Join my p@treon for more chapters
[email protected]/Tempest_29
"The next match is the final battle! Misty is planning to use her own Pokemon this time. I'm not sure if there might be any complications with that decision," Brock expressed with genuine concern in his voice.
The tournament format required each trainer to prepare four Pokemon for competition. Each participant would face four separate battles in total, with only one Pokemon allowed per individual match. This structure ensured that trainers needed to demonstrate versatility and strategic planning across multiple encounters.
The first four matches had been handled with relative ease thanks to Pikachu, Scyther, and Pidgeotto's exceptional performances. These Pokemon had dominated their respective battles, showcasing the superior training and bond they shared with their original trainer. However, for this crucial final match, Misty had made the personal decision to rely on her own Pokemon rather than continuing to use Ash's team.
"If she's really determined to do this, she should be able to handle it. After all, we've helped her as much as we possibly can up to this point," Ash replied thoughtfully, understanding Misty's desire to prove herself with her own Pokemon.
This was ultimately Misty's competition and her choice to make. They had provided all the assistance they could offer, and now the rest would depend entirely on Misty's own skills, preparation, and the bond she shared with her Pokemon.
"That's absolutely right," Brock agreed with a supportive nod.
"Alright everyone! Thank you for your patience during this exciting tournament. The finals of the Princess Festival Queen Competition are about to commence!" the announcer's enthusiastic voice boomed across the arena, immediately generating thunderous cheers from the packed audience.
"The two contestants who have emerged victorious from among the many talented participants are Misty and Jessie!" the host continued with dramatic flair.
Two figures emerged from the passages on opposite sides of the venue, both waving energetically to the cheering crowd as they made their way toward the central battle arena. The atmosphere was electric with anticipation and excitement.
"These two contestants bring completely different styles and abilities that have been truly breathtaking to witness throughout this competition. Let us all wait with anticipation to see who will claim the title of this year's Princess Festival Queen!" the announcer declared with building excitement.
Both competitors walked to the center of the battlefield, taking their designated positions. The host then signaled for the final match to officially begin, and the crowd's cheers reached a crescendo.
Misty frowned slightly as she studied Jessie across the battlefield. Throughout the previous matches, she had observed Jessie deploying Arbok, Weezing, and even Meowth in desperate attempts to secure victories. These three Pokemon represented all the known Pokemon that Team Rocket typically used in their schemes and battles.
The tournament rules clearly stated that four different Pokemon were required because previously used Pokemon could not be deployed again in subsequent matches. This regulation was designed to test trainers' depth and versatility in their Pokemon teams.
Given these circumstances, Team Rocket should theoretically have no additional Pokemon available for this final confrontation, which gave Misty some confidence about her chances of victory.
"Little girl, I am absolutely determined to win this competition. I strongly advise you not to resist needlessly and save yourself the embarrassment!" Jessie declared with her typical theatrical arrogance, attempting to intimidate her opponent with empty threats and boastful remarks.
"Hmph! If you actually have other Pokemon available, then just bring them out!" Misty responded defiantly, refusing to be intimidated by Jessie's bluster.
Misty felt confident in her abilities. She had battled against Team Rocket numerous times in the past, and as long as they didn't resort to their usual cheating tactics and underhanded schemes, she had no reason to fear them in a fair, legitimate Pokemon battle.
This was an official, sanctioned competition with proper rules and supervision. If she happened to lose under these fair conditions, she would accept the defeat gracefully and learn from the experience.
"Don't you dare underestimate me! Let me show you what I'm truly capable of. Come on out!" Jessie sneered with obvious satisfaction.
Without any further hesitation, Jessie threw her Poke Ball with dramatic flair. Soon, an unfamiliar Pokemon materialized on the battlefield, one that none of them had seen Team Rocket use before.
This Pokemon was distinctly different from Arbok, Weezing, or Meowth. The creature before them displayed pink-colored skin with multiple crescent-shaped stripes running downward across its rounded abdomen. Its legs featured distinctive ring-shaped markings around the knee areas.
A large, thick tail extended from its rear, supporting a notably bloated and rotund body. The Pokemon had chubby, puffy cheeks but surprisingly small, beady eyes that gave it an almost comical appearance.
"That's... Lickitung? When did they manage to catch one?" Brock asked with genuine surprise from his position in the audience.
Having witnessed countless battles against Team Rocket over their travels, this was the first time Brock had ever seen them deploy this particular Pokemon species. The unexpected addition to their roster was quite shocking.
Ash also shook his head slightly, though his reaction was more measured. Although he had known that Jessie would eventually acquire a Lickitung, he wasn't particularly concerned about this development. Lickitung wasn't considered an especially powerful Pokemon species in terms of overall battle capabilities.
Furthermore, given Team Rocket's typical track record, even the most powerful Pokemon rarely demonstrated their full potential when under their command. Their training methods and battle strategies were generally subpar compared to serious trainers.
"Lickitung? They actually prepared an additional Pokemon!" Misty observed with growing concern, her frown deepening as she processed this unexpected development.
She had no knowledge of when Team Rocket had managed to capture Lickitung, which created an element of uncertainty that made this situation significantly more challenging. Pikachu, Scyther, and Pidgeotto had all been utilized in the previous matches, leaving her with only her own Pokemon for this crucial final battle.
