I apologize you had to wait for a while for this chapter. I got a little sidetracked by my other fanfics that are on work, but I intend to keep my promise on completing this saga before the end of this year!
Disclaimer: I do not own any Pokémon characters! I only own my OCs!
Chapter 57: Johto Photo Finish
Ash and I were called out to the lake by Gary shortly after we were done registering our Pokémon for our second battle in the Victory Tournament tomorrow. None of us had any idea what our childhood rival wanted, so we decided to see what was so important that he needed to see us.
We found him already waiting by the lake staring out with a satisfied expression. "Gary?" Ash called out.
"Hey, Ash and Ashley", Gary smiled genuinely. "Thanks for comin' out here."
"No problem, Gary", Ash nodded.
"Why did you want to see us?" I wondered.
Gary showed us his piece of the old Poké Ball we fished up. "I want to give this to you two."
"What?" Ash and I gasped simultaneously.
"But why?" Ash wondered.
"Because you've earned it", Gary replied. He gently grabbed my hands and put the piece on my palms. "Ash's got already his piece, so this is yours now, Ashley."
I blinked confusedly. "U-Um… But why?"
"Now that we settled the score among the three of us, I feel like I can finally move on", Gary confessed.
"Move on from what?" Ash asked.
Gary stared out at the lake again. "You know, I've been jealous of you two for quite some time."
That was new. I never once could have imagined our childhood rival was jealous of us. "Jealous?"
"Yeah. You both have such strong passion for Pokémon and see them more than just battling tools. I've gotta admit, when I started my journey, I didn't think much about Pokémon and their feelings. But seeing you two interact with your Pokémon helped me realize I need to treat mine better." He released a soft chuckle. "I trained my Pokémon to think outside of the box like you, Ash, but I still lost in our battle today. It shows I need to learn a lot more."
"So do we", I pointed out.
"Yeah", Gary said. "Grandpa says we always learn something new every single day. You know, when we tied a long time ago, I felt like a failure. But today, you beat me fair and square and that makes me feel so relieved. I haven't felt like that since forever."
"You know, I feel like I've grown stronger after our battle today", Ash nodded.
"Me too", I joined in. "And I think it was proven today now that I've advanced to Top 8 of the Johto League."
"Same", Gary smiled. "I'm happy making it to Top 16 of my second League. I'll cheer for both of you. And don't forget, even if you don't make it to the top, I'm still very proud to be your rivals."
The once very long tension and rivalry between us suddenly faded away like silver mist. I felt like our connection had flourished into a friendship. It also helped immensely that Gary had stopped taunting and bullying me. Was this what adults called growing up? Were we maturing both as people and Trainers?
The answer was probably yes.
XXXXXXXXXX
Ash and Harrison had an amazing battle, especially the end when their Charizard and Blaziken fought each other with all their fiery might. They repeatedly punched and kicked each other, refusing to give up for the sake of their Trainers. The battle came to an end when Charizard gave in, giving Harrison and Blaziken the victory. Ash was a little disappointed, but more than happy he made it to Top 8. And he was also joyous that Croconaw evolved into a Feraligatr in the middle of his battle against Harrison's Sneasel.
Now it was my turn facing my opponent. We walked out to the swiftly cleaned up stadium and prepared ourselves while the announcer did his job.
"Welcome to the second battle of the second round of the Victory Tournament! We have Jon Dickson in the red corner and Ashley Josephine Ketchum in the green corner. Their battlefield is going to be…rock!"
The battlefield changed into rock, the same field Ash and Gary fought on yesterday. The wheel then swirled around and landed on me.
"Ashley has the honor of calling out her first Pokémon followed by Jon!"
"I choose you, Cedric!" I yelled as I threw his Poké Ball.
"Graaawl!" Cedric roared as his body glowed, starting a sandstorm that covered the field.
"Tyranitar's Sand Stream has triggered a sandstorm! Joh has to be very strategic of what Pokémon he should choose!"
"Go, Steelix!" my opponent called from the other side of the field, his silhouette barely seen through the sandstorm.
A large body appeared on the field that was more visible than Jon. "ROOOOH!"
"For those who can't see, Jon has selected Steelix! A good matchup against Tyranitar, and it can endure the Sandstorm without taking damage!"
Smart move of Jon, but I didn't want to switch Pokémon just yet. "Cedric, use Earthquake!" I knew Earthquake was actually neutralized by Steelix's dual typing with steel and ground, but I needed to inflict some damage.
"Steelix, use Rock Polish!" Jon shouted.
Cedric stomped the ground so hard it trembled beneath my feet. This time I was prepared and kept my balance. Steelix grunted as he endured the move while his body glowed with a metallic sheen.
"Steelix, use Iron Tail!"
"Dodge with Rock Polish, Cedric!"
Steelix raised his long glowing tail while Cedric made his own body sheen. He jumped swiftly to the side when Steelix threw his tail down, smashing a boulder into pieces.
