Greetings, Mgunnels3 here, and welcome back to A Promise Kept Ash's Johto Journey. Let's get this chapter going, shall we?
Chapter 54: Ash vs. Winona
"Human Speech"
"Pokemon Speech"
The next day, the Poke Ringers came as Ash and Winona were ready to start this battle as they took off in their balloons.
"Now for the first match of the top four of this Poke Ringers from Kanto, we have Ash, and from Hoenn, a gym leader Winona," the announcer said as Murkrow and Pidgeot watched from the sidelines, and Skamory's father was watching as well. Both Ash and Winona were now in place on the battlefield in the air.
"To a fun match, Ash," Winona said to Ash, who nodded. "Yeah, a fun and fair match," Ash said to Winona.
"Now, will both trainers let out their Pokemon for the match," the announcer said. Just as the balloon with the ring for this match was in place. Ash and Winona pulled out their Pokeballs.
"Skarmory comes on out," Ash sends his Pokemon for this match.
"Altaria, take flight," Winona sent out her Pokemon as the two Pokemon were let out of their Pokeballs.
Both Pokemon were looking at each other and knew this battle would be more challenging than expected. "Now, let this round begin," the announcer said.
"Skarmory, use Aerial Ace," Ash commanded her, who used her speed to get to the ring.
"Altaria use Dragons Dance and then use Aerial Ace," Winona commanded her Pokemon, who sped up and then charged right at Skarmory, passing her and catching the ring.
"Skamory after her," Ash commanded her, who charged at Altaria, which wasn't catching up as Winona smirked at Ash.
"You're going to need more than that, Ash. If you want to win, Dragons Dance raises the speed of the Pokemon and Power," Winona said to Ash.
"Agility and then use Aerial Ace Skarmory," Ash commanded her, who sped up and landed a blow right into Altaria. She lost the ring, and Skarmory picked it up.
"Ice Beam Altaria," Winona commanded her Pokemon, who fired an ice beam at Skarmory.
"Woah, get out of their now Skarmory," Ash said as Skarmory flew upwards.
"That's the power of a flying and dragon type, ladies and gentlemen. They can learn many moves to battle against their opponent," the announcer said as Ash wasn't expecting to be facing a dragon type, let alone one from Hoenn.
"Skarmory use Swift now," Ash commanded her, who fired a flurry of stars at Altaria while getting to the goal.
"Altaria use Sky Attack," Winona commanded her Pokemon, who charged up and slammed right into Skarmory's back hard.
"Skarmory!" Ash said as Altaria grabbed the ring and flew off with it Skarmory shook it off and was now determined to win this. "Aerial ace and Drill Peck," Ash commanded Skarmory, who charged right at Altaria. "Furry Attack as well, Skarmory," Ash commanded her, who landed a blow for blow, a flurry of Drill peck attacks doing some damage, but Altaria was brushing it off.
"Altaria used Aerial Ace," Winona commanded as it flew behind Skarmory and wailed at her with a flurry of attacks.
"Skarmory Double team now," Ash commanded her. Skarmory used a clone to get out of her range.
"We are seeing the power of two defensive Pokemon of the flying types, ladies and gentlemen, one known for it here in Johto and one in Hoenn," the announcer said.
"Skarmory wasn't kidding when she said that Winona was tougher than she looked. I have to get back in the lead here," Ash thought. "Skarmory, use Steel Wing," Ash commanded her, whose wing glowed and slammed right into Altaria mid-attack. Altaria dropped the ring as Skarmory picked it up and flew towards the goalpost.
"Dragons dance and then use Ice Beam," Winona commanded her Pokemon, who powered up again and went after Skarmory firing an Ice beam right at Skarmory, who was dodging it each time to be clipped on one of her wings as Skarmory winced in pain.
"Don't give up. Use Steel wing and Aerial ace," Ash commanded her, who managed to regain altitude and headed towards the goalpost.
"Altaria, use Sky Attack and Aerial Ace," Winona commander her Pokemon, charging right at Skarmory quickly.
"Double Team and Aerial ace," Ash commanded her Pokemon as the two were neck and neck Skarmory was getting closer to the goal as Altaria managed to hit Skarmory, knocking the ring right at the goal.
