Pallet Town: Ketchum Residence, Morning…
Red and Blake were already in the living room ready to watch Ash take on Drake. The Ketchum family watched the prior two days and were truly proud of just how far he has gone.
"Neither of us taught him to battle like that, yet he's somehow become a near perfect combination of the two of us." Blake commented.
"I'd argue he's taken those aspects from us to new heights." Red nodded. "From what I've seen, he's already more adaptable than you were, according to the stories of your younger years, and his mind for strategy is more advanced than what I had at that age."
"I suppose that is true, but he's still got a long way to before he overcomes either of us." Blake smiled. "That said, his rate of growth is rather stunning even in comparison to the two of us. If we're not careful, he'll be on our level before we know it."
"I hope that is the case." Red thought a little solemn. "Should I fail to hold back what threatens our world, even if I don't want it to, it may very well fall to Ash to finish what I start."
Suddenly, there was a knocking at the door, but before either of them could make a move, Delia spoke up from the kitchen. "I'll get it!"
She moved to the front door and opened it revealing Professor Oak, Grace, Lily, and Michael.
"I hope we're not late." Lily smiled good naturedly. "Two people were a little engrossed in their work."
"Can you really blame the professor and I, mom?" Michael questioned. "That Hisuian Onix of Ash's was cool enough but getting the chance to study its evolution is in a whole other league."
Michael had still been back in Pallet Town after Professor Oak, Grace, and Delia returned from their impromptu trip to the Orange Islands during the whole legendary situation taking place over there. In short, Professor Oak had gotten to talking with the young lad.
He offered Michael to become his assistant. At first, Michael wasn't sure as his main goal had been to fill out the pokedex, but after giving it a try, he found a true passion in it. Now, he was officially on the path of one day being a researcher himself.
"I know you're enjoying your new path, but would you really want to miss Ash's biggest battle yet?" Lilly asked.
"No, I wouldn't." Michael admitted.
"Then, it's a good thing you're all right on time." Delia smiled and stepped aside. "Come on in."
"I must say, your boy has really done well for himself Delia." Grace smiled as the four of them entered. "He's really starting to remind me of what I've seen on Red's and Blake's earlier days."
"Indeed." Oak nodded. "Ash has shown a great deal of promise, but I believe he owes some parts of that to Delia's influence as well."
The group continued to chat as they moved to join Blake and Red in the living room.
Pumelo Stadium: Morning…
"This is it folks!" The announcer declared. "Today, Ash Ketchum, the challenger from Pallet Town, faces our currently undefeated champion, Drake Yuji."
The crowd roared in anticipation. Ash was waiting in the hall which connects to the main battle field. While this league was certainly smaller than any league Ash watched before, it didn't matter.
Competing in one of these has always been a dream of his. The good thing about today is that even if he did win, there was ample reason to continue his journey beyond this point. Beyond even the Indigo League.
"Here he is folks, this year's challenger, Ash Ketchum!" The announcer declared.
With the cue given, Ash walked out onto the field. The crowd cheered in excitement, but none of them were as loud as Serena and James. As such, he was able to pick the two of them out of the crowd, making him smile that they had been here to support him all this way.
"This young man started his journey from Pallet Town at ten and arrived on Pummelo as an eleven-year-old trainer that has proven himself worthy. He's demonstrated exceptional skill, adaptability, and a close bond with his pokemon."
Once again, the crowd roared with excitement only to grow silent as a massive roar shocked the stadium. The pokemon behind this was Drake's Dragonite who began his descent into the stadium. Once he landed, Drake lept off his pokemon's back and landed within his trainer box.
"Here's your champion folks, Drake Yuji." The announcer declared.
While a lot of Orange Natives had come to like Ash, Drake was still their champion. This meant the cheering for him was exponentially greater than it had been for the Pallet native.
Once the crowd started to calm, the announcer continued. "Drake has been the undefeated Orange League champion for ten years now and has proven himself to be quite the strong, caring trainer. I know for a fact that this coming battle is going to be something else."
Drake returned his Dragonite and clipped the pokeball to the string around his neck.
Kanto League Cells
Despite everything he's done, they couldn't simply lock Giovani away and never pay him any mind. They still had to give him meals, and he was given time out of his cell. Sometimes they'd let him outside with a guard detail. Other times they'd let him have a little TV time.
Today just so happened to be TV time. Whenever he got this, he was handcuffed to a table, much like when Oak or Agatha came to visit him and set to watch whatever was picked for him. Today, his entertainment just so happened to be the Orange League champion battle.
Upon seeing Ash on screen, only one thought crossed his mind. "Something about that boy agitates me."
It's not like he was unaware who Ash was. He knew everyone who had stopped his men through the various connections he had before. While he didn't know everyone who came to stop him in Saffron, he wouldn't put it past that kid to have been there.
Right now, in the moment, it didn't even cross Giovani's mind that he felt something concrete. Back when he surrendered, all he felt was empty. Then, Samuel visited. He brought confusion and a tampered resentment. It was nowhere near as much after what was said in Silph Co.
Next, Agatha came around reigniting a bit of his prior resentment. That was quickly tempered as turmoil, sadness, and anger reigned. Even as they continued to visit, all these emotions would just keep swirling and fighting for dominance.
Right now, in this moment, staring at Ash only left him with agitation. Agitation at what? He couldn't quite figure it out. Without even realizing it, the man was paying particular attention to this program like he's never paid attention to anything else he's been forced to watch.
Pummelo Stadium
Not even a moment later, the ref took his position. "This will be a full six on six battle between Drake Yuji and Ash Ketchum. Once three pokemon on either side have been defeated, there will be a field change and fifteen-minute intermission."
As the ref explained the rules, the bland looking field opened as another took its place. It was a typical rock battle field with sharp, jagged rocks poking out in all directions.
