Sorry about my slowing down. I've been working on updates across the board for all my stories, but haven't had a great two months, with how things have been over here. Haven't been able to write a good deal due to multiple factors as well, COVID aside. Hopefully, things will pick up soon though, as I am very keen to get to Johto, but am aware that is at least half a dozen chapters, if not more, down the track.
The good news is I am going to be writing a fair few updates for this story, but you won't be seeing the rest of them for a while as I stockpile them for now. They will go up on my pat reon once they are completed, but I have not gotten very far, only about 1K words in the next chapter at this point. I do plan to get through the Elite Four/Champion battles and stop just before we leave Kanto for the Orange Islands, but it will be a short arc and will be significantly different than the canon, the first change will be revealed in this chapter and I feel like it would be a nice time to do it now.
Enjoy.
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.
Previously:
After an exhibition match between Gary and Cynthia, with Cynthia shutting Gary down in one attack, the group of assorted Gym Leaders, Indigo League competitors and Sinnoh champion got to know each other in a quieter setting. The next day, Ash and Ritchie would go head-to-head, with Ash proving his dominance and wrapping up the last of the 3-on-3 matches, with Gary having lost earlier to the previous winner of the Indigo League the first time around.
Disclaimer – I don't own Pokémon. All I own are my original characters and plot twists.
'Talking'
"Thinking"
"Telepathy"
*expression*
Flashback
Chapter 11 – Indigo Finals
'Welcome all to the Quarterfinals of the Indigo Plateau Conference. The first battle today will feature Ash of Pallet Town in the red corner, against Assunta of Viridian City in the green corner.' Said the announcer, as the next stage of the conference got underway.
'Go Rhydon.' Said Assunta, a blue haired trainer, wearing a red sleeveless dress.
'Go Venusaur.' Said Ash.
'Rhydon, use Take Down.' Said Assunta, commencing the battle.
'Venusaur, use Leech Seed, then start charging up for Solar Beam.' Said Ash calmly.
With a mighty cry, a twisted mass of seeds and vines was launched from Venusaur's flower and wrapped around Rhydon, causing Rhydon to falter in its charge, before resuming. The charge slammed into Venusaur, but barely budged the Seed Pokémon.
'Rhydon, follow up with Megahorn.' Ordered Assunta.
The drill of the Drill Pokémon started to glow white and extend, before closing the small distance between the two behemoth Pokémon. The attack struck Venusaur, again launching him back a small distance, before the vines around Rhydon pulsed again, causing it to falter.
'Now Venusaur!' Said Ash, with Venusaur blasting a huge beam of solar power at the dual Rock-Ground type.
Whereas Rhydon had only managed to nudge Venusaur a small distance, Venusaur's beam blasted Rhydon into the other side of the arena wall before dissipating.
'Rhydon is unable to battle, please release your next Pokémon.' Said the announcer.
'Go, Spearow.' Said Assunta, releasing the Tiny Bird Pokémon.
'Razor Leaf.' Said Ash, as multiple blades of sharpened foliage swarmed Spearow.
'Drill Peck.' Said Assunta.
The bird Pokémon charged through the leaf attack, dodging every blade, before driving its glowing beak into Venusaur's head. Venusaur responded with a Vine Whip, snaring the small bird, before launching it into the ground.
'Hyper Beam.' Said Assunta, surprising Ash.
The little bird gathered a ball of orange energy outside its mouth, before blasting the grassy quadruped
Ash looked on in shock as the powerful attack blasted Venusaur, but quickly recovered.
'Solar Beam.' Said Ash, knowing full well Spearow wouldn't have a chance to fight back.
'Spearow, as soon as you can, use Endure.' Said Assunta.
Venusaur launched the devastating beam once again, only for Spearow to lower its head moments before impact. The beam ploughed into the tiny avian, before it started to glow. Moments later, a Fearow had replaced the tiny bird.
'End it Venusaur, use Vine Whip.' Declared Ash.
