"Hey Ash wait up!" Misty, Leaf, Cynthia and Brock run toward Ash who was walking toward Pokémon center.
Ash turned around and said. "Hey guys, what's up?"
"We wanted to congratulate you, that was a great match," said Brock.
"Yeah, I wasn't expecting for you to win that easily," said Leaf. "I mean this is a Pokémon League tournament, and all the participants have earned all badges just like you, and yet, you won so easily."
"I guess I just trained my Pokémon better than they did," said Ash, as all of them started walking again.
"When is your next match," asked Cynthia?
"Tomorrow, but I'm not sure on what field, I'll find out later in the administration building," replied Ash. "What about yours."
"My match is later today on the Grass field," Cynthia said.
"Ok, I'll be there to watch you," said Ash, and Cynthia blushed a little.
"What are we going to do until then," asked Brock?
"I was planning to go to Pokémon center and just relax until Cynthia's match," Ash said. "But if you know something better to do, then say it."
"I guess we can spend the time until Cynthia's match resting and after her match we can have some fan, there is always a lot of stuff for fans to do in the tournament so we should be able to find something," said Brock.
"Ok, then let's go to the Pokémon center," Ash said as he walked toward the Pokemon Center, while the others followed after him.
The next few hours the group spent relaxing in the Pokémon center. When the time for Cynthia's match has come, they all went to watch, and they saw that Cynthia has become much better trainer since they last saw her, and her Pokémon have become much more powerful.
After the battle, everyone went back to the Pokémon center, and waited until the night, when they all went out because there was a party going on around the Pokémon Village, and there were all sorts of things for fans.
When they came out of the Pokémon center, Ash saw Richie in the hall and called him to come with them, and he accepted since it's better than to be alone.
Even though they all went out together, Ash, Misty, Leaf and Cynthia have separated from Brock and Richie a little and have spent some time together. Some people who saw all four of them together even thought that Ash has three girlfriends, and they were not completely wrong to think of that.
While Ash and the girls were together they all had a talk and agreed to try and start something between them and see if it will work. The three girls will all be with Ash and if it turns out fine they will start a serious relationship.
XXX
"Vaporeon, finish this off with Water Gun," said Ash.
Vaporeon jumped in the air, and after taking deep breath she fired a Water Gun at Nidorino who was running toward her. She hit him straight in the head, and sent him flying back hitting several boulders that were on the field. When Nidorino stopped everyone saw that he was unconscious.
"Nidorino is unable to battle, the winner is Vaporeon," said the referee.
"That's it people, Ash Ketchum wins another match just as easily as his first one and moves on to the third round," yelled the announcer!
It was the second day of the tournament and Ash has just won his match on the rock field, with his Rhydon, Glaceon and Vaporeon each defeating one opponent.
"Great job Vaporeon," said Ash, before he returned her in her Poke Ball. He then walked out of the field, and went to meet with his friends, who came down from their seats and went to meet him.
"Hey everyone," said Ash to his friends who were waiting for him outside of the stadium, and then went and kissed Misty, Leaf and Cynthia on the cheek's, making them all blush, and making Brock cry tears of blood while lying on the floor and saying how life is not fair.
"Congratulations on another easy win, Ash," said Cynthia.
"Thanks' Cynthia," replied Ash.
"Is your family coming today, Ash," asked leaf?
"Yes, they will be here soon, I talked with them this morning and my father said they will come before lunch time," replied Ash. "Professor Oak will come with them as well."
"Professor Oak you say," Cynthia said with interest in her voice. "It will be interesting to meet one of the best scientist in the world."
"Let's go, you have your match and after that, we'll meet my parents." Ash said, and everyone went to the water stadium where Cynthia has her next match.
Just like Ash, Cynthia has won her second match without losing even one of her Pokémon, and will go in the next round.
Right now, everyone is in the Pokémon center waiting for Ash's parents, his sister and Professor Oak, to come. It is close to lunch time and they all agreed to wait for them and then all can go and eat together.
"Hey big brother," they heard someone yell, and when they looked behind they saw a blur running past them all and run at Ash! They looked at who it was only to see, Amber hugging Ash, who was lying on the floor from when Amber run at him.
"Hey Amber, how have you been," asked Ash, after he looked at Amber?
"I'm doing fine, but I couldn't wait to see you again," replied Amber while still hugging Ash. "Couldn't you come home for a few days before coming here?"
"I'm sorry Amber, but I was training not that far from here so I would have to come back if I went at Pallet first," Ash explained.
"Hey Amber, long time no see," Misty called Amber trying to get her attention, so the girl will let Ash stand back up, instead of lying on top of him.
Amber got off of Ash and said. "Hi Misty, how are you?"
"I'm great, but where are yours and Ash's parents," Misty asked?
"Oh, they are coming, I just run ahead to see big brother," replied Amber, while hugging Ash again.
"You shouldn't have done that because mom and dad will be worried," said Ash.
"Don't worry, Ash, we knew where she went," said Delia as she, Red and Professor Oak approached them!
Ash looked at them and smiled. "Hey mom, dad, Professor Oak," said Ash.
"How have you been doing Ash," asked Delia? "You haven't even called once doing your training and if it wasn't for you switching your Pokémon every few days, I would have thought that something happened to you."
"You know you shouldn't be worried about me mom, I know how to take care of myself and I have my Pokémon with me so I'll always be fine," Ash said as Delia was hugging him.
"It's Ok, Delia, Ash is already big enough to know what to do and how to take care of himself, so there is no need for you to worry," Red said after seeing Delia almost crying because she worries about Ash.
After that, everyone greeted one another, and those that didn't meet before were introduced to one another, and then they all went to have launch and talk with each other.
XXX
It's the third day of the tournament, and Ash is currently on the Ice field ready to have his third match. Across from him is another boy with the name, Pete Pebbleman and he is from Pewter City.
