novelraw Chapter 777: Ash vs Paul! Gathering All the Burning Resolve
Chapter 777: Ash vs Paul! Gathering All the Burning Resolve
January 8, Saturday.
In the dead of winter, snowflakes drifted over the Lumiose Conference Hall as the commentator’s passionate shouts echoed.
“A beautiful strike, Aggron’s Iron Tail connects with Excadrill!”
Excadrill’s body stiffened, and with a heavy thud it toppled to the ground, dust billowing up.
“We have another semifinalist! He is Paul from Canalave City in Sinnoh!”
The live feed carried the audience’s cheers. Rai, who looked nearly identical to Paul, excitedly clenched his fist:
“That ties the Lily of the Valley Conference record. Go, Paul!”
In the front-row stands, a dark-haired young man stroked the Sylveon at his feet, while Korrina chirped beside him.
The teacher and disciple had met outside by chance, and Teacher Lu had come to the special guest seats with Korrina.
“Master! Did you see that? That strike was so strong!” Korrina said excitedly.“I saw it.” Lu Ye stroked the snow-white back.
Sylveon sat with its bow gently bobbing, eyes half-closed as it made a contented sound: “Bu-bii~”
“I should be able to take down Aggron…” Lu Ye said.
“Huh?” Korrina widened her eyes and tilted her head to look at her master. Seeing he wasn’t joking, she grew more puzzled.
“You have to work hard too, Korrina.” Lu Ye teased, “After all, your senior sister Ami can already spar hand-to-hand with Machamp…”
“A fighter can’t be a liability to their Pokémon, they must be part of the team’s combat strength!” Lu Ye said emphatically.
Korrina’s small mouth opened slightly. She nodded subconsciously, then whispered:
“Um… Master, my Aura training has hit a plateau. I want to ask you for guidance.”
“Then we can train at Prism Tower later.”
Lu Ye suggested, “AI ‘Clembot’ would be a perfect sparring partner.”
Clembot won’t feel pain and it can grind experience—
The power of science is truly magnificent!
Korrina’s blonde ponytail swayed as she beamed and shouted energetically, “Yes, Master!”
Her shout drew glances from those around them. The crowd sized up the man in the front row and murmured.
“Is that…”
“Oh my, it looks like him in person!”
“The living legendary trainer?”
Before the commotion grew, Teacher Lu rose with his disciple Korrina and headed to the next match venue.
It wasn’t hard to see why Green always traveled with sunglasses and Red pulled his cap low to nearly hide his face.
After all, the title “battle legend” rang out loud and clear.
Besides, Teacher Lu’s activity across regions this past year had made him more popular than some of the Eight Masters like Dan Emperor or Lance.
“Master, the semifinals are this afternoon, right?” Korrina asked.
“Yes, the draw will be announced soon.” Lu Ye replied.
Ten years of watching the anime, I’m actually a bit nervous…
Teacher Lu looked up at the sky. The four semifinalists were Ash, Alain, Paul, and Shota.
Alain’s Mega Charizard X had cut through ten opponents during the trials and even defeated Fire-type Elite Four member Malva. Objectively, he truly had the strength to win.
Of course, Ash’s team was no weaker.
There was even Olympia’s prophecy of victory, Serena’s encouragement, and the special training from me and Green.
All the buffs were stacked.
Lu Ye clipped his sunglasses to his jacket pocket and nodded slightly.
Come on, true newcomer, show us!
…
Lumiose Conference, vendor area.
“Welcome.” The girl sat behind the counter, voice lacking energy.
“Ahem!” Professor Samuel Oak cleared his throat and gripped his fist, “It’s me.”
“Professor Oak! And…” The girl shifted her gaze, surprised as she looked at the gentle woman beside him.
“Aunt Delia? You came too!” she exclaimed.
“Yes, I’m here to cheer for Ash.” Aunt Delia covered her mouth with a light laugh.
“You brought a whole squad from Pallet Town.” The girl said curiously. “Where are Red and Green?”
“Oh, they didn’t come. They said being here would make them want to challenge Lu Ye on the spot.” Professor Oak chuckled.
