Virgil, Bianca, and Cameron had also won their battles against Ultimo, Mikael, and Kendrick, respectively, advancing them to the second round with Ash. The next day, the main event of the Vertress Conference began, with competitors now proceeding to two-on-two battles. Ash easily won his battle with the aid of Astrape, there had been no need to use another pokemon. Stephan and Virgirl also advanced on their rounds. At the moment, we were all at the stadium cheering for Bianca and Cameron, who were facing each other. The one who wins will be joining the Top 32.
Cameron stood there, deliberating between his pokemon choices, his face betraying his nervousness. He eventually smacked himself with his headband in an attempt to gain clarity. After this, he made his decision and released his Samurott onto the battlefield. In response, Bianca confidently called forth her Escavalier.
The battle commenced with a Hydro Cannon from Samurott, but Escavalier's swift evasions allowed it to prepare its Iron Defense. Samurott, showing determination, tried another Hydro Cannon, but Escavalier mirrored its actions once more. The back-and-forth continued as Samurott attempted a Razor Shell, only for Escavalier to dodge and reinforce its defense.
Observing the battle, Ash commented, "She can't keep on doing this. You can't win on defense alone... unless you are trying to use your opponent's moves against them. But her defense is quite passive."
Cilan whispered to Delia with a sly grin, "Why am I not surprised that Ash has a way of winning battles just by being on defense?"
Delia chuckled at the remark, understanding their playful banter. Meanwhile, Bianca shifted her strategy, calling for Escavalier to attack with a Fury Attack. This change to an offensive approach surprised Cameron and Samurott. However, Samurott showed its defensive prowess by countering with a well-timed Razor Shell, landing a significant blow but not enough to incapacitate Escavalier.
Cameron, realizing the limitations of a defense-based strategy, began smacking himself with his headband once again to inspire an idea. Drayden-sensei, observing the battle, explained to those around him, "He finally realized it," as Cameron directed Samurott to execute a double Razor Shell.
Confused, Delia asked, "Realized what?"
Cilan explained, "Even the strongest defense is susceptible to internal damage." As the battle unfolded, Escavalier dodged the first Razor Shell but took a direct hit from the second, causing visible discomfort. After a short struggle, despite its maximized defense, Escavalier eventually fainted.
Cameron, grateful for Samurott's performance, recalled his pokemon. "Great job, Samurott! You broke through a tough barrier incredibly!"
To everyone's surprise, Bianca sent out her Emboar as her next pokemon, signaling her desire to turn the battle around. Samurott opened the engagement with Aqua Jet and Hydro Cannon combinations, landing direct hits and significantly weakening Emboar. However, in a strategic twist, Bianca cleverly used Attract, which rendered Samurott infatuated.
Now, with the upper hand, Bianca directed Emboar to execute a combination of Arm Thrust and Hammer Arm, both moves connecting and ultimately defeating Samurott despite its type advantage. Ash, Cilan, and others watched in astonishment as Bianca orchestrated a comeback.
Ash mumbled, "Attract, one of the most feared moves. For some reason, we never expect a male pokemon to use it, which has us all fall for it."
Cameron withdrew Samurott and chose Riolu as his second Pokémon. The prospect of seeing Riolu in battle thrilled Ash, as Lucario's presence conveyed.
Bianca looked slightly conflicted but ultimately resolute. Her choice to battle with such an adorable Pokémon as Riolu was met with surprise from the onlookers. However, they were about to learn not to underestimate the power of Riolu, which was known for its potential.
Bianca instructed Riolu to use Arm Thrust, and Cameron countered by urging Riolu to dodge. Emboar attempted a Hammer Arm, but Riolu deftly thwarted it with a Circle Throw. The battle progressed with Riolu launching two consecutive Force Palms, knocking Emboar onto its stomach. However, this led to Emboar's quick recovery and a successful grab of Riolu's leg. It hurled Riolu across the battlefield.
After a resilient recovery, Riolu evaded Emboar's Flamethrower and cleverly used Copycat to redirect the attack right back at its opponent. Emboar, teetering on the edge of defeat, Cameron seized the moment. "Riolu! Use Vacuum Wave!" The move landed and triggered an explosive reaction.
When the dissipating smoke revealed the outcome, Emboar had fainted, marking Cameron as the victor. As a result, Bianca was brought to tears by her loss, while Cameron and Riolu celebrated their hard-earned victory.
