Cheers for the review's folks.
I'm trying not to be a Charizard Fuck-boy but it's difficult as he's my favourite one. And I'm also trying to make the battle as realistic as possible. I hope I do this justice.
Chapter 44- The Final
Delia had brought Nia and Sarah up to the box to watch the match with her. As she walked in, she greeted everybody else that was in there. To Nia's amazement the entire Elite Four and Kanto gym leaders were seated watching the arena through the huge opening the entire length of the wall. She squeaked a hello to Lorelei who had greeted her and felt like she would faint from the experience. If someone would have told her even a month ago that she would be standing talking to the Elite Four she would have laughed in their faces.
Delia, seeing how starstruck she was moved her gently to her seat where she seemed to have gone into shock.
"Mrs Ketchum, do you know who they are?" she asked quietly.
"I should do seeing as I've known them personally for over a decade now" Delia said laughing "Just relax sweetie, they won't bite."
"Hey, I might" Giovanni said moving over to greet them and give his sister a kiss on the cheek. Their relationship had been strained since she found out about Silver, but she knew if the roles were reversed, she'd likely do the same for Ash and had slowly been coming to terms with it. Hearing Silver had targeted him for death had also played a big part in her reconciling with him. She had little family as it was.
"Not helpful brother of mine" Delia said shaking her head.
"It was" Lance said coming over and saying hello to Delia.
"How's Michelle, why isn't she here?" Deia asked looking around.
"Ah well, don't tell anyone as this is a secret but she's just found out she's pregnant so she's at home with her mum" Lance said scratching his head ruefully.
"Oh, that's wonderful news" Delia said giving him a hug "I'll give her a ring tomorrow when all this has settled. Oh, here comes Ash now. I'm ever so proud of him."
Listening to Charles shout his name as a finalist was one of the proudest moments of her life. And then everything was silent. Ignoring the gasps from the side of her she leaned over the balcony to try and listen.
The world watched on as the camera panned from Charles Goodshow who was giving a speech to the rafters where for the first time in living memory all three Kanto Legendary birds had shown themselves willingly to humans as they sat perched on the top of the stadium. Throughout the world people gasped in excitement, shock and awe. The crowd in the stadium was utterly silent. That was until they watched on with dread as they all descended to the stadium floor. They had seen pictures of the birds before, but they didn't do them justice concerning the sheer size of them all and to see them towering over Ash and John was quite scary.
Ash wondered why they had appeared here, so he stepped forward ignoring the gasps from the crowd.
"Er hi my Lord and Ladies. What can we do for you?" Ash said.
"Awfully impertinent of you to ask, no?" Lady Articuno asked telepathically causing the crowd to again gasp as they heard every word she said. The crowd at home though just heard squawks which in a silent stadium sounded angry.
"Well given you're interrupting the final of the Kanto League I felt it prudent to ask" Ash said cheekily.
"Impertinent indeed" Lord Zapdos said laughingly "why should we need an excuse to travel around our region? Do we need permission?"
"Of course, you don't" Ash said confused "but you've never been seen together in public in over a hundred years. The closest anyone has come to seeing you all together is at the festival in the Orange Islands and even then, you stay separated."
"True" Lady Moltres said, "but we were instructing Lord Zapdos in his new role after he ascended and took his father's place."
Mutters rang out around the stadium, legendaries can die?
Ash clutched the scar over his heart, the reminder of what happened to the previous Lord Zapdos. "Of course," Ash said quietly "I was going to travel after this tournament to visit you but while you are here Lord Zapdos, I wish to offer my condolences to you. Your father's sacrifice has left me with a debt I feel I can never fully repay."
"It is already repaid Chosen One by your deeds the day it happened" Lord Zapdos said sternly "my father would not have chosen your life over his needlessly and to suggest otherwise is to do a disservice to his memory. He died so that you might live again."
"Peace Zapdos" Lady Articuno said soothingly "that's not what he meant, and you know it."
"I'm aware" Lord Zapdos said looking at her and then back at Ash "but he needs to understand that things do not happen by chance. Just as your birth was pre-destined so was the death of every single one of Arceus' creations. And it is up to the individual how to choose their end. My father chose his well. You bear a burden very few have ever done, and you carry it well."
"Thank you" Ash said quietly "I still don't think I deserve it."
"You don't" Lady Moltres said shocking him "but that is not for you to decide. Life is a gift that only usually comes around once for people. You have been gifted a second chance. Use it well. Now, if you don't mind, we have to be getting on. We shall be watching from up on high, these games are a celebration of my everlasting fire after all." Shaking out her magnificent wings she rose into the air.
"She never lets us forget it" Lady Articuno said mirroring her sister and ascending to the roof where she perched to watch. Lord Zapdos however lowered his beak and placed the tip on the place Ash's scar was.
"We will see you soon young Chosen, of that I have no doubt" he said before he too rose with a crackle of his wings and settled on the roof too.
"Ash died?" Nia asked shocked.
"Yes" Delia said tightly not wanting to talk about it.
"But, how?" she asked, "shouldn't he be you know, dead?"
"He only told Sam and I about it and we agreed to leave it be." Delia said to the silent box "Lord Zapdos owed Ash after he saved his life at the Power Plant during the incident nearly a year ago. So, in exchange for Ash's life, he gave up his own. Do not ask me how, I have no idea. Ash now has a lightning bolt scar over his heart as a memento. That's all I will say on the matter. I don't like remembering my son died, especially after Porta Vista."
Sam nodded at Delia's words "It's not up for discussion." he said pointedly.
The box was utterly silent to that bit of news. After all, how do you start a conversation after that?
