Ace and the girls were sitting around the remnants of their campsite, casually chatting with Ash, Brock, and Misty after the chaotic encounter with Team Rocket had finally ended. The tension had dissipated, and everyone seemed relaxed—at least until Ash suddenly stood up, his expression serious and determined.
"I want to challenge you to a battle, Ace!" Ash declared, his voice cutting through the idle conversation.
The sudden statement caught everyone off guard. The girls exchanged surprised glances, while Ace arched an eyebrow at Ash, momentarily stunned.
"Whoa, didn't see that one coming," Dawn said, blinking.
"Yeah, where did that come from?" May added, looking from Ash to Ace.
Brock, however, chuckled knowingly. "I had a feeling this was coming," he said, crossing his arms.
Misty nodded in agreement. "Me too. Ever since we started traveling with Ash, he hasn't stopped talking about wanting to grow stronger to match Ace."
Ace turned his attention to Ash, his expression softening slightly as he processed the challenge. 'So, he sees me as a rival, huh?' he thought, a small smile forming.
It started back when Ace helped save Ash with Misty's help. Even then, Ash was impressed by Ace's confidence and cool demeanor. He hasn't forgotten it. He had unknowingly placed Ace right besides Gary as his rival to surpass.
Ash's hands balled into fists at his sides, his determination shining in his eyes. "Ever since that day, I've been trying to catch up to you! I want to prove myself!"
'He's serious about this,' Ace mused, observing Ash closely. For a moment, memories from his previous life flashed in his mind—endless hours spent playing Pokémon games, always imagining what it would be like to challenge Ash Ketchum in battle. He remembered his frustration that the game creators had never made a game or a surprise event allowing players to battle the iconic protagonist.
But now, standing here in this world, he had been given that very opportunity.
The grin that spread across Ace's face was full of excitement. "You want to battle me, huh?" he said, his tone light but his eyes sparking with competitive energy. "Alright, Ash. I accept your challenge!"
Ash's face lit up with enthusiasm. "Really?! You mean it?"
"Of course," Ace replied, standing up and brushing himself off.
'To think I'm actually going to battle Ash Ketchum,' Ace thought, his excitement building. 'This is a dream come true. There's no way I'm letting this chance slip by.'
Ash pumped his fist in the air. "Alright! Let's do this!"
With that, the group began preparing for what was sure to be an intense and unforgettable battle between the two trainers.
Brock stepped forward, taking his position as the referee of the upcoming match. "I'll be the referee for this battle," he announced. "This will be a 4 versus 4 Pokémon battle. Both trainers are allowed to switch Pokémon during the match, and the battle will end when one trainer's Pokémon are all unable to battle."
Ace smirked confidently, nodding in agreement. "Sounds good to me. Let's see what you've got, Ash."
Ash grinned, determination blazing in his eyes. "You're gonna find out soon enough!"
Brock raised his arm, signaling the trainers to prepare. "Alright, on my count, send out your first Pokémon simultaneously!"
Both Ace and Ash clutched their Pokéballs, the excitement in the air palpable.
"Three... two... one... Go!" Brock declared.
In perfect synchronization, Ace and Ash hurled their Pokéballs onto the battlefield.
"Nidoran, you're up!" Ace called out as the small but fierce Poison-type materialized, landing on the ground with a determined snort. Nidoran pawed at the dirt, its sharp horn glinting as it locked its gaze on its opponent.
"Bulbasaur, I choose you!" Ash shouted as his trusty Grass/Poison-type emerged from its Pokéball, its bulb glowing faintly in the sunlight. Bulbasaur eyed Nidoran cautiously, lowering its stance to prepare for battle.
The two Pokémon faced off, their auras brimming with energy. Nidoran stood steady, its horn pointed directly at Bulbasaur, while Bulbasaur shifted its weight, its vines twitching slightly as it watched Nidoran's every move.
Brock looked between the two trainers, then at their Pokémon. He raised his arm once more. "The battle between Ace and Ash begins now!"
Ash was quick to react, "Bulbasaur, use Vine Whip!"
Bulbasaur's bulb pulsed, and two vines shot out with incredible speed, heading straight for Nidoran.
"Dig!" Ace countered.
Before the vines could make contact, Nidoran swiftly burrowed into the ground, leaving Ash's attack to whip through the empty air.
