Pokémon: The Prism League Chapter 16 :When Ambitions Collide
Disclaimer: I do not own Pokémon.
"Welcome back everyone to the third round of the second stage, I'm your voice to all the action Don George and joining me now is the Frontier Brain of the Kanto region's Battle Tower, Salon Maiden Anabel."
"It's a pleasure to be here everyone and I'm excited to see the bonds of Trainers and their Pokémon." The purple-haired woman greeted the crowds.
"Now on to the battles, the winners of the second round were immediately assigned their next opponent and given a mere two hours to prepare for their match." Don George explained to the masses.
"Two hours is crazy, that's hardly anytime at all to come up with a strategy." Dawn said in disbelief.
"That's kind of the point Dawn." Max said as a matter of fact.
"Huh?" The Coordinator replied.
"Max is right, by having the competitors face their next opponent so quickly after their last battle it challenges their strategic abilities in a critical situation." Gary explained.
"Not to mention having several of their Pokémon out of commission today after their first battle will also make it more difficult to built their next team." Brock reminded everyone.
"Some less than favorable circumstances made only more difficult by who Ash's next opponent." Cilan said with a hint of worry.
"Well if there's anyone who can win in a situation like this it's Ash." Misty said certainly as the next two Trainers were about to take the field.
"Our first Trainer, what he lacks in number skills he makes up for in battle skills it's Cameron!" Don George announced while Cameron rushed onto the field. "Next we have the powerhouse Pallet Town Trainer Ash!" Ash and Pikachu took their place across from Cameron with looks of anticipation and excitement. Anabel what are your thoughts on these two?
"I've had the pleasure of battling Ash myself and it was a match I'll never forget, he's a challenging opponent, but from what I've seen of Cameron he is quite a strong and driven Trainer himself." The Frontier Brain gave her input.
"Ok Cameron it's time I evened the score after the Unova League." Ash proclaimed.
"Well I'm not holding anything back Ash so you better bring it." Cameron demanded eagerly.
"We will now decide on what field the battle will take place on." Don George announced. The main screen displayed the environments used for battle then pulled them together and began shuffling until stopping on the image of a large lake. "Our competitors are headed for the lake battlefield!"
Both trainer's boxes began to glow while Ash and Pikachu each took a deep breath as they prepared themselves for yet another transportation. The Trainers vanished in a flash of light and a moment later the stadium screen turned to their location. Ash and Cameron had each teleported to the middle of a the lake each standing on a small mass of land between them was a small round island with the battle field on it while a number of smaller pieces of land surrounded it.
"Finally Ash is one of the featured battles." Iris said glad that Ash's battle was now displayed more conveniently instead of on Gary's laptop.
Back at the lake battlefield the referee ordered the trainers to present their Pokémon. "Ferrothorn you're up!" Cameron threw out his pokeball which released his dual-type Pokémon.
"Ok then, I'll go with Butterfree!" Ash said then called out his first captured Pokémon who appeared with an angelic cry as it flew through the air.
"Who's that Pokémon?" Cameron wondered while taking out his pokedex. "Butterfree the Butterfly Pokémon, In battle Butterfree flaps its wings releasing a highly toxic dust into the air." "Cool, but that's not gonna stop us."
Both Pokémon appeared next to their respective Trainer on the board. "Cameron's sturdy Ferrothorn against the swift wings of Ash's Butterfree, which one will come out victorious?" Don George wondered.
"Even though Ferrothorn is a steel type it's also a grass type which gives Ash the upper hand since Butterfree is a bug and flying type." Max stated.
"And since Butterfree can fly its got the advantage on this field." Molly said taking notice of the field's restriction on Ferrothorn.
Ok Cameron, you ready?" Ash asked clearly through with waiting.
"You bet Ash, lets do it!" Cameron replied with equal enthusiasm.
"Trainers ready, Begin!" On the big screen the images of Ash and Cameron clashed with versus between them.
"First move's ours, Butterfree use Gust!" Ash ordered. Butterfree flew higher into the air and began flapping its wings creating a powerful gust of wind that swept over the battlefield forcing Ferrothorn to anchor itself to the field with its three feelers.
"Ferrothorn stop it with Pin Missile!" Ferrothorn fired white missiles of energy from its two front feelers at Butterfree causing the Bug type to ceases its flapping and dodge the missiles. "Now use Metal Claw!" Ferrothorn's feelers became coated in metal then stretched out in an attempt to hit Butterfree. The flying and bug type dodge the Ferrothorn's first swipe only to be blindsided and it by its second attack.
Butterfree took the hit and quickly corrected itself in the air. "Butterfree use Aerial Ace!" Responding to the command Butterfree dived down at the field then at field pulling up at the last second and flew low across the mass of land.
"Dodge it!" Cameron ordered. As Butterfree closed in Ferrothorn gave a powerful leap allowing the Butterfly Pokémon to pass under it.
"Now use Psybeam!" Butterfree spread its wings to stop its advance then quickly turned and took aim at its airborne opponent and fired a multicolored beam of energy from its eyes landing a direct hit on the grass and steel type who while still in the air was unable to dodge.
the Thorn Pod Pokémon dropped to the field in a limp state. "Ferrothorn get up." Cameron encouraged as the grass and steel type struggled to stand. "Good, now use Pin Missile!" Ferrothorn raised its feelers and once again fired a spray of glowing needle-like missiles.
"Butterfree send them back Silver Wind!" Butterfree flapped its wings this time creating a burst of wind filled with waves of silver that sent the Pin Missile back at Ferrothorn hitting it with its own attack and Butterfree's.
"Ferrothorn!" Cameron gasped.
"Get in close with Aerial Ace." Ash commanded then Butterfree flew in low across the battlefield.
"Stop it with Gyro Ball!" Cameron advised. Ferrothorn pulled its feelers tight to its body and began spinning rapidly as blue orbs appeared on the end of each feeler. Ferrothorn then shot forward at Butterfree overpowering its Aerial Ace knocking it to the field. "Awesome, follow up with Mirror Shot!" A blue aura covered Ferrothorn then formed into an orb of energy that was shot a Butterfree.
Before Ash's bug type could even pick itself Ferrothorn's attack hit knocking it back to its Trainer's feet. "Butterfree are you alright?" Ash gasped as Butterfree rose up then in an unsteady manner took flight once again. "Ok lets get back in this, use Silver Wind!"
Butterfree rose higher in the sky and began flapping its wings releasing another gust of silver laced wind that swept over Ferrothorn. "Use Pin Missile!" Cameron ordered once the wind subsided then Ferrothorn fired another burst of energized missiles.
"Dodge them Butterfree!" The Butterfly Pokémon quickly flying through the shower of pins and closed the distance between its opponent.
"Use Gyro Ball!" Cameron countered back. Ferrothorn pulled its feelers tight to its body and began spinning rapidly. As Ferrothorn moved forward Butterfree dodge out of its path.
"Psybeam!" Butterfree fired a multicolored beam from its eyes hitting Ferrothorn stopping its Gyro Ball. "Now end it with one last Silver Wind!" With its opponent down Butterfree let loose another silver filled gust of wind that struck the Thorn Pod Pokémon full force knocking it out.
"Ferrothorn!" Cameron gasped.
"Ferrothorn is unable to battle the winner is Butterfree!" The referee declared.
"You did it Butterfree, way to go!" Ash congratulated his bug type who sored in the air to celebrate its win. "Pi Pika Pi!" Pikachu cheered his friend on.
"In the first match up of Butterfree against Ferrothorn, Butterfree has scored Ash the first victory." Don George announced to the crowds.
"A very intense battle to start off with, both trainers are giving their all right out of the gate." Anabel added.
Back on the battlefield Cameron had returned Ferrothorn to its pokeball and gave Ash a confident smile as he reached for his next one. "That was pretty good Ash, but lets see you handle this, go Hydreigon!" The Unova Trainer released a fierce looking black and purple dragon Pokémon with six wings and two extra heads in place of its hands.
"And Cameron calls on Hydreigon, a dragon type that can cause three times the trouble for it opponent." Don George announced as Hydreigon's image lite up under the now blackened one of Ferrothorn.
"Yes, I can sense that Hydreigon is indeed powerful and its power is only further enhanced by the bond with its Trainer." Anabel gave her thoughts on the dragon type.
"Butterfree return," Ash held out his pokeball and withdrew the bug type from the field causing it's image on the bored to darkened. "You did good Butterfree, take a rest."