"The first half of the match will take place on a rock field." The ref added. "While there is no time limit, the champion shall reveal his pokemon first. Furthermore, only the challenger can make substitutions."
"I've seen every battle you've had Ash, so I know you're a great trainer." Drake praised as he took a pokeball off his belt. "Knowing this, I am looking forward to seeing just how this battle plays out. Venusaur, I choose you!"
Ash had a lot of experience with this line of pokemon. After all, Gary had chosen Bulbasaur while he caught one not too long into his journey. Both had ended up evolving them to their final stages. In short, Ash saw this as his chance to try and take an early lead.
"I choose you, Rapidash!" Ash shouted as he threw out his Galarian variant.
"Drake has started off with his solid Venusaur while Ash has gone for a Galarian Rapidash." The announcer informed. "Given the types and potential moves, this is about as even a match as we could expect. Of course, many challengers of the past have failed to overcome Venusaur."
"Rapidash VS Venusaur…" The ref declared. "Begin!"
Ash VS Drake (P. I)
"Venusaur, let's start with sludge bomb." Drake commanded.
"Rapidash, dodge and use psychic terrain." Ash ordered.
Venusaur fired off a sphere of poison energy, but Rapidash avoided it while her horn radiated psychic energy that spread out over the field. The unique horn pokemon was the newest of his pokemon he intended to use this battle, so a little extra help certainly wouldn't hurt.
"Rapidash is faster than I assumed." Drake smiled. "Venusaur, use sunny day."
"Drake is either setting up for solar beam or his Venusaur has the same ability as mine." Either were possible, but it didn't change what Ash would do. "Use swords dance."
As Venusaur cast the sphere of light above, the astral swords appeared around Rapidash raising her attack by two stages. If Drake were going for solar beam, Rapidash could still dodge. If the grass/poison type had chlorophyll, it'd merely bring Venusaur up to par with Rapidash in speed.
"Venusaur, use toxic." Drake commanded.
"Rapidash, use psycho cut." Ash instructed.
Venusaur glowed a poisonous purple with Rapidash following not long after. As the move set in, Rapidash rushed in slashing with her horn coated in psychic energy. The move certainly took a massive toll on the seed pokemon, but he was still kicking.
With toxic now setting in, this put Rapidash on a rather short timer due to the moves rapidly increasing damage over time. It'd already begun with the first, small chunk of Rapidash's energy fading. Since they were close now, Ash decided to roll with it.
"Use bounce." Ash commanded.
"Venoshock." Drake ordered.
Rapidash lept into the air as Venusaur fired the poison move. Due to its nature, the damage the psychic/fairy pokemon took was doubled. Still, she hung on landing the powerful bounce before leaping back to land on the ground.
In that moment, Venusaur fell with swirls in his eyes. Rapidash then took a large loss in energy from toxic and ended up falling not even a moment later with swirls in her eyes. Both had just fainted.
Pummelo Stadium
"Rapidash and Venusaur are both unable to battle." The ref declared. "In the event of a tie, it will still be up to the champion to reveal his pokemon first."
"Looks like this first battle came to a draw giving no trainer that early advantage so many often seek." The announcer declared. "In a way, this was still one impressive opener leaving me wondering just what else these two will end up doing as the battles continue."
"It has been a long time since my challenger's first pokemon managed to take down Venusaur." Even though Rapidash had fainted as well, this was still a good sign to Drake. "You performed as well as ever, so return Venusaur."
"You gave as good as you got." Ash returned his pokemon. "Take a good rest Rapidash."
"I think I'll take advantage of this lovely field and a little of the sun still overhead." Drake smiled. "Slowking, I choose you!"
The pokemon that appeared almost looked like a Slowbro, which Ash knew was psychic/water, but it's Shellder was on the head. Given what Drake said, Ash inferred the typing with the comment about the sun meaning Slowking knew a fire move and/or one of the solar moves."
"Sorry Drake, but the part of the field I set up isn't going to help you like you think." Ash smiled. "I choose you, Umbreon."
"I'll be." Drake chuckled. "He had a counter ready just in case."
Even though Drake was happy to see this, he wouldn't be where he is today if he hadn't taught his pokemon moves beyond their type.
"Umbreon VS Slowking…" The ref declared. "Begin!"
Ash VS Drake (P. II)
"Umbreon, use crunch." Ash commanded.
Umbreon rushed forward ready to sink his dark type coated maw into the water/psychic type.
"Slowking, use disable." Drake ordered. "Then, follow it up with a flamethrower."
Slowking pointed at Umbreon, and he momentarily became gray as crunch would no longer be used this battle. With the dark type now close, Slowking breathed a torrent of flames. While no fire type, the sun above did a great job boosting this move's power.
"Umbreon, use trailblaze." Ash instructed.
Umbreon managed to recover from the strong fire type move as he was cloaked in grass energy and slammed into Slowking. In that moment, his speed rose one stage.
"That move was effective; however, this next move will make any stat changes you do ineffective in the long run." Drake declared. "Slowking, use psych up."
This move gave Slowking the same one stage increase to speed.
"You can copy our stat changes and disable a move; however, we still have plenty left we can do." Ash declared. "Umbreon, use dark pulse."
"While you do that, I'll continue to benefit from the prior battle." Drake responded. "Slowking, use fire blast."
As Umbreon fired off a pulse of darkness, Slowbro shot a powerful blast of fire, still amped by the sun above, right into the move. Not only did it overcome dark pulse, but it pushed on slamming into Umbreon. He was knocked back before Ash with swirls in his eyes.
Pummelo Stadium
"Umbreon is unable to battle, this round goes to Drake." The ref declared.
"There you have it folks." The announcer declared. "Drake takes the lead putting Ash on the back foot."
