I don't own Pokemon or it's characters, but I own Denise and my other OCs
Enjoy!
Pokemon: Friends to the End
Chapter 115: Pursuing a Lofty Goal!
Ash, Dawn, Brock and Denise were walking down a rocky path together and soon spotted the town of Squallville.
"Hey, look a town!"Ash remarked.
"Pika!"Pikachu said happily.
"It says here that's Squallville."Brock stated as he checked his guidebook.
Ash, Dawn and Denise stared at the town in amazement.
Suddenly a strong gust of wind hits the group causing Piplup to fly out of Dawn's hands.
"The wind is so strong!"Dawn cried out and quickly grabbed Piplup. "Piplup!"
"Are you two okay, sis?"Denise asked.
"Yeah, we're good."Dawn responded.
"Piplup."Piplup chirped.
"It just happens to say here in Squallville to be careful of sudden wind gusts."Brock admitted.
"Great."Denise mumbled with a small frown.
"Torchic."Torchic tweeted quietly.
"Go!"A man called out. "Ride the wind, Yanmega!"
"Get it first, Wingull!"the boy shouted.
The heroes notice a Yanmega and a Wingull racing for a ring in the sky.
Ash and Brock immediately get excited and recognise the competition as PokéRinger.
"Awesome!"Ash complemented.
"Pika!"Pikachu gasped.
"It's PokéRinger!"Brock responded
"What's PokéRinger?"Dawn asked.
"Plup."Piplup said.
"Let's go see!"Denise suggested.
"Torchic."Torchic agreed.
Ash, Brock, Dawn and Denise began to race to the arena to get a closer look at the competition.
It was a man's Yanmega facing off against a boy's Wingull.
"They have PokéRinger matches in Squallville too, huh?"Ash said with a smile.
"But what is PokéRinger?"Dawn asked.
"PokéRinger is a really fun competitive sport where Trainer and pokemon compete together as a team."Brock explained and looked at the match. "Like what they're doing down there."
Yanmega gets the ring first, while dodging the Wingull and placing it on the goal, winning the match.
"The object of the match is to grab the ring while simultaneously trying to take your opponent down and whoever places the ring on one of the three hooks is declared the winner."Brock added. "Like what Yanmega just did."
"Wow!"Dawn responded. "That sounds like fun!"
"Piplup!"Piplup chirped.
"It looks really cool too."Denise chuckled.
Torchic smiled. "Torchic."
Yanmega and Wingull returned to their trainers.
"I submit how to better read wind currents would be a boon."James complemented.
"Hmph! I'll still beat you at the competition!"the boy said angrily and looked at Wingull. "Let's go, Wingull!"
The young boy and his Wingull moved away as the heroes walked up to James.
"Hello!"Ash, Dawn, Brock and Denise greeted in unison.
James freaks out at first seeing his enemies in front of him causing him to bend down and hide his face.
"Excuse me, is there something wrong?"Dawn asked in confusion.
"No! No!"James answered as he stood up. "Things couldn't be better! Now what can I do for you lovely, young people?"
"We were wondering if PokéRinger is really popular in Squallville?"Brock asked.
"Not only are your musings correct, but Squallville is having a PokéRinger competition today."James admitted.
This caused Brock, Ash, Dawn and Denise to become amazed.
"Wow, is that true?"Ash asked.
"Pika!"Pikachu said.
"I'd love to get in on that."Dawn admitted.
Piplup got off of Dawn's arms and tried to fly, but ended up hitting the floor.
"Piplup, are you okay?"Dawn asked.
"Piplup."Piplup mumbled weakly.
Torchic sweat dropped at the sight.
"Dawn, you need to have a flying type to enter this competition."Denise stated with a sheepish smile.
"Oh well, then I guess I'll set this one out."Dawn replied as she picked up Piplup.
"Well, I'm in with Staravia for sure."Ash remarked confidently.
"And I'll be entering with Noctowl."Denise complemented with a smile.
"We are fired up, aren't we?"James asked.
"Hey, you bet!"Ash agreed. "Because I'm in it to win!"
"Pika pikachu!"Pikachu answered with a smirk.
Fireworks started as the competition prepared to get underway and Dawn noticed the crowd size.
"I can't believe what a huge competition this is."Dawn remarked.
"Piplup."Piplup chirped.
"When you win a PokéRinger competition, the hosting town makes you an honorary citizen."Brock admitted.
"The winner also gets other prizes too."Denise complemented and looked at the prizes. "Like a whole special of pokemon food."
"Torchic torc!"Torchic tweeted excitedly.
Suddenly someone placed his hand on Denise's shoulder causing her to turn around and notice Lucas.
"Lucas?"Denise said in surprise.
"Hi, guys."Lucas greeted.
"Whoa Lucas, your here too!"Dawn responded.
"Pip piplup."Piplup chirped.
"We haven't seen you since the incident in Iron Island."Ash commented.
Pikachu smiled at Monferno, who stood next to Lucas.
