Part XLIV: Rematch, Contest Style
Misty and Dawn stood facing each other across the pool as they took their place for the first battle round matchup of the Wallace. The pool was set up in the same style as it had been in past Wallace Cups which only added to the girls' rematch given where their first battle. As with before, it favored the use of water, ice, ghost and flying types who could either swim, change the field, or not need the ground to fight. Good thing Misty had just the Pokémon for this and she knew that Dawn had plenty of Pokémon to choose from for this.
The second day of the Wallace Cup was about to begin. The schedule dictated that the last 16 and quarterfinals matches would be conducted today and it was starting with a matchup that many were eager to see but it was far from the only good one in the bracket.
Already the Wallace Cup was one of the best in history with so many skilled coordinators, a few gym leaders, up and comers and surprise first timers it was a must watch event not just in Hoenn but all over the world and Misty knew that all their friends were watching closely. Of course to add to it all the battles had to start with the two-time defending champion facing off against the Cerulean Gym Leader so there was no doubt as to the skill of the trainers.
Misty and Dawn were both in the same outfits as the day before as they locked eyes across the battlefield, feeling the other out as they'd done many times over the course of their odd relationship, and awaited their introductions. Vivian had decided to wait for the two competitors to be out before announcing them so that everyone could see who was facing off. It just made the waiting a little more tense and helped build the air for the first match.
The clock ticked over and Vivian took a deep breath, it was time to start. Vivian had already gone through the rules for the battle stage a moment early, though they all knew them by now so it was just a formality, so it was time to announce the opening match.
"Welcome back to the second day of the Wallace Cup and the first match in the battle round." Vivian said into her mic as the crowd cheered before she held out an arm to Misty's side. "And what a match do we have to start out for y'all. On one side we have the queen of the Wallace Cup herself, the two-time defending champion who is seeking her third straight Aqua Ribbon and one of the four favorites on the Kanto circuit this year. Presenting, from Twinleaf Town, it is the Prodigy of Sinnoh herself, Misty!"
The crowd cheered for Misty as she was introduced, her mother with them in the front row with May's parents and Max as they all cheered for her with the crowd. Misty smiled and waved a little but didn't do more, she had to focus on this rematch between her and Dawn.
"And on the other side, all the way from Cerulean City in Kanto." Vivian began gesturing to Dawn. "Competing in her first ever Contest and the current gym leader in Cerulean, a water type gym so this is her home turf of sorts, it's Dawn."
Again there was a lot of cheering at this though not as much as there had been for Misty a moment earlier. Dawn wasn't known on the Contest circuit though she was still well known to any who was either a gym trainer or a water specialist and as such she had her own fans who were cheering for her but the rest were cheering for the battle. She also smiled but as with Misty, Dawn didn't pay the crowd any attention. It was time for some good old-fashioned trash talk before she got her revenge on Misty.
"Well we meet again Misty." Dawn called out her grin getting a little feral, something that Misty matched in intensity. "Let's try to be civil this time. Don't want to repeat what happened in Cerulean. Course there's no ceiling her so that's a plus."
"No promises as I know you wouldn't promise the same thing." Misty replied glad that Piplup was just watching from behind her and not in, she didn't trust him to not get hurt when she faced Dawn. "But this time it's on my competition, so to speak. We meet in a Contest battle today and I know how that works and your style won't win out."
"True which is why this time I won't be holding back at all, can't against you." Dawn said pulling out her Poke Ball in its seal. "I owe you that after last time. Only fair I take back my honor by beating you on your terms, not mine like you managed."
"Bring it, I won't make it easy and I will use all I know about Contest battles to beat you." Misty taunted her own Poke Ball in her hand. "So let's see if you can. I assume that I know who you're going with."
"I have a feeling I knew who you would go with, it was pretty obvious after we were matched up." Dawn said. "Well that and you did hurry off after changing yesterday and were back pretty late. Regardless, I had to go with him, he is my best after all and you deserve only the best I can give. I want to make this a true rematch so you had better have brought her."
"You know it, she's ready to come after you again." Misty said remembering the stare down her and Dawn had had in their camp when she'd returned the night before though after that it had been a civil evening as they all got an early night. "As you noted, I did have to hurry to make sure I got her and did some training but she's ready. just make the same mistake as last time and we will be good."
"No chance." Dawn said with a laugh. "I know what will and what will not work and am ready for her. I've been dreaming of this for months."
"Same, I'm going to enjoy putting you in your place again." Misty said and she meant it, she had wanted this, especially after Dawn's antics after battling Ash, and she intended to win again. "I will go two for two against you. An honor, the rest don't merit a second putting down but you just keep coming back for more."
"I am the first and the strongest." Dawn said knowing what Misty meant and while they would talk about it she was still going to banter with Misty on it. "So I will always push you to prove yourself."
"Um ladies, as much as we love this exchange as it is building the matchup." Vivian said into her mic getting bot Misty and Dawn's attention. "Can you please start."
"Oh yeah forgot, I was enjoying our pre match chat too much." Dawn said before she hurled her ball out at the same time as Misty, who just blushed a little in embarrassment at getting distracted, did the same to start their match. "Gyarados, I choose you!"
"Togekiss, spotlight!" Misty yelled a second later confirming the rematch down to the Pokémon. "Let's show Dawn that you can win under any circumstances."
Both Pokémon burst out, the seals triggering and of course their entrances were just as different as the Pokémon themselves were. Togekiss came out in a song of musical notes and hearts that showed off her name as the Jubilee Pokémon while playing a soothing tune that went with her own song. It would have calmed the hearts of many had it not been for Gyarados's entry.
He entered with a roar of pure rage and a torrent of water that exploded out creating an arching twister of water before hitting the water and revealing the 21-foot-long Atrocious Pokémon towering in front of Dawn. There were gasps of shock and surprise at Dawn's Gyarados appearance as it wasn't exactly the expected Pokémon by most though Misty had known that Dawn would use it. It was why she had gone to the Pokémon center right away to contact Professor Oak and send back Mamoswine temporarily so that she could have Togekiss in her rotation to face Dawn again, after some training first.
