Chapter 114 - The battle between Ash and Calem! I hope you enjoy reading this one as much as I did writing it. One of the more fun battles I've written throughout the story so far! Don't forget to like, vote and to comment! Maybe even follow if you're really on it!
Also, I've made a discord server and if you want to join, I'll put a link in the comments! Now, without further a do, enjoy the new chapter!
Important info: The commentator will be written in Italics.
League scoreboard:
Bold: Trainer/Pokemon name
Italics: Fainted Pokemon
Underline: Resting Pokemon
(Pokeball): Unrevealed Pokemon
For example - Trainer A: Poke1, Poke2, Poke3, Poke4, Poke5 (Pokeball), Poke6 (active one)
Wordcount: 8248
*quick note, I know, Houndoom has the ability Flash Fire but just roll with it*
_______________________________________
Narrator: Last time, Ash and Serena had an encounter with one of Ash's old rivals, Morrison. Ash learned about the format and that he was to battle Calem. Now, standing on the grass battlefield as everyone is watching, both Ash and Calem hold their first choice firmly in their hands.
"Alright, let's show them how strong we've become!" Calem shouted as he flinged the Pokeball of his first choice forward. "Chesnaught, let's go!"
The Pokeball opened and a white flash appeared. The flash materialized in Calem's powerful and loyal Kalos starter. "Ches--- CHESNAUGHT!!" It roared in pride as it bumped it's fists against each other.
"Kay buddy! I choose you!" Ash shouted as he threw his chosen Pokeball toward the battlefield. The Pokeball opened and the white flash that appeared changed into a purple blob that landed on the ground. "Mu-Muk!!" It roared in its low-pitched voice.
"It seems that Calem has chosen to start off with his impressive Chesnaught while Ash has chosen for his Muk. Ash has the advantage here but don't let looks deceive you folks, this Chesnaught has single handedly worked Calem through the preliminary stages!"
Ash smirked. He was ready to battle and give it his all. Calem studied Muk's appearance. Like the commentator said, he was at a disadvantage but that didn't mean he couldn't win.
In the stands
"I didn't know Ash had a Muk?" Tierno said as he looked at the large Poison type.
"It's amazing!" Max said all of a sudden. "I've watched Ash's battles in the Indigo League and the Jotho league over and over again. How it took down that Bellsprout was truly amazing!" Max shouted in excitement.
"Uhh Max? I don't think a Bellsprout is that hard to beat..." Bonnie commented, sweatdropping.
"Oh if you only saw that one." Max laughed. "You'd beg to differ." He finished.
"It doesn't matter really." Clemont suddenly said, adjusting his glasses. "Choosing Muk against a grass type like Chesnaught is a really smart choice!" He noted.
"Yeah!" Serena smiled. "And I know that they won't be beaten easily!" She smirked.
"I agree!" A voice from the stairs said. They turned to see Gary there with two bags of popcorn in both hands. "Sorry guys, it took a bit longer than expected..." Gary apologized, sweatdropping while scratching the back of his head nervously.
Back at the battlefield.
"Battle begin!" The referee declared, raising his flags up high.
"We have to be careful Chesnaught! Muk is a poison type!" Calem shouted to his partner who bumped his fists to each other againg, clearly excited and as ready as ever to give it his all. "Start off with Pin Missle!"
"Ches---NAUGHT!" The large, spiky grass type roared as his spikes on his back started to glow bright and shot straight towards Muk. The spikes left a green trail behind as they were sent off flying.
"Muk! Counter with Sludge Bomb!" Ash countered quickly.
As the words left his mouth, Muk opened his and roared as brown blobs of mud were spit out, slamming into the incoming bug type attack.
One by one, the moves canceled each other out. It went on for a few seconds until there were none left anymore. Both Ash and Calem smirked as they tested each other out for a bit.
"It seems like the first moves of the battle are evenly matched!"
Calem started off with the attack again as he gave the following command. "Chesnaught! Get in close and use Hammer Arm to switch things up!"
"Naught!" It exclaimed as it started running towards Muk. As it did, it's right arm started glowing completely white.
"Let it come closer..." Ash almost whispered, gritting his teeth. Muk did as it was asked and focused on the movements of Chesnaught.
Chesnaught roared as it stomped onto the ground, getting closer and closer with its white glowing arms. Just as Chesnaught was about to strike, Ash called out to Muk. "OK, Poison Gas! Quick!"
Calem's eyes widened as he heard the command and saw Muk opening his mouth, releasing some sort of venomous gas from its mouth.
But it was to no avail as Chesnaught's eyes widened while covering its face with its big hands. Purple bubbles appeared above it as it's cheeks coloured slightly purple.
"Chesnaught appears to be poisoned! Will Calem find a way out of this?"
"Smart move..." Calem gritted his teeth.
"Thanks!" Ash smirked confidently before waving his hand sideways and ordering his next command. "Let's get on the attack now Muk and use Body Slam!"
"Quick! Widraw and use Spiky Shield!" Calem countered fast as there was now a close up on his face.
"Ches!" Chesnaught exclaimed, retracting his whole body until he was a round, spiky shell.
"Mu-Muk!" Muk roared as the Poison type widened it's arms and made itself larger. Slowly Muk became bigger and bigger before he towered over Chesnaught who was curler up into a ball.
"Do it!" Ash shouted as Muk threw himself on Chesnaught. Normally, every pokemon would cry out in pain as soon as they would touch the spikes on its shield but due to Muk's body, things were different in his case. Muk's poisonous body went over it like pudding and enveloped Chesnaught completely.