"Pika pikachu."Pikachu greeted.
"Monferno."Monferno said with a wave.
"Are you going to enter the PokéRinger competition too?"Brock asked.
"You bet, I am."Lucas chuckled. "I got my eyes on winning the competition and the prizes."
"Just like me and Dennie."Ash remarked.
"Then I guess you both better watch out then."Lucas joked.
"Yay..."Denise murmured with a weak smile.
Torchic looked at his trainer in confusion, not understanding why she was nervous all the sudden after seeing Lucas.
Then Rhonda of Sinnoh Now appeared and covered the event with her crew.
"It's the event we've all been waiting for!"Rhonda announced. "Yes! It's time for the glorious Squallville PokéRinger competition! This special coverage from the Squallville Arena is brought to you by Sinnoh Now!"
Jack's boom once again hits Rhonda's head causing her to get upset.
"If you don't start paying attention, you'll be sleeping at the unemployment line!"Rhonda shouted in anger.
"Sorry, Rhonda."Jack apologised nervously.
"Rhonda, we're still rolling tape."the cameraman reminded.
Rhonda quickly released Jack and focused back on the camera.
"Today's PokéRinger competition will all be single elimination!"Rhonda stated. "The team who wins all their matches is the winner! So let's get this underway!"
A trainer's face and Ash's face appeared on the screen.
"The Squallville PokéRinger competition's first matchup will be Team Ash against Team Taylor!"Rhonda announced.
"Great, my first match."Ash remarked.
"Excellent."Dawn complemented. "Ash is up first."
"Can't wait to see which pokemon his opponent will use."Brock said.
"Good luck, Ash!"Denise called out.
Brock, Dawn, Denise and Lucas watched from the stands as the ring balloon was deployed as well as Ash and Taylor's balloons to the set elevation.
"And the balloon ring is released!"Rhonda stated. "Round 1, Match 1! Start!"
Ash and Taylor sent out their flying type pokemon.
"Staravia, I choose you!"Ash said.
"Skarmory, let's go!"Tyler responded.
Staravia and Skarmory appeared in the sky and started racing towards the ring.
"And both pokemon race towards the ring with full speed!"Rhonda announced.
Staravia gets to the ring first and races to the goal.
"Now head straight for the goal, quick!"Ash ordered.
"Pika!"Pikachu shouted.
"Stop them by using Swift!"Taylor ordered.
Skarmory fires Swift, which hits and caused Staravia to drop the ring.
"And Skarmory lands a clean hit!"Rhonda announced. "Could their strategy be to slow Staravia down and steal the ring?"
Skarmory steals the ring from Staravia.
"Alright, go for the goal!"Tyler ordered.
"Take back the ring, Staravia!"Ash ordered.
Skarmory goes for the goal as Staravia tried to catch up.
"Chase it away with Fury Attack!"Tyler ordered.
Skarmory turned around and executed a Fury Attack.
"Dodge it!"Ash ordered.
Staravia dodged continually, eventually causing Skarmory to drop the ring, allowing the starling pokemon to steal the ring.
"Alright!"Ash remarked. "Now Staravia the goal!"
"Get ahead and use Sand Attack!"Tyler ordered.
Skarmory gets ahead and used Sand Attack to blind Staravia.
"Now use Air Cutter!"Tyler ordered.
Skarmory launched Air Cutter towards Staravia.
"Staravia!"Ash yelled out.
"Pikachu!"Pikachu gasped.
Staravia was unable to dodge, but a wind gust pushed him out of the way.
"Unbelievable!"Rhonda announced. "Staravia was saved by one of Squallville's famous wind gusts!"
"That was such a powerful air cutter too."Dawn admitted.
"Piplup."Piplup agreed.
"A direct hit and it would've all been over."Brock stated.
"Ash needs to think of something quick."Lucas said.
Denise watched Ash in worry, but remained silent.
"Are you alright, Staravia?"Ash asked.
Staravia slowly opened his eyes.
"Alright!"Ash commented. "Now head for the goal!"
Staravia began heading towards the goal.
"Unleash Air Cutter again!"Tyler ordered.
Skarmory sents another Air Cutter towards Staravia.
"Get as close as you can."Ash said quietly. "Now dodge it with Aerial Ace!"
Staravia gets closer before using Aerial Ace to dodge.
Tyler and Skarmory both became stunned.
"That's fast!"Tyler said in shock.
"It's time!"Ash called out with a smile. "Go!"
Staravia race to the goal, planting the ring and giving Ash the first win.
"Goal!"Rhonda announced. "And Team Ash moves right along to the second match!"
Ash and Pikachu congratulated Staravia.
"Good job, Staravia!"Ash congratulated.
"Pika pika!"Pikachu cheered.
"Alright, folks! Now it's time for our next match!"Rhonda announced. "And the next two teams are Team Steven and Team Denise!"
Ash brought the hot air balloon down as Denise walked forward.
"Looks like I'm up next, Ash."Denise chuckled.