"Now, use Toxic Spikes!" Ace commanded.
Muffled sounds of movement came from underground as Nidoran laid the poisonous traps. Purple spikes began to rise from the ground around Bulbasaur's position, spreading throughout Ash's side of the battlefield.
Ash grimaced, understanding the implications immediately.
Misty, observing from the sidelines, gasped. "That's bad! Now any other Pokémon Ash sends out will be poisoned as soon as they touch the field!"
Serena nodded in agreement. "Ace is a beast when it comes to strategy. He always knows how to chip away at his opponent's health bit by bit."
Ash quickly tried to adapt. "Bulbasaur, slam your vines on the ground and get airborne!"
Bulbasaur obeyed, slamming its vines into the dirt with force. The impact launched it high into the air just as Nidoran burst from the ground, its sharp horn aimed directly at where Bulbasaur had been standing moments before.
"Close one," Ash muttered, relieved. "Now, Bulbasaur, Razor Leaf!"
But Ace was faster. "Disable, Nidoran!"
As Bulbasaur prepared to unleash its attack, a pink aura enveloped its body. The vines twitched uselessly as Vine Whip was disabled. Without its Vine Whips, Bulbasaur plummeted back to the ground, Ash clenched his fists. "Bulbasaur, use Synthesis!"
Bulbasaur's body began to glow with a soft green light as it slamed on the ground, healing its injuries as it absorbed energy from the sunlight. When the glow faded, it stood back on its feet, looking rejuvenated.
"Smart move," Ace commented with a nod of approval. "Nidoran use Fury Attack!"
Nidoran charged forward, its horn glowing with energy.
"Bulbasaur, Seed Bomb!" Ash shouted.
Bulbasaur launched a glowing green orb from its bulb, and it detonated right in front of Nidoran, sending it skidding back.
Ace, undeterred, gave his next command. "Nidoran, Dig again!"
Nidoran burrowed underground once more, vanishing from sight. Ash's face tensed with worry. Without Vine Whip, Bulbasaur wouldn't be able to avoid the attack this time.
"Bulbasaur, watch out!" Ash called, his voice edged with urgency.
But it was too late. Nidoran burst from the ground beneath Bulbasaur, slamming into it with force.
"Toxic, now!" Ace ordered.
A stream of purple sludge hit Bulbasaur, coating it and leaving it visibly weakened as the poison took effect. Bulbasaur grimaced, its legs trembling slightly.
"Bulbasaur, are you okay?" Ash asked.
Bulbasaur gave a determined nod, though it was clear the toxic damage was taking its toll.
"Alright then, rapid-fire Razor Leaf!" Ash commanded.
Bulbasaur spun on the spot, releasing sharp leaves in all directions. Nidoran, despite its agility, was caught off guard and took several hits, backing away to create distance.
"Yes!" Misty cheered, pumping her fist.
On the other hand, Ace's girls exchanged surprised looks. May blinked. "Wow, Ash's Bulbasaur is tougher than it looks."
"Nidoran, charge through with Poison Tail!" Ace countered.
Nidoran's tail glowed with a vibrant purple energy as it charged forward. Twisting mid-air, it began to spin, deflecting the incoming Razor Leaf attacks with precision. It then slammed its tail down on Bulbasaur's head with a decisive blow.
"Critical hit!" Brock called out from the sidelines.
Bulbasaur cried out in pain but pushed itself up again.
"Leech Seed!" Ash shouted desperately.
"Confusion, Nidoran!" Ace countered smoothly.
Nidoran's eyes glowed pink, and the psychic energy struck Bulbasaur before it could launch the seeds. Bulbasaur cried out in pain again, its movements faltering as the toxic damage worsened.
Ash clenched his fists. "Bulbasaur!"
Ace saw his chance. "Finish it with Peck!"
Nidoran's horn glowed with Flying-type energy as it lunged forward. The strike landed directly on Bulbasaur's head, sending it crumpling to the ground.
"Bulbasaur is unable to battle!" Brock declared.
Ace's girls erupted into cheers, their voices ringing with excitement. Serena grinned. "That's Ace for you!"
Misty let out a small sigh of disappointment. "Ash gave it his all, but Ace was just a step ahead this time."