Fearow didn't have a chance to revel in its new form, as it was promptly slapped into the ground and knocked out by a pair of strong vines.
'Go, Rapidash.' Said Assunta, sending out the flaming horse.
'Venusaur, return. Go Charizard.' Said Ash, making a substitution.
The orange lizard roared in excitement, before putting on a game face.
'Agility Rapidash.' Said Assunta.
'Seismic Toss.' Said Ash.
Rapidash tried to outmanoeuvre the flying lizard, but was quickly plucked and taken high into the air, before being smashed into the ground. With that knockout, the two trainers were given a break and sent to rethink their plans.
-line break-
'Man, Ash is really giving it to that other trainer.' Commented Gary.
'I think knowing that things are now six-on-six has changed his mentality. Normally he would keep Venusaur out, but it seems like he doesn't want to take any chances.' Commented Brock.
'Wouldn't Blastoise have made more sense than Charizard then?' Asked Misty.
'It would in terms of typing, but not overall. Rapidash are known to be extremely fast, so Ash went with speed, something which both Venusaur and Blastoise would lack compared to Charizard.' Explained Sabrina.
'It is hard to envision Ash's opponent coming back from something like this as well. As it stands, Ash has eliminated more Pokémon than his opponent has revealed from his team.' Continued Sabrina.
The group nodded at this, before the pair came out again. Assunta's remaining Pokémon, an Ivysaur, Tentacool and Venomoth, didn't last long against Charizard bringing the battle to a quick end.
'Ouch, that was a tough loss.' Said Ritchie.
'Well, that's what you have to expect in the Top Eight, it will only get harder from here.' Said Daisy.
-line break-
Up in the VIP area, Cynthia watched with Mr. Goodshow.
'My, that boy certainly is something.' Commented Mr. Goodshow.
'He is. I'm surprised Lance is not here scouting his future challenger.' Commented Cynthia.
'Ah, you know how it is with Lance, always needing to be in two places at once.' Said Charles.
'Well, I suspect by the end of this all he won't have to worry about that anymore. I do wonder how it will work having him be both a Champion and an Elite Four member in different regions.' Commented Cynthia.
'That is some confidence you have in young Ash.' Said Charles.
'I wouldn't have come all this way to watch in person if I didn't.' Retorted Cynthia.
-line break-
'So who do we have up next.' Said Ash, drawing his Magikarp.
'G52? Who is that?' Questioned Ash, looking at the board.
'It's me!' Said a voice, causing Ash to turn around.
'You?' Questioned Ash, eying his opponent in disbelief.
'Why so surprised? Did you really expect me to not make it here after that thrashing you handed us?' Questioned the girl.
'Who are you?' Asked Misty.
'I'm Giselle, the newest and only graduate from Pokémon Tech this year thanks to him.' Said the brunette.
'What does that mean?' Asked Misty.
'Hmm, well, after we finished up at Cerulean and were heading to Vermillion, we lost our way in some fog and found Pokémon Technical Institute. Unfortunately for them, they made fun of Ash and Pikachu, so they singlehandedly beat every trainer, in every class.' Said Brock, causing Misty to look at him in disbelief.
'Isn't that a little petty?' Asked Misty.
'Hey, they had type advantages and I said I was only going to use Pikachu for every battle.' Said Ash.
'No wonder Surge was mute for a few days after your battle. I can only imagine how much stronger Pikachu would have gotten from so much combat.' Said Sabrina.
'Well, it was less than you think, we started to get bored and let them come at us in a handicap. Even three-on-one didn't help much.' Said Ash, with Pikachu puffing his chest out.
'So because of that, the entire curriculum got overhauled and heaps of people dropped out. They also lost a lot of funding from the league because of that.' Said Giselle in annoyance.
'Well if you are here now, they must have done something right, especially if you are in the top four.' Said Ash.
'I didn't have much choice; I was the only one from the Beginner Class to stay, so they abolished it and forced me into the Intermediate Class. I had to fight every day to keep my spot.' Said Giselle, sounding exhausted.