"Ash is once again faced with Cameron's Hydreigon, a most troublesome turn of events." Cilan said pondering Ash's situation.
"Isn't Hydreigon the Pokémon that Cameron started out with in his first battle with Ash?" Zoey asked recalling Ash mentioning the dragon and dark type.
"Yeah, it managed to beat Boldore and Owshawott with no problem and it took a Brick Break from Pignite to beat it." Iris explained in a worried tone as she recapped the battle.
"Then it's essential that Ash take out Hydreigon before it can deal that much damage to his team again." Brock concluded.
Back with Ash and Cameron, Hydreigon let out a feral roar that forced Ash and Pikachu to step back surprised by the power it's voice alone had. "Hydreigon's gotten even stronger since our last battle Ash, think you can handle it?" Cameron taunted lightly.
"Yep, I've got just the thing to take it down, go Glalie!" Ash threw out a pokeball releasing the sole ice type of his team .
"Wow." Cameron gaped at Ash's Pokémon then took out his pokedex. "Glalie, the Face Pokémon. Glalie has a tempered ice body that doesn't melt even under a direct flame. It can freeze vapors in the air instantly."
I'm counting on you Glalie." Ash told the floating Face Pokémon.
"Glalie." (Right.)
"We have to win this one quick Hydreigon." Cameron told his dragon type.
"And Ash has chosen his ice type Glalie to counter Cameron's dark and dragon type Hydreigon." Don George announced.
"Both Trainers ready, Begin!"
"Let's do it Hydreigon, Dragon Pulse!" Hydreigon rose up and fired an energy ball from its middle head that Glalie quickly evaded. "Keep the pressure on." The dragon type suddenly began firing more energy balls at a much fast rate.
"Dodge them Glalie!" Doing as Ash commanded Glalie began evading the onslaught of Hydreigon's attack while moving in close.
"Keep it up!" Cameron ordered not deterred by Glalie's dodging. Hydreigon continued its fire with the Face Pokémon only growing closer.
"Now Glalie end this with one shot, use Ice Beam!" Ash said sure of himself. Glalie was positioned in close to Hydreigon then fired a beam of energy from between its horns.
Cameron suddenly smirked at the turn of events. "Got you, now Hydreigon use Flamethrower!" A powerful flame shot from Hydreigon's mouth cutting through the Ice Beam and headed for Glalie.
The Face Pokémon watched in shock as its attack was overpowered then quickly floated out of the fire's path but was badly grazed by the attack. "Glalie are you alright?" Ash asked noticing his Pokémon's slight distress. "That was close."
"We almost had you Ash." Cameron grinned from across the field satisfied with catching his opponent off guard.
"Yeah you did, we're gonna have to watch out for that Flamethrower." Ash replied.
"That's not gonna help, go Hydreigon!" The dragon type let out a powerful roar and unleashed another stream of fire.
"Dodge and use Icy Wind!" Glalie once again evaded the flames this time unscathed and then opened its mouth which let loose a fierce chilling wind that stopped Hydreigon instantly.
"A surprise attack by Cameron almost took Glalie down for the count but Ash quickly recovers and lands a solid hit on Hydreigon." Don George observed.
"Keep it up Glalie!" Ash encouraged the Face Pokémon as it continued to blast Hydreigon with Icy Wind.
"Pika Pika!" (Go for it Glalie!) Pikachu cheered from Ash's side.
"There has to be a way to break free." Cameron said to himself then reached for his headband and stretching it out before releasing it snapping himself in the head. Cameron hissed as a stinging pain shot through his head then a smile broke on his face as an idea seemed to come to him. "I've got it, Hydreigon use Dragon Rush!" A surge of energy erupted from the duel type's body covering it in the shape of a dragon blocking the winds allowing Hydreigon to burst through and smash into Glalie.
"Glalie!"
"Yeah, nice job, now use Flamethower!" Cameron cheered.
"Quick use Double Team!" Hydreigon let out another blast of fire from it mouth but just before it hit Glalie split into multiple copies of itself surrounding it's dragon type opponent.
"Knock them all down!" Cameron ordered not deterred by the diversion tactic. The dragon and dark type spun in circle and released its flames sweeping through the copies of Glalie.
"Hit it with Ice Beam!" Suddenly Glalie appeared from behind Hydreigon and fired its freezing beam from between its horns hitting Hydreigon in the back driving it back down on the field.
"Hydreigon!" Cameron gasped as his dragon type smashed into the field. "Come on Hydreigon give them one more Dragon rush!" Hydreigon picked itself up and took the air and covered itself in another clock of dragon energy and charged Glalie.
"Blizzard Glalie!" Glalie opened its mouth unleashing a howling blast of wind and snow that pelted Hydreigon as it closed in. The dark and dragon type forced its way through the Blizzard to Glalie who strengthened it attack with each passing second only to have Hydreigon finally make contact resulting in an explosion that encased them both.
The Trainers cringed as they lost sight of their Pokémon in the puff of smoke. Neither took their eyes away from the dark cloud until a object dropped from it on to the field with a loud crash. Once the smoke surrounding the air above the field and below finally lifted it revealed Ash's Glalie to have suffered only minor damage while Cameron's dragon type was frozen and unconscious.
"Hydreigon is unable to battle the winner is Glalie!"
The crowds applause filled the stadium after the referee made while on the big screen Hydreigon's image became blacked out on Cameron's side of the bored.
"A chilling blast from Glalie puts Hydreigon on ice and put Ash in the lead with two victories straight." Don George observed.
"Ash made a wise decision choosing Glalie, few Pokémon prove a match against Hydriegon's power but Ash's belief in Glalie served him well." Came Anabel's input.
Meanwhile Ash's friends were celebrating Glalie's triumph with great relief. "Ash is on roll now." Dawn said as the groups moral grew.
"With Hydreigon out of the way he's in good shape to keep control." Zoey pointed out.
"We can't count Cameron out of this yet, I believe the loss of Hydreigon may only further motivate him." Cilan suspected out loud calming everyone's excitement.
Back on the lake battlefield Cameron recalled Hydriegon to its pokeball. "I'm impressed Ash, no one's ever taken down my Hydriegon that quick, but now it's time for Samurott!" Cameron threw out his next pokeball that released a large blue sea-lion pokemon with a pointed shell on top of its head, four sharp white whiskers and shells that resembled armor along its legs.
"So it's Samurott next, Glalie I'm keeping you in." Ash told the Face Pokémon who gave a grunt of agreement.
"On a field surrounded by water like this Samurott has the edge." Misty said with a questionable look after Ash's choice.
"And something tells me Cameron has a plan on how to use it." Gary suspected.
"Both Trainers ready, Begin!"
"Go Samurott use Water Pulse! without hesitation Samurott formed an orb of water from its mouth an fired it.
"Dodge it Glalie!" Fallowing Ash's order Glalie smoothly glided out of the Water Pulse path.
"Hit them with Megahorn!" Cameron commanded not giving his opponent time to prepare. Samurott jump towards Glalie as the shell on its head glowed bright and its horn extended driving it into Glalie's side.
The Face Pokémon grunted in pain as its opponents horn hit dead on. "Hang on Glalie, use Ice Beam!" Recovering quickly Glalie formed a freezing beam between it horns.
As Samurott landed back on the field it quickly leapt back evading Glalie's beam which left the spot frozen in ice. Not deterred by its missed shot the ice type fired another beam forcing Samurott off the main field retreating to one of the smaller surrounding pieces of land. Finally Glalie let loose one more blast only for Samurott to jump into the water.
Glalie scanned the surface of the water for any sign of the Formidable Pokémon. "Where did it go?" Ash said as his eyes surveyed the lake.
Cameron smirked seeing his opponent's heightened state of worry. "Now Samurott!" The Unova water starter shot up from the lake surrounded in a jet water and rocketed itself into Glalie.
The ice type growled in pain after Samurott smashed into it and dived back into the water. Glalie are you alright?" Ash gasped but before Glalie could reply Samurott burst from the water once again ramming the Face Pokémon. "Glalie!" Samurott dove back into the lake then before Glalie could properly recover broke the surface once again in an Aqua Jet and struck the floating ice type.
Ash watched with gritted teeth as Samurott attack from all sides jumping put from one side of the lake and then another, assaulting Glalie with with blinding speed until he finally caught sight of Samurott swimming beneath the water's surface. "Glalie Ice Beam to the right!"
Samurott shot out of the lake ready to strike just as Glalie turned and fired an Ice Beam that quickly froze the Aqua Jet stopping it in place. "Alright!" Ash cheered in victory.
