A Battle for the Ages
Monday morning dawned bright and crisp, a gentle breeze whispering through the trees outside Pallet High School. Ash Ketchum strolled through the familiar halls, his mind buzzing with thoughts of the weekend's baseball game and the excitement of seeing his friends. He had gone to bed late but the thought of breakfast with May, Dawn, Gary, Brock, and Paul made waking up early worth it.
As he approached the cafeteria, the mingled aromas of breakfast wafted through the air, crispy bacon, fluffy pancakes, and the tantalizing scent of fresh coffee. The cafeteria buzzed with chatter as students filled the tables, some laughing, others huddled over their textbooks.
"Hey, Ash!" A familiar voice called out, breaking through the noise. It was Brock, standing by the entrance, waving energetically. "Over here!"
Ash grinned and made his way over to the table where Brock, Gary, and Paul were already seated. The table was a chaotic blend of plates, forks, and half-eaten breakfast items, a testament to their morning appetite.
"Did you get the extra bacon?" Ash asked, eyeing the crispy strips on Gary's plate with envy.
"Of course!" Gary replied, a mischievous smile on his face. "I knew you'd come for it. There's some left if you want it."
"Too bad you couldn't eat it fast enough," Paul chimed in, already taking a bite of his own breakfast burrito. "I thought you were supposed to be the best eater here."
"Hey, I just wanted to save room for pancakes," Ash defended, waving his hand dismissively.
As they bantered, the doors to the cafeteria swung open, and May and Dawn walked in together, their laughter ringing like music in the air. May's bright smile caught Ash's attention, and he couldn't help but feel a warmth spread through him. She looked stunning in her casual attire, her hair cascading down her shoulders. Ash felt his cheeks heat up as she approached.
"There you guys are!" May said, sliding into the seat next to Ash. "We thought we'd never find you."
"Good morning!" Dawn added, taking a seat across from them. "What did we miss?"
"Not much," Brock said, winking at May. "Just the usual friendly rivalry over breakfast."
"Nothing new there, then," May chuckled, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she surveyed the table. "What's on the menu today?"
"Looks like you have your pick of bacon, pancakes, or the classic breakfast burrito," Ash said, pointing at the different plates scattered across the table.
"I think I'll go with pancakes," May replied, her smile brightening even more. "Especially if you saved some for me, Ash."
His heart skipped a beat. "I—uh, I can go grab some more if you want!" he blurted out, standing up abruptly.
"Calm down, Ketchum," Gary said, shaking his head with a smirk. "You don't have to go all out just for pancakes."
Ignoring the teasing, Ash made his way to the food line, his heart racing. The thought of making a good impression on May pushed him forward, even as he tried to focus on the breakfast selections. He piled a generous amount of pancakes on his plate and grabbed a side of bacon before returning to the table.
"Here you go," he said, placing the plate in front of May, his cheeks still warm. "Enjoy!"
"Wow, thanks!" May exclaimed, her eyes lighting up at the sight of the fluffy pancakes. She dug in immediately, and Ash felt a sense of pride swell within him.
As they settled into their breakfast, the conversation flowed easily. They discussed the baseball game from the previous week, how everyone had great chemistry and their plans for the upcoming match against Cerulean High. Dawn eagerly chimed in, asking questions about their strategies and what they were looking forward to.
"Do you guys have a game plan yet?" she inquired, taking a sip of her orange juice.
"More or less," Brock said, glancing at Ash. "We just need to focus on our pitching and defense. I think Gary is better off playing in the outfield while Paul can stay more near 2nd base or even shortstop. Dont get me wrong, they have a solid lineup, but if we play smart, we can take them down."
Paul nodded in agreement. "And we can't let their pitcher get into a rhythm. We need to pressure him early."
Gary leaned back in his chair, a confident grin spreading across his face. "And with Ash on the mound, we'll be just fine. Right, Ketchum?"
"Absolutely!" Ash said, feeling the excitement build. "I'm ready to show them what we can do."
"Speaking of the show, have you thought about what you're going to wear for the game?" May asked, her tone playful. "You have to look good while you're pitching."
"Just my uniform, like always," Ash replied, feeling a bit shy under her gaze. "But I'll make sure to wear my lucky socks."
"Oh, the lucky socks!" Dawn laughed, her eyes sparkling with mirth. "Those are definitely a game-changer."
"Don't knock the socks!" Ash defended, a grin on his face. "They've never let me down."
May chuckled, shaking her head in amusement. "Alright, alright. Just promise me you'll keep those lucky socks clean."