I wanted to switch Pokémon, but I had to wait for the Sandstorm to subside. I didn't want my other Pokémon take damage in this weather condition.
"Cedric, use Earthquake again!"
"Steelix, use Iron Tail!"
Cedric jumped up and stomped much harder than before. The earth shook at least five times stronger than his first Earthquake. I nearly lost my balance, but I caught myself. Steelix endured the tremors and struck Cedric in return, slapping him with his metallic tail.
"Graaaawl!"
"Cedric!" I yelled worriedly. "Are you okay?!"
"G-Grawl…", Cedric pushed himself up on his feet. He took a large hit that I feared if he took another Iron Tail, he would be out already.
"Cedric, return!" I recalled him and threw another Poké Ball. "Take over, Hunter!"
"Aerooo!" Hunter shrieked as he joined the field, the raging Sandstorm barely affecting him.
"Ashley has switched to an Aerodactyl, a prehistoric Pokémon that's said to be extinct! Where did she find one?"
"Steelix, use Ice Fang!"
Oh no, that was going to be big trouble! "Hunter, use Flamethrower!"
Steelix slithered fast toward Hunter with his teeth freezing into ice. Hunter in return breathed fire straight in Steelix's face. The iron snake Pokémon shrieked by the direct contact and shook his head to put the remaining flames out.
"Steelix!" Jon shouted worriedly.
This was the moment the Sandstorm subsided, clearing up the dusty air so everyone could see the battle properly.
"Steelix, return!" Jon swiftly recalled his Pokémon and switched to another. "It's your turn, Slowbro!"
"Slooowbro", Slowbro hummed as it replaced Steelix.
"Jon's second Pokémon is Slowbro!"
"Hunter, use Stealth Rock!"
"Slowbro, use Yawn!"
Hunter summoned boulders while flying in the sky before he threw them at Jon's side of the field, surrounding Slowbro. Slowbro took it very easy and yawned, expanding its jaw so much it sent a bubble at Hunter. The bubble popped when it came in touch with Hunter's face. Hunter blinked his eyes before he dropped to the ground. He fell asleep by Slowbro's Yawn!
"Hunter, wake up!" I panicked.
"Slowbro, use Water Pulse!" Jon shouted.
"Slooow!" Slowbro launched a water beam in the shape of rings and splashed them at Hunter. Hunter shrieked as he woke up by the super effective attack. He jumped up on his feet, but then behaved like a drunkard.
"Ouch, looks like Aerodactyl got confused by that Water Pulse!"
"Hunter, if you hear me, try snapping out of it!" I shouted.
"R-Rooo!" Hunter shrieked in return.
I gritted my teeth, having no choice but to switch Pokémon. "Return, Hunter! It's your turn, Sora!"
"Kyruuuh!" Sora howled when she entered the field.
"Ashley has switched to her third Pokémon which is Dragonair! Now, with this switch, her Aerodactyl should snap out of its confusion!"
"Slowbro, use Yawn again!" Jon yelled.
"Dodge and attack with Extreme Speed!" I shouted.
Slowbro yawned out a huge bubble from its mouth, but thanks to Extreme Speed Sora dodged it and tackled her opponent so hard it got thrown into the wall.
"Slowbro!" Jon called worriedly. "You okay?!"
Slowbro pushed itself up and rushed back to the battlefield where Sora levitated and waited for it. "Slow!"
"Tough Slowbro", I commented.
"Great job, Slowbro!" Jon nodded. "Now, use Psychic!"
"Hide in a Twister, Sora!" I shouted.
Sora summoned a twister that engulfed her, but she was safe in the middle of its eye just like that strategy Clair used in the Gym battles. Slowbro's eyes glowed blue as it tried to get a grip on the twister. I bit my lip in frustration when the twister slowed down by Slobro's Psychic power.
"Sora, get out and use Extreme Speed!"
A blue silhouette ejected itself from the twister and tackled Slowbro before it could register what was happening. The dual type Pokémon crashed into the wall for a second time and slid down to the ground.
"Slowbro!" Jon yelled worriedly.
"S-Slooow…"
The referee rushed to Slowbro and inspected its condition before he raised his green flag. "Slowbro is unable to battle! Dragonair wins!"
"The first Pokémon defeated in this battle is Jon's Slowbro! Ashley's Dragonair is not to mess with!"
I sighed in relief that I managed to defeat one of my opponent's Pokémon. "You were great, Sora."
"Kyruh!" Sora smiled.
Jon recalled his fainted Pokémon and spoke some words to it before he switched Poké Ball. "Go, Steelix!"
"ROOO-oooH!" As soon as Steelix entered the field, the boulders that Hunter scattered around when he used Stealth Rock came alive. They smashed themselves on Steelix who got caught off guard. Even if it inflicted some damage, Steelix barely looked affected.
