Greetings, everyone. Mgunnels3 is here, and welcome back to Ash's Unova Journey, my version. Sorry for the lack of updates, as things have been busy with my other stories, but I hope to get more done this year. Let's get this chapter going, shall we?
Chapter 83: Rematch
"Human Speech"
"Pokespeech"
The following day, the PWT rounds were coming to an end. Ash and his friends had defeated all of his Unova Rivals, except for Trip and Georgia, in the first round. As the matches were concluding with Dawn's turn, the tournament was reaching its end.
"Now, Lopunny, use Ice Beam," Dawn commanded her Pokemon as her Normal Pokemon launched its Ice Beam attack at a Haxorus that belonged to her opponent and was affected by Attract prior to the match, knocking it out.
"Haxorus is unable to battle, so Lopunny wins, and moving on to the next part of the round is Dawn from Twinleaf Town," the ref announced as Dawn and Lopunny were celebrating while Servine and Pikachu were watching in the audience.
"Although I don't approve of her behavior towards you, Pikachu, I must admit that she's skilled in using Attract and battling," Servine said to Pikachu, who nodded.
"I agree with Servine," Pikachu said, turning towards her. "Dawn told me that Lopunny learned the move right after she evolved. Dawn had taught it to her to help with the contest battles and performance appeal, but Lopunny wanted to test it on me for real. I hope that you and Lopunny will face each other soon so that we can resolve this issue, but" Pikachu said as Servine knew where he was going and interjected.
"I don't want to eliminate Dawn from the tournament too soon. It's not her fault that Lopunny has gone too far, and she genuinely cares for her Pokemon's well-being. I'm surprised that she hasn't taken any measures until now. However, Emolga and I have been watching her since then," Servine said with an I guess gesture.
"With that, ladies and gentlemen, the second round of the Pokemon World Tournament has come to a close, and here are the next battles for the next round," the announcer said as they turned to the screen.
The screen revealed the next battles for the next round: Ash vs. Ritchie and Misty vs. Candice were the next-round matches. As did Ash, Pikachu sighed upon seeing this, and Servine was curious about this.
"Tomorrow, ladies and gentlemen, will be the next round of battles; until then, we'll see you then," the announcer said as everyone went either home or to their hotels as Ash and the gang headed back to the Villa.
"Say, why did you sigh like that, Pikachu? Is there something I'm not getting?" Servine said to Pikachu, who nodded and walked with her.
"Ritchie was the first trainer that we lost to at our first league back home in Kanto, all because of both Team Rocket and Charizard," Ash said to Servine, who was taken aback by this. She knew that Team Rocket had been an issue for Ash and the others in the past and that they cost Ash a league match. But she didn't know that they were up against the trainer.
"Hold on, what do you mean by saying that Charizard caused you to lose?" Servine asked Pikachu.
Pikachu informed Servine that Charizard was the type of Pokémon who didn't obey Ash during the early years of his journey when he first evolved from his Charmander form. Pikachu also mentioned that he was the only team member who wasn't tired and could battle, although one of his naps cost Ash his league battle.
"I believe Ash told us this when Trip asked Ash about his leagues, how many he went through, and how far. Then again, it was a while ago, so I don't blame you for not remembering that dear," Pikachu said to Servine, who nodded in understanding.
Just then, the group ran into Dawn. Lopunny was proud of her battle and saw Pikachu and Servine.
"You did great out there, Lopunny. I can see how far you've come since we last saw each other in Sinnoh," Pikachu said to Lopunny, who smiled as Pikachu, while he hated how she treated him, had to admit she was doing well for herself as Servine added.
"I can see why you use Attract to gain the upper hand in both contests and battles, but alas, I will agree as a mon who has mastered it: You did well with it, Lopunny," Servine said, showing respect towards her rival in Lopunny. She did not mention how the two viewed each other or their views of how to be Pikachu's girlfriend, though Servine and Pikachu were more than that now.
"Thank you, both of you," Lopunny said as she walked past them, whispering in Servine's ear. "You better pray that we face each other later in the tournament 'cause I will prove to you why I'm the real girlfriend of Pikachu, and you're just the pretender. And don't think I didn't hear about you preferring to fight me instead of Pikachu," Lopunny said as Servine didn't even hiss at her. It was not even worth it, as Lopunny humphed and said to Pikachu. "Don't worry, Pikachu. You will be mine again sooner or later, so better keep your girlfriends off my tail 'cause I won't hesitate to send an Ice Beam their way," Lopunny said as she walked back to Dawn.