"Ok I don't think any of us saw these as being the Pokémon our first match would feature in it." Vivian commentated amazement and shock in her voice. "But talk about a matchup that only adds to how impressive this Wallace Cup has already been. On the one side we have Togekiss, the Pokémon known for bringing joy and ending conflict wherever it appears. On the other side we have Gyarados, a Pokémon seen as the personification of rage and destruction. There couldn't have been a better pairing unless Misty had used a Milotic. I for one can't wait to see how these two use their Pokémon in the 5 minutes that they have."
For their part both Gyarados and Togekiss eyed each other across the pool and recognized the other from the battle a few months ago, a rivalry forming in that moment as they prepared to go at it again. Togekiss remembered the giant, angry, sea lizard she had calmed down and put in its place showing that joy would beat anger any day. Given the rage coming off Gyarados Togekiss knew that she would have to calm it again and show it which emotion was stronger.
Gyarados for his part remembered that Arceus damned pigeon that had beaten and humiliated him before. it was time for revenge, Gyarados style and he knew his trainer, the only person he loved and sheared a deep, unbreakable, bond with, would be totally on board with the wanton destruction he wanted to level on that flying rat. He was going to lay waste to this thing that loved a useless emotion and show it who was boss.
"Begin." Vivian said and Misty and Dawn acted at once.
"Gyarados Flamethrower!" Dawn ordered causing a few gasps that the water and flying type could use such a move.
"Dodge Togekiss." Misty countered. "Show your grace and avoid it with style."
Togekiss did just that gracefully gliding around the gout of flames that Gyarados had sent at her with a song of her name. She easily twirled around the fire in an elegant fashion that looked good, took points off Dawn and pissed off Gyarados to no end. He was going to roast this bird today if it was the last thing he did.
"Now counter with Aura Sphere." Misty ordered.
"Hydro Pump." Dawn commanded.
The biggest advantage that Togekiss had in a Contest battle, more so than her mobility and especially one against Dawn who knew how they worked but had never been in one and wasn't trained for them, was that she had been raised by Princess Silvia to be a Contest Pokémon for the upper class. This meant that Togekiss had a habit of doing things with style and flair rather than speed. It had been something that had frustrated Misty at first as it made her attacks easier to dodge but she had adapted to them in time. Right now, however, that training worked perfectly for her.
Togekiss flipped and spun in a routine that had the crowd amazed but took time to execute. Time that allowed Gyarados, who like his trainer wasn't big on the concept of patience, to get off a second attack. A high-pressured blast of water shot out of his mouth before Togekiss got her first attack off. She easily dodged it, though it was closer than she would have liked, she could feel the water on her feathers, and then attacked as she flew past Gyarados's head.
The blue sphere of fighting type power shot out and collided with the side of Gyarados's head rocking him and sloshing water out of the pool as he roared in anger though it didn't do much damage. It did take points from Dawn and angered Gyarados but Misty wasn't done yet. Togekiss was now behind Gyarados and she hoped that her showy Pokémon would be quick to finish the combo.
"Air Slash." Misty ordered. "And make it quick Togekiss, no flash on this one."
"Toge." Togekiss sang as she reluctantly didn't execute a graceful maneuver but she could see the logic behind her trainer's order given the brief window she had to land the attack.
Togekiss had managed to get behind her rival and in the small pool Gyarados didn't have the mobility he usually would have back home whereas she had the sky. Instantly she slashed her wings and cut through the air with the flying type attack, hitting Gyarados in back of the head and forcing him forward a little though again doing no more than average damage. There was one benefit to it though as a shiver ran through Gyarados, easily seen due to his size, that indicated the potential side effect of Air Slash had triggered. Gyarados had just flinched and given Togekiss another opening that she knew Misty wouldn't squander.
"Oh and there we see the flinching effect that a successful Air Slash can have." Vivian said into her mic. "It's not every day that you see a Gyarados flinch but it is sure a sight many of us won't forget anytime soon."
"Damn it." Dawn said knowing she'd not be able to attack but she'd faced enough trainers who'd had to deal with flinching, mainly because of Gyarados, to know how to counter it though it would cost her points. "Take the next hit my baby but prepare, as soon as you can attack use Flamethrower!"
"Aura Sphere again." Misty called out as Togekiss flew over Gyarados's head and back towards Misty. "Again, don't be flashy, you have a small window to do this and dodge so attack!"
Togekiss understood this so as she passed over she flipped forward and while upside down she blasted another Aura Sphere right into a now really pissed off Gyarados's face, at least she would look good doing it even if she would have rather done a spin with it. Of course she got a little too cocky with the move, a little too into her rivalry with this angry thing and didn't notice the attack until it was too late.
Gyarados had recovered and countered with his Flamethrower the moment the flinch ended, his anger at a new level dealing with this bird and he wasn't going to let it dodge again. The blast of fire shot out and Togekiss tried to dodge it but she didn't have the space to get out of the way entirely. The flames clipped the tip of her wing and sent her spinning away. It wasn't the roasting that Gyarados wanted but he would take it for now, he would land a direct hit soon, he trusted his trainer to know when.
"That's it, again Gyarados." Dawn said as Misty lost points for the first time in the battle. "Hydro Pump this time. Knock it out of the sky."
"Togekiss, go low and along the water." Misty ordered as Togekiss righted herself, her wing hurt but it wasn't bad minus the burnt feathers and smell that they gave off. "Use the water to cool your wing tip and get close for a Sky Attack."
Togekiss knew exactly what to do. She flipped in the air and dove down as fast as she could, crossing in front of Misty just as the Hydro Pump was blasted at her. She avoided the attack with ease but Misty had to fall to one knee and lower her head to let the high-powered water type attack sail over her head and behind her where it cut through the curtain there and soaked the waiting area.
In the heat of battle Misty had forgotten that Piplup was watching her from there, something she'd done to get him closer to the action for the battles because he'd wanted to support her from the wings. She was going to be in for a problem when she found a dazed, wet, and Gyarados level pissed off Piplup slumped against a wall waiting for her. Unlike Misty and Togekiss, hadn't managed to avoid the Hydro Pump though at least it wasn't a Hyper Beam again.
Misty's focus, she was still on a knee and planned on staying like that until the end, was on the battle at hand. Togekiss had reached the water and turned to fly right at Gyarados, gliding on just above the surface at full speed. She had pivoted so that the tip of her burnt wing was in the water both cooling it and looking great as it shot water up in the process with a small wave that caused her feathers to sparkle in the spray. Then she was at the base of the Pokémon and shot upwards as she activated her Sky Attack.
