pokémon journey, I'll be giving you the benefit of the doubt on that one," Sabrina said thoughtfully. "Anabel, what do you think?"
"From what I've seen now compared to watching recorded matches where Ash's Torterra previously competed in, I'd say it's made a major improvement in its battle style and its inner strength," Anabel noted. "However, I sense something peculiar between Ash and Torterra."
"Hmm? What do you mean?" Sabrina inquired as she and Paul became attentive to the Salon Maiden.
"Just call it a hunch, but given the naturally patient and enduring nature of Torterra, well… it's actually complicated to fully explain."
"I think we have time," Paul stated, indicating with his eyes that back on the grass field, Torterra has been unleashing a barrage of Energy Balls with Venomoth dodging them. "The only 'exciting' thing so far is that Torterra's able to use Energy Ball again. However, it'd be best if you got to the point as soon as you can."
Anabel took in a calming breath and exhaled before preparing for what she would be willing to share with them. It wasn't that she didn't trust them, but she felt that they weren't ready to understand what's truly been going on with her and a certain Pallet Town Trainer.
"Long story short, I ran into Ash recently and he began opening up to me," Anabel admitted modestly. "I've learned a bit on what happened to him after he finished his journey in the Unova region, which includes how much closer he's gotten to his Pokémon to the point that they're practically a part of him. So seeing Torterra in battle made me think about what Ash is feeling at the moment, if that makes sense." The Salon Maiden then took a reconsidering pause. "I don't know. Maybe it doesn't make sense. I'm probably rambling out my teenage girlish thoughts, poetry and whatnot. So who knows?"
"Now this is intriguing," Sabrina commented, her curious dark-colored eyes contrasting the usual indifferent expression on her face. "You managed to get him to open up? How? And why? And also, how did you get to that conclusion?"
"… Uh," Anabel drawled, blinking successively twice while trying to figure out how to handle Sabrina's forwardness.
"I wonder what's happening back on the battlefield," Paul mumbled.
"Are you getting tired yet, Ash?" Katie taunted. "You haven't been able to land a hit on us. Now Venomoth, use Disable again!"
The Poison Moth Pokémon repeated the attack and prevented Torterra from unleashing another Energy Ball, much to its growing irritation. It had been the third time now that Disable struck and prevented free use over its Energy Ball.
"How long can either side keep up the pressure?" the commentator noted. "Venomoth's been wearing down Torterra, but it also seems to be wearing itself out."
"Now's the time to strike. Use Silver Wind!"
Venomoth fluttered around Torterra as it released a gusty stream with powdery silver crescents straight on. It kept up the Silver Wind on Torterra as it floated around and about. The Continent Pokémon took the Bug-type attack with stride, though the longer the Silver Wind, the more evident its suffering became.
"I think Torterra might finally be in serious trouble," the commentator pointed out as the audience watched on with anticipation. "No matter how tough Torterra's defenses are, Silver Wind is still super effective and would ultimately benefit Venomoth."
"… … … …" Ash grimaced, certainly not liking how much Torterra has been forced to endure.
"Well, Ash, aren't you going to substitute?" Katie inquired. "Either way, if you keep Torterra out for too long, you'll have to send in a new Pokémon. Venomoth, keep using Silver Wind!"
Ash was about done waiting as he tilted his cap up again, freeing his burning brown left eye from the shadow of the visor. It was time to strike back.
"… … Use Leaf Storm!"
Torterra mobilized into action with a vigorous roar, gathering a large amount of energy into the tree on its back at a swift rate. Before long, a more compelling stream of wind covered with leaves emerged out of Torterra's tree, bursting through the Silver Wind and knocking away Venomoth.
"Vehnoooh!" Venomoth buzzed, regaining its composure from the counterattack albeit shaken up from the powerful Leaf Storm.
"Torterra's gotten Venomoth to buzz off for now with that Leaf Storm!" the commentator exclaimed.
"Venomoth, return!" Katie called out, having the Poison Moth Pokémon's Poké Ball on hand and recalling it back.
"And another substitution by Katie takes place. What's she up to now?"
"Galvantula, come back out!"
Galvantula resumed Venomoth's place, though unlike the first time it appeared in battle, the EleSpider Pokémon appeared rather weary and battered as a result from its previous confrontation against Torterra. It was even trying to catch its breath at the first few seconds of its release.
"And Galvantula returns for revenge!" the commentator narrated excitedly, inciting the Katie fans to cheer her on.
