Indigo Plateau: Evening…
After learning who her last preliminary match would be, Misty was understandably a little worried. None of her prior three opponents had the kind of pedigree Hilbert Monta seemed to have. The Unovan trainer already competed in a league prior and had a large list of pokemon.
Those pokemon were only accounting for the ones he used one year prior in the Vertress Conference and any updates to his rooster through the Indigo Conference. Comparing the two showed massive growth. All of this made Misty a bit nervous.
This is where Rudy decided to step in since she was driving herself up a wall with worry, so he gently guided her away from all the research. He took her out to the town because what she needed was time with him and Mahri to unwind.
It seemed to be working as Misty was preoccupied with Mahri she dragging them along to various games and other such stalls. Of course, it wasn't long before a certain someone's stomach growled.
"It sounds like a someone might be hungry." Rudy commented.
"Yeah, I'm really hungry." Mahri spoke up before noticing they were passing a red stand selling sweets. "Oh, can I have some sweets buns?"
"Sweets aren't particularly filling." Rudy reminded.
"Aw, can't I just have something before we go find actually food?" Mahri pleaded.
"Here, you can give her this." Before either Rudy or Misty could respond, a shop keep held out a perfectly sealed chocolate coin. "My son has become quite the fan of yours, Misty." He nodded to the water specialist. "So, consider this a gift from him to that little girl."
"Oh, thank you sir." Misty replied.
The water specialist was a bit nervous since she wasn't used to this. Still, Misty took the coin and passed it to Mahri, with Rudy's permission in the form of a nod, who immediately started to chow down on it.
"Don't mention it." The man laughed. "Good luck in your upcoming match."
With that, the small group moved on with Misty still a little flustered. "I can't believe I was recognized like that."
"Why can't you?" Rudy smiled as she looked at him. "You've shined in every battle this far no matter the odds, so I'm positive you'll continue to come tomorrow. Even if your opponent is a strong one, I won't deny it, you will still be radiant."
"Rudy, thank you." Misty smiled. "I was starting to drive myself crazy researching my opponent, but you took my mind off it. Now, I feel like I'm ready to give Hilbert my best. In the end, I suppose that's all I can ever do."
"I am glad you are feeling better about tomorrow, but tonight is still young." Rudy declared. "Let's go find a good place to have dinner."
Mahri looked back at them intending to speak up.
"No Mahri." Misty gently chided. "You just got a chocolate coin, so there's no way we'll let you have something sweet until after you've eaten all of whatever you order."
Mahri hmphed and crossed her arms making the couple laugh a little.
"Wait!" The man who ran the stall called out causing the trio to stop and turn to see him running after them. "I just remembered someone's been contacting a few of the merchants hoping to pass along their support as well."
"Someone went through the trouble of contacting merchants for me?" Misty questioned.
"I almost forgot about it over my son's well wishes, but I remembered just in time." The man was writing a message on a piece of paper before passing it over. "They said this time it's all about you, so they didn't give their names; however, they figured you'd know by this message."
Misty took the paper and read the message which made her tear up slightly.
"We've been watching all your battles and have been totally rooting for you Misty. Just battle like you have been lately, and we know you'll have a shot against Hilbert."
"Misty?" Rudy asked concerned. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine Rudy." Misty smiled at him. "I just got a little extra encouragement is all."
For all the arguments, blame unfairly leveled against her, and feelings of inferiority, this simple message was enough to show her sisters have been improving beyond the days tied to the tragedy of their shared past. If Rudy had lifted her spirits, then her sisters kept it there.
Misty thanked the man before ultimately leaving with Rudy and Mahri to enjoy the night. As they walked away, three feminine figures peered around the corner smiling. They wore trench coats, sunglasses, and a hat to obscure their features.
Water Field: Stands, Next Day…
Ash, Brock, Serena, and James entered the water stadium with the intention of watching Hilbert and Misty's match. Delia, Ritchie, and Luana offered to stay behind to feed the pokemon Ash intended to use against Gary. They were: Pikachu, Charizard, and Dragonite.
