Revenge

Chapter 12

Ash and Delia finished their lunch the next day and made their way back to the arena for Ash's match. Being that it was the semi-finals, Ash struggled but continued his way up in the tourney ranks. When looking at the chart showing the victors, the whole other side is behind due to Avi's absence yet her name was rising due to people being scared of fighting the Alolan champion.

Ash sighed, he really hoped Avi was able to get the breather she needed to continue fighting in the tourney. His Pokemon sensed that he was concerned about Avi, he was noticeably off his game yet still managed to get through his battles. Delia was very concerned for her son, also thinking back to Ash's father and how he used to become a mess when Delia and him fought and took time apart.

"He really is his father's son," she sighs, slightly smiling, "He used to get exactly how Ash is when we fought. It's kind of adorable!"

Bella giggles, "Avi's dad did the same thing. If he didn't hear from me for a whole day, he would panic and come find me and make sure I'm okay!"

"Winner!" the referee declared. Everyone cheered for Ash along with his Pokemon but he just stood there smiling, not knowing how else to cheer with everything he's feeling inside. He brings his Pokemon in to Nurse Joy for the day to keep them in top shape for the matches tomorrow. As he's sitting there, all he could do was worry about Avi and how she's doing, where she is, and how she's feeling about everything. He hates how this girl is all he can think about, yet he can picture being with her and also having her around on his journey and becoming the Pokemon Master he's dreamed of being.

"Is this how true love feels...?" he whispers to himself, his hat covering his eyes. The TV suddenly plays a familiar tune, signifying the reports for today's matches are being summarized and presented to those watching at home.

"Today's summary: Ash Ketchum climbs the ranks and is now in the semi-finals on the left branch! On the right, the matches were halted due to Alolan Champion Avianna leaving the stadium! But many were intimidated by this new Champion that they dropped and her name also rose but to the champions branch! If she comes back tomorrow, Avianna will be battling either Eric from Slateport City in the Hoenn Region or our own resident Ash Ketchum! Who will will? Stay tuned in tomorrow and find out!"

Ash stared at the screen, observing the chart they created to show the rankings throughout the days this tourney went on. He smiles a bit, he's sure Avi is to come back if she's seen this. During one of the many conversations they've had, they've talked about how they want to battle each other. Ash could only hope Avi and him were on the same page right now and the excitement is getting to her too.

Ash couldn't sleep the following night, excited to see how tomorrow's events will come to be. After getting up and showering, he ate a big breakfast as always and ran out the door, knowing he'll see his mom, Bella and Professor Oak later in the day. While running out the door, he sees an ice shard on the mailbox. He grabs it and looks at it, confusion all over his face but then puts it down and leaves.

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"Charizard,  flamethrower!" Ash exclaims. Charizard had his head stuck in one of the many holes dug by Eric's Dugtrio, so Ash decided to flush him out. The free holes all expelled the fire, but there was one where a Pokemon cry was echoing from. After the fire calmed down, Dugtrio popped out and fainted. Charizard had sweat enough from the flame to finally get his head out.

"Winner: Ash Ketchum!" the referee exclaims. The audience erupted in a roar of cheer and Ash went over to hug Charizard. He let out a flamethrower in happiness and got Ash in the face as he always does. Suddenly the audience goes silent and Ash looks around, trying to find the reason as to why and he froze.