Super Smash Bros. 2.5: Game Over

Chapter 13: Pokémon Showdown

After arriving through the portal, and hiding the Falcon Flier in a safe location, the group of Mario, Sonic, Shadow, Ryu, Ken, Joker, and Terry approached a large building with people pouring inside.
"It appears we're back in the world of Pokémon," Shadow said, as he observed the people walking towards the building.
"Poké what now?" Terry asked, his eyes fixed upon the large circular logo on the building, decorated with the red and white colors of a Pokéball.
"We were here the first time," Shadow explained, "Pokémon are creatures that exist in this world. They're used in a variety of ways. But to many, they're used for battle."
"Yeah," Sonic chimed in, "maybe we'll see more than just three Pokémon."
"That's right," Mario thought, "Master Hand kidnapped all of the Pokémon last time."
"So, why do you think the device brought us here?" Ryu asked.
"No clue," Shadow answered. "Then again, this thing doesn't exactly leave us with any clear objectives."
"Well, since we're here, you think we might as well watch what's happening? I'll admit, I'm curious," Joker asked. Mario, Sonic and Shadow huddled together for a moment. Eventually, the broke their huddle and Shadow nodded.
"That's a good idea. If there's any chance we find him, this would be the best spot," Shadow said.
"He? You know someone here?" Ken raised an eyebrow.
"Oh, yeah. We met a kid named Ash. He was a pretty talented Pokémon Trainer," Ryu explained.
"I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but what about money? I doubt any currency any of us have won't amount to much here," Morgana spoke up. A nearby stranger on his way into the event overheard Morgana's concerns.
"No need to worry about that! This event's free! That Ketchum kid is super generous!" The stranger piped up, before happily making his way towards the building.
"Free!" Sonic said, sighing of relief.
"Ketchum!" Mario and Shadow exclaimed. Knowing what their purpose for being in their current location, Falcon spoke up; "Well, what are we waiting for? Let's get going!"
The team went into the building and found some seats, which ended up being difficult for a group their size. The arena was packed, with fans from wall to wall on each side.
"I've been meaning to ask... Joker, did you change before we left?" Sonic asked. Instead of his cloak and mask that he'd been wearing before, the young man now wore what looked like a school uniform, with a black jacket, a white shirt, and plaid pants. Where the mask had been, a pair of traditional glasses now sat on his face. He had a backpack slung over his shoulder.
"Please... call me Ren," the Phantom Thief responded, adjusting his glasses.
"He's not the only thing that's different. Look at Morgana!" Mario said. Morgana, who'd been stuffed in the backpack, now sat on Ren's lap. Instead of looking like a cartoonish cat, he was now a literal cat.
"This is only a temporary form," Morgana said. "This just so happens when Ren and I aren't in the Metaverse. He's an everyday high school student, and I'm..."
"A cat?" Terry finished.
"I am not a cat! I'm human... I think...," Morgana snapped, drawing a skeptical look from the others.
"You... think? What's that supposed to mean?" Sonic questioned.
"It's a long story," Ren said.
"Wait a second. When you guys showed up in Terry's world, you were wearing your Phantom Thief attire. But once you got here, you're in normal clothes. Isn't that unusual," Sonic asked.
"Now that you mention it, I did notice something strange. Morgana asked what we would do about money, and someone told us it was free. Normally, no one can understand Morgana unless they've heard him in the Metaverse," Ren explained.
"Perhaps it's the fact we're in a new world. We travelled through a portal while still in the Metaverse. Maybe that's why we're able to use swap back forth like this," Morgana piped up.
"We'll know soon enough," Mario said. "It could ultimately be the fact that the Power Glove is messing with reality itself."
"Which means the sooner we stop it, the better," Ryu stated. Shadow, meanwhile, was quietly leafing through a pamphlet.
"Where'd you get that Shadow, you're being awfully quiet," Sonic asked.
"Just reading through this. We've seen the potential of a Pokémon when fighting an enemy such as a Primid, but we've never seen Pokémon fight one another like this. I'm just getting a grasp on what truly happens," Shadow explained. The crowd started to quiet down as Ryu noticed a ring announcer standing in the center of the battlefield.
"Looks like it's about to start," Ryu stated, causing everyone to look down to the field.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to what could be one of the most exciting Pokémon battles in recent history! Today, we have two esteemed champions facing off! Let's make some noise!" The announcer shouted. The crowd roared. Morgana looked clearly rattled by all the noise.
"Never been in a stadium like this before, have you," Terry asked.
"What was your first guess?" Morgana groaned over the deafening crowd.
