The Pokemon World Championships.
A global tournament that will determine the World's Strongest Pokemon Trainer and the one sitting at the very top above all was Champion Leon, the undefeated Champion. And the one claiming to take that throne is Ash. Ash currently sits at Rank 95 after defeating the Ultra Class Trainer Nessa, which means he's worked his way up to the Ultra Class. And for his first Ultra Class battle, the Sunyshore City Gym Leader Volkner would be his opponent.
Equestria. Canterlot. The Pokemon School. Day.
"Alright, class, settle down." Teaching today's lessons at the Pokemon School would be Olympia as she settled the students down. For this class, all of them had gathered instead of them sharing separate classes. "Two things today. We'll be having some new students join us today. And secondly, we shall be starting our lessons a bit later today."
The students would then chatter amongst each other after receiving this news. Two new students along with a later lesson start were enough to spark up some conversation. Some believed that it was the two students that were the reason for this. But that was not the case, even if Twilight knew that the Flora Ponies would be the new students.
"It's a rather special day because we will be viewing a Pokemon Battle right at the Canterlot League Stadium. It shall be a Pokemon World Championships Battle between Ash and Volkner. It's already been arranged to take place in that stadium."
"Really?!" Many of them exclaimed, startling and harming Olympia's ears.
"Yes...really. For that, we shall all view that battle for ourselves. Our lessons can wait and I don't expect this battle to be that long. So, let's all make our way to Canterlot Stadium, shall we? This is one of the rare opportunities for you to see the championship matches up close."
"A battle between Ash and Volkner?! Sweet!" The younger ponies were elated by this news. Many were interested as it was a Championship Match. And as seen by Ash's battle with Nessa, they can get heated and exciting very quickly. And what made this better was the fact that it was between two known figures. The ever-popular Ash and another teacher of this school, Volkner.
"I wanna see it!" They would all hop off their seats, standing up and putting an end to whatever they were doing. As to be expected, a Pokemon Battle is far more interesting than most things due to how exhilarating they can get.
"Hang on...Where are they?" But while everyone was excited to view this battle between Ash and Volkner, Twilight noticed the absence of Daisy and Paradise, the two Flora Ponies. They were the new students and yet they were nowhere to be seen. Twilight was even planning on introducing her friends to them. "How did I lose them? I was the one guiding them here..."
It threw Twilight for a loop. How could they suddenly vanish from her sight? No one had even noticed or wasn't even aware of their existence until now. With everyone getting up to leave and view the World Championship Match, Twilight immediately thought about what the Flora Ponies were up to at this moment.
Canterlot League Stadium.
Already, Ash and Volkner met up at the Canterlot League Stadium after accepting the World Championship Battle. They both picked a great day to be near each other. They went through a hallway which would lead to the Canterlot Stadium, quickly having a chat before they would enter the arena.
"Well, I'm glad I got the chance to battle you again. I was expecting this after all, ever since you got into the Ultra Class." Volkner said to Ash.
"So am I, Volkner!" Ash replied, sharing his enthusiasm while also raising his arm. On his arm, he would reveal his Z-Ring along with the Z-Crystal that was planted within it.
"Oh, so you're bringing that with you?" Volkner smirked. "Are you sure...you know what you're up against so something like that might not be the best option."
"Oh, yeah. I know. But that's not gonna stop me from trying. Right, Pikachu?"
"Pikachu!"
"I see. Well, this battle will be viewed from beyond Equestria. Let's give everyone here a good show, alright?" Volkner held his hand out which made Ash shake it in response. The two of them would make sure everyone watching would be entertained. Humans and Ponies would be viewing this battle after all.
Ponies from Canterlot had gathered around to watch this battle, even those that weren't originally from Canterlot. Among them were the students of the Pokemon School. At this moment, Twilight was still searching for Daisy and Paradise, moving her head around to see if she could spot a sign of them anywhere.
The rest of her friends were too focused on what was about to happen to think about the Flora Ponies. Then again, they
haven't met the Flora Ponies yet to be aware. The only ones that stuck out here were Olympia and the other teachers of the Pokemon School.
"Well, I guess I'll try and find them later." Twilight sighed, deciding to search for them both at a later time. Definitely, after this battle ends.
"Try and find who?" Unexpectedly, Daisy spoke to Twilight, catching her off guard. She wouldn't have to find the Flora Ponies as they found her. Both Daisy and Paradise sat behind Twilight Sparkle.
"Daisy?! Paradise?! H-How long have you been here!?" Twilight gasped. "Where were you two?!"
"Sorry. There was something delicious nearby and I had to find it." Daisy apologized as the scent of food is what drew her away from Twilight. "It was worth it. I got to see and eat quite a lot."
"And I had to bring her back," said Paradise. "But it was worth eating all of it."
"Oh...you found the canteen," Twilight uttered, lowering her head. "Okay then. "At least you're safe and here. I haven't introduced you to all my friends just yet.
"Who are these two, Twilight?" Rarity asked as all of her friends would turn to see the Flora Ponies. At last, they have met. And of all times they could've met, it had to be during this big battle. Immediately, once Ash and Volkner entered the arena, all the attention was drawn towards the stage. "Oh! It's starting!"
"It's time for a Pokemon World Championships Ultra Class Battle here in the shining city of Canterlot!" The announcer turned out to be a human who showed up for this. He showed up just as fast as those Rotom Drones that announce the World Championship Battles from time to time. How he got here so fast? No one knew and cared to know for the time being. They just wanted to see a battle take place.
"Here are our two trainers going head to head in this Ultra Class Battle. Presenting Rank 27 in the Pokemon World Championship, the Strongest Gym Leader in Sinnoh. Volkner!" Those were fans of Volkner would reveal themselves, cheering as loud as they could for him. "And facing him is a newcomer in the Ultra Class. Currently ranked 95, it's Ash!" And the cheers for Ash went up higher since most in Equestria knew about him.