"It seems like a big deal just to see what other Pokémon the opposition has," Paul remarked. "Those kinds of tactics are better reserved for full battles, but now she's eager to force his hand just to see what other Pokémon he has for this match. How pathetic."
"A lot of Pokémon Trainers feel the need to analyze certain aspects of their opponent's strategies firsthand just to come up with counterstrategies of their own," Sabrina explained. "I know that you've made your own sacrifices just to piece together what team your opponent has in the past before overwhelming them."
"I… guess that's true. But at this point, this battle's one-sided."
"Isn't that a good thing for you? I thought you wanted to see for yourself what else Ash is capable of as soon as you can."
Paul merely gave her a look, also barely noticing at the corner of his eye how perturbed Anabel appeared to be over the ongoing battle before turning away and resuming himself.
"I'm going to get rid of Torterra one way or the other!" Katie declared heatedly. "Just remember that you made me do this, Ash. Galvantula, use Signal Beam!"
"… Energy Ball!"
Both Pokémon charged their respective attacks. However, Galavantula proved to be quicker in unleashing the focused multicolored beam from its mandibles; the aim of the Signal Beam was locked dead center upon Torterra's face.
Or it would have been dead center if it weren't for the fact that Energy Ball was forming in front of Torterra.
"Galvantula has the quicker draw this time!" the commentator pointed out as the spectators observed anxiously. "Torterra is still stuck in charging up that Energy Ball."
Everyone watched as the Signal Beam struck the Energy Ball at its complete size, just before Torterra could launch it. Instead of causing an explosion, the force of the Signal Beam pushed the Energy Ball back right into Torterra's face. The Continent Pokémon's jaw was left gaping open as part of forming its attack, as well as from the unease over Galvantula being quicker to attack than it.
So in place of receiving its own attack in the face, the Energy Ball slipped right into Torterra's mouth while the prevailing Signal Beam blasted it straight on.
*Boom*
"Oh, my! The Signal Beam managed to reach Torterra after all!" the commentator exclaimed as a majority of spectators fell into suspenseful silence. "But something happened prior to contact when it hit the Energy Ball. What happened after that?"
"Brock, you don't think…?" Dawn drawled in uneasiness. "I could've sworn I saw that happen."
"That's a very good possibility, Dawn," Brock replied, maintaining a solid composure, though he couldn't help worry about his old friend and his Pokémon as well. "That's provided Torterra survived that super effective hit."
"What are you guys talking about?" Misty asked.
"I think I know," Max said in realization. "Are you referring to when Torterra swallowed that Energy Ball just before the Signal Beam hit?"
"Is something bad going to happen to Torterra?" May asked with mild concern.
"We'll see once the smoke clears and we know what's happened with Torterra," Brock concluded darkly.
"So, is that all you got, Ash?" Katie taunted, seeing the smoke that momentarily covered his personage dissipate.
The Pallet Town Trainer stood as he normally did. He didn't even seem concerned about what happened to Torterra, which started to unnerve the Lilycove Cool Beauty a bit. The lingering explosion haze still shrouded the Continent Pokémon from all eyes, so its ultimate fate was considered unknown. Katie decided to bite her tongue down on the mocking and wisely wait for any surprise Ash still hid underneath that smoke along with his Pokémon.
"… … Heh…"
On closer examination on Ash's reaction, he appeared to be smirking, even echoing a quick chuckle through his teeth. Katie became cross.
"Alright, wise guy. No more holding back! Signal Beam once more!"
Ash tipped his cap up, his uncovered eye burning bright with spirit.
"… Leaf Storm!"
A fierce gust of leaves swiped through and out of the aftermath haze, catching Galvantula and sweeping it up high in the air. The Leaf Storm had also blown away the smoke, revealing Torterra have survived the previous Signal Beam. However, there was one outstanding detail in terms of its current physical appearance.
"And Torterra reveals to be fine, but what's this!" the commentator cried out. "Torterra is… glowing?"
The last word of the commentator hung in the air as everyone watching along witnessed a swirling lime green aura emanating from the tree, as well as the parts of greenery, on top on Torterra's shell. Torterra appeared as intimidating as ever, especially with this particular power up. Many members of the audience murmured and commented among each other about this remarkable turn of event, coming up with at least two probably theories regarding Torterra's current state.
"Is that the Ability, Overgrow?" Max asked, watching on in amazement.
"No, Max," Brock immediately responded before anyone else debated. "Torterra still has plenty of endurance left. This is what happens when it swallows its own Energy Ball. It gets a major power boost in its offensive and defensive capabilities, but it'll only be for a short time."