'Why didn't you just leave as well?' Asked Ash.
'I hate travel.' Said Giselle simply, causing Ash to crack up laughing.
'That's it? You went through constant battles so you wouldn't have to go for a hike?' Questioned Ash in disbelief.
'And to prove a point, that Pokémon Tech isn't inferior, just because a fuzzy mouse managed to trash everyone.' Said Giselle.
'Hmm, now who could have anything negative to say about such an adorable Pokémon?' Questioned Cynthia, as she approached the group, with Pikachu quickly climbing up to her shoulder.
'Cynthia, did you see the battle?' Asked Ash.
'Of course. Unfortunately, Lance wasn't around, so I suspect you will give him quite a shock when this is over.' Said Cynthia.
'Hold on! Who says he is going to win this thing; I'm not going to lose to him again? Who are you anyway?' Asked Giselle.
'Me? I'm Cynthia, the Sinnoh Region Champion.' Said Cynthia, causing Giselle to pale.
'Do you want to get some ice cream?' Asked Ash, causing Cynthia to beam.
'Of course, I was waiting for you to ask.' Said Cynthia, before the trio headed off.
'Oh, and Giselle, I bet there is still one thing you haven't learnt from Pokémon Tech. Don't worry, you will find out tomorrow.' Said Ash.
'What do you think the lesson is?' Asked Misty, once Giselle had left.
'I have an idea and I think both of them are going to have a good practical joke tomorrow.' Said Brock knowingly.
-line break-
'I don't believe it!' Exclaimed Giselle, slumping to her knees.
'Don't forget, battling is always supposed to be fun, not a chore or a responsibility.' Said Ash, as he walked over to Giselle and offered her his hand.
Giselle stared at the hand for a minute, before giving a soft laugh.
'Okay then, consider this hatchet buried. I'll think about going on a journey later, but I need some time to recover my ego first.' Said Giselle.
'That's the spirit, kind of.' Said Ash, before Gengar popped in front of the pair upside down, giving a grin.
-line break-
'You know, I can't help but find this both funny and sad at the same time.' Said Daisy.
'I get what you mean.' Said Sabrina.
'Guess it is a good thing there aren't too many Ghost-type specialists around.' Said Brock.
-line break-
'Agatha, what are you doing here?' Asked Charles, after the battle had ended.
'I heard a lot of background laughter and wanted to see what all the fuss was about. Seems my ghosts are quite the gossips, but I must say, that was an entertaining battle to watch.' Said Agatha.
'It seems there is a reason most Elite Fours have at least one Ghost specialist. Funny that I am the one who has the Ghost type in my league.' Said Cynthia.
'I admit, the entertainment value does go down a bit with such a repeated strategy, but the fact that it works is astonishing.' Said Charles.
-line break-
'What was that all about Ash? You got a grudge with that girl?' Asked Gary.
'Not really. I just wanted to get things over with quickly and I knew she would use Ground-types.' Said Ash.
'You only used two moves to beat an entire team though.' Added Ritchie.
'Don't forget Gengar's ability.' Said Sabrina.
'I've never known Levitate could be so devastating.' Said Erika, with a small yawn.
'Looks like some of that Hypnosis must have gotten Erika. Hope the Dream Eater didn't hit as well.' Teased Daisy.
'Guess you're through to the finals now though. Looks like you'll be facing the trainer that knocked me out as well.' Said Gary.
'Don't worry, I won't let down Pallet Town. I'll win it all, just like I said.' Said Ash.
'If you keep talking like that, you'll need a new hat.' Quipped Misty.
'I just want to know when I can face the Elite Four.' Said Ash.
'Don't get ahead of yourself, Ash. While I'm sure you will win, don't lose sight of what is in front of you.' Said Sabrina.
'I won't. After all, for all I know, they could have a surprise up their sleeve. I don't think they've used more than four Pokémon so far.' Said Ash, referring to his final opponent.