The cafeteria was lively as always, but today there was an extra buzz in the air. Rumors had surfaced about a new student joining Pallet High and there was an even bigger rumor that he was just as good of a player as everyone's favorite pitcher.
"Have you guys heard the rumors about the new guy?" Dawn asked, her eyes wide with enthusiasm. "They say he's interested in switching from 3rd base to pitcher like Ash!"
"Great, another person to steal my spotlight," Ash joked, rolling his eyes, though he felt a flicker of unease at the thought.
"From what I've heard, he's a really talented player," Brock added, trying to ease Ash's worries. "But don't let it get to you. You've been doing great, Ash!"
"Yeah, and if he's anything like you, he'll just be another teammate," May said, her voice bright and reassuring.
"Unless he's a show-off," Gary interjected with a smirk. "Then it's game on."
Ash chuckled at the banter, but deep down, he couldn't shake the feeling of jealousy creeping in. He wanted to be the best, and the thought of a new, talented player stepping in made his competitive spirit flare.
As the bell rang, signaling the start of first period, Ash made his way to class, his mind racing with thoughts of the upcoming baseball practice. Would this new player be a threat to his position? What if he was better?
The morning classes dragged on, and Ash found it hard to concentrate. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the lunch bell rang, and he made his way to the cafeteria once again. As he walked in, he noticed an unusual crowd gathered at one of the tables.
"What's going on?" Ash asked Brock, who had just sat down with his tray.
"Looks like the new guy's here!" Brock replied, gesturing to the commotion.
Intrigued, Ash followed his gaze to see a tall figure with striking green hair standing at the center of attention. The new student was dressed sharply wearing a dark green polo with a pair of black chino pants and black leather dress shoes. There was an essence of Charisma through the air as he was surrounded by a group of students eager to talk to him. Ash could feel his heart race, not from excitement, but from something deeper.
"Is that him?" May asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Yep," Gary said, crossing his arms and watching the scene unfold. "That's Drew Hayden. I've heard he's a pretty big deal in the baseball world."
Ash's stomach twisted at the thought. He could already sense the charm radiating off Drew.
"Let's go say hi!" Dawn suggested, her curiosity getting the better of her.
With an encouraging nod from May, the group moved closer to where Drew was standing, hoping to get a chance to introduce themselves. As they approached, Drew turned to face them, flashing a confident smile that made the girls giggle.
"Hey, everyone!" he greeted with a casual wave. "I'm Drew, just transferred here from Vermillion High. I've heard a lot about this school and the baseball team. I'm excited to join you guys!"
"Welcome to Pallet!" Brock said, extending his hand. "I'm Brock, I play catcher and these are my friends, Ash, May, Dawn, Paul and Gary.
Drew shook Brock's hand firmly, then turned his attention to Ash, who felt a strange mix of competitiveness and defensiveness rising in him.
"So, you're Ash Ketchum," Drew said, a smirk playing on his lips. "I've heard you've been making waves on the field. However If I remember correctly I did hit a homerun off of you a couple of weeks ago right? I'm looking forward to seeing you pitch."
"Yeah, well, if I remember correctly, in that game I also caught you off guard when I stole 3rd base from you right? I hope you're ready to compete during practice today," Ash replied, his competitive edge surfacing. He couldn't help but feel a spark of rivalry already igniting between them.
Drew chuckled, leaning back slightly. "Oh, I'm always ready. I love a good challenge."
Ash could feel the tension building. It wasn't just about baseball anymore; it was about pride, and something else that was gnawing at him. Drew's confident demeanor was magnetic, and Ash couldn't help but notice how May was hanging on every word he said.
"Nice to meet you, Drew," May said, her cheeks slightly flushed. "I heard you're a great player!"
"Thanks, May," Drew replied smoothly, his gaze lingering on her a moment too long for Ash's liking. "I've heard you're the one to impress around here. How about I take you out sometime for a night youĺl never forget?"
Ash felt a surge of protectiveness wash over him. "Sorry Drew she's not interested," he interjected, his tone sharper than he intended.
Drew raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Hey, it's not like that, come on, no harm in getting to know each other, right? I'm just trying to make new friends."
"Sure," Ash replied, forcing a smile. "Just don't get too comfortable now. I know you're a great player and all but you have to earn your spot on the field just like everyone else"
"Relax, Ash. It's just baseball," Gary chimed in, trying to lighten the mood, but Ash's irritation simmered just beneath the surface.
