Pokemon is owned by Gamefreak and all Pokédex entries are from Bulbapedia.
"Butts"- Humans speaking
"Butts"- Pokemon speaking
'Butts'- thoughts
"Butts"-Pokedex entries/TV commentary
"Butts"- Telepathy/Aura speech
Four's A Crowd
The day after Ash won his match on the ice field, he and his friends had joined Goh at the grass field's stands, where they watch the match between Wes and Gary, both of the trainers neck and neck with Gary's last Pokemon being Nidoking and Wes's Pokemon beinga large blue crocodillian with red spikes on its back. Goh had informed them that Wes's Croconaw had evolved to Feraligatr.
Announcer: And now Gary and Wes are down to just one Pokemon! Whoever wins this shall win the match!
Goh: Do you guys think Wes'll come through?
Ash: Who knows.
Cobalt: Gary's tough, really hard to see who'd win.
Wes: Feraligatr, use Liquidation!
The Big Jaw Pokemon charged, its hand covered by swirling water as it attempted to slash at the Nideoking, before-
Gary: Catch it!
And just as Gary said, Nidoking grabbed the arm Feraligatr was about to strike him, narrowly avoiding a supereffective hit.
Gary: Now, use Dynamic Punch!
The Drill Pokemon reeled a fist back before strongly pummeling it into the Bug Jaw's face, sending it flying into the ground with a thud, where it was seen to be knocked unconscious.
Wes: Feraligatr, no!
Referee: Feraligatr is unable to battle, the winner is Nidoking! And that means, the match goes to Gary Oak!
Goh: Oh man…. Wes lost…
Kixx: ….Damn.
Misty: It only makes sense he might lose. This is the big leagues, after all.
As Ash felt remorse for his friend while the group lef the stadium, Wes came out to join them, Espeon and Umbreon by his side.
Wes: Hey, guys.
Goh: Sorry you lost, Wes.
Wes: *smirks* Eh, that guy just got lucky is all.
Though trying to play it off, Ash could feel the disappointment and sorrow in Wes's tone. He was really hoping he'd make it through the preliminaries. Maybe he wouldn't stand a chance against his next opponent or even Gary… Maybe he should quit while he was ahead. However, his thoughts were interrupted by Btock placing a hand on his shoulder.
Brock: Ash, I have a feeling I know what you're thinking, now stop!
Ash: Brock?
Brock: You're a great trainer, Ash. The bond you share with your Pokemon proves it to me. And as long as we're around, you won't even think about quitting, right?
Green: Yeah, don't talk like that, Ash.
Kestrel: We believe in you.
Wes: Plus, don't think since I'm out of the League that I'm gonna sit out watching your matches, alright bud?
Ash looked at the group as they smiled at him, eliciting him to smile and nod back, thankfulfor their support. However, a ringing from his Xtransciever interrupted them.
Ash: *sheepish* Sorry, I have to take this.
Ash walked off as his Pokemon followed, pressing the button to show Professor Oak on the screen.
Prof. Oak: Hi there, Ash.
Ash: Professor Oak? Is something wrong?
Prof. Oak: No no, far from it, in fact. I've been watching you and Gary in the League and I was wondering if you wanted to switch Pokemon.
Ash: Switch?
Prof. Oak: Mm-hmm. Just before his last match, Gary swapped out 3 of his Pokemon.
As Oak finished, a familiar rock piece peered on screen, where Hunter, Ash's new Lycanroc, peeked up to see him.
Hunter: Hi, Ash!
Green: Hey, it's Hunter!
Ash: Hi, Hunter. Are things going okay at the lab?
Hunter: Just great, Ash! This place is awesome!
Cobalt, Hey, Ash. Our last match is on the rock field against AJ of all people. Hunter would be perfect for that battle.
Ash thought it over. It would help if he had a Rock type on the rock field, but he would feel horrible just switching some of the closest people to him out and make them feel excluded. Seeing this, his released Pokemon looked to him in support and Cobalt placed a hand on his shoulder.