Ash smirked as everything went according to plan. However, what he didn't know was that Calem was planning something himself aswell. "Hey Ash!" He shouted from across the battlefield.
"Yeah?" Ash asked, raising his eyebrow in curiosity. "You know, I've been having a lot of fun battling you!" Calem grinned.
Ash smiled at this. "You know what Calem? Me too! I'm having a blast actually!" Ash laughed.
Calem chuckled. "Nice choice of words." He said. Ash looked at him with confusion written all over his face. "What do you mean?"
"I'll show you. Chesnaught, now that Muk can't dodge, use Pin Missle and follow it up with Hammer Arm!"
Ash's eyes widened at the command. "Muk! Get out of there!" Ash panicked. But it was to no avail as Muk's eyes widened aswell and explosions happened under his body. Muk roared in pain as it got off of Chesnaught who had its fists glowing brightly already.
"Ches---NAUGHT!!!' Chesnaught roared with a large amount of power, throwing its fist towards Muk.
"Muuuk---!" Muk exclaimed, receiving another hit from Chesnaught, launching into the stadium wall.
*BOOM*
Chesnaught roared with clappering teeth. Purple bubbles appeared for a split second above its head as it took a battle stance again.
"And Muk has taken a heavy hit from Chesnaught who isn't without damage either. The Poison effect gives even the strongest pokemon a difficult time!"
A small dustcloud had formed around the place where Muk had impacted on the wall. The crowd grew silent and waited for anything to happen. Ash was also waiting to see if his Kantonian pokemon was still able to battle or if it would be knocked out cold.
In the stands
"Come on Muk... please be okay..." Serena pleaded, holding both of her hands on her chest where her heart was located. She was worried and that was completely visible on her face.
Trevor however was flabbergasted. "I never expected Calem to have become so powerful! Ash sure has his work cut out for him." He said as he grabbed his camera and took a few pictures.
"Ash won't have an easy time with this battle at all. Calem looks like he's planned everything out and so far, he's deciding the pace of the battle." Clemont agreed, adjusting his glasses.
"I wouldn't underestimate Ash and his pokemon." Gary said, gaining the attention while not taking his eyes of the battlefield. "Ash is strong and unpredictable. He'll never give up without a good fight. That's why he'll win this battle." Gary said with full confidence in his oldest rival.
"Go Ash Go!" Bonnie shouted with passion, pumping her fist up high. Max chuckled before he joined in too. "You can do it Ash!" He shouted. "RRAAHH!!" "PIKA-PIKACHUU!!!" Both Pikachu and Lucario added with determination.
In the VIP box
"This battle has started off quite interesting huh?" Professor Sycamore commented as he watched the smoke slowly fading around Muk.
"You can say that professor." Diantha chuckled. "Both trainers are exceptional. Ash has been the only trainer that has been close to beating my Gardevoir while Calem's raw power is very interesting to say the least." She commented on the battle.
"I understand what you mean." Professor Sycamore said. He looked closely at both Ash and Calem as he said, "Both trainers are so different, yet so alike. As Calem took the path of raw power, Ash took the path of love and care. He really draws out the full potential of his pokemon. Calem however makes it look like he doesn't give his pokemon anything but as you can see, his pokemon respect him. His Chesnaught for example. It wouldn't give up, even if it would be hit by multiple super effective moves." He finished. Diantha could only nod in agreement.
On the field.
"Muk!? Are you alright!?" Ash shouted in fear as the dust finally started to settle. Finally, Muk became visible and much to everyone's surprise, it was mostly fine. A few scratches here and there but it wouldn't give up that easily. Having a body like that had some great benefits as it didn't matter how hard it would be hit, it's jelly, sludge kind of body mostly absorbed each blow which minimized the damage.
Ash breathed a sigh of relief as Muk got himself out of the rubble that he had created with being smacked onto the wall like that.
Ash thought it was time to change things up a bit now and grabbed his pokeball. "Muk, return!" He shouted as a red beam absorbed the poison type. He looked at the pokeball and said, "Don't worry Muk, you'll get another chance, I promise." Before putting it away.
Just as he did that, another red beam absorbed Chesnaught. Ash was surprised as Calem switched out aswell. But on the other hand it was quite understandable since Chesnaught was probably his strongest pokemon and he didn't want to let the poison do too much.
"Both trainers have decided to call their pokemon back. The first battle between these fierce trainers had some interesting blows. Now, which pokemon will they choose to continue the battle?"
"Talonflame, let's do this!" Calem shouted, throwing a pokeball high up in the air. The pokeball opened and the red and grey bird appeared with a mesmerizing schreech. The flying fire type hovered right infornt of its trainer before it landed on the ground and tucked its wings back in a more comfortable position.
"Talonflame huh..." Ash smirked before he threw a pokeball himself. "Houndoom, I choose you!" Ash shouted. The pokeball opened up ant the white light that came from it, materialized in the demon dog called Houndoom. It landed on the ground with and stood tall and proud with its eyes closed. The keystone that used to hang under its belly was now placed on its collar and shining brightly.
Then, it opened it's eyes and saw his opponent. It's eyes widened before Houndoom before he looked back at Ash.
"You're right buddy! We're battling Calem today and I believe that you can be a key factor in this battle. So, will you give me a hand?" Ash asked Houndoom.
The dark type looked at Ash, considering the offer for a minute. He had a lot of memories about Calem. Houndoom snarled. Ever since he's been abandoned, he felt a grudge towards Calem, wanting to redeem himself. And now, now Houndoom had the opportunity.