Taking a deep breath Ash walked back to where the podium was and waited. It took a few moments for Charles to realise where he was before remembering what they were all here for.
"Yes, well after all that excitement its clear that this final took on a more special meaning. So, who's ready for a fantastic battle?"
The crowd started to come alive once more as they realised what they were here for. As the referee replaced Charles John joined Ash and looked up at him#
"Welcome Ash, welcome John. Now for the rules. This will be a 6 on 6 battle on the neutral field, and we will have a winner. In the event of a draw the first Pokémon to get back to their feet and stay upright for ten seconds will be declared the winner. It has been decided a new format is going to be in place for this final. Up until now it has been a standard knockout match with substitutions allowed, that bit hasn't changed. What has changed is the move limit. That has been removed. When one trainer loses three Pokémon there will be a thirty-minute break but there will be no field change during that time. If I declare a time out for any reason, then that will be enforced, and any infraction will see you forfeit your Pokémon. Is that understood? Very well. Gentlemen, please take your places in your boxes and when I say so release your first Pokémon. I wish you both the best of luck."
"You hear that Ketchum? No getting lucky with the move rule in this one." John said sneering.
"Yeah, because we all know how hard it is for you to remember the number 4" Ash replied before walking away to his box laughing. Taking his place, he grabbed a pokeball from his belt and got ready to throw it. John in his box mirrored him. Getting the nod from the referee they both threw their ball at the same time.
"Machamp vs Tauros. Begin."
"Earthquake" Ash said.
"Match it" John shouted as his Pokémon raised its legs and delivered its own earthquake. In the middle of the field where the attacks collided the ground began to crack and push against each other.
"Get close Machamp." Ash said as the tremors died down and the ground settled back to being level.
"Ok, Take Down, full speed." John shouted seeing he would have to use Tauros' physical strength.
"Get ready, brace yourself. Now, Cross Chop" Machamp was more than ready for this. Ash had deliberately chosen him for this match-up because he knew Tauros didn't have a good, ranged move, or at least not one that had been used before. It relied on its speed and strength a lot which were easy to counter when you train with Pikachu. As soon as Tauros got close Machamp spun away with his arms glowing and as it went past, he smashed them into Tauros who went flying off to the side.
"And Machamp delivers a brutal Cross Chop to the charging Tauros. That attack had to hurt."
"Don't let up Machamp, nothing is free today, Brick Break and don't let up." Machamp rushed over to where Tauros was getting up and delivered a powerful punch to its face sending it flying again. This was repeated twice before a red beam hit Tauros confusing Machamp as it disappeared.
"And John recalls his stricken Tauros. It took significant damage due to a mistake John made. Who will he call out now?"
"Electabuzz, you're up. Thunderbolt and charge forwards and use Thunderpunch"
"Machamp use Flamethrower to counter and move forwards too and use Brick Break" Ash shouted. He didn't know what John was thinking trying to get into close combat with Machamp. Soon enough they both began trying to punch the other, but Electabuzz was deceptively quick and slipped under several attacks. Machamp did the same but was confused that he hadn't received a command for a while.
Ash watched on a bit confused. Was he hoping for Static to happen? Possibly. Was he hoping for Machamp to tire out? Unlikely given how much he trained. Finally, he spotted something he could exploit. Electabuzz tended to dodge to the right which left it open slightly.
"Machamp use Flamethrower down to your left" Ash shouted as Electabuzz dodged. Finally, Machamp thought as he felt the fire burn in his throat and spewed it out directly into Electabuzz's face causing it to reel back in shock. "Earthquake" and quicker than before Machamp smashed the ground and sent the tremors at the grounded electric type where out grit its teeth as it was thrown around the ground.
"And Ash once again pulls off a fantastic combination of moves to get the upper hand on Johns second Pokémon. John is in a world of trouble here."
"Cross Chop and don't let up." Ash shouted Machamp raced forward.
"Thunder" John shouted seeing his opening and as it was getting up his Pokémon let out a huge bolt of lightning which struck Machamp and made him miss his mark as he skidded to a halt feeling pain as electricity coursed through his body.
"Punch the ground." Ash shouted confusing everyone who was watching. It soon became clear though as the electricity flowed through Machamp and into the ground. Machamp still felt pain, but it lessened significantly now it had somewhere other than his body to go. Ash observed his Pokémon and then his opponents. Electabuzz had take some serious damage from Machamp before hitting back but Machamps conditioning was better, and it started to show as Machamp was able to get to his feet and take the attack as it lessened in potency.
"Cross Chop" Ash shouted and despite still taking an attack he raced forward and smashed all four arms in the electric type causing the attack to stop and it to black out. Panting Machamp made sure he had won before walking back to his side before dropping to one knee. While Pikachu's electricity was stronger it was still a very strong move he had taken, and he certainly felt it.
"And John loses his first Pokémon of the final. Machamps attacks were just too strong for Electabuzz in the end, but it dealt some serious damage to his opponent. Did it create the opening to level the score?"
"How are you doing Machamp?" Ash called out. Receiving a thumbs up back Ash nodded and waited for his next opponent.
"And John sends out his Pidgeot." The announcer shouted. Ash seeing this recalled Machamp and sent out Pikachu.
"And Ash recalls his Machamp to give it some rest and calls out his starter Pikachu. This should be an interesting one."
"Thunderbolt" Ash said.
"Too easy, dodge it Pidgeot" John shouted as his bird pirouetted around the attack and the bolt flew off harmlessly into the sky.
"Again" Ash said. "And stop when I tell you."