"Jon has chosen Steelix as his next Pokémon! And it endured that Stealth Rock!"
"Return, Sora!" I recalled her before I switched Poké Balls. "Let's go, Chanchan!"
"Hitmonchaaan!" Chanchan punched the air with his boxing gloves and bounced lightly on his feet, eager to battle for the first time since forever.
"Ashley has switched to her fourth Pokémon Hitmonchan!"
"Chanchan, use Mach Punch!" I called.
"Steelix, counter with Iron Tail!" Jon yelled.
Chanchan threw a swift punch just as Steelix intercepted it with his metallic tail. Sparks erupted at the collision before Steelix got the upper hand and swung Chanchan into the wall. "Chan!"
"Chanchan!" I shrieked worriedly.
"Now's your chance, Steelix! Destroy those Stealth Rocks with Iron Tail!" Jon shouted.
While Chanchan got up on wobbly legs, Steelix crushed the boulders across the field to make sure they wouldn't hurt Jon's other Pokémon whenever they came out to battle. I had to give it to Jon; he was smart.
"Chanchan, stop Steelix with Mach Punch!" I said.
"Chaan!"
He leaped up as far as he could go and threw a punch right at Steelix's face. The iron snake stumbled backwards and shook his head to get rid of the dizziness delivered by Chanchan's punch. Even if Chanchan moved fast, Steelix had finished crushing the Stealth Rocks.
"Attack with Thunder Fang, Steelix!" Jon yelled.
"Use Counter, Chanchan!" I shouted.
Steelix's mouth sparkled by electricity as he exposed his giant teeth to Chanchan. Chanchan in return made his body glitter like a mirror and endured the attack when Steelix attempted to bite him. The attacks resulted in a huge explosion that covered the battlefield with smoke and dust. The only thing I heard was something collapsing, so I assumed Steelix got knocked down.
My hunch was right when the smoke dispersed and revealed a fainted Steelix next to Chanchan who was also out of commission.
"Steelix and Hitmonchan are both unable to battle! They are out!" the referee announced, raising both colored flags.
"Talk about double knockout! Hitmonchan was weakened enough by Steelix's Iron Tail so he got defeated after he bounced Steelix' Thunder Fang back! This leaves Ashley with five Pokémon and Jon with only four!"
"Return, Chanchan. You did a great job. Take a good long rest", I mumbled to his Poké Ball before I switched to another. I waited to throw mine until Jon had finished selecting his next Pokémon. "Go, Cedric!"
"I choose you, Venusaur!"
"Graaawl!"
"Venusaaaur!"
"Ashley has called out her Tyranitar yet again and Jon has chosen Venusaur! And Tyranitar's ability has summoned another sandstorm!"
"Cedric, use Earthquake!" I yelled.
"Venusaur, get rid of the sandstorm with Sunny Day!" Jon shouted.
Cedric stomped the ground and made it tremble just as a bright light orb appeared in the midst of the sandstorm. Before I knew it, the sandstorm subsided by the rays of the sun. Venusaur appeared to be fine even though it had just withstood a massive Earthquake.
"The sandstorm has subsided and now we have a bright sun scorching the arena!"
"Venusaur, use Solar Beam!"
Venusaur hummed as its flower gathered sunlight before it immediately fired a Solar Beam. "SAUUR!"
"Dodge with Rock Polish, Cedric!" I shouted.
"Graawl!"
Cedric's body polished up before he swiftly jumped to the side, dodging the super effective move. Even I had to jump aside when the Solar Beam zoomed past me and struck the wall behind me.
"Cedric, return!" I shouted and switched Poké Balls. "Go, Firered!"
"Raaawr!" Firered opened his wings and let out a roar.
"Ashley has switched to her fifth Pokémon Charizard!"
Jon held up his own Poké Ball. "Venusaur, return! It's your turn, Rapidash!"
"Neigh!" Rapidash neighed and stomped its hoof.
"Jon has also switched to his fourth Pokémon Rapidash! An interesting matchup we have here!"
"Firered, use Smokescreen!" I yelled.
"Use Bounce to dodge it, Rapidash!" Jon shouted.
Firered breathed a thick smokescreen at Rapidash who jumped high up in the air. The sunlight nearly blinded me, but I could still see its silhouette.
"Use Metal Claw to block the attack, Firered!"
"Rawr!" Firered's claws glowed with a metallic sheen and braced himself to catch Rapidash. Rapidash fell down to the ground like a bouncy ball and managed to add enough weight to force my partner down to the ground.
"Great job, Rapidash!" Jon praised his Pokémon.
"Neiigh!"
"Firered, are you okay?" I asked.
Firered grunted as he slowly got up, but then I noticed his body sparkled as a sign that he got paralyzed by the Bounce move.
"Return, Firered!" I shouted and switched Pokémon for the umpteenth time in this battle. "I choose you, Cedric!"
"Graawl!" Cedric roared and stomped the ground just as a new sandstorm blew around us.