Ash returned Bulbasaur to its Pokéball with a quiet, "You did great, Bulbasaur. Take a rest." He looked back at Ace, determination still burning in his eyes. "This battle is far from over!"
Ace smirked, nodding as he readied himself for the next round. "Bring it on, Ash!"
As Ash reached for his next Pokéball, a sudden roar from Nidoran drew everyone's attention.
"Nidoran?" Ace asked, his tone laced with surprise.
A brilliant white light enveloped Nidoran's body, its small frame beginning to grow and reshape. The onlookers gasped as the light intensified.
"It's evolving!" Serena exclaimed, her eyes wide with excitement.
May clasped her hands together, watching in awe. "That's so cool!"
When the light finally faded, standing in Nidoran's place was its newly evolved form, Nidorino. The Pokémon gave a fierce growl, pawing the ground with its now larger and sharper claws.
"Nidorino," Ace whispered, his voice filled with pride and excitement. He quickly pulled out his Pokédex to scan his newly evolved Pokémon.
The device beeped before displaying the information:
[Name: Nidorino, the Poison Pin Pokémon.
Description: An aggressive Pokémon that is quick to attack. The horn on its head secretes a powerful venom.
Type: Poison.
Ability: Sheer Force.
Gender: Male.
Moves: Disable (Egg Move), Toxic, Venom Drench (Egg Move), Fury Attack, Confusion (Egg Move), Poison Tail (Egg Move), Thrash (Egg Move), Amnesia (Egg Move), Double Kick, Toxic Spikes, Dig, Peck, Horn Attack, Poison Jab, Venoshock.]
Ace's eyes widened as he noticed a peculiar move in the list. "Venoshock?" he muttered under his breath. "The Nidoran line can't learn Venoshock in the games. How...?"
His thoughts raced. Could it be that this world's Pokémon are different from the ones in the games and anime? Maybe Pokémon here have access to moves they couldn't learn in the Original Work. He will have to research this later. It could be a game changer.
The girls noticed Ace deep in thought, with Serena tilting her head curiously. "What's wrong, Ace?"
"Nothing," he replied, shaking his head with a grin. "Just thinking about how awesome Nidorino is now."
Misty had a small smile on her face. "Well, it looks like Ash will have an even tougher time now."
Ash, who had been quietly observing, clenched his fist with a grin. "That's not going to stop me. Evolved or not, I'm not giving up!"
Ace chuckled, his excitement mirrored in Nidorino's eager stance. "Good, because we're just getting started."
Brock, standing as referee, raised his hand. "Are both trainers ready to continue?"
Ash grabbed his next Pokéball, his determination unwavering. "You bet I am!"
Ash threw out his Pokéball, and with a burst of light, Squirtle appeared, landing gracefully. However, as soon as Squirtle touched the ground, it grimaced, a faint purple hue surrounding it—the toxic spikes had taken effect, poisoning it.
"Squirtle, use Rapid Spin!" Ash called out, his tone determined.
Squirtle immediately withdrew into its shell, spinning rapidly as it shot across the battlefield. The spinning motion flung the toxic spikes out of the ground, removing them from play.
"Tch," Ace clicked his tongue, his disappointment evident.
Brock, acting as the referee, took a moment to explain to the curious girls. "Rapid Spin has an additional effect: it removes entry hazards like Toxic Spikes from the field."
"That's so useful," May said.
"I didn't know that!" Dawn added, her voice filled with curiosity.
Ace refocused and pointed forward. "Nidorino, charge in with Horn Attack!"
Nidorino's horn glowed with a white energy as it bolted towards Squirtle.
"Squirtle, use Rapid Spin to counter!" Ash commanded.
Squirtle spun again, this time meeting Nidorino head-on. The clash was intense, but Nidorino's newfound strength from its evolution gave it an edge. Squirtle was pushed back slightly, but Ash wasn't ready to give up.
"Use Water Pulse!" Ash shouted.
"Venom Drench!" Ace countered swiftly.
As Squirtle prepared its Water Pulse, Nidorino released a dark, poisonous mist that enveloped Squirtle, reducing its attack, speed, and special attack. Despite the debuff, Squirtle launched the Water Pulse, which slammed into Nidorino, forcing it back a couple of steps.
Ace smirked. "Not bad, but it's time to end this. Nidorino, use Venoshock!"