Between the size of the pool, her speed and attack angle of attack, and Gyarados's own size, he had no chance to dodge. She shot upwards and caught the Atrocious Pokémon right under the chin at full speed with her attack. It did decent damage though not enough to take the large Pokémon down, it was tough and resilient and would take a lot more to bring it down.
The last time she'd faced it, she'd exhausted it, thrown it into a ceiling with what she thought might have been a critical hit, and then it had fallen back to the pool. That had been enough to bring it down. This time it was holding out longer than she had expected though it was fresher than it had been last time. Still the attack was a good one and Gyarados arched back in pain as it roared at her but her position had left her vulnerable and Dawn capitalized on it by going all out.
"Hyper Beam!" Dawn yelled. "She can't dodge it."
Instantly the orange light of the powerful normal type attack appeared. A second later it blasted out at full force from Gyarados's maw, still aimed up and beneath Togekiss, and slammed into her underbelly at close range. She wailed in pain as she was hurled back in a high, spinning arc of singed feathers before she fell back towards Misty unable to control her fall. There wasn't much Misty could do but watch in stunned amazement at the force of the attack realizing too late that her own attack had opened Gyarados up to the strong counter that took out a good chunk of her points due to how direct and damaging it had been.
Togekiss spun through the air in too much pain to really do anything or correct herself before she slammed down into the platform in front of Misty with enough force to crack it and cause herself more pain. She was clearly injured and her usually pristine feathers looked bad but she was a fully evolved Pokémon, she wasn't going to be taken down by one direct hit like that.
With a grimace she got to her feet, stood tall, extended her wings, and sang in defiance as Gyarados roared back. He couldn't move for a moment after that attack and Misty had an opening, one that she was going to use to its fullest.
"Sky Attack Togekiss." Misty ordered still on one knee behind her Pokémon. "Don't waste this moment, slam into it at full speed."
"Toge." Togekiss sang as she put all her energy into the attack and shot off across the pool, kicking up water in her wake and hurtling towards Gyarados.
Gyarados couldn't dodge, he couldn't move and Dawn gritted her teeth at that as Togekiss took an uncharacteristically direct attack path towards them. She'd taken the gamble and gone for either the Battle Off or enough points taken down that she could win but Togekiss was still standing and fast enough to get an attack off.
It was just in time. Togekiss slammed into Gyarados's large body and rocked him back before she spun away, flapping her wings to fly over Dawn's head and arc back to Misty. More water flooded over the side as he roared in pain but he could counter like he wanted to, and he had the opening as Togekiss flew off slower than before. Dawn was ready for the counter with a Flamethrower but just then the bell rang to signal that time was up and the battle over.
"And that is 5 minutes." Vivian said with an exhausted gasp from her commentary during it that neither girl had been listening to. "And I don't know about you guys but I am exhausted from just watching that intense battle, the coordinators must be drained from that one. It was just as we expected and more but who has won."
Both Dawn and Misty spun their heads to the board to see the results, Misty finally getting up in the process. The results were as expected though closer than Misty had thought would happen. She had won by taking Dawn down to just over a quarter of her points but she had lost just over half of her own in the battle showing that Dawn had held her own pretty well. That direct hit had really damaged her but Misty had already done enough to win.
"Well done Misty." Dawn said with a smile and a bow before she returned and thanked a confused Gyarados that looked like he was about to go berserk at the sudden stoppage, they'd need to go swimming together tonight to calm him down. "I see that Contest battles aren't my style but they are fun in their own way. Too fancy though, I prefer something more direct."
"You did well Dawn." Misty said smiling and curtsying back to her rival as they had a rare friendly moment with no pettiness. "That Hyper Beam was a good idea and I messed up allowing you that chance. The recharge is a killer though if it doesn't take out my Pokémon, which it didn't."
"True but I had the opening and I took it; I wasn't going to get another." Dawn said with a shrug. "Now go back and watch the others, I have to change and then go to the stands and support y'all. Make sure you win though, I want to be beaten by the champion, not someone who only advanced because they beat a novice in her first and likely only Contest battle."
"I promise." Misty said and meant it; she was going to do everything she could to win. "I'm here to win the Wallace Cup again, no one will stop me."
Dawn smiled, an actual friendly smile which surprised Misty, before she turned and left heading to the changing room. Misty returned Togekiss and thanked her, she had really done it all and shown her toughness in the battle despite not being by Misty's side for a while.
It had been fun and a lot less negative than her last battle with Dawn, which was good sign, perhaps their relationship was improving though Misty couldn't think on that right now. Misty was one step closer to the Aqua Ribbon, she had to focus on that, well that and watching the others to see how they did. Still, she was happy she'd won and advanced and couldn't wait to celebrate it.
That happiness left her the moment she found a very wet Piplup and forgotten he'd been there. He wasn't happy with her and she would have to appease him as he laid into her for what she knew was partially her fault. Well she had Poffins and a few battles before her next one, she'd get him back on her side by them. Picking him up, ignoring the wetness, she cuddled him and carried a still ranting Piplup back to the waiting room to watch the other matches and see who advanced.
The match after Misty's had been a standard, close, match that went down to the wire. It was between a hotshot rookie coordinator from Oldale Town who had 3 ribbons already and was seen as one of the favorites on the Hoenn Circuit this year, and a seasoned coordinator from Johto who had reached the Johto Grand Festival semis the year before. He had lost to Ursa so Misty hadn't recognized him as she'd not really paid attention during that Grand Festival given her plans afterwards, plans that Ash had preempted. In the end, the rookie pulled off the victory and was set to face Misty in the quarters later that day.
Now it was Ash's turn and as he stepped out of the entrance to the stage and looked at his opponent he definitely knew that he had seen the man before. He was about Ash's age with brown hair that fell to his collar but was perfectly styled and swept slightly to the side. He wore a dark blue suit with black cuffs and a fancy white shirt under it. Around his neck was a yellow ascot of sorts with a glinting sapphire set at the throat. Ash knew that they'd met but he had a feeling the man had been in a different color scheme when they had.
"Have we met?" Ash asked as they took their places deciding that it was best to be direct. "You look familiar to me."
"As do you but unlike you I use different Pokémon so I'm harder to remember Ash." The man said in a confident and condescending voice that brought back memories of the last Wallace Cup Ash had been in. "We faced off in the quarters a few years back in when the Cup was in Sinnoh. Still using that Buizel I see, how predictable."