John shook his head, Pidgeot didn't even need to hear him say anything as she did the same again and danced around the attack.
"That arrogance will cost you Ash" John taunted "Pidgeot use Hurricane and make it a big one."
Pidgeot flew up higher into the sky to evade another lightning bolt and looked down at the mouse who was only a pinprick from her height. Slowly she started to flap her wings in powerful thrusts, gradually getting quicker as her attack took shape and inside a minute the field had turned into a giant tornado. She had never done one this big before, mainly because there was no area she could go to to practice and be safe but she knew the leagues Alakazam had it covered so she gave it everything she had and after a minute she stopped and panted with exertion.
"Pi" Ash shouted as the attack started "let it hit, close your eyes and just ride it out. You know what to do here."
Pikachu knew that he couldn't avoid the attack as the stadium was closed in and the field was too small, so he saw the point the tornado started and did something that utterly baffled the crowd and his opponent. He dove into the hurricane and let himself be buffeted about by the high winds. It was incredibly powerful, and Pikachu felt every bit of the attack but from inside Pikachu sent a blue ball of light flying into the sky which was covered by the tornado.
"That's the end of your rat" John shouted with glee. Suddenly he stopped though as he felt a speck of rain hit his face. Wiping it off confused he looked up to see clouds appear from nowhere and more rain start to fall. The wind eventually started to die down in the torrential downpour and he saw his Pidgeot appear in front of him soaked to the bone with water. He watched as the winds disappeared and were shocked to find Pikachu appear walking slowly towards them with little arcs of electricity flash across his body. There were obvious signs that Pidgeots move had done a lot of damage as Pikachu was covered in little scrapes but the fact he was walking forwards with a purpose scared John.
"Now" Ash shouted over the rain "lets see how good your Pokémon really is at dodging. Pikachu, fire Thunderbolts into the sky."
"Don't let it" John said wondering why the attacks weren't aimed at his Pokémon. "Air Slash"
Pikachu dodged the moves as he continuously sent bolts of lightning up into the sky and soon enough there were rumblings happening overhead. Looking up Ash gauged the situation. One or two more would do. "One more Pi."
"Sky Attack" John shouted knowing Ash was planning something, and his Pokémon rose into the air and started to glow as a bolt flashed past her. Ignoring it she charged her attack and waited to dive.
"Pi, make sure you're directly underneath her." Ash said smiling at the way the battle was going.
"If he wants to present himself as a target then so be it. Pidgeot, full power Sky Attack" John shouted.
"What is he doing? Sarah asked from beside Delia and her daughter in the box.
"He told me once how he used this in a fight for his life the day after he started his journey" Delia said, "I hope Pidgeot lives."
"Lives?" Nia said, "Pikachu will get knocked out if he lets her hit."
"Pidgeot has already lost this one" Delia said making the rest turn to her and look at her questioningly "I suggest you all watch it because when he challenges you this is the kind of situation you'll be put in and you'll be powerless to stop it. The main reason Ash wins all his battles is because he comes up with the craziest strategies."
"Two feet to your left Pi" Ash shouted, and his Pokémon obeyed as the Pidgeot started to freefall glowing brightly. When she was thirty feet from Pikachu the crowd gasped in fright as a massive lightning bolt descended from the sky and zeroed in on Pikachu due to his lightningrod ability. Unfortunately for Pidgeot she was in the way and before her or John knew it, she was smashed into by the massive Thunder attack Pikachu had created which increased in strength due to gravity helping and Pikachu being directly underneath. At the last-minute Pikachu dodged out of the way and the bolt redirected itself to Pikachu but the damage had already been done to the poor bird. It would likely take weeks before she could fly again.
"I don't believe it" Blue said quietly "he crafted a Thunder from inside the Hurricane. Does Pikachu know Rain Dance?"
"Yes" Delia said smiling "I'm surprised you figured it out so quickly."
"Red did the same thing to me" Blue said leaning back remembering the fight he had a few years after his championship match "he put Blastoise out of action for a month with that attack."
"And Ash's Pikachu pulls out another win for him after a devastating Thunder attack."
"Ref" Ash shouted "I'm ok with a delay while John gives his Pidgeot to Nurse Joy. She needs urgent care."
The referee nodded as John raced down the stairs and made his way over to the booth where Joy was standing. Taking the Pokémon, she teleported out using a league Alakazam leaving John to make the trip back up the steps. He wouldn't admit it but that had left him feeling very shaky. From a winning position he had lost badly.
Taking a deep breath, he brought out another Pokeball "Tauros you're back up." The delay had helped him as the rain clouds had started to disappear leaving the sky to become the blue it was.
"Pi, back here. Machamp you're up again" Ash shouted. John gritted his teeth as he was banking on Pikachu staying out. It needed to be defeated, hopefully before he brought out his Dragonair. At least Pidgeot had done some damage though he thought.
"And we're back to how we started" the announcer shouted, "both Pokémon have taken some serious damage since the opening fight."
"Earthquake" Ash shouted.
"Match it" John shouted.
"Get in close Machamp and use Brick Break" Ash called out.
"Take Down" John said as his Pokémon began charging.
"And in a stunning case of Dejavu both Pokémon replicate how they started their first bout."
"Flamethrower" Ash shouted.
"Earthquake" John said smiling at Ash's first mistake of the match. Machamp was stopped in his tracks from attacking as the Earthquake hit sending him sprawling onto his knees. Looking up he just managed to get his hands over his face before Tauros smashed into him. Gritting his teeth, he slid backwards holding onto Tauros' horns, but they were getting closer and closer to the wall. With five feet to go Machamp amazed them with his agility all by flipping over Tauros and letting it crash headfirst into the wall. Machamp was reaching his limit and knew Tauros was too. Ash and John had seen it also. Machamp had trotted away to give itself some space to recover as Tauros pulled its horns from the wall and looked directly at his opponent and snorted. Lowering its head, it started charging again in anger at Machamp still being up on its feet. As it got closer Machamp braced itself.