"Welcome to the third battle today on the ice field! On one side, we have Ash Ketchum, who has defeated both of his opponents very easily and without losing a single Pokemon, and on the other side we have Pete Pebbleman, who has showed that he is a very capable trainer," said the announcer, and the crowd cheered!
Amongst the crowd are all of Ash's friends and family who have come to cheer for him.
"Pete Pebbleman will first chose his Pokémon," said the announcer after it was decided that Pete is choosing first!
"Poliwrath, come on out," Pete released his first Pokémon.
"Amaura, you are up," said Ash and called his Amaura to have his first battle.
"Wow I cannot believe this people. Ash has Amaura which is an extinct Pokémon that has lived millions of years ago," shouted the announcer and confused the audience because none of them have ever heard about this Pokémon.
"Are you both ready," asked the referee, and both Ash and Pete nodded?
"BEGIN!"
"Poliwrath, use Water Gun," Pete called his first move!
"Amaura, counter it with Aurora Beam," said Ash.
Poliwrath fired a powerful blast of water from the spiral on his stomach that went at Amaura, who just took a breath a fired back a multicolored beam that was able to freeze Water Gun in an instant and then break it and hit Poliwrath head on which sent it flying back.
"Poliwrath, can you stand up," asked Pete after seeing his Pokémon blasted like that?
Poliwrath managed to stand up and nodded at Pete, who sighed in relief and said. "Good, now use Superpower."
Poliwrath glowed blue and then he shoved both of his hands in the ice and pulled out a giant block of it, which he then sent at Amaura.
"Amaura, Protect," said Ash. Amaura created the barrier in front of himself which blocked the Ice block that was falling on him and broke it in multiple pieces which fell on the field around him.
"Wow, that was one powerful Protect if it was able to stop that Ice block," commented the announcer!
"Use, Ice Beam." Amaura opened his mouth and created a ball of energy that was then fired at Poliwrath in the form of a beam.
Poliwrath didn't have time to react and was hit by the Ice Beam which completely froze him in an instant.
"Poliwrath is unable to battle, the winner is Amaura," said the referee!
"That's it for Poliwrath, it seems that Ash continues to defeat his opponents with ease," said the announcer!
"Poliwrath, return. You did great Poliwrath, we will win another time," said Pete, and then he pulled out his next Pokémon. "Come out, Cloyster."
"Pete's second Pokémon is Cloyster, will Ash keep Amaura or will he chose another Pokémon," said the announcer?
"Amaura, return," said Ash, and then he let out his second Pokémon. "Electabuzz, you are up."
"Ash calls out Electabuzz, great choice since Cloyster is water and ice type," commented the announcer.
"BEGIN!"
"Electabuzz, use Thunderbolt," said Ash.
"Cloyster, quickly, Withdraw," said Pete panicking because of Ash's Electabuzz using Thunderbolt!
Electabuzz released powerful bolts of lightning from his horns, which went straight at Cloyster who has closed his shell to protect himself, but it wasn't very effective, because when Thunderbolt hit it, Cloyster let out a cry of pain and when the attack stopped, his shell opened and showed that Cloyster is unconscious and has a steam coming from all over him, because Thunderbolt nearly cooked him alive inside of his shell.
"Cloyster is unable to battle, the winner is Electabuzz," said the referee!
"Unbelievable, Ash's Electabuzz has defeated Closter with one attack," shouted the announcer while the crowd is going wild!
"YEAH, big brother you are the best," yelled Amber from her place amongst the crowd, and with Ash family and friend around her cheering for him!
"I wonder if there is anyone else besides Cynthia in this tournament who can fight against Ash," Misty wondered out loud.
"Actually, there are two other competitors that I have seen that are very good trainers and have some very powerful Pokémon, especially that guy," said Red and the others looked at him.
"Who are you talking about," asked Brock, quite curious who were the people that Red was talking about that can put a fight against Ash?
"I'll tell you all later, let's just watch the match for now," Red replied, making everyone looked back at the field where Pete has released his final Pokémon.
"Pete's final Pokémon, is Arcanine," said the announcer!
"Electabuzz, return," said Ash, and took another Poke Ball. "Come out, Larvesta."
"Ash's third Pokémon is Larvesta, which is, for those of you who don't know, a Bug/Fire dual-type from Unova Region," said announcer!
"Where did he found Larvesta," Cynthia asked with disbelief evident in her voice, since Larvesta are very rare Pokemon even in their native region, let alone in other regions? "It's a very rare Pokémon and hard to catch even in Unova."
"This is a Pokémon that hatched from the egg that Ash got on St. Anne," replied Misty.
"Oh, so that egg was Larvesta," said Cynthia. "Mine was Togepi."
"You have Togepi," shouted Amber while looking at Cynthia!
"Yeah, I do," Cynthia replied with a smile.
"I have one as well. Big brother gave him to me when he came back in Pallet Town five months ago and it hatched two months later," said Amber.
"So the Pokémon that he said that he found in Grampa Canyon, was Togepi," Brock said, a little surprised, because that was another rare Pokémon and here both Amber and Cynthia have one.
"Yeah, Ash gave him to me along with Kabuto and Omanyte," replied Amber.
"Hahaha," smiled Leaf, "You already have six Pokémon and you didn't even start your journey."
"Isn't it awesome, by the time I start my journey, they will already be very powerful because I started to train them," said Amber.
"It looks like Ash is about to finish the last battle," said Brock. The others looked at the field and saw Arcanine on the ground crying from the pain in his head caused by Larvesta using Bug Buzz.
"Larvesta, finish this off with Flame Wheel," Ash called his final move in today's battle.
Larvesta, while in the air, releases a red flame from its mouth while somersaulting, and then started rolling toward Arcanine who was still on the ground. Once Larvesta hit Arcanine, he was sent rolling on the ground and hit at the wall of the field and passed out.
