After the gang reached Red Rock Isle, they still had almost three weeks until the start of the Whirl Cup, so they went on to train their Water Pokémon, and few others here and there so they won't slack of.
Surprisingly, even Brock decided to train, as there was nothing else for him to do, and even though he is not that much onto battling, some of his Pokémon can be useful for his gym, and his siblings, who all like them.
When the training started, they started with strength and stamina trainings, as they are sometimes more important than learning new moves, so for the first week, none of the trainers taught their Pokémon any new moves, and they were only swimming in the ocean, running on the land (at least those who could run), and were occasionally sparing with each other to end the day.
On the second week, they started with real one-on-one battle, and sometimes even double battles.
It is during that second week that Serena's Magikarp and Misty's Seel evolved into Gyarados and Dewgong during one of their sparing matches. After that Misty focused on her Poliwhirl and Corsola as she planned to evolve Poliwhirl into Politoed with Kings Rock, and Corsola didn't have any training as she is new. In the end, she did evolve Poliwhirl into Politoed three days before the Whirl Cup started.
Besides Magikarp evolving into Gyarados, Serena's Marill evolved into Azumarill four days before the Whirl Cup after a battle against her own Croconaw.
Leaf has decided to use Shelder, Goldeen and Totodile, in the Whirl Cup, so she trained the three of them. It was on the first days of the third week when she was on the coast training, that her Shelder spotted a Slowpoke coming out of the sea, and like possessed, he jumped at him and bit him on the tail, which caused Slowpoke to evolve into Slowbro, and Leaf ended up having to battle Slowbro to catch him, or she would have lost Shelder. She used Totodile, and she ended up evolving to defeat Slowbro.
All in all, it was good three weeks for Leaf, as she got two new Pokémon, and her Goldeen, even though he didn't evolve, he did become much stronger.
Brock trained most of his Pokémon who didn't evolve but were close to, or were strong enough to evolve but need some evolutionary stone or item. At the end of three weeks training, he used two Moon Stone's on his Nidorina and Nidorino, and they evolved into Nidoqueen and Nidoking. He also used Protector on Rhydon, Magmarizer on Magmar, and Fire Stone on Growlithe, and they also evolved.
As for Ash, none of his Pokémon have evolved during those three weeks, and he is entering the Whirl Cup with Feraligatr, Lapras and Giant Gyarados.
Though, Giant Gyarados did give him a lot of trouble during training, because he kept having mood swings, and at one point he listens to Ash, and at another point, he attacks him and his other Pokémon. So, Ash had to have him be beaten few times by his more powerful Pokémon, until Giant Gyarados realized he was not even close to being the most powerful. He also realized that Ash is a great trainer, and that he will become much more powerful with him, and on top of that, Ash is not like those Team Rocket people who caused one of his former friends to evolve, and then lose his mind. After that, Gyarados started to listen to Ash all the time, and didn't give him more trouble.
XXX
A day before the start of the Whirl Cup, the gang went to the Pokémon Center in which they were staying all this time, and all except Brock registered to the Whirl Cup Tournament.
"Ok, you are all registered for the tournament," Nurse Joy said, and gave Ash a map of the grounds. "Ash and Leaf will be having their preliminary battles on Stadium A, while Serena and Misty will be on Stadium B."
"Thanks' Nurse Joy," said Ash, and she just nodded.
"Also," Nurse Joy continued while looking at her computer. "Each of you will have to win two matches in the preliminaries to advance to the main tournament, as only 64 trainers will be passing the preliminary round."
The gang thanked her, and then they left the Pokémon Center to look around the town a little, as they didn't have a chance in the last three weeks because of all the training they did.
After some walk, they set down to eat some ice cream, and then some kid approached them. "Excuse me, but can one of you please battle me and my Remoraid?" He asked, and the gang looked at him surprised by his request.
"Why such a desire to battle right now," Ash asked? "And who are you anyway?"
"My name is Marcellus, and I'm entering the Whirl Cup tomorrow, but as you might know that bigger part of the ring is a land, and my Remoraid will be in big disadvantage," he explained. "I want to evolve him into an Octillery, which will allow him to battle on land and in water."
The gang agreed that he is right about being at a disadvantage, and Misty decided to help him, so they went to one of the fields where the preliminaries will be held. Misty sent out her Corsola to battle.
Marcellus started the battle with Water Gun, but Corsola used Mirror Coat, which made her glow, and Water Gun bounced from her, and went back and hit Remoraid.