The crowd roared in excitement.
"You gave it your best Umbreon, and that's all I ever ask." Ash returned the dark type. "Take a good rest." He then swapped pokeballs already knowing who should be sent out next. "I choose you, Pidgeot."
Fortunately, the sun and psychic terrain faded putting this battle in as equal an area as it could be. Of course, Drake now had the advantage, and Slowking still had a speed increase. That latter point wouldn't make much of a difference against one of Ash's fastest pokemon.
"Pidgeot VS Slowking…" The ref declared. "Begin!"
Ash VS Drake (P. III)
"Now, we can put our psychic typing to use." Drake smiled. "Slowking, use psychic."
"Fortunately, Pidgeot knows a few surprising moves." Ash spoke at the same time. "Pidgeot, use ominous wind."
Despite having an increase in speed, flying types were rather speedy. As such, a ghostly wind blew in dolling out a super effective blow before Slowking managed to catch Pidgeot with his psychic energy sending her careening into the ground hard.
"Out everything I thought possible, I didn't see that coming, but we have our own ways of dealing super effective damage." Drake nodded. "Slowking, use ice beam while we have the chance."
"Pidgeot, use hidden power, but keep them rotating around you as fast as possible." Ash ordered.
Pidgeot managed to stand and get the multiple spheres of water rotating around herself before Slowking fired his ice beam. Rather than nail Pidgeot, they hit the rapidly rotating spheres turning the bird pokemon's water type hidden power into an ice type version.
"Now, fire them at Slowbro." Ash ordered.
While the move was resisted, the fact that this was an unwilling collaboration move did help break through a bit of that resistance with its greater than it otherwise would have been power.
"Looks like we'll just have to use a move you can't block like that." Drake declared. "Slowking use blizzard."
"We don't need to block when we can avoid it." Ash countered. "Pidgeot, use u-turn now."
The air was beginning to grow cold and slightly damaged Pidgeot who cloaked herself in bug type energy. She managed to ram into Slowking dolling out another powerful blow. As a bonus, Pidgeot didn't return to her pokeball as her opponent fell back with swirls in his eyes.
Pummelo Stadium
"Slowking is unable to battle, this round goes to the challenger, Ash." The ref declared.
"You were great Slowking." Drake returned his pokemon and clipped the ball to his waist. "Take a rest now."
"Ash Ketchum shows that he isn't out of this fight so early by tying things back up." The announcer informed. "I must say, this is getting good since the challenger has just entered among the few capable of even getting to the champ's third pokemon."
"This battle is starting to remind me of those younger days." Drake already knew the next pokemon he'd use. "Vikavolt, I choose you."
"Pidgeot VS Vikavolt…" The ref declared. "Begin!"
Ash vs Drake (P IV)
"Vikavolt, use thunderbolt." Drake ordered.
"Pidgeot, use agility and get out of there." Ash commanded.
Vikavolt sparked with electricity before firing at Pidgeot who deftly dodged as she raised her speed one stage.
"Vikavolt, use giga impact." Drake ordered.
"We won't be outdone with a normal type attack." Ash countered. "Pidgeot, use double-edge."
The two pokemon flew at one another, cloaked in normal type energy, and smashed into one another. Despite using the in theory weaker move, Pidgeot's type coinciding with it gave her a clear edge as she sent Vikavolt careening to the ground.
Of course, neither pokemon would come out of this encounter unscathed. Beyond the damage he just took, using giga impact meant the bug/electric type couldn't move for a moment. Pidgeot took a great deal of recoil as well.
"Follow it up with an air slash." Ash ordered. "Then, let's end this with a sky attack."
Pidgeot slashed out razor sharp air nailing the immobile Vikavolt before she dived at the stag beetle pokemon.
"You got greedy." Drake smiled. "Vikavolt, end this with zap canon."
"It knows that move!" Ash knew this move considering Serena's Magnezone knew it. "Pidgeot, get out of there!"
It was too late as Pidgeot was too close to dodge. Vikavolt fired a powerful sphere of electric energy into the bird pokemon pushing her back and sent the flying/normal type right into the ground. She had swirls in her eyes.
Pummelo Stadium
"Pidgeot is unable to battle, this round goes to the champion Drake Yuji." The ref declared. "In accordance with the ruling, we will now take a 15-minute intermission as the challenger has lost 3 pokemon."
"I'm sorry Pidgeot; I was too overzealous." Ash thought as he recalled his pokemon.
From here, he recognized this would be an uphill battle. After all, Drake topped him four to three, but everything could quickly change. All Ash had to do was not let that last round get to him.
"Take a good rest Vikavolt because I'm going to need you going into the next half." Drake recalled his pokemon before looking at Ash. "I hope this isn't a sign that this battle is about to go downhill."
Both trainers took a seat on the bench behind their respective trainer boxes for intermission.
Stands
"Ash is in a real bind now." James commented worriedly. "Because of how that last round went, he will be going into the next half at a disadvantage. It only grows when we consider that Dragonite of his is likely to be his last pokemon."
"It is certainly a tough situation, but it's not some of the impossible ones he's been in before." Serena nodded. "When Ash is backed into a corner, and not out of his league, he rises to the occasion. I don't think this is as bad as you do."
"Hm, perhaps you're right." James admitted. "Still, Ash now has a lot of ground to cover. With that Vikavolt getting a rest, he'll need to come out the next round swinging."
Pallet Town: Ketchum Residence
"Come on Ash." Michael stated even knowing his pseudo brother couldn't hear him. "Come out next round and gain some momentum."
"That Drake is one tough battler." Oak commented.
"That doesn't mean there's no chance." Delia stated. "Ash isn't too far down that he can't mount a comeback." She looked at Red and Blake. "After all, they've done it at various times in their journey, and I'm certain Ash has to."
