Sorry it's taken so long to post these. I've been writing these at work on my dinner and they've just not synched up properly as my work is having new cables laid down, so we have no internet for a week.
Thank you all for the reviews. This fic is quickly coming to an end, I think there's may be five chapters left before I end it. Thank you all for joining me on my version of Ash's journey. Your comments have been greatly appreciated. I'm still weighing up a Johto arc but I've not watched that for years and I don't have much information on it. Plus, I don't know what the story would be about. I suppose we'll find out one way or another soon. Cheers again.
Chapter 42- Munchings and Crunchings
Silver was pacing around his office muttering under his breath. For the last few months, he'd constantly been on edge. His mother had gone missing, and he hadn't found a single lead on where she was. He was furious with the people that worked for him. He'd even made an example of two of the leaders from the teams he'd sent out but not even that had upped their game. She was still missing.
Domino going missing was a big blow to him too. In the last year his entire Executive level personnel had been gutted to the point he'd had to promote workers that weren't capable. He only had four left that were half decent and two of them were contracted to be killed, Domino was missing, and Andrew had gone off the grid to pursue them.
The last few months hadn't been too bad. He had recovered financially by selling off major assets to fund his projects and he was on the way to building things back up, but they would be a far cry from what he used to have. The Pokémon Land lawsuits had been pushed through and he'd managed to pay off a large sum of what he owed the bereaved families for the destruction that had been caused. He was thankful that the police investigation had found evidence of tampering with the Dragonite which meant he wasn't as liable as he first believed he'd be. The malfunction of his robots had come directly from the Dragonite targeting the main control room. It would take a few years to be able to finance the reconstruction of it but as it was his main source of income for so many years that was the project that would go ahead first, only it would be smaller to start with and he'd have round the clock surveillance on every part of the island. The culprit was lucky they'd never been discovered because if he could get his hands on them, they would never be found again.
His mind went back to the papers he'd shredded about his mother. While he knew Jessie and James were lying the evidence was still quite compelling, which means someone must have done a bloody good job framing his mother. Were they the ones responsible and blamed her? No, he doubted it as very few people knew that Alexis Hanzo was his mother. Only those people close to his Grandad and mother knew their relationship and they were sworn to silence under threat of death.
His dad knew though which opened up the possibility that he'd been the one who talked. And he was intelligent enough to be able to plant evidence framing her, but he doubted Giovanni would do that. He knew, despite the man saying otherwise that he was in love with his mother, just as he knew his mother reciprocated. But he also knew nothing would come of it because the business would always come first for his mother. Silver often felt sorry for his mother, especially after he'd taken over the business and she was demoted from her position because he could see how lonely she was. She was a fantastic socialite, and she was brilliant at getting business deals sorted but that led to a very solitary life at the end of the working day.
She had tried to set Silver up many times to get him to settle down and give her grandkids to spoil but Silver just wasn't that kind of person. He had had dalliances many times, but they never meant anything to him, just a way to blow off steam or secure a deal. Strangely the women seemed to want nothing to do with him afterwards and he suspected Domino's interference on that. She couldn't kill them because they were all daughters of high-profile businessmen but every time he saw the women afterwards they quickly made excuses to not be seen with him. He wasn't that bad in bed, was he? Domino had long had a weird fascination with him, he knew this because he'd often exploited it, but she was far too beneath him for him to even consider her as a companion. That and she was a touch crazy. But she was extremely efficient at getting things done and often had wise counsel.
And she was gone. And he didn't know where she was. He knew that the task he had given her had a serious risk of it being her last mission, Domino knew too but she was extremely capable at assassinations and had never failed yet in the eight years she'd been his number two. It was highly likely that his dad had discovered her and killed her. He would like to get her body back though so she could have a proper burial, she deserved that much at least.
Watching the tournament had been fascinating to him. He had a long-held passion for battling, he knew he was good, maybe better than his father which said something, but it had been such a long time since he had been in a proper fight. He had always been told he was far too important to be a mere battler but hidden in his safe were the eight badges of Johto that he gained in secret when he had travelled before taking control of the company. Clair and Pryce were difficult to beat but when he won, they both said they looked forward to seeing him at the league. He had never been able to compete there though. His mother would see him battling and pull him out of the competition because his grandfather had certain expectations that she swore to uphold after his death. He was supposed to be above such menial things.
He had read over several reports he gained from a team he had sent to scout it. Such events were usually a great place to gain new members of Team Rocket but this year there was a surprisingly low number of people he'd want. Agatha had been right, the standard had been piss poor. The top 16 were far better than the others who had been ejected but he knew he'd have no chance in recruiting even two of that number. They were far too strong to be utilised as mere grunts and they didn't know the business workings of Team Rocket to make them Admins or Executives. He may have to relax that stance though if he wanted his company to rise again.
Checking his itinerary, he realised he had a few hours free. Standing up he made a decision. "Come Persian, we're going to train."