“True… if they met Teacher Lu they’d probably start battling immediately.” The girl said helplessly.
Frankly, those two had been scheduling a match for a whole year;
they still hadn’t fought. They’d probably wait until the World Championships before getting serious.
“How’s business?” Professor Oak asked.
The girl shot him a resentful look. Professor Oak blinked and laughed awkwardly, scratching his head as he glanced up at the giant screen above the main venue.
The screen suddenly lit with information. Visitors looked up and began talking excitedly.
“The group draw results are out!”
“Ash vs Paul, Alain vs Shota!”
In the main hall, Ash tilted his head to stare at the screen, Serena and her group standing behind him.
“Facing Paul…” Ash lowered his head. There was no fear of loss in his eyes, only a burning desire to battle.
Lu Ye and Korrina passed through the hall and immediately spotted Ash’s group.
If things go bad, just bring out Infernape… a clean execution from the monkey’s attack is more reliable than Greninja’s theatrics.
Lu Ye had intended to say that, but seeing the look in Ash’s eyes, he smiled in resignation.
No matter what, this was Ash’s dream since the start of his journey.
In the end, he had to achieve it with his own hands.
**
“Ladies and gentlemen! After halftime, welcome back to the Lumiose Conference for the semifinals!”
The commentator’s passionate voice reverberated through the arena.
“Alain and Shota’s battle has reached a white-hot stage!”
Alain, wearing a black vest, clenched his fist and shouted:
“Charizard, Dragon Claw!!”
Mega Charizard X beat its jet-black wings, blue flames roaring from its mouth. Its claws glowed with green dragon energy as it slashed again and again.
The Seed Bombs from Sceptile were bisected by the Dragon Claw. Distances closed and Dragon Claw struck down hard!
Boom!!
Shota was drenched in sweat. As the smoke cleared, Sceptile collapsed and spun its eyes-spirals.
“The result for Group A is in. Alain advances to the final!” the crowd cheered.
Amid the shouts, Alain patted Charizard before recalling it to its Poké Ball and walking down the players’ tunnel.
“I won, that’s great!” Manon cheered, dancing around Alain.
“This was only the semifinals.”
Alain glanced back at the field, his gaze steely. “No matter who advances, a tough battle awaits.”
“Alain and Charizard are already so strong—winning the whole thing isn’t necessary to prove themselves.” Manon said.
Alain kept his composure and rested his hand on Manon’s hat.
“Hey, you’ll stop growing if you keep that on.” Manon protested.
“Let’s go.” Alain turned and left. “Prepare for tomorrow’s final.”
“Alain, wait for me!” Manon hurried after him.
Whether guided by a legendary trainer or supported by a cheering squad… I have someone I want to protect, and that’s enough.
No humility needed, I want to win.
Alain’s eyes burned with resolve.
I and Charizard will never hand victory to anyone without a fight!
The audience remained, voices roaring. The commentator announced:
“Coming up next is the match between Ash and Paul!!”
Lu Ye sat in the guest seats, watching the two boys step onto the field, momentarily lost in thought.
The last time they’d faced each other was half a year ago at the Lily of the Valley Conference.
The platform clanged into place, revealing a field of forest and river. Two figures stepped toward the command area and their gazes met.
The travel and growth of the past six months would collide as convictions clashed.
“Victory will be mine.” Paul said coldly.
Ash grinned: “Then try me!”
The referee dropped the flag. Both trainers tossed their Poké Balls and shouted:
“Go, Goodra!”
“Go, Torterra!”
“These two trainers both sent out Pokémon well-suited to the terrain!” the commentator said.
Professor Sycamore stroked his stubble: “Looking at types, Ash has an advantage.”
“Ash isn’t great with a sluggish Pokémon like Goodra.”
Lu Ye frowned slightly, “Feels like he’s trying to bluff.”
“Use Stone Edge!” Paul ordered.
Torterra raised its forelimb. The massive plant on its back shadowed the sun as it slammed into the ground with a heavy thud. A row of rock pillars shot up like blades, launching and severely wounding Goodra!
“Wuu~” Goodra let out a pained cry and plunged into the river with a splash.
