"Ash calls on his Lucario, once more! Although she was forced to pivot and retreat against Salamence once before, Rosemary looks ready to hop back in! But, will it be enough to take on Garchomp, or will she wither in the heat of a dragon's intensity!?"
The audience was tense and suspenseful. Hushed bets in either direction were murmured between nearby spectators. A poor quartet of eccentric salespeople were rushing from aisle to aisle, as customers stress ate through their existing supplies. The excited fervor of outstanding maneuvers throughout the battle was quieted by anticipation of what was to come.
"That's my girl, Rosa!" Dawn shot up in her seat, along with Empoleon and Lopunny. "Mama's rooting for you! Let Deidra and Garchomp have it! Show no mercy!"
"Well, she's certainly a go-getter," Delia giggled at Dawn's fervor.
"You can say that again," Brock said flatly, shaking his head. "I have to admit, this might be Ash's best bet, now. We know what his team is for this battle, and I think Rosemary's uniquely suited."
"Really?" Delia asked. "I do have faith in my granddaughter, but what do you mean?"
"Well, Peeks is a rather-bad match-up for Garchomp. Staraptor would be a risk with Rock Tomb, Infernape would have the type disadvantage, and while Floatzel could use Rain Dance, it's doubtful Deidra would let him get away with it. Rosemary's uniquely the one who has a counter to Deidra's Sand Veil strategy without fail."
"Okay, girl…" Ash clapped his cheeks, psyching himself up. "Let's do this. I'll be listening for you, in there."
~As always, Pa!~ Rosa nodded, before taking on a serious air, sprinting into the Sandstorm.
Ash's eyes narrowed. "Here she comes."
"Rock Tomb!"
The moment that Rosa sprinted into unfriendly territory, slade slabs of rock materialized out of thin air, appearing above, around, and behind her. The first directly in her path shot at her.
She pivoted on her foremost foot, spinning her way gracefully out of its path. That slab went on to collide with the one behind her, obliterating both. Her eyes flickered blue, as she sensed danger coming from her right. She vaulted into a backflip, landing on her hands and then her feet. Before she could rest, another flanked her, forcing her to leap back and kick off its angular surface to spring just over it. She landed atop the opposite one, somersaulting onto her feet.
It was like Aaron's… Ash's training, centuries ago. Dodging logs blindfolded; feeling the faint change in wind pressure, or sensing a foreign object that threatened you harm. With time, it became instinct. It became routine.
"Fire Blast!"
Deidra's voice made her ear flick. Rosemary had little time to play guessing games, as she felt an uncomfortable heat. She looked up, eyes wide. A blazing star was falling to consume her.
~You can't deflect that!~ Ash coached from the sidelines. There was no time to plan; no time to elaborate. She dove for cover, crouching behind one of the remaining slabs of Rock Tomb. Fire Blast splashed against its peak, bathing her in sweltering heat. Her fur felt matted and sweaty.
In all of her centuries, she'd seen better days. But not a fur follicle was burnt.
"It doesn't feel like she was hit," Ash exhaled in relief. "Use Aura Sphere!"
She took advantage of her refuge, and pitched an orb of fighting spirit from around it, orbiting the many outcrops of earth across the field to explode against an unaware Garchomp's hide.
Even over the howling winds, Garchomp's angry snarl could be heard.
"We got 'er!" Ash grinned, pumping a fist.
"Rosemary seems to be surviving and holding her own, from within! Although we can't see much of the action, we're going to have to rely on Ash and Deidra's word, for now!"
~Pa! I have an idea.~ Rosemary's voice echoed in Ash's head. ~Deidra knows that Aura Sphere can track her Pokémon. It doesn't mean that she knows I know where Garchomp is.~
Ash's eyes widened. He couldn't help but wear the biggest self-satisfied smirk. "...Girl, I'm so proud of you."
~I've heard, over the ages.~
He chuckled to himself. "Alright. Stay put!"
"Impudence… To believe that you can hide from a sand shark in their own domain!" Deidra scoffed from beyond the storm. "This is their home. Their natural biome. There's no escape."
"Wanna bet?" Ash challenged.
Garchomp didn't appreciate his taunts anymore than her trainer did. How dare he believe himself above her, here of all places!? She could sniff out every anomaly in the dust. She could smell that matted fur from a mile away. She soared through the storm, hovering just over her.
The Lucario had her back pressed to Rock Tomb, scouting around the corner. Watching for her.
Garchomp grinned, and readied her posture.
"Dragon Ru—"
"Meteor Mash!"
Cyan starlight consumed Garchomp's field of vision. Before she could hear the tail end of her trainer's own order, her jaw rattled and ached, smashed shut by a steely fist. "Garhuh….!?"
How!?
Rosa dug her fist further into Garchomp's jawline, for good measure. ~A good pointer for warfare — never assume your opponent knows less than you do.~
She followed through, spinning her waist to spike Garchomp up and away, crashing into one of Rock Climb's vestiges backfirst, only to fall through it in a cry of confusion.
Rosa landed poised and confident. A flourish of crimson consumed her. It invigorated her.
Meteor Mash raised her attack power.
~ That's what I'm talking about.~
A timely success, as Sandstorm started to die out, for the second and last time. Clouds of dust drifted away and said their farewell to the Indigo Plateau Conference finals. The field was visible, for any and all to see.
"That's the end of Sand Stream! With Tyranitar out of the battle, I think it's safe to say that we'll be deprived of the action, no longer!"
Garchomp pulled herself out of the rubble that'd collapsed on top of her, hissing with rage.
"Furthermore, it seems like Rosemary has outlasted the effects of Sand Veil — even managing to hold the upper hand! Quite impressive for the Lucario's first showing!"
"My, my. Sir Rosemary was certainly the wise choice for this fight," Professor Oak mused, smiling fondly. "When sight fails, a sixth sense prevails!"
"If she weathered that storm, I like her odds," Drew remarked, smiling. "Ash may have this, yet."
"I still can't believe that Rosa is Sir Aaron's Lucario…!" May gushed, clasping her hands together and sniffling. "...Or, Ash's Lucario. I'm still trying to put that one together in my head. Either way, I'm rooting for them!" She enthusiastically waved a fist. "I'm just sour that I couldn't catch any of the action in my lens."
Professor Oak chuckled. "I'm sure there's plenty of spectacle to come."
"I may have underestimated your Lucario," Deidra admitted. "A mistake I won't make twice."
"For your sake, I hope not!" Ash challenged, confidently adjusting his cap. "Rosa! Climb High!"
Rosa charged towards the nearest pillar of earth, humbled and demolished by Draco Meteor. She leapt off of it, springing towards the next elevation, landing on a small jutted out elevation for footing, and leapt towards the next Rock Climb to her right.
"Isolate her. Rock Tomb," Deidra commanded.
Already in mid-air, the Lucario found herself surrounded by boulders again.
"Fight them back, with Bone Rush!" Ash cried, as he mimed the gesture of holding Aaron's staff.