Misty then told her Corsola to use tackle, but Remoraid dived in the water, and dodged the attack.
Remoraid then came out of the water, riding on the wave, and fired Water Gun, which Corsola countered with her own Water Gun. The two attacks canceled each other, and then Corsola used Spike Cannon, which hit Remoraid head on. Remoraid fell on the platform, but was not defeated yet.
As Remoraid was trying to get up and continue to battle, and Marcellus was supporting him and cheering him on, Remoraid started to glow, and evolved into Octillery.
Marcellus was happy because his Pokémon evolved, and then decided to end the match, as he achieved what he wanted.
"That was a great battle, Misty," Marcellus said. "Thank you for helping my Pokémon evolve."
"You are welcome, Marcellus," Misty said, and then Marcellus said he will see them tomorrow in the tournament, and then run off, while the gang went on their own business.
XXX
The next day the tournament started, and Ash was the first of the gang who had a battle. He went with Feraligatr against an unknown male trainer's Seel, and defeated him easily with Hydro Pump.
Leaf was next right after Ash, and she used Croconaw to defeat Cloyster.
At around the same time as Leaf had her battle on Stadium A, on Stadium B, Serena had a battle, and has used her Azumarill to defeat Poliwrath.
Right after that, Misty and Politoed defeated a trainer with a Magikarp.
Not long after the first round, the second round started and on Stadium A, Ash's Lapras defeated Shellder, and after that Leaf's Slowbro defeated Lanturn.
On Stadium B, Serena used Serena use Croconaw, and won against Dewgong, and last, Misty and her Corsola defeated Seaking.
After the matches were over, the Ash and Leaf went back to the Pokemon Center, and reunited with Misty, Serena and Brock, who were already there.
"How did it go," Misty asked? "Did the two of you pass?"
"Of course we did," Ash said. "What did you expect?"
"I knew you two would pass," Misty said. "I just thought to ask as it is usually done in these situations."
After that, they saw Marcellus again, and he said he lost his match, and then he ended up taking the gang to his house, where he showed them the aquariums filled with Remoraid, and then showed them that the Octillery from yesterday is being shunned by the other Remoraid. Brock theorized that the Remoraid might not recognize him, which proved to be right.
Later, while the gang was having dinner with Marcellus, some poachers broke into Marcellus' house and stole all the Remoraid, and the gang ended up chasing them to the docks, where Marcellus' Octillery was a hero and saved his Remoraid friends, who then all evolved, and now they are all friends again.
The next day, Ash and his friends along with all the other trainers who have entered into the Whirl Cup, were standing on the hill above the main stadium, and were watching as the sea withdraw, and revealed the platforms on which the tournament battles will be held.
Misty stared at the Stadium in amazement, and couldn't wait to start her match.
XXX
It's the next day now, and all the competitors are in small gondolas watching the opening ceremony.
The announcer has congratulated all those who have made it through the preliminary rounds and into the main tournament. He then explained how the Whirl Islands have been a home to many water Pokémon since ancient times, and presented, Maya the Sea Priestess, who is responsible for keeping the culture and tradition of the Whirl Cup, alive.
Once the gang saw Maya, Misty, Serena and Leaf commented how beautiful she is. Even Brock got a blush on his face, and looked like he wanted to go back to his old ways, and go and tell her how gorgeous she is.
And Ash, even though he was calm and didn't say anything, had to admit to himself that she really is beautiful, but he had a bunch of girlfriends who are almost as beautiful, and he was happy with that.
Maya gave her speech, and called a Sea Spirit Union, by pointing her Great Sea Spirit Sapphire, (which is said to allow the one who use it to communicate with water Pokémon), at the sky, and the jewel let out rays of light all over the Stadium, and everyone marveled at the beautiful sight.
After the rays of light were gone, and after Misty commented how Maya brought together the power of water Pokémon, Maya announced the start of the Whirl Cup.
The announcer then said that the one who wins the tournament and becomes a water Pokémon Alpha Omega, will get a Mystic Water Pendent.
"What's Mystic Water?" Serena asked, after the gang, along with everyone else left the stadium and were waiting for the first matches to start.
"It's a very special item that can increase the power of Water Pokémon attacks." Misty said, and Serena nodded.
"That could be useful." Serena said, and everyone agreed.
After that, they all waited for the battles to start, and then to get their turn.
Sometime after the tournament started and the first five matches were over, the announcer called for the sixth match, which is Ash's match against a trainer called Christopher.
From the stands, Ash's friends were cheering for him.
