𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗞𝗦 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗕𝗘𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗬𝗔𝗟

𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗧𝗘𝗥 14

Paul was ready for his battle against Red or Ash. If he were up against the same Ash who had been his first real rival, then he would be battling four of the six Pokemon that he faced in the Sinnoh League. He was sure Infernape would be there in the team, not to mention Pikachu. Thus, Ash's third and fourth choice would have to be between Staraptor, Torterra, Floatzel, and Gliscor. He did not know which one was it going to be but at least he had figured out the other two probable Pokemon that the Champion could be using. 'The Champion.' He thought, 'It doesn't fit with Ash Ketchum.' He just could not digest the fact.

Paul decided the Pokemon he was going to use. His four strongest. He was not going down. Not to Ash Ketchum.

Ash had chosen his Pokemon for the day. He was going to beat Paul like their previous encounter in Sinnoh with the same Pokemon. Only this time, it would be much quicker.

"Welcome ladies and gentlemen to the last 'Round of 128' match of the day. On one side we have Paul, the winner of Sinnoh league two years ago, and the latest runner-up of the Kanto league." The crowd cheered him as Paul entered the arena on the commentator's announcement.

"His opponent is the man who revealed his real identity to the world recently. He is none other our very own champion, whom you used to know by the name Red, Ash Ketchum." The crowd went bonkers at the arrival of Ash, especially the girls much to Serena's annoyance. He waved his hand to show his gratitude.

Both the trainers took their positions glaring at each other. Paul was no doubt one of the fiercest opponents Ash had in his past. Was he powerful enough to give him a challenge now? Only time would tell that. The referee explained the rules. The computer screen showed that Ash would have to send his first Pokemon. "So, let the battle begin."

"Torterra, let's do this," Ash called upon the Grass/Ground-type Pokemon onto the field.

Paul was ready for this. He had more than one option for Torterra and both would be super-effective against it. "Honchkrow, let's win this," Paul said as he revealed his first Pokemon.

"You are getting a bit too optimistic Paul." Ash mocked.

"You are going down Ketchum," Paul replied heatedly.

"Bring it on then," Ash said calmly and waited for Paul for his first attack.

"Honchkrow, Wing Attack," Paul called in the first attack.

"Take it Torterra." Torterra just stood there as the Wing Attack hit the bull's eye. However, it did not affect it at all. Ash said again, "Rock Polish."

"Use Aerial Ace and follow it up with Dark Pulse." The two attacks were sent one after the other but both Ash and Torterra seemed unfazed.

"Take it. Rock Polish," said Ash keeping his calm demeanour.

"Wing Attack again"

"Energy Ball," Ash called in for the first offensive attack but his next action shocked most people in the crowd. "Eat it." He pulled off the old trick that he had invented almost ten years ago but Paul did not seem impressed.

"Keep up the good work Honchkrow. Back to back Wing Attack."

"Wood Hammer and Leech Seed," Ash said coolly. Torterra hit its mark as Honchkrow went flying in the other direction. The Leech Seed also landed on Honchkrow draining it of its energy. "Use Synthesis" Torterra started to recover the health it had lost so far. The sunny weather ensured that the process was completed fast.