"It's hard to see, but Ashley switched back to her Tyranitar!"
"Cedric, use Earthquake!"
"Dodge with Bounce, Rapidash!"
It was difficult to spot Rapidash's silhouette in the middle of the sandstorm, but I didn't hear any painful neighs, so that confirmed it successfully managed to dodge Cedric's move.
"Strike with Megahorn!" Jon coughed.
"Megahorn?!" I gasped. That was a super effective move against Cedric. "Cedric, protect yourself with Stone Edge!"
Cedric summoned sharp stone pillars around him as a protection for the incoming move. Rapidash fell from the sky with its horn enlarged and glowing. It struck the stone cage and actually pierced through them like they were butter. Cedric didn't react in time and was struck by the Megahorn.
"GRAAWL!"
"Cedric!" I shouted before I coughed after inhaling lots of flying sand.
His body collapsed on the ground with Rapidash towering him, its burning mane and tail visible in the midst of the sandstorm that now subsided. The referee instantly raised the red flag.
"Tyranitar is unable to battle! Rapidash wins!"
"Ashley is down to four Pokémon now, which makes both Trainers equal with remaining Pokémon!"
"Return, Cedric", I called and caressed his Poké Ball before I switched to my next Pokémon. "You were amazing. Take a good long rest. It's you next, Aria!"
"Woooo!" Aria sang as she was called out to the battlefield for the first time in this battle.
"Ashley's sixth Pokémon is Lapras! We have now seen all of her Pokémon!"
"Return, Rapidash!" Jon didn't hesitate to switch Pokémon. "I choose you, Ursaring!"
"Ursaaaaring!" Ursaring roared and flailed its arms around, clearly eager to battle.
"Jon's fifth Pokémon is Ursaring! A very interesting matchup we have here! What could his plan be against Lapras?"
"Aria, use Ice Beam!" I shouted, hoping it could freeze Ursaring into ice.
"Use Bulk Up, Ursaring!" Jon yelled.
Aria fired an Ice Beam from her mouth while Ursaring's body glowed red as it raised its attack and defense. The Ice Beam struck and instantly froze Ursaring into an ice block.
"Alright!" I cheered. "We got him!"
"Ursaring, continue using Bulk Up!" Jon shouted.
"Keep using Ice Beam to immobilize Ursaring, Aria!"
While Ursaring's body kept glowing beneath the ice, Aria added new layers with the hopes of preventing her opponent from breaking out.
"Okay, let's switch plans!" I yelled. "Use Surf!"
"Ursaring, break free with Giga Impact!" Jon shouted.
Aria summoned a large wave that she floated on top off while the ice cracked with the power of Ursaring's Giga Impact. The huge wave was about to strike the bear Pokémon when it broke free and shot itself through the wave, breaking it apart so Aria crashed on the ground.
"Raaa!"
"Aria, are you okay?!" I called worriedly, not expecting Ursaring to be able to break free from the icy trap.
"Awesome, Ursaring!" Jon praised his Pokémon. "Now, as soon as you recover, use Hammer Arm!"
Lord Arceus, if a Hammer Arm boosted by Bulk Up struck Aria, that would be an instant defeat! "Aria, use Sheer Cold!"
"Scary Face, Ursaring!"
Aria was about to open her mouth to release an absolute-zero blast when Ursaring's glare made her flinch, her power briefly halted. That was enough time for Ursaring to dash to her and throw a massive punch on her shell. Aria screamed at the impact and released her Sheer Cold on the ground, freezing the rocky battlefield into an ice skate ring.
Ursaring stood on top of Aria with a wicked grim and arms crossed. My Pokémon was out of commission and groaned weakly. "W-Wooo…"
The referee raised the red flag for the third time in a row. "Lapras is unable to battle! Ursaring wins!"
"Ursaring took out Lapras with one powerful Hammer Arm! This leaves now Ashley with three Pokémon left, which means it's time for a five minute intermission!"
I recalled Aria and gave her a few words of praise before I sat down on a bench with a deep sigh. I was already exhausted with sticky sweat on my dirty body after enduring sandstorms and a bright sun that faded away a while ago.
I had Sora, Hunter and Firered left in my team. Firered was in a sticky situation because he was paralyzed. I had to save him for the very last as possible. Sora had some kind of advantage against Jon's Pokémon thanks to her dragon-type, but I had no idea what Jon's sixth Pokémon was. It could be an ice-type which would be a terrible matchup against her and Hunter.
Speaking of ice, I did not expect Aria's Sheer Cold would turn the battlefield into ice after she missed her move. Then again, it put my Pokémon in an advantage because they could fly. Jon's Pokémon were forced to stay on ground and try keeping their balance, unless he figured out a way to melt the thick layer of ice.
An alarm went off which meant it was time to resume the battle. Jon and I returned to our corners and prepared our Poké Balls.
