Chapter 41: Trial by Fire
"I have been waiting for this day," Heath commented.
"So have I," Ash agreed. In the days leading up to Ash's first Area Boss battle he, Nikki and the Pokémon participating in today's battle spent plenty of time training and developing strategies. Now, it was time to see if all their hard work would pay off.
"So, are you ready?" Heath questioned.
"Guess we'll find out," Ash answered.
"That we will," Heath agreed. "Now, before we proceed any further, I must authenticate your Gym badges."
"Authenticate?" Ash questioned.
"That's right. We have to make sure those are the real Gym badges," Heath explained.
"Have trainers tried to give you fakes or something?" Nikki wondered.
"More times than you can imagine. In fact it's a regular occurrence," Heath answered. "That's why all Area Bosses are required to carry around device specifically designed to authenticate Gym badges." After listening to Heath Ash took out his Gym badges and handed them to the Area Boss.
"Well they seem real enough, but let's see what the scanner says," Heath commented. He then took out a small device no larger than a cell phone. He then passed the device over both badges and scanned them. Second later the device beeped.
"These are the real thing alright," he confirmed. "The Shifting Earth Badge from Lunick Town and the Blossoming Flower Badge from Treetop Town."
"Of course they're the real thing. I'd never take a shortcut just to earn a Gym badge or an Area Crest," Ash stated.
"I'm curious. Just how can that scanner tell the difference between a real Gym badge and a fake?" Nikki inquired.
"It's really rather simple," Heath replied. He took one of Ash's Gym badges and took out an exact replica of it.
"Tell me, which of these looks like the real badge?" Heath questioned. Ash, Nikki and their Pokémon looked at the two badges.
"To be honest they both look real," Ash answered.
"They do, don't they? However, the one I just took out is a fake," Heath said.
"How can you tell?" Nikki asked. Heath took the two badges, placed them side-by-side and scanned them. The one Ash had came back authentic, but the one Heath produced was labeled as a fake.
"They may look the same on the outside, but it's what's inside that determines whether they're real or not," Heath said.
"(How so?)" Pikachu asked.
"All Gym badges are required to contain a small microchip. This microchip is what allows the Area Bosses to determine whether a badge is real or not," Heath explained.
"I think I know where you're going with this," Nikki interrupted. "Those scanners are used to detect the microchip in the badges. If there's no microchip then it's not a real badge, right?"
"Exactly," Heath confirmed.
"(That should make it impossible for anyone to pass fake Gym badges for the real thing,)" Buneary commented.
"It has so far," Heath said. "Now, as much as I'm enjoying our conversation I'm sure Ash would rather be battling for his first Area Crest right now, won't you?"
"You bet!" the young trainer exclaimed.
"In that case I say we take our places on the battlefield, and may the best trainer win." The two trainers shook hands and headed to opposite sides of the battlefield. At the same time Nikki, Buneary and Pikachu headed to the safety of the sidelines.
"Good luck, Ash!" Nikki called. Ash looked her way and gave her a thumbs-up. Moments later a referee appeared.
"The Area Boss Battle between the challenger, Ash of Pallet Town, and the Area Boss, Heath, will soon get underway," he announced. "I will now go over the rules. This will be a full six-on-six battle with only the challenger being allowed to make substitutions. Also, only Fire type Pokémon will be permitted to participate. The battlefield will be suspended over a pit of lava. Pokémon who are deemed unable to continue or allow any part of their bodies to touch the lava will be disqualified from the battle. The battle will end when one side is out of usable Pokémon."
"Did you get all that, Ash?" Heath asked.
"Yeah," Ash confirmed. With both sides ready there was only one thing left for the referee to say.
"Very well. Let the battle begin!"
"Magmortar, I choose you!"
"Let your fires burn, Magmortar!" Both trainers hurled a Poké Ball out towards the battlefield and called on their respective Magmortar.
"Oh boy, this might be a bit tricky," Nikki commented.
"(I'll say. They're using the exact same Pokémon,)" Buneary agreed.
"(The only question is… which one will win in the end?)" Pikachu wondered.
"Use Focus Blast!" Ash called.
"Counter with Rock Slide!" Heath shouted. As Ash's Magmortar hurled his Focus Blast Heath's countered by creating a Rock Slide. The Rock attack fell in the path of the Focus Blast, effectively blocking it. Ash, though, had no time to brood over his failed attack, for as soon as the Rock Slide hit the battlefield it shook, throwing his Magmortar slightly off-balance.
"Now use Dynamicpunch!" Heath instructed. Before his opponent could recover Heath's Magmortar sped forward and struck Ash's with a powerful Dynamicpunch. The Fighting type attack not only caused massive damage, but it also left Ash's Magmortar confused.