"An amazing battle!" Ash exclaimed with genuine excitement. "I can't wait for my turn. Top 32, here I come!"
The Top 32 came and go in a breeze. Ash defeated his opponent with the use of Agni, who defeated the opponent's Darumaka using Headbutt of all things. Now that was a hilarious battle. Agni was having a blast dealing with the weaker pokemon early on. However, it was during the Top 16 when things turned serious. Ash had been selected to battle against Stephan in the first 3 in 3 battle. That will be a a good battle if I have anything to say about it.
The crowd buzzed with anticipation as the Top 16 of the Vertress Conference was about to begin. Stephan's choice was a Zebstrika, an electrically charged powerhouse. In response, Ash confidently summoned his Noivern, Bruce.
Stephan commanded Zebstrika to start with a Thunderbolt, an attack that Noivern nimbly evaded using his exceptional agility. Ash recognized the speed advantage of Zebstrika and knew he needed to devise a counterstrategy.
"Ash is testing the waters here," Cilan observed from the stands. "He knows Zebstrika's speed is a threat, so he's playing it safe for now."
Ash's strategy became evident as he directed Noivern to unleash a powerful Air Slash. The move struck Zebstrika squarely, causing him to recoil. To which Stephan swiftly responded with a Wild Charge, an electric attack that had the potential to deal severe damage. But Ash wasn't taken aback; he ordered Noivern to counter with an Acrobatics. Noivern's speed and power were on full display as he soared into the air, avoiding Zebstrika's Wild Charge. The Acrobatics move hit hard, leaving Zebstrika reeling.
"An amazing display of aerial acrobatics by Ash's Noivern," Professor Oak commented, thoroughly engaged in the battle.
Stephan recognized the dire situation and instructed Zebstrika to use Double Team. The move generated multiple illusory copies of Zebstrika, attempting to confuse Noivern. Stephan knew he needed to regain control of the battle. He urged Zebstrika to follow up with a Quick Attack. Zebstrika darted forward with remarkable speed.
"Boomburst! Deal with the copies first!" Ash commanded and in seconds only one Zeebstrika was left. A Zebstrika that was too close to Bruce, for Ash's liking. However, Ash had another move up his sleeve. "Bruce, use Dragon Rush!"
Bruce's Dragon Rush was a ferocious charge that collided head-on with Zebstrika's Quick Attack. The impact was intense, creating a shockwave felt throughout the stadium. In the end, Zebstrika faltered and was unable to continue the battle.
"An impressive display of power," Drayden commented, as they all clapped for Ash's first win of the match. "That Dragon Rush turned the tide."
"That was an incredible battle," Delia said, beaming with pride for her son.
"Absolutely," Professor Oak concurred. "Ash's strategic thinking and Bruce's agility and strength were on full display. What a thrilling battle!"
The crowd was on the edge of their seats, anticipating the next move in the intense battle between Ash and Stephan. Stephan had just recalled his defeated Zebstrika and sent out his next pokemon, Liepard, a cunning and agile Dark-type pokemon. Ash with Bruce still on the battlefield, was ready for the next round. The two trainers locked their eyes, and the tension in the stadium was palpable.
Stephan made the first move, commanding Liepard to use Shadow Claw, a sharp and swift slashing move. Liepard moved with precision, leaping into the air and aiming to strike Noivern before Ash could react.
But Ash was quick to react. "Bruce, Counter with Dragon Claw!"
Bruce responded instantly, his claws crackling with draconic energy. With astonishing speed, he met Liepard's Shadow Claw mid-air. The clash of claws sent sparks flying, but Bruce's Dragon Claw overpowered Liepard's move. Liepard was knocked off balance and sustained a direct hit, wincing from the damage.
"Ash's Noivern is showing remarkable reflexes," Cilan observed. "That Dragon Claw was perfectly timed like always."
Ash didn't let up. "Bruce, follow up with Air Slash!"
Noivern, having gained an upper hand, unleashed a barrage of slashing winds with his Air Slash. The sharp gusts homed in on Liepard, surrounding him and restricting his movement. The aerial assault was relentless, and Liepard struggled to evade the aerial assault.
Stephan assessed the situation and knew he had to make a move. "Liepard, use Double Team!"
Liepard reacted swiftly, creating illusory duplicates of himself to confuse Noivern and evade the incoming Air Slashes. Noivern's attacks struck several of the illusions, causing them to dissipate.