Even though Pikachu just battled Ritchie's Pikachu yesterday, Ash knew his starter would want a chance to rematch Gary's starter. While him using Venusaur wasn't certain, the chance was still there. As the gang looked for a seat, Rudy waved them over.
"Hey Ash, we got seating free over here!" Rudy called out causing the gang to join him and Mahri. "So, I take it you are all here to see Misty's battle?"
"That's partially the case, but I'm also interested in seeing Hilbert as well." Ash responded.
"Oh, you know the Unovan trainer?" Rudy asked.
"Yeah, we all do." Ash nodded. "He helped me train for my first and third gym badges here in Kanto."
"To have helped you, he must be quite the trainer." Rudy noted.
"I'd certainly agree with that statement." Brock voiced. "He really knew what he was doing. Both in battling me and training Ash for that third badge."
"His pokemon are well taken care of." James added.
"Given the number of times we've met Misty while on the road, I think it's safe to say we're just as interested in her side of this battle." Serena finished.
"Indeed, she has spoken of the number of times you've all met up." Rudy stated. "All things considered; your group has ample reasons to be here now."
Soon enough, everyone noticed that Misty and Hilbert were walking out to the stands. Misty took to the green side while Hilbert took to the red side. Fortunately, the three figures in overcoats arrived just in time to watch.
Water Field
"Well folks, you're in for a treat." The announcer informed. "This battle is Misty Waterflower from Cerulean City and Hilbert Monta from Nuvema Town. Misty has displayed that she is truly a Sensational Sister through her powerful water types.
As for Hilbert, he has used many Unovan and Kanto pokemon throughout this league showing the fruits of the two journeys that led him to this point. All prior opponents have failed to make him loose even a single pokemon."
"This finale round battle between Misty Waterflower and Hilbert Monta will take place on the water field to determine the first trainer moving onto the top eight." The ref declared. "Each trainer will be allowed the use of three pokemon and can substitute at any time. No time limit is in play, and the trainer who shall go first will be…"
The board with both trainer's faces light up. The green light behind Misty and the red light behind Hilbert flashed between the two photos before stopping with Misty's picture lighting up.
"Misty Waterflower." The ref continued. "The battle will be over when all three pokemon on one side are unable to battle."
It didn't matter to her who went first since she's brought her three strongest pokemon to this battle. Against someone like Hilbert, she recognized it was all or nothing. Attempting to conserve even one of her strongest when faced with an opponent like him would be foolish.
Her first pokemon was one which quickly proved himself after their battle with Ash back in the Orange Archipelago. "Misty calls, Kingler!"
On Hilbert's end, one of the things that led to his failure in the Vertress Conference was that he acted too rashly. How he corrected this was by being a bit more thoughtful in his selection. Both before a battle and during. Once he had what was the best choice, he could battle all out.
"In this situation, I think I should use…" Hilbert tossed out his selection. "I choose you, Basculegion!"
The rediscovered evolution of Basculin appeared.
"Like previous matches, Hilbert starts with a new pokemon he has of yet to use in this league." The announcer declared. "Does that mean this battle is shaping up to be like his prior three, or will this Sensational Sister be the first to break this growing trend?"
"Kingler VS Basculegion…Begin." The ref declared.
Misty VS Hilbert (P. I)
"Kingler, use x-scissor." Misty declared as soon as the match began.
"Basculegion, use phantom force." Hilbert ordered.
The big fish pokemon turned transparent resulting in the oncoming pincer pokemon phasing clean through him. The water/ghost type then suddenly move while reverting to normal and slammed into Kingler with ghostly energy rivaling what a super effective blow would achieve.
"That move." Misty noted. "I know the difference between a blow that is simply too strong or super effective. Phantom Force is a ghost type move which means Basculegion must have an ability which upped his move's strength."