Ash's eyes widened. "Squirtle, Protect!"
Just as Nidorino unleashed a purple lightning-like blast, Squirtle created a glowing green barrier. The Venoshock struck the barrier with immense force, cracks forming on its surface, but the shield held on until the attack dissipated.
"Rain Dance!" Ash called out.
Squirtle, though struggling from the poison, summoned dark clouds overhead. Rain began pouring down heavily, increasing the intensity of the battlefield.
Ace's eyes narrowed as he analyzed Ash's strategy. 'He's 15 now, more experienced and mature. This isn't the naive 10 year old Ash from the anime—it's a real challenge.'
"Nidorino, Poison Jab!" Ace shouted.
Nidorino charged forward, its horn glowing with a poisonous purple hue.
"Dig!" Ash countered.
Squirtle swiftly burrowed underground, dodging the attack.
"Follow it, Nidorino! Use Dig!" Ace commanded.
Both Pokémon were now underground, leaving the field silent except for the rain.
"Aqua Ring!" Ash ordered.
Ace frowned because with the rain, the healing effect of aqua ring was amplified, countering some of the poison damage.
'Smart move', Ace thought. 'But poison will keep wearing it down.'
"Venoshock into the ground!" Ace suddenly ordered.
Nidorino unleashed purple lightning while underground, causing everyone, including Ash, to gasp.
"Squirtle, resurface now!" Ash called out urgently.
Squirtle leapt out of the ground just in time as purple lightning erupted in various places.
"Nidorino, let's end this! Thrash!" Ace yelled.
"Thrash is Nidorino's go-to move that he had practiced a lot with." Serena said, her excitement evident.
"Squirtle, Aqua Jet!" Ash countered.
Squirtle launched itself at Nidorino, cloaked in water energy, but Nidorino charged forward while covered in a red energy, stopping Squirtle in its tracks with sheer force.
The two Pokémon clashed fiercely, Nidorino pummeling Squirtle repeatedly in its thrash-induced frenzy.
"Squirtle, withdraw into your shell and use Water Gun!" Ash shouted.
Squirtle retreated into its shell, spinning rapidly and spraying water jets, hitting Nidorino repeatedly.
"Keep pushing, Nidorino!" Ace urged.
Despite the damage it was taking, Nidorino roared, slamming Squirtle with repeated hits. Finally, both Pokémon stopped their attacks, panting heavily. Poison surged through Squirtle's body, causing it to cry out one last time before collapsing. At the same moment, Nidorino staggered and fell, completely exhausted.
Brock raised his hand. "Both Pokémon are unable to battle!"
The girls gasped, with Dawn commenting, "That was so intense!"
Misty nodded. "Both of them gave it their all."
Ace and Ash returned their Pokémon to their Pokéballs. "You did amazing, Nidorino," Ace said softly, a small smile on his face.
"Thanks, Squirtle," Ash said, his voice filled with gratitude.
The rain continued to fall, setting the stage for the next round of their incredible battle.
Ash sent out his trusted partner, Pikachu. The small Electric-type leapt gracefully from Ash's shoulder, landing on the battlefield with a determined nod to its trainer.
Ace gave a small smile and reached for his next Pokéball. "Let's go, Dratini!"
In a flash of light, the serpent-like Dragon Pokémon appeared, coiling gracefully on the field. It locked eyes with Pikachu, both Pokémon silently acknowledging the fierce battle ahead.
Brock raised his hand. "Begin!"
"Dratini, use Twister!" Ace commanded.
Dratini's body glowed faintly as a swirling vortex of blue dragonic energy formed around it. The twister shot toward Pikachu with incredible speed.
"Pikachu, Thunderbolt!" Ash called.
The rain-enhanced Thunderbolt surged from Pikachu's cheeks, crackling with intensity as it collided with the Twister. The clash of energy was fierce, but the Thunderbolt overpowered the Twister, shattering it into harmless wisps.
"Quick Attack, Pikachu!" Ash shouted.
Pikachu became a blur as it darted forward, its speed amplified by the rain-slicked field.
"Extreme Speed!" Ace countered.
Dratini moved with equal swiftness, its streamlined body weaving through the rain as it met Pikachu head-on. The two Pokémon clashed repeatedly, their movements almost too fast for the spectators to follow.
