Chapter 9:Prologue III: Battle to remember
"Okay folks. 30 minutes flew by, and I hope you brought some snacks because we might have long noon ahead of ourselves. When we left this indescribable match, Ash surprised everyone by being able to take down not only Darkrai but Latios too. And what is even more impressive is that he still has 3 Pokemon left. Will we see another legendary Pokemon? Can Ash somehow pull through and win? Answers are right around the corner. And I can't wait. So what do you say, guys? Should we bring them back?" commentator asked the audience to heat them up a little. And the response was perfect. Chants of "BRING THEM BACK! BRING THEM BACK! BRING THEM BACK!" were heard throughout Lily of the Valley.
There was a small pause after the announcement by the commentator. Speaking of the said commentator, he wasn't yelling. Which was interesting. His voice was different too. "AND HERE THEY ARE! ASH KETCHUM AND TOBIAS! LET'S GIVE THEM A WARM RE-WELCOME!" There he is. Probably went for some snacks. It would be a boring fight without this guy.
Ash was making his way back to his post on the battlefield when the entire stadium was screaming with excitement for the upcoming battles. "I have to say Pikachu. This." said Ash, as he looked at the audience in the stadium. At least 125 000 people were here. Cheering. Shouting. Chanting. All of this was making an amazing atmosphere for this semi-final battle. "This is amazing." Ash finished his sentence. Pikachu smiled, looked around and couldn't agree more. Ash finally made it to his post. Across the battlefield stood Tobias. "We made kind of commotion don't you think." Ash told Tobias. Now that he had time to thought about it. Tobias is a pretty chill guy. Mysterious, but nice nonetheless.
Tobias looked at Ash as the loud screaming was still heard. "Yeah. I'm surprised I can hear you right now." said Tobias in a voice filled with confidence.
Ash chuckled. "Yeah and I am surprised the stadium is still standing." said Ash "But enough of that. Let's give them the battle to remember." said Ash as he looked at smiling Tobias and preparing his pokeball. The excitement of this match was off the charts. Everyone was eagerly eyeing both competitors, be it on TV, listening in the radio or live at the stadium.
The referee looked was looking at his watch during the whole exchange. When the last digit changed, he resumed a battle.
"Battle between Tobias and Ash Ketchum is resumed. Trainer in a green corner you'll have the first move. Choose your Pokemon."
"Snorlax I choose you!" Ash yelled.
Tobias released his Pokemon too. And as usual, he didn't say anything. Everyone was eager to set a sight at yet another Tobias's Pokemon. It is another magnificent creature. But...
"Out of legendaries already? I'm so disappointed in you" said Ash tauntingly to Tobias. Even the commentator didn't comment in his usual shouts.
Tobias again just chuckled slightly. "Did you think that my team consists only of legendary Pokemon?" Tobias asked curiously.
"After I saw three of them I forgot that there is a possibility that you would not have a full team of legendary Pokemon." answered Ash.
"Are you two done?" The referee asked with annoyance.
"Sure thing boss!" Ash replied.
Referee sighed as he starts the second half of this battle. "Salamance vs. Snorlax. Begin!"
"Snorlax, use Hyperbeam!" yelled Ash.
"Salamance, Fire Blast!" Tobias replied calmly.
Those two attacks collided, resulting in an enormous explosion. Ash had to cover his eyes, as the blast sent shockwaves through the battlefield and pieces of dirt in all directions. When dust from the blast settled, Salamance still stood on the ground. Unfazed. Unlike Salamance, Snorlax is tired a tiny bit after using his most powerful attack. This Salamance is no joke, if he could counter Snorlax's Hyperbeam without effort.
"Salamance. Double-Edge!" commanded Tobias.
"Snorlax. Use Ice Punch!" yelled Ash. Ash is excited beyond words. This is what he loves about Pokemon battles. Just two Pokemon and two trainers, duking it with each other. Trainers trying to outsmart each other and Pokemon trying to overpower their opponent. Testament of trust between trainer and Pokemon. The adrenaline rush from seeing those magnificent creatures go toe to toe with each other is indescribable each time Ash has a battle.
Ice Punch and Double-Edge met. In the end, Salamance overpowered Ice Punch a slammed his head right into the belly of Snorlax. Smoke from the collision cleared. Snorlax is still standing. He looked unfazed by the attack with his dopey sleepy face. And he mostly was. He is the bulkiest Pokemon on Ash's team after all.
"Salamance take the skies and use Dragon Breath repeatedly!" And with impressive speed, Salamance took the skies and did as his trainer wished. Flying through the skies and using Dragon Breath repeatedly.
"How many flying Pokemon does he have? It's getting annoying." Ash thought. Latios, Lugia, Salamance. All of them, flying types. His Snorlax was now at the mercy of Salamance. Dragon Breath after Dragon Breath hit Snorlax. Ash is running out of time. He needs to come up with something or he will have to return Snorlax. So Ash thought about his ptions. He could either try to snipe him down with Hyperbeam or somehow get Snorlax moving to at least dodge the attacks to buy some time.
And as Snorlax was slipping on his feet as another Dragon Breath pushed him back slightly, Ash got it.
"THAT'S IT!" Ash realized. "Snorlax use Ice Punch directly beneath you and make it count!" Ash yelled.