"Arcanine is unable to battle! The winner is Larvesta!" Said the referee.
"And that's it for this battle! Another easy win for Ash and his Pokémon!" The announcer was heard through the crowds cheering for Ash. Ash returned Larvesta, after congratulating her for the win, and then walked out of the field!
XXX
After he left the field, Ash met with his family and friends in front of the stadium. "Hey everyone," Ash called! "So, how was that battle?"
"It was great, Ash, I'm actually surprised by how much your Pokémon advanced in those five months you trained on Mt. Silver," said Red.
"I agree with Mr. Ketchum, Ash, your Pokémon are much more powerful than before, and all your battles so far were great and it's obvious that you will either win or at least reach finals," said Misty.
"Well, there are several other trainers that I have to defeat to get to the final or win the League," said Ash.
"Who," asked Brock? "The only one who can fight against you, is Cynthia, and even she wouldn't be able to defeat you Lucario, Pikachu and Alakazam. No offense, Cynthia."
"None taken," replied Cynthia. She knew that her chances of defeating Ash are slim to none, but she wouldn't just give up, and will give it her all to win.
Before Ash could reply, Red said. "It's those two trainers I told you about earlier."
"So you have seen them as well," asked Ash looking at his father?
"Let's go to the Pokémon center and I'll tell you," said Red and walked toward Pokémon center while the others followed him.
Ten minutes later they all entered the Pokémon center cafeteria and ordered lunch. While they were waiting, Red said.
"Earlier during Ash match I told you about two other trainers that I think will give Ash some trouble and one of them can even defeat him, and I'll tell you I'm not exaggerating when I say they are good."
"Who are they, and where are they from," asked Misty?
"There is one guy and one girl. The girls name is Diantha, she is from Kalos Region and is the same age as Cynthia. I would say that her Pokémon are on the same level as Cynthia's," said Red and surprised everyone there except Ash, who already knew about her and the other trainer.
"Wow, so she's as good as Cynthia," commented Misty.
"Yes, she is," confirmed Red. "But it's the guy that might have a chance to defeat Ash."
"Who is he," asked Leaf?
"His name is Tobias, and he's from the Sinnoh Region," replied Red. "But it's because of the Pokémon that he has that I think he has a chance against Ash."
"What Pokémon could he possibly have that can defeat Lucario, Pikachu and Alakazam," asked Misty as she was curious about this guy's Pokémon that can beat Ash's?
"Before I tell you that, I have to ask you all something," said Red and got their attention.
"Ok, ask," said Brock!
"Why do you think that no one has ever used a Legendary Pokémon in Pokémon Leagues before," asked Red. All he got were confused faces?
"Isn't it because they are hard or even impossible to catch," questioned Misty?
"I agree with Misty, I have never meet anyone who had Legendary Pokémon besides Ash who has Mewtwo," said Brock, and the others just nodded their heads that they think that as well.
"No, that is only part of the reason," said Red.
"What do you mean," asked Amber who was quiet until now?
"What I mean is that there are people out there who have managed to catch a Legendary Pokémon, and the reason they never used them in League battles is because the Pokémon League has forbidden the use of the Legendary Pokémon," said Red, and everyone's eyes widened, well everyone besides Ash since he knew about that.
"So what does that have to do with this guy you are talking about," asked Misty?
"If you mean that he has a Legendary Pokémon than it shouldn't be a problem because they are forbidden as you just said," said Brock.
"Pokémon League has changed the rules few months ago and have allowed the use of Legendary Pokémon in League battles," Red finally said, and everyone's jaws dropped on the floor.
"I-I see," mumbled Misty.
"So what Legendary Pokémon does Tobias have," asked Cynthia, who was just as surprised as everyone else?
"He has a Darkrai, which is a Dark type Legendary Pokémon," said Red.
"A Darkrai, I don't think I have heard about that Pokémon before," said Misty, and Leaf and Brock nodded.
"It's a Legendary Pokémon from Sinnoh Region known as a member of a Lunar Duo along with Cresselia. Darkrai is Dark-Type and Cresselia is Psychic-Type. Darkrai is also known to "inhabit" dreams and causes the target to have unending nightmares," explained Cynthia with widened eyes because she knew about Darkrai since it's a Pokémon from her home region.
"That's right. I have done some research on him after I heard he has a Darkrai, and found out that he has won every single gym battle using only his Darkrai," said Red and surprised the others even more.
"So he's that good," commented Brock.
"Yeah, he is," Red confirmed and then he continued.
"I also wanted to know more about him so I did a little research and found out that it's not just Darkrai but he also has Latios, which is a Dragon/Psychic Legendary Pokémon," Red said and everyone almost had a heart attack after they heard that.
"You mean he has two of them," shouted Misty and drew attention of other people who were in the cafeteria. She then blushed a hid her face in embarrassment!
"At least," replied Red.
"What do you mean, at least," asked Cynthia?"
"I couldn't find anything else on him. All I know is that he's from Jubilife City in Sinnoh Region, and that he has Darkrai and Latios, other than that I've got nothing," replied Red.
"I see, this is troubling," said Brock. "Who knows what Pokémon he has if he was able to capture Darkrai and Latios."
"What are you going to do, Ash," asked Misty?
"About what," question Ash getting shocked looks from everyone?
"What do you mean about what? What are you going to do about Tobias and his Pokémon if you end up battling him," asked Leaf?
"I'll just defeat his Pokémon," replied Ash. "It's that simple, I don't understand why you are all so worried about that guy."
"Ash, this is not something to be taken lightly, this guy has at least two Legendary Pokémon and who knows what other Pokémon," said Red, surprised by his son's lack of concern.
"I'm not taking this lightly, dad, I also have a Legendary Pokémon and several other Pokémon who are on the level of the Legendary Pokémon," replied Ash. "In fact, I can form a whole team of Pokémon who are just below the level of Mewtwo and Mega Lucario."