What that ability could be, Misty didn't know, but she was almost certain an ability had to be behind that move's power.
"Follow it up with a shadow ball." Hilbert commanded.
"Use double team." Misty ordered.
Suddenly, Basculegion was encircled by multiple Kingler with shadow ball passing harmlessly through the one that remained where the pure water type had been. This was only to be expected since double team generated after images of the opposing pokemon.
"Now, strike with night slash." Misty ordered.
Suddenly, one of the Kingler moved forward slashing a dark energy covered pincer into Basculegion's back dolling out a super effective blow.
"Follow it up with metal claw." Misty commanded.
"Use aqua jet to stop them." Hilbert instructed.
Basculegion suddenly swam behind Kingler before slamming into him with a great deal of force. While aqua jet was typically not that strong a move, it was more powerful move than it should have been in this instance narrowing down the ability Misty was facing.
"It must be adaptability which would mean Basculegion is a water/ghost type." Misty thought.
While she was a water trainer, Misty's sisters hadn't been keen on teaching her in the past. Her current knowledge extended to Kanto, Johto, and a little on Hoenn water types. While she could look at a pokemon and know it was a water type, potential secondary types escaped her.
"This does explain why night slash was effective." Misty nodded, "Kingler, use night slash again."
"Use ice beam while limiting your power to just freeze the water around Kingler." Hilbert instructed.
As Kingler attempted to rush at Basculegion, with his dark energy coated pincer, the big fish pokemon unleashed ice beam freezing the pincer pokemon within a roughly cube shaped chunk of ice.
"Now, hit that cube with your strongest head smash." Hilbert commanded.
Basculegion swam to the farthest side of the water field before speeding at the cube. His head was wrapped in rock type energy which he smashed into the cube with all his might. While the water/ghost type would take a heaping amount of recoil, Kingler's damage was far worse.
As the cube was already cracked by the initial move, it completely shattered upon slamming into the wall. This meant the pincer pokemon not only took damage from the initial impact, but the shards of ice pelting him after. All this was enough to faint Kingler as he floated to the surface.
Water Field
"Kingler is unable to battle. This round goes to the red trainer, Hilbert Monta." The ref declared.
"Kingler, you gave it your best shot." Misty returned her pokemon. "Take a good rest."
"Misty managed to hold out longer than any trainer prior, but Hilbert still overcame her pokemon." The announcer informed. "Where does the battle go from here?"
Stands
"Hilbert's looking as strong as ever." Brock commented.
"Misty can still win, right?" Mahri asked.
"She has the potential, but it's going to be an uphill battle." Rudy informed. "Despite Hilbert not being a water specialist himself, it's clear that fact isn't holding him back here meaning Misty's going to need to up her game to stand a chance."
He wanted to reassure his sister that Misty could win; however, he couldn't sugar coat it. Not when his sister would be a trainer this next gym season. While being a trainer could be fun, anyone who had even an inkling of wanting to battle seriously needed to understand the truth.
"Your brother is making sense." Ash stated drawing their attention. "Hilbert is one powerful trainer." He smiled. "In the end, all anyone can do in battle, no matter the odds, is see it through until the end. Weather Misty wins or loses, at least she'll know how far she can go."
"Knowing how far you can go?" Mahri asked.
Serena decided to speak up from her own experience as her battle with Rui came to mind. "No matter the odds, see the battle to the very end for you learn nothing quitting any point prior. If you do quit before the end, then it's not just your work that goes to waste."
Serena knew now that following through against Rui was better than quitting ever would have been.
"It's the work of your pokemon who fought with you all the way to the end of whatever path you walk down." James finished.
Mahri genuinely took in everything those three just said with Rudy smiling at the gang in thanks for sharing such a valuable lesson with his sister. They honestly said it better than he could have.
Water Field
This was a sticky situation. Despite having her two strongest left, Misty was feeling less certain of her victory than she had been prior to that last round. Even so, she couldn't give up. After everything she's been through to get to this point, she had to see it through.