"Oh you're the guy who beat me." Ash said as it all hit him, the dude was a condescending prick but he'd been right that Ash had overused Buizel last time. "Sorry, forgot you name, been a while and you aren't the most memorable person I've ever met."
"Kyle." The man said sounding slightly annoyed that Ash didn't recognize him. "And I will beat you this time as well seeing as you will no doubt use that Buizel again. This Wallace Cup is mine, no one will stop me."
"We shall see." Ash said pulling out his Poke Ball but was interrupted by Vivian before he could throw it.
"Alright folks here is a third match of the day!" Vivian said to the cheering crowd before she gestured to Kyle. "On one side we have a skilled and season coordinator from Sinnoh coming off his recent runner up performance in the Kanto Grand Festival and one of the four favorites this year on the Hoenn circuit. He already has 4 ribbons so if he wins the Wallace Cup he'll qualify for the Grand Festival. From Sinnoh, give it up for Kyle."
Kyle waved to the crowd who were cheering loudly for him though there were some boos in there as well, most coming from a group of people wearing shirts with a face of one of the other coordinators in the battle stage's face on it. Clearly Kyle had become a fan favorite to some and a villain to others. Ash didn't care, he remembered his defeat before and he wouldn't let it happen again, especially after the condescending way he'd spoken to Ash. Well that and the fact that he wasn't going to make the same mistake twice.
"And on the other side we have a trainer who only competes for practice and fun, though if you ask me he should consider it more as he has the talent to reach the Grand Festival with a little training." Vivian said swing her arm to point at Ash. "All the way from Pallet Town out in Kanto, the surprise winner of the recent HopHopHop Town Contest out there and seeking his second ribbon, it's Ash."
"So you won a Contest, impressive but that means nothing." Kyle said with a slight smirk. "Many win just one, you can't stand up to me on a Contest stage."
"As I said, we shall see because I beat a coordinator you couldn't even hope to compete against to win that ribbon." Ash said with a grin as he threw out his Poke Ball. "Dragonair, I choose you."
Dragonair burst out of his ball in flash of blue fire that took the shape of a roaring dragon from which Dragonair shot out of its mouth and spun in the air. He landed on the platform before Ash, raised himself up to the same height as his trainer, and looked over at his opponent and the water. He had a smug look on his face, this was the kinda field he liked and could fight best in.
"I see you have learned because that is definitely not a Buizel." Kyle said with a little respect in his voice, his smirk gone and replaced with a serious look. "But it doesn't matter, I will still win against you. Swampert, you're up."
Ash gritted his teeth as the Mud Fish Pokémon burst out of its ball in a sphere of dirty water that explode everywhere before it landing on all fours in front of Kyle. Ash had a strategy planned for this match with Dragonair, one he was hoping to use especially after realizing it was Kyle he was facing and as such knew that a water type would be used.
Kyle may like to mix it up and remind Ash to do so as well, but he had always stuck with water types before. It looked like he was again favoring the best type for the Wallace Cup as Ash recalled him using a Gastrodon in his appeal though it had been an East Sea one as it was the blue and green variant. However, a Swampert meant that Ash would have to save his strategy for another battle which was ok, he had another Pokémon who could employ it and that one was going to shock everyone.
"I learn from my mistakes and defeats." Ash said simply as he began to think of how he could defeat this Swampert. "That way, when I get the chance to have a rematch, I don't make them again."
"A wise strategy, I guess you have a bit of a brain in that head of yours." Kyle said with a slight scoff. "Well this time I will show you another error."
"Bring it, I'm always willing to learn." Ash said with a grin as he came up with his plan on how to battle a Swampert, pending its move set.
"Begin." Vivian called.
"Blizzard." Kyle ordered at once. "Ice that dragon."
"In the water Dragonair." Ash countered and Dragonair dove into the water as Swampert opened its mouth and shot out a Blizzard attack at where Dragonair was.
The storm of ice shot out across the water freezing the surface as it passed but Dragonair was already in the water before it reached his spot and easily avoided it the super effective move. The result was a path of ice between the two platforms. Ash lost a few points because the cold likely did a little incidental damage to Dragonair despite dodging it but Kyle lost more for missing. He didn't seem to mind though which Ash expected, he would also have a strategy but Ash would defeat it.
"So you want to fight underwater, big mistake." Kyle taunted with a grin. "I have the water type, not you. Dive in Swampert and use Scald."
"Dragonair can fight just fine down there, not all Pokémon capable of breathing underwater are water types." Ash said as Swampert dove in and the battle moved beneath the surface. "Dodge that and counter with Dragon Rage."
Underwater Swampert opened its mouth and sent out a stream of boiling water that could be clearly seen as the colder water around it steamed and the ice began to melt a lithe. Dragonair saw the attack and easily twisted his lithe body out of the way in a graceful arc that surprised Kyle. He had grown up in a lake, he could swim better than anything, this was his field and he had would win in it for himself and Ash.
As soon as he was out of the way, he opened his mouth and outshot the flaming blue dragon that was his Dragon Rage attack. It was slowed by the water as the medium was thicker than air, the water itself boiling it as it bore down on Dragonair's foe, some weird water type that looked like nothing he'd seen before. As it did, the last of the ice melting as the attack closed in on Swampert.
"Swampert, surface and get out of the water." Kyle said clearly annoyed that Ash wasn't as easy as last time. "Avoid it and hit the water with another Blizzard, freeze it in place so it can't move."
Swampert barely dodged the attack, taking a few points from Ash in the process, before it burst out of the water and landed in front of Kyle. As soon as it was there is opened its mouth and again used Blizzard, this time aiming at the water rather than Dragonair.
"Dragonair use Agility to get out and get in the air." Ash ordered and Dragonair did just that. "Get as high as you can."
Dragonair activated his speed boost move and shot upwards, years of swimming allowing him to move fast before he broke the surface and into the air as the area near him froze over. As soon as Dragonair was free of the water, he extended his wings and flapped them hard to gain altitude before he beat them in a stead rhythm maintain an altitude above the water, his tail hanging down below him, looking down on Swampert. They had been working hard on Dragonair's flying with Iris and he was getting good at it.
"What on earth?" Kyle asked his eyes wide, all cockiness gone as Ash continued to surprise him. "A Dragonair can fly as well?"