"Thunderbolt!" Ash ordered, seizing an opening.
Electricity arced out from Pikachu, aimed directly at Dratini.
"Iron Tail!" Ace shouted.
Dratini's tail glowed with a metallic sheen as it intercepted the Thunderbolt and slamed it's tail on the ground. To Ash's shock, the attack seemed to have no effect.
"What?!" Ash exclaimed, mirroring Pikachu's surprised expression.
Brock and Misty shared puzzled looks, while May, Dawn, and Serena exchanged knowing smiles.
"Scale Shot, Dratini!" Ace commanded.
Dratini's scales glimmered before detaching and firing in a rapid volley toward Pikachu. The scales hit with pinpoint accuracy, each impact causing Pikachu to cry out in pain.
"Double Team!" Ash retaliated.
Pikachu created numerous illusory clones, confusing Dratini as the Scale Shot struck the fake images.
"Dragon Rush!" Ace yelled.
Dratini cloaked itself in a shimmering dragonic aura and charged, tearing through the clones.
"Nasty Plot, then Thunderbolt!" Ash instructed.
While Dratini dispersed the illusions, Pikachu used the moment to focus its energy, raising its special attack power dramatically. When Dratini finally closed in, Pikachu unleashed a massive Thunderbolt, supercharged by both Nasty Plot and the lingering rain.
The attack slammed into Dratini, stopping its Dragon Rush cold and drawing a pained cry from the Dragon-type.
"Dratini, Twister!" Ace called.
A protective vortex formed around Dratini, shielding it from the worst of the Thunderbolt as it created some distance between itself and Pikachu.
Ace gritted his teeth, observing Dratini's labored breathing. 'Dratini can't take another hit like that. Time for our strongest move.'
"Draco Meteor!"
The battlefield fell silent for a moment as Dratini summoned a massive sphere of dragonic energy. It shot high into the sky, dispersing the rain clouds as it reached its peak before shattering into countless smaller meteors, each one descending toward the battlefield.
Ash's eyes widened in panic. "Pikachu, counter with Thunderbolt! Give it everything you've got!"
Pikachu let out a determined cry, summoning every ounce of its strength. A massive burst of electricity erupted from its body, striking in all directions. The electrified field clashed with the falling meteors, creating explosions of lightning and dragonic energy that lit up the battlefield.
Dratini attempted to neutralize the Thunderbolt with Iron Tail, but the sheer power of Pikachu's attack overwhelmed it.
When the chaos settled, the battlefield was in ruins, the ground scorched and cratered. In the center, Dratini lay unconscious, while Pikachu stood, bruised but defiant, sparks still crackling from its cheeks.
Brock raised his hand. "Dratini is unable to battle! Pikachu wins!"
Misty cheered. "Way to go Pikachu!"
May, Serena and Dawn shared a look of amazement. "Pikachu is incredible," Serena said while May and Dawn agreed wholeheartedly.
Ace returned Dratini, his expression thoughtful. "You did great, Dratini," he said softly. 'So this is the power of Ash's Pikachu… The same one that can battle and win against legendaries but sometimes loses to newly caught Pokémon. What a mystery.'
Ash grinned as Pikachu hopped back to him, receiving a proud pat on the head. "You were awesome out there, Pikachu. Take a break—you've earned it."
Pikachu gave a cheerful cry before leaping back onto Ash's shoulder, the rain having finally stopped, leaving the battlefield ready for the next round.
Ash and Ace stood firm, determination radiating from both as they simultaneously reached for their Pokéballs.
"Let's do this, Spearow!" Ace called, throwing his Pokéball.
From the light emerged Spearow, the small but fierce Normal/Flying-type. Its sharp eyes locked onto Ash's Pokémon.
Ash's Pokéball burst open. "Charmander, I choose you!"
Charmander appeared on the field, its tail flame burning bright despite the lingering dampness from the earlier rain. The two Pokémon glared at each other, ready for battle.
In Ace's mind, a thought lingered. 'So Ash caught all three starters? Does that mean he defeated Surge before his death?' The memory of Surge's demise at Sin's hands momentarily dampened his spirits, but Ace quickly steeled himself. This was not the time for sorrow.
Brock raised his hand. "Begin!"
"Spearow, Aerial Ace!" Ace commanded immediately.