"Oh, wait. Is that what's happening?" Paradise soon realized that a Pokemon Battle was taking place. And Ash would be involved with it. "Great timing, right?"
"Mhm!" Daisy greatly agreed.
"Today's battle will be a 3v3 Battle. Now, will both Challengers please bring out your Pokemon." The Rotom Drone said, acting as the referee for this. "3, 2, 1, Go!"
"Alright, Lucario! I choose you!"
"Luxray! Go!" Their first Pokemon would be unleashed into the battle. For Ash, it was the Aura Pokemon Lucario and for Volkner, it was the Gleam Eyes Pokemon Luxray.
"Lucario!"
"Luxray!"
"Boy...for once, I don't recommend using that crystal of yours." Speaking within Ash was Sombra, who decided to share some words before this battle could truly begin.
"Nah, it's fine." But Ash would use the Z-Crystal either way. "You're the one who told me to carry it around all the time and use it when needed, so I'm gonna do just that for this battle."
"Battle Start!"
"Electric Terrain, Luxray! Go!"
"Lux...Ray!" Luxray went first, releasing multiple bolts of yellow electricity from its body, causing the surrounding area to illuminate an electrifying yellow. All Electric-type moves were now powered up because of this field and that greatly benefitted each of Volkner's Pokemon.
"Alright! We'll hit first! Lucario! Aura Sphere!" Ash punched the air, deciding to deliver the first blow.
"Ca...!" Lucario put his hands out, generating a concentrated sphere of Aura in the middle of his palms. Afterwards, he would thrust his arms forward, sending the sphere flying. The Aura Sphere travelled.
"Use Rising Voltage!"
"Ray!" To capitalize on the boost that Electric Terrain granted, Luxray releases a series of upwards-rising lightning bolts from its body as they flare out like whips. When the bolts reached the Aura Sphere, they combined together into a pillar of electricity. And since this move benefitted the most from Electric Terrain compared to other Electric-Type attacks, it was strengthened greatly.
The Aura Sphere would find itself smashing against the pillars of electricity each time it went forward. Each hit slowed it down some more as the plethora of pillars were strengthened enough to keep this attack at bay. They did more than just slow it down. Aura Sphere would combust, failing to push through and reach Luxray, making Ash and Pikachu gasp.
"Lu?!" Lucario would growl as the pillars of electricity reached him, engulfing his whole body in a burst of lightning. "C-Ca...!" The lightning raged on while Lucario was within it, putting his arms up to block the attack.
"Lucario! Are you okay?!" Ash asked as the lightning did not end. It kept raging on when engulfing Lucario, punishing him with multiple volts. Eventually, the attack would end, blowing up on the spot. And yet, Lucario still managed to keep his guard up, even if took a consecutive stream of damage.
"And it's a direct hit from Rising Voltage which is greatly powered up by Electric Terrain!" The announcer yelled. "Aura Sphere didn't make it through!"
"I'm gonna have a tough time getting close. Unless...Okay, Lucario. Return for now and rest okay, pal?" Ash would then return his Lucario, switching things up. Luxray would roar, essentially letting Ash know that he wouldn't be getting close anytime soon. "Alright. How about this?! Gengar, I choose you!"
"Gengar!" Gengar was up next. And immediately, he would get in Luxray's face, sticking his tongue out, bouncing around and taunting the Gleam Eyes Pokemon in other ways. Gengar did manage to get close mainly thanks to the speed he had as a Ghost.
"Lux...!" Luxray growled at Gengar's taunts.
"Use Snarl, Luxray!"
"Ray!" By barking with great intensity in its voice, Luxray released multiple purple and black rings of energy from its mouth. But immediately after they were shot out, Gengar would start dodging them, still taunting Luxray. By swooping and zipping to the side, he would avoid the Snarl which went in a straight line mostly.
"Gengar dodges the Snarl by taunting Luxray in the same way it showed up!"
"Cocky little...!" Volkner would also snarl after seeing Gengar use such petty moves to evade Luxray's attack.
"Use Psychic, Gengar!"
"Gen! Gengar!" Gengar would finally attack, zooming in as he would pass by Luxray. Disappearing and reappearing behind Luxray, the Shadow Pokemon's eyes would flash purple as he already outlined the Electric-Type in a purple aura.
"L-Lux!" Luxray gasped as it was lifted off the ground by Psychic, unable to do anything now that Gengar had it within his mental grasp. And after raising Luxray, Gengar would shoot it down like a missile, causing the Gleam Eyes Pokemon to hit the ground hard, leaving behind a purple trail afterwards. "Ray!"
"Nice hit!" Brawly cheered for that strong hit. The buildup to it and the impact would leave any Pokemon bewildered and damaged from it. If they had immunity, that is.
"Luxray!" But even after taking that hard hit, Luxray would immediately recover, sliding on the ground as his claws dug into the marble surface of the Canterlot Arena, leaving claw marks behind.
"Night Shade!" Gengar fired a dark crimson beam, outlined in a deep red from his eyes, following up the Psychic as it would be a continuous assault against the Gleam Eyes Pokemon who had just recovered from the hard-hitting Psychic. And with no window to do something, Luxray would be struck by the shade of darkness which would combust and engulf within with the dark explosion.
Luxray was sent flying, emerging out of the smoke after the dark explosion subsided. And yet, despite all of that, it could still get on its two feet, using those to recover. Cats always land on their feet and the same goes for Cat-Based Pokemon such as this electrifying lion.
"Great work as always Gengar!" Rarity applauded. "Even if that Luxray is still standing, you've left it winded without a doubt!"