"Snap out of it, Magmortar!" Ash called. Unfortunately his calls went unanswered as his Magmortar continued to stumble around aimlessly. One thing Ash did notice happening was that Magmortar was getting dangerously close to the edge of the platform.
"Magmortar, stop! You're about to fall off the edge!" Ash warned, but just as before Magmortar's confused state prevented him from hearing him.
"Quick, Ash! Call him back before it's too late!" Nikki shouted. Ash realized that that would be the only way to prevent Magmortar from being disqualified from battle and quickly recalled him. Both he and Nikki let out sighs of relief once Magmortar had been returned.
"That was too close," Ash commented. Now that his Magmortar was safe Ash decided to ask Heath about the battlefield.
"Why did the battlefield shift just now?" he asked.
"Forgive me. That was something I should have mentioned," Heath apologized. "You see, the battlefield is set up to where it sometimes shifts depending on how much weight is placed on it and where. Because of that you need to be careful with certain Pokémon and attacks." While that would have been an important piece of information to have before the battle began Ash knew it would have been useless to brood over it now. Instead he grabbed his second Poké Ball and tossed it out.
"Charizard, I choose you!" he shouted. The powerful dragon appeared and roared out a challenge to his opponent.
"Be careful, Charizard. The battlefield shifts sometimes depending on how much weight it holds," Ash warned. Charizard turned to Ash and nodded.
"Thunderpunch!" Heath called. Magmortar drew an electrified fist back and charged towards Charizard.
"Block it with Steel Wing!" Ash instructed. Magmortar swung with all he had, but his attack was blocked perfectly by Charizard's Steel Wing.
"Now use Seismic Toss!" Ash shouted. With a smirk Charizard grabbed Magmortar's arm and began spinning him around. After four full swings he released the Blast Pokémon, watching as he flew towards the edge of the battlefield.
"That should do it!" Nikki cheered.
"Not quite! Use Flamethrower!" Heath said. In a move that surprised everyone Magmortar fired a Flamethrower from each of his hand cannons that not only stopped his forward momentum but also propelled him back towards Charizard.
"No way!" Ash gasped. Everyone was so amazed by what they were witnessing that they forgot Charizard was right in his flight path. Magmortar slammed into Charizard, knocking the Flame Pokémon onto his back.
"Now use Rock Slide!" Heath called. Once again Magmortar called forth a multitude of boulders, sending them crashing down on the fallen dragon. It wasn't enough to knock him out, but it did have him pinned to the ground.
"Try to break free!" Ash encouraged.
"The moment he's free charge in and use Dynamicpunch!" Heath instructed. Ash heard Heath's instructions to Magmortar, and it left him feeling none too confident.
"If he manages to nail Charizard with Dynamicpunch then he'll be confused just like my Magmortar was earlier, but what can I do to prevent that?" As he wracked his brain for a solution Charizard burst free from the Rock Slide.
"Now!" Heath shouted. Magmortar pulled his fist back and charged. Ash knew that right then whatever he did would have to work.
"Spin around and use Steel Wing!" he yelled. It sounded like a strange command, but Charizard did as instructed. Right before Magmortar's Dynamicpunch made contact he spun around, and in doing so he caused the attack to miss him. As the surprised Magmortar continued passed him Charizard powered up a Steel Wing and struck the Blast Pokémon in the back, knocking him off balance and sending him stumbling towards the edge of the battlefield.
"You must stop yourself, Magmortar!" Heath called. Try as he might Magmortar couldn't stop his momentum as he fell off the battlefield and splashed down into the lava.
"Magmortar is disqualified! Charizard is the victor!" the referee announced.
"Alright! Way to go, Charizard!" Ash praised. Ash the victorious trainer and Pokémon celebrated Heath recalled his defeated Pokémon.
"Excellent work, Magmortar," he said. Heath then turned his attention to Ash.
"That was quite the clever tactic," he commented.
"Thanks. It's something I picked up during my travels," Ash replied.
"I see. Well don't think that will work on me a second time. Now, let your fires burn, Camerupt!" As Heath called on his second Pokémon Nikki took the opportunity to scan him with her Pokécomm.
Name: Camerupt
Species: The Eruption Pokémon
Pokécomm Entry: volcanoes on its back have a major eruption every 10 years - or whenever it becomes really angry.
"Let's end this quick, Charizard! Use Seismic Toss!" Ash called. Even though he couldn't fly Charizard could still run. He charged towards Camerupt.
"Stop him with Eruption!" Heath instructed. Before Charizard could get close enough the volcanoes on Camerupt's back erupted, spewing out flaming rocks and thick smoke. Heath knew the attack wouldn't do much damage to Ash's Fire type, but what it did do was stop Charizard's attack and force him back.
"Now, hit him with Take Down!" Heath shouted. Camerupt began his charge, but because he moved so slowly Ash had plenty of time to call out a counter-attack.