"So. What it is now?" though Tobias. Tobias from the beginning knew that if he would keep his distance, that he would be OK. Ash's Snorlax will have troubles attacking a flying target. But he came with something up. Again. "Could you like. Stop? Please? For a minute? You're giving me a headache."
"Snorlax's fist then glowed light blue and he punched the ground with monstrous force. Grass battlefield is now slowly transforming into an ice one.
"Go for it!" said Ash to his chubby Pokemon.
And with that Snorlax is now ice skating on the battlefield. Finally being able to dodge those damn Dragon Breaths. Salamace's Dragon Breath's hurt him to some degree, but it still wasn't enough to put Snorlax down.
"Impressive. Heaviest Pokemon is outmaneuvering a dragon." stated Tobias.
"You should be ashamed. Not impressed." replied Ash.
Tobias just chuckled at Ash's antics before giving a command. "Salamance. Get rid of ice with Fire Blast." said calmly
"Thank god he fell for it" thought Ash. He knew that he could only dodge his attacks and nothing more. His only ranged attack is Hyperbeam and that hurts Snorlax too. He can't spam it like Dragon Breath. He needs to take that Salamance down and immobilize it. This was probably his last chance. Fire blast isn't a fast attack like Dragon Breath. Salamance has to stop for a second. And this second will be crucial in Ash's risky plan. Skating and aiming isn't the easiest thing to do, unfortunately.
"Snorlax Hyperbeam! Aim for a wing!"
As Fire Blast was shot and made it's way to the field, Snorlax was already out of the way. Fire Blast flew past him and burned part of the icefield behind him.
With claws on his feet, Snorlax rooted himself into the battlefield and took a position to shoot Salamance down. And to Ash's surprise, Snorlax sniped Salamance's wing like a pro. Hitting Salamance in the wing, he cried out in pain and descended to the ground.
"Sal-"
"BODY SLAM!" Ash interjected, not bothering to say Snorlax before the name of the attack. He needs to ground that dragon fast. No hesitations this time.
And it worked. Seconds after Ash instructed his Snorlax, he was already on top of Salamance and with help of gravity Snorlax shoved the red-blue dragon into the ground. But Salamance was still conscious.
"Snorlax use Hyperbeam!" yelled Ash.
Salamance, being pinned down by Snorlax could only squirm as Snorlax charged yet another Hyperbeam.
"Fire Blast!" Tobias ordered counterattack. And again, his voice calm, with not a hint of nervousness.
Salamance stopped squirming and released his powerful fire-type attack. Two attacks collided resulting in yet another giant from the collision of those powerful attacks was dispersing for several minutes. Everyone was waiting patiently for the result of the clash. And when the smoke was gone, everyone could clearly see the victor.
"Salamance is unable to battle. Send out your next Pokemon"
"AND ASH SETTLED THE SCORE ONCE AGAIN!" yelled the overly enthusiastic commentator in his booth. Stadium cheered again, but not as loudly as before. This was a pretty standard Pokemon battle after all. Nothing like battle between a legendary Pokemon and an ordinary one for example.
Before Tobias could choose is next Pokemon Ash returned his Snorlax. "Take a nap sniper. I'll call you back in a moment" said Ash to the Snorlax's pokeball.
Tobias threw another pokeball on the battlefield. And even though Tobias lost another Pokemon, he is smiling. And Ash knew something is off. This isn't his usual 'I'm excited about a battle' smile. It was more like 'I got you where I want' smile.
"AND SHE'S BACK. MAJESTIC SEA GUARDIAN IS BACK FOR MORE. CAN ASH TOOK HER DOWN? OR IS THIS THE END OF THE ROAD FOR THE RESILIENT TRAINER FROM PALLET TOWN?" this man has too much energy. But the audience loved it and cheered with him as the legendary Pokemon appeared.
"Ready for more Pikachu?" Ash asked his yellow companion on his shoulder. And of course, Pikachu nodded with eagerness and jumped onto the now transformed burned field by Salamance's Fire Blast with few pools of water in the mix.
"Lugia vs. Pikachu. Begin!"
"Lugia. Take the skies!" ordered Tobias to get as far away as he could get from the extremely dangerous yellow rodent.
"Pikachu Thunderbolt!" yelled Ash.
"Lugia dodge and Future Sight!" said Tobias
"Pikachu keep using Thunderbolt!" yelled Ash. Now he at least has some kind of attack to attack Lugia. But it was worthless. Pikachu's Thunderbolt's kept missing its target as Lugia kept dodging. Suddenly Tobias did what he was waiting for.
"Sky Attack!" said to his Pokemon. Lugia enveloped herself in a white coat of energy and dived onto Pikachu.
"Pikachu. Spin!" Ash yelled. And Pikachu starts spinning. They were few meters apart, when Tobias surprised Ash.
"Lugia, copy Pikachu!" Tobias seemed like he wasn't fazed by previous battle's. He seemed completely relaxed. Just like in the beginning.
And before Ash could react Lugia fold her back plates and started furiously spinning too. She looked like a glowing white drill. Lugia rammed into Pikachu's small body sending straight back into the ground.
Ash's eyes widened. This wasn't supposed to happen. Pikachu may have strong attacks that can go toe to toe with legendary Pokemon. But his defense is terrible. This could be Pikachu's end. Even if it was a flying move. It was from legendary Pokemon. And not just any flying move. It was one of the strongest flying moves.
There was a hole in the ground, exactly where Pikachu crashed. Ash realized that the situation is even worse. That spin must've empowered Sky Attack greatly.