"Gengar is always a good choice for when Ash wants to trick and confound his opponents," Olympia said. "Especially against swift Pokemon."
"Mhm. He's even doing it right now." Roxanne pointed out how Gengar continued to taunt Luxray, disappearing and reappearing with every taunt, just to try and fake Luxray out.
"Return, Luxray." Volkner decided to return Luxray, ceasing Gengar's taunting.
"Everything feels so different when looking at the battle with these eyes..." For Daisy and Paradise, viewing a Pokemon Battle like this was much different than how they viewed it when they were just flowers.
"It does, doesn't it? I don't know what it was like to watch as flowers," said Twilight. "But seeing it like this is amazing. It was to all of us when we first witnessed a Pokemon Battle. What an amazing sight.
"That Gengar of yours is tricky. Not much can bewilder my Luxray. You yourself experienced that back at Sinnoh, Ash. But it's nothing I can't handle. Go! Rotom!" Volkner sent his next Pokemon out. This time, it would be a Fan Rotom.
"Rotom!"
"We'll bewilder Rotom as well then." Ash smirked which was followed by Volkner putting on a smirk as well. "Electric Terrain or not."
"Gengar!" Gengar greatly agreed as he would try and taunt Rotom, doing what he did to Luxray by disappearing and attempting to reappear. However, Gengar was in for a massive shock as Rotom would do the same. Fan Rotom would vanish and reappear, showing up in the same spot as Gengar. "Gen?!"
Gengar would try again, zooming to another side of the arena, only for Rotom to show up there as well. Rotom followed Gengar's every movement, matching him pace-for-pace.
"Gengar can't seem to taunt Rotom the same way as it did against Luxray! Rotom can see every one of Gengar's movements!"
"Use Air Slash!"
"Roto!" Fan Rotom's fan blades flashed light blue, releasing multiple light blue glowing saw disc-like energy blades from its fan at the Shadow Pokemon. Its entire body would even spin to increase the speed of the blades.
"Intercept with Night Shade!"
"Gar!" Those dark crimson beams would be unleashed once more to counter the incoming air blades. It was a direct clash. A struggle between Night Shade and Air Slash. The continuous Night Shade against the rapid barrage of air slashes made for a fierce struggle as both Pokemon were moving across the arena when trying to 1-UP each other.
"Oh! Both of them are gliding through the air like it's nothing when clashing!" The announcer gasped with amazement.
"Ice Punch, Gengar!"
"Gen...!" Ending the struggle, Gengar would fly out of the way of the Air Slashes, quickly switching moves. On his hand, a chilling aura of ice would emerge as he pulled his arm back for a powerful swing.
"Thunder Wave, quick!"
"Rotom!" But Rotom would also end its attack, switching from Air Slash to Thunder Wave at impressive speeds. Within its fan blades, a golden light would illuminate, crackling electricity as it was ready to unleash this wave. But not before Gengar would try and slug the Electric-Flying-Type before that could happen.
However, Rotom would fly out of the way, preventing Gengar from slugging it. Gengar frowned, pursuing the Fan Rotom with Ice Punch, trying to land a hit in. But Rotom was just as speedy as him, flying away while still facing the Shadow Pokemon.
"Unfortunately for Gengar, most Electric-Types are too fast, even for him," Drayden commented when seeing Gengar trying to strike Rotom. Rotom just managed to be ahead by a slight difference.
"Gengar's still fast! Come on, Gengar! Catch up!" Rainbow Dash bellowed. Gengar certainly had the potential to do so but Rotom was still one step ahead. But there was an instance where it looked like Gengar would land a hit, only for Rotom to evade the attack at the last second.
"Tom!" After evading that attack, Rotom would finally release Thunder Wave, shooting a spiral of electricity out of its fan. The spiral would smack Gengar down, causing him to crash into the floor.
"G-Gen!" And on top of that, a guaranteed paralysis had come through. Getting back up, Gengar would have blue electricity crackle around his body as his cheeky grin vanished from his face.
"Gengar's been paralyzed! That Ice Punch just couldn't land!"
"You're prime for major damage." Volker clenched his fast while holding it out. "Hex!"
"Roto!" Dark purple wisps of energy appear around Fan Rotom as Gengar would find himself surrounded by enigmatic purple energy. Double damage would come through, spelling bad news for Gengar. Not only was he a Ghost-Type, making him vulnerable to this attack, but Hex's main advantage by working with status effects would kick in.
"Gar!" Gengar would be struck by the energy which would then flare out of his body, making him scream. A flare of purple energy combusted on the spot where Gengar stood, making Ash hold onto his hat.
"Oh, no! Gengar!" Ash cried out Gengar's name. He let go of his hat once the dust would settle. A foot would stomp out of the smoke which was obviously Gengar's foot. The remains of Hex would fizzle out in a purple light, coming to an end but leaving behind a major impact. "Are you okay?"
"Gen." Gengar's frown would transform back into a smile, attempting to reassure Ash. But it would soon return to a frown as his pupils would vanish. The Shadow Pokemon fell on his back suddenly with the last thing coming out of him being volts of electricity. "Gengar..."
"Gengar is unable to battle! Rotom wins!" The first knockout of the battle had been decided. And it was Gengar who fell first out of the four Pokemon that have battled so far.
"Oof. First knockout and not a single hit on Rotom. That's rough." Applejack grimaced.
"It was fairly quick too. And that Electric Terrain is still up." Rarity observed before squinting her eyes. "This yellow colouring is also hard on the eyes...!"
"Return, Gengar." Ash would return Gengar to his Poke Ball. " Thanks, Gengar. You did well out there."
