novelraw Chapter 778: Champion of the Tournament, Ash!
Chapter 778: Champion of the Tournament, Ash!
" The Kalos League Tournament is about to reach its final, ultimate showdown!! "
The commentator's passionate voice echoed through the arena, the crowd roaring, every seat filled, the atmosphere electric.
" Let's welcome our final guests: Champion Karine, Professor Sycamore, and Teacher Lu!! "
The audience looked up at the massive central screen as the camera panned to the three guests on the dais.
Karine wore a white dress, gray eyeshadow accentuating her elegant smile. Professor Sycamore adjusted his beard beneath a white lab coat. Lu Ye dressed all in black, eyes lifted to the camera, giving a slight nod.
The cheers swelled, washing over the stadium like a tidal wave.
Team Rocket had come specially to watch. James shaped his hand like a microphone and shouted,
"Come on!"
"Don't lose to that Charizard, nya!" Meowth waved.
"Don't lose, you brat!" Musashi clenched her fist.Marnie held Chespin in her arms, eyes shining, murmuring,
"I hope Alain... can take the championship."
The commentary resumed, "Now, please welcome the two trainers who advanced to the final—"
"Ash, competitor!"
Ash walked out from the shadowed players' tunnel with a determined look, his red cap catching the light, Pikachu at his shoulder in 'serious mode'.
"Alain, competitor!"
Alain stood in black, sunlight washing his face, a blue neckpiece swaying gently, a curve at the corner of his mouth, his gaze fierce.
"Battle arena for the final—"
They stepped onto the suspended command platform and a raised stage materialized beneath them with a clang.
A rocky canyon, flanked by low hills. A river snaked down from the hilltops, dividing the field in two.
"An Arena of Rock and Water!!"
Lu Ye watched intently, unmoving, when a small hand tugged at him.
He glanced over—Haunter's head poked out from the shadows, sneaking toward the microphone and covering its mouth to giggle, "Gengarrr~"
Lu Ye's face shifted slightly;
he quickly unplugged the microphone and shook his head at Haunter.
"Gengarrr... (˘•ω•˘)" Haunter scratched its head and slipped back into the shadows.
Maybe I'll sing to Darkrai then.
Darkrai: "……"
I need to get Marshadow and Giratina to come listen together.
The Reversed World was about to endure a "cataclysm."
Lu Ye had no idea. Beside him, Professor Sycamore spoke softly,
"Ash and Alain... I've practically watched them grow up."
"I feel the same," Lu Ye nodded.
You fool, I've watched you get stuffed in league tournaments since you were a kid!
When will you finally be the league champion?
"The final is a full 6v6 battle with four-move limits, free switching allowed, and the terrain will change at halftime."
The referee scanned left and right, raised the flag, then snapped it down: "Battle start!"
"Pikachu, I choose you!"
Ash lunged forward and Pikachu leapt onto the field in a flash from his arm.
"Pika!" Pikachu's eyes were fierce, body crouched low.
Alain tossed a Poké Ball and shouted, "Go, Bangii!"
Pupitar emerged from the red haze, its face cruel, spikes on its chest and back whipping up loose sand. A sandstorm erupted, and Pupitar's roar echoed through the gray battlefield!
"Sandstorm weather, Pupitar's special defense is boosted, and the rock terrain helps it too."
Karine frowned slightly. "Starting with Pikachu wasn't the smartest choice."
"That's fair... but that Pikachu doesn't care about rational choices," Lu Ye said dryly.
"Pika—chu!!"
Before the words were out, Pikachu unleashed a brutal Thunderbolt that pierced the swirling sand;
lightning swallowed Pupitar in a fierce glare!
"Pupitar," Alain ordered, "use Stone Edge!"
"Bangii!!"
Pupitar was yanked free from the electric current, eyes bloodshot, slamming its fists into the ground. Rocks flew everywhere like a volley of daggers aimed at Pikachu.
"Block it with Iron Tail!" Ash commanded.
"Pika!"
Pikachu leapt and rolled in midair, its tail flashing a bright white as it swung with gravity-defying force. Iron Tail blocked the majority of the flying rocks, dust and grit billowing up.
Lu Ye's expression was complicated.
Iron Tail really is a godly move. Pikachu's Iron Tail can even act like Protect!