With one mighty howl, Houndoom breathed fire through its nostrils before lowering itself like a predator and making a battle stance. Houndoom bellowed, facing Talonflame who spread its wings wide and screeched in a way to try and intimidate.
Calem was surprised to see Houndoom but the more he thought about it, the more it made sense. He smirked, knowing Ash's plan. He faced Ash and said, "I see you plan to use the history between me and Houndoom against me."
Ash smirked. "That's not completely true." He said, looking at Houndoom. "He deserves a chance to show how strong he truly is. And I believe in him!" Ash added. Houndoom barked in approval.
"For their second pokemon, Calem has chosen his Talonflame while Ash has chosen his Houndoom. Let's see how this will play out!"
The scoreboard had updated now aswell.
Ash: Muk, Houndoom, Pokeball
Calem: Chesnaught, Talonflame, Pokeball
In the stands
"Houndoom huh..." Tierno murmured, sweating. He knew the history Houndoom shared with Calem and wanted to do something about it but at the time but, he didn't want to get on Calem's bad side. Now however, Calem looked like a changed man. It was visible in his battling aswell. Even when his pokemon were knocked out, he praised them instead of showing anger.
"This is gonna be interesting." Clemont said, adjusting his glasses again. Serena however, who normally would be worried, looked very confident now. "They'll be able to win this. Ash and Houndoom have been working very hard for this battle. I believe in them!" She said, clenching her fist as she held it on her chest.
May playfully punched Serena's shoulder. "You're right! The Ash we know won't give up, right?" May said with a smile on her lips.
Serena nodded with a heartfelt and genuine smile. "Right!" She agreed before looking back at the battlefield, mainly towards Ash. "Go Ash!" She shouted. A small blush appeared on her face as she smiled blissfully.
"You can win this!" Max and Bonnie added to her shouting.
At the battlefield
"Houndoom, let's start things off with Flamethrower!" Ash shouted, giving the first command of the continued of the battle.
"Hurrrr---!" Houndoom roared as he retracted his head backwards. The flames already started escaping his mouth before he threw it forward and releasing a big stream of flames from his mouth towards Talonflame who watched the flames getting closer, unfazed.
"Talonflame, fly up and dodge!" Calem commanded. With one flap of its big wings, Talonflame flew up, dodging the jet of flames.
"Great! Aerial Ace, now!" Calem commanded, swiping his hand sideways.
"Talon----" Talonflame exclaimed as it made a quick loop before diving down fast. White, flashing streaks that trailed the flying type.
"Houndoom, push it back with Dark Pulse!" Ash countered quickly, pointing straight up at Talonflame.
"Hrraaaaa!!!" Houndoom exclaimed as it held its head up high and fired a beam of dark and purple rings towards Talonflame who closed ij rapidly.
"Don't let up Talonflame, dodge and go!" Calem encouraged his fire type.
"Flameee---!" Talonflame screeched, spinning around the Dark Pulse before speeding up.
"Lure it in..." Ash said, loud enough for Houndoom to hear. Houndoom gritted his teeth as he waited for the fast appearing flyer. Talonflame screeched as it was about to strike but not before Ash could give a call. "Houndoom, jump and use Smog!"
Right as Talonflame was about to strike, Houndoom jumped up, causing both trainer and pokemon to go wide-eyed. But the worst was yet to happen as Houndoom released dark green poisoned gas from its mouth, trapping Talonflame in it completely.
"Talonflame!" Calem shouted in worry. But Ash smirked as he wasn't done yet. "Houndoom, Thunder Fang!"
"Hurrrraaaa!" Houndoom roared before diving in. His teeth were surrounded by crackling electricity.
"Counter with Fire Blast!" Calem shouted in the midst of his panic.
Talonflame looked up at Houndoom who came diving down. It opened it's beak and released a jet of flames that spread wide in a 大 shape.
*BOOM*
A large cloud of smoke enveloped the the whole battlefield as the two pokemon and their moves clashed. Both Ash and Calem sweated at the impact of the moves and waited for the smoke to clear which was the only thing they could do.
Or so Ash thought atleast...
"Talonflame, use the smoke to your advantage! Use another Fire Blast on the ground underneath you!"
Suddenly, something shot up from the smoke, much to Ash's surprise. He knew what was gonna happen next. "Houndoom! Get out of the smoke!" Ash cried out in visible panic.
But it was too late as Talonflame fired another streak of fire towards the ground. Once it hit, the fire split in five parts, shaped like this 大.
"Hurrr!" Houndoom screamed as one of the streaks of fire hit it straight in the face. This made the smoke clear aswell. Once Houndoom also was revealed, Ash grabbed his pokeball. "Houndoom, return!" He said, deciding to change his strategy.
The red beam. Hit the Dark type that looked worse than it actually was and absorbed it back into the pokeball. "Don't worry buddy. You're on later!" Ash smiled at the pokeball with sympathy.
"And Ash switches out his Houndoom. Now, what will be his next pokemon?"
"Snorlax, I choose you!" Ash shouted, throwing the pokeball containing the large normal type forward. The pokeball opened and the white light materialized into Snorlax who landed with a big thud on the ground.
"Ash has chosen his Snorlax!"
(---)
"So Snorlax is Ash's third pokemon... I wonder if they can change the battle now into their advantage." Clemont commented.
"I know he can! And he will!" Serena said full determination, facing Clemont with an almost annoyed look.
Clemont sweatdropped and held his hands up in defeat. "Yeah... I didn't mean it in a bad way..." He chuckled.
"Serena is right." Gary said, gaining the attention of everyone as he still didn't face them and kept watching infront of him. "Brock once told me that, that Snorlax of Ash's is capable of using seven moves."