"Misty calls, Blastoise." Misty declared as she released her second choice.
"Return and take a good rest Basculegion." Hilbert declared as he returned his pokemon already knowing just who his second had to be. "I choose you, Samurott!"
Hilbert hasn't caught any Kanto water types, so Samurott and Basculegion were all he had water wise for this field. His third pokemon, for this field, was more of a safety net option just in case the prior two fainted.
Even though Misty hadn't fainted Basculegion, she still dealt more damage than any prior trainer had in the league. This is all to say that Samurott was the best option to secure his success without needlessly fainting one of them.
Speaking of Misty, she again didn't recognize this pokemon, but it was clearly a water type. Beyond that, this was one seriously powerful, well taken care of water type that would not be easy to beat.
"Looks like we're in for a treat." The announcer informed. "Two water starters, Kanto's Blastoise and Unova's Samurott, are about to go head-to-head. Which trainer has raised their starter the best? Guess only this battle can really tell us that."
"Blastoise VS Samurott…Begin." The ref declared.
Misty VS Hilbert (P. II)
"Aqua jet." Hilbert/Misty declared.
At once, the two pokemon sped at each other. Upon colliding, it was no contest as Samurott effortlessly overcame Blastoise showcasing his strength was leagues above Basculegion's. If strength would fail them, then Misty would have to go for strategy.
"Blastoise, use rapid spin to move through the water and lay into our opponent with a barrage from all sides." Misty instructed.
Blastoise tucked in and began spinning through the water rapidly. He slammed into Samurott before quickly taking off and preparing to come in again for another.
"Samurott, concentrate and fight back with smart strike." Hilbert ordered.
Samurott closed his eyes and focused. When Blastoise came in, he nailed the Kanto starter with his horn coated in steel type energy knocking him back.
"Blastoise, use flash canon." Misty ordered.
"Samurott, use sacred sword to push on through." Hilbert commanded.
As Blastoise fired steel type energy, Samurott's horn glowed with fighting type energy. He swam forward cleaving through the beam of steel type energy with his horn before delivering the powerful blow that sent the shellfish pokemon careening out of control.
"Let's wrap this up with megahorn." Hilbert ordered.
"Dragon pulse." Misty tried.
Despite being out of control, Blastoise managed to get off dragon pulse nailing Samurott on the chest, but the Unovan starter pushed through. He hammered home megahorn dolling out enough damage to faint the Kantonian starter who then floated to the surface.
Water Field
"Blastoise is unable to battle, so this round goes to the red trainer, Hilbert Monta." The ref declared.
"He's done it." The announcer informed. "Just like his three previous battles, Hilbert Monta is two for two. So far, this competitor is keeping up on not losing a single pokemon in the field matches. Can Misty make a comeback, or is victory assured for Hilbert?"
"Return Blastoise." Misty returned her shellfish pokemon. "You gave it your best shot, but we just didn't have enough strength."
Misty took a deep breath as she swapped to her last pokemon for this battle. Whereas Blastoise had been her ace for the longest time, this pokemon quickly usurped that role proving himself the strongest out of any pokemon she's caught thus far.
"Misty call, Gyarados!" Misty threw out her atrocious pokemon.
The water/flying type gave a powerful battle cry. A quick glance at the score board told him everything he needed to know. He was Misty's last chance while her opponent had all his pokemon. It clearly wouldn't be easy, but Gyarados was determined to fight till the bitter end.
"Return Samurott and take a rest." Hilbert declared.
Despite his starter taking less damage than Basculegion had in the prior battle, Gyarados were no joke pokemon. To him, his potential 3-0 record meant nothing. It was a cool thing to hold for all this time, but he'd rather win the match then risk it over a record.
"I choose you, Basculegion." Hilbert declared as he threw out his water/ghost type.
Stands
"I almost thought he'd returned Samurott just to bust out his last pokemon." Serena commented.