"Lock onto the landing spot." Alain clenched his fist. "Use Crunch!!"
"Bangii!!" Pupitar leapt forward, smashing through the river surface, water flying, a dark, sharp light forming in its mouth as it snapped at Pikachu!
"Good, hit it back with Iron Tail!" Ash said confidently.
"What?" Alain's gaze faltered.
The dust cleared—Pikachu's Iron Tail had wedged between Pupitar's teeth, then pushed, forcing Pupitar back while Pikachu spun and slammed its Iron Tail onto Pupitar's head!
Thud!!
Pupitar howled and collapsed onto the ground. Alain barked, "Stone Edge!!"
He hammered the earth and used it to brace himself;
the ground burst into jagged rock pillars trying to pierce Pikachu!
"Get out of the way!" Ash cried.
Pikachu leapt lightly, landing in front of Ash. Pupitar steadied itself but its breath was ragged.
"Keep your distance, use Rock Slide!" Alain ordered.
Pupitar howled to the sky and chunks of earthen yellow glow formed into huge boulders. Sand lashed everywhere, the rocks fell like mountains collapsing from the sky!
Ash's eyes flickered.
I remember Teacher Lu saying that in a sandstorm, Rock-types get boosted special defense.
"Now!" Ash thrust his arm forward, "Volt Tackle—full send!!"
"Pika, Pika!!"
Pikachu radiated white lightning and stormed through the rain of rock. The collapse struck behind it, kicking up a blizzard of dust that shook the stadium.
Pupitar's gaze tightened as Pikachu, bathed in harsh white light, headbutted its armored belly. A surge of power erupted—lightning magnified!
Boom!!
The sandstorm died down. Pupitar collapsed, eyes spiraling.
Beep—the big screen dimmed one of Alain's Poké Balls.
Cheers exploded;
the crowd stared in astonishment and applauded Pikachu.
Lu Ye whispered in amazement.
Pikachu, my superhero!
Alain kept his composure, arm out as he tossed another Poké Ball. "Go, Weavile!"
Weavile, a Dark/Ice type, appeared black as midnight with a red fan of fur atop its head and razor claws, its gaze cold.
Ash swapped in Hawlucha.
Hawlucha, a Fighting/Flying hybrid, fit Ash's aggressive style perfectly—one of his XY-era stalwarts.
"Both sides are locked in, an all-out storm of attacks!" the commentator cried.
Hawlucha's claws flashed as it struck at Weavile. Weavile sidestepped and countered with razor claws, and Hawlucha beat back, flapping to the backlines.
Hawlucha adopted a boxer's stance, bouncing in small steps and beckoning Weavile.
"Agility!!" Alain shouted. "Use Ice Punch!!"
Weavile blurred into an afterimage and struck from behind Hawlucha.
Hawlucha gasped as Weavile's grin twisted, claws lined with icy ridges, and a heavy punch struck its face!
Smash!!
Hawlucha cried out and flew back into the river, water splashing.
"Ice Punch lands directly! Type advantage—Hawlucha is in trouble!" the announcer declared.
Weavile's smile turned grim, then it paused. Hawlucha staggered up again, standing in the river, its body glowing a heated red, excitement flickering across its face as it beckoned again toward Weavile.
"Hawlucha actually raised its status after taking Ice Punch?" Karine exclaimed.
Lu Ye smiled knowingly and said,
"Hawlucha's ability is Unburden... and that red glow indicates Weakness Policy was triggered."
Professor Sycamore's eyes widened as Lu Ye continued,
"This is the 'Unburden tactic'. When the held Weakness Policy activates, both speed and offense surge dramatically."
"So..."
Lu Ye's gaze was steady. Ash's eyes glimmered with some of Teacher Lu's expression.
"Ash intentionally let Hawlucha take the Ice Punch," Lu Ye observed.
"Go in." Alain said coldly. "Ice Punch finishes it!"
"Wea—!" Weavile split into a phantom, but Hawlucha suddenly vanished.
Alain and Weavile froze, looking upward. Hawlucha spread its wings wide, casting a shadow over Weavile's uncertain face.
"Sky-High Crush!!" Ash shouted.
Hawlucha folded its legs and threw its arms wide, diving like a believer's leap from the sky and crashing onto Weavile with a thunderous impact, sending smoke and dust everywhere!