Rosemary followed suit, spawning her weapon. She twirled around, bashing the first rock of many before pivoting in the other direction, bashing the next in half with an overhead strike. It was enough of a reprieve to cling to the pillar she'd aimed for, hugging her strong legs around its surface just in time for another gigantic boulder to come to crush her against it. She roared, smashing it in half with a double-handed swing. There were two slabs of Rock Tomb left; one on either side of her. She vaulted higher, goading them to smash her in a pincer attack.
She threw her weight upside down, jabbing Bone Rush below her. The staff was crushed and wedged between the colliding rocks, locking it in place. "Riah!" With a grunt of effort, she used it to vault herself high above the hazards.
"Dragon Rush!"
Rosemary gasped. Deidra's command was all the warning she had, before Garchomp's ethereal jowls gnashed around her, and her full weight smashed into the Lucario. She cried in pain, offering no resistance as Garchomp bulldozed her into the pillar behind her, demolishing it.
"Rosa!" Ash cried.
"A devastating Dragon Rush hits its mark! Rosemary's smooth moves could only take her so far!"
She fell through the rubble, continuing on towards another pillar behind her.
"Rock Tomb! Crush her and rend her immobile," Deidra ordered, clutching a hand closed.
Rosa's back crashed against solid earth. Immediately afterwards, boulders pinned her paws and legs, immobilizing her. She hissed in discomfort, yanking against her restraints to no avail.
Just as Torterra had been, she was locked in place.
"Rock Tomb immobilizes Ash's Pokémon, once again! Is this the end!?"
Ash grit his teeth in frustration. "She's trapped… Garchomp's just too strong!"
The Mach Pokémon soared over toward the cornered Lucario, hovering. The Aura Pokémon was eclipsed in her shadow.
"Finish it," Deidra ordered, hand outstretched. "Fire Blast!"
Garchomp's mouth opened wide, showing off razor-sharp fangs. Embers started to flicker violently, casting Rosemary and her rocky prison in a hellish orange glow.
"We have to do something… Something!" Ash hissed. His fists trembled as he tried to think of an escape. "That's it!" His eyes went wide. "Rosa! Use Aura Sphere to break free!"
The Lucario's ruby eyes snapped open in kind. An exertion of focus made teal cracks shine through the rock, before it burst in two violent explosions.
The Garchomp hissed, raising her fins to guard her eyes from the flash.
"Now! Use Bone Rush, to gain some distance!"
Rosemary was fortunate that her thoughts were linked to Ash's. There was no pause between the idea crossing his mind and her own actions; just as she started to freefall, she jammed a Bone Rush into the side of the Rock Climb, swinging several times before catapulting herself.
She landed atop its peak, letting out a sigh of relief. It was a feeling that didn't last; she was once again in Garchomp's shadow. The Mach Pokémon salivated in battle-hungry glee, before that evaporated in a steamy hiss. Fire Blast started to heat up between her dangerous fangs.
"Rosemary is crafty and quick! But, even she can't escape Garchomp's wrath!"
"Sure she can. I just need a..." Ash's eyes narrowed. "...Rosa! Try a shorter Bone Rush!"
Rosemary maintained a steady, fearless gaze below her aggressive foe. She heard Ash's intentions loud and clear, spawning a staff in her paw that was only a foot long. She slung it like a boomerang, aiming squarely for Garchomp's mouth.
"Gaaruh!?" Garchomp cried in distress. Bone Rush had wedged itself in her jowls, prying them open. Mortified and bewildered, the Mach Pokémon startled, before angrily gnashing the staff.
"Meteor Mash!"
Bone Rush shattered, crushed in a puff of discarded embers. That was all that Garchomp could manage, before a fist buried itself squarely in her gut, knocking the wind out of her. Meteoric shards dug into her scaly hide, and the impact sent her flying.
Rosa hung airborne, smiling at her success.
Deidra's brow twitched. "Your tenacity is admirable… But, it's futile! Garchomp! Dragon Rush!"
Garchomp writhed and shook herself out, correcting her posture in midair. She crouched, wrapping herself in the blinding wrath of a dragon. She shot towards Rosemary with abandon.
"She's stuck in midair!" Peeks exclaimed in worry.
"Not for long she's not," Ash replied, smirking. "Copycat!"
The Knight of Rota internalized every motion — every exertion of Dragon-type strength that Garchomp utilized against her. With a supernatural glimmer, she recreated it, gaining a pair of teal wings; the same color as her Aura.
"Take to the sky!" Ash punched the air.
Dragon Rush propelled Rosa skyward; far beyond the heights of what remained of Rock Climb.
"After them!" Deidra cried. "Crush her!"
Garchomp snarled in frustration, and rocketed after Rosemary with even greater speed.
Twin wyverns soared higher and higher, drawing the awe of a transfixed audience. Everyone watching craned their necks to watch the chase. A spell of heartstopping suspense lingered.
"Rosemary makes a quick escape! But, she just can't shake Garchomp!"
The distance between the two was quickly deteriorating, Ash noticed. His posture was geared back to watch them both. As the gap between them narrowed… He smiled. "Now! Let it go!"
The blue and white cloak of power evaporated from the Lucario, and her momentum stopped.
Garchomp was moments from colliding with her.
"What is he…!?" Deidra watched on in wide-eyed bewilderment. Was he surrendering!?
What goes up must come down. Gravity started to reel Rosemary in, directly towards her foe.
"Aura Sphere!" Ash swung an open palm towards the ground.
Rosa reared a paw behind her back, filling it with a dense ball of fighting spirit. She roared with effort, smashing it directly into the charging Garchomp's face; the Mach had no way to stop her momentum.
A deafening explosion glimmered in the dark night sky, like a shooting star. Black and blue smoke lingered, and Garchomp fell from the sky, with wispy trails of smoke following her.
Ash grinned, waving his hand through the air. "Follow up with Bone Rush!"
The airborne Lucario gripped a staff between her paws. Swinging her weight around, she flung the blunt weapon. It spun downwards at an angle, bashing Garchomp's skull on the way down.
"Tch…" Deidra tightened a fist. This fight, admittedly, made her heart pound. It was fun. But, staying on the losing end wasn't fun. "Your free reign has overstayed its welcome. Garchomp!"
Garchomp corrected herself mid-fall, awaiting her trainer's order.
"Draco Meteor!"
An order she was all too happy to take. A shot of energy that shone like the sun sped past the falling Rosemary, hanging just overhead.
"Oh, no!" Ash exclaimed in worry. He had no time to respond, as Draco Meteor burst.
Draconic wrath rained from the skies, pulverizing the field. Stubborn outcrops of earth detonated in explosions of rock and ashes. The repeating fire sounded like thunder; it assaulted Rosemary's senses. She winced and guarded herself from the aftermath.
One lucky meteor drove itself directly into her stomach. She cried out as she was dragged to earth. Another blinding explosion rocked the fray, with all the rest.
"Draco Meteor strikes with a vengeance! Ash's Lucario has taken a hit — as has the entire stage of battle!"