'Good to see you are not getting ahead of yourself. Agatha was very interested in your battle, so I doubt that strategy will work on her.' Said Cynthia, approaching the group.
'Agatha of the Elite Four? Gramps has told me about her… they don't get along very well.' Said Gary.
'So one of the Elite Four was watching as well?' Asked Ash, only for Cynthia to smile.
'Yes. Unfortunately, Lance seems to be busy elsewhere, but I imagine word of this battle will get back to him through Agatha and I wouldn't be surprised if he does make the finals. Then you'll have two champions covering three regions total watching you.' Said Cynthia.
'I couldn't be any more excited.' Said Ash.
-line break-
Elsewhere, as being alluded to, Lance, dual champion of Kanto and Johto, was in fact quite busy. After Ash's battle at Viridian, the league had investigated the matter. While it became glaringly obvious that Giovanni had some affiliation with Team Rocket, both specifics of the matter and evidence supporting this were scarce. In Kanto, things had largely turned up dead-end after dead-end. Mt. Moon had been cleared out and Celadon City Game Corner was completely rocket free. Even the thin lead in Saffron turned out to have already been taken care of by Sabrina. Johto, on the other hand, seemed much more promising. There was nothing big yet, but the leads he had picked up seemed to be fresher. There was a slowly dwindling population of Slowpoke in Azalea Town, and having just arrived at Mahogany Town, he was sure he could see some disguised Team Rocket Grunts sneaking about. Lance so wanted to go in guns blazing and break up whatever operation was occurring here as soon as he could, but also knew it was almost time for the Indigo Plateau Conference finals. Unfortunately, this meant Lance also had to be there to present the trophy to the winner, so his hands were effectively tied at this point. He checked his Pokégear and noticed he had a missed call from Agatha, by far the least social and technologically inclined of the group, so a call from her meant something big. Lance gave the number a dial and it was picked up on the first ring.
'This is Lance. Uh huh, uh huh, really? Cynthia's there? Guess I'm on my way.' Said Lance, as he shut off his Pokégear and walked behind some bushes, before releasing Dragonite.
'Let's go back, seems we might get some fun soon.' Said Lance, to which Dragonite give a small bellow, before flapping his wings.
Lance quickly scrambled on, and they blasted off to the Indigo Plateau.
-line break-
'So, what are you going to do after the League?' Asked Ash, as he, Pikachu and Cynthia, sat around a round Pokéball shaped table, shaded by a large palm tree.
'Well, I hadn't given it much thought. I've been keeping an eye out for Team Galactic, but they are underground at the moment.' Said Cynthia.
'Pikachu, pikapi.' Said Pikachu, causing Ash to smile.
'That's a great idea, why don't you come with us to the next region?' Asked Ash.
'Hmm, that does sound rather nice, I haven't gotten to travel around freely outside of Sinnoh much.' Said Cynthia.
'Yeah, I was planning to go past the Orange Islands more for a holiday than anything, as well as being there to save the Legendary Birds when Lawrence tries to kidnap them.' Said Ash.
'Hmm, I don't remember hearing about them.' Said Cynthia.
'Really? Well, I guess it wasn't anything massive. I actually won their version of the Pokémon League, but they have a different setup.' Said Ash.
'Oh? So, you've been a Champion all this time and never told me?' Teased Cynthia.
'It must have just slipped my mind to be honest. My mum even used my trophy as her second dumbbell.' Said Ash, Causing Cynthia to give a soft giggle of amusement.
'So if you win this league, what do you think she will use the trophy for?' Asked Cynthia with a smile.
'Well, it might be a bit big to use as a dumbbell. Maybe a barbell though.' Said Ash, causing Cynthia to laugh again.
'Well, I'm sure she will be very proud either way.' Said Cynthia, causing Ash to smile as well.
'Yeah, but it'll be nice for her to have something to be proud of.' Said Ash.
'PiKAchu.' Said Pikachu, causing Ash to smile.
'I know, but winning helps.' Said Ash.