"That's one of the Ketchum's inherited traits." Blake declared proudly. "When our backs are against the wall, we start pulling moves out that our opponents can't keep up with."
"I believe Ash has the skills to pull this off, but he's going to need to use this intermission wisely." Red crossed his arms. "After all, what happened with Pidgeot was a mistake, and one he recognizes. If he can't come back with a clear head, he will falter."
All of them, even those who chose not to comment, hoped Ash could pull through as they continued to watch.
Kanto League Cells
"He made such a carelessly mistake to the point that I'm disappointed." Giovani suddenly opened his eyes in surprise. "Disappointed? Why? What is this frustration? That boy is merely like any other trainer, so why do I feel this way?"
Giovani was so distracted by the screen and these feelings that he didn't realize until now how tense his body was. "Gah, seeing this makes me feel more alive than I've felt in such a long time. Such a long time…"
Giovani wasn't quite sure what to make of this, and he likely wouldn't know for certain until the very end of this battle. In any regard, he now knew just how closely he'd been observing. He now knew he would continue to pay close attention.
Pummelo Stadium
The field was changed to a sandy desert which would make it difficult for a lot of pokemon to move. Fortunately for Ash, his remaining pokemon were not among them. Pikachu was light on his feet, Nidoking was part ground, and Charizard could fly.
"Well folks, it's time for these two to enter the second half." The announcer informed. "As it stands, Drake has the advantage at a 4 to 3 lead. Will he end up keeping it or will the adaptability Ash has displayed throughout this competition turn those numbers on their head?"
Drake and Ash returned to their respective trainer's box.
"As we enter this second half, the same rules from before apply." The ref declared. "There is no time limit and only the challenger, Ash Ketchum, can substitute pokemon when he likes. In addition, our champion must now bring Vikavolt out as his choice."
"Vikavolt, I choose you." Drake declared as he threw the now rested pokemon out.
"Nidoking, Pikachu, or Charizard." Ash was pondering his next choice. "I need someone who can help close this gap."
Ash wasn't certain which of his remaining pokemon could do this. All three certainly had that potential, but it was about which one was the right choice. Even if he could give one of his pokemon a break, nothing was truly guaranteed here.
"Pika!" Pikachu shouted.
This drew Ash's attention. "Pikachu?"
"Pika. Pikachu. Pika." Pikachu declared.
"You want to get us back on track?" Ash asked.
"Pika!" Pikachu declared firmly.
"Alright buddy." Ash nodded. "I choose you!"
Pikachu lept off Ash's shoulder and landed on the field. He was raring to give however many battles were needed his absolute all to get Ash back on track.
Drake smiled at this. "Maybe this battle won't be going downhill like I feared."
"Pikachu vs Vikavolt…" The ref declared. "Begin!"
Ash vs Drake (P V)
"Pikachu, use extreme speed." Ash ordered.
Pikachu blitzed over to Vikavolt landing a strong blow.
"Now, combo it into an iron tail." Ash instructed.
"Vikavolt, use x-scissor." Drake commanded.
Pikachu's iron tail clashed with Vikavolt's bug imbued slash in the form of an x. The electric type was overcome by the opposing pokemon taking the hit and was sent hurtling to the ground.
"Pikachu, use dig." Ash ordered.
Pikachu managed to get into a position where he could dig into, rather than hit, the ground.
"Vikavolt, keep an eye on the field and ready mud shot." Drake ordered.
"Pikachu, I want you to barrage Vikavolt." Ash instructed. "Use extreme speed to hit him before digging back into the ground. Then, repeat the process."
Pikachu burst forth from the ground and sped at Vikavolt who attempted to nail the speedy rodent with a super effective mud shot. The mouse pokemon managed to avoid it before slamming into the bug/electric type. Pikachu then fell towards the ground and burrowed again.
"Vikavolt, use bug buzz." Drake ordered.
When Pikachu burst forth from the ground, Vikavolt was mid bug buzz which disrupted the mouse pokemon. This kept Pikachu from using extreme speed as he was damaged by this strong move.
"Now, use mud shot." Drake commanded.
"Pikachu, dodge and use iron tail to end this." Ash ordered.
Pikachu just managed to avoid the super effective move and lept into the air shortly after. He managed to slam home an iron tail just as Vikavolt finished mud shot sending the bug/electric type careening into the ground. As Vikavolt hit the ground, he fainted.
Pummelo Stadium
"Vikavolt is unable to battle, this round goes to the challenger, Ash." The ref declared.
"In the second half, Ash comes in swinging managing to take their number of pokemon to three a piece." The announcer informed. "Unfortunately, this challenger isn't out of the woods just yet since Drake still has three pokemon who have yet to hit the field."
"You did well Vikavolt." Drake recalled his pokemon before swapping to another. "Houndoom, I choose you."
The fire/dark type pokemon appeared ready for battle.
"Pikachu, come back and take a break." Ash stated catching the electric type's attention. "We still got a lot of ground to make up, so I'd rather you get a chance to recover a little."
Pikachu did want to keep fighting, but he saw what Ash was getting at. Even if they've tied up the number of pokemon, they were still at a disadvantage. Potentially getting a breather would be better in the long run compared to possibly losing because he was stubborn about this.
As Pikachu ran back to Ash's side and took his place on his trainer's shoulder, Ash chose his next pokemon. "I choose you, Nidoking."
"Nidoking VS Houndoom…" The ref declared. "Begin!"
Ash VS Drake (P. VI)
"Flamethrower/Earth power." Drake/Ash instructed at the same time.
Houndoom managed to get off flamethrower at the same time Nidoking used earth power. The two attacks nailed their respective targets with the fire/dark type taking the heavier amount of damage from the super effective strike.