"And with that, my praise from earlier has vanished. Ice Beam doesn't scare me; now, do I care? She messed with my mate and will pay soon enough," Servine said as Pikachu had a sweatdrop from this. I take what I said back. I hope we face each other soon enough to shut her up," Servine said as Pikachu wanted this whole thing to end.
The group returned to the Villa, where Ash's Pokemon rest. Ash was figuring out who to use in tomorrow's match as Misty was up against one of her Elite Six members. She knew she'd face each one at some point in the competition.
"Why does it have to be Ritchie? Especially this early in the tournament," Ash said to himself as Pikachu nodded in agreement. "This time, we don't have Team Rocket nor a disobedient Pokemon to deal with," Ash said to Pikachu, who nodded again as things were different and knew that this battle was personal now that things wouldn't end the same.
Ash saw that many of his Pokemon were either training or resting on the battlefield of his villa, and he chuckled. "Save the energy for tomorrow's match, you guys; we don't want to tire each other out before that begins," Ash said to the group, who nodded.
"Can you blame them, Ash? I mean, they saw the first two rounds of the tournament and wanted in on this as well," Pikachu said to Ash, who couldn't argue with that as many of them were raring to go since they had taken a vacation from the journey.
"Alright, we all can take some time off at the hot springs, and then we can figure out who to use in tomorrow's match. We're up against Ritchie this time, and he's probably gotten stronger the last time we saw him," Ash said as the group who trained nodded as they could use some relaxing time while the rest turned it down politely, though Ash noticed Pikachu was still on edge. "Lopunny got to you, boy?" Ash asked his partner Pokemon, who nodded.
"At least you don't have more than one female fighting over you, Ash," Pikachu said to Ash, who didn't say anything and knew that Pikachu had a point since he's only been in a relationship since the resort. "I don't know what to do. I can't trust Lopunny or be alone with her, as you saw how it was back in Kanto. I need to be left be for now," Pikachu said to Ash, who nodded as Pikachu walked off.
Servine noticed and saw Emolga was watching this and nodded to her, who nodded back as much as she hated babysitting Pikachu. However, she knew Lopunny would take advantage of this and fly off that way, as she wouldn't take a hot spring dip anyway.
Pikachu made it to an area outside of the villa and sighed. "Why does she want me so badly? I don't get it. Yes, she has been with me the longest, longer than anyone else, even the other females on the team, but none had this much of a love interest in me," Pikachu said to himself as he knew that someone was watching him from afar and sighed. "I know that you are watching me, Emolga or Servine; come on out, you aren't being discreet," Pikachu yelled to Emolga, who sighed.
"If you call us out, Lopunny will take full advantage of this, right? Pikachu, even though I am a former member of Team Rocket, yelling that out isn't a good thing to call someone out. Especially with someone trailing you," Emolga said up in the tree, eating an apple as Pikachu sighed.
"I guess it could help with someone who was after me to have someone who knows Attract to stop it," Pikachu said to Emolga, who nodded.
"Funny enough, I thought I'd seen Lopunny try to follow you earlier," Emolga said as that scared Pikachu as she snickers. "Kidding, Pikachu, I wanted you to be on your guard. I don't intend to ruin your love life with Servine, even if I was hired to do so when I was with Team Rocket," Emolga said to Pikachu, who sighed.
"Maybe you can answer my question about why Lopunny wanted me so much, given that you are also female, Emolga?" Pikachu asked Emolga, who flew down beside him.
"Can you explain how it started with your two meetings, which might give me insight into what is happening?" Emolga asked as she wasn't aware of how the two met. Pikachu sighed and explained that he would risk himself to save her from Team Rocket.
Emolga was listening and was just as stumped.
"Look, Pikachu, I'm as stumped as you are. Even as a female like her and Servine, that's not something I am too privileged about," Emolga said to Pikachu, whose ears dropped. However, standing up for yourself and not hiding behind us would be best. Attract is powerful, but it's not something you should be frightened by, combo or not. You can't let her get to you," Emolga said as Pikachu was about to say something.
"Remember how we first met Pikachu? I used Attract to try to turn you against everyone, but you were able to stop yourself before ruining your love with Servine; minus how it ended, you need to remember the one who you love is what matters. And I'm not referring to your love for Ketchup. You love Servine?" Emolga asked Pikachu, who nodded, though it was apparent. "Then show it the next time she threatens you and your relationship. That is all I will say. I had no interest in the hot springs as they make my fur all sticky heat-wise, so I'll gladly walk you back just in case. But this is my last time sticking my neck out for you." Emolga said to Pikachu as she turned her back to him.