"That would be a safe assumption given his prior decision." Brock voiced. "That must mean he has a different plan in mind. Perhaps he's doing what Ash did in reserving his last pokemon until its potentially needed to close out the match."
"Unlikely." Rudy voiced. "After helping Misty research Hilbert's prior matches, part of how he cleared them with a 3-0 record was through sending out a different member for every battle. The fact that he didn't here leads me to believe that his third pokemon is a last resort.
Likely due to the fact it's something that may not pair well with the field and not in the conventional way a ground or fire type wouldn't. Perhaps it's even a pokemon that would be a poor match up against Gyarados. Then again, that is merely a theory."
"Even if that isn't the reason, Hilbert must have a good one for not doing what he's done prior." Ash commented. "Even in this case, it's still going to be one difficult battle for Misty."
Water Field
"Gyarados VS Basculegion…Begin." The ref declared.
Misty vs Hilbert (P. III)
"Basculegion, use shadow ball." Hilbert ordered.
"Gyarados, use protect and immediately follow it up with dragon dance." Misty instructed.
Basculegion fired off the sphere of ghost energy, but it slammed into green energy which appeared to defend Gyarados. The atrocious pokemon then moved through the water, in dance like motions, glowing with dragon energy. It raised his speed and attack by one stage.
"Now, strike with crunch." Misty ordered.
"Basculegion, use phantom force." Hilbert commanded.
Gyarados came in with his maw coated in dark type energy just to phase clean through a now transparent Basculegion. This is exactly what Misty expected would happen. As Basculegion closed in to attack, becoming corporeal, she struck.
"Gyarados, use power whip." Misty instructed.
Due to the speed boost, Gyarados was just fast enough to lash out at Basculegion while cloaked in grass type energy. Even though the water/ghost type had managed to rest a fair bit, it couldn't completely erase all the prior damage. Especially with the attack boost at play as well.
All of this is to say that Basculegion fainted and floated to the surface like Misty's prior two pokemon. To add onto this, Gyarados was awash in orange energy telling everyone his ability, moxie, had just activated granting him a second attack boost for fainting his opponent.
Water Field
"Basculegion is unable to battle, so this round goes to the green trainer, Misty Waterflower." The ref declared.
"You performed admirably, Basculegion." Hilbert returned his pokemon. "Take a good rest."
"Hold on folks because Misty is now the first trainer who's managed to faint one of Hilbert Monta's pokemon." The announcer informed. "With two attack boost and a speed boost, things are beginning to tip in Misty's favor, but she still has two pokemon to work through."
Stands
"Alright Misty!" Mahri cheered with a smile.
"She's managed to garner a bit of momentum." Rudy smiled. "Beyond that, she's put herself in an advantageous position even if it's from a place of disadvantage."
"From here, it'll all depend on how both react to these new developments." Brock voiced.
Water Field
Hilbert was still insistent on keeping his third pokemon as his last resort, so that left him with only one option as he selected the pokeball of his starter. "I choose you, Samurott."
The Unovan starter reappeared within the water more than ready to battle again for his trainer.
"Gyarados vs Samurott…Begin." The ref declared.
Misty vs Hilbert (P. IV)
"Gyarados, use power whip." Misty ordered hoping to end this quickly.
"Samurott, speed out from the water and use ice beam on the field." Hilbert instructed.
Samurott sped for the surface while Gyarados chased after him cloaked in green energy. Despite the prior speed boost, Samurott was still fast enough to break the surface first. He then fired down on the water with ice beam rapidly freezing it.
Unfortunately, that wasn't enough given Gyarados' prior attack boost. Without it, Hilbert might have managed to entrap the atrocious pokemon. As things stood, he was able to break through the ice but became unable to reach the formidable pokemon with a physical move.
"Gyarados, use thunder." Misty ordered.
Without the surrounding water, the water specialist no longer had to worry about her own pokemon succumbing to this attack.
"Samurott, use rest." Hilbert commanded.