Clouds of dust and smoke blanketed the entire battlefield, evoking cries of excitement and concern alike from the audience. Winds of irritating ash swept over the lower seats, and rocky debris landed just out of bounds. The power of Draco Meteor was undeniable.
"Rosa!" Max exclaimed, jumping out of his seat. "Aw man, that was a direct hit!" His dark eyes trembled. Was there even a chance she'd walk that off!?
"Even if she bites it," Koda replied, "she did a lot of damage. It's not like it's for nothing."
"Yeah, but still! She should win!" Max protested, fighting a quivering lip.
The other youth smirked. "You're a softie for that mutt, aren't you?"
"So what!?"
Misty smiled at their youthful bickering, before returning a stern gaze to the field. "Ash has put up an incredible fight, despite the power problem he's been working with… Rosa was just a Riolu when I met her, a couple months ago. The fact that she's even putting on this performance is incredible." She found herself gripping her seat tighter than necessary, and sighed. "But I guess that's what you get when you're actually a fated knight from the past."
She never ceased to wonder how Ash came across these things.
"Hang in there, both of you."
"Is it over!?"
The field was little more than a pile of rubble. Smoke and dust lingered, and Garchomp stood atop the pile. Bruised, ashen, and panting heavily, after Draco Meteor drained her reserves.
The rubble started to rumble. A stubborn Lucario pulled herself out of it, stumbling onto solid ground. Her scarf was dirtied, and her body was bruised and sported several burn marks.
~Good effort,~ she relayed with clarity, despite her haggard breaths. ~But you missed a spot.~
Ash smiled, exhaling a breath of relief. "You're somethin' else, you know that?"
Rosemary answered with a smile. ~Thanks Pa,~ she narrowed the conversation to exclude Deidra and Garchomp. ~But we have a problem. A Garchomp problem.~
~Yeah, you're right,~ Ash agreed, nervously adjusting his cap. ~We've put up a great fight, but we're going to need some serious firepower if we want to take 'em out. If only we had something like that Draco Meteor—~
Ash and Rosemary reached the same conclusion at once. It lent enough confidence for both to stand upright, with Rosemary shrugging off her fatigue.
"The battle has come to a short lull in the action. But after such intense combat, it's only understandable that our competitors would need a moment to breathe! Have they reached some sort of stalemate…!?"
"You've been quiet for far too long," Deidra observed.
"What? You're not sick of me and my big mouth, anymore?" Ash shot back, grinning.
"If I've learned anything about you in this battle," Deidra replied, "it's that when you've gone quiet, you're planning something. Don't think I'm blind to you and your habits."
Ash laughed. "You've caught me red handed!" He admitted, turning his palms up. "There's a lot you have to learn about me if that's all you've got, but you're off to a good start. Truth is, we think we might have an ace in the hole. Something to turn the tides! But, we've never done it before."
Deidra's gaze lingered on her Garchomp. She was nearing complete exhaustion, between the several fights she'd been through. Fire Blast had likely run out of steam, and whether she had access to it or not, her special attack was halved. Rosemary was damaged, but steadily strong.
It would be prudent for her to allow a reprieve. It would also sate her growing curiosity.
"Very well. I'll humor your efforts. Whatever they may be, we'll crush them."
"This is unprecedented! Ash has another one of his improvisational marvels up his sleeve, with no clue as to whether it will work or not! Furthermore, Deidra is allowing him to attempt it! I think I speak for the audience and those all around Kanto when I say that I'm eager to see where this leads!"
The emcee's words echoed, just in time for Team Rocket to return from the stadium's corridors, restocked for another round of sales. Their ears perked up at the intriguing hook.
"Now, what's the Twerp up to, this time?" Jessie asked, wrinkling her nose.
"If it's one of his flagship surprises, it's bound to give these dragons a serious pummeling," James replied.
"That Grachomp's goose is cooked," Meowth agreed.
Slide sat atop James's shoulder, watching silently. This ought to be mildly interesting.
Ash and Rosemary widened their stances in unison, lowering their center of gravity.
Peeks did the same, mimicking them.
"Rosa… Use Copycat!"
Rosa's sharp hues focused, analyzing Garchomp. The memory of her signature move from minutes before replayed in her mind's eye, rewinding and replaying again. She'd seen this move before. She'd imitated it before. Surely, that was enough.
She knew enough to concentrate her energy at her core. A glow shone from her torso, flickering like magma and bright as the sun. Dragon-type energy cultivated within her body artificially.
But, they could do better. Just as she willed Aura into her paws, she forced her own natural life energy into the mix, isolating a great deal of focus into that one spot. Years of training aided her.
Centuries of history with her Master — no, her Trainer — bore fruit. The magmatic glow started to change hues. Calm blues overtook passionate oranges, making her a beacon for life energy.
"Focus!" Ash encouraged. "You've almost got it!"
Deidra could only watch with quiet curiosity as the Lucario became a beacon. Having recovered, her Garchomp watched quietly, poised to act when necessary.
Rosa grit her teeth, cupping her paws in front of her torso. It felt like a struggle — like yanking her strength right out of her body. But, Ash believed in her, just as he'd taught her. "Riaaah!"
She forced the mass out of her body. and into her waiting arms, which had to expand to wield it. A giant sphere buzzed and flickered with life, larger than Rosemary herself. It retained the same ferocity and embers as Draco Meteor, but its hue was the cam blueish green of Aura itself.
"We're getting a good look at Ash and Rosemary's ambitions! I'm pretty sure that's not a Draco Meteor, but whatever it is, it's bursting with power! Just what have they done!?"
Deidra's cape and voluminous bangs billowed in the wake of the storm wielded in the Lucario's grip. Her features highlighted in a lively teal. Aura's glow, reflected in her milky blind eye.
"Garchomp!" She cried, teeth bared. "Be ready for evasive action!"
"Let's do it, Rosa!" Ash grinned. He scooped his hands into the air, throwing them up high.
"Aura Storm!"
~The Aura… is with me!~
The huge blast was fired into the sky, just as Draco Meteor was. It climbed until it reached the altitude of its origin, lighting up the entire stadium, as if they weren't under the night sky.
It shrunk, grew, and then burst into so many lively lights.
"No!" Deidra exclaimed, wide-eyed. Exactly as she feared, Aura Spheres rained from the heavens akin to a meteor shower. Garchomp had already taken flight, swooping up to match it.
The Aura Spheres started to fall to Earth, but then stopped in their tracks. Without warning, they all fired directly in the direction of Garchomp, after she'd evaded them.
"This is unbelievable! The 'Aura Storm' is actually following Garchomp!"
Deidra grit her teeth. This had been unprecedented. "Use Rock Tomb!"
Garchomp stretched out her wings, summoning an avalanche of boulders. A gestured swing launched them all towards the incoming bombs; each detonated, taking out the Aura Spheres in the process. But, that still left at least a dozen more, shooting through the dust and debris.
"Use Dragon Rush!" The Dragon Clan member cried.
Her natural element coated her, propelling Garchomp towards the storm. "Gaah!" She cried, slashing through one of the spheres with her bolstered strength. She launched herself at another swarm of them, slicing down three more shots in her wake.