However, Ash wasn't deterred. He knew he had to identify the real Liepard amidst the duplicates. "Bruce, use Boomburst again!"
Noivern let out a high-pitched, disorienting Boomburst sound wave, intended to disrupt Liepard's illusions and reveal his true location. The tactic worked, as one of the Liepards stumbled and momentarily lost his focus.
Ash seized the opportunity. "Bruce, Close Combat now!"
Noivern repeatedly kicks, pecks, and hits genuine Liepard with his wings at a fast speed, who was still reeling from the Boomburst attack. The Close Combat struck true, and Liepard was pummeled from multiple directions.
Liepard hit the ground, unable to continue the battle. The referee declared Bruce and Ash the victors of the round, and the crowd erupted in cheers. Delia, Professor Oak, and the others watched in awe at Ash's commanding strategy. His quick thinking and clever use of Bruce's abilities had given them the upper hand.
"That was a fantastic move by Ashy," Delia remarked, a proud smile on her face.
Professor Oak nodded in agreement. "Ash's battle instincts are truly remarkable. He's showing exceptional growth as a Trainer." Professor Oak smile slipped as he was lost in thought. "Now if only Gary would follow his example."
The battle was reaching its climax, and the stadium was filled with tension as Bruce now faced off against Stephan's Sawk, a Fighting-type powerhouse. Both trainers knew that this battle could be the defining moment of their clash.
Bruce had already fought valiantly in the previous rounds, and his fatigue was starting to show. His wings were slightly drooping, and he panted heavily. But Ash's determined look never wavered. He could recall Bruce back and have him rest, but he wanted to prove a point. Bruce wanted to prove a point. They were not going to be underestimated or give up that easily.
They were giving it their all!
On the other side, Sawk was raring to go, muscles bulging and ready to deliver powerful blows. Stephan was equally focused, determined to make this the match that pushed him to the next stage of the competition.
Stephan made the first move, "Sawk, use Close Combat!"
Sawk lunged at Bruce with incredible speed, his fists and legs glowing with Fighting-type energy. The barrage of rapid punches and kicks was a sight to behold, with Bruce doing his best to evade the relentless assault.
Ash's face tensed as he quickly responded, "Bruce, use Dragon Dance!"
Bruce, despite his fatigue, performed a mesmerizing dance, amplifying his strength and speed with each graceful movement. The Dragon Dance boosted his abilities, allowing him to avoid some of Sawk's attacks.
With Bruce's enhanced agility, Ash commanded his next move, "Now, use Aerial Ace!"
Bruce soared through the air with impressive speed and precision. He aimed a powerful Aerial Ace attack, targeting Sawk head-on. The strike connected, and Sawk was sent skidding backward. But Sawk was resilient and quickly regained his footing, even against the effective attack.
Stephan wasn't about to let up. "Sawk, go for a Low Sweep!"
Sawk utilized his exceptional leg strength to perform a swift, sweeping kick aimed at Bruce's legs. It was a calculated move, intending to disrupt Bruce's balance and slow him down. Especially, since Bruce no longer had the energy to remain on the sky for a long time.
But Ash was prepared. "Bruce, use Air Slash to counter!"
With his Dragon Dance enhancements, Bruce executed an Air Slash at close range. The slashing winds disrupted Sawk's Low Sweep and pushed him back, preventing the attack from connecting.
The battle raged on, with both pokemon giving their all. The exhaustion was evident in Bruce, but his determination burned brightly. Sawk was equally relentless, the desire to win propelling him forward.
The turning point came when both pokemon found themselves locked in a head-to-head clash. Sawk used Karate Chop, and Bruce countered with his own Dragon Claw. Their attacks collided with tremendous force, and an explosion of energy filled the arena.
The tension in the stadium was palpable as the two pokemon struggled against each other. Their strength was evenly matched, and it was clear that the next move would determine the victor. As the audience held its collective breath, an intense flash of energy erupted from the center of the clash. The shockwave rippled through the battlefield, and a cloud of dust obscured the view.
When the dust finally settled, the outcome was clear. Both Sawk and Bruce had been pushed to their limits, and they had simultaneously knocked each other out.
The referee made the official call, declaring the battle a draw but the match was in Ash's favor. The crowd erupted in applause, acknowledging the incredible effort and determination displayed by both trainers and their pokemon.
The Top 16 were over and now it was time for the Top 8. And after that the Top 4… this time, Ash will make it to the finals, and he will win.