"Now Machamp, flip over again but this time use Earthquake as you land." Ash shouted.
"Tauros stop and use Earthquake yourself" John shouted seeing the danger his Pokémon was in. As Machamp went sailing over its head one of its horns caught Machamp on the thigh sending them both sprawling with the momentum. They both got up at the same time and used the same attack which shook the arena with the power making them both fall to their knees. The battle had taken its toll on Tauros and Machamp though as they were still suffering from their other matchups and as one, they both fell forward.
"Machamp and Tauros are unable to battle" the referee shouted "As John has lost three Pokémon to Ash's one, we will now take a thirty-minute break.
Recalling his Pokémon Ash walked down the tunnel and into his room where he let his last four Pokémon out. Pikachu had already jumped onto the couch to have a snooze and try and recover from the Pidgeot. The others watched the TV with interest as highlights played showing the first half of the match.
"We're up 3-1" Ash said after seeing Machamp go down. "we're doing really well so far but he has one Pokémon I don't know about yet. So, we need to be prepared for anything. We have twenty minutes left to relax so do so."
"Ash is doing really well" Nia commented as they all moved to the buffet table and then onto tables that were provided for seating. Looking at the TV on the screen they watched the half time entertainment of a band performing "he's halfway there."
"He is" Bruno said wandering over to sit next to Delia with Hailee on his hip. Sitting down he adjusted her, so she was facing the TV watching the show.
"I'm surprised you've let her be seen" Delia said cooing in her face making her giggle knowing how secretive Lorelei and Bruni were over their child.
"We decided it was time to let people know that Lorelei is my wife, and we have a child." Bruno said bouncing her on his lap "to be honest Delia we were both getting fed up with people propositioning us, that and the stories about Lorelei not knowing who the father is because of the many one-night stands people have claimed she had with them really hurt her. She didn't deserve that, she's not a whore, so here we are. Hopefully now the stories will disappear."
"Who on earth let that be published?" Sarah said outraged forgetting who she was talking to "Bloody media. They have no shame. Ignore the bastards."
Laughing Bruno just carried on bouncing Hailee before his wife joined them with a plate of food and began feeding him as his hands were full.
"Do you want me to take her?" Nia asked, "just so you can eat."
"Sure" Bruno said handing her over and watching his daughter become fascinated with her lip and nose rings and try to grab them with her tiny hands.
"She's getting so big" Lorelei said smiling at her daughter "I can't believe she'll be three in January."
"Three already?" Delia asked "time sure flies, eh? It doesn't seem like yesterday that Ash was learning to walk and talk."
"I feel the same with Nia" Sarah said smiling at the scene "she'll be fifteen in December. It's crazy."
"I don't believe we've been introduced" Bruno said holding out his hand "I'm Bruno, this is my wife Lorelei and my daughter Hailee. Pleased to meet you."
Laughing Sarah introduced her and her daughter who was much too busy making faces at Hailee.
"How is it we find you here?" Agatha asked stumping over and sitting down with an audible sigh.
"Nia met Ash the day before his battle, and they hit it off" Delia said "I then met them the day after the battle, and we also hit it off. And here we are."
"I'm sure you're missing something out" Agatha said gruffly giving Delia a knowing look.
"You're right" Delia said looking over at Nia making sure she was still occupied "we have suspicions that Ash found his life partner."
"Already?" Lorelei asked shocked before she continued on quietly "aren't they supposed to be 16 before their aura does that weird radar thingy?"
"How do you know that?" Delia asked shocked.
"Haliee has aura." Bruno said "Ash discovered it and has offered to train her as he doesn't trust Rota to not have an angle. He sent us his book on aura, and you sent some notes on raising a child of Aura don't forget."
"Ah" Delia said remembering "I'm afraid I did forget. Well yes ordinarily they're 16 however Ash isn't ordinary. He has masterful control of Aura, and we think it's changed his DNA makeup. I mean you only have to look at him to see he doesn't look like a normal 12-year-old. He's nearly six feet tall already, we think his aura has accelerated his growth and he's hit aural puberty already. And with it his 'radar' as you put it has already begun. I don't think he knows it yet, and I'm not going to tell him until we know for certain as it'll put a strain on their friendship that might be unnecessary."
"But you think you're right" Bruno said as Delia nodded in agreement. Turning to Sarah he continued "what's your thinking then? I mean, we have this to come in 13 years' time. It's not something I can say I'm looking forward to either."
"Why?" Lorelei asked confused "you've never mentioned this before."
"She's 3" Bruno said factually as if it explained everything "and she'll always be three."
Shaking her head she ignored Bruno and waited for Sarah to answer. "I'm unsure. I can see when they're together that they like each other, but I don't think they realise. But Nia will need to be told soon about Ash's aura because if they start dating and then his aura rejects her for someone else…well it won't be pretty."
"Ash will tell her" Delia said "I know him. He explained it to Lt Surge and his daughter when they asked months ago quite clinically, I'm told. I know Frank would love Ash to be his son in law given what he's done for electric Pokémon over the past year but Ash refuses to date because of his problem. He'll tell her before they become good friends as he knows it will hurt them both if he doesn't."
"Ladies and gentlemen, the second half is due to begin in five minutes. Please make your way to your seats."