That was all she mustered, before one detonated against her back, sending her into a spiral.
The remaining storm pelted Garchomp in succession, swallowing her in smoke and lights.
Gasps of awe swallowed the atmosphere, and then silence followed.
Garchomp dropped from the impact, face first in the dirt. Her eyes were now swirls.
"Garchomp is unable to battle!" The referee raised his hand. "Lucario wins!"
"Unbelievable! In his fourth victory of the Finals, Ash has done the impossible, turning Draco Meteor into an entirely new — arguably even more dangerous move, on the fly!"
Cries of excitement and support rolled in from the audience. Ash laughed, wiping the sweat off his brow with the back of his wrist. "Aha, wow… That was awesome Rosa! Ten outta ten!"
~I'd… hope so,~ Rosemary said, hunched over. She turned to look over her shoulder, smiling at Ash. ~It took everything I had and more to pull off, y'know.~
"By the way…" Ash's expression twisted, and he couldn't help but snort. "The Aura is with me?"
Rosa squinted. ~What about it?~
Ash erupted into laughter, holding his stomach. "Come on! That was totally cheesy! Like, right out of a comic book, ahaha!"
Peeks struggled to be polite, cupping his mouth with his paw. He broke into snickers, too.
~H-hey!~ Rosa belted out angrily, scalding red. ~I thought it would be cool! Also, you're the one who put that phrase into fashion!~ She accused, pointing one finger of her paw at him.
"Yeah," Ash snorted. "Like, five hundred years ago, maybe." Anyone present, if they had any clue what was being said at all, would assume it to be hyperbole. Rosa and Peeks knew better.
In an incredible rarity, Deidra smiled. It was the faintest upturn of her lips, but still a smile. "I'm humbled by your closeness with your Pokémon," she admitted. "To not only trust one another to attempt a complete novelty in a serious battle, but to laugh and bicker like old friends, as well."
"Well, we are old friends," Ash explained, as his laughter died down, still smiling. "We've known each other a long time… And, being close to her is my goal, just like with any Pokémon!" He gestured a palm to his chest. His expression steeled, then. "When we first met, you asked me what being a Pokémon Master means. You called it an empty goal. I didn't have an answer."
He pointed towards his opponent. "Now I do! That's what being a Pokémon Master is; to be able to understand any Pokémon! That's my dream!"
"And we're walking that road with him, all the way!" Peeks cried, pumping a fist.
"There you have it! In an unexpected declaration, mid-battle, Ash Ketchum has defined a mantle that he's often known for vaguely reaching towards — and what a sentiment it is!"
Cheers and whoops of approval echoed from around the stadium, accompanied with waving signs featuring his face and name. It caught Ash off-guard and flustered him, making him laugh nervously and rub his neck. "Uh, thank you! I promise that wasn't, like, a public statement or anything!"
"It was," Peeks said flatly.
"Okay, it was! But still, thank you everyone!" He laughed nervously, waving to the crowd.
"Go, Ash! Way to go, Rosa! Woohoo!" Dawn hollered, hopping up and down while waving her pom poms. "One, two, three, four! Who brings the Aura and the Storm! Five, six, seven, eight! Keep it up, you're looking great!"
"Looo-punny!"
"Emmm-pol!"
"Ash has told us what he believes a Pokémon Master is," Brock muttered. "Though, I didn't know that Deidra had challenged him on it, before."
Delia sniffled, wiping at her eyes with a handkerchief.
"Miss Ketchum?" Brock and Dawn asked in unison.
"It's fine," she huffed, then blew her nose. "I'm just… So proud of him. The dedication he's shown, beyond even the battle effort… All of Kanto is getting to see how great my Ash is!"
"He has come into his own," Brock agreed, smiling fondly.
"And just look at how well he's doing!" Dawn gestured excitedly to the scoreboard. "He's only lost Torterra, and Deidra's lost four of her Pokémon! And Peeks and Infernape are still fresh!"
"I don't want to count Torchic before they hatch," Brock replied. "But he may just win, this time."
"So, that is your answer," Deidra replied. "Or, one of them. I stand corrected. Your conviction isn't completely hollow. In fact, it makes you a worthy opponent."
"Glad we're finally on the same page!" Ash laughed, brushing his index finger over his nose.
"With that said…" Deidra's gold eye shut, and then challenged him with a fierce gaze. "Now that I consider you my equal… I fully intend to crush you without any mercy!" She recalled Garchomp, and swapped her Poké Ball for yet another. She pitched the fifth with vigor.
Four sturdy, cybernetic legs stomped the field plagued with rubble. A low, mechanical groan echoed in the unseen jowls of the huge, silver Pokémon with a golden cross framing their face.
"Metah!" Metagross echoed, stomping the field. He grumbled in irritation, scraping the debris beneath him.
"Deidra's fifth choice is Metagross! The Iron Titan who up until the finals, has single-handedly propelled her through every single round without fail!"
"I believe I've tired of the disruptions to the field, for now," Deidra said. "Metagross."
A bright blue glow surrounded the Iron Leg, who floated above the field. "Gross!" He rumbled, exerting a pulse of psychokinetic energy across the fray. Rosemary instinctively jumped over it.
The rocky rubble was obliterated, and the sand and dust remaining dispersed out of bounds.
"I'd actually like to thank you for that one," Ash said, smirking. "I think it's about time we get back to basics, too. In fact, Rosa's gonna go on break, for now. I might need you later, girl."
Rosa nodded. ~I'll be back when you need me. If you do.~ She disappeared into her Poké Ball.
"You were beyond awesome," Ash praised, tucking her back onto his belt. He grabbed another Poké Ball, tapping it to fit his palm. "To be honest, Deidra, I haven't forgotten about how you and Metagross beat us, back on Cinnabar. You were so strong," he said, attention on Metagross, "and it looks like you've gotten even stronger — enough to clear the whole League! I'm afraid Charizard ain't in this battle for a revenge match. But I've got someone to carry on his will!"
He grinned, chucking his fifth into the fray. "A very reliable guy of my own! Infernape!"
A roaring flame kindled atop his head like a crown. Onyx eyes trained on the Iron Leg he'd heard so much about. Infernape, too, grinned, hunched in a fighting stance. "You have a reputation, y'know," Infernape said. "If Charizard can't beat you, then I will!"
"Ash has sent out Infernape! A popular favorite from his Lily of the Valley challenge!"
Jessie, James, and Meowth cooed in unison, leaning forward on the nearest guardrail.
"Look who it is! The contender! The underdog! The fiery fighting ferocity!" James cried.
"Underdog, nothing! He's king of the ring!" Jessie argued, tears pouring down her cheeks.
"Dat Deidra's gonna be eaten for dinner, if our Infernie has any'tin' to say about it!"
Slide hopped off of James's shoulder, staring at the trio like they had… well, more than three heads. "I don't get it. Why do you give a flying frick about these guys? Aren't you enemies?"
"It's a long 'n complicated story," Meowth said, wiping his eyes. "One full o' trauma 'n common enemies."