Ash
At 6:30 Ash made his way out of his chalet and started walking towards the main plaza. He had found out that John had narrowly won his match having to use Dragonair to beat Mikes last two, but it was a close call. Ash wasn't too worried as he had Sylveon in his last slot and he was sure John wouldn't have a counter for her. Since his match with Richie, he had been training in the morning almost exclusively with her so they could come up with a proper style together. They had been partners now for close to a year, but she was only on his roster when he was training in Pokémon centres, so she was a bit stiff for the first few days. She soon got the hang of battling competitively though and soon enough she was doing pretty well.
Reaching the restaurant, he walked in and told the Maître 'D that he had a table for three booked. The man strangely didn't have his name, so Ash pulled out his pokegear and rang J.
"I'm at the front, what name did you book under? Really? You are kidding right? Ok, I'll be there shortly." Hanging up he told the man "It's booked under Jessie and James." Quickly he found it and was led to their table. Sitting down next to Jessie and facing James he ordered a drink while he looked through the menu.
"Jessie and James?" Ash asked raising his eyebrow "I thought you were supposed to be hiding?"
"There's no point" Jessie said smiling "The boss knows we're here. Andrew made contact a few days ago and we informed him that we're scouting you to try and get information on the boss's mother from you."
"I wasn't privy to anything that happened" Ash said "I'm not high up enough for that yet. The first I heard of it was after the Mewtwo incident when I arrived back in Pallet Town to find half the grounds of the lab destroyed. I just know it was planned. Who undertook the kidnapping though I have no idea nor do I know where she is, I can speculate all you want but I have no definitive answer for you. Sorry."
"We thought as much. Still, we've asked now and that's all we can do" Jessie said.
"Tell me about this Andrew" Ash said as he took the drink from the waitress and gave her his food order.
"Well, it seems like you've met him." James said, "from the description you gave us he was the one who scouted your house."
"He's ruthless, cold, driven. He doesn't talk much either." Jessie continued "his work is his life and he's bloody good at it. He's been Silvers chief assassin for years now and has never failed to eliminate a target yet."
"You can see why we're a bit scared" James said nervously swiping the condensation from his drink glass.
"Would he be missed?" Ash asked quietly.
"No" Jessie said "only by the boss. Why?"
"I have a tentative plan. I currently have several open plots that are due to be filled in two weeks by trees that will long outlive me." Ash said looking around making sure no one was listening "the only issue is I don't really want a dead body on my land where a random Pokémon could dig up the bones in years to come. I'm weighing it up. My Pokémon are on board with it, reluctantly. Especially Venusaur as it's his garden but he understands what's at stake. We vowed to eradicate Team Rocket Root and Stem."
"Luring him should be easy" Jessie said "I think if you presented yourself as an easy target he'd act. And given how isolated your house is it serves as a place he'd likely target. One thing about Andrew that we know is that human collateral damage is an absolute no-no. His target is the only one he'd kill, everyone else that got in the way would be knocked out."
"What Pokémon does he have?" Ash asked as the food was delivered "and would me being the current champion deter him when I win?"
"Possibly" James said thinking it over "unlikely though if he can kill you without attracting your Pokémon's attention. He doesn't own a Pokémon himself; he loans them from Team Rocket, so he has no worries about any of them being injured. If he can keep your Pokémon occupied long enough to get to his target, then he's fine with that as he knows his targets are unlikely to kill Pokémon. Every Executive is given a Pokémon that can teleport so that's really the only Pokémon you need to bother about. It's usually a Kadabra as an Alakazam could be trained to challenge the boss."
Nodding Ash mulled over in his head. "Did you find anything out about Domino's disappearance?"
"Only what your mother told us" James said "and we've been told to wait around the league as Giovanni is due to be here for the final along with all the other gym leaders for the opening presentation. We've been tasked with kidnapping him."
Ash burst out laughing at that attracting several disapproving looks. "Well good luck with that one. He's the strongest trainer outside the Elite Four for a reason. In the time he's been Viridian Gym Leader he's lost two Elite challenges. Don't forget the trainers that reach the league only face off against one of them in a gym battle. My situation was different so if you're planning on taking him out you better be prepared to die. Because he won't let you leave alive."
"We know" James said quietly "we plan on just talking to him. Not even the boss's Pokémon can challenge him, how he expects us to do so I don't know."
"What we do know is he's planning to recruit from the tournament" Jessie said quietly "so be careful. Any enemies you make here could be used against you later."
"I have only one" Ash said ruefully "John Dickson has it in for me and has since I beat him in Vermillion City ten months ago. And given he'll likely reach the final he would be a prime recruit, should he join. I think if he's given the opportunity by Silver to eliminate me, he'll happily take it, what he thinks about the rest of what you lot do I don't know."
"He's certainly on the radar given the chatter we've picked up" Jessie said, "but he would be foolish to try anything given how high profile you're becoming."