The problem was that she had no firsthand experience with Lickitung's abilities, movesets, or battle patterns, making it difficult to formulate an effective strategy. She found herself carefully considering which of her Pokemon would be most suitable for this matchup.
"How about it, little girl? If you're feeling scared, you can always surrender quickly and save yourself further humiliation!" Jessie taunted proudly, noticing that Misty hadn't yet selected her Pokemon for battle.
"Don't get too overconfident! I won't be intimidated by you!" Misty declared firmly, her competitive spirit burning brightly.
Misty analyzed her options carefully. Most of her Pokemon were Water-types, which would be somewhat disadvantaged on this dry, indoor battlefield without access to a proper body of water. The venue simply wasn't ideal for aquatic Pokemon to demonstrate their full capabilities.
Her remaining viable options were essentially limited to Staryu and Starmie. Between these two choices, Starmie had achieved a higher level through training and battle experience, making it the most logical and strategic selection for this important match.
"Alright! The decision is yours, Starmie! Let's..." Misty began, preparing to throw her carefully selected Poke Ball.
BANG!
Before Misty could complete her throw, a sudden loud noise interrupted her action. A bright flash of light burst forth from the backpack she was carrying, and something launched itself directly onto the battlefield without any input from her.
"Both trainers have now sent out their Pokemon! Jessie is using Lickitung, while Misty has deployed Psyduck!" the announcer declared enthusiastically, completely unaware of the unintended nature of this Pokemon selection.
That was indeed Psyduck - the same unpredictable, self-releasing Pokemon that had caused Misty countless headaches throughout their journey. She probably never could have imagined that at such a critical and important moment, Psyduck would once again emerge from its Poke Ball entirely on its own initiative.
"Ahhh! Why are you coming out here right now?!" Misty exclaimed in shock and frustration.
She clenched her fists tightly, her anger and disappointment evident as tears nearly formed in her eyes. This competition meant everything to her, representing a chance to prove her abilities as an independent trainer rather than someone who relied on borrowed Pokemon.
If only she had listened to Ash's previous advice about patiently training and developing Psyduck's potential instead of dismissing it as hopeless. Now she was facing the consequences of that neglect at the worst possible moment.
"Psyduck?! I can't believe it ended up like this!" Brock exclaimed in disbelief from the audience.
He was carefully holding the Pokemon egg that Misty had entrusted to his care, completely at a loss for words about this unexpected turn of events. The situation had gone from promising to potentially disastrous in a matter of seconds.
"Why are you looking down on Psyduck? Isn't it actually quite powerful?" Ash asked calmly, maintaining his composure while holding his position with both hands folded in front of him.
His tone suggested that he saw something in this situation that the others were missing, though his confidence seemed misplaced given Psyduck's reputation for unreliability.
"But Psyduck's condition is extremely unstable! Its performance is completely unpredictable!" Brock responded with obvious concern.
Of course Brock understood that Psyduck could potentially be very powerful under the right circumstances. However, the Pokemon's inconsistent behavior and unreliable performance made it a massive gamble in any serious battle situation.
Ash smiled knowingly but chose not to elaborate further. In his experience, Psyduck often turned out to be Misty's unexpected lucky charm, even when situations appeared hopeless at first glance.
"Psy... duck?" the confused Pokemon quacked softly, looking up at the visibly angry Misty with its characteristic blank expression.
Psyduck remained completely oblivious to the seriousness of the current situation and the pressure riding on this particular battle. Its innocent, clueless demeanor only served to increase Misty's frustration with the circumstances.
"Forget it! If this is how things are going to be, then we'll just have to make the best of it!" Misty declared, finally accepting her fate with resigned determination.
After all, tournament rules clearly stated that once a Pokemon had been sent onto the battlefield, it could not be recalled or substituted. She would have to work with what she had, regardless of her personal preferences.
"Ha ha ha! What possible use could that stupid duck serve in a real battle? Lickitung, use Lick attack!" Jessie commanded with obvious amusement and confidence.
Team Rocket was demonstrating their typical pattern of underestimating opponents and failing to learn from past experiences. They had apparently forgotten the previous occasions when Psyduck had surprised everyone with unexpected displays of psychic power. Jessie immediately took the offensive initiative, eager to end this match quickly.
Lickitung opened its mouth wide, and its characteristically pink tongue extended directly outward like a long, flexible whip. It was well-known that Lickitung's tongue could reach lengths of more than two meters, making it a formidable weapon in close-quarters combat.
The extended tongue moved swiftly through the air, rapidly approaching Psyduck's position on the battlefield. Within moments, it had wrapped itself around the confused Duck Pokemon and began licking it thoroughly with disgusting, slimy saliva.
Both Ash and Brock grimaced with obvious disgust as they witnessed this revolting display. The sight of Lickitung's saliva-covered tongue coating Psyduck was genuinely unpleasant to observe.
The Lick attack had an additional effect beyond simply being gross - it would potentially paralyze the target Pokemon's condition, making them unable to move effectively. Psyduck's face became instantly drenched with Lickitung's thick saliva, and its entire body began trembling, whether from the paralysis effect or simple revulsion.
"What are you doing?! Get out of the way!" Misty shouted desperately, unable to hide her frustration as she watched this disgusting scene unfold before her eyes.