"Good look, Dennie."Ash remarked.
Denise got into the hot air balloon and headed to the set elevation like Steven.
Then the ring air balloon was deployed.
Torchic stood on Lucas lap to watch his trainer's first match.
"Alright, Match 2!"Rhonda announced. "Start!"
"Noctowl, come on out!"Denise ordered.
"Fearow, let's go!"Steven shouted.
The pokeballs opening causing Noctowl and Fearow to appear in the sky.
"Get the ring, Noctowl!"Denise instructed.
Noctowl zoomed away quickly and grabbing the ring within seconds.
"Use Quick Attack, Fearow!"Steven ordered.
Fearow headed towards Noctowl in quick speed.
"Dodge it, Noctowl!"Denise ordered.
Noctowl quickly dodged Fearow.
"Headbutt!"Steven ordered.
Fearow hits Noctowl using Headbutt before getting the ring and headed towards the goal.
"No, you don't!"Denise shouted. "Noctowl use Heat Wave!"
Noctowl recovered and hits Fearow with Heat Wave before getting the ring.
"Use Hyper Beam to get the ring back!"Steven ordered.
Fearow fires Hyper Beam at Noctowl.
"Ride the wind to dodge it!"Denise called out.
Noctowl flew in the wind to dodge Fearow's Hyper Beam.
"Use Peck!"Steven ordered.
Fearow headed towards Noctowl and attacked him with his glowing beak.
This caused the Owl Pokemon to release the ring from his grip.
"Supersonic!"Denise ordered.
Noctowl turned around and hits Fearow with Supersonic to make it confuse.
"What?!"Steven said in shock.
"Nice!"Denise chuckled. "Now get that ring back, Noctowl and win this!"
Noctowl quickly grabbed the ring from the floor and placed it in the goal without any more trouble.
"Goal!"Rhonda announced. "And Team Denise earn a spot in the second round!"
The crowd cheered at Denise and Noctowl.
Denise smiled at Noctowl.
"Well done, Noctowl."Denise replied. "I am so proud of you."
"Noctowl."Noctowl hooted with a nod.
"Alright!"Dawn remarked. "Dennie made it!"
"Pip piplup!"Piplup chirped.
"Torchic torchic!"Torchic tweeted happily.
"I knew she would."Lucas commented with a smile.
Denise went off the air balloon down as Ash went up to her.
"Hey Ash, was I great?"Denise asked.
"You were awesome, Dennie."Ash complemented.
"Pikachu."Pikachu said with a smile.
"Alright, folks!"Rhonda announced. "Now it's time for our next match! Who are our next two teams?"
A man wearing punk clothes appeared on the screen.
"Alright! This team has won four competitions in the past!"Rhonda stated. "They're the unbeatable four times Champion, Team Provo!"
The crowd cheered at Provo.
"And competing against them will be...Team Paul!"Rhonda announced.
Paul's face appeared on the screen.
"Huh, Paul?"Ash said in surprise.
"Ash..."Denise started.
Ash and Denise turned to see Paul coming forward.
"Paul, I had no idea you were in this competition."Ash commented.
"Yeah, so what if I am?"Paul retorted.
"Huh? What if you are?"Ash said with a glare. "Well, you could've at least said hi!"
"Pikachu!"Pikachu agreed with a frown.
Paul got onto the balloon to prepare for his match.
"Let's go, Ash."Denise said simply. "The second round is gonna start soon."
Ash and Denise walked away to go back to their friends.
"What do you know?"Dawn responded. "Paul's in the competition too."
"Piplup."Piplup chirped.
"Knowing him, I would guess he probably entered to raise his pokemon's level."Brock admitted.
"You guys know him?"Lucas asked.
"He is Ash's rival from Veilstone City and his training methods are the total opposite of Ash's."Dawn explained.
Denise and Ash walked to sit down next to their companions.
"And here's a fun fact, Lucas."Denise stated sarcastically and Torchic went on her lap. "Barry admires Paul and his training methods and wants to be a strong trainer like him."
Lucas frowned. "Seriously?"
"What kind of Flying Type Paul has for this competition."Dawn responded and her eyes widen in realisation. "That's right! Honchkrow!"
"Now that both fourth match contestants are in their places...start!"Rhonda ordered.
"Honchkrow, standby for battle!"Paul instructed.
"Dragonite, let's go!"Provo shouted.
Paul and Provo took out their pokeballs causing Honchkrow and Dragonite to appear in the sky.
"It's Dragonite and Honchkrow."Ash said quietly.
"Pika."Pikachu responded.
Honchkrow flew towards the ring.
"And Honchkrow zooms to the ring!"Rhonda announced.
"Honchkrow's gotten a head-start, but Dragonite's faster."Provo complemented. "Dragonite, Dragon Pulse!"
Dragonite fired a glowing cyan orb towards Honchkrow.
"Dodge it!"Paul ordered.
Honchkrow dodged the glowing orb and grabbed the ring.