Green: Ash, it's okay. If you want to switch us out, we won't hold it against you.
Azula: If you gotta do it, do it.
Hearing this, Ash smiled at his party before turning back to the professor.
Ash: Professor, can you transfer Hunter over please?
Prof. Oak: Of course, Ash. *walks away* This will only take a moment.
As the older man walked away, Delia suddenly came on screen.
Delia: Honey, you look thin, Are you eating all right?
Ash: *surprised* Mom?! Why are you at the lab?
Delia: Professor Oak invited us over here to watch you.
Ash: "Us"? Who's "us"?
Delia: The entire neighborhood, of course. They've been seeing you on television. We're all rooting for you.
She then directs Oak's camera over, showing a multitude of people cheering and holding signs in support. Ash smiled as he saw Daisy, Red, Blacky, and Sparky in the audience. Ash was astoniushed at this. He expected his parents, his other Pokemon, and maybe Oak to cheer him on, but the entire neighborhood? Incredible.
Red: You've really become an inspiration to some of us, son.
Sparky: Ever zince you guyz left, Blacky and I have been training a whole lot.
Blacky: Well, I need to fend off those ground tentacles SOMEHOW.
Prof. Oak: *approaches* I have Hunter in her Pokeball right here.
Ash: Right, I'll get t a transfer machine right away… Say, Mom? Could you get Blacky's Pokeball for me?
Delia: Blacky? But why?
Ash: Well… Something tells me I might need him.
—-
After transfering Aiden and Psi for his two Pokemon at the nearest transfer machineand getting embarrassed by his mother telling him to change his "you-know-what"s everyday, Ash bashfully ran with his Pokemon to the rock field, where he and his two starters stood on a green platform while AJ stood determined on the red platform across to him.
Announcer: Our fnal battle of the preliminary rounds will take place here on the rock field! With us will be green trainer, Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town against red trainer, AJ of Cerulean City!
AJ: Gotta be honest, Ash. I'm really happy this battle is against you. You really earned making it this far.
Ash: Same here, AJ. Just wait and see how strong we've become!
Referee: Will both trainers release their Pokemon!
AJ: Alright then… *throws Pokeball* Go! Dodrio!
From AJ's ball came a large, three headed bird similar to Doduo, only with black feathers on all three heads and pink tail feathers on the body. Just to make sure he was right, Ash scanned the Pokemon with his Pokedex.
Pokedex: Dodrio, the Triple Bird Pokémon and the evolvd form of Doduo. A Normal and Flying type. When Doduo evolves into this odd breed, one of its heads splits into two. An enemy that takes its eyes off any of the three heads, even for a second, will get pecked severely.
Misty: So if AJ uses Doduo, who will Ash use?
Brock: My best guess is either Psi or Azula since they have moves that will be supereffective.
Cobalt: You ready?
Ash: ….*deep breath* Yeah. I believe in us…. *throws Pokeball* Hunter, I choose you!
Frim the Pallet boy's ball came forth his most recent catch, Hunter let out a small growl as she looked at her opponent with a smiling pant.
Misty: Hey, isn't that…?
Brock: He…. He actually caught a Rock-type…. *smiles* Respect.
AJ: Heh, never seen that one before. Cute. But cute won't stop us, Ash, and you know it!
Referee: Let the battle begin!
Ash: Hunter, start us off with Accelerock!
Suddenly, Hunter's smile disappeared as her eyes turned red and she growled. She then coated in energy as she then charged towards Dodrio.
AJ: Acceler- Dodrio, get out of the way and use Tri Attack!
Ash: Counter with Stone Edge!
Dodrio jumped out of Hunter's way and charged up balls of fire,ice, and electricity in their beaks before firing them at the Lycanroc. However, Hunter's neck rocks glowed as the tips fired off smaller stones at the bals, causing a large explosion. As it settled, Dodrio looked around before Hunter was seen right above them.
Ash: Now, Bite!
Lunging, Hunter bit down onto one of Dorio's necks, causing the bird to squabble and run around madly.