It was obvious why Ash used his move, but Drake had gone for his to test just how bulky that Nidoking was. While he didn't doubt damage was dealt, the poison/ground type clearly took it well meaning it was time to dish out as much damage as possible.
"Alright, let's up the fire power with overheat." Drake ordered.
"Nidoking, use protect to defend yourself." Ash commanded. "Then, use head smash."
Houndoom glowed a brilliant red and expelled a massive amount of fire; however, that was useless in the face of protect which kept Nidoking unharmed. What made this worse was the fact that Houndoom still took a two-stage loss to his special attack. Nidoking then charged forward bearing down on the dark pokemon with a head coated in rock energy.
Drake merely smiled as he crossed his arms. "Houndoom, use counter."
Considering what that move did to Cheren's Snorlax yesterday, Ash wasn't keen on letting that happen to Nidoking. "Nidoking, get back!"
It was too late as the drill pokemon slammed his head down on Houndoom dolling out a huge blow. Unfortunately, the dark pokemon managed to remain standing and radiated powerful fighting energy. He slammed into Nidoking with enough force that he was sent flying.
Just like with Cheren's Snorlax the day prior, Nidoking rocketed into the wall below the stands. The drill pokemon then collapsed from it with swirls in his eyes. This is where the mirror to yesterday ended as Houndoom collapsed not long after fainting as well.
Pummelo Stadium
"Nidoking and Houndoom are both unable to battle." The ref declared. "As this is another tie, the champion must reveal his next pokemon first."
"Well, this is officially farther than any prior challenger has come folks." The announcer informed. "Usually Houndoom is not one to faint meaning he must have used whatever strength was left just to get off that move for Drake.
This brings things to the trainer's final two pokemon, and I must say that this challenger has been hanging on. At this point, it's about as even a battle as we could hope for. One must ask, is Houndoom's fainting a sign that we will crown a new champion?"
"Thank you, Houndoom." Drake returned his Houndoom. "Even if it's a slight advantage, you managed to keep us up."
"You were great Nidoking." Ash returned his pokemon. "Thanks to you, we might just have a shot."
"You're the first challenger, in a long time, who's gotten this far Ash." Drake declared with a smile.
"I haven't done it alone." Ash responded. "My pokemon have been pulling a lot of weight and made up for my earlier mistake."
Pikachu tapped his cheek to get his attention. "Pika. Pikachu."
"I know buddy." Ash smiled gratefully. "In the end, any one of us have made plenty of mistakes. When that happens, it's naturally those who support you help correct them."
Pikachu simply didn't want Ash to spiral from this, and he didn't seem like he would. Still, what kind of starter would he be if he didn't address it? At least Ash didn't seem to be taking it too hard. After all, he's battled as he always would.
Seeing this made Drake smile at the modesty and interaction. Ash's qualities as a trainer and bond with his pokemon truly made him the most promising challenger Drake could have ever hoped for.
"Get ready Ash because even as this match is coming to an end, I'm not about to give any less than my best." Drake threw out his next pokemon. "Crabominable, I choose you!"
"My team and I are exactly the same." Ash retorted. "I choose you, Pikachu."
Pikachu lept from Ash's shoulder back onto the field ready to battle yet again.
"Pikachu vs Crabominable…" The ref declared. "Begin!"
Ash vs Drake (P. VII)
"Crabominable, use ice beam." Drake commanded.
"Pikachu, use extreme speed." Ash ordered.
Pikachu sped in slamming into the woolly crab pokemon and disrupting his current attack.
"Now, follow it up with iron tail." Ash ordered.
"Counter them with your ice hammer." Drake instructed.
Pikachu swung his steel covered tail at the same time Crabominable swung one of his claws down covered in powerful ice energy that superseded anything an ice punch could achieve. The two attacks clashed.
Both moves were recorded to output around the same power. While iron tail was a super effective move, ice hammer had Crabominable's ice typing giving it a stab boost. In the end, the two attacks ceased when neither could overcome the other.
"Pikachu, use play rough." Ash ordered.
Pikachu lunged at Crabominable and began attacking with fairy energy managing to deal a super effective strike.
"Crabominable, fight back with payback." Drake instructed.
Crabominable struck Pikachu with dark energy dolling out one serious blow considering he had officially moved after the electric type.
"Pikachu, use thunderbolt." Ash commanded.
"Crabominable, hold out your thunder fist." Drake ordered.
Pikachu fired his electricity at Crabominable who held out a fist cloaked in electricity. While some of thunderbolt did manage to bypass the fist and feal out damage, the rest of it was absorbed into the thunder punch strengthening it.
"Now, let him have it." Drake instructed.
Crabominable rushed forward aiming to strike Pikachu. Even though it normally wouldn't be that effective, Ash wasn't quite willing to test a super charged thunder punch.
"Pikachu, dodge to the opposite side of thunder punch." Ash ordered.
"In that case, you're not escaping unharmed." Drake declared. "Crabominable, use brick break with your free claw."
Pikachu did manage to avoid the incoming thunder punch, but Crabominable was just able to move in time slamming home a brick break with his free claw knocking Pikachu to the side.
"Let's wrap this up with a gunk shot." Drake ordered.
"Pikachu, use thunder to block it." Ash commanded.
Pikachu had managed to recover enough to the point he could stand and immediately charged up his electricity. At the same time, Crabominable was collecting poison energy within himself. They both fired at the same time, but Pikachu ended up losing his balance.
This put the intended directory of the electric energy off just enough to make the two attacks miss each other by centimeters. Both pokemon were nailed with Pikachu being knocked back while Crabominable collapsed to the ground. Both had swirls in their eyes.
