Man, I know I should've proofread that last chapter again :P. Anyway, here's Chapter 4!
Chapter 4- Enter Rahl! Infernape and Manectric versus Meowstic!
Mega Manectric now looked like it had an enormous lightning bolt on its back. Its eyes gleaming red, Manectric glared intently at the two Meowstic, who were both shuddering in fear.
"Wahhh, I'm getting scared," cowered Bonnie behind her older brother, who pushed up his glasses. "This is Mega Manectric's Ability, Intimidate. It lowers the foe's attack power, so if Olympia tries Future Sight, it won't be too effective," he explained.
Olympia nevertheless commanded, "Use Helping Hand and then Future Sight!"
The blue Meowstic surrounded the other with a gleaming golden aura, and the other raised its arms, sending up blue balls of energy which disappeared into swirling black portals. Then-
"Infernape, use Mach Punch on the male, and Manectric, back him up with Thunderbolt!" Rahl commanded, sweeping his arm out.
Roaring a battle cry, Infernape charged, its clenched hand glowing blue while the Mega Evolution let out a crackling bolt of thunder that scorched the ground and sped in all directions.
'Wow,' thought Serena. 'His Manectric is super strong; I can tell just from watching that Thunderbolt.'
"Meowstic, use Light Screen and Dark Pulse!" ordered the Anistar Gym Leader.
A shining purple barrier enclosed both the Meowstic; so while the male was damaged from Mach Punch, since Light Screen was put up slightly late, none of them were affected by Thunderbolt; and Dark Pulse was shot towards Infernape.
"Counter with Flamethrower and Wild Charge!" The Discharge Pokemon leaped into action, its body cloaked with electricity that made it look even more intimidating, while Infernape released a wall of flames from its mouth that solidly countered Dark Pulse. Manectric slammed hard into the male, who gave a shriek of pain and flew backwards.
Meanwhile, Flamethrower had overwhelmed Dark Pulse, due to Manectric's Intimidate, and the female was also hurt considerably.
"Psyshock, now!" ordered Olympia. Both Meowstic charged up a purple beam, and shot it towards Manectric and Infernape.
"Cover Infernape and yourself with Thunderbolt, Manectric!" Mega Manectric leaped forward and sent out a crackling bolt of electricity, which blasted Psyshock to nothing.
"Good, now use-" Rahl's yell was cut short as blue meteorites rained down onto his two Pokemon. Since both had pretty low defences already, they were damaged bad, Infernape especially.
"And there goes Future Sight," said Carrie triumphantly. Serena and Ash looked at the white haired trainer swiftly, and saw that he wasn't looking worried.
"Seems that Rahl's on the losing end," commented Bonnie dispiritedly.
"I don't think so," contradicted Ash, looking at her. "Future Sight is the only move that has successfully hit Manectric and Infernape throughout the match, excluding the recoil damage from Wild Charge. Rahl still holds the upper hand in this match and he knows it. That's why," he added, looking at the Gym Leader, "Olympia's looking so worried."
Indeed, Infernape and Manectric had already gotten to their feet, glaring at Meowstic all the while, and worry was flashing across the Anistar Gym Leader's face. She looked anxiously at her Meowstic, then at Rahl's Pokemon. They looked almost unharmed, while her own Pokemon, especially the male, had been hit extremely hard. A bead of sweat formed on her brow.
Rahl's eyes flashed. He had obviously noted the Gym Leader's plight. Serena noticed for the first time that his eyes were a shade of dark grey, which strangely complemented his pale skin and black clothing.
Rahl immediately commanded, "Infernape, Manectric, double Flamethrower, now!"
"What?" a shocked Clemont said. "Manectric can use Flamethrower?"
Heat glowed from within the two Pokemon's bodies. They took deep breaths, and out came two pillars of fire, which hurtled towards Meowstic.
"Light Screen, then Thunder Wave!" Olympia commanded.
Rahl, to everyone's shock, grinned in triumph. "Now, finish it up with Thunder Punch and Wild Charge!" he roared.