'I'm going to guess Pikachu said something about your mother being proud of you no matter what and I agree. Winning has never been your main quality, trying has, you never give up, even when the odds are stacked against you. I'm sure had things not gone how they did; you would have won a league sooner than you think and you'd be a Champion too.' Said Cynthia.
'Coming from a Champion, I guess I should take that to heart.' Said Ash.
'Who said it was coming from a Champion when I said that? I'm surely your number one fan at this point Ash. What other Champion dropped everything to come and see you?' Teased Cynthia.
'I'm sure Steven would come to visit if he knew he knew me… or is it Wallace now? I can't remember actually, since I didn't know who it was at this time.' Said Ash.
'I think it is still Steven for now. Both he and Wallace seemed to pass the title around like a baton when the other one wants to go off on an adventure.' Said Cynthia.
'Have you thought about doing something like that to give you more free time?' Asked Ash.
'Hmm, no, I can't say that I have, maybe if the right person were to beat me, I would consider it, but it hasn't happened yet in an official battle. I would never think about passing on the duties of Champion to one of my Elite Four either, it wouldn't sit well with me.' Admitted Cynthia.
'Man, you make being Champion sound like a hard job, but I mean Lance is still running around, right?' Pointed out Ash.
'Case in point why he has not been here to see the battles of his own league.' Retorted Cynthia.
'Guess you have a point, but isn't he looking after two regions at once?' Questioned Ash.
'An equally fair point.' Agreed Cynthia, before returning her attention to her ice cream which was starting to melt.
'I have to say, seeing you eat ice cream is nice.' Said Ash, causing Cynthia to pause.
'Why is that?' Asked Cynthia.
'You have the cutest expression on your face. It's like a kid being in a candy store.' Commented Ash.
'Is that so? Does that mean I don't look cute without ice cream? Does that mean you need to buy me ice cream for the rest of my life to keep me happy?' Teased Cynthia.
'Huh, I hadn't considered that… Champions make a lot of money, don't they?' Asked Ash.
'They do.' Confirmed Cynthia.
'Well then, good thing I am going to become Champion soon, I'm going to need the money.' Said Ash, causing Cynthia to beam.
'Ash Ketchum, are you planning to make me fall for you with ice cream bribery?' Asked Cynthia jokingly.
'If you think it'll work.' Laughed Ash, before standing up.
'I guess I better get my team ready for tomorrow then.' Said Ash, with Pikachu quickly nibbling what was left of his ice cream cone, before bounding up to his shoulder.
'I'll be watching.' Said Cynthia, giving her ice cream another lick and smiling.
-line break-
'What's so urgent, Agatha?' Asked Lance, walking into his office from the balcony entrance, returning his Dragonite as he did so.
'Just watch.' Said Agatha, gesturing to a television mounted on the roof, which started to play Ash's recent battle.
Lance watched on in confusion for the first match, before becoming impressed, before becoming confused again.
'Look, that was impressive, but why the urgency?' Asked Lance.
'This is the trainer Sinnoh Region Champion Cynthia came to watch in person.' Said Agatha.
'What would a Champion be doing coming to another region just to watch one person?' Asked Lance.
'Why don't you tell me when you would do something like that?' Asked Agatha.
'I guess if I thought they had potential to win the league.' Guessed Lance.
'Potential? Everyone has the potential to win the league. Don't you think a Champion warrants greater scrutiny?' Questioned Agatha.
'I guess… so you're saying Cynthia thinks he is going to win and challenge the Elite Four?' Asked Lance.
'Almost there. Think about it this way, at least you won't need to be in two places at once anymore.' Said Agatha, turning off the display and walking away.
'You think he's going to be the new Champion?' Questioned Lance.
'Time will tell, I guess. You better start scouting though.' Said Agatha, exiting the room.
