Author's Note: The first part of the previous chapter had been rewritten a little, but also here we will know which Trainer won Denise's heart. So heads up for that;)
I don't own Pokémon or its characters, but I own Denise, her Pokémon group and my other OCs.
Enjoy!
Pokemon: Friends to the End
Chapter 171: Battling a Thaw in Relations!
Denise's POV
I feel like I am at the edge of my seat at this very moment.
Paul's Drapion had set up a nasty trap with Toxic Spikes and, mere moments later, a dazzling tactical display rendered Ash's Buizel, Staraptor and Torterra unable to battle.
Ash's Gliscor comes in against Paul's amazingly fast Ninjask.
When Gliscor hits the ground and takes a lot of damage from Toxic Spikes, Ash switches it out in favor of Infernape and this is where some creative strategising on Ash's part began to erode Paul's strategy, as an underground Flare Blitz burns off the Toxic Spikes.
After his Ninjask was eliminated, Paul brought out his Froslass while Ash called on Pikachu.
Although Froslass was powerful and its evasion skills were impressive, Pikachu's tenacity rules the bout and Froslass was eliminated.
When Paul again called on Drapion, Ash gets Gliscor back into the battle.
Although Gliscor was still feeling the effects of previous battling, the magnificent training it received from the Air Battle Master is evident.
As Ash and Paul's epic battle continued, Ash finds himself with three Pokémon remaining while Paul has only two.
But then again, looks can be deceiving.
I won't say anything more and just hope the epic battle before me ends with an unexpected turn.
Because only then, I'll figure out who I really want to be with.
The Lily of the Valley Conference Full Battle between Ash and Paul raged on as Gliscor dived toward Drapion with an X-Scissor attack at the ready.
However, it was subsequently blocked by Drapion's Pin Missiles at the last moment and sent flying back and landing on the ground.
Ash and Pikachu gasped at what they were seeing.
"Gliscor's X-Scissor is powerless against those Pin Missiles!"the Announcer informed.
Among the crowd, Brock, Prinplup, Dawn, Denise, Lucas and Barry kept watching the battle.
"Gliscor."Dawn said worriedly."Oh no."
"Prinplup."Prinplup chirped.
"Man, Gliscor's X-Scissor wasn't enough."Barry complemented.
"No doubt that one X-Scissor against many Pin Missiles won't stand much of a chance."Brock stated.
"Guess Ash will have to find a new way for Gliscor to hit Drapion."Lucas suggested.
Denise was silent as she watched Gliscor landed hard on the battlefield.
"Hang in there, Gliscor!"Ash protested."You can do it!"
"Cross Poison now!"Paul ordered.
Drapion prepared to use Cross Poison as Ash ordered Gliscor to use Fire Fang.
"Quick!"Ash called out."Use Fire Poison!"
Gliscor dodged Drapion's attack and scored a direct hit, not only causing Drapion major damage, but also burning it.
"Gliscor's Fire Fang scores a direct hit!"the Announcer commented."With an added effect, Drapion becomes burned!"
Paul becomes angry at once again being outmanoeuvred while Ash gritted his teeth with confidence.
From all the cumulative damage it's taken up to this point, Drapion finally faints, leaving Paul with only one Pokémon left.
"Drapion is unable to battle!"the referee informed and brought up the green flag."Gliscor is the winner!"
The big screen showed Paul had only now one Pokémon left.
"With Drapion down, Paul had only one Pokémon left!"the Announcer informed.
Paul returned Gliscor into his Poké Ball.
Dawn and Barry cheered Ash on while Denise, Lucas and Brock were more cautious.
"Wow!"Barry remarked."Gliscor did it!"
"Come on, Ash!"Dawn encouraged."Take out Paul's last Pokémon!"
"Prinplup."Prinplup chirped.
Denise frowned at Dawn and Barry.
"Don't celebrate just yet, you two."Denise informed."Like Pikachu and Infernape, Gliscor have all taken significant damage."
"Dennie is right."Lucas agreed with a nod."Also, Paul's final Pokémon has yet to enter the battle."
Dawn became worried when she noticed Gliscor didn't look well.
"Oh no."Dawn said sadly."Gliscor is hurt."
"Then Paul still has the advantage."Barry assumed.
A confident smirk appeared on Dawn's face.