"Keep going and use Fire Punch!"Provo ordered.
Dragonite flew forward and activated Fire Punch.
"Dodge it!"Paul ordered.
Honchkrow dodged Dragonite's Fire Punch.
"Dragon Rush now!"Provo ordered.
Dragonite uses Dragon Rush to hit Honchkrow.
"Wow!"Rhonda announced. "What a powerful move and a clean hit as well!"
The ring headed towards the ground.
"Get it, Dragonite!"Provo ordered.
"Take back the ring!"Paul ordered.
Both Honchkrow and Dragonite went after the ring.
Honchkrow quickly catches the ring before Dragonite did.
"Alright, use Dragon Rush again!"Provo ordered.
Dragonite activated Dragon Rush and head towards Honchkrow.
"Sky Attack!"Paul ordered.
Honchkrow glowed white and prepared to use Sky Attack.
"Honchkrow's fast, but my Dragonite's faster!"Provo sneered.
Paul felt the wind blowing behind him.
"Ride the wind and dodge it!"Paul ordered.
Honchkrow rode on the wind to dodge Dragonite's attack.
"What the-"Provo started.
Honchkrow defeats Dragonite with Sky Attack.
"And Honchkrow's powerful Sky Attack ends the battle!"Rhonda announced.
Ash and Denise started at the sight with stunned expressions.
"Wicked..."Denise whispered gently.
Honchkrow puts the ring on the hook, making Paul the winner.
"Goal!"Rhonda stated. "Team Paul has surprisingly defeated the competition's favourite Team Provo and moves onto Round 2!"
"Wow, Team Paul did it with one hit."Dawn complemented.
"Is his Honchkrow really that strong?"Lucas asked in surprise.
"Well, one of Honchkrow's ability is called Super Luck."Brock admitted. "Paul used that luck to their advantage and struck Dragonite's weak spot."
"Paul is good at this."Ash stated with a frown.
"I'm sure one of us will be able to take him down."Denise assured.
"And now the next match is Team Lucas vs Team Amy!"Rhonda announced.
Lucas and Amy's faces appeared on the huge screen.
Denise grew alarmed at the mention of her rival.
"You've got to be kidding me."Denise scoffed.
"Amy is in the PokéRinger competition as well?"Dawn said in surprise.
"Knowing her, she must be training a flying type for the next pokemon contests."Brock responded.
"I wonder what flying type Amy has."Ash replied.
"Let's watch and see."Denise mumbled in annoyance.
Lucas and Amy brought their hot air balloons in the sky.
"I really find it hard to believe you enter this competition, Amy."Lucas commented.
"I know."Amy agreed with a smirk. "But let's see what you got."
"And start!"Rhonda ordered.
"Togekiss, let's go!"Lucas instructed.
"Swellow, time to fight!"Amy stated.
The pokeballs opened causing Togekiss and Swellow to appear in the sky.
Dawn took out her pokedex to scan Togekiss.
"Togekiss the Jubilee Pokémon and the evolved form of Togetic."Dawn's Pokedex said. "It is said that Togekiss never appears where there is conflict."
Denise took out her pokedex to scan Swellow.
"Swellow the Swallow Pokemon and the evolved form of Taillow."Denise's Pokedex said. "It circles the sky in search of prey. When it spots one, it dives steeply to catch the prey."
Both Togekiss and Swellow went after the ring, but the Swallow Pokemon was able to get it first.
"Swellow use Air Slash!"Amy ordered.
Swellow slashes Togekiss to push it out of the way to get the ring.
"Togekiss use Ancient Power!"Lucas ordered.
Togekiss fired a blast towards Swellow.
"Swellow dodge and use Double Team!"Amy ordered.
Swellow dodged the blast in quick speed before clones of itself appeared and surround Togekiss.
"Get rid of the clones with Hyper Voice!"Swellow ordered.
Togekiss let out a horribly echoing shout to hit Swellow which made it drop of the ring.
The Jubilee Pokemon grabbed the ring and headed towards the goal.
"Swellow use Quick Attack!"Amy ordered.
Swallow hits Togekiss in quick speed causing it to drop the ring.
"Togekiss, Double Edge!"Lucas called out. "Go!"
Togekiss hits Swellow while being surrounded in bright grey energy.
"Good job!"Lucas complemented. "Togekiss use Shadow Ball!"
Togekiss prepared to use Shadow Ball, but suddenly winced causing Lucas to notice it.
"What attack was that?"Dawn asked.
"That was Double Edge."Brock responded. "A reckless, life-risking tackle. However it also damages the user by a fairly large amount."
"No more child's play!"Amy retorted. "Use Brave Bird, Swellow!"
Swellow surrounded itself with blue fire and aura.
"No way!"Lucas said in shock. "Swellow knows Brave Bird?!"
Swellow hits Togekiss with Brave Bird.
Togekiss hit the ground, but was unable to get back.
"This is our chance!"Amy warned. "Swellow get the ring!"