Few seconds and nothing was heard. The stadium was again quiet. Just as the referee was going to announce the end, a yellow right paw grabbed the edge of the hole. Then another paw. Pikachu climbed out of the hole. Badly. Really badly hurt. You can see his pain in his twitching eyes. But he stood there. Ready for more. But then 3 cubes appeared out of nowhere and slammed Pikachu back to the ground. By the laws of mother nature, he should be down already! But even after all of this. Pikachu still tried to pick himself up on all fours. Legs shaking. Blurry vision. Yet. He still stood. Waiting for another command from his domesticated human. Sounds weird, but it's true. Every single cell in his body was telling him to stop this madness. "I can't go out like this" thought Pikachu. He wants at least one hit. But the pain was overwhelming. He then gave in.
"Pikachu is unable to battle. Send out your next Pokemon." said the referee.
Ash made his way to his fallen buddy onto the burned battlefield. He was asleep. And surely, in pain. He didn't expect Pikachu to meet the end this quickly. He hoped to at least get some damage onto Lugia. Ash picked him up and carried him to his post. "You were great. As always. I just wished that we were able to last longer. I didn't expect that. I'm sorry buddy." This loss he took upon himself. He got overconfident with his techniques and it turned against him. He put Pikachu next to him on the ground. He wrapped him in a sky blue towel from his backpack and turned back onto the battlefield.
"Suprised?" asked Tobias. It is a taunting tone.
"A little. Not everything goes always according to plan. But we are not done yet Tobias." replied Ash confidently but something was missing in his voice. Tobias could tell.
Tobias chuckled again. "Well then. What are we waiting for?" said with that uncomfortable smile on his face.
"Snorlax I choose you!" yelled Ash.
"Lugia vs. Snorlax. Begin!"
"Snorlax use Rest!" yelled Ash. And Snorlax took a nap to heal and restore his energy from last battle.
"Lugia. Hydro Pump!" said Tobias without emotions and worry in his voice and eyes.
Lugia's Hydro Pump hit its target damaging Snorlax in his sleep. But immediately after that Snorlax woke up. Being as good as new. But as soon as he did 4 cubes of Future Sight hit him.
"Lugia. Hydro Pump again." said Tobias.
And the problem from the previous Snorlax's fight was here again. He can't reach Lugia. And that is a problem again. As soon as he would use Snorlax's ice to get closer, Tobias would know his plan. The same thing won't work twice. Pikachu found thst out the hard way. And his chubby friend doesn't have much time too. Those Hydro Pumps hurt. And right now Snorlax was hit by a second Future Sight with 2 cubes. He needs to think of something new quick. Or-
"Lugia. Sky Attack!" said Tobias
"Snorlax jump and Body Slam!" yelled Ash. This was his chance.
"Lugia UP, then Dragon Tail" not a millisecond after Ash finished his command Tobias finished his.
Snorlax was above Lugia, ready to pin her down. But Lugia made a sharp turn up and slammed the Sky Attack into the Snorlax.'s belly. And not even a second after, Snorlax was smacked in the back by Dragon Tail that send him to the ground.
Snorlax landed on his head and this sent him into the dreamland immediately after the impact.
"Snorlax is unable to battle. Trainer in a green corner. Send out your last Pokemon." the referee announced. This is the kind of battle that the referee expected from Tobias.
Now it came to Ash like a bunch of bricks. "He knows". Ash is now looking at his Snorlax with a sad look. He recalled his Snorlax, looked at his pokeball and spoke. "I'm sorry Snorlax. I now know what went wrong. I wish I realized it sooner. It cost me you and Pikachu and the whole battle. You'll get a big bag of Pokemon food for what you did for me these 3 days. I promise." smiled Ash sadly at Snorlax's Pokeball.
Meanwhile with his friends in the stands
"Wha... What happened? He was great so far." asked nervous Dawn.
"This is what I was afraid of." said Paul in his monotone voice.
All of them were watching the slaughter of Pikachu and Snorlax. Ash's two Pokemon didn't land a single hit. There was something very wrong. Dawn looked at Paul seeking answers.
"Dawn. Ash isn't as confident in his abilities as he seems. He may act like he isn't fazed by anything, but there are rare instances where he is. This is one of them. That's why he needed that confidence boost from us. And that confidence boost me and Cynthia gave him?! It's fading. Ash thinks he can't win now. It's like he is facing Darkrai again in his mind. Only this time the unbeatable wall in front of him is Lugia. He is lost. He needs a slap or a push in the right direction again." Paul said
Other two spectators with them were quiet. While the blonde one was feeling sorry for Ash. The older one was thinking something different as he saw his friend devasted by the turn of events.
"Come on Ash. You are better than this." thought Brock to himself.
Meanwhile in Pallet Town
In the Ketchum household Oak, Delia, Tracey, and Gary were watching Ash's impressive run in the league. But their favorite competitor began to lose steam. Right now Ash recalled his Snorlax.
"Well, he did well. Don't you think gramps?" said Gary to his grandfather.
"Good? He was incredible. He must be proud of what he accomplished. He truly is the pride of our town."
"Hey! And what about me?!" asked angry Gary.
"When you'll become a professor yourself you will be The Pride of Pallet too." answered professor honestly to his grandson.