-line break-
'Welcome all, to the thrilling conclusion of the Indigo Plateau Conference. In the red corner we have Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town, who has made it this far with an uncanny method of beating his opponents without taking much damage at all. In the green corner, we have Melissa Murasaki of Lavender Town, who has made a knack of coming back from a pinch. Could there be a better match-up? I don't know, but let's all enjoy the best Kanto has to offer this year.' Said the announcer, getting a chorus of cheers.
'I guess it is nice to know we are both from small towns.' Said Melissa.
'I guess. Small towns have the biggest dreamers.' Said Ash.
'Red trainer, release your Pokémon.' Said the announcer, after a roulette board landed on Ash's face, indicating he needed to release his Pokémon first.
'Charizard, you're up.' Said Ash, releasing the fearsome orange lizard.
'Starting strong huh, go, Golem.' Said Melissa, throwing a ball, which released another ball with legs.
'Golem, Rollout.' Said Melissa, causing the Megaton Pokémon to start spinning.
'Flamethrower Charizard.' Said Ash, causing Charizard to give a mighty roar and blast flames at the rolling rock.
The heat from the flame was so intense, that little chips of glass were being formed in front of Golem, before being crushed from the rapid spinning. Golem was starting to glow from the intense heat, before suddenly the flames stopped, and Golem was speeding towards Charizard.
'Iron Tail into the wall.' Said Ash, causing Charizard to swing his tail and blast the superheated spinning Golem into the wall, where he was quickly embedded.
'Will you withdraw Golem?' Asked Ash.
Melissa gave a frown and did so, seeing Golem's picture darken.
'Go, Electrode.' Said Melissa, causing Ash to raise an eyebrow.
'Rollout.' Said Melissa, confusing Ash.
'Charizard, again.' Said Ash.
Charizard again blasted flames out at the spinning ball, before the same sequence repeated itself.
'Explosion!' Said Melissa, causing Ash to frown.
'Fire Spin, from the air.' Said Ash.
Charizard gave a small grunt, before flying above Electrode and sending a spiral of flames at the ball, which was glowing a bright white. The explosion shook the arena, with the epicentre of the blast being funnelled upwards. Charizard quickly ducked to the side, letting the heat and flames pass by.
'Machamp, use Dig.' Said Melissa, releasing her third Pokémon.
Ash raised an eyebrow, before directing Charizard to remain airborne.
'Rock Blast.' Said Melissa, as Machamp started popping out of the ground like a Diglett, launching boulders-sized rocks at Charizard.
Charizard evaded the attacks, dodging from side to side in the air.
'Rock Tomb.' Said Melissa, which caused Machamp to launch four boulders at once, one with each arm, narrowing the space around Charizard.
'Now edge this with Stone Edge.' Said Melissa.
'Slash, Charizard.' Said Ash.
The two powerful Pokémon met in mid-air, causing a thunderous crash to sound out.
'Seismic Toss.' Said Melissa, as Machamp's four arms encircled Charizard.
'Charizard, don't let Machamp escape, use Seismic Toss as well.' Said Ash.
Charizard roared in defiance and closed his wings around Machamp, while his tail wrapped around his waist. The two titans spun as they slammed into the ground.
When all the debris had settled, the two stood facing each other. Machamp suddenly fell to a knee, before Charizard did the same. The two then both keeled over forwards, both knocked out.
'And with that thrilling battle, we have reached our halfway point. The two trainers will now have fifteen minutes to prepare for the next battle.' Announced the commentator.
'Hey buddy, how are you feeling?' Asked Ash, kneeling next to Charizard and patting him on the wing.
'Char.' Said Charizard, signifying his exhaustion.
'Pika.' Said Pikachu, pumping his little fist in encouragement.
'That's right, thanks to you, we will win for sure.' Said Ash, to which Charizard huffed.
'Take a rest for now.' Said Ash, returning Charizard and heading to the locker room.
'So what now?' Asked Ash, sitting on the bench in the locker room.
'Pika Pipi.' Said Pikachu, hopping onto the bench to face Ash, pumping his fists.