“Lead it into the river!” Ash roared. “Use Rain Dance!!”
“Rain Dance!?” Clembot cried in surprise.
This guy… he’s started using weather strategies!
“Not bad, try this.” Paul’s mouth curved up. He reached out: “Frenzy Plant!!”
“Taaa!!” Torterra howled, seeds and fruits spattering from the plant on its back and embedding into the ground. Thick vines surged up like writhing serpents, smashing and pounding in all directions, shaking the forest and riverbank.
“Use Fury Cutter to strike and block it!” Ash ordered.
Water columns burst up with ‘thump thump’ as a misty rain began to fall. Goodra swung its side tentacles, using its slime to weave through the Frenzy Plant vines. A deep purple light gathered in its mouth;
Dragon Pulse was about to be unleashed!
Paul raised his hand and pressed the Poké Ball. A red beam shot out, recalling Torterra.
“Paul recalled Torterra? He read Ash’s command and switched Pokémon!” the commentator said.
Lu Ye folded his arms. With Torterra stuck in stiffness, switching was Paul’s best choice.
In the rain, Thunder’s accuracy rises to 99%…
“Go, Electivire!” Paul shouted. “Use Thunder!!”
“Roar!!”
Without Infernape, what will you use to fight me mano a mano!
Red light exploded. Electivire’s eyes glowed crimson. Its poles crackled with azure sparks as it launched thick bolts of electricity at the storm clouds. Suddenly the weather shifted—an ink-dark rain cloud split open with a pillar of lightning and electric light engulfed Goodra!
The audience gasped. Ash’s face was illuminated by the electric flash, his gaze unshaken.
“Now—use Endure and strike back!” Ash shouted.
Endure: endure a sequence of attacks, then return the accumulated damage doubled to the opponent!
Lu Ye: “…”
Getting pummeled constantly, this is brutal… none of Ash’s tank Pokémon ever fare well following this strategy.
When the electric light dissipated, Goodra was charred and black smoke rose from its body, but it suddenly raised its head and fired a dazzling beam!
“Protect.” Paul said calmly.
The crowd erupted.
“Oh my, Paul really knows Pokémon!”
“So classy!”
A green barrier flashed in front of Electivire to desperately block the beam. The light shattered the shield with a ‘crack’. Electivire stumbled backward, scraping up mud, then let out an enraged roar—an overwhelming Thunderbolt erupted and, in the torrential rain, consumed Goodra!
Beep—the big screen dimmed one of Ash’s Poké Balls.
But what appeared on the field was a frog standing tall, arms crossed, as steady as a pine—Greninja!
“A reverse-type matchup?” Professor Sycamore frowned.
Lu Ye raised an eyebrow.
A reverse-type matchup? This is in the bag!
“You haven’t changed, Ash.” Paul said calmly.
“No—I met new partners and went through a precious journey.”
Ash’s eyes hardened. He reached out beside him: “So Paul, I’ll show you something—my stronger power!”
Paul’s brow creased as Electivire stood in the pouring rain, rain splashing, its crimson eyes radiating a terrifying pressure.
“We can still become stronger—”
Ash shouted skyward while Greninja called out at the same moment. Both clenched their fists and their gazes shifted.
“Go, Ash’s Greninja!!”
“Kuu-ga!!”
Water splashed and a brilliant Evolution Light burst forth.
In the pouring downpour, Greninja took on a special form, red patterning appearing atop its head, eyes calm and steady, its red scarf fluttering while massive Water Shurikens formed behind it!
The stands roared. The commentator cried out excitedly:
“Greninja’s special form has appeared on the field!!”
Paul and Electivire watched Greninja quietly, but a smirk suddenly crept across Paul’s face.
“Whether Blaze or Bond Transformation, Ash, you always get things others dream of.”
“But…” Paul closed his eyes, “those things are unreachable in most cases. Only a calm mind and efficient tactics make the best trainer.”
“Love gets discarded after too many losses—no one boasts about it anymore.”
Paul lifted his sharp gaze. “I’ll tell you this: the winner will be me!”
“No. Even if I keep losing, I’ll keep loving it.”
Ash clenched his fist in a flash. “This is Greninja’s Water Shuriken!!”