"It's time to resume the second half of this match! Jon is currently leading with four Pokémon while Ashley's got three Pokémon left! Trainers, pick your Pokémon!"
Jon and I threw our Poké Balls at the same time after we gave each other a nod.
"I choose you, Misdreavus!"
"Let's go, Sora!"
"Dreeeavus!"
"Kyruuuh!"
"Jon has revealed his sixth Pokémon which is Misdreavus and Ashley has chosen Dragonair!"
Huh, a Misdreavus? That was the last Pokémon I expected from Jon.
"Sora, trap Misdreavus in a Twister!"
"Dodge and use Mean Look, Misdreavus!"
Sora summoned a twister below Misdreavus, but the ghost Pokémon had good reflexes and dodged it. Then it glared at Sora until a dark murky aura enveloped her. I gritted my teeth in frustration. Now I couldn't switch Pokémon and I had a very bad feeling about the next move.
"Use Thunder Wave, Sora!"
"Use Perish Song, Misdreavus!"
My worst dream came true. While Sora successfully paralyzed Misdreavus, the mischievous ghost sang a song with a false voice. The music notes flew around both Pokémon until they showed signs of fatigue.
"Misdreavus used Perish Song to put Dragonair on a timer! And Dragonair cannot be switched out because it's trapped by Mean Look!"
"Dang it!" I bit my lower lip, angry at the situation.
Jon calmly switched his Pokémon which mean the Perish Song affecting Misdreavus would be nullified. "Return, Misdreavus. Go, Venusaur!"
"Saauur!"
"Sora, trap Venusaur in a Twister!" I shouted. I was starting to panic because Sora looked weaker for each passing second.
"Kyruuh!"
Sora summoned a large twister that swallowed Venusaur whole. The wind was so loud I couldn't hear Venusaur's grunts.
"Venusaur!" Jon shouted worriedly.
"Sora, this might be your last chance, so attack Venusaur with Extreme Speed as much as you can!" I yelled.
Sora's body glowed darker and dark so she looked like a black streak whenever she flew through the twister tackling Venusaur.
"Endure it, Venusaur!" Jon yelled.
The tension was high in the air as everyone watched Sora flying back and forth to the twister. Time ran out for her when her body froze midair. One second later, she crashed on the ice field with the twister dying, revealing a heavily bruised Venusaur.
The referee raised his red flag. "Dragonair is unable to battle! Venusaur wins!"
"That was amazing! Jon used his Pokémon to the best of their abilities to take down a dragon-type Pokémon!"
I recalled Sora to her Poké Ball and gave her a few words of comfort. "You were great, Sora. Rest well while the others finish the rest." I hated to do this, but the best Pokémon against Venusaur was Firered. "It's your turn, Hunter!"
"Roooo!" He looked refreshed after he snapped out from confusion.
"Ashley has chosen Aerodactyl!"
"Venusaur, use Sleep Powder!" Jon shouted.
"Hunter, block it with Flamethrower!" I yelled.
Venusaur fired a large cloud of powder from its large flower while Hunter breathed fire at it, burning the tempting powder into ashes so he didn't get hit by it.
Jon grimaced and held up his Poké Ball. "Venusaur, return! Go, Misdreavus!"
"M-Misdreaa!"
I figured he was going to use the same strategy as with Sora. "Hunter, attack with Ancient Power!"
"Roooh!" Hunter summoned large boulders around him in the air before he sent them at Misdreavus.
"Dodge them and use Mean Look!" Jon yelled.
Misdreavus moved a lot slower when paralyzed, but it still managed to dodge a few boulders. Unfortunately for the cute ghost, it got struck by the remaining rocks and forced down to the ice field. Hunter flew closer to check how Misdreavus was doing trapped by the Ancient Power.
"Misdreavus!" Jon yelled worriedly. "Can you get out?!"
"Hunter, help out by using Iron Head!"
Hunter's head glowed with a metallic sheen before he smashed through the rocks, breaking them apart with ease. Misdreavus got caught in the tackle and rolled in the air before it crashed on the ice.
"M-Misss…"
"Misdreavus!" Jon gasped.
"Misdreavus is unable to battle! Aerodactyl wins!" the referee finally raised my green flag.
"Impressive victory! Aerodactyl barely dodged the Mean Look and Perish Song combo!"
"Great work, Hunter!" I praised my prehistoric Pokémon.
"Roooaah!" Hunter roared happily as he briefly landed on the ice. He almost slipped, but he caught his balance.
"Careful, Hunter!" I giggled.
Jon recalled his fallen ghost Pokémon and gave it praises before he switched Poké Balls. "Let's go, Ursaring!"
"Ursaaa!" Ursaring roared.
"Jon has called out Ursaring and it looks more than ready to rumble!"
"Hunter, fly up!"
"Ursaring, use Scary Face to stop it!"
Hunter spread his wings to fly, but Ursaring's frightening glare made both him and me flinch. "Hurry, Hunter!"