"We'll see won't we" Ash said as he finished his meal and took a few notes out of his wallet placing them on the table "survive another week, I'll have decided by then and I'll let you know. Either way he'll need to be neutralised. Have a nice date you two." Standing up he finished his drink and walked out leaving Jessie and James to their meal.
Walking back into his chalet he mulled over the conversation. Seeing his mother sat down he wandered over and gave her a hug. Sitting down opposite her he asked what she was doing.
"I'm just looking through pictures of Red and I at our wedding along with baby pictures of you." Delia said with a soft smile on her face "I do this from time to time to remind myself how lucky I once was and how lucky I'll be again when we find him."
"What if he's not alive anymore mum?" Ash asked quietly giving voice to a thought that had long since been in his mind.
"Do not talk like that!" she replied sharply "Sorry. I would know if he's truly gone. My heart would feel it. At the minute that part that holds him is dull but not dead. No, he's alive somewhere. we'll find him."#
Nodding they sat in silence looking through the pictures, his mum sometimes giving a commentary on what was happening around them both at the time.
Wednesday was fast approaching and for the first time Ash became a little nervous. He had reached the goal he had set himself. The final four was a respectable way to end the league challenge should he lose. And he had proven to everyone that he belonged here. Losing in the final wouldn't be as big a loss to him as a loss in the final four would be as he knew what might have been would play on his mind. He was beginning to get restless, and Delia had long since left to go shopping, annoyed at him sighing and fidgeting. Deciding to go for a wander he left with Pikachu in tow and headed to the park. Sitting down on the grass he let Machamp and Venusaur out and watched people who were passing, he was recognised by a lot of people but thankfully he was left alone. That was until someone sat beside him disturbing his peace. Looking next to him he saw it was Nia.
"Hello" he said, "you alright?"
"At least your voice remained normal this time" Pikachu said opening his eye and seeing who it was.
"My voice is always normal thank you very much" Ash said irritated.
"No, it isn't" Pikachu commented sleepily at his side "but this time you've not made a fool of yourself."
"Give it time" Machamp said from behind while he was meditating, eyes closed.
"Hey," Ash said twisting around "don't you start too. I get enough grief from Pikachu without you joining in."
"He's not wrong though" Pikachu said, "there is ample time."
"You two have a discussion about picking on me or something?" Ash asked shaking his head.
"No" Machamp said opening one eye "It's just easy to do so."
Muttering about abusive Pokémon under his breath he gave Pikachu a glare. That was until giggling distracted him and he remembered why he was arguing with his Pokémon. "Apologies Miss Nia. My Pokémon are under the impression they're funny."
"I have no idea what they said" Nia replied laughing. It was such a beautiful laugh that Ash found it very hard to not just watch her face light up. "But I gather they're picking on you?"
"Yes" Ash said ruefully.
"Can you tell me what they said?" Nia asked smiling at him.
"Every time I talk to a girl, they start on me" Ash said contemplating what to say "It all comes from my first interaction with Lorelei when I squeaked at her when she sat down next to me. Don't laugh! Other than my mother and my mentors Granddaughter I didn't really talk to people let alone girls that much growing up. So, to have someone just start talking to me at random, and an Elite Four member at that left me a little tongue tied."
"You did the same with Elesa" Pikachu said still not opening his eyes. "And it was more than a little."
"Yes, thank you" Ash said bitingly "I also apparently did the same when I talked to Lt Surges daughter for the first time but that quickly passed. Ever since then they've not stopped teasing me whenever I talk to a pretty girl. And every time I chat to Lt Surge they always pipe up with 'how's Elesa doing?' despite them knowing I'm not in contact with her."
"You think I'm pretty?" Nia asked shocked.
"Really?" Ash asked sceptically." That's what you took from that?"
"Yes really" Nia said "I mean I heard the rest, but still…"
"Yes" Ash said "I think you're very pretty. So why are you here?" he finished hoping to change the subject.
"Actually, I'm a little embarrassed by this but could you do something for me?" Nia said looking a bit sheepish.
"Go on" Ash said.
She reached into her bag and pulled out a book Ash instantly recognised it as his Aura book. "You got my book?" he asked surprised. He'd honestly forgotten he had released that book as it was that long ago that it was published.
"Oh yes" she said enthusiastically "it's amazing. I was in the crowd that day in Saffron and I saw what you did for everyone. Ever since then I've waited for it to be released and when it was, I was one of the first in line to get a copy. It's incredible. The way you describe what aura is and how everyone could access it if they tried, the way you list step-by-step instructions on how to prepare yourself and your body for the strain it puts on you was very informative. And the fact you made it free for everyone astounded me. You could have made a fortune on this! Sadly, I've not been able to do much as I've only been able to train off and on due to the league challenge, but it's been incredible. Sorry, I know I'm gushing."
"Marry her" Pikachu said yawning and stretching.
