A New Journey - Ash Ketchum {2}

Chapter 33 - The Rivalry Revival

Emma stood next to her Dad and Misty, looking between Ash and Gary with a frown as the two boys face each other, ready to battle. Gary pulled out a Poké ball, "Maybe the best way to do this is for each of us to pick just one Pokémon and have a one on one battle to the finish."

"That's fine with me," Ash said. "Pika," the male Pikachu said. "I'm gonna battle with Pikachu!" Ash said and Pikachu ran to the field. "Just as I thought," Gary said, "Good choice. I choose you!" He threw the Poké ball and an Eevee was released.

"Eevee?" Emma muttered. "Eevee's so cute!" Misty said with a smile. "Looks can be deceiving," Brock said. "Yes," Alex agreed, "Even the cutest Pokémon can strike the meanest hit."

"You're right," Brock said before speaking to Misty, "You see that shiny coat and those bright eyes? Gary's raised it very well."

"Yeah, Brock's right. I bet it's ready to evolve," Tracey said. Brock stepped forward, "Alright! I think we should get this match started! This is a one on one Pokémon battle! Pikachu vs Eevee, with no time limit! Begin the battle, now!"

"Pay attention and maybe you'll learn something, like how to make the top sixteen in the Pokémon League and win the Orange League!" Ash said. "I'm here to battle, not to talk. What about you?" Gary asked. "I'm here to beat you, Gary!" Ash said, "Pikachu, Quick attack!"

Pikachu dashed forward. "Eevee, Reflect attack, now!" Gary said. Pikachu hit the Reflect barrier that Eevee made and knocked Eevee back as a result, but both Pokémon landed on their feet.

"I've seen a lot of Reflect attacks, but never one like that. Does it look to any of you like Eevee felt even half of Pikachu's Quick Attack? Not to me. It looks more like it didn't feel it at all," Tracey said.

"I guess that means Gary's Eevee is at a really high level," Misty said. "And that could spell trouble," Emma said. "Exactly," Tracey agreed.

"Pikachu, Thunderbolt attack!"

"Eevee, Double Team, now!"

Eevee started creating clones of itself as Pikachu's attack fired and hit multiple clones. "Stop, Pikachu! It's no use! Don't waste your electricity!" Ash said, and Pikachu stopped.

"Eevee, Take Down attack!" Gary said and the real Eevee dashed forward.

"Quick, Pikachu! Agility, now!" Pikachu started disappearing and reappearing at blinding speed, "Now use Thunder attack!"

"Eevee, use your Skull Bash!" Eevee hit with its attack just as Pikachu was about to unleash his own.

"Eevee's a lot stronger than it looks," Tracey said. "I think Pikachu's in real trouble," Misty said.

Pikachu was launched into the air as he unleashed his Thunder attack and he then came down battered and beaten, though it unsuccessfully tried to get up.

"This match is over! Eevee is the winner!" Brock said. "Ash rushed to Pikachu's side and picked him up, "Pikachu." Pikachu regained consciousness, and Ash looked relief, "Hey. That was a tough battle. You were great."

"At least they tried their best," Emma said. "Eevee," Gary said, and his Pokémon ran to his side, as Gary kneeled down to pet it, "That was good work, Eevee. We're a tough team."

"Well, Gary, it looks like all that training you've been doing has really paid off and I must say I'm very impressed with your progress," Professor Oak said. "Me too," Alex said.

Gary nodded with a small smile, "Thanks, but I've still got a lot of work ahead of me." He looked over to Ash, "You did a great job, Ash. Eevee, return." Eevee went back into its Poke ball, and Gary looked at Professor Oak and Alex, "Goodbye, grandpa. Goodbye, Alex." He looked at Emma, "Hey Em, can we talk?"