"Emolga, why are you willing to help me like this?" Pikachu asked Emolga, who stopped, sighed, and turned to Pikachu. I know that Servine asked you to help me, but you were following me from afar and still wanted to help me even after what happened when we met. Why?"
"I'm not entirely sure why I did it. Maybe it was to make up for my past actions under Team Rocket's control, or perhaps it was to help out a fellow electric-type. But after hearing about the issues between Servine and Lopunny, I couldn't ignore the abuse of Attract. I couldn't use it to get what I wanted, even though I had done so in the past. I am willing to make up for my mistakes," Emogla said to Pikachu, who didn't say anything but understood what she meant. "Are you coming back now or not?"
Pikachu nodded and walked back via Emolga's watchful eye. Little did they know it, but Lopunny was watching the whole thing and was shocked that she was called out like that. However, she told Emolga she wasn't interested in Pikachu much and could let go. While she admits she went too far, she loves Pikachu but is too stubborn to admit defeat, can't show weakness, and heads back.
Pikachu returned to the villa and headed to the hot spring, but Emolga still refused to join due to her dislike of the heat on her fur. Despite this, she knew it could be beneficial. Servine was already waiting for Pikachu as they approached her with crossed arms.
"Kept me waiting, Pikachu. I thought you would be all over Lopunny's paws by now," Servine said to Pikachu, who shook his head, confirming that he was still himself. Servine sighed as Pikachu joined her in the hot spring, as she could tell something was on his mind. "Something is eating at you, Pikachu?"
"Why me? Why does Lopunny want me, and why can't she just let it go? Since we met, she's been head over paws for me, and now she has crossed the line. Why me?" Pikachu said to Servine, who looked at him, wondering why he would bring it up.
"It's the same reason why I love you, Pikachu," Servine said to him, who turned to him. "Look, you may not be perfect; you may put your foot in your mouth sometimes, but that's what I love about you, Pikachu. Girls like you 'cause you are kind and caring, but right now, you are ruining the mood here, and I wanted to spend this alone with you, not mope about this," Servine said. As Pikachu was about to say something, she was the one who brought this up but let it go.
The next day came, and it was Ash's match against Ritchie. Ash hoped to win this battle later in the tournament but was happy to get his rematch. Pikachu hopped on Ash's shoulders for this match, which surprised Ash and everyone else the most.
"I'm not sitting this match out, Ash. Let's do this and face Ritchie," Pikachu said to Ash, not letting him respond to what Pikachu just said. Ash nodded as the two walked towards the battlefield. Ritchie also made his way to the battlefield. The announcer introduced the two trainers, and both made it to the trainers' boxes.
"Just a reminder, you two, that this is still a 3v3 battle to advance to the next round, so let out your first Pokemon and let's get this first battle of the third round going, shall we?" the ref said as, both Ash and Ritchie nodded.
"Hey, Ritchie, this time, I don't have tired Pokemon in this match, so you don't have any easy wins in this fight. I hope you are ready to face me," Ash said to Ritchie, who nodded.
"Given how I won our battle back in the Indigo league, I'm looking forward to this rematch, Ash, and I look forward to finally facing you again," Ritchie said, pulling out a Pokeball. "Prune, come on out," Ritchie said, sending out his first Pokemon, a Tyranitar, aka his evolved Pupitar, which Ash recognized as Tyranitar, to stir up a sandstorm. Ash smiled and pulled out his first Pokeball as well.
"Excadrill, come on out," Ash said to his first Pokemon, who let out a roar at his opponent. He noticed a sandstorm was out and knew why Ash sent him out. He was in his element for this fight and smirked as well. "Let's get this going, Excadril. Use Earthquake," Ash commanded his Pokemon, who slammed his legs on the ground and headed towards Tyranitar.
"Protect now, Prune, and use Ice Beam," Ritchie commanded his Pokemon, who protected himself from the Earthquake and then fired the ice attack towards Excadrill, who dodged out of the way as he was swift during this battle realized he made a mistake during this battle by having his Pokemon using it's ability sandstream against an Excadrill as it appears behind Prune.
"Got you now, Ash. Use Dragons Tail," which caught Ash off guard as Tyranitar slammed its tail right into Excadrill, sending it back and returning him to his ball. Pikachu went out to the battlefield, though Pikachu was ready to battle regardless of how it was.