"...Uh-huh." Slide squinted. She hopped up on Meowth's head to springboard back to James, much to his protest. "Well, if you think this guy's so great, then I've gotta see it for myself."
Ash held out a hand, ready to claim his long-awaited victory. "Infernape, let's start off with Dig!"
"Yessir!" Infernape called, running forward to gain momentum before diving underground. It split like butter beneath his paws.
Deidra closed her eyes. "Earthquake."
Ash swallowed heavily. "Scratch that, abort! Escape with Mach Punch!"
As Metagross slammed a heavy arm onto the ground, Infernape broke the surface with a fist gleaming full of fighting type energy. Hovering over the briefly shaking ground, the Fire-type locked eyes with his metallic opponent.
"Do it!" Ash ordered, sweeping his arm across.
Darting across the now still land, Infernape slugged Metagross across a raised hand once.
"Iron Defense."
The Steel-type gleamed and then Infernape found that his second hit didn't send his opponent as far back as it had the first time. The third punch did even less. The Fire-type retreated.
Ash frowned, assessing the situation. Iron Defense made a sturdy opponent even more dangerous. "Well, let's try Flare Blitz, then!" It was risky, but they couldn't afford a conservative approach against Metagross, of all opponents.
"Infernape!" he chirped in agreement, cloaking himself in flames before running on all four limbs towards Metagross.
Deidra's voice was even as she spoke; as if she was in complete control. "Psychic."
A blue aura covered the ape. As he tried to run forward, it dragged him back, though slowly at first. After Infernape failed to get traction, the Psychic truly took hold. It flung him back. He barely managed to tuck and roll to land properly back on the far end of Ash's side of the field.
"Meteor Mash."
While Infernape was catching his breath, Metagross skidded across the field.
"It's coming too fast," Ash thought aloud. "Block that!"
Infernape crossed his arms over his body. A dull, echoing impact rang in the air. Infernape didn't give his massive opponent an inch, snorting in effort. He glared at his foe, mere inches away.
The impact had hurt, but it ended. And, Infernape had moved no further back.
Ash smiled and nodded, as Metagross retreated to its side of the field. "Good job, man!"
"I hope you wouldn't expect anything less," he chirped back, smiling as well. He wanted nothing more than to make Ash proud. If that meant beating this big lump of iron, then he'd do it, gladly!
"I hope that's not all you have to offer," Deidra challenged, undermining Infernape's boast.
"I've got plenty more!" Ash shouted. "In fact, Infernape, let's give 'em another Mach Punch!"
Dashing across the field, Infernape slugged Metagross hard in the middle of their golden cross.
"Now, Throat Chop! On their leg!"
Infernape put his agility to good use, wrapping his arms and legs around his foremost right limb. Metagross grunted angrily, trying to shake him off. He hugged it with both of his legs, smashing two glowing fuchsia hands into Metagross's leg.
"Retreat!"
Infernape somersaulted back and gave himself breadth. He eyed his opponent cautiously.
"I don't know what you expected to achieve," Deidra lectured. "Even with the type advantage, you can't hurt Metagross."
Ash smirked, even as a bead of sweat rolled down his chin. 'That Earthquake is gonna be an issue. We're not dealing any real damage, either, at this rate. We've got two shots at this, if we can keep 'er from figuring us out!'
"You look like you have a plan," Peeks observed.
"Oh the money, as usual," Ash muttered. "But it's a big 'if.' She's not making it easy on us."
"Psychic." Deidra interrupted Ash's musings, as Metagross piloted their telekinesis.
"Infernape, dive with Dig!" Ash ordered in return.
Barely escaping before even his tail could be grasped, Infernape hid underground, out of Metagross's sights.
"Earthquake," Deidra countered.
As Metagross got ready to slam a hand into the ground again, Ash yelled: "Flare Blitz!"
As before, Infernape popped out of the ground, avoiding the rumbling earth.
Deidra, however, was ready for him this time. "Meteor Mash!"
Metagross buckled his front arms in, launching his weight at Infernape.
With a toss of his head, Infernape roared, surrounding his body in a crackling blue blaze.
Rather than striking Metagross, he was contending with Metagross's gleaming fist. The two knocked off each other, sparks scattering across the dull brown earth. Their strength was impressive, but unfortunately, neither had an edge on the other, yet.
"It's like I thought," Ash muttered. "As long as she can control where we hide…"
"We're at a stalemate at best," Peeks finished his thought.
"Your hit-and-run tactics are growing old," Deidra scolded. "Suspend him, with Psychic!"
Metagross's eyes glowed blue. They yanked Infernape into the air, suspending him.
The ape struggled briefly before succumbing to the clutches, only his eyes moving, chest expanding, and occasional muscle twitch marking that his body was even vaguely under his control.
Ash frowned. He had to secure Infernape a quick escape. "Flare Blitz!"
Blinking, Deidra tilted her head. Uncharacteristically, she offered Ash advice. "He can't move."
"He doesn't have to!" Ash shot back.
Infernape's teeth gritted. Over his body, bundles of fire began to form. Sparks began bouncing off and hitting the battlefield. Some of them even landed on Metagross. At first, the Steel-type endured. When the flames built up, a particularly large ember broke off, striking the steel type right in the face. Metagross cried, losing his concentration.
"Right on target!" Ash cheered, grinning. "Alright, let's try something new! Use Dig!"
"New…?" Deidra looked perplexed. She shook it off. "Earthquake."
"Mach Punch!"
As before, right as Metagross slammed its fist down, Infernape appeared.
Metagross, who had lifted a fist to block, found Infernape perching on his arm, the ape's fist slamming into the Steel-type's face. Metagross roared, feeling far more tender than he should.
"Bingo!" Ash smirked, brushing his thumb over his nose. "Alright, Dig, again!"
Deidra squinted, and held her tongue. Her Metagross remained on guard, waiting for Infernape.
Coming out swinging with a brutal uppercut, Infernape felt no resistance. "Ape…?" Assessing his surroundings, he gasped, watching Metagross leap out of harm's way. He'd missed!
"Meteor Mash!"
Letting out a low rumble, Metagross swung one of his mighty arms to pulverize Infernape.
Ash waved a hand aside. "Spin!"
Recalling Dawn's technique, Infernape tucked his limbs close, nimbly spinning off to the side and out of harm's way.
"Great! Now, Throat Chop!"
Just as Ash ordered, Infernape sprung and hugged Metagross's limb, and chopped it.
Metagross let out a grinding noise that could only be one of irritation. The move didn't hurt enough to even make them think of quitting, but it was starting to get on their nerves.
"Despite Metagross' amazing power, Infernape is staying on top of it with a series of persistent attacks! Ketchum is staying aggressive, while Deidra maintains the pressure!"
Ash punched forward. "Now, Dig again!"
Abandoning his assault, the fire type dove, burrowing back into the field.
Metagross, meanwhile, stuck a heavy landing.