"No need to worry!"Dawn stated."Ash is going to win!"
Ash prepared to return Gliscor back in its Poké Ball.
"Gliscor, take a good rest-"Ash started.
"Electivire, stand by for battle!"Paul informed.
Paul sends out his final Pokémon, Electivire, the only Pokémon on Paul's current team that Ash has battled before.
"Electivire!"
"Paul brings out his last Pokémon!"the Announcer admitted."Electivire!"
Ash looked at Electivire since he knew that Gliscor was immune to Electivire's Electric-type moves, but was still concerned about leaving it in.
"Electric type moves have no effect against Gliscor."Ash thought with an unsure look."But still…"
Gliscor lets Ash know it can still battle.
"Gli!"Gliscor sneered.
"Okay, Gliscor."Ash responded."You got yourself a deal."
Ash decided to have Gliscor still in the battlefield.
"It looks like Ash is sticking with Gliscor!"the Announcer informed.
"Alright, Gliscor!"Dawn praised."Stay focused!"
"Prinplup!"Prinplup chirped.
"Since Gliscor is a Ground Type, Electric type moves have no effect against it at all."Brock exclaimed with a smile."I think it's a good call."
"Then Ash has to better finish this up quick."Barry suggested.
Lucas nodded in agreement.
"But Electivire is Paul's most powerful Pokémon and looks stronger than it was before."Denise thought with a small frown."Hopefully, Ash is taking it seriously."
"Use Thunder in the battlefield!"Paul ordered.
Electivire started by using Thunder and directing it into the ground, shocking Barry, Lucas, Brock, Dawn and Prinplup.
"What in the world is Paul trying to do?!"Barry questioned in shock.
Denise smirked in approval.
The electric charge to break up the battlefield causing the debris to fly high in the sky and fall onto Gliscor.
"Gliscor!"Ash gasped."No!"
"Pika!"Pikachu shouted.
Gliscor got hit by the rocks, taking major damage.
"That's a surprising way to use a move that Gliscor has no effect on!"the Announcer stated.
Paul smirked at what he was seeing.
"That's a pretty impressive strategy."Denise complemented.
"It's just like before Infernape used Flare Blitz underground earlier in the battle."Lucas stated.
"I guess that is Paul's way in getting back at, Ash for using the field to his advantage."Brock assumed.
Gliscor gritted its teeth in pain.
"Gliscor!"Ash called out."Are you alright?"
Despite the damage this caused, Gliscor was still standing.
"Let's finish this up, Gliscor!"Ash insisted."Use Giga Impact!"
Gliscor flew up to use Giga Impact before heading down towards Electivire.
"Block it!"Paul ordered.
Electivire blocked Gliscor's attack with its hands before following suit with Drapion and entangling Gliscor with its tails.
"And Electivire has Gliscor clearly trapped!"the Announcer said.
Barry frowned at what he was seeing.
"I can't believe Gliscor got caught again."Barry responded.
"Paul likes to take his opponents' attacks and wait for the right moment to strike."Brock declared.
"Gliscor!"Ash shouted."Get out of there!"
Gliscor tried to escape, but Electivire's grip was just too tight for the Ground and Flying Type Pokémon to free itself from.
"Brick Break, go!"Paul ordered.
Electivire activated Brick Break and it landed on Gliscor's head, taking it out of the battle.
"Gliscor!"Ash yelled out in shock."No!"
"Gliscor is unable to battle!"the referee stated and brought up the red flag."Electivire, wins!"
The crowd cheered in the background.
"Gliscor is out!"the Announcer stated."Leaving Ash with only two Pokémon!"
Paul smirked at Electivire.
"A job well done, Electivire."Paul praised.
Ash returned Gliscor in its Poké Ball.
"Gliscor, return."Ash ordered and looked at Gliscor's Poké Ball."You take a good rest and I'll make sure we'll win this."
Ash placed Gliscor's Poké Ball away and brought his attention on Pikachu.
"Pika pikachu."Pikachu insisted.
"Okay, Pikachu."Ash remarked with a smirk.
Pikachu then rushed into the battlefield.
"And Pikachu is up for Ash once again!"the Announcer stated.
"So Pikachu is up for more."Barry chuckled in approval.
"With his speed, he'll try to confuse Paul."Dawn suggested.
"If it works."Brock replied.