"Ok then, if you are so sure in your win, then there is nothing else to talk about," said Red just as the waiter came, carrying all of their food.
They started eating and talking about some other stuff, completely forgetting about what they talked about before.
XXX
"Nidoking, use Horn Attack," said Gary Oak, who was in the middle of his battle on the Rock field against a girl named Melisa.
Nidoking started running at Melisa's Golem, aiming to hit him with his horn.
"Golem, grab Nidoking's horn and use Seismic Toss," said Melisa!
Golem was able to stop Nidoking by grabbing his horn, and then he jumped in the air along with Nidoking and throw him back on the ground.
When the dust settled, it showed Nidoking lying on the ground with swirls in his eyes.
"Nidoking," yelled Gary, not believing that he has lost!
"Nidoking is unable to battle, the winner is Golem," said the referee!
"And that's it for Gary Oak, he has lost in the fourth round and is out of the tournament," said announcer!
Up in the stands with the crowd, Ash was watching the battle with Lucario and Pikachu. "Well I must say, I wasn't expecting for him to lose," commented Ash.
"I knew he was going to lose to someone eventually, he doesn't have the mind of the winner," said Lucario and Ash and Pikachu agreed.
"Let's go and see him," said Ash, and they walked out of the stadium.
Five minutes later, Ash saw Gary walking toward his car while his cheerleaders were all crying because he lost.
"Hey, Gary," called Ash making Gary turn around!
"Hey, what's up Ash," Gary asked?
Ash looked at him for a few moments, before he sighed and said. "I got to admit I didn't think you will lose this early."
This surprised Gary, because this wasn't what he was expecting to hear from Ash. He actually thought that Ash might laugh at him and make fun of his lose.
"What do you mean," asked Gary after saying nothing for a whole minute?
"I was expecting you to lose in the quarterfinals or maybe even semifinals if you are lucky, but you lost in the preliminaries," said Ash.
"Well, I guess there is always someone better," said Gary.
"That's right Gary, there is always someone better, and you have just now figured that out," said Ash. Gary raised his eyebrows in confusion.
"What's that supposed to mean," Gary asked?
"You have thought that you are better than everyone else because your father is Kanto champion, and your grandfather is famous Professor Oak, and that was wrong for you to think," said Ash, and Gary's eyes widened!
"Now that you have lost, you know that you are not the best and that there are many trainers out there who are better, so you need to go and actually start to train and fight like you have nothing to lose. Try to find some friends who will help you on your journey and don't go around with those cheerleader because they won't help you at all, it just makes you look like some pathetic rich brat," explained Ash, and by the time he finished Gary was in deep thought.
After a few minutes of silence, during which, Gary was thinking about what Ash said, and Ash just stood there and looked at him, Gary finally said.
"You are probably right, Ash, I have been acting like a brat my whole life just because of who my family is, and that is what probably prevented me from winning today. I thought that this will be another easy win like my first three matches, but in the end it wasn't and I lost."
"Good, you are starting to go on the right path," said Ash, and Gary just smiled. "Now go, and next time we see each other we will battle so I can see if you have improved at all, or are you still the same."
"Thanks, Ash, see you around," said Gary and then he set in his car and his cheerleaders drove him away.
Ash sighed and turned around, when he saw Blue Oak approaching him. "Hey Mr. Oak, what's up," asked Ash?
"I want to thank you Ash, for what you just said to Gary," Blue's reply surprised Ash.
"So you heard our talk," said Ash, and Blue just nodded.
"Yes I did, and that is why I'm thanking you," replied Blue. "What you just said to Gary is what I was supposed to tell him a long time ago, but I just let him do what he wants, and he was making a fool out of himself because of his behavior."
"You don't have to thank me because Gary and I were friends at some point in life and I felt I should help him even if he did think I'm a looser for the last few years," replied Ash.
"Well anyway, I must say that you made Elite Four members quite impressed after your first battle in the tournament, and they thought that you have the highest chances of winning the League," said Blue.
"And did they change their thoughts now that they saw Cynthia, Diantha and Tobias," asked Ash, and surprised Blue by how he appears to not care about what he just said.
"Well, at first they all thought you will walk all over every trainer here after they heard that you defeated Bruno's Hitmonchan, but after they saw those three they still think you have the highest chances to win, but it won't be as easy as it appeared at first," said Blue.
Ash just shrugged his shoulders and said. "It's not really important to me what everyone thinks, and it's not that important for me to win this tournament, as it's my first ever."
"I thought that you wanted to become a Pokémon Master," said Blue a little surprised by what Ash said!
"I do want to become a Pokémon Master, but that's not the most important thing I have and want to do right now," replied Ash. "I do want to travel in all the regions in the world and I also have a promise to keep."
"What promise," asked Blue?
"It's what I said to Mew I'll do," replied Ash, and Blue's eyes widened as he didn't know about Ash making promise to Mew.
"And what promise did you made to, Mew," asked Blue, and Ash just smirked?
"That day when Mew saved me, I promised that I'll do everything I can to protect people and Pokémon all over the world from those who want do use Pokémon to cause destruction and harm other people," replied Ash.
"There are a lot of people like Team Rocket all over the world, and I'm going to bring them all down, and when I finish that job, then I'll become Pokémon master, but before that I'll only travel, train and help those in need, and if that means I have to kill someone…" Ash stopped for a few seconds. "Then I'll kill as many people as its necessary to protect the others," finished Ash with his eyes glowing yellow and his Aura showing around his body, which scared Blue a little because he can see that Ash is serious about what he just said.
"Look Ash, it's good that you want to help others and keep your promise, but that doesn't mean you have to kill people, because if you start killing everyone you don't like or think that can be a threat, then you will eventually fall into darkness from which there will be no coming back," said Blue, hoping Ash will understand that his way of thinking is not the best way. "I have heard from Red what you did in Saffron City with that guy from Team Rocket, and I'd hate to think you would do that again."