'You want to go out there too? If you insist, I guess. Are you going to use full power?' Asked Ash, only for Pikachu to shake his head.
'Why don't we make it a training exercise then. No electric moves.' Said Ash, getting a determined expression from Pikachu.
'PiKAchu.' Said Pikachu, before the two headed back out.
'Go Victreebel.' Said Melissa.
'All right Pikachu, let's take it home.' Said Ash, sending out his starter.
'Use Acid Victreebel.' Said Melissa.
'Quick Attack into Double Team.' Said Ash, causing his little yellow mouse to start bouncing around the stadium, before seeming to split into multiple mouse-like blurs, all darting in different directions.
'Now use Agility.' Said Ash, causing the already fast yellow blur to seemingly disappear from existence.
'Use Slam, Pikachu.' Said Ash, as multiple apparitions appeared around Victreebel and started to slam into the Flycatcher Pokémon with extreme prejudice.
'Protect Victreebel.' Said Melissa, as a green shield appeared in front of Victreebel.
'Agility and Double Team again.' Said Ash, boosting Pikachu's speed and evasiveness to ridiculous levels.
'Quick Attack Pikachu, don't let up.' Said Ash.
The instant the green barrier started to waver; the Pikachu army was on top of Victreebel in an instant. The grass-type may as well have been a steel-type, as it was bounced around like a pinball, between a seemingly unstoppable Pikachu army. After half a minute of this punishment, Pikachu was revealed on all fours in front of Ash. Moments later, Victreebel collapsed backwards, completely knocked out.
'I won't lose in speed, go Pidgeot.' Said Melissa, releasing the Bird Pokémon.
'Agility Pidgeot.' Said Melissa, causing her bird to soar through the air.
'Double Team.' Said Ash, before a ring of Pikachu clones appeared, swirling below Pidgeot.
'Gust.' Said Melissa, causing Pidgeot to flap her wings and push an air current down at the many tiny yellow blurs below.
'Agility, and then Quick Attack.' Said Ash, causing the Pikachu army to start scaling the walls, running like a hamster in a horizontal wheel, before leaping at the flying Pokémon.
'Wing Attack, Pidgeot.' Said Melissa.
'Iron Tail, Pikachu, bring it down.' Instructed Ash, as the numerous Pikachu started to glow.
Pidgeot passed through a clone of Pikachu, before being struck in the side by the real Pikachu, sending it crashing into the wall. Pidgeot gave a shrill cry, and a mighty flap dispelled the dust around it.
'Use Hyper Beam.' Said Melissa.
'Double Team.' Said Ash, causing Pikachu to regain his clones.
Pidgeot blasted the powerful beam at one of the clones, before flying and twirling through the air, attempting to hit them all, causing a swathe of destruction to carve up the ground, blasting dust into the sky.
'Finish it with Slam.' Said Ash.
'Pika!' Said Pikachu, twirling in mid-air and slamming his tail into Pidgeot, sending it crashing into the ground forcefully and causing all the dust to dissipate from the force of the slam.
The Bird Pokémon was thankfully knocked out and mercifully returned.
'Guess there is no helping it, but I won't make it easy for you.' Said Melissa, releasing their last Pokémon.
-line break-
'A Dragonite is quite a match for a Pikachu.' Said Lance.
'I imagine you would say something like that Lance. How many Dragonite do you use in your battles now? Two? Three?' Questioned Mr. Goodshow.
'I only use one Dragonite in my battles, although I do use two Dragonair as well.' Conceded Lance.
'I'm more curious as to why he is using a Pikachu and not using any electric attacks.' Commented Lorelei, the youngest member of the Kanto Elite Four.
'He is challenging himself. Even now he is training.' Commented Bruno, with a knowing nod.
'Kids these days. Training in the finals of a conference.' Muttered Agatha in disbelief.