Dawn, Prinplup and Barry became confused at Brock's respond.
"Electivire's special ability is Motor Drive."Brock informed."So if it get hit by an Electric Type move, it takes no damage and it's speed increases."
"Then Ash will have to avoid Pikachu from using an Electric Type moves, if he wants to take down Electivire."Lucas commented with a frown."Otherwise, Electivire will be a big threat."
Barry simply smiled and put his hands over his neck.
"Ash will be fine, Lucas."Barry insisted."He knows what he is doing."
"Seems that way."Denise murmured.
"Use Thunder on the ground!"Pail ordered.
Electivire directed Thunder into the ground again and the debris was sent flying towards Pikachu.
"I thought he would do that again."Ash muttered and looked at Pikachu."Pikachu use Quick Attack!"
Pikachu was ready for this and used Quick Attack to dodge the projectiles, even using some of them for momentum, much to Paul's shock.
"What?!"Paul scowled.
"Pikachu, jump!"Ash encouraged.
Pikachu started jumping on the falling projectiles.
"Pikachu used its quick speed to jump on the rocks to head closer to its opponent!"the Announcer reported.
"That's it!"Ash praised.
Pikachu landed a direct hit on Electivire's head.
"And Quick Attack hits Electivire right on the head!"the Announcer complemented.
"Electivire grab Pikachu!"Paul ordered.
Electivire recovered from being hit and grabbed Pikachu with its tails.
"Now Pikachu is caught in Electivire's tails!"the Announcer stated.
"It looks like you knew I was going to use Thunder, Ash."Paul responded and smirked at his rival."But Pikachu has taken lots of damage while Electivire hasn't. Pikachu has to be close to its limit."
"Pikachu is fine!"Ash retorted and gave his Starter Pokémon his next order."Pikachu use Iron Tail!"
Pikachu tried to escape using Iron Tail, but Electivire smashed him into the ground before he can do so.
However, the Mouse Pokémon managed to escape his opponent's grasp.
"What speed!"Paul murmured.
"Way da go!"Ash chuckled.
"Use Brick Break!"Paul ordered.
Electivire prepared to use Brick Break.
"Intercept it with Quick Attack!"Ash ordered.
Pikachu countered Electivire's Brick Break with Quick Attack causing a massive impact.
"What power!"Ash retorted.
"They're even!"Paul murmured.
Denise became worried at what she was seeing.
"This isn't good."Denise admitted."Since they're both Electric Types, their attacks won't be very effective."
"You're right, Denise."Brock agreed."The only moves they can use is Brick Break, Iron Tail and Quick Attack."
Pikachu landed back on the battlefield.
"I have to go for the broke."Ash thought with a smirk."Even if Electric Type moves are ineffective."
Ash then gave Pikachu his next order.
"Pikachu, Volt Tackle, go!"Ash ordered.
Pikachu rushed forward as he activated Volt Tackle.
"And Pikachu then attacks with Volt Tackle!"the Announcer stated."What could Ash be thinking?"
Paul smiled smugly at what he was seeing.
"Electivire, block it."Paul ordered.
Electivire blocked Pikachu's Volt Tackle with its hands.
However, Pikachu's Volt Tackle triggered Electivire's Motor Drive Ability, increasing its speed significantly.
"As expected, Electivire has taken advantage with its special ability, Motor Drive!"the Announcer complemented.
"Alright, Thunder Punch, go!"Paul ordered.
Electivire moves so fast that it can barely be seen and prepared to strike Pikachu with Thunder Punch.
However, Ash anticipated this in an effort to draw Electivire in.
"I thought so!"Ash thought smugly and gave Pikachu his next order."Pikachu use Iron Tail now!"
Pikachu collided Electivire's Thunder Punch with Iron Tail at the last moment.
"What an impact!"the Announcer remarked.
Ash suddenly realised that this was a huge mistake since Electivire was powerful enough to hold Pikachu back with ease.
"But now?"Ash mumbled, realising his error."Is Electivire more powerful after all?"
"Remember, Ash?"Paul informed, remembering his and Ash's very first battle when Pikachu was battling Elekid."When we battled the first time, you must've wanted to finish the battle with Iron Tail. But now Pikachu is stuck and even if it lifts up just a little, it will overcome by Thunder Punch and there is still one move that Electivire can use using its left hand."