"Goal, but who managed to win this battle," the announcer said as they checked the replay as Skarmory and Altaria were knocked out shortly after the goal announcement. Ash and Winona were now wondering who had won. It didn't matter if both Pokemon were knocked out. The announcement was made in time to rule a winner.
The replay showed that Skarmory let go of the ring just before Altaria landed the final blow on her. "And there you have it, ladies and gentlemen, the winner, is Skarmory, and moving on to the finals is Ash," the announcer said. Ash ran to Skarmory, still knocked out, and returned her to her ball, as did Winona with Altaria, and the two head to the Pokemon Center. Skarmory got healed and was curious about who won the match.
"We did. You managed to get the ring to the goal beforehand," Ash said as Skarmory looked at her wing.
"Only because the pain in my wing from the Ice Beam was too much for me," Skarmory said in a huff.
"Id, you should let that pride go and take the win as it is," Skarmory's father said, who was watching the whole thing.
"Dad!" Ash's Skarmory said before looking down, to which he chuckled.
"You battled well out there, dear, and showed why you are my daughter and why your Uncle chose you as a leader," Winona's Skarmory said as Skarmory's eyes widened. "Pidgeot told me, and while your mother was originally a flock leader, even she would be proud of you. Whether you follow her side of the family's footsteps or not, it's your choice. If you want to do that one day, you can. We will be proud of you no matter what."
Winona walked over to Skarmory and Ash. "Well, Ash, that battle could've ended either way, and I hope that when you come to Foretree City, we can have a rematch whenever you decide to come to Hoenn," Winona said. Ash nodded.
"Sure, and I'm not sure if Skarmory here will be joining me, but I'm sure that just seeing yours is all she needs to hear," Ash said, explaining Skarmory's relationship to his, which Winona nodded in understanding.
"Take good care of her, Ash, you're a good trainer just by watching you out there, and dear, we love you no matter what," Winona's Skamory said to Ash and his daughter before leaving.
"Thank you, Dad, and I will make you proud even more than I am," Skarmory said, smiling before she rested as Ash smiled at this and let her be. It was announced that tomorrow's match would be Ash against Brock in the finals.
Meanwhile, Murkrow was training to master Aerial Ace with Pidgeot watching, trying to learn from this. Murkrow showed that she wasn't getting as tired as before and managed to get better at landing blows on the targets.
"Well done, Murkrow. I'm sure you are ready for tomorrow's match. You've come a long way even with Skarmory's help in this Tournament," Pidgeot said to Murkrow, who bowed to her.
"Thank you, teacher. I will do my best tomorrow," Murkrow said to her.
"Just remember, even if you lose, it's not the end of the world. We are up against our friends Brock and Golbat, so it's technically a win no matter what," Pidgeot said as Murkrow nodded. "Have fun and give it you're all. I know you will do your best," Pidgeot said to Murkrow.
"Something on your mind Pidgeot?" Murkrow asked her, noticing that she was thinking a lot since the two of them had their talk a few days ago.
"The truth is, what Ash said there might be the case for both of us about Skarmory not being with him during his Journey if he leaves for another region, and since I've rejoined the team, something in the back of my mind that there was more to this Journey than me getting stronger. Meeting and teaching you show me that I must also get stronger," Pidgeot said to Murkrow.
"But, you are stronger than me," Murkrow said to Pidgeot, who shook her head and held her wing at Murkrow's back.
"I've been through many hardships as a leader to the point that even I know that even as strong as I am? I can do better. I took you in not just because you asked, not just because you kept your promise, and not just because you know my family," Pidgeot said as Murkrow was curious.
"Because you kinda remind me of me before meeting Ash, yes, you got on my nerves when we met, but your determination is what I see in you," Pidgeot said as Murkrow smiled and nodded.
Pidgeot noticed that it was getting late. "We better get back. My young apprentice, it would be best if you didn't get tired for tomorrow's match," Pidgeot said as Murkrow nodded as the two flew back to the Pokemon center. Ash and his Skarmory watched this from afar and smiled at this, seeing that Pidgeot had grown on Murkrow.
Ash is ready to face off against his friend Brock with the finals around the bend. Who will win? As the Poke Ringers concluded.
Stay Tuned.
Done and done. Man, this chapter was fun to write. Yeah, I got a bit mushy at the end, but it builds character for both Murkrow and Pidgeot, not to mention Skarmory. We are nearing the end of this Tournament. It's Ash vs. Brock. See you next time.