Announcer: Ooooh, and it looks like Lycanroc is fighting tooth and nail at Dodrio! Let's see how AJ gets out of this!
AJ: Come on, Dodrio You're better than this, I know it!... I got it. Knock that dog off with Double Kick, then use Drill Peck!
Much to Ash's anxiety, Hunter was forced to let go from the impact of the kicks and indeed suffered damage from all 3 head's spinning beaks digging into her. As she lied down, she shakily stood up, not wanting to disappoint Ash.
AJ: Good. Now, use Aerial Ace to get to the top of that large rock!
Dodrio then dashed off at a high speeduntil it landed on the top of a very tall rock.
AJ: Now, Tri Attack!
Dodrio then fired off its Tri Attack again, this toime nearly hitting Hunter as she tried t run and dodge the blasts.
Announcer: Amazing! AJ has instructed his Dodrio to perch and gain a sniping position atop the crags of the battlefield. It's a valiant strategy, but can Ash pull off another miracle?
Cobalt: She can;t launch a Stone Edge with her having to dodge all those attacks!
Ash: *thinks* ...Then maybe we need to close the gap…. Hunter, run over to Dodrio's perch and use Rock Climb!
Growling, Hunter's claws glowed white and then grew longer, where she then runs as fast as she can up the mount towards Dodrio and as soon as she gets to the top, she bashes into Dodrio.
AJ: Oh no, Dodrio!
Ash: Now, Accelerock!
With one last glow surrounding Hunter, the Lycanroc rammed into the Trio Bird, sending it into the ground and knocking it unconscious as she did.
Referee: Dodrio is unable to battle, the winner is Lycanroc!
AJ: *hums nervously* Dodrio, return. You did great.
Ash: Hunter, come back for a short rest.
Both trainers recalled their Pokemon back to their balls, and at the same time, selected another Pokeball.
AJ: Not bad, Ash. You actually managed to take out one of my Pokemon, that's more than any of the challengers could do before I did the gyms. You really have gotten stronger. But now's where your streak ends. *throws ball* Let's go, Venasaur!
From AJ's ball came forth what was basically a large Venasaur, roaring valorously as the crowd exploded into cheers while Ash's [pkedex chimed in by itself.
Pokedex: Venusaur, the Seed Pokémon and the final evolved form of Bulbasaur. A Grass and Poison type. It's believed that a nutritious diet and lots of sunlight make Venusaur's flower bloom in more vibrant colors. The flower's scent can calm and heal the human heart.
Green: Ah, great. Just when we needed a Fire or a Psychic type.
Ash: Don;t worry, Green. I'm sure our next friend can handle this. *throws Pokeball* Blacky, I choose you!
The Pokeball opened as Ash's Umbreon dropped into the field, brilliant sparkles following Blacky out. The audience simulaneously gasped at the sight of Blacky, before erupting into yells and cheers of amazement.
Announcer: What a treat, folks! It seems that Ketchum's been holding out on us with the acquisition of a Shiny Pokemon!
AJ: Seems like you've been holding out on me, Ash. Let's see how good your Umbreon is.
Ash: You're about to right now. Blacky, use Extrasensory!
Blacky's eyes glowed as he fired a series of pink and purple energy circles from the ring on his head, hitting th Venasaur with super-effective damage.
AJ: Venusaur! Are you alright?!
Venasaur: 'M fine.
Ash: Nice work. Now, Feint Attack, let's go!
AJ: Venasaur, use Bulldoze!
The Venasaur stomps down on the ground and creates a shock wave while Blacky runs towrds it. Though he stumbles and trips due to the tremors, he manages to jump and strike Venasaur on the head.
AJ: Alright, we'll just have to keep that Umbreon from taking another move! Venasaur, Sleep Powder!
Venasaur's flower trembled greatly before it sprayed Blacky with a large cloud of green powder, causing Blacky to slo to a halt before he then fell asleep.
Green: No!
Cobalt: Come on, Blacky! Wake up!