"Use Steel Wing to defend yourself!" he said. Charizard quickly folded a wing in front of him, powered up Steel Wing and braced for impact. Camerupt's attack hit hard, but thankfully Ash's defensive strategy paid off. No matter how hard Camerupt pushed he could not break through the Flame Pokémon's defense.
"Quick! Grab him and use Seismic Toss!" Ash called. Charizard smirked. With Camerupt so close there was no way for the Eruption Pokémon to escape. Unfortunately the reverse was also true, a fact that Heath looked to exploit.
"Use Eruption!" he called. Ash tried to shot out a warning, but by the time he opened his mouth it was too late. The volcanoes on Camerupt's back once again spewed out molten rocks and smoke, only this time Charizard got a face-full of the attack. Not only was Charizard forced away, but his vision was slightly impaired.
"Now use Take Down!" Heath instructed. While Charizard was still trying to recover Camerupt struck him with Take Down. The sudden impact knocked the dragon off-balance, sending him close to the edge of the battlefield.
"Charizard, look out!" The dragon took one step and felt himself begin to fall. Before he fell into the lava he flapped his wings and went airborne.
"Nice move, Charizard! That was some quick thinking!" Nikki praised.
"But not quick enough," Heath thought. "Rock Slide!" Before Charizard could return to the safety of the battlefield Camerupt called down an avalanche of boulders. The rocks crashed down onto the dragon, forcing him down into the lava.
"Charizard is disqualified! Camerupt is the victor!" the referee announced.
"Are you alright, Charizard?" Ash called.
"(Yeah. The only thing he hurt was my pride,)" the dragon grumbled. Ash was relieved Charizard wasn't hurt, but now he was without one of his powerhouses for the remainder of the battle. As he recalled his defeated Pokémon he thought about his next move.
"Okay… Camerupt isn't that fast of a Pokémon, so I should try and use someone who can outmaneuver him." It didn't take Ash long to decide on his next Pokémon.
"Go, Typhlosion!" Ash shouted. The Volcano Pokémon appeared and roared a challenge to Heath's Camerupt.
"Start with Take Down!" Heath instructed, taking the initiative this time. Camerupt bellowed and lumbered towards Typhlosion.
"Smokescreen!" Ash called. As Camerupt charged Typhlosion spewed a thick smoke cloud, obscuring Camerupt's vision of him.
"Camerupt, stop!" Heath shouted. The Eruption Pokémon skidded to a halt. Ash smirked. This is just what he hoped would happen.
"Aerial Ace!" he called. Typhlosion suddenly shot out of the smoke cloud and struck Camerupt. The Eruption Pokémon stumbled a bit from the unexpected attack, but recovered quickly.
"Hit him with Rock Slide!" Heath shouted.
"Dodge it!" Ash called. Despite the numerous rocks Camerupt called forth Typhlosion was able to dodge every last one of them.
"Use Take Down!" Heath instructed.
"Smokescreen!" Ash countered. Just like before Camerupt's charge was halted by Typhlosion's Smokescreen.
"Aerial Ace!" Ash shouted. Once again Typhlosion burst forth from the smoke cloud and made solid contact. By now Heath was picking up on Ash's strategy.
"He's using Smokescreen to conceal his Typhlosion's moves, and then taking advantage of Aerial Ace's flawless accuracy to strike from within. Not bad, Ash. Not bad at all." Even though he was impressed with Ash's tactics he still had a job to do.
"Use Eruption!" he said, hoping a change of tactics on his part would be enough to throw Ash off his game.
"What's he doing?" Ash wondered. Unknown to him, though, he was doing exactly what Heath hoped he would.
"Rock Slide!" Heath called. Ash was so focused on trying to figure out why Heath called for an Eruption that he was caught by surprise when he called for a Rock Slide.
"Dodge it, quick!" he shouted. A series of frantic dodges followed as Typhlosion did his best to avoid a direct hit from Camerupt's Rock Slide. He managed to avoid getting hit, but because of the suddenness of the situation he exerted more energy than expected. By the time Camerupt's attack was over Typhlosion was breathing heavily.
"This isn't good. Typhlosion's not doing enough damage to win, and at this rate he's going to run out of strength before Camerupt does," Ash mused. "Not only that but I think Heath's figured out my strategy. Oh man… what do I do now?" Unfortunately for him Heath wasn't going to give him time to think of a new plan of attack.
"Take Down!" Heath shouted. Camerupt bellowed and charged at Typhlosion.
"Counter with Rock Slide!" Ash said. As the Eruption Pokémon bore down on him Typhlosion used Rock Slide, dropping numerous large rocks in his way.
"Plow through those rocks!" Heath instructed. Like an unstoppable force Camerupt easily destroyed the rocks.
"Dodge it!" Ash shouted. Even though he was still a bit tired Typhlosion still managed to dodge to the side.