"That's Brick Break!"Ash stated in shock.
"Correct!"Paul sneered."Brick Break! Let's go!"
Electivire, with one of its arms free, prepared to use Brick Break.
"Pikachu, get out of there!"Ash ordered.
Pikachu tried and get away, but it was no use.
Electivire's Brick Break landed directly on Pikachu's head, sending him flying and landing hard on the ground.
Pikachu tried to get up but ends up succumbing to all of the damage he's taken and fainted.
"Pikachu!"Ash gasped.
"Pikachu is unable to battle!"the referee stated and lifted up the red flag."Electivire wins!"
With Pikachu down, Ash had only Infernape left.
"With 5 Pokémon down, Ash is only left with Infernape!"the Announcer reported.
Denise laid her hands on her lap and clapped them together tightly since this was the expert part of Ash and Paul's battle that she had been waiting for.
"Now we are in this moment."Denise thought firmly.
"Pikachu tried as hard as it could."Barry said.
"Electivire was just a little bit more stronger."Brock stated.
"No need to worry."Dawn assured with a smile."Infernape is up next."
"Let's hope Infernape's training is paid off."Lucas declared.
Ash placed Pikachu away from the battlefield.
"Pika?"Pikachu asked.
"Pikachu, you did your best."Ash complemented with a confident smile."I promise this battle isn't over yet. Watch."
Ash then took out Infernape's Poké Ball.
"It's all up to you."Ash murmured and glanced at Paul."Hey, Paul! The truth is your strategy made all the difference! Though my numbers looked better! But…I am still gonna win this!"
"Then give it your best shot!"Paul challenged.
"Infernape, I choose you!"Ash informed.
Ash's Poké Ball opened causing Infernape to appear in the battlefield.
"Infernape!"
Infernape and Electivire stare at each other due to having a long-standing rivalry, even from their days as Chimchar and Elekid.
"And it's a critical moment for both of our competitors as Infernape facing off against Electivire!"the Announcer declared."While Electivire took some damage with Pikachu, Infernape has suffered quite a bit of damage from multiple battles and the Toxic Spikes, who will be the Pokémon left still standing?"
Denise's focus was completely on Paul and Ash.
The Top Coordinator was actually feeling excited and anxious at the same time since the two boys she secretly liked had both come along way and that there can only be one winner in this match.
"Alright, Electivire!"Paul declared."Thunder Punch, go!"
Electivire rushed forward while using Thunder Punch.
"Infernape, use Mach Punch!"Ash ordered.
Infernape activated Mach Punch as he went up against Electivire.
The two moves collided with each other, sending Electivire and Infernape back.
"Use Flamethrower!"Ash ordered.
Infernape opened its mouth to unleash Flamethrower.
"Protect!"Paul ordered.
Electivire stopped Infernape's Flamethrower using Brick Break, making Ash scowl a little.
"Thunder!"Paul ordered.
Electivire unleashed Thunder and the electric waves started hitting the battlefield.
"Infernape use Dig!"Ash ordered.
Infernape dug underground to avoid Electivire's Thunder before bursting out to punch its opponent on the face, throwing him back.
"And here's an example of a perfect dig!"the Announcer admitted."Super effective!"
Infernape landed safely and winced as it got hit by Toxic Spikes again.
"Did it work?"Ash asked.
However, when the smoke cleared, it revealed Electivire still standing.
"Amazing!"the Announcer praised."Electivire is still standing!"
Paul smirked in approval.
"Good."Paul replied.
Ash smirked as well.
"I know I have see many battles between Ash and Paul before."Dawn said worriedly."But for some reason, this one is totally different."
"Use Flamethrower!"Ash ordered.
Infernape fired Flamethrower at Electivire.
"Brick Break, go!"Paul ordered.
Electivire used Brick Break to cancel out Infernape's Flamethrower.
"That may be because they're finally facing off against each other in the same state of mind."Brock exclaimed.
"What do you mean, Brock?"Lucas questioned.
"Reggie once called them the two sides of the same coin."Brock admitted as Infernape and Electivire continued battling in the background."They may have the same goals, but they have both taken different paths to reach them and now they're really battling face to face. Head on. I think they both realised that."
Infernape landed on its feet after its Flamethrower got blocked by Electivire's Protect.
"Neither side is giving an inch!"the Announcer informed.