"This will be easy for Ash," Leaf commented.
"Maybe, maybe not," Brock said. "I know Ash is good, but he has no type preferences, and many of the trainers here only use water types, which might give them a slight advantage."
"Nah, Ash will win easily," Leaf said again. "I don't see many trainers here being able to put much of a fight against someone who almost became a regional champion, no matter which type of Pokémon it is used."
"Lets' just watch and see." Serena said, and everyone watched the match start.
The referee said that both trainers are only allowed to use one Pokémon in this match, after which, Ash chose Lapras, and the other trainer, who had a Lure Ball attached to a fishing rod, which he then swinged and released his Kingdra.
"BEGIN!" The referee started the match.
"Kingdra, use Hydro Pump!" Christopher called his first attack, and his Pokémon fired a powerful jet of water from its mouth, which hit Lapras head on, and Christopher thought he had this battle in the bag, but then he looked at Lapras, and she was all right, and didn't even move an inch.
"What is this, Lapras hasn't even moved after being hit by the powerful Hydro Pump," the announcer commented, in wonder. "That must be one powerful Lapras."
"My Lapras has a Water Absorb ability, and that makes all water type attacks useless against her." Ash said.
"Ok, well then let's see how you counter this," Christopher said, and called his next attack. "Kingdra, use Dragon Pulse!"
Kingdra created turquoise ball of energy in front of its mouth, and then fired it at Lapras, who countered it with Ice Beam, as Ash told her.
Two attacks collided, and after about two seconds, Ice Beam broke through Dragon Pulse, and struck Kingdra, and dealt it massive damage, as Kingdra is week against Ice type attacks.
"Come on, Kingdra, get up!" Christopher called to his Pokémon, who was floating on the water, with some body parts frozen from Lapras's Ice Beam attack.
"Lapras, finish this off with Hyper Beam!" Ash said, and Christopher's eyes widened, as he knew what was to happen, but he couldn't do anything, as his Pokémon was barely holding itself from passing out.
Lapras opened her mouth, and fired a yellow beam at Kingdra, who was hit, and then sunk under water. Few moments later, Kingdra floated back up and was seen to have passed out.
"Kingdra is unable to battle, the winner of the sixth match is Ash and his Lapras!" The referee said, and the crowd cheered for Ash, while the announcer commented how well Ash fought, and how powerful Lapras is.
"See, I told you so." Leaf said with a smirk, and Brock sighed.
"Yeah, Leaf, you did tell us," Brock said. "It obvious that besides the three of you, there is hardly anyone who can put any kind of fight against Ash."
"Well, you are probably right about that, as we did spend a lot of time with Ash, and have been training with him," Serena said. "I'm sure none of us would be as good as we are if it wasn't for him and his training."
"So, who is next," Leaf asked?
"My match is a number 9, so there are two more before me," Leaf said. "But it will be tomorrow, not today."
After that, there were two more matches between unknown trainers, and then the battles for the day were over.
The next day, in the first battle that day, and the ninth overall, Misty went against the trainer called Harrison who was using Qwilfish, and Misty used Corsola.
Misty had little trouble dealing with this Pokémon, as even though she has only caught Corsola few weeks ago, she had the same amount of training as if Misty had her for months, so with two attacks, Corsola won her battle, and Misty went to the next round.
Another two battles later, and it's finally Serena's turn to battle in round 12.
Right now, she is standing on her spot on the field, and across from her is some guy around Brock's age, and with a smirk on his face, as he was looking at Serena.
"This will be easy," he commented, and Serena frowned.
"He shouldn't have said that," Ash said, with his own smirk, and his friends who were watching the match along with him, agreed.
The announcer announced that match between Serena, and Kevin, and the referee started the match, after Serena chose Horsea, and Kevin chose Chinchou.
"BEGIN!"
"Chinchou, use Thunder Wave!" Kevin said.
"Horsea, use Protect!" Serena countered, and as soon as Chinchou released a thin stream of electricity from its antennae orbs at Horsea, Horsea created a green barrier in front of herself, and it stopped Chinchou's attack.
"What the hell?" Kevin said, in wonder.
"You didn't really think I wouldn't teach my Pokémon how to deal with their weakness, did you?" Serena asked, and Kevin glared.
"That was a good move from Serena," the announcer said, and the crowd cheered. "With Protect, none of Chinchou's Electric attacks could get to Horsea, and right now, Serena might have the advantage, even though few moments ago, she was at a disadvantage.