"Yup he's a very versatile Pokémon." Ash said with a grin as he prepared his plan. "I was going to use him anyway but against you this allows me to show you how I learn from my losses and try out a new combo. Now Dragonair, Thunderbolt."
"Ha clearly you haven't learned much." Kyle scoffed, his cockiness returning as Dragonair formed the move and the bolt of electricity shot out at Swampert while also moving forward as he flew knowing what Ash would want and making sure he was in position. "That won't work on Swampert, it's part ground type."
"I know." Ash said with a smile as the blast hit Swampert and did nothing but removed some of Ash's points for the ineffective attack. "I just needed it in one place long enough for this to land. Dragon Tail."
This was what Dragonair had known would come. After Ash had used him against that sentient tree thing a few weeks back they had been perfecting a new move, flying before going into a spinning Dragon Tail that comes down on top of his opponent. That was why Dragonair had begun to move towards Swampert before the attack, it was what Ash would want him. True the ineffective Thunderbolt confused Dragonair as it meant that the water Pokémon was also a ground Pokémon but that didn't matter. It wasn't moving because of its immunity which meant that it was right where Dragonair wanted it.
With a powerful final flap of his wings and his boosted speed thanks to the earlier Agility, Dragonair shot forward and down at Swampert. As he got closer he coiled his body up as he had done against that tree, spinning as fast as possible, and his tail began to glow with dragon type power while he spun. Then, at the last moment, he uncoiled and lashed his tail down before Swampert could react.
The result was just as Ash and Dragonair had drawn it up. The Dragon Tail slammed into Swampert's head at full force and drove it into the platform. It wasn't enough to take it down but it did take out a good chunk of Kyle's points, enough to put Ash in the lead, as the coordinator looked on in horror and anger. As soon as the move was done, Dragonair leapt off it and flew back into the air to get out of its immediate range.
"Finish it with Dragon Rage!" Ash ordered feeling that his victory was close at hand.
"Mud Bomb." Kyle countered. "Break its focus and prepare for another move."
Swampert was injured but not out of it as it opened its mouth and sent out a large ball of mud just before Dragonair could get off his attack. Dragonair was forced to abort and dodge the attack but his concentration was broken and Kyle capitalized on his sudden opening.
"Muddy Water." Kyle ordered.
Swampert opened its mouth and a blast of brown water shot out of it. Dragonair was still recovering from the dodge before and took the attack to the side sending him back and into the water, crashing through a thin layer of ice in the process and taking a fair bit of damage. Kyle grinned believing he had the upper hand.
"Back in Swampert and use Blizzard underwater." Kyle ordered as Ash quickly processed what happened and adapted his strategy to win. "End that dragon type."
"Dragonair use another Agility and then dodge it." Ash ordered as Swampert dove into the water again.
Dragonair activated his boost as he recovered from the hit. It was Just in time as Swampert had opened its mouth and sent out the ice type attack underwater freezing everything around it in a branching line that came at Dragonair. He was forced to dive to the bottom to avoid it but he managed it though the cold was annoying him a lot but at least it hadn't hit him.
Ash looked at the situation and saw that there might be a way to land another attack if he could distract Swampert and Kyle with something a little out of the box. It was a slightly crazy idea but by Ash's usual standards it wasn't even a blip on his radar.
"Dragonair use Dragon Rage on the ice." Ash ordered.
"Huh?" Kyle asked confused as Dragonair opened his mouth and sent out the dragon type attack again not questioning Ash's orders, they wouldn't lead him wrong.
This time the burning dragon that made up Dragon Rage hit the ice and it exploded sending chunks of ice everywhere underwater and out and causing the pool to get rough and slosh over the sides in places. It Swampert was forced to focus on the ice and avoiding it as best it could and not Dragonair. This was Ash's chance.
"Dragonair use Dragon Tail!" Ash ordered. "Adapt it to work underwater as it does in air."
Dragonair understood and swam at Swampert. He had to twist and dodge the ice that would hurt him more than Swampert but his body, though long, was lithe and maneuverable so he easily avoided the ice as he closed in on the distracted opponent. This distraction was going to come in handy as Dragonair's tail glowed with power and he coiled up again and began to spin.
This time, however, his spin was different as he had to hit his opponent at an upward angle but he managed it with little difficulty. At the right moment Dragonair uncoiled and thrashed his tail upwards, its speed enhanced by 2 Agility attacks.
Swampert had no hope of avoiding it. The blow caught it off guard and right under the chin at full speed. The force of it hurled Swampert up and out of the water, through the ice, and bursting out in a geyser of water and ice that sloshed water everywhere.
As Swampert was going this Dragonair swam up to the still choppy surface so that his head was free and he began to swim back to Ash, head held eye and not looking back once. A cool Pokémon didn't look back at his vanquished foe, well that and Dragonair had to navigate the rough, ice littered, water to get back to Ash.
As such he didn't notice that Swampert had arched back and slammed into the platform right in front of a shocked looking, and now wet, Kyle. Swampert was on its back in a puddle of water, limps splayed and swirls for eyes. It was out and the 4 Xs of the judges blared to life to indicate a Battle Off with a little over a minute left in the match.
"What a series of events." Vivian said as a still stunned Kyle returned his Swampert. "A true display of grace and power from Ash and his Dragonair though that is what is expected if anyone saw them in the HopHopHop Town final where my sister told me Dragonair evolved during the final. That's another Battle Off win for the trainer from Pallet Town, his fourth in four battles."
"We did it Dragonair." Ash said walking forward to rub his Pokémon's head affectionately when Dragonair reached the base of Ash's side. "We advanced thanks to you."
Dragonair just cooed happily, he knew he had won as soon as that second Dragon Tail landed. It was his best attack after all and two direct hits were too much for that duel type Pokémon to handle. Another victory for him, that would further show the others that he was coming for them as one of Ash's top Pokémon.
Kyle didn't say anything just bowed to Ash and left with a slight huff to him. Ash shrugged as he returned Dragonair, bowed to the judges, turned and left. He was through to the next round to face either Zoey or the coordinator she was about to face though Ash didn't doubt that Zoey would win her match.