Weavile lay in a spiderweb-cracked dented patch of ground, eyes spiraling.
"2 to 0! Ash takes the lead!"
Another Poké Ball on the screen dimmed. The crowd roared. Marnie worried, Serena's eyes shone with hope.
"The Unburden tactic..." Alain closed his eyes and slid his hands into his pockets. "You got me, Ash."
"I'm getting better too!" Ash grinned. "Give it your all, Alain!"
"Ah, I will. You are a worthy opponent!" Alain's eyes hardened as he tossed, "Go, Metagross!!"
Metagross' X-shaped face plate flashed in the sunlight, its metallic body towering, gaze disdainful. Its pseudo-legendary aura was undeniable.
"Hawlucha, use Roost!" Ash shouted.
Lu Ye rubbed his temple, frowning slightly.
Honestly, Alain's Metagross is Elite Four level. Not sending Pikachu might have been risky.
Every advantage has its opposite. Tactics can make up for type disadvantage, but raw level can erase tactical gains...
Hawlucha locked its gaze and resolved to charge Metagross, but was seized midair by a terrifying Psychic and lifted helplessly!
"Kan-gin!"
Metagross' eyes shone with psychic blue, its fist cutting through comet-like white light, pounding with an earth-shattering power!
Boom!!
The stands fell silent in shock. Hawlucha flew back in agony, thudded to the ground, eyes spiraling!
"One-hit knockout, game-changing turnaround! Alain's Metagross displays overwhelming dominance!" the commentator exclaimed.
Ash was rattled;
the sent-out Noivern also got taken out by Metagross's punch.
The score was now 2:2.
"This is unacceptable!!"
Lu Ye roared loudly;
Karine and Professor Sycamore were startled.
"Sorry." Lu Ye cleared his throat.
Why didn't you use Pikachu!
If you lose, you'll have to swim back to Pallet Town from Kalos, you fool!
"Ash—"
Ash recalled his downed Noivern, expression grave. He looked up when called.
"This is what I learned from training under Steven. His Metagross inspired me a lot."
Alain said calmly, "Ash, you're not the only one determined to win."
"So..." Alain's eyes were razor-sharp, "to be champion you must commit fully and risk everything!"
"Alain..." Marnie bit her lip.
It's unnecessary... to be this hard on yourself.
Yuriko drifted in thought, worried. "Ash..."
"Figuring out how to beat that pseudo-legend is Ash's key to victory," Clemont adjusted his glasses.
Ash tipped his cap and spoke,
"Noivern's ultrasonic confusion, Hawlucha's Tailwind acceleration... those tactics are great. Both Green Master and Teacher Lu taught me them."
"But."
Ash raised his determined eyes and said,
"I'll win the Lumiose Conference my way!"
Ash clenched his fist and shouted, "Go, Pikachu!!"
"Pika!" Pikachu leapt onto the field, its gaze fierce.
This time it's serious—I'll carry this!
"By 'Ash's style' you mean..." Karine tilted her head.
"You mean reckless offense, turning everything into a Close Combat Style surprise."
Lu Ye chuckled, eyes glittering, "But that's exactly the style that suits him."
"Metagross!!" Alain roared. "Comet Punch!!"
"Kan-gin!!"
Metagross clashed iron fists, swinging with cataclysmic force like a comet striking a planet, and Pikachu looked minuscule before it.
"Block with Iron Tail!!"
Clang—sparks flew. Pikachu was flung backward, flipping twice in the air, then crashed back down and flashed Quick Attack.
"Use Psychic to control it!" Alain ordered.
"Go to Metagross' head," Ash said. "That's its blind spot!"
Alain blinked, then Pikachu had already clung firmly to Metagross' crown.
No matter how Metagross thrashed, Pikachu jammed its Iron Tail into the metal shell and gripped the rim tightly with both paws!
"Ram into the nearby rock mountain!" Alain cried.
"Kan-gin!!" Metagross adjusted its aim and thundered toward a jagged outcrop.
"Pikachu," Ash shouted, "Thunderbolt!!"
"Pika—chu!!"
A savage sheet of lightning enveloped them as Metagross and Pikachu struck the crag, shattering the rock. Silver lightning flooded out, shredding boulders and sending rockfalls into the river, water spraying. Thunderbolt only intensified!