"Let's finish this up with Mach Punch!"Ash ordered.
Infernape activated Mach Punch.
"Grab Infernape!"Paul ordered.
Electivire wrapped its tails around Infernape's arm, stopping its Mach Punch.
"Mach Punch misses and Electivire holds onto Infernape tightly!"the Announcer commented.
"Oh no!"Ash murmured.
"Thunder!"Paul ordered.
Electivire used Thunder, causing a lot of damage to Infernape.
"Infernape gets zapped by Electivire's Thunder and its opponent hold onto it tightly!"the Announcer informed."Not good!"
"Hang in there!"Ash demanded and thought sternly."Just a little bit more!"
Infernape was knocked out and while it may seem over, it was not.
Denise began to more nervous causing her to grip Lucas' arm rather tightly, making the boy blush a little.
"If this is a bad dream, please wake me up from it."Denise begged.
"Hey, Denise. Hold on."Lucas instructed confidently."It's not over yet."
Denise opened her eyes, only to see Infernape stand up from where he dropped.
"Time to show Paul how much stronger you really had become, Infernape!"Ash admitted confidently.
Infernape returned with a vengeance, activating his Blaze Ability.
The Top Coordinator gasped in joy as she realised her childhood friend's arm.
"It finally came!"Denise praised.
"Yes!"Ash chuckled.
"And Infernape comes back up with a vengeance!"the Announcer remarked."Showing the entire stadium incredible will and fighting spirit!"
Both Lucas and Barry were surprised at what they were witnessing.
"Whoa!"Lucas said in awe.
"It's Blaze!"Barry gasped.
"Reaching to the absolute limit of Infernape's insurgence, it actually brought out its greatest strength."Brock stated.
"But with all the damage Infernape took, they better finish this up quick!"Dawn insisted.
"Prinplup!"Prinplup chirped.
"Come on, Infernape."Denise encouraged with a firm look."Show Paul how much he underestimated you."
"Now it's time for the real battle!"Ash declared with a confident smile."Alright, Infernape, use Flamethrower!"
Infernape unleashed his Flamethrower, but this time fired a super-powerful blast at Electivire.
"Infernape is powerful than ever, so heads up!"Paul warned."Thunder!"
Electivire tried to hold Infernape back with Thunder, but it couldn't stand up to the sheer power.
"Mach Punch!"Ash ordered."Go!"
Infernape used Mach Punch, which hits and sends Electivire flying back.
"Let's finish this!"Paul and Ash answered in unison.
Knowing their Pokémon are now at their limits, the two rivals were ready to finish it.
"Use Thunder Punch!"Paul ordered.
Electivire activated Thunder Punch.
"Flare Blitz!"Ash ordered.
Infernape leaped up and activated Flare Blitz.
Infernape and Electivire, battling like they've never battled before, land their attacks on each other, creating a maelstrom of fire and electricity streaming into the sky, illuminating the stadium.
Infernape pushed himself further and ended the feud, feeling the recoil from Flare Blitz.
After a delayed reaction, Electivire fet the explosive force of Infernape's Flare Blitz, throwing up a thick blanket of smoke.
The smoke cleared and revealed Electivire still standing.
Denise felt her heart pounding loudly as the two Pokémon and their Trainers stare each other down.
The two Pokémon remain perfectly still until Electivire finally falls and was unable to battle, awarding Ash the victor of this truly intense battle.
"Electivire is unable to battle!"the referee declared and lifted up the green flag."Infernape wins! Which means the victory goes to Ash from Pallet Town!"
"Alright!"Ash cheered in victory.
The crowd cheered loudly at Ash's victory.
"And there you have it, folks!"the Announcer stated."After a fantastic fierce six on six battle, the winner of this match is Ash!"
Dawn, Prinplup, Denise, Lucas and Barry scream out in elation for Ash's victorious win over Paul while Brock was overwhelmingly pleased.
"Alright, Ash has won!"Dawn remarked.
"I am so psyched!"Barry laughed while brushing his hair a bit."Those two were totally awesome! They're the coolest!"
"I knew Ash could do it!"Denise declared happily."Hard work and team work is always the way to win!"
Lucas looked at Denise silently at her declaration, but then simply smiled despite realising he got his crush's answer.
"He finally beat him."Brock said in approval."Wow."