"Not so fast Ash, now Samurott use Razor Shell!" Cameron ordered. Suddenly from the block of ice extended two blue blades and Samurott began spinning inside its frozen prison using the blades to cut through and shatter the ice and continue with its Aqua Jet.
Samurott shot at the stunned Face Pokémon in an Aqua Jet this time spinning rapidly while armed with its duel blades and in a single instance dealt a flurry of slashes to the ice type.
Samurott landed back on the field in one fluid motion and retracted its blades while Glalie dropped from the air with a painful groan before losing consciousness. "Glalie!" Ash gasped.
"Glalie is unable to battle the winner is Samurott!" The referee declared before Glalie's image became blacked out.
"A well executed surprise come back from Cameron." Don George said impressed.
"Yes his use of the field and Samurott's abilities were perfect." Anabel agreed.
"Did you see that attack?" May asked astounded.
"Barely." Dawn answered.
"Who'd of guessed Cameron has his own version of the counter shield?" Bianca (Jhoto) wondered.
"That's more than a counter shield, not only does it allow Samurott to attack and defend but by attacking from the lake it gives them the element of surprise." Brock said crossing his arms as he explained.
Ash recalled his fallen ice type to its pokeball before grabbing a new one from his belt. "Snivy you're up!" The tiny grass starter took the field with feminine call of her name while on the bored her image appeared beneath Glalie's now blacked out space.
"Now Ash has chosen Snivy, will this grass type have what it takes to bring down Samurott?" Don George commentated.
"Lets do it Snivy."
"Snivy Sni!" (Right!)
"A Grass Pokémon isn't enough to stop us Ash." Cameron proclaimed.
"Both Trainers ready, Begin!"
"Snivy use Leaf Blade!"
"Samurott, Razor Shell!"
A green blade of energy extended from Snivy's tail and Samurott formed a blue blade in its hand. Both Pokémon leapt in the air and clashed their blades but Samurott forced Snivy back with its superior size and knocked her back. "Ok Samurott now Megahorn!" Samurott's shell glowed brightly and its horn extended as it charged the small grass type.
"Snivy stop it with Vine Wipe!" Two vines shot out from Snivy's neck and wrapped around Samurott's horn. "Now throw it." With all her strength Snivy managed to lift the Formidable Pokémon off the field and into the air by its horn.
"Into the water Samurott!" Cameron ordered as Snivy prepared to slam Samurott into the field. With one quick twist Samurott broke free of Snivy's vines and dove into the water leaving Snivy to go on guard. "Now Aqua Jet and Razor Shell!"
Ash and Snivy furiously scanned the surface of the lake for any sign of Samurott's impending attack. Finally the Unova water type burst up in a jet of water blades in hand spinning as it headed for Snivy.
"Snivy dodge quick!" Snivy skillfully evaded Samurott's spinning attack only for the water type to dive into the lake once again and resurface making another assault forcing her to dodge again.
"This is the same as what happened to Glalie, we have to stop Samurott!" Ash though to himself as he watched The Formidable Pokémon chased after Snivy. "Snivy use Leaf Storm!" Multiple glowing leafs appeared around Snivy as she began spinning and fired them At Samurott but the attack was useless as the leafs were blocked by the Aqua Jet and shredded by Samurott's blades which then landed a slash on Snivy knocking her across the field.
Samurott released the Aqua Jet and landed back on the field and prepared to make its next attack. "Snivy use Attract!" Ash commanded thinking quickly.
"Samurott use Ice Beam!"
While Samurott began charging a beam of energy Snivy winked releasing pink hearts that surrounded Samurott then collided with its body. Samurott seemed unfazed by the hearts and continued to charge its beam.
"What!" Ash gasped only for his memories to kick in reminding him to late that Cameron's Samurott was a female.
"Do it Samurott!" Cameron ordered. The Formidable Pokémon fired a freezing beam at the shocked grass type who quickly regained her concentration to narrowly dodge the icy blast.
"Snivy come back!" Ash said held up his Pokeball withdrawing Snivy from the battle.
"Another intense offensive from Samurott forces Ash to recall Snivy." Don George announced.
"Given the disadvantage Snivy was at even with type in its favor Ash made the right call." Anabel elaborated.
"Sorry Ash but on this field Samurott rules." Cameron said in triumph while Ash looked troubled with his thoughts.
"This is bad, Snivy had the type advantage and was fast enough to keep up with Samurott but still couldn't stop it." Molly said fearful of the situation.
"What can Ash do?" May asked hoping for someone to have an answer.
"Hard to say, with Samurott's speed, the way it's using the field and that Aqua Jet and Razor Shell combination Ash is in a real tight spot." Brock explained as he to was growing worried.
"He needs to stop Samurott's spinning attack for starters." Gary purposed.
"But even Snivy's Leaf Storm didn't do a thing against it." Tracy pointed out.
"True, but if Ash doesn't find a way to counter that move he could be done for." Gary responded with grim honesty before everyone turned their focus back to the match.
"Alright if I'm gonna win this one I need to fight water with water." Ash said taking hold of his pokeball. "Wartortle I choose you!" Ash threw his pokeball summoning the Turtle Pokémon.
"War Tortle!" (I'm ready to go!) The furry tailed turtle said crossing its arms confidently.
"Yes, good thinking Ash." Misty said to herself having to acknowledge Ash's chose.
What are you talking about Misty?" Dawn asked the water type Trainer.
"Wartortle isn't confined to the field and can battle underwater and since it's a water type Aqua Jet and Razor Shell won't do much damage especially against Wartortle's high defense." Misty enlightened with glee.
"So Ash has subbed in Wartortle to match Cameron's Samurott." Don George reiterated.
"An interesting chose, I sense a very deep connection between Ash and Wartortle that is very strong, but this has now become a stamina battle, it will come down to which of the two can last the longest." Anabel gave her following statement.
"Ok Wartortle time for us to take control!" Ash said as both Pokémon readied themselves.
"Both Trainers ready, Begin!"
"Use Water Pulse!" Both Trainers cried out. Samurott and Wartortle each opened their mouths creating a sphere of water and energy and fired them at one another canceling each other out.
"Samurott use Razor Shell!" Samurott once again summoned its blades and charge its opponent.
"Counter with Aqua Tail!" Ash ordered then Wartotle's tail glowed blue and created a spiral of water around it.
Wartortle brought down the corkscrew of water down on Samurott forcing her to stop in her tracks and block it with her blades then with one slash collapsed the twisting burst of water. "Use Aqua Jet!" Samurott formed a jet of water around itself and shot into the air before homing in on Wartortle.
"Wartortle block it with Rapid Spin!" The Turtle Pokémon receded into its shell and began spinning in place a high speeds. Samurott moved like a torpedo quickly closing the distance between itself and it opponent and attempted to slam Wartortle but was forcefully deflected by its spinning shell.
"It'll take more than that to get through Wartortle's shell." Ash proclaimed proudly.
"If that what it takes, Samurott Aqua Jet and Razor Shell!" Cameron retaliated.
"In to the water Wartortle!" Ash commanded.
Samurott once again surrounded itself in water and drew its blades before launching itself at Wartortle who came out from its shell and jump into the lake. The Formidable Pokémon followed after it diving into the lake and scanned its underwater surroundings looking for the turtle when a Water Pulse struck Samurott in the back alerting it to Wartortle but not soon enough to evade its Aqua Tail and took the full force of the attack to the head.
Samurott quickly recovered and formed another Aqua Jet using its surrounding and began charging Wartortle from all sides knocking the Kanto water type around like a pinball forcing it into its shell.
As Samurott made another pass Wartortle began spinning still in its shell which suddenly formed a powerful whirlpool that swept Samurott away forcing it back. Unfazed by this turn of events Samurott charged in this time using its spinning Aqua Jet Razor Shell combo. Although the wall of water was holding it back Samurott pushed further and further in until it finally reach Wartortle and both collided.
Back on the surface both Trainers watched in aw as a huge geyser of water shot up from the lake and their Pokémon were forced into the air from the power of their collision. Samurott landed back into lake while Wartortle land on the field on its back.
"Wartortle!" Ash gasped as he watched the Turtle Pokémon thrash about in an attempt to get off its back.
"Alright now's our chance, let do it Samurott, Aqua Jet and Razor Shell!" Cameron said feeling triumphant. Samurott Flew from the lake in a spinning Aqua Jet with her Razor Shells at the ready closing in on the helpless turtle.