"SEVEN!?" Clemont said in shock as all the others looked at him in surprise. "B-but that's scientifically impossible!" He said, fully in denial.
"You say that but Ash's Houndoom has used Flamethrower, Dark Pulse, Smog, Thunder Fang and knows Crunch." Max said, adjusting his own glasses. "If my calculations are right, that are five moves." Max added with a hint of sarcasm.
Clemont sighed in defeat and slouched back into his seat as everyone looked back at the battlefield.
(---)
"Let's get the show on the road Snorlax!" Ash grinned, stretching his feet before he stood up straight again.
"Lax-Snorlax!" Snorlax exclaimed with a grin and petting his belly.
"Talonflame, Flame Charge!" Calem shouted, pointing straight ahead. Talonflame screeched as it engulfed itself in fire and flew down towards Snorlax as fast as possible. While using Flame Charge, it's speed increased significantly.
"Snorlax, counter it with Ice Punch!" Ash commanded quickly, wanting to counter it immediately.
As Talonflame flew in faster and faster, Snorlax braced itself. When Talonflame came in range, Snorlax swung its fist that started glowing icy white towards Talonflame.
*BOOM*
Both moves clashed. Both tried to push through but it was to no avail as it ended up in a stalemate.
"Talonflame, use this to your advantage! Use Fire Blast!" Calem shouted.
"Oh no you don't! Snorlax, finish this with Hyper Beam!" Ash countered quickly, waving his hand sideways with a clean swoop.
Talonflame flapped just wings to create a small amount of distance between the two of them before it started charging up the fire in its mouth.
Just then, Snorlax concentrated its body and had its mouth wide open as it absorbed orange energy in its mouth. "SNOOOORRR!!!" It roared.
"Fire Talonflame!"
"Let it rip Snorlax!"
Both pokemon fired their moves towards each other while still being in close proximity to one another.
*BOOM*
A large explosion occurred and an even bigger smoke cloud appeared. Both Ash and Calem had to shield their faces with their arms in order to cover themselves from the incoming dust and debris.
It took a few minutes but when the smoke finally dissapeared, both pokemon revealed to be standing on the ground. Talonflame was completely scratched up and panted heavily while Snorlax only had a few.
Just then, Calem called out another attack to keep the offense going. "Talonflame, use Flame Charge!"
Talonflame jumped up and bursted into flames as it went straight for Snorlax.
Calem knew that Talonflame wasn't able to keep going much longer but he also knew that Talonflame would give it its all to do as much damage as possible.
"Snorlax, Protect!" Ash commanded. Quickly, Snorlax put on a cyan blue shield up. Talonflame flew as fast as it could as it's speed was boosted again. It crashed right into the shield but to it surprise, it got bounced back a bit.
Ash now saw his opportunity. "Snorlax, finish this! Use Body Slam!"
"LAAAXXX---!" Snorlax exclaimed, making itself big. Talonflame went wide-eyed and Calem gasped as Talonflame was in too close proximity to dodge.
Then, Snorlax fell right on top of Talonflame who was frozen in place.
*BOOM*
"Talonflame!" Calem shouted in panic. Snorlax rolled aside, revealing the fire bird. Talonflame revealed to be in a hole of its own form in the ground. It's foot was a bit crackled up and it's beak was open as it let out a small crackle. Swirls were in its eyes.
"Talonflame is unable to battle, Snorlax wins!" The referee declared.
"Ash takes the first win! How will Calem respond to this?"
Calem took out his pokeball and returned Talonflame back to it. Then, he put it away and grabbed another. "Chesnaught let's battle!"
The pokeball opened and Chesnaught appeared on the battlefield. Once it landed on the ground, it let out a small grunt as purple bubbles appeared above its head for a moment since it was still poisoned from the battle against Muk earlier.
"And Calem has chosen his Chesnaught again! It is still poisoned so lets see how Calem will deal with this."
On the scoreboard the picture of Chesnaught turned back to colour again while Talonflame's picture turned grey with its head turning into a black silhouette.
"Battle continue!" The referee called out.
"Alright Chesnaught! Pin Missle!" Calem called out quickly. The large grass type bend slightly forward before its spikes fired off white glowing needles that left a green trail in a zig-zagging pattern towards Snorlax.
"Protect!"
A liquid dome in a cyan blue colour appeared around Snorlax as the Pin Missle was raining down on the normal type. Calem gritted his teeth as Snorlax revealed to be unharmed after the bug type move's barrage.
"Hammer Arm!" Calem shouted, wanting to put on the pressure. He knew that Chesnaught wouldn't last long due to the poison so he had to speed things up.
"Counter with Mega Punch!" Ash said. Both pokemon's fists started glowing brightly as they charged at each other. Both roared before throwing their fists towards each other.
Their fists clashed, pushing each other for domination which didn't really work since both proved to be powerhouses and therefore met at a stalemate.
"Use your other arm!" Calem shouted. Ash however was ready. "Close combat you want? Close combat you get! Snorlax, use your other hand and use Ice Punch!"
As their fists were still pushing each other, Chesnaught's other fist glowed bright aswell and was about to strike until it was suddenly met by a cold punch.
"Keep it up Snorlax!" Ash encouraged his normal type as his mirage image appeared behind Snorlax.
"You too Chesnaught!" Calem shouted, having the same effect but then behind Chesnaught.
Both pokemon roared again as Snorlax tried to do an uppercut but was blocked by Chesnaught's arm swinging down. And whenever Chesnaught tried something different, he was met by a counter of Snorlax's side.