Manectric was instantly cloaked in lightning once more, while Infernape's fist was covered in it. They both charged at Meowstic, who were still holding up the Light Screen.
"Oh no!" moaned Carrie. "Putting up Light Screen is preventing them from dodging!"
And true enough, Infernape punched the male hard, as Manectric crashed viciously into the female. They both howled in pain, before slamming onto the ground, unconscious.
"The two Meowstic are unable to battle; thus the winners are Infernape, Manectric and Rahl Feranos!" called the referee.
"Excellent work, you two," said Rahl appreciatively, patting Manectric, now in its normal form, and Infernape on their shoulders. "Take a good rest," he added, returning them to their Pokeballs.
"Amazing!" said Bonnie, dancing like a Ludicolo once more. Clemont was clapping, as was Ash, both trainers extremely impressed with the battle. Serena chose to clap as well.
Rahl acknowledged the congratulations by dipping his head towards them. When he looked up, he faced the Gym Leader once more.
"A good battle," said Olympia solemnly, walking over to the younger boy. "As proof of your victory at the Anistar Gym, here is the Mind Badge," she intoned, giving the purple object to Rahl. He took it, and gazed at it for a while, then produced a badge case and inserted the Mind Badge into it with a click.
"You have all eight badges now," said Olympia seriously. "Good luck at the Kalos League young man; and to you too, Ash," she added, smiling at the raven haired trainer.
"Thanks, Olympia!" said Ash cheerfully. Rahl just nodded, and made to leave.
"Wait, my boy," instructed Olympia, reaching out and gripping his shoulder. Rahl looked backwards in surprise. "What's wrong?" he asked, a little perturbed.
"I am sure that young Ash and his companions here have much to discuss with you," said Olympia smoothly. She stepped away from Rahl, and looked at the other trainers expectantly. The white haired boy narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "What do you want from me?"
"Nothing, nothing!" said Ash quickly, "just a short chat, that's all."
Rahl still looked suspicious, but nodded. "Okay, let's have it over drinks at the Pokemon Centre."
"You've got a deal," said Clemont. They all exited the Gym, and walked silently to the Pokemon Centre. They entered and ordered coffee for each of them. Audino led them to a table, where all of them sat; Ash, Serena, Clemont and Bonnie at one end, and Rahl at the other.
There was a short silence, before Rahl cleared his throat, and said politely, "So, what did you guys wanna talk about?"
"Well," said Bonnie quickly, "do you have some sort of a special bond with your Infernape?"
The trainer looked mildly surprised. "Well, yes, I do," he said, and his eyes narrowed once more. "Why?"
"Um, it's that Ash here," said Serena, gesturing to the said boy, "has that same bond with Greninja."
"Really?" asked Rahl, interested. "But how did you- oh wait, I bet old man Wulfric told you about Infernape and me, right?"
"Yes," said Clemont shortly.
Rahl sighed. "So, what am I to do about it?" he asked. "Sure, it's great that you have a bond exceeding its limits with your Greninja," he said to Ash, "but I don't see what to make of it."
"Could you tell us what you know about it?" asked Serena hesitantly.
"….Fine with me," said Rahl after some hesitation. "I have a theory. Listen, we already know that our bonds are activated whenever our Pokemon are hurt badly, right? So, I think the form's power is fuelled by our Pokemon's abilities, Blaze and Torrent."
"…We never even considered that!" said Serena, shocked. "That's a great theory."
"Yeah, definitely," said Ash empathetically.
Rahl nodded. "So since we have a bond exceeding its limits with Infernape and Greninja," he continued, "Blaze and Torrent lend them power, and that gives it the form we often see whenever they battle."
"Cool!" said Bonnie. "What does your Infernape's form look like, then?" she inquired eagerly.
Rahl smiled for the first time. "The only way you can find out is through a battle," he stated.
"Then that's what you'll get," said Ash, getting up. "Come on, let's battle!"