"That's another thing I haven't seen in a long time, but it's such a cool move," Dawn added. "I kind of wonder, though, why Ash didn't use it often. It would've helped him a lot back at the Lily of the Valley Conference."
"I see it more like a last resort tactic as doing so at every battle would cheapen its value," Georgia reasoned. "Though in this case, that was an accident. Guess that chick Katie's getting what's coming to her for trying to force Ash to switch."
"… Rock Climb!"
With newly extended claws, Torterra stomped on the ground again to cause the earth to rise, with Galvantula landing at the pinnacle of the makeshift mountain. The EleSpider Pokémon managed to support itself with all of its legs, only to witness Torterra climbing up towards it at an alarming rate.
"We're not done yet!" Katie shouted. "Galvantula, Signal Beam! Go!"
Galvantula gathered energy in its mandibles, ready to launch as Torterra was about to strike it down hard with its tremendous bulk. Right as Torterra leapt to the top, Galvantula fired its Signal Beam at very close range. There was barely any distance between the two Pokémon as another explosion erupted.
*BOOM*
The results of the second Rock Climb slightly differed from the first. Out of the smoke, Galvantula was seen flung in the air and into another wall. Its face was visible from the crater caused by its impact, its eyes swirling and dazed. Torterra, on the other hand, was seen tumbling down its mountain and sliding to a stop on its stomach. In a few seconds, it stood back up on all fours while its Energy Ball boost appeared to have faded away.
"Galvantula is unable to battle!" the referee declared, raising Ash's flag. "Torterra wins!"
"And now Katie is down to two Pokémon left while Ash still has his first Pokémon out on the field," the narrator surmised as the Ash supporters cheered loudly.
"Galvantula, return," Katie sighed as she recalled her fallen Pokémon. "You were awesome out there. But we'll turn this around, I promise." She placed Galvantula's Poké Ball away and took out a new one. "No more fooling around. Venomoth, let's go!"
Venomoth had spread its wings as it reemerged from the Poké Ball's containment a second time. It floated before Torterra as it did the first time, though slightly worn out from the previous battle.
"And Venomoth strikes again!" the commentator announced. "With only two Pokémon left, will Katie turn this around or is Venomoth the next to fall right after?"
"We're not going to mess around this time," Katie mused aloud. "Venomoth, fly over Torterra now!"
"… Synthesis!"
"Toar-terrah!" Torterra grumbled wildly, stamping about in place.
"… …!" Ash gasped.
Something was wrong.
Its expression appeared furious, yet dazed as it stomped around erratically. At the same time, its body was glowing white with additional sparkles around it. The leaves on its tree, especially, were bright. It was evident that the Synthesis was being carried out, but the Continent Pokémon's behavior was really out of place, so to say. The peculiar event that's been happening to Torterra became clear, much to Katie's growing joy and Ash's concern.
"It seems that Torterra is confused as a result of Galvantula's last Signal Beam," the commentator rationalized. "That's quite a parting gift to leave before being defeated in battle, but Torterra appears to be able to see through that confusion as Synthesis is helping it recover lost stamina."
"Well, well, Galvantula's sacrifice won't be for naught after all," Katie proclaimed with a wicked smirk. "Torterra's going down and you'll have to show off your Pokémon aside from that Pikachu of yours. Venomoth, strike down with Stun Spore!"
Venomoth vibrated its wings, scattering orange powder as bright as its scales all over Torterra as it finished its recuperation through Synthesis. Its roars soon became a combination of blind fury and pain while yellow sparks appeared to discharge around its legs at sporadic moments.
"Now in addition to being confused, Torterra is now paralyzed by that Stun Spore!" the commentator exclaimed. "It doesn't seem like Torterra can last any longer now, I'm afraid."
"… … … …" Ash showed off his clenching teeth, visibly upset over Torterra's afflictions as his arms seemed to twitch and his fists held in tightly.
"Poor Torterra," Anabel whispered, sensing its agony all too well with her ability while narrowing her lilac eyes over Katie. "How much farther is she going to push this?"
"Ash will have no choice but to substitute unless he wants Torterra to be knocked out by Venomoth's next move," Paul stated.
"No," Sabrina intervened, much to their surprise and resulting confusion.
"What is it, Sabrina?" Anabel asked apprehensively. "Is Torterra going to make it out okay?"
"I didn't say that. Katie, on the other hand, has one more trick up her sleeve to force Ash's hand."