"How many times does Ash expect this to work? Deidra's not dumb, she's bound to catch on." Drew frowned, laying back into his seat. His fingers drummed on the arm rest that May had left unoccupied. As much as he liked to act detached, the match had him a little on edge.
"Maybe he doesn't have a choice. Between Psychic and Earthquake…!" May pouted. "I wouldn't want to be in his place, right about now."
"Yes, it's quite the conundrum…" Professor Oak furrowed his bushy brows. "If Ash doesn't give his opponent more credit, he may pay the price for it."
Infernape, meanwhile, burrowed underground, with no signs of surfacing, yet.
Deidra was silent. Her inaction was never a good thing.
"Not gonna use Earthquake?" Ash taunted, prodding for her angle.
"Would you ever spell out your actions for an opponent?" She countered. "Meteor Mash!"
"Roaargh!" Metagross cried, smashing the earth before him to rubble.
Splintered rock and dust flew. Unearthed by bone-shuddering force, a tunneling path ascended towards Metagross' feet.
"...Where is he?" Deidra scowled.
"What's this!? Infernape is nowhere to be seen!"
"Got you!" Ash declared, grinning from ear to ear. "Flare Blitz!"
Metagross recoiled at a blazing red spouting from the burrow, but he acted far too late.
A pillar of fire burst from the hole, consuming Metagross in a roaring orange blaze that climbed well above the battlefield.
"Metagross!" Deidra looked on in horror, her functioning eye reduced to a pinpoint. Wisps of heat blew her dark locks about, exposing the pale coloration of her blind eye. Uncomfortable heat bathed over her, cascading from several explosions of heat along the battlefield.
"An explosive counterattack from Infernape! Flare Blitz has erupted from every hole on the field that Infernape has dug up! I can feel the heat from up here, and I'm sure the rest of you can, as well!"
"It's a spin on an old favorite," Ash boasted, brushing his thumb over his nose. "Underground Flare Blitz. Thanks to Dig, I brought all the heat right to Metagross. I call it, 'Flare Geyser!'"
"Gross…" Metagross groaned, emerging from a thick black cloud of smoke. His silver, metal coat boasted several burn marks, matching the singed silver cross on his face.
"Ape!" Infernape surfaced, bearing a grin. "You ready for more!?"
"Great job, Infernape!" Ash pumped a fist. "You really pulled it off."
"Stellar work!" Peeks cheered, hopping in place. He turned to Ash then, putting his paws on his hips with a smirk. "So, that's what all the digging was about. You sly dog, you had me fooled."
Ash simply winked at his partner. "You can't always read me, y'know."
"Yes! They got 'em!" Dawn cheered, pumping her pom poms in the air. "Way to bring the heat, Infernape!"
"That was clever," Brock remarked, crossing his arms. "Giving the heat of Flare Blitz an outlet, with Dig. When the same move was used against Paul's Ninjask, it was safer to heat the whole field up, to prevent its escape. But with Metagross, a more concentrated attack was probably the best option."
While certainly not fear, a certain element of cold realization washed over Deidra. Whatever sure advantage she had previously had over her rival was gone. If the battle continued at this pace, she'd have to… No. She had to avoid it, if at all possible. Like a cornered Rhyhorn, she lashed out.
"Psychic! Put him out!" She cried, waving a hand through the air.
"Meta!" Metagross let out an earth-rattling roar, his blood-red eyes taking on a bright cyan glow. His telekinetic powers gathered, rattling nearby rubble.
"Ackh…!" Infernape tensed. An alert, nimble mind, clear for battle, warped, any rational thought blurred into the next. Resistance wasn't even an option.
"Metagross!" Metagross roared, unleashing his wrath.
"Infernape!" Ash gasped.
Infernape's body was tossed like a ragdoll, flying past Ash before the trainer could so much as process the sight. He froze, terrified by Metagross' power. Sweat cascaded down his face, not unlike the chunks of debris that fell behind him. Ash dared to turn around.
Infernape was embedded in the stadium's wall, likely leaving a large dent on the other end.
Spectators close by seemed too shocked for words.
"Metagross strikes back, with a Psychic like one we've never seen! That overwhelming power may be too much for Infernape to come back from."
"What kind of attack was that!?" Max blurted out, adjusting his glasses.
"It already looked powerful, on the play-by-plays… but it's a whole other story, in person." Misty grimaced, holding a fist to her chest. "Ash may have to try with another one of his Pokémon…"
"Do you think he has any Pokémon that could stand up to that?" Koda replied.
"I… hope so."
"Infernape…!" Without a second thought, Ash sprinted to the ends of the arena, crouching by his embedded companion. "Are you alright!?" The urge to care for his pokemon was overwhelming.
To at least offer him a hand. But, interference was definitely illegal.
The referee's vigilant gaze said as much.
"Come on… Say something!" Peeks joined Ash, encouraging Infernape with waves of his arms.
"Ergh…" Infernape lifted his head, eyes half-lidded. He tightened a fist, and yanked from the wall, and he fell with it onto all fours. He drew heavy, labored breaths. The wind had been knocked clearly out of him when he'd been pressed into the solid surface.
"With no call from the referee, it seems Infernape is still in this fight! But, for how long?"
"Hey…" Ash did his best to give the Flame Pokémon his space. He leaned his weight on one knee. "You think you can still keep fighting?"
"Infern…" Feeling groggy, Infernape shook his head. His bearings started to return to him.
"Enough stalling!" Deidra shouted from across the field Her gaze pierced like knives, lips pulled into a snarl. "If you believe in your Pokémon, let it stand on its own two feet."
Infernape's eyes widened.
"What's gotten into her…?" Ash narrowed his gaze. She'd been so friendly, minutes ago.
"Ash," Peeks urged.
"Huh?" Ash turned his attention to Infernape. A familiar determination glimmered in his eye.
A look that Ash knew all too well. He met Deidra's glare, standing to walk back into the trainer's box. "I do believe in Infernape. I've got all my faith in him!"
"Infernape..." The pokemon stood, now, on his hind legs. His posture was slouched, but the flame atop his head continued to roar. He'd leave no room to question Ash's faith in him.
"Metagross may be extremely powerful… but, you haven't seen Infernape battle!" Ash asserted and raised a fist. "Together, we won't lose!"
"Together, we're unstoppable!" Peeks added.
"Right!" The primate chattered, dashing back within the field's borders on all fours. Once within bounds, he stood, provoking Metagross with a waving gesture of his paw. "So, come and get it!"
This was far from over.
"Infernape is ready for more!"
Ash adjusted his cap atop his head. "Let's keep this thing going. Infernape. Charge in!"
Infernape took heed, sprinting towards his four-legged opponent.
Deidra tightened a fist. "Meteor Mash!"
Metagross roared, smashing a leg into the field. A rumbling shockwave splintered in its wake.
Infernape nimbly flipped aside, mid-charge, avoiding the obstruction completely.
Deidra continued. "Use the terrain. Psychic!"
Ash gasped. "Infernape, look out!"
Infernape suddenly felt a smacking, dull pain to the back of his head, falling onto all fours. A slab of uprooted ground fell beside him. That'd been the culprit.