"Well, I'm gonna go back to the Lab. I'll begin to cook some lunch for our Pokemon and for us too. Keep me posted if Ash will pull something crazy again." said Tracey
"Thanks, Tracey" said professor to his assistant as Tracey thanked Delia and made his way to the lab.
As these guys were celebrating Ash's accomplishment Delia is on a different boat. She knows her son better then he thinks he knows himself. Just one look on his face revealed her the truth. He is devastated. It all began with his Pikachu being defeated by something. Name of the Pokemon wasn't important to her. She'll have to call him immediately after the match and check if he's okay. She closed her eyes, clasped her hands together and placed them her chest. Then she whispered quietly.
"Ash.."
Meanwhile in the VIP box
"Well this doesn't look for him." said Aaron to his friends
"Ash's tactic will be useless from now on." stated Lucian.
"What do you mean?" asked Flint. Even though he is Elite Four member he isn't the smartest. He got here basically through raw power rather than thinking.
"I think that Tobias found a weakness in his fighting style. These past 2 matches he controlled the battle. And he wasn't surprised by his tactics at all" stated Lucian again in a haughty tone.
"Do you know what his weakness is?" asked curious Aaron.
"No. I don't unfortunately. It seems only Tobias knows" replied back Lucian in his normal demeanor.
"I know it too." stated the oldest and the only female member of the Elite Four. In low neutral tone.
"Well, grandma care to explain?" asked provocatively Flint.
Bertha took a deep breath and sighed. If she wouldn't tell them now then Flint and Aaron won't leave her alone for the rest of the battle. "I shouldn't say that." she thought to herself, regretting her uncontrollable tongue.
"It all began in the middle of a Snorlax's fight against Salamance. That's where Tobias's Salamance proved Tobias's theory about Ash's strategy." Bertha stopped for a moment.
"AND?" asked Flint. He could be really annoying sometimes. Because of this he received a slap from Charles to calm him down. Charles was listening to the whole conversation from the moment it began. And Bertha is a mistress at reading opponents. If someone could figure it out, it was her.
But Charles couldn't help but be sad. Ash made a great impression on him. But right now it seemed like he had very low chance of winning. Bertha then spoke again.
"That's the moment when Tobias took control over everything. From the moment I am here, Ash took down Latios and Salamance in basically the same way. Ash's Pokemon as strong as they are, simply don't have the necessary firepower to overcome attacks of the legendary Pokemon. Ash found a way around this by his strategy. Every single time Ash's goal is to get close to his opponent and beat them up with close powerful attacks before Tobias could realize what is going on. But it didn't last forever. Ash tried it again on Lugia with Pikachu and Snorlax too. It was pointless because Tobias already knew. Patiently he kept his distance with his flying Pokemon in the air, so Ash couldn't get close. And when he did get close, it was all part of Tobias's plan."
"Sooooo Ash is screwed?" asked Aaron.
Lucian joined the discussion again. "He is losing 3:5 and Tobias have Lugia who is in great shape and two unknown Pokemon at his disposal. Ash has only one unknown Pokemon. This hesitation and hole in his strategy is going to cost him a victory." said Lucian in his normal voice.
That was sad to hear. If Ash would've beaten Tobias he would become a superstar. He'll still be famous to some extent after today's events. But he wished much more for the boy. He deserves it. "Well you have beaten 2 legendary Pokemon. Nobody will ever take that from you." Charles thought. Charles then looked at Cynthia. Sinnoh champion is watching the match without a blink of an eye or saying a single word. He had a pretty good guess what could be running through her head right now. "Cynthia. How do you see this whole situation?" he asked in an attempt to broke Cynthia from a trance.
This whole time Cynthia was sitting there with them. Watching the battle. Quietly. After the battle between Pikachu and Lugia she found Ash's weakness too. Cynthia looked at the plasma screen, showing Ash's face. He was lost. Those brown eyes were surprised, and insecure too. He needed someone to put him back on the track. To say that he could get back into the match with slight changes. But... Cynthia had to watch Snorlax getting destroyed by Lugia too. Tobias destroyed Ash's two Pokemon like he was destroying his other challengers. And it was just painful to watch. So painful. And she saw it right there. It was like someone dumped a water on his fiery heart extinguishing the flames of courage. His confidence was gone. The only thing that she desired to do at that moment was stormed into the battlefield and tell him that he still has it. "Remember Ash. Remember what we told you. If someone can pull this off it's you, Ash. I believe in you". This was running through her head. Even when the odds were against Ash. ESPECIALLY when odds were against him. She still believed.
Her right side of abdomen suddenly shined in a bright blue color. But it was only a small place on her stomach, and it was covered by her black coat which restrained the light. So nobody noticed anything.
Someone poked her shoulder and snapped her back to reality.
"Cynthia. How do you see this whole situation?" asked Charles again.
Cynthia looked at Ash on the battlefield. Surprisingly, he is looking back at her. With a smile again. Even from this distance, she could see the fire in his eyes re-ignited. She smiled brightly herself. Cynthia didn't know what happened but he was back at it. "It's not over yet."
Back at the battlefield
"AND ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST. LAST TWO DUELS WENT QUICKLY IN FAVOR OF TOBIAS! IS THIS THE END FOR THE POKEMON TRAINER FROM KANTO?" yelled the commentator in his trusty microphone.