"Looks like we're back on. I wonder how Ash is doing?" Nia said handing Hailee back to Lorelei and walking back to her seat. Sarah and Delia looked slightly concerned at her behaviour. Did she overhear them?
Walking back out to the stadium Ash took his place in his box and took deep breaths. He opened his eyes to find John had just stated to climb his set of steps. Facing Ash, he sneered before turning to the referee.
"Trainers release your Pokémon."
Ash had thought about this during the break. "let's go my friend" he said as he threw his pokeball.
His big red fire dragon came out roaring to the crowd and faced his opponent with narrowed eyes.
"And it's the battle of the starter Pokémon as Ash releases his Charizard and John sends out his Blastoise."
"Interesting" Ash said. He didn't know about this Pokémon, but it was a good one to hold back until the final.
"Hydro Pump"
"Take it" Ash said shocking everyone as the second strongest water move rocketed on its way to Charizard who stood defiantly in its path. The crowd gasped in shock as the water hit Charizard who grit his teeth and waited out the attack. After thirty seconds of taking the attack Charizard looked up and glared at Blastoise who stopped in shock. There wasn't a fire type he'd been up against that had withstood a full power Hydo Pump from him.
"How was it?" Ash asked his Pokémon. In response Charizard took a front step forward unfurled his wings and roared at his opponent who took an involuntary step back and the crowd shrank back from the volume of noise "Good Flare Blitz" Ash said. Immediately the heat grew as Charizard coated itself in flames and rocketed towards Blastoise.
"Withdraw and Hydro Pump" John shouted. His Pokémon didn't acknowledge his trainer as he popped into his shell and hardened taking the full brunt of the attack sending him spinning but he came out a few seconds afterwards, steadied itself and fired another high-powered water move which hit Charizard in the back causing him to shield his tail under his wing and tank the attack roaring in irritation. Turning around he rocketed forwards again coated in flames and again Blastoise withdrew and did the same. This continued on for a few more attacks before Ash put his plan in action.
"Again, Charizard but use move 'T'" Ash said.
"If he wants to continuously get attacked then let him" John shouted, "keep building up your defence."
Blastoise nodded assured that he'd win. After all he had yet to take an attack where his opponent had taken many and while they didn't seem to be affecting him, he knew it would be no matter the illusion Charizard gave off. Withdrawing again it braced for the attack but strangely it never came and over the roar of the crowd he couldn't hear his trainer. Confused he came out of his shell and was sent flying backwards roaring in pain as he took a Thunderpunch to the face. Luckily, he had built up his defence or he would be in trouble. As it was, he got back to his feet ready to use another Hydo Pump but found his opponent had risen into the sky and out of range. He looked at his trainer who shook his head.
"We'll have to wait for him to come to us Blastoise. Any attack he uses from up there can be easily shielded against." John said and he refocused on his opponent who seemed to be building up power from up high.
"Flare Blitz" Ash shouted.
"This again Ketchum? It's your funeral. Blastoise when he descends use Hydro Pump" John shouted.
Ash just smiled. By building up power in the air away from the attacks Charizard had been able to utilise his ability of Solar Power which ramped up his fire abilities. He was still living on borrowed time due to the secondary nature of the ability, but it was minimal for now. And he had long since got past the recoil part of the move. Gravity was his aid here as he finished charging and sped wreathed in flames like a draconic meteor at his opponent. Seeing the attack headed his way he knew that Ash must have some sort of plan to make sure he hit and sure enough just as the opponents move was about to hit him he heard Ash shout "Spin" which he did instantly creating a drilling effect and causing the attack to spray away from him and he smashed into the rooted water starter carrying him along into the wall where they both broke the psychic barrier and went through the stadium wall.
Ash and John shouted in concern at that. Never in the history of the Pokémon League had a Pokémon's attack done that. Within a minute Blue had teleported onto the stadium field to help try and check on the reinforced steel part of the stadium that Charizard had ploughed through. Lance joined him on his Dragonite, but both took a step back in amazement as Charizard, covered in scratches and bleeding from one arm came walking out of the hole he had created dragging a knocked out Blastoise. Letting him drop to the ground Charizard walked forwards to the centre of the field to utter silence and turned to the Legendary birds he saw watching before facing John and snarled 'next'. Of course, John couldn't understand what he said but he got the gist and recalled his knocked out Blastoise in silence.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we're going to have a break to ascertain the strength of the structure Charizard went though. Can those over the structure please make your way in an orderly fashion onto the field. Please bear with us." the Referee said to the stunned crowd who did as he asked.
Ash recalled Charizard to avoid the people and stayed in his box quietly chatting with Pikachu about what just happened and the way the match was going. Ash was just as amazed that Charizard was strong enough to do that, he knew he was strong but that was a memory that would stay with him for life. Going over it, Ash started to question what happened when Pikachu said, "the sun is disappearing". Ash looked up and figured out what happened.
"Amazing" Ash said "he used Sunny Day, didn't he? Combined with Solar Power and gravity his attack was unbelievably powerful. I continue to be astounded by you guys on a daily basis you know? If people knew you came up with strategies as much as I do I don't think they'd believe me" he finished laughing
"I'm glad I'm retiring" Agatha said in the box laughing at the stunned silence after seeing Charizard plough through the stadium wall. Blue stood up and released his Alakazam and appeared on the field.
"We have some serious training to do" Lance said as he released his Dragonite and joined his leader.
"Even then I don't think it'll be enough" Bruno said leaning forward looking excited and looking over at his wife "at last love, someone who can challenge us."