"Don't let it rest for a second."
Metagross persisted, surrounded in a glow. Chunks of rubble lying about flew at Infernape.
"You can take it," Ash encouraged. "Mach Punch!"
Infernape sprung to his feet. He was quickly confronted by a barrage of rock.
A flurry of indistinguishable punches followed, busting the oncoming rocks into fine gravel and dust. A booming wind persisted, failing to rattle Metagross.
In fact, The Iron Leg Pokémon continued, ripping weakened earth out of the ground, giving the field the appearance of an unfinished jigsaw puzzle.
As the barrage descended upon Infernape, Ash swallowed. "Okay, we can't fight all that… Dig!"
Infernape sprinted forward, and dove.
A slab of earth shot out of the ground, knocking Infernape with a fierce uppercut.
"Ooh! That one had to hurt! How much punishment can Infernape take!?"
The Flame Pokémon was knocked on his back. He groaned, rubbing his jaw.
"Finish it, now!" Deidra commanded, throwing an open hand out. "Meteor Mash!"
Metagross stomped the field, raising one of his juggernaut limbs. With a Psychic-assisted lunge, he threw a mighty punch at the hurting Infernape.
"Get over that," Ash urged. "Throat Chop!"
Infernape's heart raced. He could already feel the pressure of the incoming blow. Rolling onto his back, he flipped forward. The moment his foot touched the cold, inorganic surface of Metagross, it struck him just how close he'd come to that punishment.
But, he had no time to waste. He cracked down on Metagross's head with underhanded strikes.
Metagross roared, tossing his body about.
"It's working!" Ash grinned.
"Metagross! Pull free," Deidra coached with urgency.
"Me-taaa!" Metagross howled, turning into a furious spin.
Tried as he may to cling to Metagross' body, Infernape was roughly tossed off. But, not before grabbing one of his legs in the process. He struck it once before being flung off brutally.
The Iron Leg Pokémon grumbled, leaning his weight on his foremost legs. His mind, for the moment, was rattled. Worse yet, when he leaned forward, he immediately pushed off his legs.
"Metagross!" Deidra cried. "His legs… His body. Everything is more vulnerable! Iron Defense—"
"That's the thing!" Ash smirked. "Iron Defense is a hell of a power-up. Before, we couldn't really do any damage. But, as great as it is, it's still a Steel-type move. Which just meant that we had to take care of that coat!"
The woman blinked. Ash was met with a look of disbelief. "Then, that Flare Geyser…"
"That was our plan all along," Ash confirmed. "We just needed an opening."
His confidence, though, was only skin deep. 'Infernape's breathing heavy. The guy's always been a fighter, but I don't know if the other half of our plan has worked, yet. It's still risky!'
All he could do was push onward. "Infernape! Dig!"
Infernape exhaled. The reprieve was welcomed. He quickly burrowed.
"You heard it here, first! Faced with the obstacle of Metagross' impenetrable defenses, Ash and Infernape had conspired to wear it down with that underground Flare Blitz! And both pokemon seem to be losing stamina, quickly! This battle may be reaching its end!"
Beneath the earth, Infernape tunneled, closing in on Metagross.
The ground below the Steel-type began to break. He quickly stood, alert.
"Now!" Deidra cried. "Meteor Mash!"
Metagross reared a leg.
A blue fist smashed through the field.
Infernape shrieked, smashed back down into the earth. A tremendous weight buried him.
"Infernape!" Ash panicked.
"Pikachu…!" Peeks's ears dropped.
"Don't give in…" Ash grit his teeth. "Out of there, with Mach Punch!"
Deidra's eyes narrowed. "Earthquake!"
Metagross roared, smashing his full weight down upon the field. Even as he did, he stumbled.
The break in the ground before him rattled horribly. Loose chunks of earth were shaking from the sides, burying Infernape under their weight.
"A merciless combination! This time, Infernape may very well be down for the count!"
"Infernape…" James trailed off weakly. His lip quivered, in between shoving handfuls of popcorn into his mouth. "It can't be!"
"He's buried! Six feet undah," Meowth lamented, hanging his head.
"How could you say that!?" Jessie hissed, yanking on James and Meowth. "If Infernape wouldn't fall to the Plum-headed Twerp, three Pokémon straight, why would one trash compactor be able to do it! He's going to send them to the scrapheap!"
"I'd love dat," Meowth sighed, "but first he has to dig 'imself out of dat hole he's in."
"The Twerp's fallen in a million holes, thanks to us! Just wait!"
The referee tutted, looking over the buried pit that Infernape laid under. "...It's impossible to tell whether Infernape is able to battle or not. For safety reasons, I suggest we excavate him! Though doing so will forfeit his place in the battle!"
"...Very well." Deidra folded her arms, nodding towards Metagross. "Retrieve him."
Ash raised a hand, giving the referee and Deidra pause. "Just wait."
"I understand the circumstances," the referee bargained, "but challenger-"
"Just wait." A smirk picked up on Ash's lips. "It's like I said! I believe in him."
Without further warning, a roaring spire of flames incinerated the rubble, reaching into the night sky. Embers rained across the battlefield, forcing Metagross back. Passionate reds and oranges lit the entire stadium, echoed with cries of awe and excitement.
"What is this!?"
The tower of flames descended back into the pit it came from, spinning and blazing into a compact wheel of heat. It propelled itself out of the depths, landing on level ground. Waves of cascading embers billowed across the field, revealing the phenomenon's true form.
Infernape was hunched over, but very much fighting fit. His blazing crown still dwarfed him.
"There he is! Back on his feet!" James cried happily, crushing a bag of popcorn in his fist.
"The primate who can do it if he tries!" Jessie cheered. "Leave them black and blue!"
"Dat's our favorite frienemy!" Meowth cheered, waving wads of cash around like fans.
"This is Infernape's full power," Ash declared, pointing at Deidra. "And we're going to win with it!"
Deidra bore her teeth, clenching her fists so tight that they trembled. "Metagross! Psychic!"
"Infernape, Mach Punch, and get in close!" Ash ordered.
Ducking, diving, and climbing over and around the rocky debris that Metagross had sent flying, the Fire-type made his way over to his opponent. The breakneck punch clocked Metagross between the eyes with enough force to send them sliding back with an angry rumble.
"Keep pushing!" Ash cried. "Throat Chop!"
Deidra threw an arm out. "Keep on guard!"
Infernape leapt off on all fours immediately after the last attack, somersaulting toward Metagross with both of his hands geared over his head, leaking a malicious glow. "Aaape!"
Metagross raised their guard, blocking what was meant to be an overhead strike. But, Infernape had learned from the experienced Primeape and feinted, landing just under the Iron Leg's guard. A well-aimed chop surgically struck at the thinner end of Metagross's foreleg, repeatedly.
Metagross launched themselves backwards, and suspended Infernape in a telekinetic grip.
"Ape…!" Mid-lunge, Infernape struggled, finding himself immobile. He was then sent flying.
"With newfound power, Infernape has begun to pressure Metagross! But, the Iron Leg Pokémon who has so far swept this Conference won't go down without a fight!"