"Grab Aerodactyl's tail!" Jon shouted.
Hunter was almost out of reach when Ursaring jumped up and grabbed his tail. To my surprise, Ursaring actually managed to hold Hunter down so he couldn't fly higher up. It was like a tug-of-war.
"Hunter, use Flamethrower!" I shouted.
"Use Bulk Up to throw it down, Ursaring!" Jon yelled.
Hunter breathed fire straight in Ursaring's face, but the bear Pokémon didn't even blink an eye. With its strength boosted, it threw Hunter down with all its might.
"Hunter!" I shouted worriedly.
"Strike it with Hammer Arm!"
"Hunter, Flamethrower again!"
Ursaring leaped in the air with its right arm glowing while Hunter breathed fire again. Ursaring was completely unaffected and struck Hunter in the stomach, almost forcing my Pokémon to throw up his breakfast.
"Roooaaah!"
"Hunter!" I shrieked.
"Finish this with another Hammer Arm!" Jon yelled.
"Dodge it!"
Hunter collected himself in time and flew up before Ursaring could hit him again. At a closer inspection, I noticed Ursaring's fur was scorched and had ember stuck. Then Ursaring's expression turned very intimidating like it was ready to maul its opponent.
"Ursaring has been burned and this triggers its Guts ability! Its attack is boosted by fifty percent!"
I chewed my bottom lip in frustration. Ursaring could now probably take down Hunter easily with the boosted strength. "Stay in the air, Hunter!"
"Rooh!"
"So you're going to play defensively?" Jon hummed. "Ursaring, skate around to gain momentum while using Bulk Up!"
Ursaring began skating around which made me realize what Jon was planning. He was going to then make Ursaring use one of the frozen rocks as a ramp to fly up to the sky and get closer to Hunter.
"Hunter, scatter Ancient Powers around the field!" I shouted.
Hunter threw new boulders to block Ursaring's path, so it was forced to skate in a zigzag pattern which slowed it down.
I thought we had it when Jon called out his next command as another boulder was dumped in front of Ursaring.
"Leap up and throw yourself with the help of that boulder in front of you, Ursaring!"
"Ursaaa!"
Ursaring jumped toward the Ancient Power rock and used one of its paws to push itself up to the sky toward Hunter.
"Iron Head, Hunter!"
"Giga Impact, Ursaring!"
Both Pokémon flew toward one another with their moves activated. The impact was so strong it caused a massive explosion. The shockwave almost threw me off balance as Hunter and Ursaring dropped like rocks and crashed on the ice.
Jon and I called our Pokémon's names while the smoke cleared up. Ursaring grunted as it got up while Hunter remained still on the ice. My heart dropped when the referee raised the red flag.
"Aerodactyl is unable to battle! Ursaring wins!"
"Incredible! Ursaring defeated a prehistoric Pokémon despite the type disadvantage! Ashley is now on her last Pokémon! Can she miraculously turn this match around?"
"Return, Hunter", I recalled him and gave him soft praises before I brought out Firered's Poké Ball. I planted a kiss on the surface before I threw it. "I'm counting on you, Firered. Let your fire burn bright for your fallen comrades!"
"RAAAAWR!"
"Let's fight together, Firered!" I shouted determinedly.
"Raawr!"
"Use Smokescreen!"
"Ursaring, use Giga Impact!" Jon yelled.
Ursaring enveloped itself with energy before it dashed toward Firered. Firered in turn breathed a thick smokescreen and flew up, so Ursaring missed him entirely. Ursaring dug its claws into the ice to stop its body from slipping.
"Wing Attack, Firered!" I shouted.
Firered's wings glowed as he descended from the sky. Ursaring just pulled its claws out of the ice when Firered struck his opponent. Ursaring slid down the ice on its back and barely came to a halt as Firered remained in the sky.
"Ursaring, you okay?!" Jon shouted.
"U-Ursa…!" Ursaring growled as it clumsily got up on its paws.
"Standby, Firered!" I shouted.
"Ursaring, use Hammer Arm to crush the ice blocks next to you and throw them up at Charizard!"
"Firered, intercept them with Flamethrower!"
Ursaring swung its arm into an ice block with such a force it broke apart into multiple sharp projectiles that went straight at Firered. Firered tried stopping them with his Flamethrower, but some slipped past the fire and struck his wings. He held back his painful cries as he continued breathing fire, but at the same time he lost altitude and was forced down to the ground because of his punctured wings.
"Now, Ursaring! Giga Impact!" Jon shouted.
"Firered, try flying up!" I yelled.
Firered opened his bleeding wings in an attempt to fly, but his paralysis decided to kick in. He landed on his feet as Ursaring approached him a little slower than before but the mighty power of Giga Impact felt even stronger than before.
"FIRERED!" I shrieked when he got struck and thrown into the wall.