"Pika..." Pikachu looked up at Ash and the Poke Ball. Suddenly, his red sacs would flare electricity for a bit before ending. This was in response to the Electric Terrain since he was also an Electric-Type. Just as Rarity commented on the Electric Terrain, it would fade out, bringing back the original colours.
"Electric Terrain's run out, huh?" Ash observed. "That's a shame. I was gonna use it pretty soon. But...that's not gonna stop me from letting Pikachu get in there." He would then kneel to face the Mouse Pokemon. "Pikachu. We'd better not let Gengara down, right?"
"Pikachu!"
"Alright! Pikachu! I choose you!" For his third Pokemon, it would be Pikachu that would join the battle.
"Pikachu!" The Electric-Type ran in with high amounts of energy to burn.
"Electric Terrain had to vanish right as I brought it up, eh?" Rarity pouted with a disgruntled face. "Pikachu would've benefitted so much from that."
"It's odd to pick Pikachu as his final Pokemon considering who he's up against. But who am I to judge Ash's picks? He always overcomes visible disadvantages." Roxanne shrugged. "But I'm afraid he might have trouble against Volkner's final Pokemon."
"Indeed." Drayden nodded, knowing which Pokemon Roxanne was referring to. "With Gengar down, he only has two Pokemon left and one of them can properly deal with that Pokemon. Unless..."
"Check this out! Use Electroweb, Pikachu!"
"Pika! Pikachu-Pi!" Going first, Pikachu would summon a burst of lightning on his tail while jumping in the air. That burst would then transform into a web once it was thrown, coming from above.
"Intercept with Air Slash!"
"Rotom!" Rotom would try and cut the web into pieces by using Air Slash, sending blades of air as fast as it could. But that was not enough. The blades did not manage to break past the web, only managing to slice some parts of it off. The rest of the web would land on Rotom, encasing it. "R-Rotom!"
"With Rotom caught in the web, it's speed has been dropped!" The announcer bellowed. "Is Pikachu now faster?!"
"Thunderbolt!"
"Return, Rotom!" Right as Ash cried out for a Thunderbolt, Volkner would quickly return Rotom in the middle of the attack name. Pikachu was already charging up the attack as Volkner had a second Poke Ball in his hand. "Now! Electivire, let's go!"
"Electivire!" The third and final Pokemon ended up being Electivire. And with precise timing as well. Upon entering, Pikachu's attack had finished charging, coming in hot. Intercepting the Thunderbolt was Electivire and it didn't even need to use an attack to make that happen.
It was purely by its own body that it stopped Thunderbolt. Even when being engulfed by a strong burst of 100,000 volts, it did nothing. And that was all thanks to its ability and the antennae on its head that was gathering up the electricity.
"He switched out his Pokemon right as the attack was coming through?!" Pinkie Pie and many others were stunned by this. That was a rare instance of switching. "And it was that fast?! Against Electricity?!"
"Volkner has always been the fastest thinker out of every Gym Leader. It's what makes him so strong." Roxie said, complimenting Volkner's skills. It was fitting that as an Electric-Type Gym Leader, speed was also his forte when it came to his own body. That instinctive swap was truly impressive as many witnessed what it was like to switch that fast.
"Motor Drive, huh?" Ash grit his teeth as the ability Electivire used was Motor Drive.
"As expected from Gym Leader Volkner! Intercepting the Thunderbolt is his Electivire who absorbed the attack with Motor Drive! What speed! And speaking of speed, Electivire is much faster now because of that absorption!"
"Surprised?" Volkner narrowed his eyes. "Take a look at how much faster Electivire became! Fire Punch!"
"Electivire!" With flames sparking around its hands, Electivire would jump in with Fire Punch, going for a downward strike against Pikachu.
"Look out, Pikachu!" Dodge it, quick!"
"Pika!" Pikachu would try and dash back, only to be caught by the Fire Punch before that could happen. The speed boost that Electivire gained was that impressive. For a Pokemon of its size, it managed to move at great distances so swiftly, smashing the Fire Punch on the floor, right where Pikachu stood. The impact summoned a giant flare of flames that would push Pikachu away, sending him through the air. "K-Ka!"
"Volkner knows how big of a threat Pikachu is. And with Electivire out, he wants to make all of Pikachu's strongest attacks useless and take him out as fast as possible." Olympia spoke as it was clear and obvious why Volkner made that quick switch in.
"Mhm. And the same goes for that Z-Crystal." Valerie pointed out the Z-Crystal and how it passed a move stronger than all of Pikachu's attacks. "And now Electivire should be as fast as Pikachu which will make it harder on Ash."
"This is making me nervous..." Daisy bit her hoof as Paradise was trembling. "Is this what it feels like for every battle back at Saddle Lake?"
"It is. Seeing someone you root for struggle in a Pokemon Battle can do that to you." Twilight looked back at Daisy and Paradise. "But no need to worry! Ash has got this!"
"Pikachu, use Iron Tail!"
"Chu...Pika!" Pikachu would regain his balance, hardening his tail to match that of iron. His tail would instantly glisten thanks to the sunlight reflecting off the metal.
"We'll use Iron Tail too!"
"Vire!" Surprisingly, Electrivire also had an Iron Tail of its own. A double dose of it. The two tails on its back would harden as it had an extra tail advantage over Pikachu. But would that matter in the battle? Both trainers would have to find out as their Electric-Types would approach each other.
It was an aerial clash between two Iron Tails. Electivire swung first, using one of his tails, only for Pikachu to flip through the air, having aerial control to evade the incoming tail. The second one would come through as Pikachu just barely managed to avoid that one by flipping over it once more. "Pika!"
"Strike, Pikachu!"
"Pika...!" Pikachu would take this opportunity to land his Iron Tail. And to do this, he landed on one of Electivire's tails, getting an extra jump boost. High in the air, Pikachu was going for an overheard Iron Tail which was then met with Electivire's upward Iron Tail.