"Don't let up! Keep the pressure on!" Heath shouted.
"Keep using Rock Slide to try and slow him down!" Ash instructed. Camerupt continued to charge forward using Take Down while Typhlosion repeatedly dropped rocks in his way using Rock Slide. Unfortunately it appeared as though Typhlosion's efforts were being wasted, but as time passed Ash began to notice something.
"Camerupt looks like he's slowing down… a lot. But I'm not landing any hits, so then why…" Right then it clicked.
"Take Down causes recoil damage to the user whenever it hits, so when Camerupt uses Take Down to plow through Typhlosion's Rock Slide he's also hurting himself," Ash mused. He now knew how he was going to win this battle.
"Typhlosion, keep using Rock Slide! Drop it right down in front of Camerupt!" Ash instructed.
"Break through every last one of them!" Heath called. Typhlosion did as instructed and kept dropping rocks in front of Camerupt, and just as Heath instructed Camerupt continued to plow right through them.
"What's Ash trying to do? Camerupt's just going to keep destroying them," Nikki said.
"(Maybe… that's what Ash wants,)" Pikachu commented. Nikki wasn't sure if Pikachu was right or not, but the more they watched the more it appeared as though Ash did have a plan. Each time Camerupt smashed through Rock Slide he seemed to move slower and slower. Eventually the Eruption Pokémon had to stop.
"What's wrong, Camerupt?" heath wondered.
"Now's our chance, Typhlosion! Aerial Ace!" Ash shouted. Typhlosion had weathered the storm, and now it was time to strike back. He once again made solid contact with Aerial Ace, and because of the recoil damage Camerupt took from repeatedly using Take Down it was all Typhlosion needed to secure the win.
"Camerupt is unable to continue! Typhlosion is the victor!" the referee announced. Heath was shocked. He never expected Ash to turn Camerupt's own move against him like that.
"Unbelievable… he waited until Camerupt had damaged himself enough with Take Down to deliver the finishing blow," he said. As Heath recalled his second Pokémon he looked over at Ash, who was celebrating his victory.
"He's good, no doubt about that," he commented. Shortly after that his face was one of confidence as he prepared his next Pokémon.
"Even so, I don't plan on losing here today," he said. By now Ash was ready for the next Pokémon Heath had for him.
"Let your fires burn, Ninetails!" As Heath's Ninetails appeared on the battlefield Nikki looked on as if she were studying the fox.
"Do you think his Ninetails is more beautiful than mine?" she inquired.
"(I'm sure one of Ash's Pokémon would say no,)" Buneary commented. Nikki suppressed a chuckle, knowing full well which of Ash's Pokémon Buneary was referring to. But while Nikki found humor in the situation Ash was concerned. Even though Typhlosion took no direct hits from any of Camerupt's attacks during their battle the constant dodging had used up more of his energy than Ash had hoped, and going against a fresh opponent in Heath's Ninetails didn't bode well for the Volcano Pokémon.
"Do you want to keep going?" Ash asked. Typhlosion looked back at Ash and nodded, letting him know he wanted to keep going.
"Looks like Ash is leaving Typhlosion out there," Nikki commented.
"(I just hope he's making the right decision,)" Pikachu worried.
"Okay, let's take command early! Use Aerial Ace!" Ash called.
"Iron Tail!" Heath countered. Before Ash could shout out to Typhlosion to cancel his attack the Volcano Pokémon charged ahead. With a smirk Ninetails swung her tails around in front of her and charged them with Steel-like properties. Because of the nature of Aerial Ace the unavoidable Flying type attack struck home, and just as Heath planned Typhlosion was left badly stunned by the move.
"Again!" Heath instructed. While Typhlosion was trying to recover Ninetails swung her tails around again, this time striking Typhlosion in the back of his head. The blunt strike unfortunately proved to be enough to put the Volcano Pokémon down for the count.
"Typhlosion is unable to continue! Ninetails is the victor!" the referee announced. Now it was Ash's turn to be shocked. Just as he had done earlier Heath turned Typhlosion's move against him and used it to win. He recalled his defeated Pokémon, thanked him for a job well done and called on his next Pokémon.
"Torkoal, I choose you!" The Fire type tortoise appeared, white smoke billowing out the hole on the top of his shell.
"Let's start off with Earthquake!" Ash shouted. Torkoal stood up on his hind legs briefly before slamming back down onto the battlefield. The tremors threatened to shake the field apart, and the sudden impact caused it to tilt in Torkoal's direction. Ninetails did her best to try and stop herself from sliding, but she never could get her claws dug in enough.
"Now use Gyro Ball!" Ash said. Torkoal withdrew his head and limbs and began spinning around, a ring of Steel type energy surrounding him.