"It's ok" Ash said somewhat bemused by her and ignoring his starter. "I'm glad you've found it helpful. That's why I made it free for everyone. To protect yourself from psychic intrusion and manipulation. And to also give everyone the chance to be able to interact with Pokémon better. I'm not going to pretend I did it purely out of the goodness of my heart, I have a very strained relationship with Rota, in particular their Queen who limits the access of utilising aura exclusively to her own guards and in doing so she's allowed the psychics of the world to recover from the Great War. Her entire ancestry has done the same thing so she's not alone in being culpable."
"Ash" Machamp said, eyes still closed "you're ranting again."
"I'm not ranting" Ash said patiently "I'm explaining why I released the book. Human psychics are an abomination and should be eradicated. They've bastardised the use of aura purely for their own benefit. Anyway, enough about that. What did you want me to do?"
Nia had been entranced by how passionate he was about the usage of aura and felt the disgust of psychics, particularly after how her home city had been under their influence for such a long time. She only admitted to her mother very recently that she felt violated by Sabrina and it had left her feeling a bit dirty. She would be forever thankful for the aura user that had come into the city and cleansed it before disappearing again into the sunset and took note of his name. She made sure to pre-order the book at Silph and indeed was one of the first to queue up for it. It seemed all of Saffron had turned out to get the book and she wasn't lying when she said Ash could have made a fortune from selling it. And then seeing him in the league had left her a bit starstruck. There he was! And he was just as magnificent as she remembered him being. When the draw was being done for the last 32 and 16, she was a little disappointed that she may not get to meet him but then the draw for the final 8 and final 4 was made and it would put him in her path, and she was determined to battle him. Coming to herself she shook her head and remembered why she had sat beside him.
"Can you sign it please?" she asked nervously.
"Really?" Ash asked surprised. He had never met a fan and was a little surprised that he would be battling someone he was a fan of too.
"Yes" she said simply looking at him "you don't realise what you did do you?"
"What do you mean?" he asked confused as he took the pen and book offered and started to sign it at the front before pausing. This was his first autograph, so he tried to think of something meaningful. Thinking of something he signed it and handed it back to her closed.
"Ash" she said pondering how to phrase it "I'm from Saffron City."
"Ah" he said as he began to see.
"Yes" she said nodding solemnly "for so long we were all under the thrall of that bitch Sabrina. Sorry, but she makes me so angry. She violated the trust of every single person in that city for so long along with their minds. The city is still healing from her influence you know? For months afterwards there were fights breaking out from people who were once friends wondering if they were part of the conspiracy too. When your book came out nearly all Saffron was in the queue. It healed the city, Ash. Those who fought realised that if they were part of Sabrinas band then they wouldn't be wanting to be truly free from her and thus wouldn't get your book and they reconnected. The city is still healing but it's in a much better place now and it's all thanks to you."
"She's not wrong" a voice said from the side of him. Looking at where the voice came from, he saw a young couple with their little girl between them seemingly listening to Nia's impassioned speech "sorry, but I needed to say something. My aunt lives in Saffron. For months afterwards she didn't speak to anyone because she didn't know who to trust. But when your book came out and she started the meditation sessions she reached out and told us what happened. We immediately ordered your book too and found Sally here is quite gifted in it." His wife smiled at him and nodded "we would never have been able to protect ourselves or even known we had to if it wasn't for you. So, despite what people may think of you after your battle with Tentacruel or what you might hear from the idiots in this world, just know that some of us will be forever grateful for what you did for the people in Saffron and their families, and we owe you a debt we may never be able to repay." The family nodded at him before carrying on down the path.
"Wow" Ash said stunned "I just wanted to get rid of psychics. I had no idea. Thank you."
"I know" Nia said standing up "but now you do. But remember this, just because I'm a fan of yours doesn't mean I'll let you walk all over me tomorrow. We'll give it everything we've got so you better bring your A game."
"Oh, you can be sure of that" Ash said smiling coming back to himself and also standing up "my Pokémon would accept nothing less from me and as you can see have no issues reminding me of anything. I'll see you tomorrow."
Recalling Machamp he nodded to Nia and Pikachu jumped onto his shoulder as they walked away. Tentatively she opened the book to see what Ash had written.
Nia
May our battle tomorrow be just as beautiful as you are.
Your fan
Ash
Blushing heavily, she put the book back in her bag and went back to her hotel room where she went through the conversation. Tomorrow would be a big day.
And it arrived very soon for Ash. His battle was at 10am so after a light breakfast he made his way to the stadium and checked in with the receptionist who directed him to a lounge just off to the side where the other three semi-finalists were already waiting. He briefly nodded to Nia and Ashley but ignored the glare from John. He was purely focused on the battle ahead. Soon a league official came to meet them, and they all followed them to the stadium field where Ash was amazed at the noise from the crowd. Quickly he drowned it out when he saw Charles Goodshow take the podium.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you our final four. By the end of the day only two will progress to Sunday's final while the other two will battle it out on Saturday for the third-place trophy. Any of the four remaining trainers would make the final a brilliant spectacle so without further ado I give you Ash, Nia, Ashley and John!"