The stadium was clapping. But nothing else. People here were so spoiled by the great battle, that they didn't appreciate a slaughter performed by legendary Pokemon. Even if it was the main thing why they were here. They want to see The Impossible again. Someone to beat that unstoppable force of power. Sadly. Their hope to see something like that was thinner and thinner with each passing second.
Ash was caught in a dead end. He lost two Pokemon for nothing. Even though both of them beat their first opponents he needed them for a little longer. To do at least something to Lugia. His fear of loss was back. And his confidence in beating Lugia was gone. Exactly like he thought it would go against Darkrai. "This is it huh. The end of the Sinnoh road." Ash thought.
"Pikah..." said his tired Pikachu lying by his feet. Ash understood what he said. A simple NO. He could feel that Pikachu still wanted him to fight. Hell Pikachu himself wants to fight. Well. If Pikachu wants this. He will finish this. Tobias will end it in a few minutes probably. He unclipped his last pokeball and looked at it.
"Remember Ash. Remember what we told you. If someone can pull this off it's you, Ash. I believe in you". Ash heard this in his head. He had no clue what was it. It was like someone was talking to him. He looked around him. No one. What was it? Those weren't his normal thoughts. It was coming from somewhere else. Someone else. Those words were not spoken in his voice of mind either. It was Cynthia's voice. But how did this happened? Why did he hear her? Was it his wishful thinking? No, no. He knows how his head works. This was different. He didn't know why, but he knew that the mysterious encouragement was real. Even though logic said he was going crazy, his gut instinct was telling him it was indeed her talking to him somehow.
He looked at the VIP stand. There she was. Already looking directly at him. Gut instinct told him that she said those words to him. Ash had no doubt about it now. She still believed, when he himself was not. It helped him realized that his Pokemon believed in him too. He can't just chicken out like this. It would be too easy. And too disrespectful not only to Cynthia. But to his Pokemon too. Even to Paul, Brock, and Dawn in the stands. They all want him to fight till the very end with everything he's got. Ash gave Cynthia a smile and made final decision. "Not quitting yet."
Tobias was observing him carefully. He wondered if this is how far he'll be pushed today. Tobias wants more. And he knew Ash can give it to him. As he was observing him he caught a glimpse of something strange. Ash's left side of the abdomen was shining in a blue light through his clothes. It was for a brief moment. And it wasn't bigger than a tennis ball. But it was there. He was probably the only one who saw it since everyone was so far away. "This match is getting weirder and weirder."
Ash looked back at his pokeball again. This was his last Pokemon. His last hope against Tobias. And with Pikachu his strongest Pokemon. "Hope you are ready big guy. We have a lot of work in front of us"
"Green trainer please choose your last Pokemon or I'll be forced to disqualify you" said the referee.
"Sure thing boss" said Ash happily once again.
Flashback
It was around sometime after midnight in the Sinnoh region. In the Pokemon Center 3B sat Ash Ketchum in his room with sleepy Pikachu in front of him on the table. He just received the pep talk from Cynthia and Paul. However, his thoughts weren't on the talk, rather on his team which he's going to use. He already knew that Pikachu, Sceptile, Infernape, and Snorlax are going to be in his ultimate team. He had a feeling that this isn't enough to take Tobias down. Pikachu and Sceptile have what it takes to do this. Infernape still lacks experience in this. Snorlax is on Sceptile's level of power. But Ash was never good with the more defensive type of Pokemon like Snorlax. But he needed those too, to tire Tobias's Pokemon out. Torkoal could be a good addition. He nearly took out Registeel. But he wouldn't withstand the training that he has in mind for them most likely. Then he thought about Glalie. Glalie is pretty bulky and has the determination he is looking for. Yeah, he'll be great. That left one spot open. He thought about it hard. But there was no way that he could pull through without that guy.
"Shall we go and get the big guy Pikachu?" asked Ash his yellow Pokemon.
"Pika!" Pikachu yelled at him with a smile as he jumped on Ash's shoulder. He and his friend had a friendly rivalry between them. Who is strongest in raw power? Pikachu knows that he can't take big hits like his bigger friend. But in terms of raw power, they are pretty much equal. They can finally test this again.
Ash smiled at his Pikachu and went back to the main hall in the Pokemon Center. It was pitch black here. Luckily he brought a flashlight. Few seconds after he found a computer with telephone in the empty hall. Ash sat down and dialed a number. After few seconds of ringing a young woman her twenties with spiky green hair picked up. "Hallo?" she asked.
"Hi there Liza. I want to ask you something." asked Ash eagerly, getting to the point right away.
Liza smiled at seeing a familiar face. "Hi, Ash. Pikachu. Let me guess. Sinnoh league?" Liza asked.
"Yeah. How is he doing?" asked Ash. Gosh it is such a long time since he heard about him.
"Great. That Pokemon is a training machine. Others admire him so much he is now leading it here basically. Oh and Ash." Liza made a dramatic pause "He's going to be a father soon too." smiled Liza as she gave Ash the news.
Baffled Ash sat still with wide eyes, nearly dropping the phone. "Y.. You mean that he and Charla...". Ash chocked on his words and had no clue what to say next. But thankfully Liza beat him to it.
"Yep, they sure did. Little ones should be here in 3 months." Liza replied happily.
"Damn. Heh. You have something to look forward to if they are going to be like their father." Ash replied and gave Lisa a cheeky smile.