Spearow shot forward with incredible speed, its body leaving a trail as it slammed into Charmander. Ash's eyes widened in surprise at Spearow's speed.
"Charmander, use Smokescreen!"
Charmander unleashed a thick cloud of smoke from its mouth, obscuring Spearow's vision entirely.
"Work Up!" Ace called.
Spearow took the opportunity to build its strength, its body glowing faintly as both its attack and special attack increased.
"Ember!" Ash commanded, his grin signaling confidence.
To everyone's shock, the tiny Ember ignited the Smokescreen, triggering a massive explosion. Spearow screeched as it was caught in the blast, tumbling higher into the air but managing to stabilize itself.
Ace's mind raced. 'Can Smokescreen really be detonated? But Charmander was in the middle of that explosion!' His confusion evaporated when the smoke cleared, revealing a hole in the ground where Charmander had been standing. Charmander soon came out of the ground as it had used dig to escape the explosion.
Ace's grin matched Ash's. His blood pumped with adrenaline. "Spearow, Roost!"
Spearow landed briefly, a soft glow healing some of its injuries.
"Charmander, Flamethrower!" Ash called out.
"Tri Attack, Spearow!" Ace countered.
The three-colored beam of fire, ice, and lightning collided with the Flamethrower in a dazzling explosion. Spearow shot through the smoke, its speed still incredible, as Ace shouted, "Aerial Ace!"
Spearow struck Charmander with pinpoint precision, sending the Fire-type skidding back.
"Charmander, Dragon Breath!"
At such close range, Spearow had no chance to dodge. The draconic energy engulfed Spearow, leaving it paralyzed as faint sparks danced along its body.
"Mirror Move!" Ace shouted, seizing the moment.
Spearrow unleashed a Dragon Breath of its own, striking Charmander and, to everyone's shock, leaving it paralyzed as well.
Both trainers gave simultaneous commands. "Tri Attack!" "Flamethrower!"
Despite their paralysis, the two Pokémon pushed through, their moves colliding and landing directly on each other. Both Pokémon staggered, their bodies trembling from exertion and status effects, but neither wanted to back down.
For Spearow, the fight was personal. It remembered the day Ash had thrown a rock at its head before Ace captured it. This was its chance to prove its strength.
Suddenly, a brilliant white light engulfed Spearow.
"No way!" Ash exclaimed, startled. "Another one!?"
When the glow faded, Spearow had evolved into Fearow. Its larger, more menacing form spread its wings wide, letting out a powerful cry.
Ace was ecstatic. "Amazing job, Fearow!" He quickly pulled out his Pokédex and saw Fearow had learnt 5 fucking new moves!
[Name: Fearow, the Beak Pokémon.
Description: With its huge and magnificent wings, it can keep aloft without ever having to land for rest.
Type: Normal/Flying.
Ability: Sniper.
Gender: Male.
Moves: Wing Attack, Peck, Quick Attack, Mirror Move, Roost, Astonish (egg move), Tri Attack (egg move), Feather Dance (egg move), Work Up, Aerial Ace, Assurance, Drill Peck, Uproar, Fly.]
"Fearow, use Uproar!"
Fearow let out a deafening scream, unleashing sonic booms that struck Charmander and wrapped it in three sound rings. Ash's panic was evident as the rings hovered ominously around Charmander.
"Charmander, calm down!" Ash urged.
Ace smirked, sensing victory. "Drill Peck!"
Fearow's beak spun like a drill as it charged toward Charmander.
"Flamethrower, now!" Ash called out.
But as Charmander opened its mouth to attack, one of the sound rings detonated, striking it with Uproar and halting its attempt. Fearow's Drill Peck landed cleanly, sending Charmander flying back.
Charmander struggled to rise but succumbed to its injuries and paralysis, its body falling limp.
Brock raised his hand. "Charmander is unable to battle! Fearow wins!"
Ace's girls cheered loudly, their voices filled with pride and excitement.
Ash returned Charmander with a soft smile. "You did great, buddy. Take a rest."
Ace patted Fearow's beak. "That's how it's done, Fearow. You were incredible." Fearow gave a proud cry, spreading its wings wide as it basked in its victory.