The wall of noise hit them again as the crowd cheered for them. Ashley and John were led away into the trainer's box to observe the match.
"Today's battle will take place on the neutral field" the referee said taking Charles' place on the stand "The rules are as follows. It's a standard 5 on 5 battle, where the winner with the last Pokémon remaining wins. In the event of a draw the Pokémon that gets back to its feet and stays upright for ten seconds wins. We will have a winner. Standard move rules apply. When one side has three Pokémon knocked out, we will be changing the field to one at random using the machine. If I announce a disqualification, there will be no rebuttals during the match. Good luck to you both. Please shake hands and when I announce it both of you will release your first Pokémon." Nodding Ash shook Nia's hand and walked away to his side and climbed the stairs to his box as Nia did the same. "Are you both ready? Then trainers release your first Pokémon"
"Machamp" Ash shouted as he released his superpower Pokémon "you're up."
"Flareon" Nia shouted as she released her Eeveelution "It's battle time."
"Brick Break"
"Flamethrower"
"Dodge and keep going, get in close" Ash shouted.
"Sweep" Nia shouted as her Flareon moved its head from side to side to move the fire in front of her covering her entire front.
"Protect and keep going" Ash said as a forcefield sprang up in front of his Pokémon as it charged getting closer and letting the flames wash over him.
"Quick Attack to get away and Sand Attack whenever you can" Nia shouted as her Pokémon stopped the flames and quickly sped away.
"Machamp stop and use Earthquake" Ash said as his Pokémon stopped and raised its arms before smashing them into the ground causing the Flareon to stumble around taking the hit. When the tremors stopped, she noticed that the Machamp had used the time to get closer and immediately she began to create a mini sandstorm and sent it at Machamp who had to cover itself from the attack. From her protected position in the dust, she sent another Flamethrower causing Machamp to roar in pain as it swept over him.
"Damn" Ash said "she's good. Machamp take it and use Brick Break."
Roaring in pain he rushed forwards to where the attack was coming from only to find nothing there. Confused he turned around to take another blast of flames to the face making him cover up.
"Earthquake again" Ash shouted as Machamp again smashed the ground causing the sand to disappear as Flareon to become visible "Brick Break" before Nia could react her Flareon was smashed into and Machamp began wailing on her Pokémon before she was thrown away by a panting Machamp. Steadily Flareon got to her feet and glared at her opponent.
"She's still up" Ash said quietly confused "how?" it was then that Ash noticed one of Machamps arms covering its side "damn, he's burned. That's why. Earthquake again Machamp."
"Flare Blitz" Nia shouted as her Pokémon jumped across the shaking ground taking the attack and sped up towards her opponent where she smashed into him sending them both spiralling into the ground where dust kicked up again making it impossible to see. Ash however saw through the dust focusing on their aura and grimaced.
When the dust cleared the crowd gasped in amazement. Machamp was still standing but barely while Flareon was at its feet knocked out.
"Flareon is unable to battle, Machamp wins. Nia, please send out your second Pokémon." The referee shouted.
"Good try Flareon. Have a good rest. Jolteon you're up" she shouted.
Seeing Machamp was barely standing he went to recall him before Machamp dodged the beam. Looking at Ash he glared at him before Ash nodded. His Machamp was perhaps his most prideful Pokémon, not in terms of ego because that went to Charizard, but he was determined to be beaten by a strong opponent rather than be recalled.
"Thunder" Nia shouted as a huge bolt of lightning was sent Machamps way. Not needing any direction Machamp knew it would lose this match up and smashed his hands into the ground as hard as he could creating another Earthquake which did a fair bit of damage to his opponent. He accepted his fate as the bolt struck him and created an explosion which sent him flying backwards into the ground knocking him out.
"And Machamp gets a hit in before being knocked out making this the first time Ash has lost a Pokémon in this tournament. That Earthquake looked like it did some serious damage to Jolteon. Who will Ash send out now?" the announcer shouted.
"Machamp is unable to battle. Ash, please send out your next Pokémon" the referee shouted.
Recalling Machamp he looked at his opponents Pokémon before making a decision "Pi."
Pikachu nodded before jumping down to the floor.
"And Ash sends out his Pikachu. Remember folks after the last battle this little mouse is not to be underestimated."
"Already?" Nia asked quietly.
"Pi use Thunderbolt, I want to test something." Ash shouted.
"Take it" Nia said smiling confidently as her Pokémon lit up. When the attack ended quite a few people were surprised that it had taken such a powerful attack.
"Thought so" Ash said "Pi, it has Volt Absorb. No electricity from now on."
"Jolteon, we know it has Lightningrod. No electricity either" Nia said.
"And both trainers quickly took note of the other Pokémon's abilities. This will not be a test of electrical power but skill" the announcer called out.
"Quick Attack" Nia shouted.
