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

Chapter 90: Fire Against Fire

The grassy battlefield felt almost too bright after my battle with Gary.

Morning sun covered Silver Stadium's outer field, and the grass moved softly in the wind. Yesterday, I had fought Gary through years of rivalry. Today, Harrison stood across from me with the same calm confidence he had shown at the Ho-Oh Shrine.

This rivalry felt different from the one with Gary.

Harrison had come from Hoenn, helped us protect Johto's Sacred Flame, and asked to face me properly once the Silver Conference began. I had watched him survive every round so far. He had watched me do the same.

Now only one of us could reach the final four.

The quarterfinal felt different from the earlier rounds for another reason: neither of us could hide behind a short match anymore. Six Pokémon meant switching, saving partners for later, and accepting that one bad matchup did not decide everything. Against Gary, I had survived by changing plans over and over. Harrison had watched that entire battle, so anything obvious would already be part of his preparation.

I glanced at the six Poké Balls registered beside my name. Pikachu would open because I had promised him this match. Scizor and Noctowl gave me speed and control. Meganium could change a matchup with vines and positioning. Snorlax could absorb punishment. Charizard was the partner I wanted in reserve if Harrison saved Blaziken.

Pikachu stretched beside my feet, sparks dancing across both cheeks. "You promised me Harrison after Gary. I am starting this one."

"I remember," I said, kneeling beside him. "Show him what you have."

In the stands, Lillie sat with Togetic floating near her shoulder and Espeon beside her feet. Ethan, Kris, Reisa, East, Serena, Alice, Mom, Leaf, Molly, and Professor Oak filled the seats around them.

I had brought Snorlax back from reserve after Nurse Joy cleared him following yesterday's battle. Meganium, Scizor, and Noctowl were also registered for this match. Charizard had returned from Charicific Valley that morning, and his Poké Ball rested at the back of my belt as my last choice.

Harrison lifted his first Poké Ball. "Even if you are my friend, Ash, I will not take it easy on you."

"I would be disappointed if you did," I called back.

Harrison threw first. "Kecleon, you're up!"

The Pokémon that appeared was unfamiliar to most of the Johto crowd. Kecleon blinked once, then changed color until almost the entire body vanished against the grass. Only the red zigzag across the stomach remained visible.

Kris leaned forward. "That camouflage is better than I expected."

Reisa watched the grass carefully. "The red pattern is still visible, but the rest disappears almost completely."

"Pikachu, Quick Attack!" I called.

Pikachu launched forward, but Kecleon jumped into the long grass. The red pattern disappeared beneath the blades.

I pointed ahead. "Pikachu, listen for movement!"

Pikachu's ears twitched. He turned toward the sound of grass brushing, but Kecleon's tongue shot out first. Lick struck from the side and left Pikachu staggering before the tongue tossed him across the field.

Harrison reacted quickly. "Kecleon, use Psybeam!"

The attack clipped Pikachu as he tried to dodge. He tumbled through the grass, pushed himself upright, and disappeared into another thick patch before Kecleon could line up the next hit.

Pikachu crouched low. "Wait for the tongue. That is how Kecleon keeps finding me."

Kecleon's tongue swept through the grass to clear Pikachu's cover.