"He's wrong, this is not over yet." Ash said, and his friends looked at him, but he said nothing.
"Horsea, use Leer!" Serena said, and Horsea glared at her opponent, which made it flinch and lost its defense, which Serena used as an opportunity, and Horsea launched a powerful Scald attack, which hit Chinchou, and threw it backwards across the water, and when it stopped, it had some burns from being hit by boiling water.
"Come on, Chinchou, get up and fight," Kevin said. "I know you can still continue!"
Chinchou did get up, and stood on one of the platforms, ready to continue. "Great, now use Thunder Wave again, but fire it at the water!" Kevin said.
Chinchou did as it was told, and once the Thunder Wave hit the water, Horsea was struck by the attack as Protect wouldn't work in this situation, and was dealt quite a bit of damage, and was paralyzed on top of it.
"See, that's what I meant," Ash said to his friends. "Protect works against head on attacks, but since Horsea is in the water, electric attack on the pool will hit it, no matter what, as his Protect is not an orb that will surround him and protect him from all sides, but a wall that only protects from the front."
They nodded, and continued to watch and see what Serena will do.
"Can you continue, Horsea?" Serena asked her Pokémon, worried about him.
Horsea tried to move and get straight from simply floating on the water, but since he was paralyzed, it couldn't do it.
"Let's finish this, Chinchou," said Kevin, and told to his Pokémon to use Wild Charge.
Chinchou became surrounded with yellow electricity, and swam at Horsea, trying to tackle him and finish him off.
"Horsea, try to use Protect, again!" Serena yelled, hoping that Horsea will be able to pull it off even though he is paralyzed.
Horsea struggled, and just before he was to be hit, he created another green barrier in front of himself, which stopped Chinchou, who slammed into it.
"Good job, Horsea," said Serena, as she could see that the effect of Thunder Wave was wearing off, and Horsea can move slightly.
"God damn it with that move," Kevin yelled. "Chinchou, use Thunder Wave on the pool again."
As Chinchou was about to use his attack, Horsea suddenly started to glow, and grew in size. Once the glow was over, it was revealed that Horsea has evolved into Seadra.
"Can you believe this, people," the announcer yelled? "Horsea has just evolved in the middle of this tough battle, and it's the first evolution in the middle of the battle in this year's Whirl Cup!"
The crowd cheered even more, as they loved to see Pokémon giving it their all, and then evolve in the middle of the match.
"This doesn't change anything," Kevin said, and his Chinchou prepared to use Thunder Wave, but Serena reacted quickly, and told Seadra to use Agility, and tackle her opponent.
Seadra swerved back and forth through the water at great speed, and before Chinchou could use Thunder Wave, it was hit by Seadra, which sent it flying and hit the wall surrounding the field, and then it fell in the water.
"Finish it off with Dragon Pulse!" Serena called the new move her Pokemon learned after he evolved.
Seadra blew a turquoise ball at her half-conscious opponent, which hit it, and Chinchou passed out, after which, Serena was declared the winner of match number 12.
Serena thanked her Seadra for a well fought match, and returned him, after which she left the field, so the next match can start.
Another two match later, and it was Leaf turn to battle in the first round of the Whirl Cup.
She used her Croconaw against another Croconaw, and made short work of it, as her own Croconaw was much better trained, and was much stronger.
Now, with Ash, Misty, Serena and Leaf all advancing to the next round, all they had to do was watch the rest of the matches in the top 64, and wait for the first round to be over, so they can find out their next opponents.
XXX
After the first round was over, the next day the second round started, and just like after the first round, Ash, Serena, Misty and Leaf have also passed this round as well, and entered top 16.
When the draw for the top 16 came out, the four trainers saw that once again, they have avoided each other, as each of the four of them will be battling four different unknown trainers, and if they all win, they will go into the quarterfinals.
The gang did manage to win their battles, and entered into the quarter finals. And, once again, none of the four had to fight each other.
"I can't believe our luck," Misty commented. "We are all in the quarterfinals without fighting one another, and if we all win our next matches, all four of us will be in the semifinal."
"Well, you will have to defeat me in tomorrow match to get to the semifinal, and it won't be easy," the voice was heard, and Misty along with the others looked at where it's coming from, and was a very beautiful girl, around Brock's age.
"Hey, I remember you," Brock said. "I saw you win your battle today, you are really good."
"Thank you," the girl said to Brock, and then looked at Misty. "My name is Trinity, and wanted to say Hi, and to tell you, that you will be facing me in a quarterfinal match tomorrow."