"Both pokemon are either willing to give in! This sure has become a fierce and exhilarating battle!"
The crowd was very surprised. No one had expected such fast and precise movements from such a large pokemon as Snorlax which was known for its bulky defense.
In the stands
Clemont watched in awe, along with the others. Pikachu and Lucatio cried their hearts out in support for their trainer and friend. Serena however, was nervously holding her ribbon that was tied around her wrist, praying for Ash to pull through. After all, not only the Kalos League was at stake but also their future together.
Back on the field
Both fists of both pokemon were stuck against eachother. The trainers and pokemon knew, one wrong move and the other would have an opportunity to finish it off.
"Snorlax, Headbutt!" Ash suddenly called out. Calem gasped and his eyed widened as Chesnaught had no way out and suddenly, Snorlax slammed its head into the spiky armor pokemon, making it groan in pain and surprise as it stumbled back.
"Great job Snorlax!" Ash cheered, pumping his fist. "Snor-Snorlax!" Snorlax said in a cheery tone. "Now, let's finish this up! Use Earthquake!" Ash called out.
Snorlax jumped up high before slamming its feet powerfully on the ground. Everyone in the stadium had to hold on their seats due to the sheer power of the attack.
"Oh no you don't! Chesnaught, use Hammer Arm onto the ground!" Calem shouted. "Ches---NAUGHT!" Chesnaught exclaimed before both of its hands glowed brightly and slammed it full force at the ground.
Again, the stadium shook and everyone held on for dear life but what happened at the battlefield surprised everyone, especially Ash.
Due to the powerful Hammer Arm, the Earthquake was canceled out. Calem didn't want to let this opportunity pass and ordered his strongest attack.
"Frenzy Plant!"
"CHES---!" Chesnaught roared as it slammed both fists against the ground. The ground shook heavily and roots shot up from the ground.
Ash's eyes widened as he quickly shouted to Snorlax, "Use Protect!"
But it was too late. Snorlax didn't even stand a chance as the vines ruthlessly crashed into him.
*BOOM*
A large explosion occurred and the battlefield was covered in a large cloud of dust and debris, completely covering Snorlax and Chesnaught inside of it. Calem smirked as Ash anxiously eyed the cloud.
Once the cloud was gone, Chesnaught stood on his legs but purple bubbles were shown, proving that the poison from earlier had it's effect on the grass type. Snorlax was revealed, laying on its back with swirls in his eyes as he gave a small grunt.
"Snorlax is unable to battle! Chesnaught wins!" The referee declared. The scoreboard updated and darkened the picture of Snorlax.
"Now Ash has lost a pokemon aswell, the score is even! Which pokemon will be the next choice for our Kantonian participant?"
"It's right here!" Ash smirked as he just had returned Snorlax and held put a new pokeball before throwing it. "Muk, I choose you!"
The pokeball opened and Muk materialized infront of Ash. "Mum-Muk!" It exclaimed as the purple blob landed on the ground infront of Ash.
"And Ash has decided to go with Muk again who has an advantage over Chesnaught, being a poison type. However, due to what we've seen before, that doesn't really matter in this case. Let's see what the battle has to offer!"
The scoreboard updated and Muk's picture was glowing in colour again.
"Battle resume!" The referee shouted. Ash grinned as he faced Calem and Chesnaught. "Alright Muk! Let's start off with Sludge Bomb!"
"Counter it with Pin Missle!" Calem shouted, countering Ash's move. Both pokemon roared as they released their moves.
*BOOM*
The moves collided in the middle, mid-air. It created a small cloud of smoke, one Ash was planning to use. "Muk, hide in the smoke!" Ash commanded quickly.
Muk obeyed it's trainers orders, completely trusting his plan as he moved into the smoke. Calem wasn't planning on waiting either as he ordered another Pin Missle into the cloud of smoke. Hearing Ash's command made him smirk. It was impossible for Muk to dodge such an attack while not being able to navigate or see them coming through the smoke.
Suddenly, the smoke dissapeared like a whirlwind happened. Everyone gasped except for Ash as Muk was using its very own form of counter shield. Muk's body was circling around just like Paul's Gastrodon did during the Sinnoh League as it fired a Sludge Bomb in a circular form, protecting itself.
"Great job Muk!" Ash praised his poison type, pumping his fist. "Now, direct it into an attack!" He added with a command.
"Muuuuuk!!!" Muk exclaimed wildly before turning its head down toward Chesnaught. The muddy, sludge whirlpool like attack fell onto its side, going straight for Chesnaught who was frozen in fear by the incoming attack.
We can not stop it but we can still attack! Calem thought to himself. He had already an attack prepared as he revealed it by commanding Chesnaught. "Use Frenzy Plant, quick!"
Chesnaught shook his head, regaining focus before slamming his arms as hard as possible on the ground. Huge roots appeared and went straight for Muk.
The attacks passed eachother and time seemed to slow down as pokemon's eyes widened even more and their pupils dilated as the attacks closed on them rapidly.
*BOOM* *BOOM*
On one side of the battlefield was a large smoke cloud while the other side was engulfed in more like a mud pool with dust swirling around it. Everyone waited in anticipation as their eyes were fixated on the battlefield.
Alain gripped his hands even tighter on the metal bar of the fence infront of him. So did Morrison.
Serena anxiously grabbed her ribbon that was on her wrist, with her other hand and placed them on her heart. Clemont, Max, Bonnie and all the others had their mouths agape, seeing the ginormous clash between the pokemon.