The attacks would finally connect as sparks would fly from their first impact. It felt like two swords hitting each other. However, Electrivire managed to push Pikachu off with both of its tails before it could evolve into a continuous clash. Pikachu and Electivire would descend with Pikachu landing flat on his belly.
"Pikachu can't seem to get close enough! That Twin Iron Tail really does make a difference!" The announcer roared as the two tails did matter in the end. With two tails, Electivire's Iron Tail had a slight edge over Pikachu's.
"Okay, Pikachu! Come back for now!" Ash would recall Pikachu. Hearing this, the Mouse Pokemon would run back. It was rather difficult approaching Electivire in this way. Ash knew that clearly so a switch-up was required. "Alright. Hold back for a moment while I figure something out for us."
"Pikachu."
"Well, Pikachu is still up but any longer and Ash could've lost him," Brawly said. "I didn't think it'd get that fast after absorbing Thunderbolt."
"Rotom doesn't have Motor Drive does it?" Fluttershy questioned, wondering if Ash had to deal with a double Motor Drive.
"Surprisingly, it doesn't. Despite the reversed name." Olympia shook her head, confirming that Rotom did not have Motor Drive, which was rather ironic.
"Lucario! I choose you!" Ash would send out Lucario next, bringing the Aura Pokemon back into the battle.
"Lucario!"
"Let's go all in, pal! Aura Sphere!"
"Luca...!" Once again, Aura Sphere would be used, generating that sphere of concentrated Aura within his paws. This time, there was no Rising Voltage to stop him or an Electric Terrain.
"Fire Punch!"
"Elec!" But there was a Fire Punch, which was also a threat to Lucario. With another dose of fire around its arms, Electivire would fly in one more. It was an up-close encounter. Electivire got close to Lucario in seconds with that lunge, showing just how much faster it truly became after that speed boost. The light of Fire Punch and Aura Sphere reflected off both Pokemon who stared intensively at each other.
"Ca!" But even with Electivire being up close, Lucario still found a time window to unleash his Aura Sphere, shooting it out at a short distance.
"Vire!" Electivire would swing at Aura Sphere as the collision was incredibly close. Aura Sphere did not leave Lucario's palms as he held it out, using it as both a weapon and a shield. The Fire Punch smashed into Aura Sphere, creating a blue flare as it tried breaking through the shield of Aura.
"What an impact! Lucario's Aura Sphere is blocking the Fire Punch while also trying to get through!"
"Rrrr...!" Lucario couldn't quite get through the Fire Punch as much as he could defend against it. And neither could Electivire push through with Fire Punch. The attack and defence for both attacks cancelled each other out, resulting in an immediate explosion that would engulf them both. "Ca!"
"Elec!" Electivire and Lucario would both be sent flying, damaging each other. An equalized exchange as both Pokemon slid on the marble ground to recover their momentum and balance.
"Wild Charge!"
"Electivire!" After recovering, Electivire did not waste any time going for another attack. Wrapped in a wild flare of lightning, Electivire's body was given an electrifying aura before he then charged in, leaving an electric trail behind.
"Double Team!"
"Lu! Lu!" Responding to this incoming charge, Lucario use Double Team, immediately duplicating himself. Multiple clones emerged as they would all approach Electivire instead of waiting for it to get close.
"Vire!" Unable to tell which one was the real Lucario, Electivire would go all-in, boosting itself through the air. Alas, it failed to hit the right one as the group of Lucario it managed to hit would fizzle out. It hit nothing but thin air as the real one had yet to be seen. "Elec?!"
"Aura Sphere!"
"Luca!" The remaining clones would attack, collectively jumping into the air to charge up their Aura Spheres. Electivire would have to deal with multiple Aura Spheres which were building up and it was up to the Thunderbolt Pokemon to determine if they were real or illusions.
"Hit them back!"
"Vire!" It wouldn't need to. Not with this tactic helping it out. Once the spheres all came flying in, Electivire would spin its entire body as fast as it could, using its tails to deflect them. The tails did most of the work, being long enough to occupy two spaces when Electivire spun around. And it was a great bonus that Electivire had two tails.
"Lu?!"
"Oh, man!" Ash, Lucario and Pikachu collectively gasped after Electivire stopped every single one of them. Not a single Aura Sphere went through, even if they were all real.
"My turn! Thunder Punch!"
"Vire!" With electricity travelling from its antennae to its fist, Electivire would gain an electrifying physical attack. The Thunderbolt Pokemon would once again be the aggressor, deciding to come in close instead of standing back, except for the Aura Sphere instance.
"Counter with Force Palm!"
"Lucario!" Lucario would meet with this with his own physical attack. With Electivire approaching, Lucario would throw his palm forward the Thunder Punch. With the two attacks meeting with each other, Thunder Punch managed to win the clash just by an inch. Electivire's attack had more momentum behind it, giving it the edge. A fierce electrical explosion came from the collision, pushing Lucario back as his feet would slide against the ground. "R-Rr...!"
"Are you alright, Lucario?!"
"Lu...!" The Aura Pokemon growled before twitching for a moment. That twitch was the cause of the electricity that emerged from his body. For the second time in a row, a Pokemon from Ash's side had been paralyzed. And this time, it was Lucario.
"Oh! Lucario is also paralyzed thanks to Thunder Punch!"
"Return, Electivire!" Afterwards, Volkner would swap out Electivire. There was only one reason that he took the Thunderbolt Pokemon out of the battle for a while. And for everyone else, it was obvious why. "Go, Rotom!"
"Rotom!" Fan Rotom was the obvious choice for how Lucario had all this electricity around him, slowing him down.