"Match it Pi" Ash shouted.
For the next few minutes, it was a match of who could actually hit the other. While Pikachu had trained using its body as a weapon Jolteon were very spiky and any attack was felt. Pikachu knew that he would eventually lose this kind of battle and said so to Ash while they were resting on their side of the field.
"I know" Ash said confidently "but your attacks were felt too. Get in close, it's time to end this one. Quick Attack"
Shaking her head Nia ordered her Jolteon to do the same "Pikachu will come off worse here Ash" she said confidently.
"Not this time" Ash said as Pikachu managed to get behind the Jolteon after several hits on each other. "Iron Tail its legs quickly."
Jolteon roared in pain as he felt the attack take out his hind legs making him look behind at where the attack hit leaving his face exposed. Pikachu capitalised on it and sent another metallic tail to its face making him fold under the attack. Groggily he tried to stand before he was hit again and was knocked out.
"Jolteon is unable to battle. Pikachu wins. Nia, please send out your third Pokémon" The referee shouted.
Looking at Pikachu she noticed that it had a few bruises but otherwise could still battle. She had three Pokémon left but knew she couldn't use one just yet as she would be at a severe disadvantage.
"I didn't want to use you so soon but Clefable, lend me your power" Nia said sending out her Pokémon.
"And Nia sends out her own starter. This match is starting to heat up."
"Be careful Pi" Ash said, "this Pokémon is no joke."
"You hear that Clefable? Ash knows your power. So, let's show him how strong we really are. Use Metronome" Nia said smiling as her Pokémon wagged its finger and began chanting.
"Shit" Ash mumbled. Metronome was a move Ash hated but had faced many times. It was pure luck what move would be used "Pi be prepared for anything." Ash was right to be wary as from the sky it started raining meteors causing Pikachu to dodge frantically.
"And Clefables Metronome turns into Draco Meteor causing Pikachu to scramble about to dodge the meteors."
"Again" Nia said smiling seeing Ash look on concerned. Wagging its finger, the ground began to shake, and it split open causing Pikachu to lose its balance and fall into the cracks.
"You have got to be kidding me" Ash said as Pikachu managed to climb out of the hole that had been created "a bloody Fissure attack. Pi, we need to end this before it gets any more ridiculous. Thunderbolt when you can."
"Light Screen" Nia called out "and then Metronome again."
Ash pinched his nose in frustration at the way the battle was going as the Thunderbolt washed over Clefable doing only minor damage before it wagged its finger, and a torrent of fire raced its way towards Pikachu who scrambled to get out of the way. "Can Clefable control what moves it uses with Metronome?" he shouted over to Nia who just smiled back and laughed.
"It seems Ash has no answer for Clefable who sends an Inferno Pikachus way. It seems that for all its power Pikachu simply cannot get an attack to be successful at hitting his opponent."
"Pi" Ash said, "time to think outside the box here get in close and wait for me to tell you what I have planned."
"Don't let it close Clefable" Nia said to her Pokémon "Metronome."
Pikachu began speeding towards his opponent annoyed that it was being made a fool of. From underneath the ground rocks began forming into pillars with each step trying to block its path but Pikachu was not Ash's quickest Pokémon for nothing and sped up before getting within five feet of a concerned looking Clefable.
"Thunder Wave" Ash shouted smiling seeing an opportunity as Clefable was still concentrating on using the Rock Tomb attack. Nia looked on concerned as moves that created status conditions ignored moves like Light Screen and soon electricity washed over her Pokémon who cried out in pain. "Quickly use Iron Tail". Clefable was sent flying backwards from the attack and struggled to its feet. "Again Pi"
"Clefable use Metronome" setting its feet it took the attack and continued with its own and began to glow white.
"Pi" Ash shouted frantically "get out of there." Pikachu just managed to start to jump before he was sent hurtling across the ground at a terrific speed and settled against Ash trainer box wall.
"And there we have the disadvantage of Metronome folks. Due to its nature any move can be used and sadly for Clefable and Nia it used Explosion. The only benefit to taking itself out is it seems to have taken its opponent with it too."
"Clefable and Pikachu are unable to battle" the referee shouted over the crowd "as Nia has lost three Pokémon to Ash's two, we will now take a ten-minute break to change the field."
Ash raced down to the ground to collect his stricken Pokémon and ran into his room where he healed Pikachu up. Thankfully Pikachu had just been caught in the blast radius and not taken the move face on otherwise he would be severely wounded. Breathing a sigh of relief, he called out his other three Pokémon and explained what was coming up.
"It's likely I'll need a few of you. I know at least one of her Pokémon she'll use due to Pikachu being taken out. I've never seen the last one yet so it could be anything and if her Clefable is anything to go by they're very well trained so take them seriously."
Receiving nods Ash recalled them and waited for the knock on his door. When it happened, Ash put his game face on and walked out to the field and into his box as Nia mirrored him. Looking down at the ground he nodded thoughtfully. An Ice field would benefit one, hinder another and be neutral to his last Pokémon. Coming to a decision he released his Pokémon.