Pummelo Stadium
"Both pokemon are unable to battle, the round is a tie." The ref declared. "Going into the final round, Drake shall once again reveal his pokemon first."
"I don't believe it folks!" The announcer declared excitedly. "Our champion has managed to induce three tied battles which helped him keep the lead up to this point. In the end, even accounting for that, the challenger clawed his way to this point. As it stands, both trainers only have one pokemon left."
"You performed well Crabominable." Drake returned his pokemon. "Take a rest."
Ash ran out onto the field and scooped his electric type up bringing him back around. "You were amazing Pikachu." He took out a potion to heal him up a bit while walking back to his trainer box. "You managed to be the one who took out two of his pokemon and gave us this chance."
Pikachu smiled before licking his chin. "Pika."
"Yeah, I'm not going to waste this opportunity." Ash made it back to his trainer box and set Pikachu right by his side. "Count on it."
Things were a bit rough around the middle, but Ash pulled it back which ignited Drake's passion. It's been years since he felt this way, and no matter the result of the coming battle, he knew it would be one he'd always remember.
"Ash, you are the most promising trainer I've battled as champion." Drake declared. "I want you to keep showing me that in this final battle." He threw out his last pokemon. "Dragonite, I choose you!"
Drake's Dragonite appeared with a fierce expression.
"You got it Drake." Ash flipped his hat around. "Get ready because my last pokemon will be the one that takes this battle." He threw out his last pokemon. "I choose you, Charizard!"
Charizard appeared ready for battle. Both pokemon stared each other down as they recognized the strength within the other. Beyond that, they could feel their trainer's absolute determination to put their all into this, so they would answer in kind.
"Charizard vs Dragonite…" The ref declared. "Begin!"
Ash vs Drake (P. VIII)
As soon as the battle began, the two pokemon shot into the sky with mighty battle cries. That only made the raging fire within their trainer's souls burn brighter. This was it. The final battle of this year's Orange League with everything on the line.
"Dragonite, extreme speed." Drake commanded.
Dragonite blitzed at Charizard crashing into him and sending the fire starter careening to the ground.
"Charizard, use steel wing against the ground with all your might and shoot yourself back into the air." Ash ordered.
Charizard managed to correct his positioning to the point that he was able to slam his metal covered wings into the ground. He used the force of the impact to send him up and flapped his wings to truly soar.
"Now, full power flare blitz." Ash ordered.
"Dragonite, dodge." Drake tried.
In this instance, Charizard was moving faster than normal as the fire cloaked his body. That added boost from steel wing just made him too fast to dodge resulting in Dragonite taking a powerful flare blitz. Of course, Charizard was hit with recoil, but that was par for the course.
"Use dragon claw." Drake/Ash commanded.
Charizard and Dragonite began clashing with their dragon infused claws. While Dragonite had the advantage in pure power, letting him overwhelm Charizard to land strikes, Charizard had an easier time maneuvering around Dragonite's coming claws to land his own blows.
"Dragon pulse." Drake/Ash instructed.
At close range, the pokemon fired off their respective blast of dragon energy creating a powerful explosion which sent them crashing to the ground. Neither would even give the illusion they were down as they were quick got back to their feet.
"Dragon dance." Drake/Ash commanded. "Then, dragon claw."
Both pokemon danced and glowed with dragon energy raising their speed and attack by one stage each. They then shot forward engaging in clawed combat once again with similar results as both nailed one another.
"Thunder punch." Drake ordered.
"Rock slide." Ash commanded.
Dragonite rushed forward delivering a powerful electric covered fist right across Charizard's face; however, he managed to get rock slide off causing them to rain down on the dragon/flying type resulting in both taking heavy damage from this encounter.
All of this, compounded with everything prior, was enough to make them both pant. That wasn't all as a powerful, fire red aura sprung up around Charizard. Blaze had activated meaning his physical attacks were low, but fire was at an all-time high. It also meant he was at the limit.
"This might be our last chance, so we'll go out with everything we got!" Ash punched his fist forward. "Charizard, blast burn!"
"Looks like this is the end, so we'll make it one to remember!" Drake punched his fist forward. "Dragonite, draco meteor!"
Charizard slammed a fist into the ground while Dragonite generated a massive sphere of dragon energy he fired into the air. At the same time, the entire field erupted in fire geysers stronger than anything Charizard used prior while the sphere of dragon energy broke apart and rained down.
The fire and dragon energy was so intense that both battling pokemon just couldn't be seen as the attacks raged around the battle field. This display had the crowd going nuts as both trainers watched intently to know the result.
As the fire and dragon energy began to dissipate, a roar of a mighty pokemon echoed throughout the stadium. At this point, the crowd quieted down as they began to stare at the battlefield just as intently as the battling trainers were.
Once the moves fully died down, it was revealed that one of the pokemon was laid out unconscious while the other was still standing and glowing just as red due to his ability. Dragonite fainted while Charizard was still conscious.
Pummelo Stadium
"Dragonite is unable to battle, meaning the winner of this battle is the challenger, Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town." The ref declared.
"In an absolutely impressive display, the challenger wins the match!" The announcer roared.
On the screen which showed the two trainers, as well as kept the audience up to-date on which pokemon were and were not able to battle, a massive image of Ash appeared as pictures of all the pokemon he used during the league appeared.
"CHARIZARD!" Ash yelled happily as he sprinted.
He hugged his pokemon who hugged him back happy to have come through for his trainer in this battle. Happy to have brought him this win.
Stands
"He actually did it." James muttered in shock and joy. "They all did."
Serena simply smiled at how amazing her boyfriend truly was. She never once wavered in her belief that Ash could win this battle, and that belief had come through.
Pallet Town: Ketchum Residence
Michael lept to his feet and celebrated. "He won!"
"How about that." Grace commented happily.