"Well, it's nice to meet you, Trinity," Misty said. "And I hope we have a nice match tomorrow."
"I hope so as well," Trinity said. "Though, I have watched your matches, and I could see that you are great trainer, but don't think that you will defeat me easily."
The two had a handshake, and then Trinity walked away, while the others stayed back.
"What do you think, Brock, how good is she?" Misty asked Brock, after Trinity walked away.
"Well, she is definitely better than most of the trainers here," Brock said. "But if you ask me if she can defeat you, then my answer would be I don't know. It could come to what Pokémon you chose."
"I see," Misty said. "Well, then I better not hold back, as I don't want to be surprised and defeated."
The next day, Misty and Trinity walked out in the stadium, and stood at their spots, while the announcer said few words, and then the referee said the rules, and that each trainer will only use two Pokémon.
Then Misty and Trinity chose their first Pokémon for their quarter final match, with Misty choosing Carracosta, and Trinity chose Gyarados.
The crowd, the referee, the announcer, and even Maya were surprised to see Carracosta, as they either didn't expect to see that Pokémon, or just didn't know about it.
Soon after, the referee started the match, and everyone stopped thinking about Carracosta and paid close attention to the match.
"BEGIN!"
"Gyarados, start this off with Hydro Pump!" Trinity called her first move.
"Carracosta, counter it with your Hydro Pump!" Misty said.
Both Pokémon then blew big beams of water from their mouths at one another, and the two attacks collided with each other.
After few seconds of pushing at one another, both attacks exploded, and the water showered the entire field, though Misty and Trinity remained dry.
"Hyper Beam, Gyarados!" Trinity said again.
"Protect, Carracosta!" Misty countered.
Gyarados then roared a big beam of yellow energy at Carracosta, who created a barrier all around himself, and once Hyper Beam hit the barrier, it just dispersed all around it, and Carracosta remained undamaged.
"Should have known you knew that move," Trinity commented, and Misty smiled.
"Carracosta, use Ancient Power!"
Carracosta's body glowed white and he created a see-through afterimage of himself. The afterimage then spins quickly and formed in his flipper as a silver ball with a green core. Carracosta then hurled the ball at Gyarados.
"Gyarados, Hydro Pump at the ball!" Trinity said, and Gyarados blew his attack, which collided with the ball created by Carracosta, and stopped it from reaching it.
Once the two attacks negated itself, Misty reacted, right away. "Carracosta, use Focus Blast!"
Carracosta reacted quickly, and formed an orb of yellow energy in front of one of his hands and throws it at Gyarados, who was hit by it, and got some damage, though not much.
"Gyarados, use Iron Tail!" Trinity said, and Gyarados's tail glowed white, and then hardened, and Gyarados swinged it at Carracosta, who dodged it by jumping into the water.
"Now, use Ice Punch!" Misty said, and Carracosta jumped out of the water, with his right-hand glowing white, and smoking from the cold air, and he then punched Gyarados right in the head, making Gyarados fell down.
"NO, Gyarados!" Trinity yelled as she saw her Pokémon fall down.
"Now, use Ice Beam!" Misty said, and Carracosta create a ball of cold air in front of his mouth, and then fired a beam at the downed Gyarados, who was hit by it, and got half frozen. Gyarados sank into the pool, from where it didn't get out after the few moments the referee waited, so he declared the round.
"Gyarados is unable to battle, the first round goes to Carracosta!" The referee said, and the crowd cheered for Misty, and some for Trinity, as they liked the match, and wanted more.
"And there you have it, people, Misty wins the first round, will Trinity be able to come back now that she has only one Pokémon left, while Misty still has both, and her Carracosta didn't get any damage at all from Trinity's Gyarados?"
Trinity returned her Gyarados, and took another Poke Ball. "You did great, Misty, but let's see what you do against my next Pokémon!" Trinity said, and released her second Pokémon, Golduck.
"And Trinity's second Pokémon is Golduck," the announcer said. "Will Misty stay with Carracosta, or will she choose another Pokémon?"
Misty thought about that, and decided to use another Pokémon, as Golduck's Psychic type moves might prove to be tough for Carracosta, and she also wants to use as much of her Water Pokemon in this tournament as she can.
"Carracosta, return," Misty said, and then released her second Pokémon. "You are up, Slowbro!"
"So, Misty sends switches her Carracosta for Slowbro," the announcer said. "Good move, I'd say, as Golduck can use a variety of Psychic type moves, and Slowbro is part Psychic, so is a good match!"
