Greetings, Mgunnels3 here, and welcome back to A Promise Kept Ash's Johto Journey. Let's get the last match of the P1 Grand Prix chapter going. Shall we?
Chapter 63: Champion of the P1 Grand Prix is Crowned
"Human Speech"
"Pokemon Speech"
It was a couple of days after the Semifinals as Ash's Primape was now fully healed and ready to fight in the finals. Nurse Joy lets the P1 Grand Prix officials know this, releases Primape from the Hospital, and is ready to go and fight.
Ash and Primape were heading to the arena as Brawly awaited the two for this match. The crowd was now set and ready for the battle as Brawly and Ash headed to the battlefield.
"Now for the last match of the Tournament, and boy, is this a big one, former champion of the P1 Grand Prix against the current one. This time it's for the glory," the announcer said as Ash and Brawly arrived at the ring. "Now, will both trainers let out their Pokemon?" Ash and Brawly pulled out their Pokeballs.
"Hariyama, come on out," Brawly sent out his Pokemon.
"Primape, come on out," Ash sent out his Pokemon as the two Pokemon were in the middle of the ring and ready to fight and win this match.
"Now, let this final match of the P1 Grand Prix Begin," the announcer said as the bell rang.
"Primape, use Cross Chop," Ash commanded his Pokemon as she charged at Hariyama.
"Arm Thrust now, Hariyama," Brawly commanded his Pokemon as the two Pokemon clashed their moves with each other.
"Now, Aerial Ace," Ash said to Primape, who jumped right at Hariyama, slamming her head into his face and sending him backward.
"Hariyama, Bulk up and Reversal," Brawly commanded his Pokemon as he powered up and slammed his shoulder into Primape.
"And there it is, the move that Brawly is known for using, Bulk up, a move that boosts the attacking Power and the defensive capabilities of the Pokemon that use it," the announcer said. Ash was surprised to hear this and knew that this would make things even harder for Primape.
"Brick Break now," Ash commanded, who jumped and slammed her fist right into Haryiama's head, who blocked it with his hands. "Uh oh," Ash and Primape said.
"Vital Throw now," Brawly commanded as Haryiama jumped and slammed Primape into the ring.
"Counter now," Ash commanded Primape, who jumped right into Haryiama's head as it lost its footing and fell on his behind. Brawly smiled, knowing beating his Pokemon would take more than that. But Brawly was glad that this match was going to end that quickly.
"Now, Knock off," Brawly commanded his Pokemon as Haryiama readied to launch another attack at Primape.
"Aerial Ace now," Ash commanded Primape, using her size to outmaneuver Haryiama and hit him as Haryiama slammed his hand right into Primape, sending her backward hard.
"Primape, you okay?" Ash asked, worried about Primape, who got up and nodded.
"Takes more than that to take me down like that, and it's a move that used to be a match-ender, Ash," Primape said to Ash, who knew that Brawly was showing his hand in this match. But what can he do if Haryiama is stronger than before? "Okay, use Thrash," Ash commanded Primape, who charged at Haryiama.
"Arm Thrust now," Brawly commanded his Pokemon as the two Pokemon clashed their blows with each other.
"Now Counter Primape," Ash commanded, who slammed her fist into Haryiama using the Arm Thrust against the Pokemon.
"Haryiama, use Bulk up and then Vital throw," Brawly commanded his Pokemon. They powered up again and then grabbed Primape as Ash noticed that Haryiama was struggling with its strength, especially the legs area. "That's it," Ash thought.
"Primape use Cross chop on the legs," Ash commanded Primape, who caught on to what was going on and slammed her arms right into his left leg as Haryiama was stumbling slightly. Brawly groaned at this as he knew because of Haryiama's stature, his legs would be an easy target. Then again, most of his opponents were either the same height or fast enough to aim for that or figure that out.
"Vital Throw," Brawly commanded his Pokemon, who regained his balance and grabbed Primape again, hoping to end the match.
"Primape, jump now," Ash commanded her, who jumped out of the grab.
Primape was in the air. "End this Cross Chop and Brick Break," Ash commanded his Pokemon.
"Knock off attack now, Haryiama," Brawly commanded his Pokemon. As the two Pokemon clashed their moves and both hit each other, they were sent to the ground hard. Ash and Brawly were surprised as their Pokemon were struggling to get up as this was the end of the match decider right here. Primape and Haryiama both got to their feet and panted heavily. Pokemon stared each other down and smiled as one of them fell. It was Haryiama. Everyone was surprised by seeing this, as were Ash and Brawly.
"Haryiama is unable to battle, and the winner is Primape, and the winner of the P1 Grand Prix is former Champion Ash and Primape," the announcer announced as the crowd cheered. Primape was still grasping her winning the match, unlike her first Tournament. Ash ran over to Primape and hugged her.
"You did it, Primape. We won as a team," Ash said to Primape, who happily smiled and agreed.
"Thanks, Ash, and I won't lie if he hadn't fallen; I wouldn't be mad if I fell instead. No harm in a loss especially making it this far," Primape said as Ash chuckled.