Ash and Pikachu walked up to Infernape.
"Infernape. Thanks a lot."Ash thanked gratefully and hugged Infernape."You were the greatest."
"Pika pika."Pikachu agreed.
Ash, Pikachu and Infernape noticed Paul walking up to Electivire.
"Thank you."Paul stated."Good job, Electivire."
Paul returned Electivire in his Poké Ball and saw Infernape giving him a thumbs up.
"Infernape."Infernape declared.
"Well…"Paul started.
Infernape almost falls over from sheer exhaustion, though Ash caught him.
"Infernape, are you okay?"Ash asked.
Infernape smirked. "Infernape."
Paul then walked away relieved as the matchups for the semifinal battles were revealed.
"Now that today's quarterfinal battles are history, tomorrow's matchups are on screen!"the Announcer declared.
The big screen showed that Ash's next opponent will be the mysterious Tobias, the Trainer who was known for owning a Darkrai and Denise will be facing off against Lucas.
Barry was surprised at the next battles that the screen showed.
"Hey, Denise and Lucas."Barry gasped."You two are up against each other tomorrow."
Lucas and Denise smirked in approval and high five each other.
"Get ready for some real competition, Denise."Lucas reminded.
"No problem, Lucas."Denise sneered."I look forward to it."
Ash frowned that he was going up against Tobias.
"I am up against the Trainer that has Darkrai."Ash murmured.
From the stands, Tobias saw that he will be facing Ash and then walked away unconcerned.
Later that day, the sun was setting down in the Lily of the Valley.
While her older twin sister and their friends were busy congratulating Ash on his victory over Paul, Denise decided to sneak away when no one was paying attention.
Today Ash and Paul had settle their differences and ended their rivalry.
But the Top Coordinator had something else on her mind.
Denise left the Pokémon Center and headed to the block of stairs, where she saw Paul was about to leave Lily of the Valley Island.
"Hey, Paul!"Denise called out.
Paul turned around and glanced behind him to see Denise a couple of blocks away from him.
A sudden smile appeared on Paul's face.
"Infernape has got a lot stronger."Paul admitted.
"Y-Yeah. It really did. Your battled against Ash was really mind blowing."Denise chuckled and suddenly realised something."You're going, right?"
"I lost, Denise. There's no reason to stay."Paul stated."I'm going back to Snowpoint City to request another battle with Brandon."
Denise smiled softly at Paul's declaration.
"Hey, don't beat yourself up for losing."Denise insisted."It was an amazing battle and I actually learned so much from it. But also watching you and Ash battle, made me feel more confident on battling Lucas tomorrow."
"Great."Paul said with a nod."I'm…happy for you."
Denise nodded back and prepared to make her way back to her companions.
But as the Top Coordinator took a step up, she suddenly felt that she was missing something.
Something she had to do and couldn't let it pass.
"Oh, Paul."Denise chuckled, her turquoise green eyes showed a bit of excitement."I almost forgot one thing."
Paul heard Denise go down the stairs to where he was, only for his eyes to widen when she wrapped her arms around his neck and planted her lips onto his.
In a few seconds, he then kissed her back.
The kiss finished when the sound of the train arriving to the station was heard in the background.
Small blushes formed on Paul and Denise's faces.
"So…I'll see you later?"Paul assumed.
"Yeah. Later."Denise agreed shyly with a small smirk before giving Paul a playful punch on the arm."No go win that Brave Symbol."
Paul nodded at Denise before leaving the Lily of the Valley in a better mood than he ever was before.
Denise's Team
Torterra (Male): Solar Beam, Giga Drain, Seed Bomb and Earthquake
Vaporeon (Female): Water Gun, Shadow Ball, Hydro Pump and Aurora Beam
Luxray (Male): Shock Wave, Night Slash, Wild Charge and Ice Fang
Flygon (Male): Sandstorm, Rock Slide, Dragon Pulse & Screech
Drifblim (Female): Ominous Wind, Thunderbolt, Will-O-Wisp and Astonish
Blaziken (Male): Blaze Kick, Peck, Focus Blast and Fire Spin
With Professor Rowan
Noctowl (Male): Heat Wave, Reflect, Aerial Ace and Supersonic
Gardevoir (Female): Psychic, Ice Punch, Magical Leaf and Trick Room