As the conversation continued, Ash found it hard to focus. He felt an undeniable jealousy flare up inside him each time Drew leaned in closer to May, his laughter ringing out like music to her ears. It was infuriating, and the more he watched, the more he wanted to prove himself.
"So, what do you say to a little practice after school?" Drew suggested, turning to Ash. "I'd love to see your pitching technique firsthand."
"Sure," Ash replied, trying to keep his cool. "But don't expect me to take it easy on you."
"Wouldn't dream of it," Drew shot back, a confident glint in his eye.
The lunch bell rang, cutting off the conversation and the building tension. As students filed out, Ash felt a whirlwind of emotions swirl within him. He was determined to show Drew what he could do, not just on the field but in winning May's attention as well.
The afternoon sun hung low in the sky as the team gathered at the baseball field. Ash could feel the nervous energy buzzing in the air as he prepared for practice. The anticipation of facing Drew head-to-head fueled his determination.
As they warmed up, Ash found himself stealing glances at May, who was chatting animatedly with Dawn near the bleachers. She seemed genuinely interested in Drew, laughing at his jokes, and it made Ash's heart sink a little deeper.
"Alright, team, gather 'round!" Coach F called, bringing everyone together. "Today, we're going to work on our pitches and fielding drills. And we've got a special guest, Everyone welcome Mr. Drew Hayden!"
The team gave Drew a welcoming applause. Coach F continued.
Drew here has transferred over from Vermillion, he was playing third but decided to switch over to a closing pitcher giving an opportunity for Ash to rest so he doesn't blow that arm.
Although Ash was shocked at what his coach had said to the team he knew that it wasn't something to take to heart. Coach F was just looking out for his health.
Drew stepped forward with a confident smile, making eye contact with each of his teammates. "I'm excited to get started! I know I'm new but I hope that I can earn each and everyone of your trust. Now let's show each other what we can do."
With the drills set in motion, Ash's competitive spirit kicked in. He wanted to impress everyone, especially May. As the team split into two groups for practice, Ash and Drew found themselves opposite each other on the pitching mound. The first drill was speed and velocity.
"Let's see what you've got, Ketchum," Drew said, smirking as he adjusted his cap.
"Don't blink," Ash shot back, determination flooding his voice.
As Ash wound up for his first pitch, he focused solely on the mound, blocking out everything else, including Drew's presence. He threw a fastball that soared right at Brock,although hesitant he was barely able to catch it with his glove.
"Nice throw!" Brock shouted, giving Ash a thumbs-up. That ball went toward me at 100 miles per hour according to our pitch meter!
Beat that lettuce head. Ash said with a smirk of confidence.
Drew stepped up to the plate, a confident grin on his face. "Alright, my turn." He took a few practice throws to warm up his arm, his movements fluid and effortless. Ash felt his competitive edge kick in again, wanting to outshine Drew.
As Drew took his position, Ash narrowed his focus. Suddenly a fast ball shot to Brocks glove that hit right down the middle being aimed just right. Drew waited for Brock to read out his speed.
100 miles! Wow Drew you tied Ashś speed! Now that's impressive! This first round ends in a tie! Brock shouted in amazement.
As the practice continued, Ash and Drew took turns pitching and batting, each grasping and hoping for the upper hand. Ash's heart raced each time Drew hit a home run or made a spectacular catch. But with every play, he also felt the spark of jealousy grow when he noticed May cheering for Drew.
"Come on, Ash! You've got this!" May shouted, clapping her hands in encouragement.
"Thanks, May!" Ash yelled back, but his focus wavered when he saw Drew flash her another charming smile, making her laugh again.
"Hey, Ketchum," Drew called out as he picked up a baseball from the bucket. "For the next challenge, how bout a game of PITCH?"
Ash, who was about to pack up his gear, turned to face Drew. "Pitch?"
"It's like a game of H.O.R.S.E.," Drew said, tossing the ball in the air and catching it. "But with pitching instead of shooting hoops."
Ash's eyes narrowed with interest. He had played plenty of basketball games of H.O.R.S.E., but applying the rules to pitching was new territory. "Alright, I'm game. What are the rules?"
"Simple," Drew explained, smirking. "We'll take turns making different pitching challenges. You hit the target, I have to match it. If I miss, I get a letter. First one to spell PITCH loses."
Ash grinned, feeling a thrill at the idea. "You're on. Let's see what you've got."
For the first pitch, Drew took a standard position on the mound and delivered a fastball aimed right at the top of the helmet that was near home plate. The ball flew straight and hit the mark with a loud clang.
"Let's see you match that, Ketchum," Drew said, stepping back with a confident look.