Ash watched with his breath caught in his throat as Samurott was about to land the finishing blow when an idea struck him. "Wartortle use Hydro Cannon!" While still on its back Wartortle opened its mouth and formed a large sphere that was a mix of water and energy but appeared to unstable as its size continued fluctuating. Wartortle took aim at Samurott and fired the sphere with such force it was flipped over from its back onto its stomach.
The blast hit Samurott cancelling out its Aqua Jet and left the Unova water type in the air unable to dodge. "Now it's our turn, Wartortle use Skull Bash!" Ash ordered taking advantage of the shift in the battle. Now back on its feet Wartortle jump into the air tucking its body in tight then smashed head first into Samurott stomach knocker her back into the lake while Wartortle land on the field "War Tortle Tortle" (That's how it's done) The turtle Pokémon said confidently.
After a moment of waiting Samurott resurfaced knocked unconscious with swirls in her eyes. "Samurott is unable to battle the winner is Wartortle!"
"Great Job Wartortle you were awesome!" Ash cheered along side Pikachu.
"Pika Pika Pii!" (You rule Wartortle!)
"You did great out there Samurott take a rest." Cameron said returning his water type to its pokeball. "Ash how did you get Wartortle to use Hydro Cannon, I thought it had to be fully evolved for it to know that move and how come Wartortle didn't have to rest after that attack?"
"Well the thing is it's not a perfect Hydro Cannon." Ash admitted.
"Huh?" The Unova Trainer said utterly confused.
"Well you see, my friends and I thought it would be good to teach Wartortle that move so it could learn it as a Blastoise but as we were training Wartortle was able to use it after all, it can't control it all the time and its not as fully developed as it would be as a Blastoise but it still comes in handy when we need it." Ash smirked.
"Using an undeveloped move to his advantage, a very Ash like technic." Cilan evaluated.
"And it looks like all that training with Misty paid off too." Tracy added.
"Ash has come a lot farther with using water type Pokémon than I would have thought." Misty said impressed with Ash but with a hint of pride in herself.
"A surprising turn around by Wartortle puts Ash's back in control." Don George commented.
"Ash's belief in Wartortle was a powerful factor in this last battle and it clearly the result of years experience." Anabel said feeling Ash's connection to Wartortle.
Cameron took out his next Pokeball eager to even the score. "Next up is Galvantula!" Cameron said releasing a yellow and purple tarantula-like Pokémon.
"Galvantula huh, Wartortle you still good go?" Ash asked the Turtle Pokémon.
"Tortle Tortle." (You bet.)
"Ok I'm sticking with Wartortle." Ash proclaimed.
"Both Trainers ready, Begin!"
"Alright Wartortle use Aqua Tail!" Wartortle formed a spiral a water and prepared to bring it down on top of Galvantula but to surprise of both Ash and Wartortle Galvantula leapt swiftly into the air dodging the water spiral. "Hit it with Water Pulse!" Ash said hoping to take advantage of Galvantula midair state.
"Use Electroweb!" Cameron counter. Wartortle fired an orb of water and energy while Galvantula opened its mouth and shot out a spider web charged with electricity. The Water Pulse collided with the web both canceling out. "Now String Shot!" Galvantula followed up by shooting a web string at Wartortle twisting it around the Turtle Pokémon. "Discharge!" Galvantula sent of bolt of electricity though its body into the string still in its mouth right into Wartortle.
"Wartortle!" Ash gasped as Wartortle cried out in pain at the direct electric attack. "Quick use Rapid Spin to escape!" Wartortle retreated into its shell and began spinning with the string and Galvantula still attached with the Electric and bug type being spin around the field until the string finally snapped sending it flying on to one of the smaller surrounding masses of land. "Now use Water Pulse!"
"Galvantula use Electro Ball!"
Wartortle opened its mouth and formed a ball of water and energy and Galvanchala created a ball of electricity in its mouth both fired their orb leaving no time for them to dodge both take the hit. Glavanchala seem to have taken some damage but Wartortle had taken far more.
"Hang in there Wartortle, use Bubblebeam!" Wartortle shook off the last attack and fired energized bubbles from its mouth.
"Dodge them Galvantula and then Electroweb." Once again Galvantula use its agility to easily dodge the bubbles and fired an electrically charged web at Wartortle this time trapping it.
"Wartortle!" Ash cried out as the turtle Pokémon struggled inside the web.
"Now finish up with Charge Beam!" Cameron commanded then Galvantula began gathering up energy from its body into a single point with Wartortle was still trapped until it energy reached its max and fired it all in one concentrated beam at Wartortle blowing away the Electroweb and left the water type knocked out.
"Wartortle is unable to battle the winner is Galvantula!"
"And Cameron once again turns the tide of this battle with a quick and efficient attacks." Don George commentated.
"Wow even with a type advantage I didn't think Galvantula would be able to get the better of Wartortle like that." Dawn said glumly.
"It was Galvantula's speed that was the problem, it moved so fast Wartortle didn't have time to recover between each attack." Brock elaborated.
"So Ash needs someone that can match its speed." Molly said catching on.
Ash had just recalled Wartortle to its Pokeball and took out his next one. "Snivy your back in!" The Unova starter returned to the field with a look of determination to make up for her match with Samurott.
"Snivy's a good choice to match Galvantula's speed and it's strong against electric attacks but now Ash needs to watch out for its bug type attacks." Zoey took note of the new situation.
"He needs a solid plan for this battle or it could trouble." Gary though aloud.
"I'm counting on you Snivy, you ready?" Ash asked his grass type encouragingly.
"Snivy!" (Ready!)
"Keep that momentum going Galvantula!" Cameron said confidently.
"Both Trainers ready, Begin!"
"Galvantula use Fury Cutter!"
"Snivy use Leaf Blade!"
Galvantula's front legs glowed white and extended into blades while snivy's tail glowed green and became a blade of her own. Both Pokémon leapt at each clashing their blades in midair before breaking apart.
"Use Signal Beam!" Cameron ordered then a blue ball of light formed in front of Galvantula's head and then fired a rainbow colored beam.
"Dodge it Snivy then get in close!" Snivy swift evaded the beam then dashed across the field toward Galvanchala.
"Keep it Up Galvantula!" The electric and bug type continued to fire its beam back to back each of which Snivy gracefully dodge until she had closed in on Galvantula. "Use Bug Bite!" Galvantula's two front feeler glowed bright and sharpened to a point.
"Block it with Vine Whip!" Ash said thinking quickly. Snivy unleashed her vines wrapping them around Galvantula's glowing feelers picking it up then slamming it back down on the field. "Follow with Attract!" Snivy winked releasing pink hearts but before they could land Galvantula jumped out of their path.
"Galvantula use Electro Ball rapid fire!" Galvantula created a ball of electricity in its mouth and firing one after another at snivy who easily dodged the electric orbs and blocked them using her vines.
"Snivy use Leaf Storm!" A storm of glowing leafs appeared around Snivy as she began spinning and then sent them flying at Galvantula.
"Galvantula use Fury Cutter!" Hearing its orders Galvantula jumped into the storm of leafs using its glowing feelers to cut down as many as it could and broke free of them to attack Snivy.
"Snivy dodge and use Attract!" The Grass Snake Pokémon narrowly evaded Galvantula's attack then jumped over it and winked unleashing pink hearts. Galvantula once again used its impressive jumping skills to escape Snivy's Attract. "Galvantula's fast, and it knows dodging Attract is a priority, we have to catch it off guard." Ash thought to himself.
"Now use Signal Beam!" A blue ball of light formed in front of Galvantula's head and then fired a rainbow colored beam that swept over the field as it chased after Snivy.
"Snivy use Energy Ball!" Snivy formed a ball of green energy between her hands and fired it at Galvantula hitting it head on stopping it beam attack. "Now get in close and use Leaf Blade!" A green blade of energy extended from Snivy's tail as she moved in to attack.
"That won't stop use, use Bug Buzz!" Galvantula stood its ground as its antenna began vibrating creating red sound waves that stopped Snivy in her tracks. "Now Fury Cutter!" Galvantula ceased it buzzing and sharpened its feeler to a point then leapt at Snivy.
With the buzzing gone Snivy quickly recovered just Galvantula was about to attack. "Snivy dodge it and use attract!" Snivy jumped back out of range of Galvantula's slashes then prepared to counter when Galvantula jumped forward with its Fury Cutter still at the ready. "Leaf Storm!" Snivy gathered glowing leafs around herself hiding her from sight for a brief moment then sent the storm of leafs at Galvantula.