Delia released a breath she didn't even know she was holding before smiling. "Thank goodness."
"Who knew that goofy kid would end up becoming a cool trainer." Lily commented.
Oak smiled. "Ah, Ash certainly has come a long way from the day he left Pallet Town."
"Impressively done." Red stated with a small smile.
"Come on boy, show a little more emotion that that." Blake patted his son's back with a good-natured smile. "After all, that's a third generation Ketchum who just won."
Kanto League Cells
Upon the clash between blast burn and draco meteor, Giovani had stood up, with clenched fists, yelling, "You can do it!" As the results came in showing Ash had won, he took a seat. "He did do it…" He now understood." I now know why I was so invested. That kid is just like who I was.
The sense of excitement and burning passion that made my blood race through my veins. Back then, I battled like him by believing in my pokemon with all my might. I once loved pokemon just as he does now. Perhaps, if I had gone down a different path, I could have been like him."
Everything, from losing to Genesis to now, had slowly been picking into the glass pane that Giovani had built after that final loss to Samuel. This battle was the final pick that shattered it within his mind and brought everything crashing down upon him.
He built an organization that a younger him would have worked to tear down in a heartbeat and followed in the footsteps of a mother that never cared for him. He'd never found love, yet he used Ariana's feelings for him to secure a future for Team Rocket.
In the end, he cared more about his work than the two children he had. Children he treated no better than his own mother treated him. He left Mars, crying, to be picked up by the international police and hadn't cared that Silver had abandoned him.
He had a hand in creating Mewtwo who was turned lose with hate just like he had, and that's not even mentioning the countless atrocities he committed. The countless atrocities he ordered to be done. The simple truth is that he became just like the person he had hated most in his life.
In that moment, Giovani crossed his arms and gripped his orange jumpsuit shaking. "What have I done…"
Pummelo Stadium
"Thank you, old friend." Drake returned his Dragonite. "Take a nice, long rest." Once he returned his pokemon, he looked at Ash, who was still celebrating with Charizard and Pikachu, and smiled. "It's been such a long time since I've felt my blood racing like that."
Drake then went over to the referee and received a golden statue, the Orange League trophy, before proceeding to walk over to Ash. There was one last duty he must complete. Upon seeing him approach, Ash ended his celebration to face the champion.
"Ash, as proof of your victory here in the Orange League, it is my pleasure to present you with this." Drake declared as he handed the golden trophy over.
Ash smiled and gladly accepted the prize for his victory. "Thank you, Drake." He nodded. "This is a battle I'll never forget."
"Now, I must ask you one question." Drake smiled. "Ash Ketchum, would you like to take my role as champion?"
"I'd like to be a champion, but I feel there's more to learn on the road." Ash responded. "There's people to battle and pokemon to catch. That's why I'll be champion if you're my advocate. If anyone beats you, I'll return to give an official champion battle around the start of gym season."
"That's a smart way to handle it and makes me wish I'd came up with something like that." Drake smiled. "I'll tell you what Ash, I'll make it happen provided you entrust me with the choice to name a new advocate should I ever want to."
"Sounds like a deal to me." Ash replied.
"With that settled, we need a photo of you and your team on the field." Drake informed.
"About that…" Ash began. "Do you mind if all my pokemon are in it? Without all of them pulling together, helping one another and I get where we are now, I wouldn't have beat you."
"That shouldn't be an issue." Drake responded with a smile. "We'll just move the picture taking to a few hours from now."
With that set, the two of them shook hands.
"Let's hear it once more for the Orange League victor, Ash Ketchum!" The announcer shouted.
The whole stadium cheered for his hard-fought victory.
Pummelo Island
Leaving the stadium was difficult. As soon as Ash stepped foot outside of the trainer tunnel, he was bombarded with hundreds of new fans and news reporters. One reporter had pushed her way to the front and shoved a microphone in Ash's face.
"Please, our views are dying to know how you won the tournament."
"I couldn't have done it without my amazing pokemon and friends." Ash responded.
"How often do you train your pokemon?"
"Whenever is most convenient." Ash responded. "Some days we might stop off to train while others happen after a day of traveling. I also make sure to rotate my team around and grab who I feel might need it the most."
Through the crowd of fans and reporters, Serena and James pushed their way through. Since James was carrying Togepi, he settled on giving Ash a one-armed hug while congratulating him. Then, Serena gave Ash a kiss as her way of congratulations.
"The champion has a girlfriend!" A reporter announced as she shoved the microphone into Serena's face. "What's it like to have a champion as a boyfriend?"
Serena suddenly realized she hadn't thought this through as she became the center of attention. For all the growth she's had and confidence she's gained, this was a little much. Luckily for her, help came in the form of a hand on Ash's shoulder.
All three of them turned to the source to see that it was Drake who nodded at the reporters. They understood and moved aside creating a pathway for the group to travel down. Drake led them through it to a small dome next to the stadium.
Orange League Hall of Fame
Once they entered, Drake moved to stand in front of the three kids. "As you can probably tell, this is the Orange League hall of fame. The lobby here would normally be the cut off point for anyone who hasn't beaten me, but I am willing to make an exception for your friends, Ash.
"Oh, thank you." Serena stated before she realized none of them had been introduced to the champion. "My name's Serena."
"Good to meet you, Serena." Drake replied with a friendly smile.
"I'm James." James introduced.
"Pleased to meet you." Drake replied with the same, friendly smile.
With the introductions over, Drake lead the gang through a pair of white double doors. The room they entered was completely white with different stands which showed the trainers that'd done what Ash has prior to Drake coming along and going undefeated.
Drake led them over to a computer. "We still need that picture later, but for now choose a free place around the edge. That will be your stand and where the picture will go."
"Hmm, I'll choose over there." Ash pointed to the free space right next to Drake's old picture.