He had to get his mind in the game for that one as Zoey was going to be tough, probably his toughest to date given the fact that she was a Top Coordinator. Fortunately, Ash had just the Pokémon to use against her. it would be perfect training for them and give Ash a chance to win. Ash smiled as he walked back to the waiting room to watch the next matches and support his friends. So far the Wallace Cup was going well and Ash intended to advance beyond he did last time. He just had to get through Zoey first so he had to see how good she was.
After Ash's victory came Zoey's match against one of the rookie coordinators present for the Wallace Cup only this one was from Galar originally but had moved to Hoenn at a young age so she was competing here. She already had 2 ribbons and while she was good she was no match for Zoey and lost comfortably on points when the time ran out but Zoey had been supportive the entire time. Zoey told her to come talk to her afterwards for tips and hoped she would be on the inaugural Galar circuit in a year's time if she didn't win it all this year in Hoenn that was.
There had been one other thing to come from Zoey's victory and it was the most important thing to her, she was now up against Ash in the quarters. That was just the matchup she wanted and she planned to talk to both Ash and Misty during the lunch break that was between the last 16 and the quarters regarding everything. She knew that she wouldn't have Misty but that didn't mean she couldn't push Ash to see if he could beat her and truly prove to Zoey that he was worthy of Misty's love.
That was all in the back of her mind however as she returned to her friends and focused on the 5th match of the day that was about to start. This was one she really wanted as it pitted Iris and Cilan, her two new friends who had traveled with Ash in Unova and were close friends themselves, against one another. It was bound to be good.
Iris and Cilan walked out of their respective sides and to their starting points as the crowd cheered for the upcoming match. Cilan bowed formally to Iris out of respect and friendship while Iris returned it in a curtsy though it was more the stage than anything else, normally she would mock Cilan for his stupid formalities.
"I must say that I am honored to have my first Contest battle against you Iris." Cilan said in his usual polite, sophisticated tone. "I look forward to evaluating your Contest style in comparison to your normal form."
"Bring it, I can't wait." Iris said with a grin hoping for just that, Cilan could be too predictable for his own good at times. "I have a recently evolved Pokémon who is perfect for this. You haven't seen him yet."
"As do I." Cilan said. "Well not evolved as it doesn't but a new one just for you."
"Well folks here is the first battle of the lower bracket and it is an all Unova battle, something the Wallace Cup has never seen before." Vivian said cutting out the early trash talk and getting the crowd's attention to her as she held out an arm towards Iris. "Both have traveled far for this matchup so it should be a good one for y'all to enjoy. On the one side, from the Village of Dragons and an aspiring dragon master, give it up for Iris."
The crowd cheered though it wasn't as loud as in the past ones as they didn't really know Cilan or Iris but they were looking forward to it and hopefully seeing some new Pokémon from the far-off region. If they were then they were going to be disappointed.
"And on the other side, all the way from Striaton City and one of the three Gym Leaders there." Vivian said gesturing to Cilan. "The snappy A-Class Pokémon Connoisseur who's been evaluating all our Pokémon, it's Cilan."
Again the crowd cheered though it was a little more enthusiastically as Cilan had become a bit a fan favorite, at least among the three Unova trainers. He'd spent his time after the end of the appeals the day before giving free evaluations of trainers and their Pokémon to all who wanted it. As a Pokémon Connoisseur it was a novelty in Hoenn many had gone to see him and enjoyed it because in typical Cilan fashion he always found something good to say about the partnerships. All that did was male Iris look forward to beating him more.
"Altaria, it's your turn." Iris said sending out her Poke Ball. "It's debut time!"
The ball burst open and in sending out several rings of light that framed Altaria well before he hovered there and gracefully lowered himself until he was in front of Iris. She smiled at the surprised Cilan, this hadn't been what he'd been expecting and now he would have to evaluate Altaria. Just another bonus Iris's Altaria had given her recently.
It had been an interesting week for Iris's Altaria to say the least. It had started with a sudden gender reveal during a training battle with Misty's Espeon when her Attract attack worked on Altaria confirming that he was male. Then there had been the very thing that Iris had been waiting for. Two days ago, while May had been helping Iris out with her Swablu as May had once bonded with one and understood them enough to help out, Swablu suddenly evolved out of, well, the blue.
The evolution was what Iris had been praying for as it made changed Altaria's primary type from normal to dragon type, which was what she wanted. It wasn't that she didn't love her Swablu, she would have been fine with him staying as one if he wanted, but the evolution showed how she was progressing as a dragon master in training. After the evolution, Iris saw a benefit in keeping Altaria a secret between her and May as she waited for just the right moment. This was that moment; she was going to show off Altaria for the first time.
"I see that your Swablu evolved this week, interesting." Cilan said rubbing his chin in thought at the new development, he had to evaluate it now that was for certain. "It certainly adds a new flavor to the battle for sure given the sudden type change. I can't quite place yet but I will."
"Well let me know when you do." Iris said supportively with a wicked smirk on her face, all she needed was a little push and Cilan would do just what she wanted. "But until then, show me your new Pokémon. You haven't shown anyone it yet and we all want to know what you caught out in Johto."
"Ah yes my latest partner, a great companion for a multi discipline connoisseur like me." Cilan said with a smile as he tossed out his own Poke Ball with an exaggerated flourish. "Smeargle time for your debut."
The ball burst open, the ball seal creating what looked like a splattering of multi-colored paint in the air for some reason. Out of the paint a Pokémon that Iris had never seen before appeared, painting something in the air with its tail and the paint that the seal had created before it landed in front of Cilan and matched his pose.
Iris wasn't sure how to describe it other than it looked like if an artist was a Pokémon. It was a bipedal, off white and brown, Pokémon with what looked like beret of all things on its head and holding a long, green tipped tail in its right paw as it stared intently at Iris and Altaria.
"What is that Pokémon?" Iris asked as she pulled out her pokedex from her sleeve to scan it. "I have never seen that before."
"This, this is my Smeargle." Cilan said proudly as his Smeargle nodded in agreement. "I found him on the way to Blackthorn when he was hungry after some Smoochum had used attract on him to take his food so I gave him some food I'd just made. He was instantly taken to me and allowed me to catch him once he was fed. He has a different, bland but malleable, taste that is quite unique. He is like me, a Pokémon that does its own thing."
"Smeargle, the Painter Pokémon." The pokedex chimed bringing Iris's attention back to it. "It marks its territory by using its tail like a paintbrush. There are more than 5,000 different marks."