Firered crashed on his stomach after he slid down the wall with Ursaring panting deeply before it also collapsed. Jon and I were equally surprised that both our Pokémon fainted at the same time.
The referee rushed to our Pokémon and raised both flags. "Ursaring and Charizard are unable to battle! Both are out!"
"What a shocking end! Ursaring's burn lasted long enough for it to drain all its energy and was knocked out the same time it defeated Charizard! This means that, with two Pokémon left, Jon wins this match and advances to the semifinals of the Victory Tournament!"
I had almost forgotten about Ursaring's burn it sustained after Hunter's Flamethrower. While it kinda came to my rescue, it was already too late. Firered put up a great fight despite being paralyzed.
I rushed to my Pokémon and gently caressed his head. "Firered, are you okay?"
He whimpered like a Growlithe puppy. "R-Rawr…"
"I'm so proud of you, Firered. I know you did your very best. We both just have to train harder for our next battle."
"Rawr…", Firered chuckled softly.
Jon walked to me after his recalled his Ursaring. "Is your Charizard okay?"
"Yeah, he just needs a good long rest before we can train again", I nodded as I got up and brushed the dirt off my pants. "You and your Pokémon were amazing. I enjoyed our battle."
"Me too", Jon smiled and held his hand out. "I look forward battling you and your Pokémon again in the future."
"That's a promise", I giggled and shook his hand, sealing the deal.
XXXXXXXXXX
Ash and I were not disappointed at our accomplishment in the Johto League. We both made it to Top 8, which was much better compared to last year in the Kanto League. Every Trainer who passed the Screening joined the closing ceremony when the winner of the Silver Conference was presented with a trophy and the privilege to challenge the Elite Four.
Jon Dickson, the same Trainer I lost to in the second round of the Victory Tournament, shone as bright as a sun when Mr. Goodshow gave him the large gold trophy. After watching his other battles, I thought he fully deserved it. He was a remarkable Trainer and I looked forward to challenge him again in the future when I got more experience and training.
That same evening, Ash and I met up with Gary again by the lake. "Hi, guys!"
"Hi, Gary!" Ash greeted.
"Pika pika!"
"How are you feeling?" I wondered.
"Pretty good", Gary smiled. "I was very impressed by both your battles in the second round of the Victory Tournament."
"Really?" Ash asked sheepishly. "Even though we lost?"
"You both put up an amazing fight with your opponents", Gary said. "You two changed a lot since we left Pallet Town when we were ten years old."
"So have you, Gary", Ash pointed out. "You used to be a big bully and loved putting both of us down."
Gary grimaced at the reminder of his old self. "Yeah, I was a jerk. But I've matured and I want to become a better person. I guess I bullied you two…because I was jealous."
"Jealous?" Ash and I blinked simultaneously.
"Yeah, 'cause I missed my sister Daisy as she left Pallet Town when I was little", Gary explained. "I only had grandpa, but he was always busy with his research and grandma… Well, we know she left Pallet Town after she divorced grandpa. I felt lonely and envied you two. You were always together and had each other's backs and it annoyed me seeing that. That's one of the reasons I picked on you, especially Ashley."
I gave him a stinky eye. "Because I was a girl and have autism?"
Gary flushed lightly. "Y-Yeah, partially."
"I'm glad we grew out of this childish rivalry phase", Ash chuckled. "Now I'm proud to call you my rival, Gary."
"Me too, but not for long", Gary said.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"Throughout my journey, I've seen so many Pokémon and their evolved forms", Gary said, looking at us with a fond gaze. "Some Pokémon change their appearance and look completely different, like Magikarp, Remoraid, Tyrogue and even Eevee that has so many evolutions depending on the circumstances. I'm fascinated by how and why Pokémon change upon evolution, so I've decided I'll become a Pokémon Researcher!"
That statement was a huge surprise. Gary never showed any signs that he wanted to switch path and be something else than a Pokémon Master.
"When…did you realize you want to become a researcher?" I wondered.
"It was actually thanks to my Umbreon", Gary replied. "I got intrigued as of why Eevee evolved in the middle of the night and changed his appearance, and that's when I knew I want to follow my grandpa's path and become a professor in the future."
"That's great, Gary", Ash smiled. "I'm glad you found something you're so passionate about."
"Thanks, Ash", Gary nodded. "This means that the Silver Conference is the last Pokémon League I'll ever participate in. Now I'm gonna pour all my efforts into my research and broaden out the knowledge about Pokémon!"
"Good luck, Gary", I smiled. "I know you can do it."
"Thanks, Ashley", Gary smiled.
Ash and Pikachu left us after Gary said he wanted to say something to me just between us. My brother who was usually protective of him actually trusted Gary, so he walked away until it was just the two of us.
Gary looked a little nervous as I waited for him to speak. He cleared his throat as the red blush on his cheeks somewhat faded away. "Ashley, there's something I wanted to tell you for some time now, and I think now's the right moment."