"Pff. Yeah. Can't wait" Liza replied sarcastically. "But that's not why are you calling." replied Liza
"Yeah. Would he like to come back for a while? If that's OK with you and him of course? He's going to have a family now so I don't want to sep-" Ash asked and continued until he was interrupted by Liza.
"God are you kidding me?" she nearly yelled at him. She paused for a few seconds. "When I said to him that you are in a Sinnoh league he stood by the window watching my TV with you in it every day! I think he is even angry at you for not calling him to the battle. Of course, he can come back for a few battles. Charla and I can handle a few days without him watching over the Valley." finished Liza.
"I... thank you."
"Yeah, I wouldn't thank me if I were you. You are gonna receive one hot Flamethrower as soon as you let him out."
"Worth it"
"Okay, Ash. I'm going to find him and send him to you right away. Hope that I won't interrupt something. Those two are like Bunearys in heat when I'm not in their sight." said Liza as she stood up and was made her way out of the screen. It's evening in Johto region due to a different time zone when Ash called, and he is thankful that Liza picked the phone now, because he needs Charizard early in the morning.
"You could've just said you are going to find him. I didn't need to know the rest." replied Ash to himself sadly. But Pikachu was on the other end smiling evilly. O Yes. His rival will not hear the end of these things that he just found out.
Flashback End
"CHARIZARD, I CHOOSE YOU!" Ash shouted from the top of his lungs soon the pokeball revealed an enormous orange dragon by Charizard standards. He was thrice the height of Tobias. And make no mistake. Tobias is a tall guy.
"That's one big Charizard you have Ash." said Tobias calmly, not being intimidated by the sheer size of orange lizard at all.
"He sure is." replied Ash, with nostalgia flooding his head now. His best battles always had Charizard in them somewhere. And this will be the best of the best, he will make sure of it.
"You've put up a good fight Ash." said Tobias
"I'm not done yet Tobias." replied Ash. With the confidence he lost for a few minutes.
"That's what I wanted to hear" thought Tobias.
"Lugia vs Charizard. Begin!" announced referee.
"Take the skies Lugia/Charizard!" said/yelled both trainers.
"Charizard use Dragon Rage!" yelled Ash.
"Lugia Hydro Pump!" said Tobias calm as ever.
But next thing startled Tobias. Those two attacks canceled each other in a form of an explosion in the skies. That meant that Ash's tactics will most likely change. Now he has the firepower on his side. This will be much harder than before. What is this?! His Charizard is just complete insanity. Basic starter Pokemon going toe-to-toe with Lugia. Unbelievable.
"Charizard use Dragon Tail!" yelled shot with a speed comparable to Pikachu at Lugia and slammed his tail into Lugia's neck. Lugia cried out in pain as the dragon type move damaged her neck. But she didn't fall. She composed herself quickly.
"He is insanely fast too" thought Tobias. "Hydro Pump!" commanded Tobias and Lugia almost immediately shot Hydro Pump at Charizard. Charizard got hit by it. But he didn't seem to mind. If anything, it got him even angrier.
"Charizard prepare your Dragon Tail and send it back!" Ash yelled at his most powerful Pokemon. It was a strange command. But when Charizard saw 4 cubes of energy making its way towards him he understood. And like a professional baseball player, he swung his bat-tail and sent those four cubes back at surprised Lugia. Hitting her with every single one, damaging Lugia with her own attack. "Huh. Another sniper." thought Ash.
"Lugia Sky Attack!" Tobias said again unfazed by the turn off events unfolding on the battlefield.
"No running back this time" thought Ash. Lugia was chasing Charizard in the skies with a white glow around her. The stadium watched what looked like a dance in the skies. Spins, quick turns and much more displayed the flying skills of the two powerful Pokemon.
Dodging Charizard looked at Ash during one of his spins, and seeing the familiar smile on Ash's face, he stopped dodging in the air and turned around to face the Sky Attack head on.
"Charizard! Brace yourself for the impact!" yelled Ash again.
Corners of Charizard's mouth formed a smile. Charizard raised his hands and prepared himself for the impact. Lugia struggled against his grip but he had his claws holding he in place with no option to escape.
"Charizard, SEISMIC TOSS!" yelled Ash very loudly.
Ash himself was surprised when instead of circling in the skies, his Charizard shot with Lugia straight up and with one swift sharp turn, he turned around diving back to the battlefield, with Lugia in his hands. In addition, he began spinning rapidly, resembling a wind drill diving into the battlefield.
"Lugia. Hydro Pump!" Tobias raised his voic.
Being hold by Charizard and their face's being only few centimeters apart, Lugia released Hydro Pump straight into Charizard's face as they were diving steadily to the ground. That was extremely painful for the orange dragon. Point-blank range. Water type's strongest attack from a legendary Pokemon to top it all off. But as was Charizard's habit, instead of crying out in pain, he let out a relentless thunderous roar, continuing the descend to the burnt battlefield, slamming that sea serpent into the ground. The force of the impact was strong enough to create series of shockwaves that were so intense, that some people in the audience had to cover their eyes as the gust of wind would irritate their eyes.
Dust slowly cleared and revealed badly bruised, heavily breathing Charizard still standing on its feet. Across him is Lugia. She was is there, defeated, with swirls in her eye.
"Lugia is unable to battle. Send out your next Pokemon." surprised referee replied.