Alain's pupils shrank. "How can it still be fighting!"
"Keep going, Thunderbolt!!" Ash urged.
Boom!!
The crowd was silent, eyes stunned. Both Pokémon plunged into the river, their conditions unknown.
The dust cleared. Metagross was submerged. Pikachu staggered up, battered and bruised, shook its ears:
"Pika pi..."
"ohhhhhh!!"
"Pikachu died for this!!"
"Six-time veteran, this might be Pikachu's last conference... Pikachu-god, do work!!"
The stadium erupted in cheers. The commentator cried,
"Pikachu defeats two heavy-hitters! The score is now 3:2, and the terrain will change!"
Alain recalled his Metagross. Ash carried his exhausted Pikachu back to the command platform.
The broken rocky field descended and a verdant grass-and-water field rose. A gentle breeze rippled the surface, a river meandering through the plain.
"The second half will be Grass and Water terrain!! How both sides will adapt—stay tuned!!" the announcer said.
Even though this was just the Baby Cup, Lu Ye watched with blood boiling.
Pikachu singlehandedly dealt with two pseudo-legends... this isn't just a trick, this is a god!
Once the second half began, both sides sent out Pidgeotto and Hawlucha. After an expensive aerial skirmish, both fell into the river—a classic one-for-one.
The score moved to 4:3, and Alain sent out Charizard.
"Roar!!" Charizard wore a keystone on its neck, wings spread over the field, eyes sharp.
"Alain's Charizard has been trained exceptionally well," Professor Sycamore praised.
Lu Ye agreed, "Their bond runs deep—you can see it in their eyes."
Although it might be flipped by the champion-level Arcanine later.
But Mega Charizard X is undeniably cool, a formidable rival to Bond Greninja.
"Are you going to continue, Pikachu?" Ash asked, lowering his head.
Pikachu exhaled and nodded earnestly: "Pika!"
"Pikachu returns!" the commentator cried. "Can it perform another miracle?"
"Charizard, Flamethrower!" Alain clenched his fist.
Charizard inflated its belly and spewed a jet of orange-red flame, the arena roaring.
"Thunderbolt!!" Ash commanded.
Pikachu cloaked in lightning;
flame and thunder collided, birthing a cloud of white smoke.
Then a cobalt-blue bolt shot out, darting side to side, accelerating amid the thunderous roar!
"Volt Tackle!!" Ash yelled.
Alain's hand snapped shut, voice steely: "Dragon Claw!"
Charizard's claws glowed with green dragon energy as it lunged at the charging Pikachu. Lightning surged;
the collision exploded through the stadium!
Boom!!
The crowd swallowed hard.
When the smoke cleared, Charizard's belly bore scorch marks, having weathered most of the blast.
Pikachu lay on its back with spiraling eyes.
"Pikachu did all it could, nya," Meowth said, leaning on the rail.
"You brat, don't lose!" Musashi spat.
"Go, Ash." Serena's eyes shimmered.
"Come on, Alain!" Marnie shouted with sincerity.
The score was tied 4:4 again, but Pikachu had severely damaged Charizard.
Lu Ye grew increasingly tense.
This familiar script... damn it... don't choke!
Ash picked up the fallen Pikachu and sprayed healing medicine.
"Pika pi..." Pikachu opened its eyes weakly.
"You did enough, Pikachu."
Ash's eyes flickered and he smiled. "Now it's me and Greninja's turn!"
Goodra: ?
This is a three-person movie but I don't even get a name?
That was Lu Ye's internal grumble.
Even though it's a pseudo-legend, Ash still didn't fully understand Goodra's tactics and had to use Dragon Pulse to stall against Alain's Bisharp.
A torrential downpour soaked the grassy field. Alain's eyes flashed as he barked,
"Night Slash!!"
Bisharp lit up its twin blades and charged through the rain toward Goodra. The swords crossed in a red-and-black strike.
Goodra stood with its back to Bisharp, one knee bent, white X-lines on its body as it crumpled to the ground with a thud.
Beep—the big screen showed the score moving to 5:4.
The audience held their breath, staring at the rain-lashed arena, swallowing hard.
Ash tilted his cap and suddenly smiled.
Alain also smiled. "I'll savor this battle, Ash."
"Yeah, Teacher Lu said..."