"He's not there just yet" she said "but he will be and when he does get there, I don't think we'll be much of a challenge for him. Type advantage doesn't work against him, you saw that raw power from the start. To ignore Hydro Pump several times in a row and still have the strength left for that…wow. Just wow."
"His Charizard will take over from mine in the Valley at the rate he's progressing sooner than we think" Sam said sombrely "not even mine had the ability to do the impossible and break the league barriers."
"I didn't have a chance, did I?" Nia asked to the people around her. Bruno ruefully shook his head and said "No, not really. But I don't think he was going all out with you. Try not to feel insulted but from what I've seen of him in the past if he did, he'd have just used Pikachu and Charizard in this tournament and still reached the final. Those two are very strong."
"His Pikachu demolished my best in just one move" Erika said from behind them "I insulted him, and it took my Gloom down in one move. That was over six months ago. If he challenged me now, I'd likely decline. None of my elites would be able to compete with him."
"He'll likely do that after the tournament" Brock said looking at her "he's been talking to me about what the Elite challenge would entail. So, you may as well expect a challenge. He won't use Charizard though because of the deadly weakness you have but I'd still prepare."
"Shit" she said causing others to laugh along with her assessment.
"Do any of you know what he did just then?" Nia asked the room at large and collectively she received shaking heads.
"I'll ring him" Delia said surprising them. Delia got out her phone and rang Ash's number and put him on speakerphone.
"Hi Mum" Ash said confused at her ringing him "are you ok?"
"We are sweetie yes, but we're just chatting up here about what Charizard just did and can't come up with an answer. Do you have any idea?" she asked.
"Yeah, surprisingly it was Pikachu who gave me the clue by saying the sun was going away" Ash said "Hey" Pikachu interrupted "I can be clever" "sure you can be clever Pi, anyway Charizard used the time in the air to his advantage. He used Sunny Day, combined with his ability of Solar Power and gravity it raised his fire levels to a degree I didn't even know about. Blastoise didn't have a chance to be honest."
"Ah ok" Delia said "that makes sense. Well good luck sweetheart. It looks like Blue and Lance are finished with whatever they're doing. You're doing really well."
"Thanks mum" they heard before Delia hung up "there you are. Apparently, it was Pikachu who mentioned the sun was disappearing and Ash figured it out."
"Unbelievable" Nia said looking back onto the field.
"Ladies and gentlemen, it has been deemed fine to return to your seats. The champion has deemed the structure sound and the quick work of the leagues Machokes and Machamps have rebuilt the wall. The match will restart in ten minutes. Ash holds a lead of 4 to 1 but has revealed three of his Pokémon."
"Get ready Pi" Ash said "you're up." Pikachu waited until the last person had left the field before jumping down to the field himself.
"Raichu" John said sending out his own electric mouse causing them both to glare at each other. Ash just laughed and shook his head.
"Trainers begin"
"Quick Attack" John shouted.
"Agility" Ash responded.
"Iron Tail" John commanded.
"Use your own Pi" Ash said before grimacing at his mistake. Despite how strong Pikachu was he was still at a size and weight disadvantage and Raichu quickly overpowered him sending him skidding backwards "that's on me Pikachu. A mistake we won't make again Thunderbolt."
"Quick Attack into Iron Tail" John said smirking. It was a move he knew Ash utilised extraordinarily well in a battle, so they had trained using it too. Raichu let the bolt wash over him and winced before charging forwards and hitting Pikachu in the face sending him arcing through the air where he tumbled Before jumping to his feet again.
"It was worth it Pi" Ash said confusing John "we know it has the Static ability now which won't work on you. Thunder."
"Get out of there" John said as he realised that Pikachu held the advantage now "get as close as you can, we need to use physical moves. Thats our advantage."
"Agility and spam Thunderbolts Pi" Ash said realising how this battle was going to go. After a few minutes of this Ash shook his head as neither had landed an attack yet. "Your Raichu's speed is phenomenal for such a bulky Pokémon" Ash said surprising John with the compliment "Pikachu's speed is his best attribute after his special attack. I'm impressed."
Ignoring Ash, he concentrated on the battle at hand "Sand Attack" John said causing Pikachu to retreat before he was hit and potentially blinded.
"Four o'clock Electro Ball" Ash said, and Pikachu jumped into the air and launched a ball of electricity through the sand and hit his surprised opponent. "Pi wait. It's used Dig. You know what to do here."
Pikachu nodded and focused on hearing the ground beneath him. After nearly a minute had passed the ground began to shake underneath him and he focused on a spot just to his left before jumping back and using Iron Tail at the emerging mouse who received it full in the face sending it flying away before standing back up, a bruise already forming on its face. Roaring in anger it rushed forwards and again a game of Agility and Iron Tails started between them before Ash called out "Volt Tackle" before John could react Raichu was sent sprawling away from his opponent who had used the time to take deep gulping breaths of air. Unsurprisingly to Ash and Pikachu Raichu slowly rose to its feet and glared at Pikachu.
"Why didn't that knock it out?" Sarah asked.
"Because it's a Pikachu who it's facing" Lt Surge said laughing "after my Raichu drew the power battle we had as my challenge for the badge against Ash's Pikachu, every single Pikachu he faced afterwards was demolished with extreme prejudice. It's more than pride for him, it's ego too. I suspect Johns Raichu is feeling the same that a Pikachu is humiliating him on national TV and the fact his electric attacks are useless will probably compound that humiliation. John better be careful here that he doesn't get disqualified because Raichu probably won't accept defeat lightly."
"Pi, we need to end this as his Dragonair is coming up" Ash shouted, "Agility and Volt Tackle."