Delia, Professor Oak and Tracey had their eyes glued on the battlefield. Then, Professor Oak made a comment. "Muk sure delivers a good fight! I can see that he hasn't worn down since leaving my lab!" He chuckled as he pointed his finger upwards, trying to make a point. Delia and Tracey sweatdropped at this.
The smoke finally dissapeared and both pokemon became visible. The result of the battle was clear and it shocked everyone.
The referee raised both of his flags. "Both Chesnaught and Muk are unable to battle. Therefore, this battle is a draw!" He exclaimed.
Unbelievable folks! We're witnessing a double knock out here!"
The crowd erupted in cheers as the battle now became a one on one and things were already very heated.
Ash returned Muk and thanked him for his hard work before putting the pokeball away. Then, he looked at the scoreboard.
Ash: Muk, Snorlax, Houndoom
Calem: Chesnaught, Talonflame, (Pokeball)
"Things aren't looking so good for Ash..." Tierno commented. "How so?" Shauna asked, genuinely interested.
Gary decided to speak up. "Tierno is right." He said, gaining the attention. For the first time during the battle, he faced them and uncrossed his arms and pointed his finger up. "Ash only has a tired Houndoom left while Calem still has a fresh pokemon which I assume is his strongest."
"You're right." Trevor said. "It's his mega evolving Absol. He always saves it for last and definetly is his strongest.
Everyone's faced turned sad except for two. "No way!" Serena shouted to her friends. "Despite any disadvantages, Ash will go through to the next round! No matter what!"
Despite all her nervousness and anxiety, she believed in him with everything she had.
"But Serena? Houndoom wears a Mega stone but has he ever used it before?" Shauna asked, pointing out that Calem still has a Mega evolving pokemon.
"No... he hasn't..." She almost whispered.
"Serena is right!" Max shouted, being the second who refused to believe it was over for Ash. "Ash has always pulled through when it mattered the most and so will he now! I believe in him and I know he can win! That's why I idolize him..." Max said, whispering the end. Everyone looked at him in awe. Serena smiled weakly at him. "Thanks Max..." She whispered to which he nodded.
(---)
"Houndoom! Come on out!" Ash shouted, sending Houndoom back on the battlefield.
"Hurrr!!!" Houndoom exclaimed, landing infront of his trainer. He seemed completely fine but Ash knew it was all acting to appear intimidating but he knew that Houndoom was tired.
Calem held his pokeball with a firm grip and smirked before throwing it. "Let's show them Absol!" He shouted. The pokeball opened and revealed the white furred dark type called the Disaster Pokemon. "Absol!" It exclaimed, landing on the ground while making an elegant stand infront of Calem.
"Ash has chosen for his Houndoom while Calem chose for Absol which hasn't battled yet! How will things turn out?"
"Battle begin!" The referee declared.
"Great! Absol, use Dark Pulse!" Calem commanded, waving his hand sideways.
"Counter with your own Houndoom!" Ash shouted.
Both pokemon let out a significant cry before firing a beam of purple and black rings towards each other.
*BOOM*
The two attacks met in the middle, exploding on impact, creating a small smoke cloud. Once it settled, both pokemon appeared to be smirking at each other. Both were longing for this battle already for a long time.
"Houndoom, Crunch!"
"Night Slash Absol, let's go!"
Absol's curved horn glowed pinkish as it started charging straight toward Houndoom who's teeth glowed orange, ran straight at Absol.
Both pokemon met in the middle. Houndoom bit on Absol's horn who tried pushing the dark type back, ultimately ending in a stalemate.
Ash sweated as he watched Houndoom trying its hardest to push Absol back as he suddenly got an idea. "Houndoom, Flamethrower!"
As Houndoom still had its grip on Absol's horn, a jet of flames suddenly appeared from its mouth. "Absol!" Calem cried out in panic as his partner cried in pain, getting burned by thr red hot flames of Houndoom.
"Don't let up Absol! Counter with Slash!" Calem commanded. As Houndoom fired his flames while being down on Absol's horn, Absol used his paw to Slash Houndoom's chest. The dark pokemon cried in pain as it bounced back while Absol did the same.
Both pokemon were panting as they faced eachother with another battle stance, bellowing themselves. Both respected each other and had a rivalry but each of them wanted to win for their trainers. Especially Houndoom as this would be the ultimate revenge for it.
"I must say Ash!" Calem shouted across the battlefield. "I'm having a blast of a time here!" He smiled genuinely.
"Same Calem!" Ash agreed, adjusting his hat. "You've come a long way as a battler and as person since our first battle."
"Thanks for the nice words..." Calem said, shadowing his eyes with his hat before adjusting it. "How about we get the real battle starting and crank it up a notch?" He smirked, revealing the bracelet on his wrist with the keystone in it.
"Absol! Mega Evolve!"
Ash sweated and gritted his teeth as the transformation started. It's horn grew thicker, wings appeared from its back and the white fur on Absol's head grew longer. "Ab---SOL!" Absol roared as the transformation completed. Invisible waves of energy emitted from it and buffeted the audience as the transformation was completed.
"Here we have it folks! The first Mega Evolution of the tournament!"
The crowd roared in delight as they saw Absol in its mega evolved form. Ash's friends and family however, grew more nervous as they saw it.
Ash looked at Houndoom. "Let's give it our all, k buddy?"
"Hurrr--!" Houndoom exclaimed, bellowing his body and showing off his curved horns.
"Flamethrower!"
"Hurrraah---!" Houndoom roared as it fired off a het of flames towards Absol.
"Absol, counter it with Dark Pulse!"
Absol flapped it's wings which blew some sand from the ground. It retracted it's head before throwing it forward, releasing an even bigger streak of purple and black rings than before.
