1.Ash's Story (Part 2: Johto)

Chapter 90: Fire Against Fire

The grassy battlefield felt too bright after the battle with Gary.

Morning sun shone over Silver Stadium's outer field, and the grass moved softly in the wind as if nothing about this match should feel heavy. That almost made it worse. Yesterday, I had fought Gary through years of rivalry finally turning into respect. Today, Harrison stood across from me with calm confidence, and the pressure felt different.

He was not Gary. He was not Silver. He was not Ethan.

Harrison was a Trainer from Hoenn who had already helped us at the Ho-Oh Shrine, respected Johto's Sacred Flame, and made it clear that he wanted to face me properly. He had watched me advance. I had watched him advance. Now one of us had to leave the Silver Conference before reaching the final four.

Pikachu stretched beside my feet, his cheeks giving off tiny sparks. His meaning came through brightly: "Promised match. Pikachu starts strong."

"I remember," I said, kneeling to him. "I promised you the big match after Gary."

From the stands, Lillie watched with Togetic beside her. Ethan, Kris, Reisa, East, Serena, Alice, Mom, Leaf, Molly, and Professor Oak were all there too. Charizard waited behind me with folded wings, but he was not starting. Harrison already knew I had used him against Gary, which meant I could not depend on surprise.

Snorlax rested near the sideline after being checked by Nurse Joy, and Meganium watched the grassy field with calm focus. Scizor clicked his claws softly, while Noctowl turned his head toward every moving shadow. I had chosen this team because Harrison's Hoenn style was hard to predict.

Harrison lifted his first Poké Ball and smiled.

"Hey, Ash!" Harrison called. "Even if you are my friend, I will not take it easy on you."

"I would not want you to," I called back.

Harrison threw his Poké Ball. "Kecleon, you are up!"

The Pokémon that appeared was unfamiliar to most of the Johto crowd. Kecleon blinked at the sunlight, then its body shifted color until it nearly vanished against the grass. Only the red zigzag pattern across its stomach remained visible.

The crowd reacted with surprise because many Johto spectators had never watched a Kecleon fight before. Harrison did not rush his first command, letting everyone stare just long enough for Kecleon to become part of the battlefield.

Kris leaned forward in the stands. "That camouflage is very effective."

Reisa's voice carried quiet fascination. "It is hiding by becoming part of the field's rhythm."

"Pikachu, Kecleon has not moved yet!" I called. "Quick Attack now!"

Pikachu launched himself forward, but Kecleon jumped into the long grass at the last second. The red zigzag vanished beneath the blades, and Pikachu skidded to a stop.

"Pikachu, listen for its movement!" I shouted.

Pikachu's ears twitched. He turned toward the sound of grass brushing, but Kecleon's tongue shot out first. The Lick struck Pikachu from the side, confusing him just long enough for Kecleon to toss him across the field.

Harrison pointed toward the sliding Pikachu. "Psybeam!"

Kecleon's Psybeam clipped Pikachu as he tried to dodge, sending him tumbling through the grass. Pikachu pushed himself up, shook his head, and darted into a thick patch of grass before Kecleon could line up another attack.

Pikachu's meaning reached me with sharp focus: "Invisible one cuts grass. Wait for tongue."

Kecleon used its tongue to slice through the grass, trying to remove Pikachu's cover. That gave Pikachu exactly what he needed. He grabbed the tongue with both paws and sent Thunderbolt straight through it.