"In a moment," said Rahl. "Infernape and Manectric are yet to be healed. I'll collect them, then we can have a three on three," he added, looking challengingly at the raven haired trainer.
"You're on!"
Rahl stood on one end of the field, while Ash stood on the other.
"Good luck, Ash and Rahl!" screeched Bonnie, Dedenne saying, "Denenenene!" as well.
"Do your best, both of you!" said Clemont, who was serving as referee.
"Best of luck!" encouraged Serena. Rahl looked at her pointedly. His eyes seemed to say, you're so transparent, before looking at Ash again. Serena reddened; had he figured it out already?
"Okay Pikachu, you're first!" said Ash. The Mouse Pokemon jumped down and instantly faced Rahl, looking determined to win.
"Weavile, go!" shouted Rahl, pitching his Pokeball to reveal a short, dark Pokemon with very, very sharp claws. Serena's Pokedex dutifully chirped, "Weavile, the Sharp Claw Pokemon. Weavile communicate with their fellows by leaving claw marks on the surfaces of ice and trees."
"This will be a three on three between Ash and Rahl!" announced Clemont. "Substitutions are allowed, and so is forfeiting a Pokemon. When all three Pokemon of one side are not able to battle, it ends. Any objections?"
Ash and Rahl both shook their heads.
"Alright, then battle start!" said Clemont loudly.
"Weavile, use Fury Swipes, now!" yelled Rahl.
The Sharp Claw Pokemon's claws grew long and red, and it sprang nimbly towards Pikachu, beginning to slash at it swiftly. Pikachu tried to dodge, but it was useless.
"Use Quick Attack!" ordered Ash. Pikachu immediately glowed white, and Weavile barely had time to look surprised before Pikachu slammed it hard. Weavile skittered away.
"Electro Ball!"
"Pika pika pika!" Pikachu charged up the crackling sphere of electricity, and chucked it at Weavile, who was still recovering from Quick Attack.
"Don't panic," said Rahl, "just use Night Slash!"
A purple blade formed in Weavile's hands, and Weavile sliced Electro Ball in half. It then charged Pikachu and cut it hard. The Mouse Pokemon fell backwards and hissed, clearly in pain.
"Now, Dark Pulse!"
"Thunderbolt!"
The two moves clashed hard, creating an explosion that rocked the arena. Serena had to shield her eyes from the dust. When she opened them again, both Pokemon were still standing, battered but very much conscious.
Ash ordered an Iron Tail while Rahl called an Ice Beam. Pikachu ran hard, but Ice Beam froze its tiny paws to the ground, so it couldn't move.
"What the-" gasped Ash.
"Use Fury Swipes!" directed Rahl.
"Wea vile!" Weavile extended its claws once more and swiped at Pikachu, who fell hard.
"Iron Tail, go!" roared Ash.
Pikachu hit Weavile once more, and the Sharp Claw Pokemon fell, badly wounded and unconscious from the super effective move.
"Weavile is unable to battle; the winner is Pikachu!" said Clemont.
"Good work, Ash!" said Serena approvingly. "And Rahl, you too!"
"Return Weavile, you were great," said Rahl. "I must say, Ash, your Pikachu's strong. Real strong," he complimented.
"Heh, thanks!" said Ash. "But I'm forfeiting Pikachu. It definitely can't continue."
"Pika chu," said the Mouse Pokemon in agreement.
"Pikachu has been forfeited!" announced Clemont. "Both Rahl and Ash have two Pokemon remaining!"
"Manectric, let's go!" Rahl shouted, and pitched a Pokeball that burst open instantly. Manectric gave a battle cry, its Mega Stone gleaming.
"Noivern, I choose you!" yelled Ash. His own Pokeball opened up and revealed the Sound Wave Pokemon, which gave a cry of its own.
"Noivern, use Boomburst!" instructed Ash. Noivern immediately shot a powerful beam of sound waves at Manectric, using its ears.
"Manectric, take it!" The Discharge Pokemon stood strong, and took Boomburst with indifference.