"That won't work Ash, cut through them Galvantula!" Cameron ordered then Galvantula jumped into the leafs ready to cut them down.
"I wouldn't be so sure." Ash shot back as Galvantula was swept up in the leafs but instead of cutting through them the bug and electric type seemed to be caught in them and not moving.
"What's going on?" Cameron wondered then as the leafs passed over Galvantula dropped to field with hearts in its eyes. "No way!"
"Alright Snivy wrapped this up, Leaf Blade back to back!" Ash cheered. Snivy charged in extending an energized blade from her tail and began dealing repeated Slashes to her love struck opponent. With one last strike Snivy jumped up and brought down her final slash on Galvantula knocking it across the field the hearts in its eyes now replaced by swirls.
"Galvantula is unable to battle the winner is Snivy!"
"This is shaping up to be quite the match with both Trainers having held control of the battle only for a stunning upset to shift the scales." Don George commentated over the cheering fans.
"I'm confused, when did Snivy land an Attract on Galvantula?" Molly wondered.
"I think when Snivy wrapped herself in the Leaf Storm she used Attract hiding it in the leafs, so when Galvantula jumped in it was affected without realizing it." Misty suspected.
"Well how ever he did it Ash managed to pull through again." Tracy said with relief.
"Yeah but Cameron's not out of this yet." Gary warned as both Ash and Cameron prepared to recall their Pokémon.
"Snivy return." Ash held out a Pokeball withdrawing the Unova grass type. "Great job Snivy you really came through."
"Galvantula return." Cameron said doing the same as Ash. "You were awesome out there so take a rest, now Heatmor go!" Cameron called out an anteater-like Pokémon that was red with yellow straps giving it the appearance of lava.
"Heatmor huh, well in that case, Krookodile I choose you!" Ash threw out his Pokeball releasing a large maroon and black bipedal crocodile with a pair of red sunglasses covering its eye.
Both Pokémon's images appeared on their respective Trainer's side of the board. "And our next battle is Heatmor against Krookodile, will Ash's Krookodile chew through Heatmor or will the Anteater Pokémon be to hot to handle." Don George wondered.
"Both Trainers ready, Begin!"
"Go Krookodile use Earthquake!" Ash said taking the first attack. Krookodile lifted up its tail and smacked the battlefield with it repeatedly causing the ground and even the water surrounding the field to shake violently while throwing Heartmor off balance. "Now attack with Crunch!" Krookodile's teeth shined white before it charged forward to sink them into its opponent.
"Heatmor quick use Fire Spin!" Hearing Cameron's command Heatmor tried to regain its footing then unleashed a spiral of fire from its mouth.
Krookodile sidestepped the incoming flames and attempted to clamp its jaw onto Heatmor but the fire type jumped back dodging the ground type's teeth. "Hit it Flamethrower!" This time Heatmor let loose a solid stream of fire that struck the Intimidation Pokémon.
"Krookodile push through and use Dragon Claw!" Krookodile's clawed began glowing blue before the sunglasses wearing crocodile rushed through the fire and delivered a powerful strike to Heatmor.
"Counter back with Slash!" Heatmor's claws glowed bright white and extended, as Krookodile was about to attack again Heatmor met its claw with its own blocking the move then landed a blow of its own. Both Pokémon traded claw attacks back and forth before breaking apart. "Follow up with Flame Burst!" Heatmor released a stream of fire from its mouth into the air that formed into a ball then burst apart sending fire down on Krookodile.
"Get in close with Aerial Ace!" Krookodile shook off the falling flames and rushed forward with a huge burst of speed as a clear aura surrounded it and smashed into Heatmor. "Now Crunch!" Krookodile took advantage of its close quarters and sank its teeth into Heatmor's arm receiving a cry of pain from the Anteater Pokémon.
"Hang in there Heatmor, use Flamethrower!" With Krookodile still locked on its arm Heatmor hit it with a pointblank blast of fire forcing the Intimidation Pokémon off. As Krookodile was driven back by the fire it twisted quickly swinging its tail using it to disrupt the flames. "Flame Burst one more time. Cameron retaliated seeing that Flamethrower had been swept aside.
Heatmor released a stream of fire from its mouth into the air that formed into a ball. "Krookodile use Dig!" Ash ordered then Krookodile began digging into the ground completely leaving the surface in only a few seconds. The ball of fire above burst raining down smaller flames on the field but had not target to hit.
"Where did it go!" Cameron pondered as he and Heatmor watched the field looking for an early warning of an attack.
"Do it Krookodile! Ash ordered then moments later the ground and dark type burst up from underneath Heatmor sending it into the air with Krookodile following it up. "Dragon Tail!"A layer of blue energy formed around Krookodile's tail making it longer and giving it a scale texture then with one swing it smacked Heatmor back down to the battlefield.
"Heatmor please you have to get up." Cameron called to the struggling Anteater Pokémon as it tried to pick itself up.
"Come down right on top of Heatmor and use Crunch!" Krookodile dived down from above to chomp onto Heatmor.
"Dodge it!" At the last moment Heatmor managed to jump out of the way and Krookodile hit the ground." Use Slash!
"Get out of there Krookodile!" Ash warned the dark type who dug into the ground escaping just as Heatmor's extended claws took a swipe at it.
"Heatmor use Inferno in the hole!" Heatmor aimed down at the hole dug by krookodile an unleashed an intense blue flame into the hole. A small rumble shook the field and an explosion erupted from the hole. "We got it!" Cameron said to himself triumphantly only for it took to be disrupted when Krookodile burst up from behind Heatmor. "What!"
"Krookodile use Stone Edge!" Ash commanded with a smile. Two white rings appeared around Krookodile in an x formation which then shrank and solidified into sharp stones which then homed in on the surprised Anteater Pokémon and then all at once struck Heatmor leaving it to topple over knocked out.
"Heatmor is unable to battle, the winner is Krookodile!" The Referee declaired before the fans broke into cheers.
"Alright, Ash is on a roll now!" Dawn said within moment of the battle's end.
"Right, and Cameron's down to his last Pokémon so Ash could end this match right here." Zoey agreed with her fellow Coordinator.
"I wouldn't be to sure about that." Cilan warned the others with a serious look.
"That's right, if Cameron only has one Pokémon left then it's no question who it is." Iris catching on to Cilan's worries.
"And that means this will be Ash's toughest challenge so far." Cilan stated gravely.
Cameron now stood on the battlefield with his last pokeball in hand and a determined smile on his face. "OK Ash you've defiantly gotten stronger since the Unova League and this has been one tough battle, but are you ready for this."
"I've been ready so give it all got Cameron." Ash encouraged his friend.
"That's just what we're gonna do, Lucario lets do it!" Cameron threw out his pokeball releasing his partner Pokémon a bipedal dog-like Pokémon with predominantly blue and black fur. It had a large round spike on each of its forepaws with an additional one on its chest. But one of its most noticeable features were the four small black appendages on its head that flared out until Lucario opened its eyes.
"Cameron has called on his Lucarion a powerful battler responsible for many of Cameron's past victories, your thoughts Anabel?" Don George asked his guest.
"I'm very impressed both with Lucario's skills but also with the deep bond I feel between it and Cameron." The Salon Maiden replied. "I sense that Cameron has no doubt in Lucario and even now believes it can win."
"That's right, if anyone can turn this around for me it's Lucario!" Cameron proclaimed proudly.
"Well then lets get this battle going!" Ash said with no attempt to hide his eagerness.
"Both Trainers ready, Begin!"
"Krookodile use Aerial Ace!"
"Lucario Extreme Speed!
Krookodile rushed forward with a huge burst of speed and a clear aura surrounded it but Lucario shot off its feet leaving a streak of energy behind it and slammed into the slower moving Krookodile knocking it down and sped past the downed dark type.
"Wow that was fast." Ash gasped surprised by Lucario speed attack.
"Go Lucario!" Cameron ordered then Lucario sped towards Krookodile.
"Stop it with Earthquake!" Ash advised a Krookodile picked itself up.
"Jump up!" Cameron warned his partner. Krookodile then smacked the battlefield with its tail causing it to shack but Lucario stop and leapt into the air over Krookodile avoiding the quaking earth. "Now Aura Sphere!" Lucario focused its aura between its paws and formed an orb of energy then fired it and created two more then all three struck Krookodile one after the other. Lucario landed graceful back on the field and charged the Intimidation Pokémon. "Use Bone Rush!" Without slowing its pace Lucario put its paws together then spread them apart creating a bone made of energy which Lucario began twirling like a bo staff.