Swellow took the ring from the ground and placed it on the hook.
"Goal!"Rhonda shouted. "Team Amy successfully wins which means they will be in 2 round!"
Amy stroked Swellow's head.
"Bravo, Swellow."Amy sneered. "You were amazing as always."
"Poor Lucas."Dawn said sadly.
"Plup."Piplup chirped quietly.
"Man, Amy's Swellow is pretty strong."Ash admitted.
Denise frowned a little, seeing that her rival was able to beat Lucas.
Lucas brought his hot air balloon down to check on Togekiss.
"Are you okay, Togekiss?"Lucas asked.
Togekiss nodded. "Kiss."
"Now let's keep those matches going!"Rhonda stated.
After some matches, it was time for Ash and Paul to battle against each other.
"Alright, everyone!"Rhonda announced. "We're coming down to the semi final rounds and the first match of this round is Team Ash vs Team Paul!"
"Ash and Paul are in the semi finals like Denise and Amy, amazing."Dawn said quietly.
"No doubt, this will be a fierce battle."Brock complemented.
Denise gets off the hot air balloon after defeating a boy and his Wingull, just in time to see Ash talking to Paul.
"Paul, let's do this!"Ash declared. "We'll settle this during our battle!"
Paul and Ash glared at each other.
Denise walked passed Paul and Ash as she headed out of the room with Lucas, who was waiting for her.
"We're here at the first match of the semi final round!"Rhonda announced. "The question is, which team will be the first to move onto the finals? Ready! Start!"
"Now Staravia, I choose you!"Ash stated.
"Honchkrow, stand by for battle!"Paul replied.
The pokeballs opened causing Staravia and Honchkrow to appear in the sky.
"And Staravia takes the lead!"Rhonda commented.
Staravia flew forward and was the first to get the ring.
"Staravia, great!"Ash remarked.
"Use Sky Attack!"Paul ordered.
Honchkrow activated Sky Attack to hit Staravia.
"Counter it with Brave Bird!"Ash ordered.
Staravia uses Brave Bird, but gets pushed downwards.
"Staravia!"Ash shouted. "No!"
"Night Slash, go!"Paul ordered.
Honchrow flew towards Staravia.
"Now dodge it with Quick Attack!"Ash ordered.
Honchkrow used Night Slash, but Staravia evaded using Quick Attack.
"Staravia go after the goal!"Ash ordered.
Staravia went after the hook.
"Use Dark Pulse now!"Paul ordered.
Honchkrow uses Dark Pulse to hit Staravia.
Staravia dropped the ring, but gets it and when it comes near the hook, the wind blows him away.
"Staravia!"Ash called out.
"And Staravia dives straight towards the goal!"Rhonda announced.
Suddenly the wind sent Staravia up in the air, which shocked Ash.
"And it's another sudden wind dust!"Rhonda stated.
"Ride the wind and use Aerial Ace!"Ash ordered.
Honchkrow rode the wind to use Aerial Ace to hit Staravia causing the normal flying type to doge it.
"Hurry, Staravia!"Ash called out. "Hurry, Staravia! Get out of that wind and head for the goal!"
Staravia spotted the goal and began heading towards it.
"Use the wind to your advantage with back to back Aerial Aces!"Paul ordered.
The Big Boss Pokemon activates Aerial Ace to attack Staravia.
"Dodge it!"Ash ordered.
Staravia dodges Honchkrow's attack.
However Honchkrow was able to hit Staravia and then gets the ring.
"Honchkrow, head for the goal!"Paul ordered.
Honchkrow headed to the goal with Staravia right behind him.
"Use Aerial Ace to get that ring back!"Ash ordered.
Staravia activated Aerial Ace.
"Dodge it!"Paul ordered.
Staravia used Aerial Ace, but Honchkrow dodged him.
"Use Quick Attack and fly down!"Ash ordered.
Staravia used Quick Attack to snatch the ring.
"Awesome!"Ash commented. "Now head straight for the goal!"
"Pika pika!"Pikachu remarked.
Staravia flew towards the goal.
"Sky Attack!"Paul ordered.
Honchkrow uses Sky Attack to hurt Staravia.
"Staravia!"Staravia shouted.
"Night Slash!"Paul ordered.
"Counter it with Quick Attack again!"Ash ordered.
The Big Boss Pokemon goes to use Night Slash, but dodges Staravia's Quick Attack.
Ash watched the sight in shock.
"We're not falling for that."Paul retorted.
Honchkrow pushed Staravia to the ground with Night Slash.
Staravia dropped on the ground.
"Whoa, Honchkrow dodged Quick Attack."Dawn said.
"This is not a good thing."Brock replied. "If Quick Attack won't work, then Staravia hasn't have any other moves that can match Honchkrow's speed."
"Come on, Ash."Denise thought with a worried look. "Don't give up."
Lucas gently held Denise's free hand which caused Amy to notice and frown in jealousy.
"Show him how strong you are, Staravia!"Ash protested.