"Pikachu, use Thunderbolt," Ash commanded his partner Pokemon, who fired the attack towards the Tyranitar, hitting it. "Now use Iron Tail," Ash commanded Pikachu, who charged in at the Pokemon with his tail glowing.
"Earthquake now and then use Dragon's Tail," Ritchie commanded his Pokemon, who used the attack. Pikachu was trying to get out of the way of the ground attack, but the ground was shaking around him, and Tyranitar was behind him.
"Iron Tail before it strikes you, Pikachu," Ash commanded his Pokemon, who slammed his tail right into the side of Tyranitar before it could strike Pikachu. "Now Thunderbolt," Ash commanded his Pokemon, who fired the attack at Tyranitar, knocking it out.
"Tyranitar is unable to battle; Pikachu wins," the ref announced as the sandstorm vanished. Ritchie returned his Pokemon and praised it as Pikachu knew the battle had just begun.
"Not bad, Ash, but the battle has just begun. Sparky, come on out." Ritchie sent out his second Pokemon, his Pikachu. Ash and Pikachu nodded and knew this would be an excellent way to show off their rivalry.
To the audience, it was clear who was who because Ritchie's Pikachu had a unique hairstyle. However, there was a significant difference in power between the two, as Ash had completed his journey through other regions while Ritchie had been conducting research lately. But Ritchie's Pikachu was strong.
"Thunderbolt now," Ash and Ritchie commanded their Pokemon, who fired their attacks at each other as the attacks were at a tie, causing an explosion only for Sparky to disappear as Ash and Pikachu knew where this was going.
"Keep an eye out, buddy. He can be anywhere," Ash said, and Pikachu nodded as Sparky appeared behind Pikachu.
"Hidden Power now, Sparky," Ritchie commanded his Pokemon, who fired the power bulbs toward Pikachu. The attack was brown, like a ground-type attack.
"Block it with Iron Tail," Ash commanded his Pokemon, who slammed his tail right into the Hidden Power and Sparky. "Now Quick Attack," Ash commanded Pikachu, who slammed right into Sparky as both of them got in contact with each other, and the Static ability triggered on both of them as both Pikachu and Sparky were sent back to Ash and Ritchie.
"Man, Ash really has grown the last time we faced each other, but I'm not going to let this battle end his way; I'm not going down without a fight," Ritchie thought.
"Well, if you aren't going to do anything, Ritchie, I think that it's time to end this part of the battle. Volt Tackle and then Iron Tail," Ash commanded Pikachu as Ritchie hadn't taught Sparky that, not realizing that was a move he could learn.
"Dig, get out of there, Sparky, and then use Thunderbolt," Ritchie commanded his Pokemon as it was about to get underground, only for Static to trigger on Sparky. "Not good!" Ritchie said as Pikachu slammed right into Sparky, knocking him out.
"Ritchie's Pikachu is unable to battle; Ash's Pikachu wins," the announcer said as Ritchie returned Sparky to his ball and sighed, though Pikachu was beyond exhausted.
"Hey, buddy, do you want to return and let the rest participate in this battle?" Ash asked his partner Pokemon, who shook his head as much as Pikachu wanted to. He wouldn't let this get to him, minus the side effects of Volt Tackle triggering.
"Well, Ash, it's almost a similar situation back at the Pokemon league, but this time it's my turn to make a comeback, Zippo, come on out," Ritchie sent out his last Pokemon, who was now a fully evolved Charizard, who let out a roar and turned to Pikachu.
"Alright, Pikachu, use Thunderbolt now," Ash commanded his partner Pokemon, who fired the electric attack towards Charizard.
"Flamethrower Zippo," Ritchie commanded his Pokemon, who sent a massive fire towards the electric attack as it overpowered Pikachu's attack and landed a hit on Pikachu. Ash was worried as Ritchie was waiting for what Ash would do next.
"Volt Tackle now, Pikachu," Ash commanded his starter Pokemon, who charged in at Zippo.
"Blast Burn now, Zippo," Ritchie commanded his starter Pokemon, who stomped on the ground, sending fire blasts toward Pikachu. Pikachu tried to dodge each one, but he got hit by one underneath him, sending him to the ground and knocking Him out as Ash ran over to Pikachu.
"Pikachu is unable to battle Charizard, and he wins," the ref announced as Ash brought Pikachu back to the trainer's box and stood beside him.
Ash knew that now that Zippo had Blast Burn, he had to take full advantage of the cooldown to win this battle as he pulled out his next Pokeball.