Ash inhaled deeply, eyes burning, a grin tugging:
"Pokémon battles bring smiles!"
Ash hurled a Poké Ball.
"Go—Greninja!!"
Rain poured down, clouds black. Greninja stood tall and calm, arms crossed, its scarf whipping, gaze icy.
As a decade-long animation fan, Lu Ye suddenly felt tearful.
Bond Greninja, I'm here!
"Go, Greninja." Ash yelled. "Water Shuriken!"
Greninja cloaked itself in water and leapt. The rain roared. The three water shuriken were cleaved apart by Bisharp's blades. Greninja, light and swift, raised its leg and gathered a fierce white glow, striking Bisharp's shoulder!
"Target the weak point!" Alain commanded.
Bisharp staggered, slashing a dark blade in response.
"Counter with Target the Weak Point!" Ash shouted.
Greninja flipped behind Bisharp, arms crossed, scarf fluttering. Dark steel blades of energy formed in its palms and then dissipated.
Boom!!
An explosion rang out;
Bisharp collapsed kneeling and fainted.
"Koga..." Greninja's expression remained calm. Rain vapor rose where it stood.
The crowd was tense;
the fight had been fierce and razor-thin.
"Final showdown! Greninja vs Charizard!" the commentator roared.
Lu Ye twisted off a bottle cap, took a tactical sip of water, and drank again.
Mega Charizard X, a Fire/Dragon type, isn't afraid of Water.
Both sides had championship-level strength;
this moment came down to manhood and resolve.
Alain's face hardened as he tossed the Poké Ball into the sky. "Do it, Charizard!"
Red light soared upward. Charizard beat its wings;
its tail flame burned bright, a blazing symbol of fighting spirit.
The crowd cheered. Alain's voice was stern:
"Answer my heart, Charizard—"
Alain pressed the keystone on his bracelet;
a dazzling rainbow glow enveloped Charizard, evolution light bathing it.
"Transcend evolution, Mega Evolution!!"
"Roar!!"
Mega Charizard X's forehead horn protruded, its body turning black with a pale belly, blue flames curling in its throat, its black wings bristling with spikes.
Ash closed his eyes.
From leaping off Prism Tower to catching Froakie, meeting Clemont and the others, encountering legendary Pokémon, and joining Teacher Lu in the Hoopa incident—I've come so far with Greninja.
Greninja and I can get stronger—we will...
"We will reach the summit of the Kalos League!!"
The battle anthem rose. Ash opened his eyes and raised his hand;
water surged behind Greninja and their silhouettes merged.
The water coalesced into a giant shuriken with a thud.
Bond Greninja's eyes blazed red lines across its head, standing tall and arms crossed, its scarf streaming!
"Go Z, Greninja!!"
Ash's eyes and Greninja's overlapped as he mimed the throw and yelled, "Water Shuriken!!"
Lu Ye suddenly jolted.
This Greninja now is basically Ash himself—
Like Ash stepping into the arena to brawl up close with Mega Charizard X!
Bond Greninja leapt and hurled the giant shuriken, slicing through the torrential rain, cutting through everything in its path.
"Dragon Claw, stop it!!" Alain clenched his fist.
Mega Charizard X's claws glowed green dragon energy, and with a roar it blocked the massive shuriken, smashing it to pieces with a 'thud'.
"Target the Weak Point!" Ash roared.
Greninja slammed down, running fast, dark blades forming in its palms. Without a word, it sliced across Charizard's neck!
Charizard's eyes bulged and its roar faltered. Then a sudden burst of force erupted, sending up a wall of steam.
"Flare Blitz!!" Alain ordered.
A hot blast surged from behind Charizard, boiling away the mist. Rain tapered to a drizzle, puddles reflecting a clearing sky.
In an instant, shadow clones swirled across the field, and the fire wiped out the decoys.
Ash shouted, "Follow-up with Return!"
Greninja's high kick slammed like an axe into Charizard's head, driving its skull into the ground and scattering gravel.
"Thunder Punch!!" Alain played a trump card.
Charizard's fists flared with rugged lightning and slammed into Greninja's belly. Greninja's eyes widened as it strained to hold its form.
"Cough..." Ash clutched his abdomen, face ashen.
Lu Ye thought—this was essentially Ash taking a Thunder Punch head on.