"If he wants to face us head on then that's fine" John shouted "Raichu Hyper Beam. End this"
The crowd gasped as the two attacks built up power as Pikachu got ever closer. When he was ten feet away Raichu released the attack which collided with Pikachu and created a massive explosion that covered the ground with dust. Ash sighed and bean to walk down the steps to the utter confusion of the crowd and referee. Walking into the dust he emerged a few seconds later holding a knocked-out Pikachu and ascended the steps to his box and placed Pikachu on the chair provided. When he turned back, he saw the dust had settled to reveal Raichu had also been knocked out.
"Both Pikachu and Raichu are unable to battle. John send out your final Pokémon, Ash send out your next Pokémon."
A hush had descended on the crowd as they realised that John was down to his last Pokémon. They had been so enthralled with the battle that they had forgotten he was out of options. But on the flip side of that they also remembered what an option he had. His Dragonair had been incredible in this tournament so far, winning nearly every match he had, sometimes on its own. And while Ash held the advantage numerically his Pokémon was not to be underestimated.
"Dragonair, it's all on you now" John said sending out his pseudo-legendary who cooed to the crowd before focusing on the opponent who had just been sent out.
Ash had a gameplan for this. He didn't expect to come into the final match-up with a four Pokémon lead, but he would use this to his advantage. He decided that every one of his Pokémon deserved to participate in this battle, so he sent out Venusaur.
"I have a plan Venusaur" Ash said confidently.
"Begin" the referee shouted.
"Flamethrower" John shouted uncaring of the gasp that came from the crowd knowing what the move could do to the plant Pokémon.
"Safeguard followed by Protect" Ash said unflinching as the attacks washed over his Pokémon.
"Ice Beam" John said.
"Sludge Bomb" Ash countered. The attacks collided in the air creating frozen globs of poison which scattered across the field.
"Again" John said.
"Keep it up" Ash shouted thinking of a strategy to use. When more globs landed on the field Ash came up with a bizarre idea "Venusaur use Vine Whip but not on Dragonair. Pick up the ice balls and use them."
Amazingly John watched on as his Dragonair had to weave and dodge from the balls of ice that had been made into a makeshift Rock Throw. He had created an attack that would actually harm his dragon type if they hit which meant he couldn't use Ice Beam again.
"Flamethrower" John said.
"Protect" Ash countered as the flames washed over his Pokémon who hadn't moved from his spot.
"Keep it up, protect will fail eventually."
"Frenzy Plant" Ash called out spotting an opening. Roaring Venusaur kept up the protect and stamped onto the ground. John watched on in alarm as huge thick thorny vines pushed their way through the ground at an alarming rate and struck his Pokémon in the face sending it sprawling.
"Back into the air" John shouted urgently "you cannot let it ground you." his Dragonair, sporting a bruise on her face rose back into the air and weaved in and out of the vines with her lithe body and soon she was out of range of the vines.
"Sludge Bomb" Ash shouted as the vines parted in certain places and the poison move came hurtling at her from several places. In frustration she spewed flames again, but they weren't as effective from the range she was at.
"Dragonair, time to clear the vines, Dragon Rush" John shouted. Ash was ready for this as he watched Dragonair settle on Johns side and began to glow blue while gathering power. Quick as a bolt of lightning Dragonair shot forward and started to plough through the vines at an astonishing rate. Ash could see that she was getting slightly scratched and called out a move that couldn't be picked out by the crowd over the noise of the attack. Venusaur however heard and glowed blue as a shield sprang up in front of him and Dragonair bounced off the attack and up into the air spinning away. Ash noticed the move had done its job though as there were very few vines left protecting Venusaur.
"Vine Whip" Ash called out as Dragonair struggled to right itself and vines homed in on her and wrapped around her tail "slam her". Doing just that they stiffened and brought Dragonair down into the ground at a terrific rate causing her to cry out in pain at the impact.
Suddenly Venusaur was hit by a red beam and Ash sent out Blastoise "Ice Beam" Ash called out to his Pokémon and immediately sent out the attack. Dragonair tried to move but was still trying to regain her equilibrium after being slammed into the ground and the move hit her dealing a lot of damage.
Blastoise waited to see if she got up. Astonishingly she did. Ash however was not surprised as Dragonair was John's best for a reason. Shakily she got back into the air and glared at Blastoise screeching at him who remained stoic. And then she started glowing.
"Oh, you have got to be kidding me" Ash muttered as the light started to recede revealing a Pokémon Ash knew a lot about.
"Coo" Dragonite said as she flapped her wings and observed her opponent keenly.
"Dragon Rush" John called out and quicker than Ash could react his Blastoise was sent skidding backwards and dropped to one knee flinching from the attack. Wincing he stood up and looked at his opponent and set himself. He knew this would be a good challenge for him.
"Blastoise, just because she evolved doesn't mean she's still not injured." Ash said, "Ice Beam."
"Ice Beam" John called out matching it and the attacks collided in between them. Soon the ice began to form into a ball that gradually began to get bigger.
"Smash into it" John said as Dragonite ploughed into the ice ball wincing at the cold but shattering it and sending the pieces Blastoise way.
"Rapid Spin" Ash said as the attack bounced off his Pokémon's shell and going in all directions including his opponents who angrily flew out of range. "Good, Rain Dance"
"Let it" John said thinking his opponent had made a mistake he could capitalise on. Soon enough umbrellas were brought out by people in the crowds as a downpour started "lets see how he likes his own strategy used against him, Thunder" he finished with a vicious smile. Ash though remained calm knowing this was a chance he had to take.