"Not good! He's gonna get the same treatment as Gengar!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed as everyone figured out why Rotom returned. It was to capitalize on Lucario's paralysis.
"Now, Rotom! Hex!"
"Tom!" And immediately, Rotom would Hex the Aura Pokemon, conjuring that same destructive purple energy around Lucario's Body.
"Lucaaaa!" Lucario yelled after being punished by the ominous aura, raising his head as he felt the crushing pain of a million curses beat onto him. "Rrr...!"
"Lucario keeps getting pressured! And Hex only adds to it!"The announcer yelled as the Hex would explode on Lucario. With the smoke emerging and diminishing later on, Lucario could be seen standing there with one eye closed. That wicked Hex certainly left him perplexed.
"Is Lucario okay?!" Fluttershy gasped. Lucario was frozen stiff, having his head and arms down. Reasonable as he took quite a beating from Electivire and received a pain amplifier from Fan Rotom.
"It's now or never! Reversal!"
"Lu...Luca!" Indeed, Lucario could still continue. Even with his head down and seemingly stuck in place, he had the strength to continue. An orange energy would rise, surrounding him as it was all the damage he accumulated in this battle being channelled into pure power. "Lucario!" He yelled as loud as he could, letting his energy explode on the spot.
"Air Slash!"
"Ro! Rotom!" Rotom would try attacking Lucario while he was charging up, attempting to break his concentration. However, once those air blades came flying in, a shocking sight befell the eyes of everyone who saw this battle.
Lucario's Reversal Aura was blocking the air blades. Each time the blades would come flying in, attempting to slash the Aura Pokemon, the energy would block it, preventing any damage from going through.
"Amazing!" Olympia gasped. "He's using it as a way to defend himself! I was sure that all of that damage would make him a bit sluggish!"
"That's the way, Lucario!" Applejack raised her hoof.
"Caa!" Lucario roared as the energy would then combust after stopping all of the air blades. Lucario could finally unleash Reversal as it was intended to. With the energy being brought into his paw, Lucario would then move at blinding speeds. Speeds so great that not even Rotom saw it coming as the Aura Pokemon appeared above him in a split-second moment. Even when paralyzed. it didn't stop him from gaining such a momentary boost.
"Ro?!"
"Lucario!" Lucario with his full force smashed Reversal onto the Electric-Flying-Type with the weight of all of the damage he took in this battle.
"Rotoooom!" Rotom was truly spinning now, flying through the air and going so far as to nearly hit Volkner. Rotom crashed near Volkner's feet. All of that punishment was worth it as Lucario transformed it into a truly devastating attack. Truly a spectacular blow. And it showed as Rotom couldn't take it at all. It had fainted. "Rotom..."
"Fan Rotom is unable to battle! Lucario wins!"
"Challenger Ash manages to even things out at last!" The announcer bellowed which prompted the whole crowd to cheer for Ash's first knockout. It was tough getting to this point, but he got there, as usual. Ash always manages to catch up somehow.
"Wow...So this is a Pokemon Battle...How exciting! Isn't it, Paradise?!" Daisy pranced on the spot, accidentally spreading daisies across the seats. The daises would rapidly move, covering the seats and startling those who did not expect to see these flowers appear.
"It is! It very much is! It's just as how we envisioned them back at Saddle Lake!" Paradise vehemently agreed.
"I stand corrected." Drayden nodded. "It seems that was not an issue for him, despite the setbacks. But there are still two Pokemon left and the one that's a genuine problem is still around."
"Yeah, but that Lucario's a durable one," Brawly uttered. "All of that and he can still stand? If I was Volkner, I'd be worried about what he can do next."
"Thanks, Rotom. Rest up after that great display." Speaking of Volkner he would return Rotom, thanking it for a splendid battle.
"Sweet stuff, Lucario! Can you keep going?" Ash asked if Lucario could continue the way he was.
"Lu!" Lucario was confident that he could. He would sway his arm, removing a bit of electricity from his paw.
"The Aura Pokemon lives up to its name." Volkner smiled, complimenting Ash's Lucario. "It even shook off the paralysis in that devastating attack. I can see why Cynthia talked about your Lucario so highly a while back. That's some potential. But I'm gonna slow him down, no matter what! Let's go, Luxray!"
"Luxray!" Luxray was back into the fray.
"Only two left." Ash adjusted his hat. "Time to finish this quick and move on to Electivire!"
"I agree! But you won't be moving on to anyone! Electric Terrain!"
"Lux! Luxray!" Just like how this battle started, Luxray would set up Electric Terrain, bringing back that yellow hue that changed the colours desperately. Those sensitive to this colour would squint and rub their eyes.
"This time, Aura Sphere will go through!" Ash was going for that same strategy again, making this a repeat of the very beginning.
"Luca...!"
"Again? Don't count on it! Rising Voltage!"
"Ray!" Luxray would do the same as this was strikingly similar to the start of the battle. However, instead of standing back, Lucario would instead approach Luxray. Holding the Aura Sphere in his paws, the Aura Pokemon would lunge in while Luxray unleashed those pillars of electricity.
Everyone gasped as Lucario and Luxray's attacks were close to each other, wondering how this would turn out. With one arm out, Lucario would slam the Aura Sphere into Luxray's head, but not before some of the pillars struck the Fighting-Steel-Type.
A double collision. Both Pokemon managed to get their attacks off successfully and the result was a golden outburst with azure rays flashing through them. Ash and Pikachu would protect themselves with their arms up as a streak of energy passed by them, making Ash's jacket and hair flow violently. It felt like two jet streams were flying by them and they were at risk of being shocked. The same went for Volkner as the streams came towards him as well.