The moves collided in the middle but the what both trainers noticed was that Dark Pulse was lashing the flames back, proving that it's mega evolved form was lots stronger than it's regular form.
"Come on Houndoom! Give it all you've got!" Ash encouraged.
"Rrraaaahhh!!!" Houndoom exclaimed, opening it's jaw even wider while the flames grew bigger, now pushing the Dark Pulse back until they were in the middle again, fighting for dominance over the other.
"Impressive..." Calem murmured.
*BOOM*
The attacks exploded onto each other, resulting in a giant smoke cloud that came right after a large and powerful wave of energy that was sent over the complete battlefield.
Just as the smoke cloud was on its thickest, a bright, green shining light came throught it. Ash had to look more closely to see it but when he saw it, he gasped.
"Do it Absol!" Calem shouted, confirming his suspicion.
*BOOM*
Absol slammed with all the force and power it could muster straight into Houndoom, using Mega Horn.
Houndoom cried in pain as Absol struck it. Ash's group if friends in the stadium and mostly Serena gasped and worried as ever when they saw Houndoom being launched into the stadium wall.
A small dust cloud covered the section of the wall where Houndoom crashed into. Debris was shattered around it. Then, slowly, Houndoom fell out of the wall, onto the ground and leaving a large crater in the form of his body in the wall.
"Houndoom!" Ash shouted in worry. Time seemed to slow down and Ash's worry increased.
Ash looked at his large demon dog, laying on the ground, completely scratched up.
A million scenarios went through his head but the most frequent one was Palermo saying. "If you lose the Kalos League, Serena will go on a performing tour with me."
Ash felt himself sinking through his knees as the world seemed to fall apart infront of him. Everything turned dark except for Houndoom who had a slight glow around him.
Ash looked down. His eyes were shadowed by his cap. Only he and Houndoom were here and a tear was seen rolling down his cheek.
"I-I-m sorry... Serena... I-I've... failed... you..."
The tear rolled down and dropped off his cheek. It slowly fell down until it hit something. The pendance. It somehow landed on the pandance of his necklace.
Soon, a second tear followed, and a third. "I'm sorry Serena! I'm so, so SORRY!" He shouted. Tears escaped his eyes.
"I'm sorry to you too Houndoom... I was supposed to avenge you, make you stronger... but I've FAILED!" He shouted once more.
Suddenly he felt something nudge his arm. Ash looked up. Houndoom was the one nudging him. He was completely scratched up as Ash noticed earlier but it wore a grateful smile.
"Thank you Ash... for everything..." Houndoom murmured.
Ash looked in shock at it until another light interrupted his view. It was a mirage image of Serena. She smiled and let out one of her cute giggles. "Don't give up yet Ash, there's still everything to fight for!" She said in a happy tone.
Ash froze, letting everything sink in. "You guys..." Ash murmured, looking down and letting out a few more tears. Not tears of sorrow but tears of relief. They loved him.
But then, his eyes fell on something that was glowing slightly. He saw his pendance was the cause of it. He opened it and saw the keystone was gleaming.
Ash looked at Houndoom. "You sure...?" He asked, not feeling certain if both of them were ready for it. After all, Ash had experience with pokemon that weren't obedient.
Houndoom nodded as the Houndoomite on his collar shined aswell.
Ash stood up as the mirage image of Serena stood next to Houndoom. "Don't give up until it's over!" They said simultaneously before everything turned back to normal again.
The crowd and everything was completely silent. Serena was in the brink of crying while everyone else was looking at the battlefield in either shock or disbelief. Even Calem was surprised. The referee was about to make the call until Ash spoke up.
"Houndoom!" He shouted. The dark pokemon was still laying motionless on the ground. "We became a team in order to show Calem that teamwork, compassion and love was the way to become strong. We became a team to avenge you. But are you now giving up?" He asked.
Again, no motion came from Houndoom.
Ash sighed before looking back at Houndoom who was still on the ground, surrounded by rubble and debris from the wall.
"Let me tell you something." Ash said with a soft smile. "We are not done yet! We're here to win it all!" Ash shouted, pumping his fist in the air.
Then, a small movement came from Houndoom, making the referee back off to his trainers box.
"Impossible..." Calem murmured.
"That's right Houndoom! You can do it!" Ash encouraged it.
Slowly and weakily, Houndoom made it back on it's feet. He still looked down to the ground as he finally was on its feet. He shook heavily due to pain and tiredness.
Slowly, he dragged his head up, facing Calem and Absol. His eyes were blood red and even glowing.
"Hurrrrrrrrrraaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!" Houndoom roared, tilting his head up high as he fired a Flamethrower into the air that was so big, Calem had never seen anything like it.
"That's it Houndoom!" Ash grinned before he clicked his pendance open and touched the keystone. "Let's win this battle! Houndoom... MEGA EVOLVE!"
Houndoom made a demonic cry as the springs coming from the Houndoomite connected with the ones from Ash's keystone.
The ridges on its back thickened and it gained additional bone-like rings around the base of its tail. The rings on its tail had small spikes on top. The ridge at the base of Houndoom's neck became longer and curved forward towards its shoulders.
Instead of a band with a skull pendant, a large, toothed structure grew around its neck. This bone-like formation had two large spikes on either side and three pointed teeth on the bottom. Houndoom's horns now pointed straight up with a small, outward curve in the middle.
The two bands on its hind legs have vanished, and those on its forelegs were broken in the front. Its claws became dark red due to its ability to generate more heat. Finally, the tip of its tail now split down the middle.