"Amazing folks. We have the battle of Venusaurs as both competitors release their grass starters."
Laughing Ash shook his head at the coincidence. Gauging them he saw his starter was bigger but that didn't mean much until they tested out their power against each other.
"Venusaur use Razor Leaf" Nia shouted as her Pokémon sent out wickedly sharp looking leaves.
"Vine Whip them" Ash said thinking back to the battle with Mewtwo. Venusaur obeyed and swatted the out of the air before sending his vines at his opponent where he wrapped them around her and attempted to pick her up. He struggled due to the sheer bulk but eventually he managed to pick her up and throw hr backwards where she gritted her teeth at the attack.
"Sunny Day" Nia shouted. Venusaur obeyed and shot an intense ball of light up into the air which made the clouds that had been overhead disappear and rays of light shine down on them.
"Leech Seed" Ash said as Venusaur released many unbloomed bulbs and sent them at his opponent where they quickly spread over her and began to constrict her as they bloomed.
"And Ash outthinks Nia again. Every move she's used so far has been countered superbly by Ash and his own Venusaur."
Gritting her teeth, she knew she was now on a timer as her Venusaur's health was being sapped quicker than normal due to the sun's rays.
"Solarbeam" she shouted knowing she'd need to go big.
"Match it" Ash shouted and soon two huge beams of light headed towards each other and collided in the centre causing an explosion.
"Sludge Bomb" Ash shouted taking Nia by surprise as her Venusaur was pelted with globs of poison. When the attack ended, she saw a purple hue on her Pokémon's face and cursed. Poisoned and health being sapped she recalled her Pokémon.
"Vaporeon, you're up" Nia shouted.
"It seems Nia is out of options as she chooses Vaporeon as her final Pokémon after being severely outclassed by Ash and his Venusaur. And while type disadvantage can play a big part here Nia hasn't much of a choice."
"Ice Beam" she shouted.
"Solarbeam" Ash said still using the benefit of the sun's rays beating down and the two attacks clashed before the Solar Beam overpowered the Ice and sent Vaporeon flying backwards crying out in pain.
"How?" Nia asked looking confused.
"The sun" Ash said hearing her pointing upwards making her grimace as she realised what was happening. She was losing her head and it was showing. Ash had countered everything she sent his way. How she wished Clefable was still able to battle. Ash on the other hand looked up at the sky, he maybe had another thirty seconds before his advantage was over and charging sunlight would become an issue.
"Solarbeam and sweep" Venusaur acted instantly and sent out a huge beam of light that hurtled towards Vaporeon who did her best to dodge the beam sweeping across the field. Nia could only look on as she knew all Vaporeon needed to do was outlast the beam and she would have the advantage then but just as the light was starting to fade, she was clipped on her feet and sent sprawling and was immediately targeted by the beam which sent her flying backwards crying out in pain. When the beam ended Vaporeon stood up but had scorch marks and bruises staring to form over her body. Winning the match had just become very unlikely with Ash still having two fresh Pokémon in reserve.
"Good job Vaporeon" Nia shouted, "Ice Beam."
"Sludge Bomb" Ash countered. The two attacks collided in mid-air causing a mini explosion and they both had the same idea of firing again which slipped past each other's attacks and hit each other causing them both to roar in pain. Venusaur was lucky he was still fairly fresh as the attack did a fair amount of damage. Vaporeon on the other hand was exhausted and was hit by the powerful poison attack sending her skidding backwards where she slumped to the ground. Ash waited to see if she would get back up.
Nia cheered as Vaporeon staggered to her feet "Yes. I'm very proud of you Vaporeon use Quick Attack into Ice Beam."
"Take it, when it gets close use Leech Seed" Ash said. Venusaur trusted that Ash would not let him get too hurt and gritted his teeth as he took the attack on his already injured flank from the previous Ice Beam. When Vaporeon was twenty feet away he started spamming Leech Seeds all over the ground in front of him. The chances of none hitting were remote and Vaporeon was far too into attacking to be able to pull away in time and triggered many of them causing her to break off her attack and try and shake off the blooms that were starting to entwine all over her body. Venusaur saw this and launched more covering Vaporeon sapping her of her health and soon the inevitable happened and she collapsed in front of Venusaur who gently picked her up with his vines and set her closer to Nia.
Recalling her she knew she had lost as her own Venusaur was poisoned and was on a time limit and while Ash's Venusaur had taken hits he was still very much able to battle after regaining health back through Leech Seed. Sighing she sent out her Venusaur who staggered upon landing feeling the poison affect her. She had already taken a lot of damage already and wouldn't last long. Nia knew this so decided to end things on their terms.
"Venusaur, we won't win, but we're going to show everybody why we got here. Use Sunny Day and then Solarbeam, full power." Her Pokémon nodded in understanding. Ash nodded respectfully at Nia and said "fire you own Venusaur. Take her down."