"Use Iron Tail to bounce off!" Heath called. Right before making contact with the spinning Torkoal Ninetails used her Iron Tail. The two Steel type attacks bounced off each other, allowing Ninetails to propel herself safely away from Torkoal. By then the field had leveled out, meaning the Fox Pokémon no longer had to worry about her footing.
"Quick Attack!" Heath said. Right as Torkoal stopped spinning and came out of his shell Ninetails was on the attack, striking him with an amazingly fast Quick Attack.
"Now use Iron Tail!" Heath continued. Shortly after her Quick Attack Ninetails scored a direct his with her Iron Tail. The resulting attacks not only caught Torkoal by surprise, but they also sent him falling over on his back.
"No, Torkoal!" Ash panicked. He knew there was no way Torkoal could fight if he was on his back. Somehow he'd have to find a way to flip him over.
"Hurry, Ash! You have to get Torkoal righted!" Nikki shouted. After a bit of thinking Ash finally discovered a way.
"Use the hole on top of your shell to right yourself!" he shouted. Torkoal immediately knew what Ash was talking about. He quickly built up pressure and released a massive amount of smoke from the hole atop his shell. The sudden expulsion was enough to flip him back onto his feet.
"Alright! Now we're back in this!" Ash cheered.
"But not for long. Use Attract!" Ninetails smiled and winked at Torkoal, sending a flurry of pinks hearts his way. As soon as they made contact the Coal Pokémon was instantly infatuated.
"No! Snap out of it, Torkoal!" Ash pleaded. Unfortunately his calls fell on deaf ears. Heath smirked, knowing he had Torkoal right where he wanted him.
"I believe you know what to do," he said.
"(That I do,)" his Ninetails agreed. She walked over to Torkoal, the smile never leaving her lips.
"(Torkoal, sweetie, do you think you could walk off the battlefield for me?)" she sweetly requested.
"(Anything for you, my love,)" Torkoal agreed.
"No, don't do it!" Ash protested. Despite his calls he could do nothing but watch as Torkoal walked over to the edge of the battlefield and stepped off into the lava.
"Torkoal is disqualified! Ninetails is the victor!" the referee announced. With the battle now over Torkoal was released from Attract. As soon as he was aware of himself he began looking around to see just where he was. Once he realized what happened he burst into tears.
"(Oh no! I'm sorry, Ash! I didn't mean to lose!)" he wailed. Ash was expecting this reaction out of the Coal Pokémon. He never was one to hide his emotions.
"Don't worry about it, Torkoal. We're still in this," he said. He recalled Torkoal and grabbed the ball containing his next Pokémon.
"Arcanine, I choose you!" she shouted, hurling the Poké Ball that contained the Legendary Pokémon. He appeared from his Poké Ball moments later. At first he appeared ready for battle, but once he saw who his opponent was he seemed taken aback slightly.
"Use Attract!" Heath called, wanting to take advantage of Arcanine's surprised state. A familiar smile and wink preceded the flurry of hearts that enveloped Arcanine.
"Not again!" Ash griped. For a second time it appeared as though one of Ash's Pokémon had fallen for Ninetails's hypnotic technique.
"I didn't expect it to work that easily," Heath commented. "Ninetails, do your thing." Just as she had done with Torkoal moments before Ninetails walked up to Arcanine, smiling the entire time.
"(Arcanine, could you take a step off the battlefield for me?)" she asked.
"(Of course,)" Arcanine agreed.
"No, Arcanine! Don't let her get you too!" Ash protested, but once again his cries fell upon deaf ears. He could do nothing but watch as Arcanine and Ninetails approached the edge of the battlefield. As the two Fire types approached Arcanine suddenly stopped.
"(What's wrong, Arcanine? Why did you stop?)" Ninetails inquired.
"(Growing up I was taught to be a gentleman,)" Arcanine replied.
"(Oh?)" Ninetails commented, slightly intrigued. At that moment he looked at her. There was something about the look on his face that seemed peculiar to the Fox Pokémon.
"(Because of my upbringing I must insist… ladies first.)" With a slight nudge he caused Ninetails to lose her balance. Unable to regain it she inadvertently hopped off into the lava.
"Ninetails is disqualified! Arcanine is the victor!" the referee announced. Even though he knew he shouldn't have been Heath was shocked that Ash's Arcanine had managed to defeat his Ninetails after falling under the power of her Attract.
"(I don't understand. You should have been completely under the power of my Attract. What went wrong?)" Ninetails wondered. Arcanine was more than happy to provide her with an answer.
"(Nothing went wrong. I just didn't fall for your Attract,)" he said.
"(But that's impossible. No Pokémon's been able to resist my Attract. How did you do it?)" Ninetails inquired. Before answering Arcanine looked in Nikki's direction and smiled.
"(I've already pledged my heart to another,)" he explained. At that moment Nikki could have sworn she felt Ninetails's Poké Ball quivering in excitement. With that realization Ninetails couldn't help but shake her head.