Ash nodded, taking his place on the mound. He mimicked Drew's form, focusing his gaze on the helmet. With a swift motion, he threw the ball, and it hit the top of the helmet cleanly, matching Drew's challenge.
"No problem," Ash said, shrugging. "I can do that all day."
Drew's eyes narrowed slightly as he reached for another ball. "Alright, let's make it a little tougher." He walked back several paces from the mound, positioning himself just beyond second base. "Hit the helmet from here."
The other boys whistled in admiration. It was a challenging throw, even for experienced pitchers like Ash and Drew. Drew wound up and launched the ball with perfect precision, sending it crashing into the helmet again.
"Nice throw," Brock commented. "But can you do it, Ash?"
Ash didn't hesitate. He walked over to the spot Drew had thrown from and eyed the target carefully. He took a deep breath, winding up his arm as he recalled all the times he'd practiced long throws. He released the ball, and it sailed through the air in a smooth arc, landing on the helmet with a resounding clang.
"Right on target," Ash said, a grin spreading across his face.
"Not bad, Ketchum," Drew admitted, though he didn't seem too pleased. "But let's step it up a notch."
For the next challenge, Drew positioned himself on his knees, facing away from the target. He then twisted his torso and launched the ball over his shoulder, hitting the helmet with an awkward but impressive throw.
Ash watched, knowing that this would be difficult. He took his position on his knees, mimicking Drew's stance. Twisting his torso and focusing hard, he threw the ball over his shoulder. It sailed toward the helmet but clipped the edge and bounced away.
"P!" Drew called out triumphantly. "Looks like I'm in the lead."
Ash felt a twinge of frustration, but he wasn't about to let one letter discourage him. It was his turn to set the challenge, and he had something tricky in mind. "Alright, Drew," Ash said, walking over to the pitcher's mound. "Try hitting the target with your opposite hand."
Drew scoffed, clearly unimpressed by the challenge. "Piece of cake."
He took the ball in his left hand and attempted the throw. His aim was solid, but the ball flew slightly to the left, missing the helmet by a few inches.
"Looks like you've got an 'P,' too," Ash said, his grin returning.
The game continued, with each boy setting increasingly difficult challenges. Ash got Drew to earn an "I" by making him throw sidearm from the outfield, while Drew managed to give Ash an "T" with a behind-the-back throw from first base. The score was tied at P.I.T., and neither was willing to back down.
By now, their teammates were completely engrossed in the game. May and Dawn had even wandered over from the stands to watch, adding to the pressure as Ash and Drew prepared for the next round.
"Alright," Drew said, grabbing a fresh ball. "Time to end this." He positioned himself at home plate and aimed at the helmet from an unconventional stance—one leg raised off the ground like a flamingo. He threw the ball, and it miraculously hit the target.
Ash felt the pressure mounting. He steadied himself, mimicking Drew's awkward stance. With one leg in the air, he aimed for the helmet and threw. The ball flew straight but missed the target by a hair's breadth.
"That's a 'C,' Ash," Drew said, smirking. "One more and you're done."
Ash took a deep breath, determined to keep the game alive. "Fine. But I'm not going down easy." He decided on a curveball challenge, aiming for the edge of the helmet instead of the center. If Drew could match this, he'd win, but Ash was betting on the difficulty of the curve.
Ash's throw curved beautifully and hit the edge with a sharp clang. The team erupted in cheers as Drew took his spot, setting up for what could be the final throw of the game.
Drew threw the curveball, but it didn't break as sharply as Ash's. It skimmed the edge but had just enough curve to hit the target.
It ends here Ketchum! Drew said as he tossed a perfectly placed fastball right at the target with his eyes closed.
Ash was shocked, he knew that if he didn't get this pitch out the game was over. He took a deep breath, closed his eyes and threw. Unfortunately it missed the target by only an inch giving Ash the final H and declaring Drew the winner of that round.
The final round was a battle of homeruns. Both players will be going head to head with one another in a hitting competition to see who can hit better when it mattered the most.
The players buzzed with excitement. They knew Ash was one of the best hitters on the team, but with Drew now in the mix, the competition had gotten a lot more interesting. It didn't take long for Coach Flores to announce the pairing: Ash versus Drew.
"You two up for it?" the coach asked, his gaze shifting between the boys.
Ash felt a familiar rush of determination. "You bet, Coach."
Drew smirked, rolling his shoulders back. "Ready as I'll ever be."