"Really," Paul said, more as a statement than a question. "What's the worst that can happen from all this? It's just a battle."
"Man, what's that kid doing?" Iris yelled in outrage. "He's just letting his Pokémon taking a heavy beating now."
"Iris, chill out!" Georgia retaliated in Ash's defense. "Don't you think we're all aware of what's happening?" The Dragon Buster took a pause to look at the field apprehensively before facing her rival once more. "We know that he has to take Torterra off the field now."
"Either Ash does it or Katie does it for him," Max surmised. "I'm sure Ash would want to keep his current record of not having an unusable Pokémon clean, so he'll have to switch out sooner or later."
"I wish he'd do it sooner," May suggested. "I can't stand to see Torterra like this any longer."
"Geez, you're as stubborn as ever," Katie muttered under her breath before speaking aloud to address Ash. "What other Pokémon do you have, 'Mr. Invinsible'?"
"… … Do you really want to know?"
"Ah?!"
Ash spoke to her, though his tone with her was anything but pleasant. As calm as he normally appeared, Katie could tell that he was furious from the looks of his face. However, what really sold away that he was mad was his visible brown eye from underneath his visor. The Lilycove Cool Beauty suddenly felt a chill flow up her spine.
"… Since you've been unable to knock out Torterra with one hit, you've resorted to afflicting it with as much suffering as you could bring… … You shouldn't have done that…"
"What?" Katie gasped, feeling a seriously creepy vibe from the Pallet Town Trainer.
"… … This is a battle…" Ash continued somberly. "You shouldn't be holding back… You're supposed to attack… But you're not… … Especially now you have the advantage…"
"Y-You… You're not going to scare me with that act!" Katie yelled back, shaking as a result of her anger from Ash's brief lecture. "I'm done with you toying with me like this! Just because you've trained your Torterra to endure so many punishing blows doesn't mean you're going to curb-stomp me like you did with that annoying punk, Jump. Since you're in agreement with me, I'm ending this! Venomoth, Disable!"
"Veh-no-mohth!" Venomoth hummed as its eyes glowed, casting the Disable on Torterra's last move, Rock Climb.
"That was the additional salt for the wound!" Katie hissed. "Since Torterra's going to be out of the way either way, Venomoth, use Whirlwind!"
Her latest command elicited shocks and gasps from a good majority of the audience, more specifically Ash's former traveling companions. Even Paul, Anabel, and Sabrina appeared to be taken aback from the particular move she wanted Venomoth to perform next, finding the choice rather debatable
Venomoth's wings appeared to glow brightly as its flaps became tenser. Bursts of wind were blown at Torterra's direction. Torterra attempted to root itself to the ground, but despite its heavy weight, its feet appeared to budge as the Whirlwind picked up in intensity. Venomoth then gave off one last powerful flap of its wings, inciting a small twister to sweep Torterra right off the ground.
Torterra gave off an elegiac bellow just before its body converted into red energy and retreated right back to Ash. The Pallet Town Trainer had its Poké Ball out on hand to receive his Pokémon's forced fleeting form, much to his own astonishment.
"Whoa, it looks like that was Torterra's last stop thanks to Whirlwind," the commentator recounted. "Now Torterra's been forced off the field, but I'm afraid the effects of Whirlwind don't stop there. I'm as anxious as you all are, ladies and gents!"
"Now that Torterra's been blown off the field by Whirlwind, another Pokémon will be forced out in its stead," Brock mused to himself. "The main question now: who's next?"
Every spectator in the grass field stadium fell into fretful silence as they carefully observed Ash's next move. Despite the Champions League still being in its early rounds, this was the first for Ash to use a second Pokémon in battle, even though his first was still marked able to continue. They watched him place away Torterra's Poké Ball, only to pull out another Poké Ball. For those that have been watching very intently either on the field or on the close-up monitor, the Poké Ball in his hand appeared to be wobbling restlessly. That must have been the Pokémon being chosen by Whirlwind.
"You shouldn't keep us or your new Pokémon waiting," Katie advised.
"… … You really… shouldn't have done that…" Ash countered darkly.
"Look, are you going to resume the battle or what?"
"… You were warned."
With that said, Ash held the edgy Poké Ball high in the air, allowing the Pokémon being forced to take Torterra's place to emerge right out of his hand. The bright light thundered upward before landing on the grass, taking a rather small form. Once the light cleared out, his menacing appearance was for everyone to behold.
"Maro!" the Pokémon barked.