"(Unbelievable… to think my attack didn't work all because of love,)" she sighed. Heath could do nothing but chuckle as he recalled his defeated Pokémon.
"I just can't figure your Pokémon out, Ash," he commented. "Every time I think I have a winning strategy planned out your Pokémon find a way to thwart it."
"My Pokémon like having answers for anything our opponents may throw at us," Ash replied.
"They certainly seem prepared, but let's see if they're prepared for this," Heath announced. "Let your fires burn, Blaziken!" Ash groaned in frustration once Heath's next Pokémon appeared. He had already had a few battles against Blaziken, once against Harrison in the semifinal round of Johto's Silver Conference and again against May in a Contest battle at the end of his last journey through Kanto. He knew they were both powerful and swift, making his need to defeat Heath's Blaziken quickly that much more important. Thankfully Arcanine had taken no damage during his brief battle with Ninetails, so he was just as fresh as Blaziken, putting the two of them on equal footing.
"We have to try and end this quick, Arcanine, so use Extremespeed!" Ash called. Arcanine was nothing more than a blur as he sped towards Blaziken.
"Counter with Slash!" Heath instructed. Blaziken's speed and power were both put on display as he slashed Arcanine with his talons, sending the Legendary Pokémon sliding back towards Ash.
"Now follow up with Sky Uppercut!" Heath said. Blaziken sped towards Arcanine, his fist drawn back to deliver the powerful Fighting type attack.
"Thunder Fang!" Ash countered. Right as Blaziken threw his punch Arcanine opened his mouth and caught Blaziken's fist in his mouth. Instantly the Blaze Pokémon felt thousands of volts of electricity flooding his body. After a few seconds Arcanine released Blaziken, allowing him to retreat back to a safe distance. However, the damage had already been done.
"Well now, wasn't expecting that counter," Heath commented. "I'll have to be careful the next time."
"Extremespeed!" Ash shouted. Once again Arcanine sped towards Blaziken.
"Rock Slide!" Heath called, deciding to try a different tactic. With a loud cry Blaziken called down an avalanche of boulders right in Arcanine's path.
"Look out!" Ash warned. Unfortunately Arcanine was moving too fast to be able to dodge. As a result he struck one of the boulders head-on, stunning himself in the process.
"Now follow up with Sky Uppercut!" Heath called. This time Blaziken's powerful Fighting type attack made contact. The force was so great it managed to lift Arcanine into the air. Both Pokémon fell to the ground, though Blaziken was the only one to land on his feet.
"Now, finish with Slash!" Heath instructed. He could feel that the end of the battle was near, so he called for his Blaziken to finish it. The Blaze Pokémon obliged, charging towards Arcanine with his talons drawn back to deliver the final blow.
"Ash!" Nikki called.
"(This is it!)" Pikachu said.
"(I can't watch!)" Buneary shrieked, hiding her face in her fur.
"Now, use Thunder Fang!" Ash shouted. Just like earlier in the battle Arcanine caught Blaziken's arm in his mouth, and also like before Blaziken could feel thousands of volts of electricity running through his body. But unlike last time Arcanine didn't let go until it became clear that Blaziken could not continue.
"Blaziken is unable to continue! Arcanine is the victor!" the referee announced.
"Whew. We managed to pull that one off," Ash sighed. Even Heath was shocked that Ash was able to pull victory from the jaws of defeat. Down to his last two Pokémon he knew he had to be careful with his tactics from now on. He recalled his Blaziken and grabbed his fifth Poké Ball.
"Let your fires burn, Flareon!" he shouted. The Fire type Eevee evolution appeared, a determined look on her face. Though he was just in a difficult battle Arcanine returned her look with a determined look of his own.
"Use Thunder Fang!" Ash called. Arcanine lunged at Flareon, his open mouth glowing with electricity.
"Dodge and counter with Shadow Ball!" Heath instructed. Right as Arcanine went to bite her Flareon jumped over him and fired down at his with Shadow Ball. The Ghost attack exploded on his back, causing his legs to buckle slightly.
"Quick Attack!" Heath continued. Flareon dashed towards Arcanine and slammed into him, knocking him off his feet.
"Now, Shadow Ball barrage!" Heath said. Flareon went into rapid-fire mode as she launched one Shadow Ball after another. The repeated attacks soon blanketed the Legendary Pokémon in a cloud of smoke.
"Arcanine!" Ash called. After a short while the attacks stopped, but by then Arcanine had been rendered unconscious.
"Arcanine is unable to continue! Flareon is the victor!" the referee announced. And just like that Heath had drawn even with Ash, both of them now only having two Pokémon left.
"They're both going blow for blow here," Nikki commented. "At this rate it's anyone's guess as to who's going to win."
"(I still believe Ash is going to win,)" Pikachu stated.