Samurott fell asleep and recovered from everything prior to taking thunder which delt quite the hefty blow. In the end, Gyarados crashed to the ice below with Samurott doing the same. Despite the damage this caused, both pokemon were still conscious. Though, Samurott was still sleeping.
"Gyarados, use power whip." Misty ordered.
"Samurott, use sleep talk." Hilbert commanded.
As Gyarados sprung forward cloaked in grass type energy, a sleeping Samurott drew the move giga impact from his move pool. He charged meeting the oncoming pokemon while cloaked in powerful normal energy. Both clashed powerfully dolling out more damage.
Neither budged an inch as they pushed one another until ultimately both collapsed to the ground with swirls in their eyes. Despite healing up through rest, two super effective moves, one of which being boosted, was enough to faint Samurott with Gyarados.
Water Field
"Both pokemon are unable to battle; however, since the red trainer still has one healthy pokemon in reserve, he takes the match." The ref declared. "Hilbert Monta is the first trainer making it into the top eight!"
The crowd went wild.
"There you have it!" The announcer declared. "Despite Hilbert Monta losing his flawless record in this league, he didn't let it get to him and secured the win making it into the top eight!"
"Return Gyarados." Misty returned her ace with a small smile. "You gave everything you had, thank you."
"You were awesome buddy." Hilbert smiled as he returned his starter. "Thanks for bringing me this far." He then approached Misty and held out a hand. "You are one tough trainer and among the strongest water specialist I've faced."
"Thanks." Misty smiled and shook the offered hand. "After battling you in person, it only makes more sense how you got that badge from Daisy."
Aside from her sisters not really taking the role as gym leader seriously prior to Misty's battle with Ash, they'd still struggle even now against a trainer like Hilbert. They clearly wouldn't stand a chance now, so it must have been an even worse match up back then.
Stands
Within the stands, the three figures stood and moved to enter the hallways of the stadium.
"Aw, Misty lost." Mahri stated sadly.
"When one becomes a trainer, it's impossible to go without loss." Brock stated. "No matter how exceptional you might be starting out, there will be someone stronger than you out in the world. Those who can't accept that fact, never end up going far."
"His words are true Mahri." Rudy agreed fully with Brock. "One should have confidence in their skills, but to have overconfidence to the point you think you are unbeatable is a detriment. One that does the pokemon who works with you a disservice."
Mahri nodded. "Right, I understand."
"Good." Rudy smiled as he stood. "Now, let's go cheer up Misty."
Mahri lept to her feet. "Yeah!"
The pair left the gang there.
"Misty has become stronger from that last battle we had, yet Hilbert still managed to overcome her." Ash commented.
"If you beat Gary today, he could very well be your opponent in the top eight." James informed.
"Considering how far he's come, there's a good chance he'll be the trainer you have to fight to win the whole league." Serena added.
"Yeah, there is a possibility." Ash smiled. "Regardless of any of that, I'm hoping I get to battle Hilbert sooner rather than later. Win or lose, I want to know just how I stack up to him now."
The rest of the gang smiled as there never was much that could make their friend feel down. Team Rocket and Snagem excluded, he'd rather people like them not come together as they have, Ash loved a challenge.
Water Field Hallways
Losing at this point did sting, Misty couldn't deny that, but she did recognize this was still an achievement. For her first year as a trainer, top 16 wasn't bad. She'd gone further than at least the other 112 trainers who lost in prior rounds.
"You totally rocked out there Misty!" Violet declared excitedly.
Misty looked up seeing her sisters were here with their disguises slung over their arms. All three were smiling at her.
"Yeah, you like proved your closer to dad than any of us could ever be." Lilly added.
Daisy nodded. "I'm sure he and mom are proud as they watch over you."
"You guys." Misty couldn't help but smile.
Beyond what she achieved as a trainer, going on this journey ended up granting Misty something she treasured beyond any achievement this past year. For all the negativity in their relationship prior, Misty's growth, and the people she met, helped forge a better bond with her sisters.