Then, the referee started the match. "BEGIN!"
"Golduck, use Water Gun!" Trinity said.
"Slowbro, use Confusion!" Misty said.
As soon as Golduck fired a Water Gun from its mouth, Slowbro's eyes glowed blue and he pointed at the incoming Water Gun attack, and the attack got surrounded by the light blue aura, and halted. Then, Water Gun turned around, and went after Golduck.
"Use Mirror Coat, Golduck." Trinity said quickly, and Golduck's body became surrounded in a glowing reflective substance, and when Water Gun hit him, and bounced back toward Slowbro, with twice the power from before.
Slowbro dodged, as Misty told him to. "Now use Psyshock!" Slowbro then he created a stream of purple energy in between his hands and he then fired a purple beam of energy from his hands towards Golduck, who was hit by the attack, and received quite a bit of damage from the psychic attack.
"NO, Golduck, get up," Trinity said. "Don't give up, you can do it!"
Golduck stood up after a few moments, but it was shaken, and in pain.
"Great, now use Furry Swipes!" Trinity said.
Golduck started to repeatedly slash Slowbro with its claws, and Slowbro got a few cuts and slashes from the attack as he wasn't able to escape all of them.
"Are you OK, Slowbro," Misty asked, and Slowbro nodded after a few seconds, and was ready to continue, even with the slashes on his body. "Use Ice Beam!" Misty said.
Slowbro then fired an Ice Beam from the ball he created in front of his mouth, but Golduck dodged it.
But that's when Misty went with her plan, and told Slowbro to use Yawn.
Slowbro jumped closer to Golduck, opened his mouth and released a blue bubble at Golduck. The bubble then popped in Golduck's face, and its body glowed yellow-green, and Golduck fell asleep.
"Oh, no, Golduck, wake up, please!" Trinity yelled, but it was pointless, as Golduck was comatose.
"Use Dream Eater, Slowbro!" Misty said.
Slowbro's hand glowed red, and then Golduck also glowed red, and a stream of red energy connected the two. Then, Slowbro started absorbing energy from Golduck. It didn't take him long to drain his opponent nearly dry.
"Now finish it off with Psyshock!" Misty called her final attack.
Slowbro fired another Psyshock attack, and once it hit Golduck, it threw it from a platform on the pool, and into the water, where it passed out.
"Golduck is unable to battle," the referee said! "The winners are Misty and her Slowbro!"
"This is it, people, Misty has defeated Trinity, and is the first semifinalist of this year's Whirl Cup Tournament!" The announcer said, and the crowd cheered for Misty, who returned her Slowbro, after she thanked him for the good battle.
Misty and Trinity then thanked one another for a good battle, and Trinity congratulated Misty on her win, and advancement to the semifinal, and wished her luck from now on.
Misty then went to the bleachers, while, Leaf, after she was wished good luck by her friends, left the bleachers and went down on the field to have her quarterfinal battle.
"Nice battle, Misty," Brock said to Misty, after she came to the seats where the others are, and they congratulated her.
"Thanks Brock," Misty said. "Trinity and her Pokémon were good, and I will admit that I would have probably lost that match if I haven't trained with Ash all this time."
Misty then looked at Ash, and kissed him on the lips. "So, thank you for that, Ash."
Ash looked at Misty, a little surprised, Brock and Serena were also a little surprised. "I can't remember when was the last time you have decided to kiss me first." Ash said.
"Well, I can't have you kissing me first all the time," Misty said with a smirk. "I have to do it sometime, don't I?"
"You sure do." Ash said, and then they all looked at Leaf's match that was about to start.
Leaf's match was very quick, as she used her Slowbro and Croconaw to wipe the floor with her opponent's Seaking and Dewgong, so she also went to the semifinal.
Ash's match was also over quickly, as his Feraligatr and Lapras were just too much for his opponent's Lanturn and Milotic.
Serena on the other hand, had a lot of trouble to defeat her opponent, as she had to deal with a good trainer and his very strong Feraligatr. Her Psyduck managed to defeat Poliwrath, but then easily lost to Feraligatr, and if it wasn't for Gyarados giving it his all to defeat Feraligatr, she would have been the only one from the gang to not get to the semifinal. But in the end, she did win, and in the semifinal match the next day, will have to go against Misty, while Ash and Leaf will face in the second semifinal.
XXX
The second to last day of the Whirl Cup came quickly, and Misty and Serena are already on the field ready to face each other in the first semifinal match.