"What is it?" I asked.
To my surprise, he bowed deeply. "I'm so sorry I bullied you. Like I said, it was partially because I wanted to take my frustration out on somebody."
Even with his apology, it couldn't take all the pain away he inflicted on me. My wounds still felt fresh, but my heart still couldn't stay mad at him. "I forgive you, Gary. It did hurt a lot as your bullying almost made me depressed when I cut my hair. But now… I think I can move forward because you've become a kinder person."
Gary looked relieved, but his eyes shone sadly when I mentioned how close I was to depression. "I'm really sorry, Ashley. I was a kid back then. I didn't know how much of an impact my bullying did to you. I was shocked when I saw you cut your hair. I didn't mean it to push you that far."
"My hair can grow out, it's not like I shaved it", I retorted.
Gary's eyes softened with a smile. "And you look good with your hair. You look more like a girl now."
I didn't know if I should be happy or irritated by that comment. "I've always been a girl…", I muttered.
"I know", Gary chuckled before he got serious. "Ashley, now I really need to tell you the most important thing."
"Okay?" I blinked.
Gary gently took my hands which made me a little surprised. My heart even started beating faster like when Ritchie got close to me, but the feeling was different.
My childhood friend took a deep breath before he told me his secret. "Ashley, another reason why I teased you is because I like you."
I blinked confusedly, not really understanding what he meant. "Like…?"
"I bullied you because I liked you as a girl even back when we were kids", Gary confessed. "I wanted you to pay attention to me, but now I know my methods were wrong. Even today, I like you and I want to approach you like a real man."
I looked down as I was very confused by his confession. He bullied me because he liked me? How did he like me? What did it mean? Was it like how I liked Ritchie a little more than any other boy I met so far? Or that girl I ran into back in Olivine City?
"I know you must be feeling very confused, Ashley", Gary spoke softly. "And I get it. You might not understand what love is, right?"
"Love…? Like what my mom and dad have?"
"Something like that, yeah. They have feelings for each other, just like I have feelings for you. The question is; do you have feelings for me?"
"Umm…" I tried thinking about this matter logically, but this topic was outside my comfort zone. I simply couldn't get it. "I… I don't know."
Gary seemed a little disappointed, but he gave me a genuine smile. "It's okay, Ashley. I know this must be new to you. You don't have to give me an answer right now. Take your time to understand your feelings toward other people and me. Once you know, tell me, 'kay?"
I nodded slowly, feeling bad I couldn't give him an answer right away. "O-Okay. I'm sorry…"
"Don't apologize", Gary softly squeezed my hands. "I get it. You need more time to understand things that are foreign to you. I can wait."
That was very reassuring, but I still felt a tiny pressure. "Okay."
Before I knew it, Gary planted a kiss on my cheek. I blushed hard and pulled away from his grip, cupping my cheek where I still could feel the heat of his lips. "G-Gary!"
Gary laughed softly at my reaction. "You're so cute. Blushing so hard by a kiss."
I growled back as my heart drummed in my chest. I had no idea how else I should react in a situation like this. "I…I need time to think."
"Take all the time you need, Ashley. I'll wait."
XXXXXXXXXX
Ashley's party:
Firered the Charizard (male)
Cedric the Tyranitar (male)
Hunter the Aerodactyl (male)
Sora the Dragonair (female)
Chanchan the Hitmonchan (male)
Aria the Lapras (female)
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Ashley's Pokémon at the Lab:
Wanda the Gyarados (female)
Kobra the Arbok (male)
Poseidon the shiny Gyarados (male)
Queendra the Kingdra (female)
Victor the Houndoom (male)
Trica the Furret (female)
Axel the Scyther (male)
Oliver the Vileplume (male)
Volt the Jolteon (male)
Lily the Espeon (female)
Luna the Clefairy (female)
Hikaru the Ampharos (male)
Rina the Nidoqueen (female)
Mystic the Togetic (male)
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Ashley's roaming Pokémon:
Crystal the Suicune (genderless)
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Ash's party:
Bayleef (female)
Snorlax (male)
Charizard (male)
Pikachu (male)
Feraligatr (male)
Shiny Noctowl (male)
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Ash's Pokémon at the Lab:
Kingler (male)
Poliwrath (male)
Wartortle (male)
Dudunsparce (male)
Cyndaquil (male)
Phanpy (male)
Larvitar (male)
Ivysaur (male)
Tauros (male)
Heracross (male)
Muk (male)
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Ash's roaming Pokémon:
Entei (genderless)
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Misty's party:
Staryu (genderless)
Psyduck (male)
Togepi (female)
Politoed (male)
Lanturn (female)
Corsola (female)
XXXXXXXXXX
Misty's Pokémon in the Cerulean Gym:
Goldeen (female)
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Brock's party:
Geodude (male)
Onix (male)
Crobat (male)
Forretress (male)
Magcargo (male)