"Don't worry, I'm not going to fall into darkness because I have my friends and Pokémon who will pull me out if I ever start slipping. As for what happened in Saffron City, all I have to say is that I gave them a warning and they didn't take it. If I didn't do what I did, then he might have killed Silph Co. President." Said Ash, and Blue nodded in understanding.
"Ok Ash, if you say so," said Blue and turned around, before walking away. "I'll see you around!"
After Blue left, Ash also turned around and headed toward Grass field, where he has his final match in preliminaries.
XXX
"Hello everyone, it's time for the final battle for today on the Grass field. It's the battle between Ash Ketchum, who has defeated all of his previous opponents easily, and on the other side we have a trainer who is very popular with the crowd, especially the male part of the crowd, Jeanette Fisher from Crimson City," said the announcer, and the crowd started cheering!
"Ash, will chose first," said the announcer!
"Ivysaur, I chose you," Ash called his Ivysaur!
"Beedrill, come on out," said Jeanette and her Beedrill came out from its Poke Ball.
"Are you both ready," asked the referee, and both of them nodded?
"BEGIN!"
"Beedrill start this off with Poison Sting," said Jeanette!
"Ivysaur, dodge it and use, Razor Leaf," said Ash!
Beedrill flew at Ivysaur and tried to stab him with its sting, but Ivysaur dodged it and sent Razor Leaves at Beedrill.
"Beedrill, dodge," yelled Jeanette as Razor Leaves were about to hit Beedrill. Beedrill somehow managed to dodge it, though. "Great, now use, Twineedle."
Beedrill charged at Ivysaur with its stingers on its arms, and repeatedly tried to stub him, but Ivysaur was just dodging all of Beedrill's attacks.
"Ivysaur, use Leech Seed," said Ash, and while Ivysaur was dodging Beedrill's attacks, he fired a seed from his bulb, and it went at Beedrill who didn't dodge it. Once Beedrill was hit, it got wrapped in vines that then started glowing red and sucked energy from Beedrill.
"Finish it with Tackle," said Ash. Ivysaur run at Beedrill and hit it in the middle of its body, sending it flying backwards where Beedrill fell on the ground, and passed out.
"Beedrill is unable to battle, the winner is Ivysaur," said the referee!
"Jeanette has lost her first Pokémon," said the announcer! "Let's see what she'll do next!"
"Beedrill, return," said Jeanette. "Scyther, come out."
"Ivysaur, return," said Ash, and took another Poke Ball. "Ponyta you are up."
"Ash's second Pokémon is Ponyta, let see what this Pokémon has to offer," said the announcer!
"BEGIN!"
"Ponyta, use Flamethrower," Ponyta opened his mouth and fired a large Flamethrower at Scyther.
"Scyther, Double Team, now," said Jeanette, and her Scyther started moving so fast that multiple copies of him appeared, which allowed Scyther to escape from Flamethrower.
"Great, Scyther, now attack Ponyta," said Jeanette, and Scyther and his copies flied at Ponyta and tried to deliver some attacks.
"Ponyta, Protect." Ponyta quickly created a barrier, which stopped Scyther's attack. "Now use, Fire Blast."
Ponyta once again opened his mouth and fired a large star shaped blast of fire at Scyther and his copies, which managed to hit them all and sent the real Scyther back next to Jeanette completely burned and unconscious.
"Scyther is unable to battle, the winner is Ponyta," said the referee!
"Another of Jeanette's Pokémon has been defeated, it looks like Ash will win once again without much trouble," commented the announcer!
"Scyther, return," said Jeanette. "That was good battle you showed so far Ash, but let's see what you will do against my strongest Pokémon. Bellsprout come on out!"
When everyone saw the Pokémon she choose for her last, and hearing her say that it is her strongest Pokémon, they were all surprised because it simply looked week, and didn't seem to have anything special.
Ash looked at Jeanette and Bellsprout for a few seconds before he returned his Ponyta and called his third Pokémon.
"Muk, I choose you." Ash released the Pokémon no one was expecting.
"I don't know about you people, but I sure wasn't expecting Ash to send his Muk out," commented the announcer, with everyone agreeing with that, meaning that they didn't expect it either!
"Are you ready," asked the referee? Ash and Jeanette replied yes, and then the referee started the battle. "BEGIN!"
"Bellsprout, use Razor Leaf," said Jeanette.
Bellsprout swinged the leaves that were acting as his arms and multiple sharp leaves went at Muk, who just stood there with a weird look on his face.
When the leaves hit Muk, they just bounced of off him and fell on the ground, while Muk didn't have a scratch on him, which surprised everyone.
"What just happened," asked the announcer like he was expecting someone to answer him?
Jeanette and Bellsprout just looked at Muk with wide eyes, and after a few seconds Jeanette pulled herself together and said. "Bellsprout, try using, Slam!"
Bellsprout went in front of Muk and grabbed him with the two leaves on the side of its body and somehow managed to lift him up and slam him on the ground. He did this several times.
After a few more slams, Bellsprout started to breathe hard and let go of Muk and then moved back a little.
Everyone looked at Muk who was just standing there like nothing happened, and they all couldn't believe it.
Ash then finally decided to end this and said. "Muk, use Body Slam, and finish this battle."
Muk moved in front of Bellsprout and raised above him and then just fell on top of him.
"NOOO, Bellsprout try to get out of there," cried Jeanette worried about her Pokémon!
Bellsprout heard her and tried everything he could to escape but he was unsuccessful, and after about a minute, the moving bellow the Muk stopped and then Muk moved on the side and showed Bellsprout lying on the ground unconscious.
"Bellsprout is unable to battle, the winner is Muk," said the referee!
"And that is it for this battle. It's another win for Ash Ketchum who has now passed the preliminaries and will compete in the main tournament," shouted the announcer while the crowd cheered for Ash!