"And Ash's second Pokémon is Marowak!" the commentator announced cheerily.
The image of Marowak lit up underneath Torterra's slightly dimmed outline on the Trainer board. While another good majority of the audience cheered on for the ongoing battle, there have been a handful of spectators that became wary of this new Pokémon. It came off particularly frightening for his first appearance, surprisingly even more intimidating than Ash's Torterra despite the major size difference, as murmured by many members in the audience.
While they came to accept it as part of his nature, one in particular appeared to be in a sort of trance upon seeing him.
"Anabel, are you alright?" Sabrina asked with light concern, waving her hand in front of the Salon Maiden's unflinching face. "What's wrong?"
"That Marowak must've spooked her real good," Paul mentioned as a possibility, taking a closer look at the Bone Keeper Pokémon on the field. "Hmm…"
"Can it really be…?" Anabel whispered to herself.
She peered into the Marowak on the field, seeing a smaller figure within its harden shell. She saw a little Cubone in mourning. It started to make sense now to her over the true identity of this particular Marowak as several visions had assaulted her mind.
Familiar images from a recent story she heard, about a young, tender, innocent Pokémon losing its mother to a group of ruthless lowlifes that wanted to exploit them…
A story that she listened from Ash himself…
"Anabel?" Sabrina asked again, appearing really worried over her well-being after a few unsuccessful attempts of rousing her. "Is there something about Ash's Marowak that's bugging you?"
"… H-Huh?" Anabel mumbled, awoken from her mesmerized state after another shake. "I-I'm sorry about that. I must have spaced out. What did I miss?"
Sabrina blinked in mild shock, but calmed down, not willing to push the matter on Anabel any further. At least, not right now…
"Nothing… Nothing at all."
"So it's another Ground-type, eh?" Katie surmised with a sure grin. "Now I know how to properly dispose of Marowak and his weakened Torterra. Time to make the most out of this confusion. Venomoth, Stun Spore!"
Ash sent a fierce glare over to the Lilycove Cool Beauty. She really was pushing her luck.
"… Retaliate!"
The last thing that was seen of Marowak was the fearsome glint in his narrowed eyes before he disappeared in a blur, much to everyone's shock. Patches of grass rustled. Venomoth was caught off guard. Instead of releasing another cloud of Stun Spore, it panicked and attempted to lock its sights on the speedy Marowak.
"Maro…!"
That haunting growl gave away Marowak's position as Venomoth looked up. The Bone Keeper Pokémon was right overhead, much to Venomoth's fright.
"I can't believe this, folks!" the commentator exclaimed. "Marowak's speed has been so overwhelming that Venomoth's been confounded trying to find him!"
"Venomoth, dodge it!" Katie cried out desperately.
The last thing Venomoth saw was Marowak's ghastly, hardened face before receiving a punishing strike on the top of its head by Marowak's thick club. Everyone watched as the Poison Moth Pokémon's body plummeted to the ground within a second, landing on its back and being rendered unconscious as revealed through its spiraling pupils.
"Venomoth is unable to battle!" the referee declared, holding up Ash's flag. "Marowak wins!"
"And that's another swift victory for Ash as Katie is now down to her last Pokémon," the commentator recounted. "Marowak is certainly not a Pokémon you'd want to run into a dark alley, night or day."
"Guys, what just happened?" Max voiced out, still in shock over the quick battle.
"Marowak knocked out Venomoth with one hit," Dawn recounted, having been rendered just as dumbstruck as Max was. "What was that move anyway?"
"Retaliate is a fierce move that actually doubles in power the moment after the Pokémon before the user is defeated in battle," Brock explained, appearing to be unsettled over the matter itself. "Thing is that Marowak's Retaliate seemed unusually powerful. Torterra was only forced out of the battle. It hasn't been defeated."
"So… there shouldn't have been a power boost to Retaliate?" May asked.
"Well, it'd depend on Marowak's awareness if an ally had fallen or not, but based from appearances and performance alone, there might be more to this Marowak than meets the eye. Remember, this is our first time seeing Marowak under Ash's ownership."
"It'd be just like Ash to find a 'unique' Pokémon like that," Misty added knowingly.
"This Marowak has an unbelievably cold appearance, yet its loyalty to Ash is spicy hot and true," Cilan noted. "The way Marowak treats fellow team members, beaten or not, is harder and more stable than any rock found on the path to power. This only adds to the fiery ruthlessness of its profession, combined with the dry bluntness of its bone club, making it a force to be reckoned with. What a bold taste!"