AJ: Alright, Venasaur! Now, use Sludge Wave!
Suddenly, a big wave of dark purple sludge forms around the Seed Pokemon, where it then hurls it at Blacky, knocking him back.
Ash: *growls* ….Blacky, use Sleep Talk!
Suddenly, as Ash says this, Blacky then proceeds to get up and open his mouth, unleashing a Shadow Ball that hits Venasaur before the Umbreon then collapses back down.
Misty: But Blacky's asleep, how did he attack?
Brock: Sleep Talk is a move that allows a Pokemon, when asleep, to use one of their other attacks.
AJ: Heh, nice call teaching your Umbreon Sleep Talk. But it won't be enough! Venasaur, Frenzy Plant!
Ash: Blacky, Sleep Talk!
While Venasaur glowed and summoned large, barbed vines out from the ground, Blacky unleashed an Extrasensory while still asleep. Though Blacky was slapped a bit by the vine, the type advantage won the day as Venasaur collapsed from damage, causing the roots to wither away.
Referee: Venasaur is unable to battle, the winner is Umbreon!
The crowd cheered while AJ recalled his grass-type, which turned out to be the time where Blacky then managed to wake up.
Blacky: Huh? What happened? Did I win?
Green: Much to my amazement, yes.
Announcer: And AJ is down to his last Pokemon! Now that he's forced to caych up to Ketchum, what shall his last Pokemon be?
AJ: *sigh* …I'm counting on you. *throws Pokeball* Go!
The Pokeball opened, revealing AJ's last Pokemon to be, of course, Sandslash.
Ash: I knew your last Pokemon was Sandslash. I expected nothing less of you.
AJ: *smiles* Glad to hear it, because now tis is a real fight!
Ash: Blacky, can you still go on?
Blacky looked back and nodded to his trainer, ready for whatever Sandslash threw at him.
Ash: Just one more… One more and I win.
AJ: Sandslash, use Stealth Rock!
Suddenly, multiple glowing rocks rise in front of Sandslash's body, where the rocks then stop glowing and are fired towards Blacky, landing in the ground around him…. But they then suddenly disappeared.
Blacky: Huh? But-
Ash: Blacky, use Shadow Ball!
AJ: Deflect it with Rollout!
Blacky fired a Shadow Ball at Sandslash, only for the Mouse Pokemon to spin in place and deflect the Shadow Ball away before it kept rolling forward, slamming into the Umbreon.
Ash: No! Blacky, Feint Attack!
AJ: Now, use X-Scissor!
Both of the attacks collided with each other, but unfortunately, Sandslash had the leve and type advantage needed to overpower Blacky, slashing him with his crossed claws and knocking him out of the match.
Referee: Umbreon is unable to battle, the winner is Sandslash!
Announcer: Astounding! For the first time in this match, Ketchum has lost one of his Pokemon! Can he remain on top in order to win this or will AJ be walking out of this field a victor?!
Ash: *recalls Blacky* Blacky, return! You did great out there. Now get a nice long rest.
AJ: Not bad, Ash! Usually that would be your last Pokemon if you were an ordinary trainer. But I just remembered… You're not just ANY trainer.
Cobalt: Got that right!
Green: That Sandslash seems even more powerful than before. I'm starting to envy past me.
Ash: Nonetheless, we need to win this. I believe in us. *throws Pokeball* Hunter, let's go!
The Lycanroc came back onto the field, growling at the Sandslash, but staggered a bit as she panted. However, much to their surprise, small rocks came onto the field and struck Hunter, making her flinch.
Wes: Hey, where did those rocks come from? Did Sandslash use Stone Edge?
Brock: No, that'd be because of Stealth Rock. When used, any Pokemon who enters the field on Ash's side gets more damage. Sandslash hasn't taken any damage, but Hunter's taken a lot, plus there's also the Stealth Rock and the fact that Ground-type Pokemon have the advantage over Rock-types.
Goh: Ash is in a tough spot.