"Muk, return," Ash returned his Pokémon, and then looked at Jeanette who was now on the field in front of her Bellsprout.
"Bellsprout, you were great, you did your best and there is nothing to worry about," she said to her Bellsprout and then she lifted him in her arms and looked at Ash. "That was a great battle Ash. I wish you good luck on the rest of the tournament." Ash nodded and she then turned and walked away, with Bellsprout in her arms.
Ash also turned around and exited the Grass field.
After the battle, Ash reunited with his family and friends and they all went to the Pokémon center were they all rested a little before they went at one of the restaurants in the Pokémon Village to have diner and celebrate Ash's win and passing the preliminary round.
When they got to the restaurant, all except Delia, set down on one of the tables, while she went in the kitchen and started to prepare dinner for everyone, much to the surprise of the cook's there.
Once she finished the diner, everyone started eating and they all had a good time. Delia was also asked by cooks to give them her recipes because her cooking is perfect and they all liked it very much.
After the dinner was over they all went back in the Pokémon center except Ash, Misty, Leaf and Cynthia, who all went together to walk around the Pokémon Village.
/
Ash woke up around nine in the morning and decided to go and see who will be his opponent in the next round of the tournament. Like always, Lucario and Pikachu were with him.
When he was about to exit the Pokémon center, he herd Cynthia calling him from behind.
"Hey Ash, where are you going," Cynthia asked?
"I'm going to see who will be my next opponent," replied Ash. "Will you come with me, you can also find out your next opponent?
"Sure, why not," Cynthia replied and the two of them left to find out their first opponents in the main tournament.
Once they were there, Ash and Cynthia approached the attendant and Ash asked. "Hello, we are here to find who will be our next opponents!"
"Of course, come this way," the attendant replied and led them toward a fish tank in which there were lots of Magikarp.
"Here, take this fishing rod and catch one of the Magikarp's that are in the tank, after that we will see which number you are and who will be your opponent," said the attendant, and handed Ash and Cynthia two fishing rods.
"Ok," they both said and took the rods!
Just as they took rods Ritchie called them. "Hey Ash, Cynthia!"
Ash and Cynthia looked behind and saw him approaching them. "Hey Ritchie, what's up, you here to draw your opponent," asked Ash?
"No, I already did that earlier," replied Ritchie. "I see you are about to do it."
"Yeah," replied Ash, and then he looked at Cynthia. "Why don't you go first Cynthia?"
"Ok," Cynthia said and then she dropped the bait in the tank while holding the rod and waited for a few seconds before she felt a pull on the rod, which made her pull it out and a Magikarp flew out of the tank, and it showed a number 10 written on it.
"Ok, so you are number ten, which means number nine will be your opponent, but since number nine is not drown yet we still don't know who it is," said the attendant as she showed them the big screen that had a numbers from 1 to 16 and a few of them which had a picture below them that showed they were taken. Cynthia's picture appeared below number ten, and number nine is still open.
"I guess I'll just wait to find my opponent," sighed Cynthia. "Unless you draw number nine, Ash."
"Let's hope that doesn't happen because I would hate to battle you before the final round," said Ash with a smirk, and Cynthia smiled at him.
"And I see you are number five, Ritchie," said Ash!
"Yeah I'm," replied Ritchie.
"Ok then, let's see my number," said Ash and dropped his fishing rod in the tank. A few seconds later, he pulled it out after he felt a tug from the rod, and saw a Magikarp with number six on it.
"Hm, I guess we will be battling against each other, Ritchie," said Ash after he saw his number.
"Yeah, I guess we will," Ritchie replied and then he and Ash looked at one another for a few seconds before they smiled and shook hands.
"Let's have a good battle, Ash," said Ritchie!
"We will, Ritchie," said Ash!
"See you on our match, Ash, I got to go," said Ritchie and waved goodbye to Cynthia before he left.
"I guess we were lucky because we don't have to fight with each other before the final match," said Cynthia, and Ash smirked.
"We don't have to fight one another, but you will have to beat that girl that defeated Gary and then Diantha, and I will have to win against Ritchie and Tobias if we want to fight in the final round," said Ash.
"Which ones of this trainers are the two of them," asked Cynthia while looking at the screen?
"That guy on number one spot is Tobias, and Diantha is on number 13, replied Ash, and Cynthia saw their numbers and saw how the too look. Diantha looks like a normal girl around Cynthia's age, with a long black hair tied in a ponytail and to bangs framing her face, bluish eyes and wears simple white shirt and white jacket. As for Tobias, he's a guy who's about 17 or 18 years old, with long blue hair that covers his left eye and wears some sort of red cloak.
"I guess it's better like this," Cynthia commented. "Imagine if all four of us are in the same half of the tournament."
"Yeah, you are right, I don't have to fight against Tobias before semifinal and you don't have to battle Diantha until then as well," said Ash.
"Let's go, we need to make plans for our future opponents," said Ash and the two left the building. Cynthia did not notice Diantha and Tobias who were standing on two different parts of the hall looking at their future opponents.
Ash on the other hand did notice them and before he left the building he looked at Diantha and winked at her, which made her blush a little, while he also sent the look at Tobias's direction, and Tobias smirked in return.
XXX
When Ash and Cynthia came back to the Pokémon center, they encountered Misty, Brock and Leaf in the hall, waiting for them.
"Hey Ash, Cynthia where were you," Misty asked after she saw them enter the Pokémon center?
"We went to find out our next opponents," replied Ash.
"And have you found them," asked Brock?
"Yeah, I'm fighting against Ritchie, and we don't know who Cynthia's opponent is since it's still not decided," replied Ash.
"So you are up against Ritchie," commented Brock. "It's a shame you have to battle him this early."
"It is a shame, but this is how we both have drown and there is nothing we can do to change it," said Ash. "Besides, both me and Cynthia have evaded Tobias and Diantha and won't have to fight them before semifinal."