"Use Dragon Claw!" Krookodile rushed to met Lucario and took a swipe with its glowing blue claws but was blocked by the Aura Pokémon's bone. Lucario knocked away Krookodile's claw then began striking its opponent using the bone to dangerous effect spinning and twirling it around its own body and attacking the Intimation Pokémon fluidly with the skill of a master martial artist driving Krookodile back.
"Use Dragon Tail!" A layer of blue energy formed around Krookodile's tail extending it then Krookodile spun quickly in an attempt to catch Lucario but the Aura Pokémon instantly stopped its rush and ducked under the dark types tail then as Krookodile had spun back around position itself within its guard.
"Go Close Combat!" In the blink of an eye Lucario delivered a flurry of punches kicks elbows and knees to Krookodile's midsection ending with one last punch that pushed Krookodile back while still on its feet only for it to fall forward knocked out.
"Krookodile is unable to battle the winner is Lucario!"
"Amazing in one swift assault Lucario has defeated Krookodile without suffering so much as a scratch." Don George praised the quick but effective battle.
"Lucario is a very incredible Pokémon." Anabel agreed.
The crowds cheered for the perfectly executed battle while Ash's friends were left speechless for a few moments.
"No way, Lucario took down Krookodile that easily?" May spoke while still gapping at the screen.
"Lucario's fighting type moves coupled with its speed and agility were to much for it." Gary deduced.
"Yeah I though Cameron's Samurott was fast, anyone who blinked missed almost half the battle." Misty agreed still dazed by the battle herself.
"I can't believe how much stronger Lucario's gotten since the last time we saw it." Iris said grimly.
"It's as I feared, Lucario will be no easy opponent to conquer." Cilan thought aloud.
Ash had now recalled Krookodile and taken out his next pokeball. "Butterfree I choose you!"
The butterfly Pokémon was released from the ball and took to the air as its image became active on Ash's side of the board again. "Ash has once again called on Butterfree, will it put and end to this match or does Lucario have other plans?" Don George commentated.
"Both Trainers ready, Begin!"
"Lucario use Aura Sphere!" Cameron ordered than Lucario began firing off orbs of its aura.
"Dodge them Butterfree!" The Butterfly Pokémon flew through the air evading the incoming balls of aura to close in on Lucario. "Now Aerial Ace!" Butterfree gained a boost of speed and descended to just above the ground and prepared to tackle it opponent but just as it was about to hit Lucario gave a small hop allowing Butterfree to fly underneath it. "What!" Ash gasped at the simple dodge.
"Nice try, Lucario one more Aura Sphere." Cameron grinned then before it its feet hit the ground Lucario fired a single Aura Sphere that this time was Butterfree was unable to dodge. "Now Bone Rush!" Lucario put its paws together creating another bone made of energy than rushed Butterfree who was send into a downward spiral from the aura sphere and dealt it a hard strike knocking it out of the air completely.
"Butterfree hang in there." Ash told the bug type as it managed to pick itself up and rise into the air again. "Good, now use Psybeam!" Butterfree climbed higher into the air then fired a multicolored beam of energy from its eyes at Lucario who quickly readied its Bone Rush attack and began spinning the bone in front of itself blocking the blast of psychic energy. Lucario once charged its airborne opponent still spinning its bone. "Stop it with Gust!"
"Dodge Lucario!" Butterfree began beating its wings creating a large gust of wind that was sent toward Lucario that the Aura Pokémon seemed to easily evade. "Hit it with another Bone Rush!" Lucario jumped up escaping the wind and entered Butterfree's airspace and struck it with Bone Rush once again grounding the Butterfly Pokémon.
"Butterfree!" Ash cried out.
"Now use Copycat!" Lucario became surrounded in a waving aura of light it then recalled how Butterfree had used its last move and the color of the aura around Lucario changed to sky blue. Finally Lucario held its paws together and fired a gust of wind that swept Butterfree up into the air. The aura around Lucario faded along with the wind leaving Butterfree to drop to the field knocked out.
"Butterfree is unable to battle the winner is Lucario!"
"Astounding Lucario is quickly turning this match around for Cameron after defeating two of Ash Pokémon." Don George said utterly impressed.
"I agree, Lucario feels the faith its Trainer has and is responding to it." Anabel agreed.
"This is looking really bad." Iris said as a wave of worry washed over the group. "Ash only has two Pokémon left."
"Yes and unfortunately going off what we saw at the Unova League Snivy does not possess the strength needed to beat Lucario." Cilan explained with a growing sense of dread.
"So it all comes down to whoever Ash's last Pokémon is." Bianca was the first to say what everyone had realized.
"Even with an ideal choice, against Lucario and Cameron it won't be an easy battle. Max stated forwardly.
"There has to be someone on Ash's team that can beat Lucario." Molly said holding out hope.
"Well we're about to find out." Tracy said watching the screen as Ash recalled Butterfree.
Ash had now returned Butterfree's pokeball to his belt and took his second to last one but unlike his friends a bright smile was present on his face. "You've gotten a lot stronger Cameron, this has been an awesome battle but I'm about to end it."
"Really cause that's just what Lucario and I were planning on doing." Cameron shot back.
"Yep and here's who I'll do it with, Infernape I choose you!" Ash threw out his pokeball unleashing the final eveolution of the Sinnoh fire starter Pokémon A primate-like Pokémon with reddish-brown and white fur and a burning flame on top of its head.
"Who's that Pokémon?" Cameron wondered pulling out his pokedex. "Infernape the Flame Pokémon and the final form of Chimchar, Infernape's fiery crown reflects its fiery nature, and its speed is unmatched." The pokedex recited before Cameron put it away. "Lucario its time to get serious." Cameron told his partner who agreed with a bark.
"Now Ash has brought out his Infernape and it looks ready to go, will it be able to bring down Lucario." Don George wondered.
"Interesting, I sense a very unique bond between Ash and Infernape a very strong bond as well." Anabel said intrigued.
"Lets do it Infernape!" Ash cheered his fire type on who stared down the Aura Pokémon with both ready start
"Both Trainers ready, begin!"
"Flamethrower!" Ash ordered with no hesitation then Infernape let loose a stream of fire from its mouth.
"Dodge it Lucario and use Aura Sphere!" Doing as Cameron instructed Lucario evaded the burst of fire and then fired several spheres of its own aura at Infernape.
"Send them right with Mach Punch!" As the sphere closed in Infernape stood its ground with its fist surrounded with energy then with blinding speed struck each sphere sending them back at Lucario.
"Get in close and use Bone Rush." After Lucario a dodged its own returning attack it placed its paws together and spread them apart creating a bone out of energy and rushed forward.
"Meet them head on Infernape!" Ash encouraged. Infernape took off ready to meet Lucario with it fists glow white.
Lucario was the first to attack taking a quick swing with its bone which Infernape ducked under and then tried to sweep the Flame Pokémon with a lower strike. Infernape jumped up and over Lucario's attack then came down with its punch at the ready. Lucario raised it bone to block the attack but it proved useless as Infernape's punched smashed through the bone and into its face.
Lucario was sent skidding across the field on its back but quickly flipped over correcting its stance. "Alright Lucario, use Force Palm!"
"Infernape use Flame Wheel!"
Both charged each other, Lucario running ready to attack with an open palm strike and Infernape had jumped into the air doing somersaults then the flame on its head extended covering its entire body as it rolled at Lucario. The two finally met with Lucario smashing its palm into the wheel of fire and were stuck in a stalemate. Both Pokémon began to push against one another with Infernape's wheel spinning fast and Lucario pressing harder against it until Infernape won out and rolled on smashing into Lucario.
"Lucario!" Cameron gasped as Lucario was knocked down and Infernape had rolled around attempting to land another hit. "Quick stop it with Bone Rush." Lucario hastily pushed itself to its feet and formed another bone and once Infernape was close enough slammed the bone across the wheel knocking Infernape out of it.
"Infernape watch out!" Ash warned Lucario charged forward spinning its bone ready to attack. Infernape managed to pick itself up but not before Lucario had closed in. "Use Fire Punch!" Infernape's fist became ignited with flames as it threw a punch hitting Lucario in the face just as Lucario struck Infernape across its chest knocking them both back.