"Bold or not, that Venomoth was wiped out with one strike!" Georgia remarked with widened, horrified blue eyes.
"What's wrong, Georgia? Scared?" Iris taunted, grinning cheekily.
The Dragon Buster shook her head quickly and gave herself a couple of smacks on the face in order to regain her composure. She exhaled quietly and faced Iris as coolly as she normally did.
"Who asked you anyway?"
"Kid!"
"Now down to one Pokémon left, how can Katie turn this around?" the commentator narrated. "Or will Ash and Marowak seal their victory with one hard, blunt strike?"
"Don't worry, I know how to deal with Ash's two Pokémon now and the third will be done on even terms," Katie muttered as she recalled her fallen Venomoth. "Venomoth, great job out there." The Lilycove Cool Beauty took one last furtive glance on Ash and Marowak as she took out her last Poké Ball. "It's time to end this. Come out, Walrein!"
Katie wasn't going to mess around now, made evident that she had just unleashed one of her well-known and reserved powerhouses to battle. The Ice Break Pokémon bellowed upon release, towering over the undeterred Marowak.
"And Katie has gone with Walrein as her last Pokémon!" the commentator announced as the audience cheered on; this was it.
"I now have the major type advantage over Marowak and slight advantage over Torterra should you choose to send it back out," Katie proclaimed proudly. "In addition, my Walrein is stronger than ever! You may have gotten lucky with my first two Pokémon, but you're not going to walk away with my victory."
"… …" Ash remained unaffected by Katie's declarations, but nonetheless kept his game face on.
"Walrein, let's start with Mimic! And then use what you learned!"
Walrein glowed lightly as it scrutinized Marowak, playing a mental image of the last move the Bone Keeper Pokémon had used. It watched a replay of Marowak striking down its ally with one ferocious attack.
"Waahhl!" Walrein bellowed; it temporarily learned Retaliate.
Then following into its Trainer's second command, Walrein charged in with speed that completely defied its large bulk. In addition to its speed boost, a bloody red aura emanated out of Walrein's body, thirsty for vengeance over the defeated Venomoth.
Marowak was stunned for a moment, realizing that his powerful move was now being used against him, especially since Walrein gained double the power for its fallen comrade. He planted himself as firmly as he could while holding up his club in defense.
*Bam*
Despite the precautions, Marowak was knocked back several feet once Walrein came around. However, the Bone Keeper Pokémon was quick to recover from the initial shock and slid on the ground with his feet before coming to a stop.
"… Swords Dance…!"
Marowak held up his thick club as began to glow a light shade of purple while seemingly growing in length. For an additional show, he twirled the club around and about his body expertly. Katie pouted, knowing that any more Swords Dances and Marowak's attack power would go through the roof, as if he wasn't already as powerful as he was now.
"Quick, Walrein! Use Body Slam!"
"… Bone Club!"
The moment became critical as Marowak completed Swords Dance and prepared to leap up to confront Walrein. However, when he attempt to move, Marowak suddenly stumbled and fell to the ground, much to everyone and Ash's surprise. Upon closer investigation, it was discovered that Marowak's left leg got caught in what appeared to be a remnant of a silky, yet sticky net glob.
"What's this?" the commentator brought up for dramatic effect. "I almost forgot about Galvantula's Sticky Web, released everywhere on Ash's side of the battlefield on the very first turn. Getting stuck in that is going to slow you down considerably."
"Ha! Galvantula's gambit will ultimately pay off for me," Katie declared haughtily. "Go, Walrein!"
Unable to move or evade, Marowak switched tactics and waited for Walrein to come closer. He wound up his arm, ready to strike with his empowered club. Walrein came down for its Body Slam, just as Marowak swung up with Bone Club. The collision of these physical attacks proved to be quite devastating, evident with the sound that erupted when the two of them clashed.
Walrein skidded back, recoiling from the painful blunt strike it received on its abdomen while Marowak was shoved right off of the Sticky Web trap, narrowly avoiding another one as he rolled on the grass. The Bone Keeper Pokémon was on his knees for a bit before standing back up for more.
"It doesn't look like either Pokémon is going to give way," the commentator pointed out.
"Walrein, use Ice Ball!"
"… Bone Club again!"
The Ice Break Pokémon opened its mouth and fired a small jagged ball of ice at Marowak, who easily shattered the attack with a swing of his club. Marowak glared back, raring to go.
"Tch! Ice Ball again!"
"… Bone Club!"