"You'll get used to it, don't worry," Terry said, as the announcer prepared to speak once again. The lights grew dim
"Alright then! Introducing first, standing in the challenger's corner, a young man from Pallet Town who has accomplished much throughout his grueling journey as a Pokémon Trainer! His most recent accomplishment, of course, is becoming the Champion of the Alolan region! I give you, ASH KETCHUM!!!" The announcer yelled, which got another deafening cheer. Ash walked on the field, with a confidant look on his face. He wore a different attire from what he wore the last time Mario, Sonic, Shadow, and Ryu had seen him. Now with a red cap, a blue shirt, and dark jeans, the young boy's Pikachu sat perched on his shoulder.
"That's the kid? He's, like, 10!" Ken said in disbelief.
"Age apparently doesn't matter in this universe," Ryu explained, as the lights dimmed again.
"And his opponent, standing in the champion's corner, a young man also hailing from Pallet Town, this young man is the best to ever do it! He's the Champion of the Kanto region! And you know him as... RRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEDDDDDDD!!!!" The announcer's voice boomed throughout the stadium. A young man, walked onto the field, wearing a hat similar to Ash's, a red vest with a black shirt, blue jeans, and a yellow backpack on his back. He, too looked confident as he waved to the crowd.
"As you know, gentlemen, for this battle, you will both be using three Pokémon. Whichever opponent defeats all three of their opponents Pokémon first will be the winner!" The announcer explained, as the crowd continued to cheer. "Now then, will the trainers both send out their first Pokémon?"
"Alright, Pikachu, you're up first!" Ash said. Pikachu lept off Ash's shoulder to the ground, on all fours, ready to fight.
"Pikachu, huh? If that's the case... Go, Ivysaur!" Red pulled a Pokéball and threw it toward the field. The Seed Pokémon emerged from the field.
"Interesting...," Shadow said, still leaving through the pamphlet.
"What is it, Shadow?" Mario asked.
"Well, Pikachu is an electric type. And that Pokémon over there I can only assume as a grass type," Shadow explained.
"Ok... so?"
"This shows all types and potential weaknesses. Electric type Pokémon are weak against grass types."
"So, that means Ash is at a disadvantage," Mario said.
"Right. We'll see how it plays out."
"Alright, then Pikachu, start off with Quick Attack!" Ash commanded.
"Pika!" Pikachu replied back, and began charging toward Ivysaur.
"Dodge it, and grab Pikachu with vine whip!" Red ordered. Ivysaur was able to dodge and snatched Pikachu up.
"Launch him!" Red cried. The Seed Pokémon obeyed, launching Pikachu back towards Ash. The Mouse Pokémon landed on its back, but quickly got to its feet, with a much more serious expression.
"Now use Bullet Seed!" Red commanded.
"Dodge it and use Skull Bash!" Ash said. Pikachu ran towards Ivysaur, dodging seeds as the came its way. It then launched himself headfirst toward the Seed Pokémon. It hit Ivysaur, and sent it flying back.
"Use Razor Leaf!" Red shouted. Before the Pokémon landed, it began hurling razor sharp leaves at Pikachu.
"Dodge, then use quick attack before Ivysaur lands!" Ash said. Pikachu charged, leaping from side to side, dodging razor leaves. It got to Ivysaur just as it was landing. Pikachu struck Ivysaur, causing the See Pokémon to go flying back. It struggled to get to its feet.
"Now, finish it with Thunderbolt!" Ash commanded. Pikachu once again dashed towards the struggling Ivysaur, the pouches on its cheeks beginning to change color.
"PikaCHUUUUUUUUU!" Pikachu unleashed a powerful shock on Ivysaur, causing the Seed Pokémon to cry out. By the time the shock had ended, Ivysaur had collapsed.
"Ivysaur is unable to battle. Pikachu is the winner!" The announcer called out, as the crowd cheered.
"Alright, Pikachu!" Ash shouted, as Pikachu did a small backflip and waved to the audience.
"You did your best, Ivysaur. Take a rest," Red said, tossing a Pokéball towards Ivysaur, causing the Seed Pokémon to disappear.
"Well, despite the type disadvantage, Pikachu makes quick work of Ivysaur! Who will Red bring out next?" The announcer questioned. Red calmly grabbed another Pokéball from his bag.
"We're just getting started! Go, Squirtle!" Red shouted, as the Tiny Turtle Pokémon entered the battlefield.
"Alright, Pikachu, come back," Ash ordered. Pikachu, hearing Ash's command, nodded and trotted back to Ash's side. Ash grabbed another Pokéball.
"Go. Greninja!" Ash threw his Pokéball and the Ninja Pokémon appeared.
"Hmph."
"What is it, Shadow?" Sonic asked.
"Water Pokémon are weak to electric types. Why didn't Ash keep Pikachu in battle?"
"You think he's one of those show offs who chooses to win with every Pokémon or something?" Terry asked.
"Nah, Ash isn't arrogant," Mario said. The group turned their attention back to the battle.
"Alright, Squirtle, start off with Water Gun," Red commanded. Squirtle obeyed.