"Flare Blitz!" Ash ordered, pointing back at Metagross.
Shifting his body in the air, Infernape coated himself in a blue, fiery blaze with a toss of his head.
Diving back towards his opponent, he readied for a powerful collision. "Ape!"
"Crush him, now! Meteor Mash!" Deidra stomped the field with ferocity.
Blue flickers of electromagnetism rumbled between Metagross' raised arms. With earth-rattling force, the two massive limbs smashed together. Blasting forward like a missile, the Steel-type threw his full weight at Infernape.
Furious, wild flames crashed into metallic, brute force, forcing a shockwave across the field that forced both competitors to raise their guard.
"Infern…!" The furious primate growled, bearing his teeth as he pressed his weight into his opponent. Struggling to step forward, he forced his forearm against Metagross' arms.
Blue flames danced, as did spraying sparks, as Metagross roared, pushing his full weight against Infernape's assault.
It was not enough. Skidding back so far that he was pushed outside of the lined battlefield, Metagross was overwhelmed by Infernape's flaming impact. They slid back across the field in a tailspin, surrounded in sparks and embers. "Me-tah," they groaned.
"Now, Dig!" Ash roared, punching towards the ground, as Infernape burrowed under.
"Finish it! Earthquake!" Deidra roared.
Metagross reared up their forelegs, and struck the field. Suddenly, he recoiled in pain. The Earthquake amounted to little more than a tremble.
"What!?"
The earth beneath Metagross erupted immediately afterward. The white-hot flames of Infernape's crown scorched Metagross's underbelly, before a vicious uppercut followed.
"Feeern…ape!"
Metagross was sent flying into the air. The crowd was silent, watching in awe. They landed upside-down, shaking the field with a thud. There was no further sign of movement.
The referee threw a hand up. "Metagross is unable to battle! Infernape wins!"
"Yes! That's the Infernape we know!" Dawn whooped, throwing her hands in the air.
"Good for Infernape!" Delia cooed, clasping her hands. "Full of courage, right until the end!"
Brock smiled to himself, folding his arms. "He's really grown into his own, from being a frightened little Chimchar… That comment Deidra made earlier, about Ash believing in Infernape… I think that set him off."
"Oh, yeah!" Dawn chimed in. "That wasn't a great thing to say to Infernape, of all pokemon, was it…"
"No. After all he'd been through, he had one certainty - Ash had confidence in him, and that allowed him to gain confidence in himself. But, I think that it worked out, this time. It made him all the more eager to prove how strong a team he and Ash are, together. Because of that, he refused to lose."
"Empollll!" Empoleon sobbed, frantically waving a wing above him, towards the field. He was tearfully offering Infernape his full respect!
"Lop! Lopunny!" Buneary waved her pom poms in Dawn's lap, emphatically giving her praise.
Suspiciously, three food vendors were hugging each other and sobbing with glee, nearby…
Deidra looked as if she was in a catatonic state. Metagross… had lost. She was cornered.
Ash, meanwhile, was going wild. Jumping up, he pumped a fist. "You did it, Infernape!"
"That was awesome!" Peeks jumped for joy.
Infernape smiled, eyes still red. He began running towards Ash. Chattering happily, he jumped at the last moment.
Ash panicked, looking towards the referee. Was this allowed?! As Infernape's weight fell on him, almost knocking him over, he saw the referee smile, shake his head, and shrug. When Ash looked back at his Pokémon, he saw why.
Infernape must have used up the last of his energy. He'd fallen unconscious in Ash's arms. His proud crown bearing Blaze had quieted to a gentle, temperate crackling.
Smiling, Ash cradled the fire type, soothingly rubbing his back. "Great work. Take a rest."
Infernape was recalled.
Lounging in the VIP section, Jimmy took another sip of his soda. The battle had fallen into a short lull, with the double knockout. Jimmy was using that time, of course, to make his snack order. Having a girlfriend with connections to all these fancy rich people paid off.
Marina, just back from chatting with Mr. Goodshow, sat by Jimmy. "It's been a really intense match so far…"
"No kidding. I don't even mind losing to him if this is how he's gonna go winning. Talk about style! Ash really deserves a win, I guess," Jimmy said back, getting his feet off the table as his extravagant nachos showed up.
Marina lifted a brow, smiling. "Oh? Who died and made you the judge of who deserves to win?"
Around a mouthful of cheese and salsa, Jimmy snorted. "I've, uh, won a conference, Marina." He cocked his head, swallowing. "It's totally my right."
"You aren't the only person who's won," she chided.
"Ohohoho~!" The tiny, bushy-bearded head of the League Competition Committee chortled, sitting a few seats away from the pair of young adults. "It's nice to see the youth engaged in the League politicking of today! I'll admit, I have my biases; Ash has been a glimmer of greater things for years, now. He's always had the spirit, and he certainly seems to have the skill!"
"I have my share of experiences, as well." Next to Charles, the Champion of the joint Indigo League sat, arms folded and one leg crossed over the other. Lance watched the battle from up above; eyes sharp as a Pidgeot's, and just as discerning. "Only positive ones."
"Wait, seriously!?" Jimmy asked, throwing an arm over the back of his seat to lean over. " Both of you know that kid? I knew he was strong and had a reputation and all, but like, the Champion?" He snorted. "Man, he practically has a path paved in gold painted for him. That's wild."
"...Hm." Lance hummed under his breath, narrowing his eyes at the comment. "I assure you, regardless of my personal opinion, or Mr. Goodshow's, Ash has no easy path to success. He… simply has a habit of being in the right place at the right time."
Or, the wrong place, depending on how one looked at it.
He cleared his throat. The scoreboard briefly gave away to show cinematic captures of Ash and Deidra in the moment. Ash was praising and recalling his Infernape, true to form. Deidra… Something was wrong. She'd been a surprisingly good sport for most of the battle, given her past encounter with Ash. Given everything. But, her lips parting in a snarl as she recalled Metagross concerned him. He wanted to peg it as hostility, but it looked more like fear.
"Whether Ash or Deidra deserves victory is yet to be determined. Only they can decide."
"Never in my years did I expect anyone in the Indigo League to push me this far," Deidra preambled. Her hand lingered for one last Poké Ball, clutching it tightly. Her hand trembled.
"I'm afraid you'll regret your insolent efforts."
"Regret it?" Ash asked, grimacing. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Something's not right," Peeks said, squinting. "She's different."
Deidra was silent. She flung her last backhanded, with far more effort than before.
The spinning Poké Ball burst open. Its light materialized, hovering above Ash and Peeks.
Terrifying, misshapen black wings fanned out. Black fur covered sickly blue scales, and a deadly fuschia tracked down his belly, and bloomed from the main head's collar, like a wilting flower. Two borderline lifeless heads moved unnaturally, while the main consciousness of the beast craned back, and let out an ear-splitting roar. A feeling of foreboding came with strong winds.
Ash tightened a hand into a fist. His eyes narrowed. "I've been waiting for you, Hydreigon."