Ash, Brock, and Leaf are all on their sets, and are watching the match that's about to start, while the crowd was cheering, some for Misty some for Serena.
After the referee said the rules, and that both trainers can use two Pokémon in the semifinal, Misty sent her Quagsire, while Serena sent out her Psyduck.
And then, the referee started the match. "BEGIN!"
Both Serena and Misty started off with telling their Pokémon to use Water Gun, which then led to both using Hydro Pump, after Water Gun's canceled each other out.
Quagsire's Hydro Pump on the other hand managed to overpower Psyduck's, as he was just a bit more powerful then Psyduck, so when Hydro Pump hit Psyduck, he flew backwards, and slammed into the water.
Even though he took some damage, Psyduck got out of the water, and back on the land part of the field, and used Confusion on Quagsire, and then repeatedly slammed him on the field, and then sent him flying on the wall surrounding the stadium, where Quagsire hit, and then fell into the water.
Misty then told Quagsire to get up, which he did, and then he used Aqua Tail and hit Psyduck, but he was not defeated, and countered with Fury Swipes, and scratched Quagsire all over the face, causing him a lot of pain.
Few moments later, Quagsire got over the pain, and used Mud Shot, where he fired a bunch of mud balls from his mouth at Psyduck, who used Protect, which saved him, and then countered with Psybeam, which Quagsire countered with Protect.
At this point, both Pokémon were close to their end, as even though none of them took too much damage, they are both tired from using so many attacks.
Misty and Serena saw this, and decided to go all out in one attack, and see what will happen.
Both trainers told their Pokémon to use Ice Beam at full power, and they did.
When the two attacks collided, they pushed at one another for a few seconds, before both attacks exploded, and froze a big part of the field, but also sent both Pokémon flying backwards from the shockwave, and they both ended up colliding with the wall, while both had some ice on their body from when two attacks exploded.
Both Pokémon fell into the water, and when they floated back out few moments later, they were both unconscious.
The referee declared the both Pokémon unable to battle, and the first round was a tie, which leaves both Misty and Serena with one Pokémon each.
Both Misty and Serena returned their unconscious Pokémon, and then sent out their second Pokémon.
Misty sent out Carracosta, while Serena sent out Gyarados, and by doing this, they reminded everyone of the battle between Misty and Trinity.
The battle started with Carracosta using Ancient Power, and Gyarados countering it with Hydro Pump.
When both attacks canceled each other out, without doing any damage to the opponent, Carracosta used Aqua Jet, and flew at Gyarados who was hit by the attack, and fell backwards, getting some damage, but was able to get up, and fire Hyper Beam, but Carracosta protected himself with Protect.
Then, Serena went and told Gyarados to use Iron Tail, but Carracosta countered it with Iron Defense, so he received no damage.
Misty then told Carracosta to use Smack Down, and Carracosta fired a metallic-gold orb of energy that is surrounded in orange energy, at Gyarados, who used Dragon Pulse to counter it, and then explosion from two attacks colliding threw both Pokémon backwards, but they both managed to get up.
Gyarados then used Hyper Beam, and Carracosta also used Hyper Beam, and to everyone's surprise, his Hyper Beam pushed back Gyarados's, and then hit Gyarados, who then fell back.
Misty then told Carracosta to finish it off with another Smack Down, and when the ball hit Gyarados who was trying to get up, it exploded, and Gyarados fell into the water, from which he floated back out, but was unconscious.
"Gyarados is unable to battle, the winner of the first semifinal match is Misty!" The referee said, and the crowd cheered for Misty, while Serena sighed at their loss, and returned her Gyarados.
"You were great Gyarados, now take a nice long rest," she told her Pokémon, and then congratulated Misty, and wished her luck in the final match, and Misty thanked her.
Both of them then went back to the bleachers, while Ash and Leaf left the bleachers, and went down for their match.
"Good match you two," Ash said to Misty and Serena, when he and Leaf met them half way between the field and the seats.
"Thanks Ash," Serena said.
"Yeah, we tried our best, as we didn't want to disappoint everyone who was watching." Misty said.
Ash and Leaf nodded, and then they went to the field, while Misty and Serena went and took Ash's and Leaf's seats next to Brock.
Once they got to the field, the announcer announced the match, which then the referee took over, and again stated the rules, and then Ash and Leaf sent out their first Pokémon.
Ash sent out Feraligatr, while Leaf sent out Goldeen.
And then, the referee started the match.
"Goldeen, use Hydro Pump!" Leaf started the match.