The group watched on as Pikachu maximised his speed and made frequent use of doppelgangers to frustrate Dragonite, offering only glancing attacks in the form of the occasional Quick Attack. Cynthia smiled, seeming to realise what the duo had planned which was revealed when a frustrated Dragonite used Hyper Beam, which was followed up by Pikachu slamming an Iron Tail into the head of the dragon, knocking it out.
'Well, I wouldn't have believed it if I didn't see it with my own eyes.' Said Charles in amusement.
'Guess the four of you better get ready. I am sure Ash won't wait very long before challenging you.' Said Cynthia, before standing up.
'Where are you going?' Asked Lance.
'Well, I'm not the champion who needs to present the trophy, so I figured I would give my congratulations in person.' Said Cynthia, seeing Ash wave to the crowd and cheer for a few minutes, before heading back to the locker room.
-line break-
'Well, everyone, we did it, we've won the Indigo Plateau Conference.' Said Ash, having released Venusaur, Blastoise, Charizard, Gengar and Primeape, with Pikachu resting on his shoulder, with a small packet of ketchup within his paws.
'I wanted to speak with all of you first to decide what to do next. I know we've just been through a lot of battles and training, so I wanted to see what you all want to do now. Do you want a break, or do you want to push through to the final battle?' Asked Ash.
Pikachu jumped off Ash's shoulders and shrugged, indicating he would leave it to the others to decide.
Primeape pumped his fist, indicating the desire for further battles, but that was to be expected. Gengar grinned and floated in the air for a second, before turning upside down. Signifying he wouldn't mind some more fun as opposed to battling. Blastoise also seemed to indicate the need for a rest, giving a slow nod. Charizard gave a soft roar, indicating his desire for more battle. Lastly, Venusaur was left pondering his decision. After a moment, he raised two vines up, which seemed to signify a shrug.
'Pikachu, what do you think?' Asked Ash.
"I say we sleep on it. Chances are we might feel different in the morning, since we are all full of adrenaline and worn out at the same time." Said Pikachu, causing Ash to nod.
"If I may, I do not mind stepping in for a battle as well. Considering we will be facing elites." Added Lucario from his Pokéball.
"I wouldn't mind a battle against someone who wouldn't go blabbing and I figure the Champion would make a good option in that respect." Added Rayquaza.
'Ok then, guess it has been decided. Well, we better go get our trophy for now then.' Said Ash, returning his Pokémon, with Pikachu crawling up his shoulder.
'Pika!' Exclaimed Pikachu, pointing his finger forward.
Ash nodded, and the pair stepped back onto the field, where Lance and Charles Goodshow were waiting. Ash walked up to Lance, who gave him a nod of acknowledgement.
'Well Ash, I have heard and seen many great things about you. I would love to ask you here and now if you will be coming for the title of Champion too, but I think today you can just enjoy this victory. It isn't every day you win a conference after all.' Said Lance.
'Thanks and you don't have to wait; I will be back after a day's rest for the challenge.' Said Ash, causing Lance to smile.
'I look forward to it.' Said Lance, before Mr. Goodshow handed Lance the trophy and grasped Ash's hand.
'That was a splendid effort my boy. I must say, your matches have surprised in many ways, and I look forward to seeing how your quest to become Champion goes.' Said Charles.
'Thank you.' Said Ash, before Charles stepped back and Lance offered the trophy to Ash.
'I don't know if this will work without the spin, but let's give it a try Pikachu.' Said Ash, taking the trophy and holding it out with both hands.
'I got, the Indigo Plateau Conference Trophy!' Said Ash.
'Pi-Pikachu!' Added Pikachu from Ash's shoulder, before the entire stadium gave them a standing ovation.
'A bit different than a Gym Badge, but it feels good.' Said Ash.
'Well, I should hope so. Not everyone who wins a badge wins a Conference Trophy.' Said Lance.
'I guess that's true, but I wonder how winning more than one will feel.' Said Ash, surprising Lance.
'So do you intend to come after both my Kanto and Johto titles?' Asked Lance.
'Not sure yet, that's a problem for tomorrow.' Said Ash, before heading off for the stadium exit.