Ash x Serena Rise of the forgotten hero

Through the Semifinal Fire

"Go, Clawitzer!" Sawyer commanded, tossing his Poké Ball. Clawitzer emerged in a flash of light, its cannon-like arm ready for action.

Ash didn't hesitate for a moment. "Pikachu, I choose you!" he yelled, releasing his trusty partner. Pikachu landed with a zap of sparks, eyes glowing with excitement.

"Clawitzer versus Pikachu – let the battle begin!" the referee announced, his voice full of anticipation.

Without missing a beat, Sawyer's voice cut through the noise. "Clawitzer, Ice Beam, now!"

Clawitzer aimed its cannon, and with a sharp blast, a light blue beam shot across the field, freezing the ground beneath it. Pikachu leaped into the air, narrowly avoiding the freezing ice, but the chill still reached him, making his fur stand on end.

Ash smirked, his eyes narrowing. "I see your move, Sawyer. Pikachu, dodge and counter with Iron Tail!"

Pikachu swiftly dodged the icy attack and, using his momentum, slammed his glowing tail into the frozen ground. The ice shattered with a loud crack, sending shards flying in all directions.

Sawyer's voice rang out again, his strategy sharp. "Clawitzer, Dragon Pulse! Full power!"

The massive water-type opened its mouth, releasing a powerful Dragon Pulse aimed straight at Pikachu.

"Pikachu, jump, now!" Ash shouted.

Pikachu shot into the air, just in time to dodge the Dragon Pulse. Using the force from his jump, he spun around in midair and smashed his Iron Tail into the ground again, breaking more of the ice beneath them.

"Now, Thunderbolt, Pikachu!" Ash's command rang out like a battle cry.

Pikachu unleashed a torrent of electricity, sending a crackling Thunderbolt straight for Clawitzer. Sawyer reacted swiftly. "Clawitzer, Dragon Pulse, counter!"

The two attacks collided in a spectacular explosion of light and energy, a crackling storm of power that filled the field. But Pikachu was relentless. He pushed through, his Thunderbolt surging forward with unstoppable force.

"Pikachu, you've got this!" Ash shouted, his voice full of confidence.

The Thunderbolt struck Clawitzer directly, and the water-type was sent reeling, barely able to stay upright. It was clear that Clawitzer was on the ropes.

Ash didn't hesitate. "Pikachu, finish it with Electro Ball!"

Pikachu's cheeks sparked, and he charged up his electricity, forming a glowing Electro Ball. With a mighty swing of his arm, he sent the ball speeding toward Clawitzer. The moment it made contact, an explosion of energy erupted on impact.

The smoke cleared, and Clawitzer collapsed to the ground, its eyes spinning in dizzy circles.

"Clawitzer is unable to battle! Pikachu wins!" the referee called, signalling the end of the match.

The stadium erupted into cheers, the crowd roaring with excitement.

"That was a quick victory!" Gary exclaimed, clearly impressed. "Ash didn't waste any time!"

"He's really grown a lot, hasn't he?" May commented, her voice filled with admiration. "Not just in strength, but in maturity. His determination to win—it's all on display, and he's giving it his all."

The others nodded in agreement, their eyes glued to the battle unfolding on the field. Serena added thoughtfully, "He's more focused than ever. It's incredible to see how much he's changed, not just as a trainer, but as a person. He's fully in the game."