Walrein released an Ice Ball that was twice its original size at the same rate. Marowak waited for the Ice-type attack before swiping down, causing the larger Ice Ball to split in half vertically.
"You can't keep this up any longer!" Katie taunted. "Ice Ball one more time!"
"… Go, Bone Club!"
The process went into its third round. An Ice Ball closely rivaling Walrein's size was formed and launched without hindrance. It flew just as fast as the first two attempts. Instead of waiting around for the Ice Ball to come, Marowak charged forward with club on shoulder to beat down the attack.
With additional momentum added to his already formidable strength, Marowak was sure that this third Ice Ball was going to crumble away. Unfortunately, their clash had proved to be a stalemate as the Bone Keeper Pokémon struggled his club against the Ice Ball, which ultimately resulted in the Ice Ball exploding in his face and pushing him backwards.
"The third time's the charm with Ice Ball as Marowak now seemed to have met its match," the commentator pointed out.
"The next one's going your last," Katie threatened. "Walrein, Ice Ball!"
This Ice Ball was now considered just as large as Walrein, if not larger. The charge time was swift and was launched without hesitation. Instead of striking back with Bone Club, Marowak took the initiative of leaping away to the side while avoiding any Sticky Web nets left around on the ground.
"… Use Stone Edge!"
Marowak slowed down upon reaching Walrein's left, conjuring two rings of sharp jagged stones around him and directing their circulation with his club. Having just fired an Ice Ball, Walrein was unable to counter the Stone Edge stabbing it down.
"Now that looks like a critical hit!" the commentator noted as Walrein was pummeled down by the Rock-type attack. "If it's one thing with Marowak, it's another. Stone Edge is super effective on the Ice-type Walrein. I think we're finally reaching the point of no return, for either Katie or Marowak!"
"I'm not going down with a fight!" Katie declared. "Not after I took the trouble of nearly identifying Ash's entire team! Walrein, use Ice Beam!"
"… Stone Edge again!"
Walrein had intended to strike Marowak with its Ice Beam, but several stones had managed to intercept the Ice Beam, weakening its power to the point that the Bone Keeper Pokémon was able to hold it off with his club.
"What a defense! I've never seen Stone Edge used like that!" the commentator admitted.
The remaining sharp rocks of the Stone Edge fulfilled their course, attacking Walrein in the face and disrupting the Ice Beam. Marowak narrowed his eyes as his opponent was at its most vulnerable.
"No! Walrein, Body Slam!" Katie cried from the top of her lungs.
"… … Bone Club!" Ash commanded, more passionately than his previous commands.
Marowak was more than willing to oblige as he swiftly dashed his way towards the susceptible Walrein. Every spectator leaned in closely, the cheering coming to slow silence. With a powered Bone Club on hand, there was only one thing left to do.
*Swipe*
Marowak seemed to have disappeared and reappeared from both sides around Walrein, a testament to his resilient speed. As soon as Marowak broke out of landing stance and stood at full height, the fate of the Ice Break Pokémon was decided.
*Thud*
Walrein collapsed forward, its head held up slightly by the support of its tusks. Its astounded expression and swirling eyes were more than enough to show its current status.
"Walrein is unable to battle!" the referee ultimately declared, holding up the flags to end the match. "Marowak wins! And the victory for this round goes to Ash of Pallet Town!"
"And that's the end of that!" the commentator exclaimed amidst the roaring cheers of a great match. "Looks like Ash will be moving on to the third round! Once again, he's proven to be quite the formidable threat by having another three-to-zero victory! I wonder how he's going to keep this up once the stronger Trainers advance further in the Champions League. Speaking of such, I've been asked by the Pokémon League Committee to remind you all that due to certain circumstances that the remainder of the second round matches will be extended to next week. So for those that have competed already this week, you all have a free week to train, recover, and prepare for the third round! Remember also, there are five preliminary elimination rounds before we reach the Victory Rounds. Can't wait to see you all there!"
The audience continued to cheer on as the finished competitors went to the grass field to tend to their Pokémon. Katie had reached to where her Walrein had fallen, giving it a pat on the head for a job well done.
"Walrein, I'm proud that we made it this far," Katie whispered softly as she recalled it into its Poké Ball. "Rest now." She then glanced over to Ash, Pikachu, and Marowak as they approached her. "Hey, Ash, that was a really awesome battle. One of the best I actually had despite losing. Thank you."
"… …Mmm," Ash grunted with a nod.