Only Ash can handle Bond Transformation like this;
any other trainer might have passed out.
"Dragon Claw!" Alain yelled.
"Target the Weak Point!" Ash answered at the same time.
Mega Charizard X swung its black wings and slashed with green-clawed strikes. Bond Greninja's palms flashed twin dark blades to block and counter, sparks showering.
Suddenly both attacks landed simultaneously—boom—the clash exploded and the shock sent both falling backward, crashing painfully to the ground.
"Decisive moment!" the commentator bellowed. "Both stand again to test their wills!"
Alain's gaze hardened as he ordered, "Charizard—"
"Blast Burn!!"
Mega Charizard X filled its belly and unleashed a massive torrent of blue fire toward the ground. Explosive force erupted from beneath, the earth cracking, ground buckling, and red light tearing up through the crust like a split bomb.
"This is the power of me and Greninja."
Ash's eyes were steely as he raised his hand and shouted,
"Go Z, Greninja!!!"
Bond Greninja stretched its arm skyward.
The giant shuriken hovered and spun, water honing into an acute blade. Ash's Aura flowed into Greninja;
the Water Shuriken's blue light surged into an indigo blaze. Air compressed, the ground cracked, and rock layers buckled into ridges!
"Here it comes!" Lu Ye said, shaken.
Luckily it's not golden!
"Koga!!"
Greninja's indigo shuriken spiraled forward. Four or five blue flame columns erupted from the ground, but the water shuriken sliced through them, generating a hazy mist.
Both trainers' pupils narrowed;
the aftershocks still pressed on!
Boom!!!
The stadium thundered as the explosion engulfed Mega Charizard X and Bond Greninja!!
The crowd fell into stunned silence until the smoke cleared—no one spoke.
Ash said nothing as he stared into the smoke at the figure still standing.
Bond Greninja stood with arms folded, its body scorched black. Staggering, it dropped to one knee and gasped, "Koga..."
Mega Charizard X smiled weakly, eyes slightly glazed, its body rigid.
Alain muttered, "Charizard..."
Thud!!
Dust scattered as Charizard reverted from Mega form and collapsed to the ground!!
Beep—all six of Alain's Poké Balls dimmed on the big screen.
Ash's portrait moved to the center and the Win icon lit up.
"A new champion of the Lumiose Conference has been crowned!!"
The commentator's excited voice erupted through the arena.
"He is Ash from Pallet Town!!"
Cheers exploded immediately;
the place was a roar. Delia let tears fall.
"This boy from Pallet Town finished Top 16 in the Kanto League, Top 8 in the Johto League, Top 8 in Hoenn, runner-up in Sinnoh, Top 8 in Unova."
"The Kalos League Champion!!!"
Lu Ye smiled with pride and slowly applauded.
Paul turned and left. Alain stroked Charizard. Serena's eyes were red...
The stadium buzzed. Ash stepped forward and helped Greninja to its feet;
their eyes met.
Confetti filled the sky. Ash and Bond Greninja suddenly grinned.
Above being a conference champion are other goals: Elite Four, League Champion, Eight Masters, World Championship, Battle Legend waiting for us.
Faces to chase suddenly appeared in Ash's mind.
Flint, Lucian, Champion Bamboo Lan, the Dan Emperor, and Teacher Lu.
Ash's eyes hardened.
"Our journey is only just beginning!"
...
A colorful rain fell over the Lumiose stadium.
The stands roared again and again for the champion, generously offering cheers.
Only the champion could stand on the podium. Ash wore a goofy grin.
"Teacher Lu?"
Seeing the presenter, Ash blinked in surprise, "You're presenting the trophy?"
"What, did you want Karine to do it?" Lu Ye asked.
"I didn't mean that... anyway—hehe." Ash scratched his head.
Lu Ye's expression became serious as he took the conference champion trophy from the emcee.
Through so many league tournaments, this Pallet Town boy never gave up...
Because he loved Pokémon, Pokémon returned that devotion.
"Congratulations, Ash."
Lu Ye gave a small smile and handed the trophy to Ash.
"This is the championship you deserved."
Ash gaped in bewilderment, stunned for a moment. Then he took the trophy, eyes slightly moist, and breathed deeply.
"Thank you, Teacher Lu!" Ash grinned.