Zina: Please let him be careful out there…
Referee: Let the match resume!
AJ: Now Sandslash, Rollout!
Ash: Dodge with Accelerock!
As Sandslash rolled forward quickly, Hunter zoomed past him and struck him in the back, making him stop rolling.
Ash: Use Stone Edge!
AJ: Protect with X-Scissor!
Sanslash crossed his claws as Hunter unleashed multiple shards of rock before she landed, growling with her now red.
Ash: Hunter, use Rock Climb!
As her claws grew longer and glowed, Hunter unleashed a mighty howl, which caused the ground to separate and protrude from the ground under her opponent. Hunter climbed up the side of the mountain with great speed before jumping to reach Sandslash and strike with her claws. But unknown to Ash… She did just as AJ wanted.
AJ: Use Counter!
Ash: Counter?!
With a smirk from Sandslash, he flipped over after receiving damage and struck Hthe wolf in the stomach with his claw. This unfortunately was all it took as Hunter was sent flying and hit the ground with a thud.
Ash: Hunter, no!
Cobalt: Hunter!
The dest settled, revealing Hunter having been knocked unconscious as the mountain Hunter made now descending back into the ground.
Referee: Lycanroc is unable to battle, the winner is Sandslash!
Announcer: *as Ash recalls Hunter* And it's official, Sandslash counteracts Lycanroc to tie-up the match in a little bow! And now, we'll see if Ash has the perfect Pokemon to counter that sensational Sandslash!
Ash: Okay…. Azula, I choo-
But just as Ash was about to throw the ball, something stopped his arm, howling it to reveal Green was holding Ash back.
Cobalt: Green, what are you doing?
Green: This rivalry started with our battle as a Grovyle and Sandshrew. If we're gonna win this match, it has to be me.
Ash: You? But…. But that Sandslash has X-Scissor. Are you sure?
Green: I can do it. Just trust me.
Sensing how serious his starter was, Ash smiled and nodded before pocketing the ball in his hand.
Ash: Okay then, do us proud. Green, I choose you!
Green then smirked before jumping into the field, landing on one hand before jumping to his feet, but cringed as he was also hit with Stealth Rock.
Ash: But just wait, we're not done yet…. *touches keystone* Green! Mega Evolve!
Wes: What?
The crowd kept quiet as light tendrils from Ash's glove and Green's vest fused, bathing the Sceptile in a cascade of light before it faded, revealing Green as Mega Sceptile. At this, the crowd exploded into numerous loud cheers as AJ stood in shock.
Announcer: Incredible! This is our first time seeing this sort of metamorphosis at the Indigo Conference! Ladies and gentlemen, we are getting a first hand look at Mega Evolution!
AJ: Mega…. Evolution?... *smiles* Now this oughta be good.
Sandslahs: Got that right.
Ash: And how… Green, use Leaf Blade!
Just like in the past, Green ran at the Sandslash, jumping as he crossed his arms and his blades extended, forming green energy blades.
AJ: Jump and use Rollout!
Ash: Veer left!
As commanded, Green quickly turned to the left, scraping the Sandshrew with his blades and causing supereffective damage.
AJ: Good tactic. Eally takes me back to our first fight… But like before, it ain't good enough! Sandslash, cannonball!
Ash: Use Leaf Blade to shield!
Though he managed to shield himself, Sandslash managed to hit Green before slamming into the earth. But seeing as how Green was still airborne, yet in pain, he got an idea.
Ash: Alright, Green! Combine Earthuake and Leaf Storm by firing off your tail, use Leaf Geyser!
AJ: Fire off…. His tail?!
Green turned back around and charged a Leaf Storm with his tail before yelling out and firing it into the ground, much to AJ's amazement. As it hit the ground, the discarded tail shook the earth beneath Sandslash before the cracks fired small waves of leaves and green energy, dealin him great damage.
Announcer: And just like that, Ash's Sceptile brings forth another incredible combo move just like his Charizard! Could this be the end of Sandslash!?
Ash: Leaf Blade!