"It's obvious that you've been through a lot since our time from the Ever Grande Conference, aside from the way you look and act to how powerful your Pokémon are," Katie brought up, smiling sincerely while putting a hand through her long teal hair. "Also, I want to apologize for the way I acted during battle. I really didn't mean to afflict your Pokémon the way I did. I just got caught up in the moment, that's all."
"… All in the past…" Ash replied, managing a small smile and inciting a quick giggle from Katie.
"You know, you really are a sweet guy outside of battle. I'm glad to see that your heart's still in the right place. Anyway, are you still available for a date?"
"… … The nut…?"
"… You're kidding, right?"
"… … …"
No further response.
"I know that you supposedly 'disappeared' the past year, probably training your Pokémon in the wild, but you can't seriously be this detached from humanity!"
"… A lot of things happened…"
Ash looked down to Marowak next to him, who only looked back with the same serious expression he bore since he was first released into battle. Katie followed to where the Pallet Town Trainer was looking and covered her mouth with a hand, suddenly feeling ashamed for yelling at him.
"I get it," Katie finally said. "It's not my place to decide, but before I go, I still want to wish you best of luck for the later rounds. I'll be rooting for you all the way. Since you've beaten me twice, I won't forgive you if you lose early on. And if you want to see me again for anything, I'll still be hanging around New Island for a bit before going back home to Lilycove City. Deal?"
The Lilycove Cool Beauty extended a hand out for Ash to reciprocate. As he shook her hand to part on good terms, the remaining spectators cheered on for their sportsmanship and seeing Ash show more of his previous outgoing self, a refreshing change from when he first revealed his return to Pokémon battling.
"It looks like Ash is starting to open up," Dawn pointed out. "Come on, guys! He's still there!"
"I don't know, Dawn," Misty said, appearing hesitant. "After a match like that, it doesn't feel right to try and confront him."
"But…"
"I guess I'm not the only one experiencing the flavor of a bittersweet end," Cilan commented. "Anyone else feeling the same way?"
"Yep," Max answered.
"Uh-huh," Brock concurred.
"Marowak scares me," May added.
"Oddly enough, I'm not even in the mood to pursue him after seeing that battle," Georgia muttered with a shrug, standing out of her seat. "I'm just going to get something to eat and train some more."
"That plan actually sounds sensible," Iris remarked.
"I'd watch your mouth if I were you, Iris," Georgia advised. "We still haven't settled our dispute. Look forward to our rematch in the coming weeks once I learn more about Fairy-types, got it?"
"We're having a rematch?" Iris repeated, raising an eyebrow.
"You got it. Dragon Buster out!"
"My, even I couldn't foresee such power if my life depended on it," Sabrina stated, glancing down at the field as Ash and Katie went their separate ways. "What do you think about Ash now, Paul?"
She discovered an empty seat next to her, the seat where the Veilstone City Trainer originally sat in. Sabrina looked up in time to catch Paul reaching an exit gate up the stairs as he took one glance back to the battlefield.
"Um, Paul left," Anabel pointed out.
"He's anxious to train some more so he wouldn't feel left behind, not that I can blame him," Sabrina said, preparing to take her leave. "Will you be alright?"
"I think so," Anabel replied with a few involuntary nods.
"Are you planning on meeting up with Ash any time soon?" Sabrina asked.
"Mm, not that I know of," Anabel admitted. "If I see him, I'll talk to him. But something tells me he needs some time to himself. I think I'm going to see how the rest of my colleagues are doing."
"You know, I heard Lucian is having his battle pretty soon," Sabrina suggested.
"… So I've heard."
That's a wrap for now. And just to make it clear and official, the first new Pokémon out the three that Ash has and would be using at some point during the competition is Marowak. If you recall the previous chapters in which Ash recounted a bit of his previous year to Anabel, he came across a baby Cubone and the Marowak mother. If you don't remember the story, then please go back and read the three-part "Trap" flashback as I'm not going to recount it here.
So now, two Pokémon are left to Ash to show off. They don't include what he already has up to the end of Unova and the Decolore Islands. Can you try guessing the remaining two? One is not too hard and the last is already decided (not by the poll on my profile page, that's just to see what you all think).
Also, an early reviewer mentioned he/she wanted to see Torterra redeem itself. And at this time, it seemed appropriate to use it again. Of course, these are still the early rounds, so more Pokémon will be revealed in the future.
One more fun fact that there is a romantic pairing between Ash/Satoshi and Katie/Kaede called ShortTemperShipping. Just throwing it out there.
It's time to measure up my writing skills. Please review!
L-ater!