"Huh interesting." Iris said putting her pokedex away. "Certainly a Pokémon I'd expect you to have, it fits you."
"Thank you, I agree." Cilan said with a slight bow.
"Begin." Vivian suddenly said interrupting them and starting the match.
"Altaria show of your newest move that you unlocked with evolution." Iris said happily. "Dragon Breath."
"Just was I was hoping for." Cilan said with a smile that wiped the smile of Iris's face. "Smeargle, dodge that and use Sketch."
"Sketch?" Iris asked confused at the unknown move. "What is that move?"
"A signature one of Smeargle that only a Smeargle can learn." Cilan explained as Altaria opened his mouth and sent out a blast of green dragon type power across the pool and right at Smeargle. "One you will see the effects of soon enough."
Smeargle easily sidestepped the attack with ease and then made a strange motion with its tail and nodded though nothing else seemed to happened. Cilan grinned, he had what he wanted from this battle, the final piece to balance out his Smeargle's move set until it learned Sketch again and he decided what new move his Pokémon should learn. A dragon type move would add a spice to Smeargle's menu that with surprise people with its sudden sharpness.
"Show Iris what Sketch is, Smeargle." Cilan said calmly. "Dragon Breath."
"What!" Iris exclaimed her eyes wide at the impossibility of Smeargle using her own move against here. "Altaria dodge that and use Dragon Dance."
Altaria flew upwards as Smeargle opened its mouth and outshot the same attack Altaria had just used on it only this time it was sent back at Altaria. He easily flew up and over the move before executing the mythical, beautiful, dance that boosted his attack and speed in battle. Iris had a feeling she would need it as she'd seriously underestimated Cilan's new Pokémon. There was no doubt that it had more tricks under that stupid beret.
"How'd it do that?" Iris asked as Altaria finished his Dragon Dance. "How'd it copy Altaria's move?"
"Oh it hasn't just copied it, Smeargle has now learned it permanently." Cilan said in his usual tone he saved for educating people as Iris's mouth fell open at that. "You see, what makes a Smeargle so useful and unique among Pokémon is that it can only learn one move naturally, Sketch. However, Sketch, which as I said only a Smeargle can learn, allows it to permanently copy the most recent move used on it though it forgets Sketch in the process."
"So it can only use it once?" Iris asked confused as she tried to figure out a new plan, something she could do if she kept Cilan talking. "Seems a bit useless."
"Oh no it's not because there is one more unique thing about Sketch that differs from other moves." Cilan said closing his eyes, shaking his head and wagging his finger at the same time in a manner that infuriated Iris. "You see, over time and training it will relearn Sketch at steady intervals in its growth and as such it can be used again though if it knows more than 3 moves at the time one of them will be lost. My Smeargle and I have trained hard and he now knows 3 moves, one from each of my Pokémon so I was hoping to get a 4th from either you or Ash and well when you used a dragon type move, I knew that Smeargle had to have it."
"Wait so that means that Smeargle can learn any move." Iris said her eyes going wide in realization. "Like any move whatsoever?"
"Precisely which makes Smeargle one of the most versatile Pokémon if used correctly." Cilan said proudly. "And as an A-Class Connoisseur I have the skills to do that. On that note, I think its evaluation time!"
"Just what I was waiting for." Iris said with a grin as Cilan clicked his fingers and began to spin, Smeargle joining him in his evaluation. "Now Altaria, Aerial Ace!"
"What?" Cilan asked confused snapping out of his evaluation as Altaria shot forward at full speed before he could finish his ramblings that Iris wasn't listening too to begin with.
Smeargle, who seemed to be like Pansage in its copying of Cilan, didn't have time to react or realize that Cilan had been interrupted before Altaria slammed into it with the accurate attack, the damage more because of the earlier Dragon Dance. Iris knew that Cilan wouldn't resist his stupid and childish evaluation time, especially with a newly evolved Altaria, so she'd used it to attack and take out a chunk of points in the process. Iris hoped Cilan never learned that he was leaving an opening when he did that, at least not when he went against her.
"I wasn't finished but if that's how you want it fine." Cilan pouted as he got into the zone, the evaluation would have to wait unfortunately. "Smeargle, Rock Slide."
"That's Crustle's move." Iris said remembering which of Cilan's 3 other Pokémon knew that move, she'd seen it enough to know it. "Ok, Altaria show of your aerial supremacy and dodge that while using Round."
As the rocks appeared in midair and began to fall down on the battlefield, Altaria began to sing and flew around the large rocks. It was a good move but too slow to hit Altaria as he easily used his enhanced speed to dodge them while his own attack went out at the same time in an impressive display of control.
The song-based attack hit Smeargle force as he had his hands out mid attack, taking some damage and sending him onto his ass while the rocks splashed into the pool and began to sink. It was almost perfect for Altaria until one of the last rocks clipped him as he had thought that the rocks were done after his own attack hit Smeargle.
"Shake it off Smeargle and use Thunder Shock." Cilan called out.
"Finish this with another Aerial Ace." Iris counter realizing that it was Stunfisk's move meaning that the last move was going to be Pansage's though Iris doubted Smeargle would be able to get that move off. "Dodge that Thunder Shock in the process."
Smeargle shook itself as it rose before it opened its mouth and sent out the electric type attack. Altaria easily avoided the bolt with his high mobility before zooming in and slamming into Smeargle again and once again driving it into the platform and dropping Cilan's points to well below half. Altaria rose, turned and flew away knowing he had won as he flounced his feathers in triumph. Iris thought so as well and was already celebrating so neither saw a damaged Smeargle slowly get up.
"Show off your last move." Cilan ordered knowing that he had lost on points and deciding to just show off Smeargle as he finished his fun rather than attack Iris from behind with a super effective move because she had earned this win, it would be dishonorable to take it from her. "Bullet Seed."
Smeargle opened its mouth and several seeds shot out. It was the first move that Cilan had used when he learned what Smeargle could do and that he had learned Sketch already. It was the first part of Cilan's plan to balance out Smeargle's move set to be as various as possible. Plus it was his Pansage's favorite move so it was fitting that it would be Smeargle's first.
Iris's eyes widened as the seeds slammed into Altaria's back and forced him to flip forward with a cry of pain and surprise, taking a good amount of points in the process though it wasn't too effective against the part flying type. As Altaria turned around angry at the cheap shot, he opened his mouth and sent out a Dragon Breath attack that Iris hadn't ordered because she was too stunned to realize what was going on.