"That's good," commented Misty. "And who will go on whom?"
"It will be Ash and Tobias and me against Diantha," replied Cynthia. "That is, if we all get to the semifinal."
"I'm sure you will, I don't really know how good Ritchie is but I doubt that he can defeat Ash, and the same goes for you and your opponents," said Brock.
"Let's go and see what Ritchie's got," Ash confused them slightly.
"What do you mean," asked Misty?
"There is a computer in my room that I can use to find information on trainers," replied Ash.
"Oh, I didn't know that," said Cynthia. "Well then let's go."
The seven of them, including Lucario and Pikachu, went at Ash's room. Ten minutes later, and they were all looking at Ritchie's profile.
"It appears that Ritchie doesn't prefer one type specifically and has a little of everything," commented Brock.
"Yes, and trainers like that are very troublesome because it is hard to guess which Pokémon they will use," said Misty.
"This will be a three-on-three battle and I'm sure he will use his strongest Pokémon," said Ash.
"I agree, but which ones are his strongest," asked Leaf?
"Hmm, let's see, he has a Pikachu, Charmeleon, Butterfree, Fearow, Tentacool, Ponyta, Eevee and a few others but I'm sure he will use three of those I just said," said Ash.
"He will probably use Pikachu since it appears that it's his most trusted Pokémon, then he might use Charmeleon, since it looks like it one of his strongest along with Pikachu, as for the last one, I don't know, it might be Butterfree but it's only a guess," said Brock.
"So which Pokémon will you use," asked Misty?
"I can carry 12 Pokémon with me at all time, 13 if Mewtwo is part if the group, so I'll just have one of each type so no matter what he chooses I can have something prepared," replied Ash.
"That's a good idea," sad Leaf and the others agreed.
"Well, now that that is settled, let's see what that girl that beat Gary, has," said Ash, and searched for her profile.
"Why are you interested in her," asked Misty?
"When Cynthia wins her first match she might battle against Melissa if she also wins her first match, so it might be a good idea to see what she has," replied Ash. "And we can also look at Diantha's profile since we don't know which Pokémon she has."
"You are right, it's better to know at least something about your opponent, then nothing," said Brock and then they looked at Melissa's profile. "She also appears to have a lot of different types just as Ritchie so it won't be easy to guess which ones she will use."
After few minutes of looking at Melissa's profile Ash changed it to Diantha's profile.
"It sure looks like she has some strong Pokémon,"commented Ash while looking at Diantha's profile.
"She sure does," agreed Brock. "And it looks like they are all fully evolved Pokémon."
"That doesn't mean that they are strong, but since she appears to be a very good trainer then it's most likely that they are strong," said Ash, and everyone agreed.
"But which ones will she use against Cynthia in a semifinal," asked Misty? "Since it will be six Pokémon and she probably knows how strong Cynthia is, she will probably use her strongest."
"Let's see, she has Hawlucha, Tyrantrum, Aurorus, Gourgeist, Goodra, Gardevoir, and a few others, but those six appear to be her strongest so she will probably use them," said Ash.
"She has a few duel-types which can prove to be a challenge, but that Goodra will probably be the strongest since its Pseudo-Legendary Pokémon," said Cynthia.
"Yeah, I agree, but don't dismiss the other Pokémon just because Goodra is Pseudo-Legendary," said Ash. "I have a Dragonair who is also Pseudo-Legendary and he is not my strongest Pokémon."
"Don't worry Ash, I'm not a person who underestimates my opponents and their Pokémon," said Cynthia, making Ash smile.
"That's good to know," said Ash.
"Now that this is over, what are we going to do for the rest of the day since there are no battles today," asked Leaf?
"I don't know," replied Ash. "What do you want to do?"
"I guess we can hang around the Village, it's not like we can do anything else," replied Leaf, and the others all agreed.
"Hey where are my parents and sister," asked Ash, since he didn't see them after he came back in the Pokémon center with Cynthia?
"Oh, they all went to have some fun around the village," replied Misty. "We might see them somewhere."
"Ok, let's go," said Ash, and everyone left the room and went out of the Pokémon center.
XXX
"Welcome, to the third battle of the fifth round of this year's Pokémon League tournament. This battle promises to be one of better ones in this round because of the simple fact that both competitors have won all of their matches in the preliminaries without losing even one Pokémon," said the announcer and the crowd started cheering loudly!
"On the green side of the field, we have Ash Ketchum, for whom many think has the biggest chances of winning this tournament along with the mysterious Tobias who has a Darkrai, while on the red side, we have Ritchie, who has shown in the preliminaries that he is a very good trainer, since he won all of his battles easily!"
While Ash was on the field, all of his family and friends were sitting in the crowd watching the battle and cheering for Ash. Though they were all cheering, Amber was the only one who was shouting.
"Come on big brother, show them who is the best and win this battle," Amber shouted, while everyone around her just laughed at her excitement!
After the announcer stopped speaking, the referee asked. "Are you both ready?"
Ash and Ritchie who were standing opposite of each other nodded and the referee started the match. "BEGIN!"
"Butterfree, come on out," said Ash!
"So you have a Butterfree as well," commented Ritchie. "Well then, let's see which one is better."
"Happy, you are up," Ritchie called out his own Butterfree!
"It seem we will see a battle between two Butterfree's," shouted the announcer.
"Happy, use Whirlwind," said Ritchie!
"Butterfree, you to use Whirlwind," said Ash!
Both Butterfree's started flapping their wings and a gust is created from them that then went and hit one another and started pushing at each other battling to overpower the other.
After a few seconds Ash's Butterfree's Whirlwind overpowered Ritchie's and hit him straight on, which then sent him flying around the field.
"Happy, try to fight it and come out of that Whirlwind," Ritchie yelled, and his Butterfree tried to come out from the strong Whirlwind that was throwing him around, but was unable to and only after few more seconds of being thrown around, did Whirlwind stopped and Ritchie's Butterfree fell on the ground completely exhausted.