The crowd watched in anticipation and despite knowing this match was over as a contest, Ash had two fresh Pokémon in reserve after all they still watched with bated breath as the two Pokémon gathered power for what seemed like an eternity. Soon though both Ash and Nia had deemed enough charging had happened and both shouted "Now!" two huge beams of light raced towards each other causing a massive explosion in the centre which swept up the dust and dirt from the field completely covering everything from view. The attack tested the Alakazams forcefield abilities to keep the attacks from the crowd, but they just about managed.
Ash knew who the winner was. It was never really in doubt due to the damage he'd inflicted on Nia's Pokémon, but it was the closest he'd come all tournament to going all out. Soon enough the dust settled to find her Venusaur unconscious while Ash's Venusaur was standing tall despite looking battered and bruised.
"Nia's Venusaur is unable to battle, Ash's Venusaur wins. As Nia is out of Pokémon Ash wins and moves on to Sunday's final." The referee shouted to raucous applause from the crowd. Ash slumped in his box as the moment overcame him. He had done it. He had made it further than any rookie in history and was one win away from cementing his legacy as a future superstar.
"We did it Pi" he said to his partner who was looking a lot better than he did forty minutes ago "I cannot thank you enough for being with me through all this. By rights we should have died months ago but we didn't and despite knowing we were good enough to compete we've proved we are."
"One battle left Ash" Pikachu said wincing slightly "I'll be honest, I'll be glad for the rest after Sunday whichever way the match ends."
"We'll win" Ash said, "we didn't come this far to fall at the final hurdle." Standing up he offered his arm to Pikachu who ran up it and settled onto his shoulder. Making his way down the steps he joined Nia who was already there waiting for him. He offered his hand, but she ignored it and pulled him into a hug.
"Congratulations Ash." She said tearfully "while I wish it was me in the final, I'm glad it was you that beat us. We'll be watching you. Good luck" pulling away she impulsively kissed him on the cheek before walking off down the tunnel. Ash however just stood there stunned at what just happened. Soon though he regained control of his emotions and remembered where he was. Looking over to his mother he sprinted over to her and vaulted up the side of the wall and stopped in front of her before sweeping her up into a hug.
"We did it mum" Ash said, "we did it."
Delia was a mess. She hadn't felt this nervous since she saw Red fight for his Championship against Blue but when the dust cleared and she saw Nia's Pokémon out for the count she silently started crying as Sam gave her a hug and shouted "He won! He did it!" and then he was there right in front of her shouting the same and all she could so was clutch onto him and cry too. Eventually he let go and gave her a kiss on the cheek before leaping back down to the field waving to the cheering crowd and heading down the tunnel for his press conference.
"So, Ash, you've made it to the final. Not only that but a rookie has never got this far before. How do you feel?"
"Exhausted" Ash said honestly "when it hit me in the box Pikachu said the same. The mental strain it's put on us has been unbelievable, but we reached our goal. From the start the final four was always the goal that we set ourselves. We knew that we were good, we had trained better than anyone else I had seen, and we knew we were strong. Today proved that."
"Can you give a comment on your opponent. Nia was unlucky today, wasn't she?"
"Yeah, she was" Ash said nodding "she was incredible as she has been all tournament. Sadly, Metronome strats went against her today when she was in a winning position. Pikachu and I had no answer for her at the time as every move used was strong. I'm not sure we would have won that one without taking serious losses."
"The battle was easy after that wasn't it?"
"No, no battle at this level is ever easy but I think the loss of Clefable threw her strategy off and she couldn't recover properly" Ash said disagreeing "She made mistakes that on another day she wouldn't have made, and we capitalised. I still believe we would have won but I don't think the scoreline reflects how tough she was."
"You're now in Sunday's final. Who do you hope to face?"
"Either of them will do" Ash said "we can only beat who's put in front of us. Sunday is a while off though and I'm going to go and get my Pokémon healed and watch the other semi-final. Thank you."
Pushing his way through the crowd of reporters he headed for the Pokémon Centre and handed over his Pokémon and sat down where he let it settle over him. He was in the final. Now all he could do was wait to see who would be joining him.
A few hours later he was sat with his mum and Sam again in the crowd watching the battle between John and Ashley. It had gone to the wire, but Johns Dragonair had managed to dig him out of the shit again and he won.
"Amazing folks, from the brink of defeat John wins and will move on to Sunday's final where he will meet Ash Ketchum for the trophy. Commiserations to Ashley who put up a terrific fight, but she will fight Nia on Saturday for the third-place playoff. Give them both a hand for a terrific match."
Ash watched as John and Ashley left the arena and headed back to his chalet with his mum. Loading up the computer he looked at Johns profile and saw what Pokémon he had and what he had used. There were many opportunities that Ash could take advantage of as several strategies went through his mind. Ash felt substitutions would play a significant part in the final. He couldn't wait.