"IT'S NOT OVER YET FOLKS! ASH STRIKES AGAIN WITH HIS MIGHTY CHARIZARD! WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THAT ASH KETCHUM WILL SCORE A LEGENDARY HATTRICK IN THE MORNING!" the overall energetic commentator completely lost control and yelled into the microphone with all he had.
The whole stadium roared again. A crowd was suddenly cheering for Ash much more. Chanting his name, encouraging him to go further and show the world that even a simple Charmander you recieve as your first Pokemon can one day beat legendary Pokemon. The people in the stands were witnessinng an underdog story right before their eyes, and they loved it.
"Congratulation are in order Ash. Lugia is my strongest Pokemon." said Tobias calmly again. And it is true. Mainly because of that one move. Future Sight. It's so annoying to face against and in most cases, it's a game changer.
"Not surprised. It beat up 3 of my Pokemon without much of an effort and she still hold herself against my Charizard. And for your information, Charizard is my strongest Pokemon." Ash informed Tobias.
"Let's see what you'll do against him." thought Tobias as he threw another Pokemon into the air.
"WHAT THE FUCK? I AM SORRY FOLKS BUT THIS IS JUST RIDICULOUS. HERE IS ANOTHER ONE. HOW MANY ON THEM DOES THIS GUY HAVE?! GIVE IT UP FOR ANOTHER LEGENDARY POKEMON. DNA POKEMON HIMSELF. DEOXYS!" said the commentator as he could not keep the f-word in. How is this possible again?!
And the crowd went crazy. The stadium was in an uproar again. The Pokemon from space itself was before audiences very eyes. Examining him in real life, he looked a bit creepy to most of the audience.
"Tobias this is getting ridiculous even for me. Just how many legendary Pokemon you have." asked Ash.
"I guess you deserve to know." Tobias paused for a moment, creating tension in now quiet stadium. "There is one more."
"Great." said Ash sarcastically. And on the other end Tobias chuckled.
"Deoxys vs Charizard. Begin!" said the referee. Man, the referee can't wait to tell his co-workers what he witnessed today.
"Deoxys Zap Cannon!" said Tobias.
"Charizard use Flamethrower!" yelled Ash
A greenish sphere was formed and thrown against a Flamethrower resulting in another massive explosion sending another wave of shockwaves throughout the stadium. Even though attacks were equal, their Pokemon were not. Charizard is bruised from the side effects of his Seismic Toss, and the Hydro Pump to the face. This battle has to be fast if Ash wants to win.
"Deoxys Speed Form and Aerial Ace." suddenly Deoxys's body shapeshifts into the much more slick, slender and aerodynamic look. After the transformation, he rammed into Charizard's belly before Ash could even register it and he returned to his post.
Charizard looked into the skies roared in anger again and meanwhile Ash's brain was thinking about the way to counter the various forms of Deoxys. Unfortunately, nothing came to mind at this point.
"Charizard use Dragon Rage!" yelled Ash. Hopefully, this will buy him some time to think of something.
"Defense Form and Iron Defence!" said Tobias.
Deoxys shapeshifted to a bulkier version of him and used Iron Defense. When Dragon Rage hit Deoxys he was fine. Not a scratch on his plates.
"Charizard use Dragon Rage. Full power!" tired Charizard charged and released his move to his maximum extent. But Deoxys stood still again.
"Iron Defense again" And the result was nearly identical. Only this time Deoxys felt that Dragon Rage a little.
"Attack Form, Zap Cannon!" said Tobias.
"Charizard UP and fly as high as you can!" yelled Ash. By now, Ash had a plan. Thinking about all the forms Deoxys can take, he knew once Attack Form comes into play, he has a chance.
"Speed Form and Aerial Ace." said Tobias.
As soon as Ash heard a word 'speed' Ash quickly shouted. "DIVEFLAMETHROWERSPIN!" yelled Ash incredibly fast and loudly.
Deoxys jumped from the ground like a rocket, breaking the sound barrier in an instant and flew incredibly fast against an orange dragon. But Charizard was far enough to have enough time to perform the combo. Deoxys was a several meters from him when Charizard began his attack. Diving in Charizard started to and dive and spin. With the addition of Flamethrower a small mini fire tornado was heading towards Deoxys. Not being the strongest in this form, Deoxys was quickly overpowered by Charizard's combo attack and damaged enormously. In this form, Deoxys doesn't have a big defense either.
Immediately after the hit came. Another command was announced.
"SEISMIC TOSS!" yelled Ash. It was like he had it timed perfectly to not let Tobias's do anything. Charizard got out of his fire vortex and grabbed Deoxys, by his arms. This transition was so smooth that Charizard didn't lose any speed through the change of attacks. They were now diving back to the ground together at an incredible speed.
"PSYCHIC!" yelled Tobias. He fell into some trap again. He should be mad, but Tobias got excited instead. He was so sure that he would hit him in time, when he went for an Aerial Ace. Big mistake. Psychic attack more of a desperate call. It would take some time to change form for Deoxys. And Tobias didn't have time since they were now several meters from the ground in Charizard's Seismic Toss. Psychic is the fastest attack Deoxys could perform. That was the only option for him.
Charizard was diving to the ground with all he had. Then he felt something in his mind. He tried to shake it off with a grunt but couldn't. Something was trying to slow him down. But it wasn't very efficient. Deoxys still shaken after the hit from 'Flamethrower vertical spin combo' couldn't muster the power to break Charizard's mind. His will to do Ash's biding was too much to break at this moment.