Ace took a deep breath as he returned Fearow to its Pokéball. Though Fearow had just evolved and won its battle, Ace knew sending it out against Ash's Pikachu would be a mistake. "Great job, Fearow," he muttered, pocketing the Pokéball. "You deserve a good rest."
Ash stepped forward, his Pikachu hopping off his shoulder and landing gracefully on the battlefield. It gave Ace a determined glare, sparks crackling from its cheeks. "You ready, Pikachu?" Ash asked. Pikachu nodded, its body tense and ready for action.
Ace selected his next Pokémon. "Let's go, Smeargle!" he called out, tossing the Pokéball of his starter. The artistic canine appeared on the field, holding its tail like a brush. It gave a confident bark, ready to showcase its versatility.
Brock raised his hand, signaling the start. "The final battle begins now!"
Both Ace and Ash reacted instantly. "Quick Attack!" they shouted simultaneously.
Pikachu and Smeargle shot forward, becoming blurs as they clashed in the center of the battlefield. The collision sent them both sliding back, but neither gave an inch.
"Thunderbolt, Pikachu!" Ash commanded.
Electricity crackled and surged toward Smeargle, but Ace was prepared. "Iron Tail!" he countered.
Smeargle's tail glowed with metallic energy, and it slammed into the ground, grounding the electricity harmlessly.
"Double Team, Pikachu!" Ash called. Pikachu created multiple illusory clones, surrounding Smeargle.
"Shock Wave!" Ace countered. Smeargle unleashed a wave of electrical energy that passed through the clones, eliminating the fakes and revealing the real Pikachu.
Pikachu dodged nimbly, its movements quick despite the relentless assault. "Nasty Plot!" Ash called.
Pikachu closed its eyes, its special attack power rising dramatically. Ace narrowed his eyes. 'Ash is getting serious,' he thought.
"Smeargle! Keep setting up!" Ace ordered. Smeargle glowed faintly as stats were rising. Ever since Brock told the match to start, it had been passively using set up moves to unleash it's overdrive mode.
Ash gritted his teeth. He could sense something big coming from Ace, but he couldn't let up. "Thunderbolt!"
Pikachu unleashed a massive blast of electricity. Smeargle absorbed the attack using iron tail, its body glowing faintly as it redirected the energy into the ground again. Then, without warning, Smeargle howled, its body surrounded by a radiant, rainbow aura.
Brock's eyes widened as he saw the same aura Smeargle had when facing team rocket. "What's that?"
Serena stepped forward, explaining to Misty and Brock. "That's Smeargle's Overdrive Mode! When it uses a combination of setup moves, it can access this state, dramatically boosting its power."
Ash stared at Smeargle, his expression serious. "What kind of move is this?" he muttered.
Ace grinned. "You'll find out. Smeargle, Stored Power!"
A rainbow beam of psychic energy shot from Smeargle, cutting through Pikachu's Thunderbolt like butter and slamming into the Electric Mouse Pokémon. Pikachu cried out in pain as an explosion rocked the battlefield.
When the dust settled, Pikachu was struggling to stand. Smeargle stepped forward, its aura still glowing brightly. It gave Pikachu a respectful bark, acknowledging its strength.
Ash clenched his fists. "Pikachu, come on! We can still do this!"
But Ace wasn't going to let up. "Finish it, Smeargle! Gust!"
Smeargle raised its paw towards the desperate mouse, summoning a powerful wind that swirled around it's paw. The winds then struck Pikachu in the face, sending it tumbling backward. When it finally hit the ground, Pikachu was unconscious.
Brock raised his hand. "Pikachu is unable to battle! Ace is the winner!"
Ash rushed to Pikachu, cradling it gently. "You were amazing, buddy," he said softly.
The girls cheered for Ace as Serena clapped enthusiastically. "You did it, Ace!"
Ace smiled, walking over to Ash. "That was a great battle," he said sincerely, extending his hand.
Ash shook it firmly while holding Pikachu with one hand, smiling despite his loss. "You're an incredible trainer, Ace. Smeargle was amazing."
Ace nodded. "Your Pikachu gave me a run for my money in the beginning as well."
The group began packing up, the excitement of the match still buzzing in the air. Though the battle was over, the lessons and memories it left behind were just beginning.
(Pls give me some power stones!)
(Find out next time on Pokemon:Ace's Adventures!)