Both Trainers growled in frustration before calling their next attack. "Close Combat!" Lucario and Infernape jumped at one another and became locked in a battle of martial arts. Infernape opened with a swift kick that Lucario ducked under then delivered a punch to the Flame Pokémon's face forcing Infernape to retaliate with an elbow to Lucario's chest. Following that the Aura Pokémon drove its knee into Infernape stomach and then Infernape landed a hard kick to Lucario's side.
Both Pokémon utilized their skills as fighting type and remained perfectly matched in their close quarters fight until they dealt each other one last punch to the face knocking them both back. "Infernape use Flamethrower!" Ash ordered taking hopping to take advantage of Lucario still dazed state. Infernape mange to regain its composure and unleashed another blast of fire from its mouth that Lucario was unable to dodge this time taking the full force of the fire growling in pain.
"Hang on Lucario, use Bone Rush!" Cameron encouraged the Aura Pokémon. Fighting through the fire Lucario created another energy bone and used it to sweep away that flames that had covered it.
"Go Infernape use Flame Wheel!" Infernape wrapped itself in a wheel of fire and rolled on to meet Lucario.
"You got this Lucario!" Cameron told Lucario as it sped off twirling its bone. Just as Infernape was about to crash into Lucario the Aura Pokémon used the bone to knock the wheel of flames upward into the air then jumped up and began once again showing its skills with a staff and attacking Infernape knocking it out of its flames then with one last attack struck the Flame Pokémon and set it crashing down into the field.
"Infernape!" Ash gasped as he saw the fire type planted into the ground.
"Ok Lucario use Aura Sphere and make it a big one." Cameron said with plans to end the battle. While still in the air Lucario began gathering it aura between its paws forming it into a sphere but unlike the others this one began growing larger.
Down on the field Infernape was picking itself up from the last attack. "Infernape look out!" Ash cried causing Infernape to look up and see Lucario had created an Aura Spehere larger than Lucario itself and released it. In an instants the sphere dropped down on the field leaving a large blast and wall of dust as a result.
Lucario landed back on the field and watched as the aftershock of the attack began to settle. "We got them!" Cameron said proudly as he shielded his eye from the dust.
Hearing this Ash's face broke into a wide smirk. "I wouldn't be so sure about that."
"Huh?" Cameron said perplexed but was then shocked to find as the dust had subsided Infernape was nowhere to be seen. "No way, where did Infernape go!?" Cameron wondered but got his answer as Infernape burst up from under the ground in front of Lucario and sent the Aura Pokémon into the air with a well place Mach Punch. "What!?
"Time for Flare Blitz Infernape!" Infernape's body became surrounded by red and orange fire as it shot up at Lucario like a missile which then changed to blue flames. Infernape smashed into Lucario and took it even higher up before diving down into the field. Blue flames erupted from the impact point blocking the Trainer's sight but as the flames quickly died down it showed Infernape cringing a red sparks appeared around its body and Lucario knocked out in a hole.
"Lucario is unable to battle the winner of the battle and the match is Ash and Infernape!" The referee declared before the crowds broke into applauses.
"There it is folks, I a match full ups and downs Infernape has defeated Lucario securing Ash's victory." Don George recapped the battle while on the big screen display Ash's image had taken over the screen now joined by the image of his six Pokémon.
"It was a wonderful match, both Trainers put their hearts into this match right along with Pokémon and they both did well." Anabel gave her thoughts as well.
"Way to go Infernape you were great!" Ash cheered as he and Pikachu hugged the Flame Pokémon who was laughing along with them.
On the other side of the field Cameron help the reawaken and disappointed Lucario into sitting position. "Don't be bummed Lucario you were amazing out there!" Cameron said getting Lucario to creak a smile succeeding in raising his partner's spirits. "Hey Ash." Cameron called over getting the attention of Ash and his Pokémon. "That was an awesome match, you've gotten way stronger."
"Thanks Cameron you and Lucario have gotten stronger to." Ash said returning the compliment.
"Yep and we'll keep getting stronger so that next time we'll win!" Cameron proclaimed determinedly.
"Sounds good to me, I'll be looking forward to." Ash said walking over to shake the Unova Trainer's hand while Infernape and Lucario did the same.
Back in the stands a wave of enthusiasm filled Ash's friend. "That was a close match but Ash pulled through." Misty said proudly.
"He couldn't have done without all that underwater battle training you put him through." Brock reminded her.
"And if not for Glalie and Infernape, Ash could have been in even deeper trouble." May credited those reasonable for beating two of Cameron's key Pokémon.
"Yeah beating a Pokémon like Lucario wouldn't have been possible without the right team." Dawn concluded.
"And if they can beat Lucario nothing is gonna stop them." Molly cheered.
"I believe this victory does prove Ash has what it takes to go all the way as its shown the result of both Ash's training and the lessons learned in his past battles, a testament to the progress he's made." Cilan evaluated.
"He really has gotten stronger, beating Camron is proof." Iris agreed.
"Now lets just hope he can keep it stronger." Gary chuckled.
As the day's battles finally came to an end Ash now stood with his friends amongst the remaining Trainers waiting in anticipation of their next round opponents. "We're sweeping through the competition quicker than an Ariel Ace!" Morrison boasted.
"Yeah, at this rate the second stage is gonna be over before I even get a workout." Stephan joined in.
"At least you guys are being humble about it." Ritchie said causing the group to break out into laughter.
Their roaring chucks were brought to an end with the arrival of one of the few missing members of the group Rafe made his way through the crowd. "Hey Rafe there you are, we were worried you may have been knocked out of the competition." Harrison was the first to greet the Blaziken Trainer.
"Oh please like that could happen." Rafe said smugly flipping his hair. "I was looking for Sid and Rebecca."
"You haven't seen them?" Harrison asked quizzically only for Rafe to shake his head no.
The group shot the young man looks of surprise at the odd absence of his two best friend.
"Well if that's the case I hate to say it but they may have lost their battles." Virgil speculated.
"That's another thing, if they had they'd be in the locker-room with the other Trainers who lost but I checked there to." Rafe interjected.
"What, but then where are they?" Bianca(Unova) wondered.
"I don't know, maybe." Rafe began to say but was cut off when Lance addressed the crowd.
"Well done to all those who moved past the second and third rounds, from here on the challenges will be even greater." The champion praised and warned the remaining Trainers. "And now we will see the fourth round matchups." The pictures of every competitor of the four blocks filled the screen filling the Trainers with anticipation worry and excitement.
Instantly Ash and his friends searched out their opponents, Paul and Trip writing off theirs as little to no challenge. Tyson, Stephan, Casey and Morrison were already psyching themselves up. Virgil and Rafe had kept their excitement more composed and Nando and Harrison were excited to find they would be facing one another.
"Ash look at that!" Bianca(Unova) shrieked with joy pointing to her picture which happened to be next to Ash's. We're battling each other next!"
"Awesome, you and me have been do for a full battle sometime." Ash replied inspired.
"Yeah, but I'm not holding anything back." Bianca warned the Kanto native now even more fired up.
"You know I'm not going to either." Ash proclaimed staring down the tall blond.
Minutes after the announcement of their fourth round opponents Ash and his follow competitors left the stadium with the loners of the group Trip and Paul quickly broke off to go about their business while the other found Cameron and a pouting Barry waiting for them.
"Hey guys, took you long enough." Cameron greeted them his high spirits unaffected by the loss to Ash.
"Yeah, it was a real pain waiting around for all of you." Barry followed up in a less favorable mood.
"Well it's not our fault you lost your battle and had to wait for us." Morrison shot back with a smug smirk.
"HEY, its not my fault I got knocked out of the competition!" The fuming Sinnoh Trainer said trying to defend himself.
"Yeah it was Ash that beat you." Casey pointed out.
"Well I can't blame Ash because now I'm rooting for him!" Barry roared in frustration. "The better he does the better it makes me look since I lost to him. Barry explained as though it was a simple fact.
The teens sweat dropped as they tried to understand Barry's logic. "Thanks for the support Barry." Ash said sarcastically.
"No problem Ash." Barry said proudly, thinking his words were sincere.
As the group was about to move out the sound of loud panicked cries caught their attention then from down the road came Audrey and Kathryn calling for their brother. "Rafe!"
"Hey you two what's wrong?" Rafe asked as he rushed forward to meet his sisters.
"Rafe you have to come quick!" Kathryn said in a distressed voice as she grabbed hold of Rafe's arm and tried to pull him along while her twin did the same.
"I don't understand, what's the matter?" Rafe asked again.