"Alright, give me your signature then." Drake told him as he handed over a pen and moved to the side of the computer device.
Ash happily walked up to the device and signed his name on the bottom right corner.
"Great, now the crowd should've dissipated, so it should be safe to leave." Drake informed. "Sorry for the short time here, but I have a few things to sort out." He smiled. "That battle helped me come to some conclusions myself."
No one there would pry as it seemed like Drake was already focused on what he wanted to do, so they decided to leave him. Fortunately, the crowd had indeed dissipated. With time before the picture was taken, the group decided to go eat.
Pokemon Center: Later…
Ash had managed to get in touch with Professor Oak who informed him that everyone he knew back in Pallet Town had watched him compete from the beginning right up to the end. After a congratulations from the man, Ash informed him of wanting all his pokemon.
The professor was more than happy to agree provided Ash remembered the prior rules, and that he returned all, but the six he wanted to keep, afterwards. After the picture was taken, Ash held true to that.
This left him with: Pikachu, Charizard, Pidgeot, Lapras, Croconaw, and Yamask. Before he could end the call, the professor informed him that someone wanted to speak with him. That someone turned out to be his father.
"Hi dad." Ash greeted with a smile.
"Hey Ash." Red nodded with a small smile of his own. "Professor Oak informed me you know we've been watching."
"Yeah, he did." Ash had hoped they'd all been watching, especially his dad, so to find out that was the case had made him rather happy.
"You've come a long way from the beginning of your journey, and you've even improved since that battle you had with my Naganadel." Red nodded. "If we battled again, I'm not certain he could overcome a full team of yours."
"We'll just have to see about that." Ash stated.
"We will at a later date." Red responded. "For now, I have to head back to where I was before."
"You do?" Ash asked a little disappointed. "I was kind of hoping you'd be there to watch me at the Indigo League."
"I want to Ash, but I've spent a little too much time away at this point." Red stated. "The people that depend on me need me but know I will be watching just as I always have. Plus, you have that aura crystal." Ash pulled it out from his shirt.
"If you ever need me or just want to talk, hold it firmly. Unless I am physically held up, I will be there for you. Trust me, if I could be here all the time now, I would. I don't want to be apart from your mother, you, or your grandpa because I love you more than anything in this world."
"Alright, I'll be sure to always have it with me." Ash declared as he tucked the crystal away. "I love you to dad."
The screen faded to black. Even though Ash now accepted this, he was still a little disappointed that he didn't know everything about why his dad needed to be away. In the end, he supposed all he could do was try to be strong enough to know one day.
Pikachu patted Ash's shoulder. "Pika."
"I know buddy." Ash smiled. "Thank you."
Even if it did stink that he couldn't know the truth, Ash at least now understood that whatever it was had to be truly serious. Beyond that, at least his dad was back to some capacity. He also still had his mom and grandpa around along with some great friends.
Speaking of them, it was high time he returned to the room. They had a big day tomorrow in trying one last time to find Lapras' heard. Beyond that, tomorrow marked the final countdown to the Indigo League. In just two short weeks, Ash needed two more badges.
Of course, there was Serena's challenge against Rui one week from tomorrow to consider to. Bottom line, there was a lot that needed to be done. Hey, Ash wouldn't have agreed to take on the Orange League if he didn't think he could manage it.
I contemplated splitting this up into two chapters, but I ultimately decided I liked the idea of getting out of the Orange Archipelago next chapter. Plus, consider this a little treat considering I was gone for a year just as I began writing this league. One last thing, I might be getting a job soon, so chapters will likely slow. If that does happen at any point, know that's the reason. If I ever go on a long hiatus, like the one I ended up leaving you on, I'll at least be sure to tell you.
Vital Info: We'll see what happens with Lapras in the next chapter. I get what you're saying, but I felt like I established Stoutland as one of Cheren's strongest, so it simply made sense he'd come at Ash with it. As I was writing Ash vs Cheren, I was a little worried it wouldn't come close to Cheren vs Harrison. Almost as soon as it was done, I felt like it was at least around that bar and became proud of it. Ash has been pushed to grow a lot from his time in the Orange Islands, and it's been really good for him.
He's made some great captures, trained up pokemon who really needed it, and gained a few new evolutions. Naturally, I just had to have a moment between Ash and Drake even if Ash was unaware of it. When it came to Drake's team, I had to change it around. After all, I've made allusions to Kanto, Johto, and Alola being rather close to the Orange Islands. As for Rose, he returned to Galar quite some time ago to begin working on certain someone that will be years in the making.
ashwriterME: It's a rock type move version of the ability shed skin, and others like it.
Elemental-Aura:
91-
Oh yeah, Ash is confident in any pokemon he's trained to the point he'll have no reservations releasing Lapras, if it comes to that. When it came to the battle, Ash simply picked some things up thanks to Cheren showing it to him in the battle he had with Harrison. After all, Ash can learn a lot from simply seeing others battle. Considering what happened in the Mandarin Tournament, it's only natural Ash would try to find ways to prevent or turn it to his advantage.
Galrian Rapidash is the one pokemon caught in the Orange Islands that had yet to compete at the league. You know, aside from Lapras but her head wasn't in the game to do as such. I feel like this version of Ash I've ended up with would want to at least give the pokemon he's caught in a given region the opportunity to participate to the overall goal of winning it.
Nightshadegirl: I know we've already talked about this in pm's, but I should still address it for everyone else. I already know where the gang is heading next, but none of them do as their still focused on the Kanto region. As for what I meant, it's that Ash can realistically go to any region next considering everyone of them has gyms. Serena, depending on what she decided to do, will have some limitations on where she could go. What Ash is saying is that he'll let Serena choose where they go next and just take on that legaue.