As the players set up for the competition, the other teammates gathered around to watch. Brock, Gary, and Paul took seats on the bench near the batting cages, while May and Dawn found a spot near the fence. They could feel the anticipation as Ash and Drew took their places, each preparing for their first swing.
The rules were simple: each player would get ten pitches, and the one who hit the most balls out of the field or the farthest would win.
Ash stepped up to the plate first, gripping the bat with his usual confidence. He took a deep breath, letting his mind clear as he focused on the pitcher. The ball sailed toward him, and Ash swung with practiced precision, sending it soaring deep into the outfield. It bounced just shy of the fence, but it was still an impressive start.
"Nice one, Ash!" Gary shouted from the bench.
Ash gave a small nod of acknowledgment, but his gaze was already fixed on the next pitch. The second ball came in fast, and Ash smashed it, sending it high and far. It arced gracefully over the fence for a home run, drawing cheers from the rest of the team.
"Two for two!" Brock called out. "Let's go, Ash!"
As the pitches continued, Ash kept his focus. The third pitch came in fast and Ash took a chance causing it to go near foul territory.
Ash took a deep breath and asked for the next pitch. A 2 seam fastball was high and near the middle just where Ash liked it, he took a big swing and cracked the ball near right field hitting it out of the field and getting yet another homerun!
His 10 pitches had ended, although not fully satisfied with his performance he managed to hit 7 of them with solid contact, three of them clearing the fence. By the time he finished, his teammates were cheering him on, and he felt a swell of pride. He looked over at May and signaled that those hits were for her. But there was still Drew's turn, and Ash wasn't about to get complacent.
Drew stepped up to the plate with a swagger that made Ash grit his teeth. There was something in the way Drew held the bat, an air of confidence that made it clear he wasn't going to back down easily. He took his stance, calm and poised, and waited for the first pitch.
When the ball came, Drew swung smoothly, sending it sailing deep into the outfield. It landed just inside the fence but traveled a fair distance, drawing a murmur of approval from the team.
"Good start," Paul said, glancing at Ash.
Ash didn't reply, but his grip on the bat tightened as he watched Drew line up for the next pitch. Drew's second swing connected perfectly, and the ball flew high and deep. It soared over the fence, clearing it by a wide margin, and landed with a satisfying thud in the grass.
"Home run!" someone yelled, and Ash felt a pang of frustration.
Drew continued, matching Ash's performance hit for hit. Some hits just barely missed the home run line but overall Drew isn't backing down. The other players grew louder with each swing, some shouting encouragement and others exchanging nervous glances. By the end of his ten pitches, Drew had also hit three home runs, tying Ash's score at 7 apiece.
"Looks like we have a draw," Coach Flores announced, his voice cutting through the noise. "But we can't leave it at that. Tiebreaker round, one pitch each."
The crowd quieted as Ash walked back to the plate, his heart pounding in his chest. He could feel everyone's eyes on him, especially Drew's. Before he stepped into the batters box he touched the tip of his cap for good luck just like he always did before a hit. As he took his stance, he knew he had to make this one count. The pitcher wound up, and Ash swung with all the power and precision he could muster.
The crack of the bat echoed through the field as the ball shot into the air, carrying deep toward center field. It kept climbing until it finally sailed over the fence, landing far beyond the outfielders' reach.
The team erupted into cheers, and Ash let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. He turned toward the fence, meeting May's gaze for a moment. She was clapping and smiling, and Ash felt a surge of pride. But he quickly turned his attention back to Drew, who was already stepping up to the plate.
"Pressure's on," Drew remarked, giving Ash a sideways glance.
Ash said nothing, keeping his expression neutral. Drew's confidence was at an all time high, but Ash wasn't going to let it get to him. He watched closely as Drew took his position, and the air grew thick with tension. The pitcher threw the ball, and Drew swung.
The sound of the bat connecting with the ball was crisp, and for a moment, it seemed as if Drew had matched Ash's shot. The ball flew high and far, but just before reaching the fence, it lost momentum and dropped down into the outfield.
Drew had lost.
The crowd burst into applause for Ash's victory, although he didn't want to admit it, it felt nice to pick up a win against an evenly matched opponent.
Drew, understanding the importance of being a proper sportsman, walked over to him with an extended hand. "Nice job, Ketchum," he said, his voice steady but tinged with a hint of frustration.
"Thanks," Ash replied, shaking his hand. "You're not too bad yourself."
A/N: How was it? Hope you all enjoyed this very long chapter. I kind of got tired of making Drew a bad guy so this perspective of being a good teammate and creating a proper bond might just be a better decision. Keep reading and I appreciate the reviews as always!