"A far cry from the last match where you wanted to win no matter what? Huh, Primape," Ash said to her, who looked down and shook her head.
"That match showed me that I still have a way to go, and a loss wouldn't hurt, but I'm glad we won," Primape said to Ash, who nodded as Brawly walked over to Ash and Primape along with Haryiama.
"Well, Ash, you did great, and I must admit Primape is in better shape with you than she has been in the last few Tournaments. You earned it," Brawly said as Haryiama nodded. Both Brawly and Haryiama held a hand for a handshake which Ash and Primape accepted. Brawly gave Ash the P1 Grand Prix belt that now belongs to Primape, and Ash, as the Crowd, cheered at this.
"And that Ladies and Gentlemen are the P1 Grand Prix, hope to see most of these competitors in next year's competition in Hoenn; until further notice, train hard, and one day you will be as strong as the winners of today's match," the announcer said. The crowd was leaving as Brawly headed to the boat to head back to Olivine City to catch a plane back to Hoenn.
"Leaving already, Brawly?" Chuck said as Ash was there as well. Brawly nodded.
"Yeah, a gym leader's job is still a thing, and I need to return anyway," Brawly said to Chuck as he noticed Ash. "If you come to Hoenn, I will be happy to have a gym battle with you, little dude, and hopefully, the battle will be a lot different from today's match," Brawly said to Ash, who nodded as well. "Is the next tournament in the town where you are from, Brawly, or has it not been decided yet?" Ash asked, to which Brawly chuckled.
"No, while Dewford is a Big Island and all that, it's not a place for Tournaments other than surfing. Aside from that, it's more in Fallarbor Town, far away from my gym," Brawly said. "However, I want to challenge you in a place other than the gym for that battle, but that day will come."
"I see, but I will be happy to have a gym battle with you when we meet again," Ash said as Brawl nodded as he took his leave. Anthony was leaving just as shortly and said his goodbyes.
Later that night, Ash was running out of ideas as he had his team rest for a bit, and there was no word about Sparkle's condition getting any better. "Ash Ketchem, you have a phone call? I repeat this is a page for Ash Ketchem for a phone call," Nurse Joy announced as Ash ran to the nearest phone, which had the call on it was his Uncle.
"Ah, Ash, I was hoping to catch you before you leave for somewhere. I watched your match on TV, and congratulations are in order," David said to Ash, who nodded.
"I took there is more to this call than you calling to congratulate me, Uncle?" Ash asked.
"Yes, by chance. Are you heading back to Olivine City anytime?" David said to Ash, who shook his head.
"No, Jasmine isn't in a position to take challengers until her Ampharos get better, and my Ampharos is taking over in her mother's place," Ash said to David, who nodded in understanding.
"Well, why don't you and your friends make your way to the Whirl Islands, mainly the first Island? I will be there as there's something I want you to have," David said as Ash was confused.
"Huh? But your villa is on the second Island of the Whirl Islands, not to mention, isn't this the time you are returning to Goldenrod?" Ash questioned.
"Surprisingly, I was asked to participate in the Whirl Cup this year as it will be its anniversary, and this year will be the largest gathering of trainers and gym leaders that run water types. I made arrangements for the ferry to take you and your friends to the first Island tomorrow morning," David said as this took Ash aback.
"Okay, it beats sitting around doing nothing. Until further notice, I will rest up, and we'll make our way on the ferry to the main Island," Ash said as David nodded.
"See you soon, nephew," He said, hanging up. Ash was telling Misty and Brock what was going on as it was apparent that Ash was still wondering why his Uncle called him out of the blue to come out that way, even asking Ursaring.
"Sorry, Ash, I have no clue what your Uncle is planning. He had never spoken about this to me before we were separated," Ursaring said to Ash.
"Whatever it is must be important. Anything comes to mind on your end, Ash?" Misty asked Ash, who shook his head.
"No clue, but whatever it is? It must be more than telling me about what is happening in the Whirl Cup?" Ash said to Misty.
"Whatever it is, we might as well make our way there," Brock said as Misty and Ash nodded as the group headed to bed.
The next day comes as Ash and the others are on the ferry and making their way to the Whirl Islands. It would take a couple of hours to get to their destination.
With the P1 Grand Prix now over, Ash set his sites on the Whirl Islands and whatever his Uncle has planned for the group. What is in store for our hero? As the Journey continues.
While on the boat ride over there, Ash noticed what looked like a school of Lapras heading toward the Island he was heading, which looked vaguely familiar.
"Huh? If that is what I think it is, this trip to the Whirl Islands will get even better," Ash said with a smile.
Stay Tuned.
Done and done. Man, this chapter took longer than expected. Yes, now Ash has won a Tournament in this story, and we are officially done with the story's second act. As for the surprise, you'll see it in the next chapter as it's All Around the Whirlpool episode next, but in my way. I have something else in store for this chapter. The halfway mark is also the next chapter. See you next time.