As the bolt came down from the sky Ash shouted "Blizzard" Ash Blastoise took a deep breath and blew out very cold air that froze up all the raindrops making the air around them frigidly cold. The Thunder attack hit though causing him to cry out in pain "Rapid Spin" as quick as he could he retreated into his shell, but the rain had leaked into the holes of his arms and legs and he roared in pain inside his shell but still pulled off the attack sending the Blizzard across the field which hit Dragonite causing her to roar in pain and her wings started to freeze.
Ash seeing his Pokémon was in pain recalled him and looked at the pokeball in his hand. He looked at the Dragonite who was trying to chip off the ice from her wings using the ground. Eventually she managed it, but her wings were still not working as well as she'd hoped.
"And Ash recalls his Blastoise. He still has all four of his Pokémon available but two are heavily damaged and his Charizard must surely still be feeling the effects of going through a wall. Who will he send out?"
Ash knew the announcer was right, it was effectively 1 on 1 as Blastoise and Venusaur would struggle, and he didn't know Charizard's condition.
"Come on then Ketchum" John called out "let's see your legendary that you've been holding back."
Chuckling Ash threw a pokeball onto the field and John stopped smirking. The crowd were confused, this wasn't a legendary, was it?
"And Ash calls out a Pokémon that I confess to have no knowledge about."
"Who is she?" Nia asked looking at one of the prettiest looking Pokémon she had ever seen.
"Oh man" Lance said pinching his nose. "He has a bloody fairy type?"
"Yeah" Delia said laughing "technically she's mine as Ash caught her as an Eevee and gave her to me, but she's been training with Ash from before he caught his starters. And she kept up her training at home while he was on his journey so she's quite a little powerhouse."
"She's an Eeveelution?" Nia asked with hearts in her eyes "how do I get one?"
"It's not as easy as than you think to be honest" Delia said "you need to get an Eevee, earn its total trust and make sure it knows fairy moves. You then have a strong chance of gaining a Sylveon then."
"I want one" Nia said earning laughs from Delia "they're so pretty."
"Dragonite, I have no idea what that Pokémon is but let's get rid of it. Dragon Rush" John said confidently. He knew if he got rid of this fresh Pokémon then the odds would be even. Ash didn't even need to say anything, he just leaned against the barrier and smiled as the attack hit and a squeal of pain came from the dust that had formed. The crowd were amazed that Ash would let his Pokémon be hurt like that. From inside the dust cloud a pink ball formed and smashed into Dragonite causing her significant damage sending her sprawling across the field looking severely injured. As the dust settled Sylveon walked out looking as fresh as ever.
"What?" John said astounded "how the hell did Dragon Rush do nothing? Ref, what's going on here?"
"I don't know" the referee said confused "Mr Ketchum, explain before I deem fit to forfeit your Pokémon for it."
"No, you won't" Ash said confidently "you have no justification for doing so and then when the inquest that I launch is over you would be out of a job. Sylveon is an evolution of Eevee and is a legitimate Pokémon. It's not my fault you don't know about her. Sylveon use Dazzling Gleam."
Immediately his Pokémon used her ribbons to form a heart shape, and, in the centre, a pink beam of light shaped like a heart was sent into Dragonite who roared in pain from the attack and was brought to her knees. Looking up she had just enough time to see another beam heading her way and flattened herself as much as she could. The attack however grazed her back causing her to squeal in pain. What was this Pokémon she was up against that could not only tank her strongest attack but also deal so much damage to her. Angrily she rose to her feet and roared in anger at Sylveon who stood there unfazed. A tic mark appeared over Dragonites eye at the nonchalance with which Sylveon looked back and grew angry. Her body started to glow blue, and she charged forwards ignoring her injuries at the opposite Pokémon who didn't move.
"That's Outrage Sylveon" Ash said "keep on your toes. You'll know when to hit back."
"Dragonite has lost this one" Lance said shaking his head earning a surprised look from the gathered people in the box "for those who don't know Fairy types are not just strong against dragons, they're also immune to every dragon type attack. Dragonite could wail all day on Sylveon using Outrage and nothing would happen. Her anger has clouded her rational thinking and when the attack ends, she'll not only be confused but she'll be wide open to attack."
Nods of understanding went around the box as Delia clutched her hands together nervously. Despite Lance assurance it was never over until one side couldn't battle. It was something Red had always said. "It's not over with until it's actually over with sweetheart. Remember that. It's cost me a lot of wins assuming I'd won."
"Dragonite, you need to stop" John shouted helplessly as his Pokémon was consumed by rage, which only grew when her attacks seemingly did nothing. After a few minutes of trying to hit her opponent Dragonite collapsed onto her knees utterly exhausted and looked balefully at her opponent who had not attacked once since her rage took hold. "How?" she asked quietly.
"Finish it Sylveon" Ash said quietly. She heard clearly though as there was utter silence in the crowd at seeing a mythical Pokémon like Dragonite be so outclassed. Walking forward she formed her ribbons into a heart again and looked pityingly at her opponent. Dragonites visage seemed to clear and saw the predicament she was in and bowed her head accepting the inevitable. She didn't even cry out as the attack hit full in the face knocking her out.
The ref had been stunned into silence along with the crowd. It was only when the crowd started shouting again that he realised where he was and gathered himself. "Dragonite is unable to battle, Sylveon wins. John is out of Pokémon. As such Ash Ketchum is the new Champion of the Kanto League."
The cameras panned to Ash who was standing there in absolute shock. He had won? He was champion? Quizzically he looked at Pikachu and struggled to find the words to his starter. "We did it Pi" he eventually said quietly "we won."