For such a strong clash, it was amazing that once the smoke and dust settled, both Pokemon were still standing, looking into each other's eyes. The Jackal and the Lion were truly impressive with how they could just land those attacks and stand in the middle of the explosion. Alas, even they had to falter. And they did.
"Lucario..."
"Luxray..." Both Lucario and Luxray would faint, failing to stand up as they expended themselves. It was a double knockout as they tied. And they fell with Luxray being at the bottom and Lucario resting on top of Luxray.
"Lucario and Luxray are both unable to battle!"
"An incredible double knockout! Now it all comes down to just Pikachu and Electivire!"
"Even if Luxray fainted, it still went in Volkner's favour!" Roxanne gasped. "It's just Pikachu and Electivire, which means Ash's options have been cut short now!"
"The Electric Terrain is still out since not much time has passed with its second usage," said Olympia.
"Thanks, Lucario. That was awesome." Ash thanked Lucario after he returned him along with Volkner returning his Luxray. The Champion of Alola would then glance over at Pikachu, knowing what was coming next. "This is the last round, Pikachu. Let's make it count."
"Pika!" Pikachu confidently pumped his fist, reassuring Ash that he would throw everything he had to offer at Electivire. He would jump back into the fray, feeling powered-up thanks to the Electric Terrain. "Pikachu!"
"Let's go! Electivire!" And finally, Volkner would send out Electivire for the final time. Both were Electric-Types. Electric Attacks would do that much to either of them even with the Electric Terrain. However, Electivire did have that advantage with Motor Drive which would only make it faster.
"Pikachu might be in for a bad time...He can only use Quick Attack and Iron Tail." Twilight said, gulping for a moment. "Even then, Electivire can gain a boost with Motor Drive and that Twin Iron Tail is hard to get through."
"But Ash always makes use of what he can do," Fluttershy said, bringing to light Ash's many skills when it comes to facing difficult odds.
"Iron Tail!" Ash shouted, making the first move.
"Pika!" Pikachu hardened his tail, going in for an Iron Tail. And Volkner's response?"
"Wild Charge!" Instead of his own Iron Tail, Volkner chose Wild Charge instead, capitalizing on the Electric Terrain.
"Electivire!" Electivire rushed in with that large aura of Electricity, performing a shoulder bash as well. Iron Tail and Wild Charge would collide, creating a fierce flash of sparks that would stun the eyes of those who saw it.
With this strong collision, Pikachu and Electivire pressed against each other for a while, but ultimately, Electivire won the clash, pushing Pikachu away with Wild Charge. "Pika!" Everyone winced at the hit Pikachu took and even more when he hit the ground afterwards. As a trade-off, Electivire would take recoil damage from using Wild Charge. However, even with red sparks appearing around it, it barely looked phased at all by the recoil. Afterwards, the Electric Terrain would vanish, running its course. For that one instance, Electivire's Wild Charge got in some heavy damage thanks to the terrain.
"Hang in there, Pikachu!" Pinkie Pie and a few others yelled, cheering for Pikachu.
"The power gap between them might be too huge. Just look at Electivire." Rarity added. "What now, Ash? Quick Attack is not as strong as Iron Tail but everything will be eaten up by Electivire."
"If he can use Quick Attack and Iron Tail in succession, he could pull it off," Drayden said, believing that Ash could gain the victory that way. "But that's a tall order and would take a lot of stamina for Pikachu to pull off."
"Iron Tail, Electivire!"
"Vire!" Electivire would use its Twin Iron Tails once more, ready to overwhelm the Mouse Pokemon.
"Meet it with Iron Tail!"
"Chu...Pika!" Pikachu would gladly get up close with Electivire again. He leapt off the ground, kicking some dust along with two shockwaves coming out of him. And this time, the clash between Iron Tails wasn't so one-sided. Pikachu knew what to expect with those Twin Iron Tails after all and he refused to let it throw him for a loop.
The two Iron Tails met once more, this time, properly clashing. And it was a fast and strong clash. Both tails went back and forth with Pikachu managing to hit the first and second one once they took turns. The air would shake from this iron clash. Both Pokemon moved swiftly through the air when smashing their tails against each other, zipping to the side and becoming yellow blurs in the process.
Pikachu could finally keep up with Electivire's Iron Tail by anticipating the second one at all times. Pikachu swung his tail wildly, becoming purely aggressive as the clash went on, forcing Electivire to think fast. Electivire's second tail was struggling to keep up with how much aggression Pikachu was pouring into this.
"Pikachu!" Eventually, Pikachu found an opening, smashing his tail against Electivire's head. The Thunderbolt Pokemon was forced back to the ground as Pikachu was the one to win this clash. A magnificent blow, even if Electivire recovered on the marble ground via a backflip. But Electivire did end up stumbling.
"Awesome!" Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo collectively said. The cheers became louder from the rising tension and heat of this battle.
"You're quite the opponents. Ash and Pikachu." Volkner said. "Your intensity...your ferocity...all of that just makes us stronger!" Volkner was truly enjoying himself. It was Ash who rekindled his love for battling all those years ago and he was reminded why. Ash was seemingly the only one who could give him this thrilling battle that he's longed for because of how he battles. "Battling other trainers never felt the same. They were either too weak or too strong. But you...You're just right."
"Thanks, Volkner. But now..." Ash suddenly took off his hat with a golden glint appearing in his eyes. He would then throw his hat in the air for everyone to follow. With Pikachu jumping into the air, putting on the hat with that jump, everyone apart from the Flora Ponies knew what this meant.
"Pika!"
"It's about time I used this! Pikachu's been itching to use Electric Moves, so here's his chance!" Ash was ready to use a Z-Move, raising his arm up as the Z-Crystal would glow. Everyone gasped, stunned that Ash would go for that choice.
