Pokémon The Johto Journeys: Tough Enough

Chapter 12: Noctowl's Challenge

                “Pika!” Pikachu aimed an even stronger jolt of electricity than before. The jagged bolt was right on target. It sizzled right through the cracked seam.

                The Thunderbolt Attack fried the giant robot. The blast sent Team Rocket and their metal machine hurling away/

                “Looks like Team Rocket’s blasting off again!” they screamed.

                Ash thanked his Pokémon for their good work. Then he turned to Noctowl. Was the Pokémon all right?

                Noctowl flapped its wings and flew down to a branch on face level with Ash. Then it began to hoot.

                “I think Noctowl is trying to say something,” Brock said.

                Dr. Wiseman listened to the hoots. Then a look of surprise crossed his face.

                “Noctowl is challenging you, Ash!” he said.

                “Me?” Ash said.

                “I’ve been studying it long enough to know what it wants. I’m disappointed, but I’m not going to stop you,” Dr. Wiseman said. “Good luck catching it!”

                Ash couldn’t believe his luck. He knew just what Pokémon to choose.

                “Pikachu,” Ash said. “It’s up to you. Use Thunderbolt!”

                After shocking Team Rocket, Pikachu needed to build up another electric charge. Sparks sizzled on its round, red cheeks. As Pikachu built up energy, Noctowl launched another Hypnosis Attack.

                The Hypnosis Attack took effect right away. Pikachu began to wobble around. It tried to aim electric attacks at Noctowl, but it kept missing. Finally, Pikachu shocked itself! The little Pokémon fell backward.

                “Pikachu, are you okay?” Ash asked.

                Pikachu stood right back up. It seemed like it was back to normal.

                “All right!” Ash said. “When it shocked itself, it knocked out the Hypnosis.”

                Noctowl hooted and flew circles around Pikachu. Then it swooped down out of the sky.

                Pikachu ran away as fast as it could.

                “Don’t look in Noctowl’s eyes,” Ash called to Pikachu. “Aim your attack at the sound of its beating wings.”

                Pikachu stopped and closed its eyes. Ash saw its pointy ears twitch as it focused on the sound. Noctowl flew smaller and smaller circles around Pikachu, waiting for the right moment to launch another attack.

                Then Pikachu struck. One short, powerful blast of energy zapped Noctowl. It came too quickly for Noctowl to dodge it.

                The electric charge sent Noctowl plummeting to the ground. Ash quickly threw an empty Poké Ball at it. The red-and-white ball opened up in the midair. A red beam shot out, and Noctowl disappeared inside.

                The Poké Ball dropped to the ground. It wiggled for a few seconds. Then it stopped.

                Ash ran and picked up the Poké Ball. “I did it!” he cried. “I caught a Noctowl!”

                “Nice job, Ash!” Misty cheered.

                “Congratulations,” Dr. Wiseman said. “That was a beautiful match.”

                Ash stared at the Poké Ball in his hands. “Catching Noctowl was a real challenge,” he said. “It’s one smart Pokémon.”

                “And tough, too,” said Misty. “Just like the Houndour and Scizor.”

                “That’s right,” Brock said. “We’ve met some pretty powerful Pokémon in the Johto Region.”

                “Well then this is the perfect place for me,” Ash said.

                “Oh yeah?” Misty asked. “Why is that?”

                Ash grinned. “Because I am one tough trainer!”

THE END.