It turned out that Smeargle hadn't been defeated and she hadn't noticed because she was gloating, thinking she had won. Cilan had then used his fourth move, one that wasn't super effective against Altaria despite the fact that Smeargle's other 3 that were. It wasn't what she had expected and she would have to ask him about why he'd chosen Bullet Seed and not another move.
That would come very soon as the green dragon type move blasted out of Altaria's mouth and right at Smeargle. Smeargle just looked at with resignation in his eyes, he didn't have the energy to dodge so he just stood there and took the attack.
The Dragon Breath slammed into Smeargle, throwing back to land in a heap at Cilan's feet with swirls for eyes. Almost instantly the Xs went up to signal a Battle Off and a victory for Iris. The match had lasted 3 and half minutes but it had certainly been interesting up to the very end.
"What a sign of sportsmanship!" Vivian exclaimed into the mic when it was done. "With the versatility of the moves Smeargle showed and Altaria's typing Cilan could have gotten back into the battle, maybe even won with the right move, but instead he held back. That is not what you see in a Contest. Course the disobedience wasn't great from Altaria but a win is a win."
"Yeah Cilan, why did you do that?" Iris asked confused as Cilan returned and thanked his now unconscious Smeargle. "You had me right where you wanted because of my own stupidity and didn't take it. If you had used any of those moves Altaria may have feinted."
"Maybe but I doubt it." Cilan said with a shrug. "Your Altaria is good and strong, it probably would have managed to survive it and Smeargle had no strength left after that move to dodge something and Aerial Ace can't be dodged anyway. It was also a cheap shot and I don't take those. I also thought that Smeargle was out as well, even I was surprised that he didn't feint. You had earned the win, I just wanted to highlight Smeargle's range and show of his last move before I lost."
"Oh, thank you, I won't squander this opportunity." Iris said seriously as she curtsied to Cilan with a newfound respect for her annoying friend as he gave her his usual bow in return. "I will go as far as I can."
"Do that, I will be in the stands supporting you, Ash and all our new friends." Cilan said with a smile. "I expect to see both of you in the final so give us a few upsets along the way."
"I'll do my best." Iris said as Altaria finally realized he had won and flew down to engulf her in a hug of his soft feathers, humming as he did though he would have to be scolded for his disobedience. "I promise Cilan."
By the time Iris had thanked, but also admonished Altaria for his unauthorized attack, and returned her Pokémon, Cilan had already left the stage. Turning and leaving herself, Iris saw Georgia waiting for her match that was the next one up. As always they glared at each other but Iris knew that her win would motivate her rival to win as well and grinned at that. It was going to be a battle worth watching because Georgia was going to go all out to win, her prize of a match with Iris was on the line, Georgia would do all she could to get that prize.
Iris hoped Georgia won as she hurried back as fast as she could in her elaborate outfit to the waiting room. She and Georgia had a long-standing score to settle and what better place than the Wallace Cup, a competition both were rookies in. Things were certainly going to get really interesting real soon.
After Iris's victory over Cilan the rest of the last 3 matches were pretty straight forward. Iris winning lit a fire under Georgia and she came into her match swinging and went straight at her opponent before he could process what was going on. It was a shame but the unfortunate rookie with one ribbon to his name didn't stand a chance, he was in the way of Georgia and her chance to face Iris in battle and beat her on live TV. It also didn't help that he had used a Flygon, a part dragon type.
Georgia had decided to use her Vanilluxe in her battle and as soon as she saw the dragon type she went straight for its throat. As neither Pokémon needed the ground to fight it was an aerial battle. At least that was what it was supposed to be but it quickly became a route. Georgia had the advantage from the start and pushed it from there.
In the battle Georgia showed just how much she'd improved with her chosen type, as well as how focused she was to defeat all dragon types when she hit Flygon with a Blizzard and a pair of Ice Beams that took Fit down before it could get a counter off. The battle lasted less than a minute, the fasted of the Cup so far, much to everyone's shock at both the speed and Georgia's intensity during the battle.
Afterwards Georgia and Iris had had their usual staring match in the waiting room as they got ready for their quarterfinal matchup. It was so intense that they missed the all of the next match between two coordinators who had been on multiple circuits and in multiple Grand Festivals but had never advanced past the quarters. The winner was on his 3rd circuit in Hoenn and considered a dark horse for the Ribbon Cup this year.
After that it had been May's battle. That had been quick and easy for her to win. She had opted to use Beautifly as she was home and could bring it in for a battle in the Wallace Cup without a problem and show off one of her earliest, and original, Contest Pokémon in her own hometown.
May won her match with a Battle Off in the final minute after back to back direct Silver Winds but as she was facing, of all things, an Unown. The odd and uncommon psychic type wasn't much of a challenge for her.
"And May has won by Battle Off to finish the first round of battles." Vivian said into the mic as the coordinator May had beaten returned his Pokémon, bowed to her, and left. "We will now take an hour-long break for lunch and so that you can stretch your legs before we return with the quarterfinals of the Wallace Cup. In the meantime, here is the bracket so far."
The screen changed to show a zoomed in bracket that had the 8 remaining coordinators in the Wallace Cup and who they were facing in the quarters. Ash studied it and noticed that only two of their number, both of whom had now changed, well Dawn had changed, Cilan always wore that outfit, had been defeated. They had gone to join Johanna, Carline, Norman and Max in the stands to support them as the matchups intensified as the quest for the Aqua Ribbon continued.
Of those still in the Cup, there were two more matchups between their group occurring today. Misty and May had to face coordinators they didn't know but Ash was up against Zoey and Iris and Georgia, who had resumed their impressive trash talk and growling at each other, were about to face off. Ash knew that both would be interesting battles.
"Ash, Misty." Zoey said startling Ash out of his thoughts while Misty was looking at a hand mirror next to him to make sure that her hair was still under control but turned to look at her best friend as soon as Zoey spoke. "Can I have a word with you both, in private."
Ash and Misty looked at Zoey who had a surprisingly serious look on her face before they looked at each other confused as to what Zoey would want with both of them. All it took was a look to decide to hear her out, she was their friend and if she wanted to talk they would be there to hear her out. They nodded at Zoey and she gave them a small smile and led them away. They had no idea what was in store for them.