Both crashed into the battlefield dusting everything around them. The audience was on its feet to see who came on top. People stood from their seats and got to the railings for a better view of the impact. And when the dust finally cleared both Pokemon were on the ground lying.
And to the surprise of many, it is a shaken Charizard, who found the strength to pull himself back to the feet. But it wasn't a pretty sight on Ash's Charizard. He was completely worn out. Mind battles and then the fall. Not to mention the fight with Lugia before. It was truly too much for him. But he STILL stood there. Breathing slowly. When he wanted to take a deep breath to get some oxygen into his body, he stopped quickly when he found out that it would not be so easy as a sharp pain in his chest made deep breaths impossible. "No deep breaths. Got it." thought the orange lizard. It took him everything not to faint. He thought he heard something but he quickly dismissed that. His hearing was long gone. With a blurry vision, he was able to understand that the referee is talking. And Tobias's lips moved too. Then Tobias let out his final Pokemon. He looked at the final Pokemon with a keen eye. "BRING IT ON!" Charizard thought. More like roared to himself, since he couldn't open his mouth properly. But even the thinking hurt. "Charizard." he heard his trainer's voice. But it wasn't from the outside world. It was in his mind. He was still deaf from the impact and mind games that Deoxys did to him. He couldn't understand how it is possible. So he just asked. "Ash?"
Meanwhile outside of his mind referee announced. "Deoxys is unable to battle. Please send out your last Pokemon." announced the referee. He got over the shocks from seeing legendary Pokemon defeated by Ash by now.
"I hadn't expected that it would come to this." said Tobias. Then he let out his final Pokemon.
"AND THERE WE HAVE IT! FOLKS ANOTHER WIN FOR MIGHTY CHARIZARD! THIS DRAGON COULD BE CONSIDER LEGENDARY POKEMON TOO IF YOU ASK ME. BUT IT DOESN'T LOOK GOOD FOR THE FIRE DRAGON. HIS OPPONENT IS YET ANOTHER LEGENDARY POKEMON. GIVE IT UP FOR THE COLLOSAL POKEMON. LEADER OF THE REGIS. REGIGIGAS! CAN CHARIZARD MAKE IT PAST YET ANOTHER LEGENDARY POKEMON?" yelled the Sinnoh commentator for the hundredth time today. And with him, the whole stadium roared and after that, most of them cheering for Charizard.
Ash, on the other hand, stood there looking at the battlefield awestruck. Not because there was the leader of the Regi trio. No. He is looking at Charizard. He is bruised all over the place. And he saw his back only. But one thing terrified him too no end as soon as he layed his eyes on it. His tail. Last time his flame was in this state was on Orange Islands. Not a good sign. Then he felt like something in Charizard is calling up to him. It was like his Pokemon needed him in a strange way. In a few seconds, Ash heard "BRING IT ON". But the voice was in his mind again. However, this voice was deep and terrifying. It was wasn't a human voice like with Cynthia. It had some animalistic meaning to it. As his eyes were locked on Charizard he realized who it must be. His gut told him again that it is Charizard's voice. And you know Ash. He listens to his gut more then to his brain. So, Ash just went for it. "Charizard." and to his surprise, he heard an answer in his mind. "Ash?".
"You can hear me?" Ash asked in his mind to confirm his suspicions.
"Seems li... like...it" Charizard responded very weakly.
"You OK?" asked Ash. Stupid question? Yes. But he wants to know what he'll answer.
"Yea... Ye...Yeah... N... Ne...v..ver... b... be...tter" Charizard had to breathe in a little every time he spoke.
"...Charizard... You did well."
" Wh... What?"
"Listen. I can see why you want to battle. We are close to beating him. But you are in no condition for battle. I mean, this looks like your mindscape and you still can't say a word without taking a breath in. You are completely drained. And I mean to the last drop. You are now standing there by... I don't know what keeps you on your feet, but it sure as hell isn't energy. Charizard... You can't battle against Regigigas in this state. I'm throwing a towel."
"N...n... n.. o" Charizard replied slowly. What is he thinking? He sure as hell can melt that giant robot like thing with something. And Ash isn't going to stop him.
"Charizard. You took down two of them. Two legendary Pokemon in a row. I don't know another Pokemon who has this kind of a run. You are the biggest fighter I know. And I am incredibly proud of you" Ash praised his strongest pokemon then he continued. "Just lie down and rest. We'll can do this next year again. And I swear to you. Next time we meet Tobias, I'll call you and we'll beat him. Together."
"..." Charizard couldn't make a word. He is really tired. And talking with Ash, in mind or whatever it is, is weakening him further. He hates quitting. But Ash said that he'll be there for a rematch. And who knows. Maybe if he'll train harder he'll take Tobias's team all by himself. Oh yeah. That would be great. OK. He'll let it slide for now. But Ash will still receive big ass Flamethrower to the face anyway.
"Regigigas vs. Char..." referee began talking. But he was interrupted by Ash.
"Hope you'll forgive me for this guys." Ash thought as he thought about all the people he is going to dissapoint. But this is for Charizard's well being. Nothing else mattered. All of his Pokemon gave it everything today. All of them went a overboard with their will to fight today. But Charizard took it to extreme's as he still stood before him, when he should be down already. Taunting Ash in a way. To continue. But he had enough. Time to say it.
"I SURREDNDER!"