"Let's hope you're right," Nikki said. By now Ash was ready to send out his next Pokémon. Clutching the Poké Ball tightly he threw it out.
"Infernape, I choose you!" he shouted. Infernape was always a Pokémon Ash could count on in a pressure situation, and with the battle against Heath entering a critical stage Ash hoped the Flame Pokémon could help tip the scales in his favor.
"Start off with Mach Punch!" Ash called.
"Counter with Quick Attack!" Heath shouted. Both Pokémon launched into high-speed attacks. They met in the middle of the battlefield, Quick Attack and Mach Punch bouncing off one another.
"Shadow Ball!" Heath instructed.
"Flamethrower!" Ash countered. Flareon's Ghost type attack was easily countered by Infernape's Flamethrower, the two attacks exploding on impact.
"Let's go with Thunderpunch!" Ash said. Infernape charged forward, his fist crackling with electricity.
"Use Quick Attack to dodge!" Heath instructed. Using her speed attack Flareon ducked under Infernape's Thunderpunch, successfully avoiding contact.
"Now use Shadow Ball!" Heath continued.
"Use your Thunderpunch to knock it away!" Ash shouted. Infernape swung his still-electric powered fist around and slapped Flareon's Shadow Ball away. Heath, however, was quick to come up with a follow-up attack.
"Sand Attack!" he called. The next thing Infernape knew Flareon had slung a paw-full of dirt in his eyes, blinding him.
"Now use Shadow Ball!" he continued. With Infernape unable to see it was easy for Flareon to make solid contact. The ghostly orb struck Infernape, sending him stumbling towards the edge of the battlefield.
"Watch it, Infernape! You're almost at the edge!" Ash warned. Ash's warning came just in time. With only a couple of feet to spare Infernape managed to stop himself.
"Hit him with Quick Attack!" Heath instructed. Flareon sped forward and struck Infernape in the back with Quick Attack. The sudden impact forced Infernape right to the edge. He teetered back and forth, trying to maintain his balance.
"(I don't think I'll be able to save myself this time,)" he thought. "(But… I can make sure I don't go down alone.)" He lashed out with his tail and managed to grab Flareon's leg. He then let gravity take over as he fell off the battlefield into the lava, taking Heath's Flareon with him. The two of them fell into the lava, ending their one-on-one contest.
"Both Infernape and Flareon are disqualified!" the referee announced. Infernape may have went down in defeat, but at least he made sure Heath was down to his last Pokémon as well. Still, this did not bode well for Ash. On one hand his only remaining Pokémon, Magmortar, had already competed and was not at 100%. On the other hand Heath's remaining Pokémon not only had yet to appear but Ash had no idea what it was. For all he knew he could end up facing a legendary Pokémon like Entei. If that was the case there was no way Magmortar would emerge victorious.
"Oh well… no use fretting over this now," Ash resigned. After recalling and thanking their defeated Pokémon Ash and Heath prepared for what was to be the final battle.
"Okay, Magmortar, one more time!"
"Let your fires burn, Rapidash!" Ash's Magmortar once again appeared on the battlefield. Across from him Heath's Rapidash also appeared.
"So his last Pokémon is a Rapidash," Nikki commented. She took out her Pokécomm and scanned her.
Name: Rapidash
Species: The Fire Horse Pokémon
Pokécomm Entry: When at an all-out gallop, its blazing mane sparkles, enhancing its beautiful appearance.
"I'd love to see one at full gallop," Nikki commented.
"(Maybe we will one day,)" Buneary stated.
"Perhaps," Nikki agreed. For now the two of them, along with Pikachu, were focused on the battle in front of them.
"I've thoroughly enjoyed our battle so far, Ash. I've battled many trainers over the years, but not many have been able to push me to my limits the way you have," Heath praised.
"Thanks. I have to say this has been one of my most challenging battles here in Legenda," Ash replied.
"I can guarantee the challenges you will receive from the other Area Bosses will be just as great," Heath assured him. "But alas, it is time for our battle to come to an end. Now, Use Stomp, Rapidash!" The Fire Horse Pokémon sprang into action, leaping towards Magmortar with her hooves ready to stomp him into the battlefield.
"Dodge it!" Ash shouted. Magmortar jumped back just as Rapidash landed, avoiding contact.
"Double Kick!" Heath called. Rapidash spun around on her front hooves and delivered two painful kicks to Magmortar's chest, causing him to stumble backwards a bit. Ash knew he couldn't stay on the defensive the entire time. Sooner or later he and Magmortar would have to go on the attack.
"Use Focus Blast!" Ash said. The Blast Pokémon recovered quickly and fired a large orb at Rapidash.
"Dodge and use Poison Jab!" Heath called. Rapidash ducked to the side, letting the Focus Blast pass by, and then charged towards Magmortar, her horn giving off a purple glow.