"Feraligatr, counter it with your Hydro Pump!" Ash said.
Both Pokémon then fired a powerful blast's of water from their mouths, which then collided with one another, and caused a bid splash of water to spread all over the field.
Two attacks pushed at one another for a few moments, until they both exploded, and sent all the water all over the place.
"Use Swift!" Leaf said quickly, and Goldeen fired a bunch of yellow stars from his mouth, which hit Feraligatr, and dealt him some damage, but he was still standing strong.
"Go in with Horn Drill!" Leaf said again.
Goldeen's horn spins like a drill and he went to hit Feraligatr with it.
"Feraligatr, use Brick Break!" Ash said, and Feraligatr's hand glows light blue and he hit Goldeen right in the head next to the spinning horn, and Goldeen went flying backwards into the pool of water.
"Oh, no, Goldeen!" Leaf yelled, as she saw her Goldeen sent flying with a powerful punch.
"Now use Hydro Cannon!" Ash said, and Feraligatr opened his mouth, and created a blue ball of water in front of his mouth, and then just as Goldeen resurfaced back from the pool, he fired it at him, and hit him head on.
Hydro Cannon sent Goldeen flying backwards again, and he collided with the wall surrounding the pool, and then slid back down into the pool. Few moments later, he floated out on the surface, passed out.
"Goldeen is unable to battle, the winner of the round one is Feraligatr!" The referee said.
The crowd cheered for the two trainers, while Leaf sighed, and returned her Pokémon, and thanked him for the battle.
Ash also thanked his Feraligatr for the good battle, and then they waited to see which Pokémon will Leaf chose next.
Leaf took another of her Poke Ball's, and released her second Pokémon. "Come out, Slowbro!" Leaf said.
Ash then decided to let his Feraligatr rest, and give a chance to some of the other Water Pokémon he has, so he returned Feraligatr, and released his Lapras, who even though has been with him for a while, didn't have many battle's, and deserves more of them, which is why Ash used her in so many battles in the Whirl Cup.
After that, the referee started the second round. "BEGIN!"
Leaf started by telling her Slowbro to use Ice Beam, and Slowbro created a ball of Ice in front of his mouth, from which then multiple beams shot at Lapras.
Ash decided to take a little risk, so instead of protecting Lapras, or trying to counter Ice Beam, he told Lapras to fire Hyper Beam straight at Slowbro. It was risky, but Slowbro will get bigger damage from Hyper Beam, then Lapras from Ice Beam.
Lapras immediately fired a yellow beam from her mouth, which went and hit Slowbro just a second after Lapras got hit by multiple Ice Beam's, which froze her a little, but not too much as she is part Ice Type, and is resistant to Ice Type attacks.
Slowbro on the other hand got hit head on, and flew backwards, and hit in the wall.
This of course surprised everyone who was watching the battle, as trainers don't usually let their Pokémon get hit so they can deal damage at the same time, and instead are countering attacks from the opponent.
Slowbro managed to get up, and Leaf told him to use Psychic, which he did, and lifted Lapras in the air with his Psychic powers, and threw her backwards to hit the wall like he did before, but simply wasn't strong enough to throw her so much, and instead Lapras fell on the pool of water, and didn't get any damage.
Ash then had Lapras use Dragon Pulse, and she fired a turquoise ball of energy from her mouth.
Slowbro countered it with Hydro Pump, but again wasn't strong enough to do much but stall it for a second before Dragon Pulse pushed back Hydro Pump, and broke throw it, hitting Slowbro who again flew back, and fell into the pool.
Slowbro resurfaced few moments later, and was now panting hard, as he was getting tired, and was hurt from being hit by two powerful attacks.
Leaf told him to try Brick Break, and he did, but Lapras just protected herself with Protect, so it was useless.
Ash then went for the finish, and Lapras used another Hyper Beam, which hit Slowbro, and he fell in the pool again, and once he resurfaced, he was unconscious, so Lapras was the winner of the round, and has brought Ash the win in the second semifinal match.
Ash was then declared as the winner, and was announced to face Misty tomorrow in the final of the Whirl Cup.
After that, the Colosseum was emptied, as all the fans got out of it, while Ash and Leaf reunited with Misty, Serena and Brock, and they went back to the Pokémon Center, after Misty, Serena and Brock first congratulated Ash on the win, and Leaf on the nice battle, even though she lost relatively easily.
The five of them had spent the rest of the day either talking in the Pokémon Center, or walking around the City.