"What? No way!" commented an astounded Serena. "Manectric took it without even flinching!"
Ash winced. "Dragon Claw!"
"Noi!" Noivern grew a shroud of green on its hands, swiftly flying down to swipe at Manectric.
"Manectric, use Wild Charge!" ordered Rahl.
Manectric cloaked itself with lightning and charged, slamming hard into Noivern. The Sound Wave Pokemon was just knocked away, and it crashed onto the ground.
"Noivern, you okay?" asked Ash in concern.
"Noi, noi!" Noivern replied determinedly, getting to its feet.
"Great, then use Acrobatics!"
Noivern's body was instantly surrounded by a bluish aura. It started to somersault, making its way speedily towards Manectric.
"I don't think so!" yelled Rahl. "Manectric, use Wild Charge!"
"Again?" asked Bonnie in mild surprise. "I don't get it…..does Rahl want Manectric to damage itself?"
Nevertheless, Manectric surrounded itself with lightning and leaped at Noivern, colliding hard with it. Both Pokemon were thrown backwards, although Noivern was clearly on the losing end.
"Let's finish this up quickly!" said Ash. "Dragon Claw!"
The Sound Wave Pokemon charged once more, its claws growing green, but Rahl was unafraid.
"Ice Fang!" he commanded, sweeping his arm out.
"Oh no!" said Serena. "Ice type moves do a simply gigantic amount of damage to Noivern, which is a Flying and a Dragon type!"
The Discharge Pokemon's fangs glowed icy blue. It took off towards Noivern, clamping its teeth on its wing, like a vice. Noivern roared in pain, and was tossed to the ground like a rag doll.
"Oh no, Noivern!" said Ash worriedly.
Noivern rose once more, obviously severely wounded. Rahl glanced at it briefly, before ordering, "Manectric, use Flamethrower!"
"Noivern, Boomburst!" commanded Ash. "Follow it up with Dragon Claw!"
Noivern shot a beam of sound towards Manectric which nullified Flamethrower, but it didn't use Dragon Claw. Instead, it rose up into the air and began to charge up a completely different attack, firing a large orange-yellow meteor into the air. That meteor then burst into several smaller ones which sped towards Manectric.
"Wow! That's Draco Meteor, Noivern! That's awesome!" said Ash, over the moon with Noivern's powerful new attack.
Rahl smirked. "Impressive, but not enough. Use Thunderbolt!"
Manectric discharged a strong lightning bolt which hit all the incoming meteors and neutralized them, much to Ash's shock.
"Finish it!" commanded Rahl chillingly. "Use Flamethrower!"
Manectric fired a wall of flame towards the tired Noivern, who couldn't block it in time. Flamethrower hit with deadly accuracy, and Noivern fell to the ground.
"Noivern is unable to battle; the winner is Manectric!" said Clemont.
"Oh, Ash…" said Serena, clasping her hands together over her heart.
"Manectric didn't even need to Mega Evolve!" said a shocked Bonnie. "And it still defeated Noivern even though it learned Draco Meteor!"
"Yeah," agreed Serena. "Manectric is extremely strong."
But the Discharge Pokemon was looking tired. It had taken a lot of recoil from Wild Charge, and it had had to fire a Thunderbolt strong enough to counter Draco Meteor, which was extremely difficult to counter. Also, it had taken Noivern's Boomburst at the beginning. This basically meant that Manectric was pretty badly hurt.
"Clemont, I'm forfeiting Manectric," stated Rahl, returning Manectric to its Pokeball.
The air suddenly tensed, Rahl and Ash looking at each other with the utmost seriousness. No one was surprised either, as only one more battle would take place. The battle that would decide the match. A clash of two titans. The match testing resolves, bonds and strength
Infernape versus Greninja.
*dodges rocks thrown by angry readers* I'm really really sorry for not updating faster! I've been busy with schoolwork, and my workload is still pretty big. So unfortunately I will be updating only on a weekly basis. Sorry once more, and hope you liked this chapter!
-Nirgends101