"Don't let that touch you, Magmortar!" Ash warned. Magmortar did his best to avoid Rapidash's Poison Jab, ducking left and right each time the Fire Horse Pokémon jabbed at him. It was working so far, but Ash knew he wouldn't win by just dodging.
"Try and put some distance between the two of you and use Focus Blast!" Ash suggested. That was easier said than done, but Ash was confident Magmortar would find a way. Magmortar had heard Ash's instructions and was looking for an opportunity to put a good bit of distance between himself and the attacking Rapidash. He waited for Rapidash to lunge at him with Poison Jab. Once she did he stepped to the side, letting her momentum carry her past him. At the same time he jumped back, giving himself the distance he needed to execute his attack. While Rapidash was turning around to face him he hurled a Focus Blast her way, the Fighting type attack exploding in her face.
"That's the way, Magmortar!" Ash cheered.
"Poison Jab!" Heath called. Even though she had just been hit with a powerful attack Rapidash charged forward and jabbed her poison-powered horn in Magmortar's stomach. The Blast Pokémon doubled over in pain.
"Follow up with Double Kick!" Heath continued. Still reeling from the Poison Jab Magmortar was unable to block Rapidash's Double Kick. Two hooves struck him in the face, knocking him over on his back.
"Now, let's finish up with Stomp!" Heath instructed. Rapidash stood up on her hind legs and prepared to drive her front hooves into Magmortar's chest.
"Come on, Magmortar, you have to get up!" Nikki urged. No matter how much she shouted it looked as though Ash and Magmortar would be defeated.
"Quick, dodge it!" Ash called. It may have been the urgency in Ash's voice that did it, but as soon as he called for it Magmortar rolled to the side, avoiding Rapidash's Stomp.
"Double Kick!" Heath continued. Once again Rapidash spun around and kicked at Magmortar, but this time the Blast Pokémon was ready. As soon as she kicked at him he grabbed her legs.
"Good work! Now give her a toss!" Ash instructed. Using all the power he could muster Magmortar hurled Rapidash across the battlefield. The Fire Horse Pokémon came to a stop close to the edge, stunned but still able to continue.
"Rock Tomb, now!" Ash called. From the cannons on his arms Magmortar fired multiple purple orbs at Rapidash. As they neared her they transformed into large rocks which went on to encase the Fire Horse Pokémon in a rock prison.
"Now finish this up with Focus Blast!" Ash shouted. With Rapidash unable to move Magmortar took his time to make sure this attack would defeat her once and for all. The Focus Blast he fired was much larger than the ones he previously used in the battle. As soon as it hit the rocks it exploded, destroying the rock prison that encased Rapidash. The Focus Blast, coupled with the damage from the Rock Tomb, proved to be too much for Rapidash.
"Rapidash is unable to continue! Magmortar is the victor! The battle hereby goes to the challenger, Ash!"
"Alright, we did it!" Ash cheered. Though exhausted even Magmortar was able to celebrate the victory. On the sidelines Nikki and the Pokémon each let out a sigh of relief.
"Man… that was too close for comfort," Nikki said.
"(Try dealing with that on a daily basis,)" Pikachu suggested.
"I think we'll have to," Nikki commented. Heath, meanwhile, had just recalled his Rapidash, thanking her for a job well done. His gaze then turned to Ash, who was still celebrating with his Pokémon. Even though he had just lost Heath couldn't help but smile at the scene playing out before him.
With the battle now over everyone gathered outside. Ash had brought out all the Pokémon who had battled so they could be there when he was presented with his first Area Crest.
"I may have lost the battle, but in it I felt the burning passion that you and your Pokémon all share, and because of that I feel honored that I had the opportunity to face you in battle," Heath said.
"Thank you, though I feel that the honor was mine," Ash retorted.
"Then it was an honor for the both of us," Heath said. He then took out a small case and opened it. Inside was a small red shield. The shield had fire patterns engraved on it and two small indentions. As Ash looked on he saw Heath take out the two badges Ash earned and place them in the indentions. He then took the shield and presented it to Ash.
"It is with great pleasure that I present to you the Burning Blaze Crest," Heath said. "Congratulations, Ash. You've earned it."
"Thank you so much," Ash replied as he took the crest. He stared at it briefly before his trademark grin appeared.
"Alright! We won the Burning Blaze Crest!" he cheered, followed shortly by a chorus of Pokémon cheers.
"You're a fourth of the way there now, Ash," Nikki stated. "Just six more badges and three more crests and you'll qualify for the Legenda League."
"I know, and I'm super psyched to take them on too!" Ash shouted. With one crest in his possession Ash could now officially say he was on his way to qualifying for the Legenda League.
After an intense battle Ash finds himself in possession of his first Area Crest. With three more Area Crests to go what will Ash's next challenge be, and can he overcome it? Find out in the next chapter of Search for Power!
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