"Come on Happy, stand up," said Ritchie, and his Pokémon tried to stand but was too exhausted and couldn't do it.
"Finish it off with Sleep Powder," said Ash!
Butterfree flew above Happy and started flapping his wings, releasing a blue, shining powder from his wings which then fell on Happy and it instantly putt him to sleep.
"Red trainers, Butterfree is unable to battle, the winner is green trainers, Butterfree," said the referee!
"And that's it for Ritchie's first Pokémon in today's battle, what will he do now," questioned the announcer?
"Happy, return," said Ritchie, and pulled out his second Poke Ball. "Come on out, Zippo."
"Ritchie's second Pokémon is Charmeleon, let's see Ash choice," said the announcer!
"Butterfree, return," said Ash. "Come out Flareon."
"It's the battle between two fire types' let's see how this turns out," commented the announcer!
"BEGIN!"
"Zippo, use Flamethrower," said Ritchie!
"Flareon, dodge," said Ash!
Charmeleon took a deep breath and fired a relatively powerful Flamethrower, at Flareon, who didn't do anything, until the attack was right in front of him, when he just moved on the side and Flamethrower missed him.
"Zippo, use Flamethrower, again," said Ritchie and his Pokémon then started firing Flamethrower after Flamethrower at Flareon who was just dodging them.
After few more tries that failed Ritchie stopped his Pokémon and told him. "Zippo, use Smokescreen, and then follow it up with Tackle."
Charmeleon released a large cloud of smoke from his mouth that then spread across the field and blocked the view. Then he started running to where he could smell Flareon, and tried to tackle him.
"Flareon, dodge, now," said Ash and Flareon moved to the side just as Charmeleon was about to hit him, which surprised him and Ritchie because they thought that Flareon and Ash can't see him.
"Great, now use Fire Blast," said Ash.
Flareon opened his mouth and fired a star shaped attack that went straight at Charmeleon who didn't dodge it in time and was hit head on.
"NOOO, Zippo," yelled Ritchie because he was concerned about his Pokémon who was kneeling on the ground with burns all over his body, and the only reason he wasn't knocked out is because he was a fire type Pokémon and had a resistance against fire type attacks, but this one was very powerful and almost knocked him out!
"Finish this off with, Quick Attack," said Ash, and Flareon run at Charmeleon who was still kneeling on the ground and hit him in the middle of the body, which sent him backwards, where he fell unconscious.
"Charmeleon is unable to battle, the winner is Flareon," said the referee.
"Ritchie's second Pokémon is defeated, will he lose without taking at least one of Ash's Pokémon just like the others did or will he succeed where they all failed," commented the announcer, and crowd started cheering for Ritchie, hoping he will take out some of Ash's Pokémon, so that the battle will last longer!
"Zippo, return," said Ritchie, and sighed. "I guess Ash is too powerful for me and my Pokémon right now, but I won't give up, and if I lose I will lose while fighting," Ritchie thought, and then he released his final Pokemon! "Sparky, you are next." His Pikachu, who was next to him nodded and went on the battlefield!
"Flareon, return," said Ash. "Jolteon, come out."
"Ritchie choses his Pikachu for his last Pokémon, while Ash switches Flareon for Jolteon," commented the announcer! "Let's see how this turns out!"
"Are you ready," asked the referee? Ash and Ritchie nodded, and the referee started the match. "BEGIN!"
"Sparky, use Thunderbolt," said Ritchie!
"Jolteon, counter it with your, Thunderbolt," said Ash!
Both Pokémon fired their own attack, but instead of meeting in the middle like this normally happens, Jolteon's Thunderbolt missed Pikachu's on purpose and both attacks hit their target head on.
And while Jolteon stood there and took it like a champ, with only a little pained grimace on his face, Pikachu yelled in pain and got blown backwards toward Ritchie.
"Sparky, are you Ok," asked concerned Ritchie?
Pikachu stood up half a minute later but was breathing heavily because of Jolteon's Thunderbolt.
"How can Thunderbolt hurt Pikachu this much if he is electric type Pokémon," asked Ritchie while looking at Ash?
"That is because every attack can hurt any Pokémon if that attack is powerful enough. And my Jolteon's electric attacks are much more powerful than your Pikachu, that is why it caused him so much damage," replied Ash, and Ritchie now realized how much more powerful Jolteon is compered to his Pikachu.
"I see," said Richie slowly with bowed head. "Well I guess we can at least lose while fighting! Sparky, use Quick Attack!"
Ash smiled at what Ritchie said, and called his last attack. "Jolteon, use Wild Charge!"
Jolteon surrounded himself with electricity and run straight at Pikachu, who was running at him with Quick Attack.
When they collided, Pikachu yelled in pain and was blown back. He rolled on the ground several times, until he stopped in front of Ritchie, passed out.
"Pikachu is unable to battle, the winner is Jolteon, and the match goes to Ash Ketchum," said the referee!
"And that's it everyone, Ash wins another round without losing even one of his Pokémon, while Ritchie has unfortunately finished his participation in this year's tournament," said the announcer!
"Sparky, return," said Ritchie and called back his Pokémon, and then looked at Ash, who has just patted his Jolteon and returned him as well.
Ritchie approached to Ash and put his hand forward for a handshake. "That was great battle from you, Ash, I hope we can have another one, one day."
Ash took his hand and replied. "You also did well Ritchie, you just need more training."
"I will start training much harder from now on, and our next battle won't be this one sided," said Ritchie and Ash laughed and nodded, before they both turned around and left the field.
Up in the stands with the crowd, Amber was going wild, and yelling. "That's my big brother, way to go," she yelled and Red, Delia and the others stood up to go and find Ash.
"Come on, let's go and find Ash," said Delia, and everyone left the stands.