AJ: Sandslash, Counter it!
Green's tail grew back as he then dove towards the mouse, who was ready to counter the strike. As soon as their blades clashed, a small explosion combusted, but the dist quickly settled to show both Green and Sandslash in a harsh blade clash.
Announcer: And they've stopped! Both Pokemon are caught in a vicious blade clash, with Sandslash trying to counter against Ash's Leaf Blade!
At the lock, Ash realized something: Sandslash's only methods of attack were its claws and spikes. And because of the current clash, Sandslash couldn't use his claws or curl up into a ball.
AJ: No! We can't attack!
Ash: But we can! Green, full power Dragon Pulse!
Smirking, Green then opened his mouth as he charged up his Dragon Pulse. He knew he could win this, this proved that Ash truly did learn from his mistakes. And he did it by training his [Pokemon his OWN way. As it was happening, AJ thought one thing.
AJ: 'Ash…' *smiles* 'You really have grown from that kid I called out back in Cerulean…. You've earned this victory.'
Sandslash seemed to have the same thoughts as he smiled and closed his eyes, yelling out as Green unleashed his purplish laser, which kicked up the dirt. When the smoke subsided, Green was standing as his Mega Evolutin wore off…. And he held up a now unconscious Sandslash.
Referee: Sandslash is unable to battle, the winner is Sceptile! And that means, the match goes to Ash Ketchum!
The audience exploded into cheers and applause, the loudest being Misty and Brock from the stands, along with Wes, Goh, and Zina. Even Solana, Seleno, and Kixx were cheering as Green hopped onto AJ's platform and dropped off Sandslash as he then rejoined Ash and Cobalt. As the three congratulated each other, AJ spoke to his barely awake partner.
AJ: Thanks a ton, Sandslash. You were amazing, you all were. We're not there yet. But one day, we'll be masters. *picks up Sandslash* Let's go home.
AJ climbed down the platform and walked out of the field, disappointed he lost, but was really happy for the amazing battle. As Ash and his starters came down, the applause really got to him as in the stands, Gary leaned against the xit, smiling at him with a sneer.
Gary: Hmph…. Not bad, Ashy-boy. Not bad at all.
—-
After trading Aiden and Psi back and enduring major congratulations from the two, Ash and his friends rested up at their cabin the next day before heading to the Indigo Stadium to see the pairing battles for the Top 16. As the screen lit up, Ash scoured for any familiar faces.
Ash: Hey look, Marcus and Alain made it.
Cobalt: Marcus is taking some kid named… Who's Ritchie?
Ash: I dunno. Now, where am I?
Brock: Uh…. Ash?
The older teen pointed up, directing Ash's attention to where he was on the board. But as he spotted his picture, Ash looked on in shock as he saw who he was facing.
Green: Well, I'll be damnd…
Misty: Ash…. You're battling….
Ash: Gary?!
Gary: *off-screen* Lucky you….
The group then looked over, spotting Gary standing next to them, still holding his trademark asshole-like smirk.
Gary: Your stay in the Indigo Stadium's about to be a short one….
TO BE CONITNUED….
—-
Ash's Team
Lucario: Cobalt
Sceptile: Green
Alakazam: Psi
Gengar: Yami
Charizard: Aidan
Inteleon: Azula
Togetic: Kestrel
Rotom: Sparky (at Oak's lab)
Umbreon *shiny*: Blacky (at home)
Lycanroc *Dusk form*: Hunter (at Oak's lab)
Misty's Team
Staryu
Psyduck: Perry
Gyarados: Mel (Malestrom)
Squirtle: Loki
Golisopod: Harold
Butterfree: Alex
Horsea: Jeff (at gym)
Starmie (at gym)
Tentacool: Charles (at gym)
Goldeen: Bella (at gym)
Palpitoad (at gym)
Brock's Team
Onix
Kingler: Neptune
Golbat: Nightwing
Bulbasaur
Croagunk
Mankey: John
Geodude (at gym)
Forrestress (at gym)