Once the transformation completed, a helix symbol appeared infront of the newly resembled Mega Houndoom who let out a mighty roar. The sheer force and power blasted Shockwave of energy through the whole stadium and almost caused a small sandstorm.
"It's unbelievable! Ash has mega evolved his Houndoom!"
In the stands however, everyone was going wild and cheered like crazy. Especially Serena had a difficult time as emotions flew all over the place. From tears of fear, she went to tears of joy, pride and happiness.
"Battle resume!" The referee exclaimed.
"Houndoom! Let's give them a taste of your new power." Ash smirked to which Houndoom roared in approval. "Flamethrower!"
Mega Houndoom let out another roar as it blasted a stream of flames towards Absol. But it wasn't a small stream. No, the stream was three times the size compared to the normal one.
Calem started panicking at the odd increase of power the two opponents of his possessed. "Absol, Dark Pulse before they hit you!"
"Ab---SOL!" Absol shouted with power as it released a beam of black and purple rings towards the incoming Flamethrower.
The moves collided but the flames were visibly bigger and started overpowering the Dark Pulse in no time flat.
*BOOM*
The flames struck Absol and exploded on impact but Calem knew Absol could handle more. "Absol! Megahorn!"
From the smoke thar was created by the impact of flames, Absol emerged. His horn was glowing bright green and it flapped it's wings with pure power, leaving shockwaves every time it flapped them behind.
"Iron Tail!"
Houndoom's tail glowed a metallic silver before it jumped up, roaring loudly. Houndoom spun around his axis and struck its tail towards Absol who clashed against it with its horn.
For a short while, the two pokemon pushed on, fighting for dominance over the other before landing back on the ground.
"Shadow Ball!"
"Psycho Cut!"
Houndoom opened it's jaw and formed a black ball of energy in it before launching it with great speed towards Absol who jumped back and swung its head, creating a pink curved wave of energy that was sent in its way.
Calem knew that psychic type moves wouldn't have any effect but it felt like the right move at the right time and it would be enough to deal with the incoming Shadow Ball. And his theorie proved to be right.
*BOOM*
A large cloud of smoke covered the middle of the battlefield. This time around though, Ash wanted to use it to his advantage.
"Houndoom! Finish this with Fire Blast!"
Houndoom roared as it fired a 大 shaped beam of fire towards the smoke cloud.
From Calem's side, the cloud suddenly started lighting up and the 大 shape became visible. He felt the panic rise but he had to do something. If he wanted to advance, it was now or never.
"Absol! Water Pulse with everything you've got!"
"AAAAB----!" Absol exclaimed as a light blue ball formed in its mouth. "SSSOOOLLL!!!" It added, slamming the ball of water into the ground, sending a large wave towards Houndoom.
The moves passed each other and both pokemon, aswell as their trainers went wide eyed as they faced the incoming attacks.
*BOOM* *BOOM*
A large steam and a large black smoke cloud formed at both sides of the battlefield. The tv's showed a black screen as the signal got disturbed by the sheer amount of power. Everyone, aswell as the trainers held their breath, waiting in fear, anxiety and mostly worry.
All faces from around the world. From Kanto with Misty, Brock and Cilan. From Alola, with all the students, teachers, Kukui, Burnet, Lei, Mohn, Lusamine and Gladion.
Everyone watched as the conclusion of the powerful, first battle of the fiftieth Kalos League was about to come to its conclusion.
Slowly, the smoke faded and revealed both pokemon standing. Burn marks, scratches, bruises even fatigue were visible on both pokemon. They were shaking in their feet, not taking their gazes off each other.
Then... One of the two smirked as it lost its footing but somehow managed to regain its footing before the other fell on the ground. It laid on the ground, reverted back to normal and had swirls in its eyes.
The whole stadium gasped and grew silent and nothing was heard in the stadium except for the blowing wind.
"Absol is unable to battle, Houndoom wins and that means the winner of this battle is Ash Ketchum of Vaniville Town!" The referee declared.
Then, the crowd erupted in cheers and screams. Serena couldn't hold it anymore and neither were Max, Bonnie May and even Shauna as they were jumping, crying of joy and screaming, together with Pikachu and Lucario.
Gary, Tierno, Trevor, Tracey and Clemont had their mouths agape. Delia was slightly sniffling due to the joy she felt. Professor Oak simply smiled. "Well done my boy..." He mumbled.
Ash stood at the battlefield, motionless as he processed everything. He stared blankly infront of him. "We... won..." He mumbled before his eyes fell on Houndoom. "Houndoom! We did it!" He shouted as he ran over to the fire type.
Houndoom reverted back to normal was about to collapse to the ground but was caught just in time by Ash.
"We did it Houndoom! We've avenged you!" Ash laughed while hugging his fire type. Houndoom grunted in pain but was happy that he beat Calem and his Absol.
Having returned his absol and surprisingly praising him for an amazing battle, he walked over to Ash and Houndoom and slowly clapped.
Ash and Houndoom looked up to him. "Amazing... Truly amazing..." He smiled. "That was an incredible battle and it was so much fun! And Houndoom... I never expected you to master mega evolution again. Truly amazing!" He spoke genuinely.
Houndoom was surprised by Calem's words while Ash stood up and gave Calem a handshake. "It was great fun and you were really good Calem! We should battle again soon!" Ash grinned.
Calem was taken aback by this for a moment before he smiled. "Yeah, I'd like that."
Houndoom smiled at the interaction between the trainers aswell. He seemed genuinely changed and Houndoom was happy for that.
Narrator: So, Now Ash has beaten Calem, he'll advance to the next round. But who will his opponent be? Find out as the journey continues!