"Excadrill, come on out," Ash said, sending out his first Pokemon from before. Drill Run and the Rock Slide now," Ash ordered his Pokemon to attack, causing them to spin towards Zippo, who was still recovering from the side effect of Blast Burn. Excadrill launched a barrage of rocks at Zippo, who regained its composure, but Excadrill's high speed allowed it to hit Charizard before Ritchie could react.
Seeing how fast Excadrill was even without the sand boast, Ritchie was taken aback as Charizard recovered from that attack. Excadrill was happy it didn't go down that easy cause of it.
"Brick Break, now Zippo," Ritchie commanded his Pokemon, who slammed his fist into Excadrill and landed right to the ground as Ash worried.
"Don't worry about me, Ash. I'm fine. It'll take more than that to take me out, and this is what I wanted in my battles with you, so no worries," "Excadrill said. This wasn't his Buizel side talking. It was him talking.
Ash nodded and turned to Ritchie and Charizard, who was okay with this direction. Ash knew that this fight was going to end soon.
"Time to end this. Use Blast Burn and Earthquake," Ritchie commanded his Pokemon, who stomped on the ground, causing a massive Earthquake that caused flames to come toward Excadrill.
"Drill Run and then use Giga Impact now, Excadrill," Ash commanded his Pokemon, who charged in towards Zippo quickly, trying to dodge the eruption of fire heading towards the steel/ground type.
Excadrill made his way towards Zippo and landed a blow just as the Blast Burn reached him, causing an explosion that covered the field that didn't die down for a while. Ash and Ritchie covered their faces as the smoke cleared. It revealed that Excadrill and Zippo were barely standing, barely moving, as that last attack did a lot of damage to both of them; however, one was out cold, standing still, and it was Zippo.
"Charizard is unable to battle, Excadrill wins, and moving on to the next round is Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town," the ref announced.
Ash and Pikachu sighed as Excadrill was about to pass out from his victory roar. Ash ran over to him and let Ash do so. He petted his head; he gave out a small purr, and Ash chuckled as Ash saw Ritchie return Zippo to his ball and walk over to Ash.
"Now, that makes us even in how the battle ends, Ash, but this is what I wanted from our battle back at the league," Ritchie said to Ash, who nodded.
"I just wish Team Rocket hadn't ruined our battle, but I'm glad we got a rematch against you, Ritchie," Ash said to Ritchie, who nodded as Ash offered a handshake. Ritchie accepted it, and the two left the battlefield for the next match.
Ash and Ritchie got their Pokemon healed. Ritchie decided to stay until the PWT was over, as he wanted to explore and learn more about Unova's history.
"I must say I'm surprised that you aren't taking part in the leagues anymore, Ritchie," Ash said to Ritchie, who shrugged.
"To be honest with you, Ash, after the whole thing at the Whirl Islands, I've been more interested in traveling and learning about legendaries. Don't get me wrong, Ash. I plan on returning to do a league someday, but that's the path I chose for now; after I'm done here in Unova, I'll think about going on a league run again, just not Kanto nor here," Ritchie said to Ash.
"Here's hoping that it's a league we will be taking part in, though I'm not the only one who wants to settle down at some point and take a break from the traveling and leagues. Pikachu, who hadn't taken part in the gym battles here and the last tournament per our agreement but wanted to today," Ash said to Ritchie, who was surprised but could see that Ash wasn't surprised that Pikachu came out during the side effects of Dragons Tail as Ritchie chuckles which Ash was curious why he was laughing. "What's so funny?"
"Even though it's been years since we last saw each other, you still haven't changed; Ash, you are still the same guy with whom I have a lot in common and still have the same goal of being the best Pokemon master," Ritchie said as Ash chuckled and nodded in agreement.
We returned to the stadium as Misty's match approached. Ash joined his friends while his Pokemon were healing.
After Ash's victory over Ritchie, Misty prepares to face Candice, one of the Elite Six gym leaders, in the PWT. What other challenges lie ahead for our heroes?
Stay Tuned.
Done and done. Sorry for the wait. I am making up for this for you all, folks, as the PWT will be one of my biggest projects in this story besides the league coming up after this, and the whole thing with Team Rocket is over. I ended the battle similarly to how Ash lost, but I couldn't think of how to end it. I plan on getting another league match between them whenever the third story happens. Also, I did skip the matches, but it will be for the big ones like Ash's rematches, Misty's battles, and even contest rematches. It's Misty vs. Candice's next chapter and maybe more, depending on the chapter's length. See you next time.