"Pika pika!"Pikachu shouted.
"Pathetic."Paul insulted as he folded his arms. "Just how could he honestly think encouragement would do a thing? Wrap it up with Sky Attack!"
Honchkrow activated Sky Attack to finish off Staravia.
"Honchkrow mercilessly unleashes Sky Attack on a motionless Staravia!"Rhonda announced. "Is this it for Team Ash!?"
"You can do it, Staravia!"Ash encouraged.
Honchkrow prepared to use Sky Attack as Staravia was blown away swiftly.
Suddenly Staravia started glowing, which stunned Ash.
"Aw man!"Ash mumbled.
"Pika!"Pikachu gasped.
"Is that what I think it is..."Dawn started.
"Staravia is evolving!"Brock answered.
Denise, Torchic, Lucas and Amy stared at the sight in awe.
Then the glowing stopped, revealing a new pokemon.
Staravia had evolved into a Staraptor!
"Staraptor!"
Ash took out his Pokedex to scan Staraptor.
"Staravia evolved into Staraptor."Ash chuckled.
"Staraptor the Predator Pokemon."Ash's Pokedex said. "Staraptor has an aggressive temperament and will bravely attack enemies that are far bigger than itself."
Paul remained calm after seeing the evolution.
"Just stay calm and use Night Slash!"Paul ordered.
Honchkrow activated Night Slash as he flew towards Staraptor.
"Staraptor, dodge it now!"Ash ordered.
Staraptor evaded the attack, but Honchkrow managed to hit him.
Staraptor dropped the ring, so Honchkrow goes to get it.
"Grab that ring!"Paul demanded.
"Grab the ring before Honchkrow!"Ash ordered.
Both Staraptor and Honchkrow go after the ring while
"Night Slash!"Paul ordered.
Staraptor attacked Honchkrow, but Honchkrow retaliates with Night Slash.
This caused Staraptor to use Close Combat on Honchkrow.
Ash looked at Staraptor with a surprised expression.
"Wow."Denise said in amazement.
"What?!"Paul scowled.
"Check it out!"Lucas responded. "Staraptor learned Close Combat and the attack is super effective against dark types like Honchkrow!"
"I'll admit that is really cool."Amy admitted with a small smirk.
Staraptor slapped Honchkrow away.
"That was so awesome, Staraptor!"Ash commented. "You can use Close Combat! Alright! Keep it up and get that ring!"
Staraptor flew after the ring.
"Honchkrow, go get the ring first!"Paul ordered.
Staraptor and Honchkrow both go to get the ring, but the Predator Pokemon was able to get it first.
"Night Slash!"Paul ordered.
"Dodge it!"Ash ordered.
Staraptor dodges Honchkrow's Night Slash.
"Alright, use Brave Bird!"Ash ordered.
"Sky Attack!"Paul ordered.
Honchkrow and Staraptor collide with Sky Attack and Brave Bird causing a small explosion.
The ring headed towards the ground.
"Get that ring!"Paul and Ash ordered in unison.
"So why is Staraptor lacking behind?"Dawn asked.
"It must be from all the damage it took earlier."Brock suggested. "Staraptor has probably reached his limits."
"The ring is falling right near the goal!"Rhonda announced. "Whichever team grabs it first will head up to next round!"
Paul smirked seeing Honchkrow getting closer to the ring first.
"Staraptor! You can do it!"Ash encouraged. "Get that ring and put it on the goal!
Honchkrow was about to get the ring, but Staraptor charged and hits the ring with his wing, causing it to be placed on the hook, making Ash the winner.
"Goal!"Rhonda announced. "And the winner of the first match of the semi-final round is Team Ash! Their miraculous win has moved them up to the next match!"
Staraptor flew over to Ash and Pikachu.
"We did it, Staraptor!"Ash cheered.
"Pikachu!"Pikachu said happily.
"I thought Staraptor would've used it's beak instead of it's wing to hit the goal."Dawn responded.
"Leave it to Ash to surprise you every time."Brock insisted with a smile.
Amy smiled at Ash's victory as Lucas noticed Denise was gone.
"Hey, where did Denise go?"Lucas asked.
Amy shrugged in respond.
Paul brought his hot air balloon down on the ground and glared at Honchkrow.
"We didn't win because your reaction time was too slow."Paul scowled.
"Honchkrow."Honchkrow cooed sadly.
Denise walked into the room.
"I think you did great, Honchkrow."Denise admitted with a bright smile. "It was really impressive the way you attacked with Sky Attack."
Honchkrow gave Denise a slow nod as Paul recalled him in his pokeball.
Denise simply smiled at Paul, who didn't say anything as he left the room.
"Alright, the second round of the semi finals is Team Ash and Team Denise!"Rhonda announced. "Who will end up facing against Team Amy?"
Ash and Denise were now facing against as Staraptor and Noctowl both headed to get the ring.
"Staraptor get the ring!"Ash ordered.