"It's Sid!" Kathryn replied
"And Rebecca!" Audrey said, both girls clearly upset about something.
"Wait, you know where they are?" Rafe quickly became attentive.
"They're at the Pokémon center." Audrey answered.
"But you have to come quick!" Kathryn said with urgency.
"Alright then lets go." Rafe agreed and allowed his sister to lead the way.
"Rafe what's going on?" Harrison asked the Blaziken Trainer equally curious as to where his friends were.
"I've got no clue but we better see." Rafe said before turning to leave with Harrison now joining him.
Ash and the other stood bewildered for a moment wonder what had happened. "Something was defiantly wrong, Audrey and Kathryn looked really shaken up." Ritchie said breaking the silence.
"Your right, I think we'd better go to." Virgil agreed.
The mass of teens quickly and unanimously chose to follow their friends and took off after them. "Hey hold up were coming to." Ash said as he and the others were on Rafe's heels.
Quicker than a Houndoom in a full sprint the twins lead everyone to the Pokémon center and without slower their pace flew past the lobby and ran back into the ICU. While everyone would have liked to catch their breath what they saw had them using the last of their breath to gasp in horror.
Sid and Rebecca stood alongside their Pokémon who were all laid out on stretchers with terrible injures some so severe it left a few Trainers feeling lightheaded. Rebecca stood beside her Metagross, the once sleek and shiny steel type's body was now dulled chipped and cracked and fate the same as her Tyranitar as its stone skin was full of cracks while her Flygon's had cuts on the full span of its wings.
On the side occupied by Sid's Pokémon the most notable was his Nidoking having it's large ears and tail bandaged up as both had deep gashes covering them. His Breloom had burns on most of it upper body but the worst of all was his partner Blastoise who's cannons were crushed and bent.
"What happened to them?" Rafe said in a hushed tone while the others were unable to get out a single word as they felt a heavy weight in the air.
"It happened during their battles." Audrey whimpered.
"It was awful, they both faced the same person." Kathryn said clearly upset at having to recount what happened. "First he battled Sid and had his Kabutops hit Nidoking with water attacks and cut up its ears and tail with slash then his Darmanitan use Overheat at close ranch on Breloom but the worst was when he told his Machamp to smash the top of Blastoise's cannons and even when it couldn't fire them he told Machamp to bend them to."
"Then he battle Rebecca and he did it all over again." Audrey took over once again. "He battled Flygon with a Gallade ant cut Flygon's wings so it couldn't fly, And his Luxray kept switching between Fire Fang and Ice Fang on Metagross to weaken its body then he switched to Machamp and hit it with fighting attacks then did the same thing to Tyranitar." Aurdrey said tears streaming down her face as she and her sister finally broke down and hugged their bother and cried for their friends and Pokemon.
Rafe pulled his sister close allowing them to let out their emotions but tried his best to keep his own rage in check. "Whoever did this is gonna pay." The Hoenn Trainer growled.
"Who could do a thing like?" Bianca said wiping a tear from her eye.
"It'd take a real heartless creep to do this." Cameron spat.
"I think I know who." Ash said unsurely dreading the thought of who it was.
"Who was it." Rafe demanded trying not to direct his anger at Ash.
"His name was Blake."
"That's right, that was his name." Kathryn said between sobs as Ash reminded her of the Trainer.
"Well then now I know who I'm gunning for." Rafe proclaimed.
"No Rafe you can't battle him!" both Kathryn and Audrey cried out.
"What do you mean, of course I'm gonna battle him, I won't let him get away with hurting Sid and Rebecca's Pokémon like that."
"No you can't, Blaziken and the others will get hurt to if you battle him!" Kathryn cried harder at the thought of her brothers Pokémon suffering a similar fate.
"Don't worry, Blaziken and I can take him." Rafe tried to assure them.
"No you don't understand, he'll do everything he can to hurt them." Kathryn interrupted.
"What do mean?
"When he battled Rebecca and Sid he did everything he could to hurt them, he hit the them when they were down he used all their weaknesses and he just kept attacking them, but every time he beat them, every time he hurt them... he would laugh." Audrey said in a whisper not believing it herself. "He just kept hurting them and it just kept making him laugh." Audrey said as she and her sister once again held on to their brother to let out their tears while Rafe and the others allow what they had heard to sink in.
After the situation had settled the everyone had decided to stay at the Pokémon center to offer their support to Sid and Rebecca as well as their Pokémon. Ash had opted to go and tell the other of what had happened but also felt the need clear his head after seeing the Hoenn Trainers Pokémon in such a state.
Ash walked sluggishly as he kept his eyes down on the ground seemingly deep in thought. Pikachu watched from Ash's shoulder as his best friend seemed to be acting very unlike himself. "Pikachu Pika Pii?" (Ash are you alright?) Pikachu asked worried.
Ash stopped dead in his tracks and let out a heavy sigh. "I don't think so buddy, in fact I'm worried."
"ChuPii Pii Pikachu Pika." (Blastoise and the others will be ok.) Pikachu tried to comfort him Trainer.
"It's not just that, its Blake, everyone that's battle him has gotten hurt and he doesn't seem to care at all." Ash cringed at the thought.
"You got it all wrong." A voice from behind Ash sent him on guard as he spun around to find Blake stepping out from behind a tree. "I care a lot, its the most fun I've had in a long time." The dirty-blond haired Trainer said with a horrifying grin.
"You!" Ash spat
"PiiPikach!" (Black!) Pikachu said angrily.
"What are you doing here?" Ash growled.
"Well it looks like a genius and a loser can think alike and go out for a little walk at the same time Ash." Blake said with his grin still in place.
"You know who I am?" Ash asked confused, very sure he had not giving Blake his name during their first meeting.
"Yeah I do now, I had heard of you before but I didn't recognize you last time, I didn't expected someone with a reputation like yours to be such a little loser, like those two friends of yours I knocked around today."
"Why did you do that to everyone's Pokemon!" Ash demanded furiously.
"It's like I told you before, if you stand in the way of something stronger than you and get crushed its your weakness that got you hurt." Blake quoted himself. "I hit them with my full strength and their weakness is what got them hurt."
Ash clenched his fists as his anger grew with each word he heard. "Why is someone like you in this competition, it's for Trainers who respect each other and love and care for Pokémon to test their abilities against each other, not someone like you!" Ash almost roared.
Blake laughed bitterly. "Its because of people like you that I'm in this competition."
"Do you ever make any sense." Ash said in confusion and anger.
"If you'd shut up you might learn something." Blake shot back. "The Trainers of this world are nothing but Mareep that follow the herd and the leader of that herd, the ones that proves they are strongest in battle and they'll follow that leader's example." The Blond Trainer began to explain. "Unfortunately people have named pathetic losers like Lance, Cynthia and you as the strongest, people that think bonding with their Pokémon and being friends with each other makes you stronger, makes me sick." Blake said with distain. "This world is filled with third rate Trainers that will never amount to anything more than just a waste of space, all because they follow fools like you." Blake said dropping his grin for a moment in favor of a look of hatred. "That's why I'm here, when the world sees how I win this whole thing everyone will final get that the real way be strong is by pushing Pokémon beyond the breaking point and crushing your opponent into the dust, so you see when I win a new era of Pokémon will come to be and losers like you will be nothing but a product of old times and real Trainers will take over." Blake said with great pride.
"Your crazy!" Ash's shouted as his anger was raising.
"I wasn't expecting someone like you to understand what I planed to do, so rather than waste my breath I'll just leave." Blake turned to exit.
"Wait!" Ash rushed forward with Pikachu at his side trying to stop the darkly dressed Trainer.
"Luxray." Blake said in a hushed tone then from the tree line a powerful thunderbolt shot out and struck the ground in front of Ash and Pikachu knocking them back. Both hit the ground hard knocking the wind out of them but just as Ash manage to sit himself up he caught sight of Luxray joining Blake at his side. "I'm really looking forward to our battle Ash, when I beat you it means my total victory is just around the corner." Blake said as he and Luxray walked off laughing a horrible laugh.
Ash now understood why the twins had been so upset at recalling his laughter. It was not the laughter one would experience when in the company of friends and filled with joy but it seemed to be Blake reveling in the pain he caused others and seeing how much of it he could cause. A laugh that seemed to define the type of Trainer he was.
After an intense battle with Cameron Ash now finds that his most difficult challenge is not one posed by that of an old friend but a terrifying new foe.
Have fun playing Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire everyone, the remake we've been waiting so long for is almost here.
Please read and review.