“Kuu-ga!!”
Greninja leapt up and crafted a rotating Water Shuriken by concentrating sharp water currents. It hurled it, cleaving through raindrops and slicing across Electivire!
“Thunder Punch!” Paul commanded.
Lightning surged. Electivire slammed its fist and shattered the Water Shuriken. When it looked up, Greninja had vanished.
“From behind!” Paul cried in alarm.
“Ambush the vital spot!!” Ash roared.
Electivire twisted its head, then saw Greninja crouched low. Its palm gleamed with a dark black blade, aimed at the weak point—the strike landed true!
A critical hit!!
In the torrential rain, Electivire’s body froze. It turned its head and stared.
“Roar…”
I’ve seen Pokémon with convictions like yours.
To battle it again would be my dream, but perhaps…
You will carry my dream forward as you continue on.
Thud!!
Electivire collapsed. The rain eased and sunlight broke through the clouds, shining on Greninja’s red patterns.
“Kuu-ga.” Greninja nodded gently toward the fallen Electivire.
I promised you.
The crowd suddenly erupted in cheers. The score stood tied at 1–1, and Bond Greninja had taken the match atmosphere to a climax!
Paul recalled Electivire, hands in his pockets, and said, “I envy you, Ash.”
“You have a strict teacher, close friends, and many uniquely talented Pokémon.”
“Maybe—”
Paul suddenly smiled, “it’s not because they’re uniquely talented. Meeting you gave them a home.”
Ash blinked slightly, only to see Paul’s expression turn cold as he tossed another Poké Ball.
“Go, Aggron, Mega Evolve!!”
Facing the massive Mega Aggron, towering like a mountain, Ash tilted his cap and grinned:
“Bring it on, Greninja!!”
“Kuu-ga!” Greninja lifted its Water Shuriken and leapt, casting a shadow that obscured the sun.
**
Beep—the final whistle sounded.
The final score settled at 6:4.
“Ash from Pallet Town advances to the final!!” the commentator announced.
Cheers exploded. Ash’s supporters waved flags and his friends kept calling out.
Paul’s expression remained neutral as he turned and left.
“Paul.” Ash called.
“If you want pity for losers, spare me.” Paul said coldly.
“I mean…” Ash grinned, “you battled well, but I’m stronger!”
“You…” Paul paused, then a corner of his mouth twitched. “So you learned how to taunt!”
“Learned it from you.” Ash chuckled and reached out his hand.
“Don’t lose.” Paul slapped Ash’s palm with force. “That Alain… he’s strong.”
“You can’t lose to any trainer besides me!” Paul said.
Ash nodded lightly, eyes resolute.
“I’ve got it covered!”
With Paul’s begrudging blessing, Ash was set to embark on the final at Lumiose.
What awaits him next? (Narrator)
“To be continued… cough, I mean, the final is tomorrow.”
Lu Ye clenched his fist and coughed lightly, looking at the blonde woman on the video call: “Afterward my schedule wraps up and I’ll be off to Alola.”
“I see…” Bamboo Lan rested her chin on her hand and shifted topics: “What about your café staff?”
“I’ll open a branch in Alola.” Lu Ye said. “Using little Hoopa’s rings to teleport Pokémon will be very convenient.”
“That’s smuggling!” Bamboo Lan said helplessly.
Speaking of smuggling… Jigglypuff was smuggled to Alola.
There it found a lifelong friend, a tree-dwelling Vulpix.
Bamboo Lan stayed with the Sinnoh League but squeezed in some time to play games online with Teacher Lu all night.
The next morning she went to watch the final.
Lu Ye yawned as he arrived at the main venue. Passing the players’ lounge, he caught a sideways glance at Ash earnestly preparing his team.
Ash spoke to the six Pokémon standing there: “Alain still has two pseudo-legendaries left, Pupitar and Metagross. We can use Teacher Lu’s tactics: Talonflame with Tailwind for speed, or Goodra switching for rain advantage…”
The fool’s even started explaining tactics.
Lu Ye nodded in satisfaction.
Let me hand-draw a perfect ending for Pokémon XY myself!
…