"He's gonna use a Z-Move?!" Many ponies exclaimed in disbelief.
"But why?!" It won't work on Electivire!" Twilight sat up along with Olympia. "What's he thinking?!"
"Pikachu!" Pikachu would then fist bump with Ash before then performing a double high-five slap. Both were fully confident in this attack despite everything thinking otherwise.
"The Z-Move...I've been waiting for this." And yet, Volkner was excited about this attack.
"Hm!" Ash would then strike a series of poses with Pikachu as both of them would generate a golden aura that was shined as bright as the Sun itself. Cloaked in a sparkling golden aura of electricity, Pikachu would be powered up to the max. "This is far greater than 100,000 Volts! It's going up to 1,000,000 volts!"
"Pikachu!"
"No...much higher than that!" Ash's hair would rise up as he clenched his fist, putting on a grin of absolute confidence. "It's our absolute best! This right here is me and Pikachu's full power!"
"Pika-Pika!"
"Pikachu! 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt!" Ash called out his strongest move by far.
"Pika! Pika-Pika-Pikachu!" Pikachu leapt into the air, absorbing electricity from a dark storm cloud that formed above him. Pikachu then fires seven bolts of electricity, each a different colour of a rainbow, at the Thunderbolt Pokemon. "Pikachu!"
"Sweet Arceus..." Volkner was rather stunned by this. But not as much as Daisy and Paradise. "So that's 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt...Too bad we're gonna absorb it all! Suck it all up with your Motor Drive, Electivire!"
"Elec...Electivire!" Electivire opened its arms, welcoming this attack as it would be possibly the best meal it will ever have. The electricity crashed into Electivire, already being pulled in by its Motor Drive. The impact was so strong that it broke off the marble that was on the ground, causing rocks to fly up.
"It ain't gonna work!" Applejack lowered her hat, fearing that Electivire would become monstrously powerful after this. "Motor Drive's gonna gobble it all up!"
"Wait...Look!" However, it wasn't as obvious as everyone thought it was. Roxie pointed it out as the stand-off between the 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt and Motor Engine wasn't as clear-cut as they thought it was. Despite the fact that Electivire was absorbing it all into its antenna, Pikachu kept going.
"Pika...Pikachu!" Pikachu bellowed with the intensity of thunder which caused the many lightning bolts to intensify. Suddenly, Electivire's legs were shaking. its arms trembled as it groaned, struggling to keep all of this lightning in one place.
To everyone's shock and surprise, the Z-Move went through, combusting on the spot and engulfing in Electivire in an array of colourful explosions.
Pikachu would descend as the hat nearly fell off him. Everyone's eyes bulged out as they did not expect Pikachu's attack to explode. They all thought it would just fizzle out after being absorbed by Electivire. The smoke cleared and Electivire was still standing. It seemed like it was just a minor inconvenience for the Thunderbolt Pokemon.
But it was not.
"Elec...!" Electivire groaned before suddenly dropping to the ground. It fell on its back, failing to stand up. Jaws dropped at what just happened. It was outlandish. Motor Drive did not win out as most, if not everyone expected. Electivire had fainted. "Electivire..."
"Electivire is unable to battle! Pikachu wins! Thus the victor is the Challenger Ash!"
"Alright! We did it!" Ash jumped for joy after that resounding victory. And the sound of the crowd cheering was just as resounding and wonderful to listen to. Pikachu would run into Ash's arms, hugging his tried and true partner. "You're awesome, Pikachu!"
"Pikachu!"
"He beat out Motor Drive?! How?!" Twilight was in disbelief.
"Simple. Electivire couldn't handle it all. It may have the power to charge an entire city, but that Z-Move goes above and beyond that. Overloading Motor Drive was the best option after all." Drayden explained. "Honestly, what a duo."
"Based on the results of this battle, the Pokemon World Championships Rankings will be updated." The Rotom Drone said before flying off.
"Taking down the Gym Leader Volkner rises Ash to 64th in the Ultra Class!" Ash's rankings had been declared by the announcer.
"You battled well, Electivire." Volkner helped Electivire up, thanking it for a splendid battle.
"Elec."
"I...I wanna be just like him!" Paradise had found her motivation at last. And all it took was viewing this Pokemon Battle in all of its glory.
"Great work, you two!" Roxie strummed her guitar before applauding. "I don't know how you guys do it but you've done it again!"
"You're getting closer to Leon, Ash!" Pinkie Pie yelled, excitedly bounding on the spot.
"Well, I expected that Z-Move and got something greater than I thought I would get," Volkner said after approaching Ash and Pikachu with Electivire. "Congrats. Overloading Motor Drive...Nice one."
"Well, when I heard I was gonna be battling you, I wanted to show you the strongest Electric Move there is." Ash held his fist out, showing the Z-Crystal. "Neat, huh?"
"Pikachu!"
"You might become the eye of the storm that shakes up the Ultra Class. No...Even the Master Class." said Volkner, picturing Ash's growth. "I can tell. And waiting for you there will be Cynthia."
"Cynthia?" Ash spoke her name. It was to be expected that Cynthia would be there at the Master Class, where the strongest trainers were residing.
And speaking of Cynthia, this entire time, she was within the Pokemon School, watching from the windows. The whole battle was viewed from this distance without anyone even knowing she was here. After seeing that battle, a smile was put on Cynthia's face, pleased with what she saw.
And with this battle being shown to everyone, not just Equestria, trainers in the World Championships were watching. Especially Champion Leon. Each time he watched Ash, promising strength kept showing itself. Ash has overcome this battle in the Ultra Class Match. But more powerful opponents were waiting for him, becoming powerful obstacles and walls for him to try and overcome. Who will he face next? As the journey continues.
Chapter 63 End.