"Use Aerial Ace to stop Staraptor, Noctowl!"Denise ordered.
Noctowl hits Staraptor with Aerial Ace.
"Quick, Staraptor use Close Combat!"Ash ordered.
Staraptor hits Noctowl with Close Combat.
"Noctowl use Reflect to protect yourself!"Denise ordered.
Noctowl activated Reflect to block Staraptor from hitting him more.
"Staraptor use Quick Attack to get the ring!"Ash ordered.
Staraptor headed towards the ring using Quick Attack.
"Noctowl, use Heat Wave and fly in the wind!"Denise ordered.
Noctowl hits Staraptor with Heat Wave before flying in the wind to get the ring and place it in the goal.
"Goal!"Rhonda announced. "And Team Denise moves onto the final round!"
Ash brought down his hot air balloon to comfort Staraptor, who looked down sadly.
"Hey Staraptor, don't worry about it."Ash instructed with a smile. "You did your best."
Pikachu smiled. "Pika pika."
Staraptor smiled at Ash and Pikachu.
Noctowl went up to Denise.
"Well done, Noctowl."Denise commented with a smile. "Now we got only one person to beat."
Denise glanced at Amy, who sat next to Lucas with a smug smirk on her face.
"Here we are, everyone!"Rhonda announced. "The final match of the PokeRinger Competition is Team Amy vs Team Denise!"
Amy and Denise glared at each other as they each took out the pokeball that contained their flying type inside.
"Ready? Start!"Rhonda ordered.
"Noctowl, come on out!"Denise responded.
"Swellow, time to fight!"Amy stated.
The two girls threw out their pokeballs causing Swellow and Noctowl to appear in the sky.
Swellow and Noctowl both headed down to get the ring, but the Swallow Pokemon was able to get it first.
"Head for the goal, Swellow!"Amy called out.
"Don't think this is easy!"Denise scowled and looked at Noctowl. "Noctowl use Heat Wave!"
Noctowl launched forward to use Heat Wave, but Swellow quickly went out of the way.
"Too slow!"Amy scoffed. "Swellow, Air Slash!"
Swellow slashed Noctowl with Air Slash.
"Use Aerial Ace, Noctowl!"Denise ordered.
Noctowl hits Swellow with Aerial Ace causing the Swellow Pokemom to drop the ring.
"Use Supersonic!"Denise ordered.
"Dodge it!"Amy ordered.
Noctowl sent a Supersonic at Swellow and Swellow dodged it.
"Your faster than Noctowl, Swellow!"Amy reminded. "Now use Quick Attack to get that ring!"
Swellow in quick speed to go after the ring.
"Stop Swellow with Reflect, Noctowl!"Denise ordered.
Noctowl headed down and used Reflect to prevent Swellow from taking the ring.
"And Noctowl blocks Swellow from taking the ring to victory!"Rhonda announced.
"This doesn't prove anything!"Amy retorted. "Swellow use Brave Bird!"
"Counter it with Heat Wave!"Denise ordered.
Swellow and Noctowl counter each other with Brave Bird and Heat Wave causing both of them to be thrown back.
"We're not giving up!"Denise vowed. "Noctowl use Aerial Ace!"
"Swellow use Double Team!"Amy ordered.
Swellow made clones of himself to surround Noctowl and prevent him from attacking.
"Ignore the clones and get that ring!"Denise ordered.
"Go after Noctowl at full speed!"Amy ordered.
"Oh, look at that!"Rhonda insisted. "Both Teams are eager to win and is making their battle more fierce!"
"That is Amy and Denise for you."Lucas said in disproval.
Dawn let out a nervous chuckle.
Noctowl grabbed the ring before flying up.
"Swellow use Air Slash on Noctowl!"Amy ordered.
"Use Reflect to counter it!"Denise ordered.
Noctowl activated Reflect to block Swellow's wing from hitting him.
"Is that all you got, Neecy?"Amy mocked.
"Not at all!"Denise snapped. "Noctowl fly on the wind to head to the sky!"
Noctowl quickly flew up in air as he held the ring on his beak.
"Why is Denise not telling Noctowl to head to the goal?"Ash asked.
"Denise probably has a plan something up her sleeve."Brock commented.
Noctowl flew up high and stood in front of the sun.
"Use Brave Bird to get that ring!"Amy ordered.
Swellow activated Brave Bird and flew towards Noctowl.
"Do it, Noctowl!"Denise ordered.
Noctowl started spinning quickly as he surrounded himself in fiery orange waves.
"Look at that."Dawn whispered.
"Torchic..."Torchic said quietly.
"And both flying type pokemon are coming in hot!"Rhonda announced.
Swellow and Noctowl quickly slammed against each other causing a small explosion in the sky.
When the smoke cleared, it showed neither Swellow and Noctowl weren't damaged after hitting against each other.
However Swellow suddenly winced as he felt burned, which shocked Amy and Denise smiled smugly.