From feeling unwanted, even if they took care of her, to now feeling genuinely cared for, Misty finally felt content with where she stood. As a family, she felt they now embodied the legacy of their parents. Her sisters performed like mom while she reached towards their father's strength.
The only thing Misty could do at this moment was bring her sisters in for a hug which they returned. "Thank you for coming to support me you three."
"We all should have been supporting you like this from the beginning." Daisy stated as they pulled apart.
"From here on out, we'll totally do that." Violet declared.
"Yeah." Lily nodded. "Keep growing stronger as you see fit."
Rudy and Mahri had arrived with the former smiling upon seeing this. From how two of them acted on his island to now, he was truly happy Misty had the support of her family. Before he could approach, Mahri ran on over to her.
"Misty!" Mahri called out, and Misty fortunately spotted the little girl in time to catch her as she jumped. "You were amazing."
"Aw, thanks Mahri." Misty stated genuinely touched.
"Oh, this must be that little girl Violet and Lily told me about." Daisy smiled as Mahri looked at her. "I heard from them that you're a fan of ours."
"Mahri and I both are; however, I'd say we're more fans of Misty over your three after spending all the time we have with her." Rudy voiced as he joined the group.
"Yeah, we are!" Mahri exclaimed. "Misty is the best Sensational Sister ever!"
From there, Rudy and Mahri started chatting with Lily and Violet. It was a far cry from the scolding the former Orange Crew member gave prior. All Misty could do was smile as her life seemed to be coming together in a way she never could have imagined at the start of this year.
Daisy nudged Misty, who had been smiling at this, drawing her attention.
"You're a lucky girl, little sister." She was speaking loud enough for only Misty to hear. "That Rudy is a real keeper. While dad likely wouldn't have wanted his little girl dating this soon, I think he'd have approved. I certainly do."
Misty smiled. "Thanks Daisy."
From there, the whole group set off to eat together. Even though she hadn't won, everyone there made Misty feel as though she had. Of course, even with this loss, Misty had every intention of continuing her journey beyond this point. Next league, she would do better.
Nightshadegirl(Ch. 100): Oh, trust me its going to be even worse than you are potentially thinking.
Nightshadegirl(Ch. 101): Sorry, I had to circle back around and conclude Misty's Kanto arc. Now it's onto the fourth field for Ash.
Vital Info: If you decide to go back and have a look through this story, Pryce has already been rather active. As for the different aura pokemon, we've talked about it, but it is once more a good idea I shall consider. Given Genesis is Red's clone it is highly likely his partner is meant to be the Lucario Red has here. Considering Genesis' feelings about Red, he isn't going to be all that keen on sharing something like that with him.
I also see it as totally being in character for him to just find another pokemon capable to potentially using aura somewhere out there. As for Ash predicting Kommo-o, the boys have talked a lot on two seperate occasions. Learning your friend has a pseudo legendary that they also consider their ace would ring some bells in Ash's head. After all, he has a pseudo legendary, which he doesn't consider aces, and two seperate aces. So, while not certain, he considered it a likely outcome at the very least.
Elemental-Aura: Given the anime portrays Luana as someone who deeply loves her son as Delia loves Ash, it only made sense she'd want her son to find a girl to look at him as serena does. When it came to the matches, of course I put thought into it. First was the rivalry match between their fighting types, then their starter Pikachu, and finally the pokemon both got from the Orange Archipelago. Three distinct picks that show the trainers similarities and differences.
I'd see it being Ritchie taking over as a member of the Orange Crew and later Luana giving her boy ownership of the hotel. Something I'll likely cover when/if Ash ever gets called back to defend his title there would be Luana kind of acting like Bonnie in that she'll be attempting to help him find a girl. Sorry, Ash and Gary's match comes next chapter as I had to wrap up Misty's Kanto storyline to properly set her up. She is as of now the first confirmed peopel for the next region Ash and co. go to.