"Oh my!"Rhonda stated. "It looks like Swellow is burned after countering Noctowl's remarkable Heat Wave!"
"Go for it, Noctowl!"Denise encouraged with a smile.
Amy gritted her teeth at Denise's encouragement.
Noctowl nodded before flying to the goal and placed the ring on it, winning the final round for Denise.
"Goal!"Rhonda announced. "And the winner of this competition is Team Denise!"
The crowd cheered loudly at Denise and Noctowl.
"Yay!"Denise chuckled in joy. "We did it, Noctowl!"
"Noctowl."Noctowl hooted.
Noctowl flew over to Denise, who happily hugged him.
Swellow headed to his trainer's balloon and Amy sprayed him using a Burn Heal.
"You did a great job, Swellow."Amy assured with a gentle tone and glared at Denise. "Smile while you can."
"Alright!"Ash cheered. "Dennie did it!"
"Pika pika!"Pikachu remarked.
"Piplup!"Piplup chirped.
"Torchic torchic!"Torchic tweeted.
Dawn let out a relieved sigh.
"Man, Denise's fight against Amy was really making me nervous a few minutes ago."Dawn admitted with a small smile.
"It was intense, but you got to admit it was a great battle."Brock suggested.
"Your right about that, Brock."Lucas agreed with a nod.
Afterward...
"As you can see, the winner of the PokéRinger, Team Denise has just been handed an honorary citizen certificate from Squallville's mayor!"Rhonda announced. "And to left as Denise as promised, a large supply of special pokemon food!"
Denise poses for a picture with Torchic and Noctowl while holding the certificate she received.
"Great job, Denise!"Lucas called out.
Denise blushed a little as Amy simply frowned and rolled her eyes.
Dawn looked at the big prize of Pokemon food.
"Wow!"Dawn remarked. "Large supply's an understatement!"
"Then let's get the gang to dig in."Denise suggested.
"Okay!"Dawn remarked and took out her pokeballs. "Come on out, everybody!"
Dawn sends out Buneary, Pachirisu, Ambipom and Mamoswine to feast.
However Mamoswine quickly devoured all the pokemon food, leaving Dawn's other pokemon to get angry.
"When are you going to realize that others are hungry?!"Dawn argued.
Ash, Brock and Denise sweat dropped and smiled awkwardly.
Later that Evening...
Paul was heading out of the area as Ash walked forward with Staraptor next to him.
"Hey, Paul!"Ash called out. "What do you think? Don't you think that it's great? The Starly you didn't care for evolved into a Staravia and then into a powerful Staraptor!"
"Staraptor."Staraptor said.
"It sure took you long enough."Paul retorted with a glare.
Paul walked away as Ash glared at him.
"Long enough?!"Ash repeated angrily. "Hold on a minute, Paul! Paul!"
Ash gritted his teeth when he realised he was ignored as Lucas looked at Dawn.
"Geez, is that guy always like that?"Lucas asked.
"You have no idea."Dawn scoffed.
"That's Paul for you."Brock replied with a smile.
Denise quietly watched Paul walk out of sight before noticing Amy walking passed her and her companions.
"Hey, Amy."Denise greeted as she walked a few steps forward. "Thanks for the battle. It was a lot of fun."
"I may have lost the PokéRinger Competition, but I'll make sure to win in the up coming contests."Amy stated simply and took out her hand. "So I'll see you then."
Denise smiled a little and shook hands with Amy causing Torchic to smile at the sight.
Suddenly Amy brought Denise forward and leaned a few inches close to her.
"And for Lucas' sake, I'll keep your photo booth incident a secret."Amy assured in amusement.
Denise became shocked as her face turned bright red.
"HUH?!"Denise cried out in shock.
Amy giggled and smiled at Ash.
"Bye, Ash."Amy remarked with a wink. "Looking forward to see how strong your Chimchar turns out to be."
"Okay Amy, take care."Ash responded with a nod.
"Aw, your a real sweetheart."Amy teased and looked at Denise. "Bye, Neecy! Can't wait to crush you in the next contest!"
Amy ran off laughing as Denise glared at her.
"Shut up, you brat!"Denise snapped in rage. "And stop calling me, Neecy! I am not in kindergarten anymore!"
Ash, Dawn and Brock smiled sheepishly as Lucas sighed and face palmed while Monferno snickered.
Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter:)
Denise's Team
Torterra (Male): Solar Beam, Heavy Slam, Seed Bomb and Earthquake
Vaporeon (Female): Water Gun, Shadow Ball, Hydro Pump and Aurora Beam
Luxio (Male): Spark, Night Slash, Wild Charge and Ice Fang
Kirlia (Female): Psychic, Ice Punch, Magical Leaf and Confusion
Noctowl (Male): Heat Wave, Reflect, Aerial Ace and Supersonic
Torchic (Male): Ember, Peck, Hidden Power and Fire Spin
With Professor Rowan
Drifblim (Female): Ominous Wind, Thunderbolt, Will-O-Wisp and Astonish