"Counter with your own Water Gun," Ash instructed. The two Water Guns met in the middle of the field. The water went up, and caused water to fall down onto the field like rain.
"Charge him with Aerial Ace!" Ash commanded. Greninja used the distraction, leaping through the air, charging at Squirtle. Red saw it coming, though.
"Use Withdraw!" Red commanded. Squirtle immediately returned to its shell. This caused to Greninja to land in front of Squirtle, somewhat confused.
"Use Skull Bash!" Red shouted. Instantly, Squirtle came out of its shell, launching itself headfirst into Greninja. This sent the Ninja Pokémon flying across the battlefield. Greninja was able to land on his feet.
"Follow it up with Surf!" Red then ordered. Squirtle, riding a wave of water, charged towards Greninja.
"Use Double Team, then follow it with Aerial Ace!" Ash shouted. Greninja jumped up into the air, made clones of himself, and charged down towards Squirtle. Seeing the sight of multiple Greninjas confused the Tiny Turtle Pokémon. Greninja struck Squirtle and sent it the other way.
"Now finish it with Water Shuriken!" Ash commanded. Greninja did, launching a water shuriken towards the falling Squirtle.
"Squirtle! Look out!" Red cried as the shuriken struck Squirtle. It sent Squirtle flying back up in the air. Squirtle landed on its back, out cold.
"Squirtle is unable to battle. Greninja is the winner!" The announcer said, causing the crowd to cheer once more.
"Wow, Ash is on a roll," Ken said.
"I knew he was good, but he's wiping the floor with this Red guy," Sonic said. Meanwhile, back on the field, Red knelt down next to Squirtle.
"Great job, Squirtle. Get some rest," Red said, returning the Tiny Turtle Pokémon back to its Pokéball.
"Well, this is unexpected! Ash has defeated two of Red's Pokémon! Is Red finished?" The announcer said.
"This is far from over!" Red told the announcer, as he took out his final Pokéball.
"Love the confidence, Red! Let's see what you've got!" Ash yelled from his side of the field. Red smiled.
"If that's what you want, then I'll give it to you! Go Charizard!" Red threw his Pokéball, and Charizard emerged. The Flame Pokémon let out a huge roar, as the crowd began to chant for Charizard.
"Incredible! We get to see Red's legendary ace, Charizard! This has more than anyone could ask for!" The announcer cheered. The crowd continued their Charizard chants. Greninja got ready, unintimidated by the Flame Pokémon.
"Alright, Charizard, let's give ourselves the advantage," Red ordered. Charizard nodded, and flapping its wings, took to the air.
"Greninja, take him out of the air with Aerial Ace," Ash instructed. Greninja jumped up, and launched itself toward the Charizard.
"Dodge, and use Rock Smash!" Red commanded. Charizard swiftly dodged before charging back in towards Greninja. The attack connected, and sent Greninja sprawling to the ground. It struggled to his feet, clearly hurt.
"Now, hit him... with Flare Blitz," Red said. Charizard charged towards Greninja, and as it did, it began to spin, catching fire in the process. It rammed into Greninja. Greninja was launched, almost into Ash.
"Greninja is unable to battle. Charizard is the winner! Can Red pull the comeback?" The announcer called out.
"What was that attack?" Ash asked in disbelief, as he called Greninja back. Red smirked.
"Just a new technique Charizard and I worked on. Like it?" Red said, his confidence on full display.
"It's impressive, that's for sure. Alright, Pikachu, let's finish this!" Ash exclaimed.
"Pika!" Pikachu nodded and hopped back onto the battlefield. Despite the clear size advantage Charizard had, Pikachu refused to be intimidated.
"Charizard, take to the skies!" Red ordered. Charizard did as it was told, and was soon high above the field, peering down on Pikachu.
"We've got this Pikachu! Use Thunder and bring him down to Earth!" Ash called out.
"Pika!" Pikachu cried out, sending down large bolts of lightning down.
"Dodge, and go in with Flamethrower!" Red shouted out. Charizard swiftly dodged the lightning bolts, and charged at Pikachu, with breathing fire.
"Dodge, Pikachu!" Ash cried. Pikachu was able to avoid Charizard's flames, but the Mouse Pokémon was beginning to look overwhelmed.
"Make a wall of flames, then use Flare Blitz!" Red commanded. Charizard flew around Pikachu, spreading fire around the helpless Pokémon, who could no longer see Charizard. With Pikachu having no where left to go, Charizard charged in, and sent the Mouse Pokémon flying. Pikachu was finished.
"Pikachu is unable to battle! Charizard is the winner!" The announcer shouted, as the crowd's Charizard chants grew louder. Ash hurried to his Pokémon's side.
"Great effort, Pikachu. Take some rest. You've earned it," Ash said, picking the Pokémon up, and setting it behind him.
"Incredible! Charizard has turned the tables in Red's favor! Can Red complete a comeback?" The announce continued to add more drama to the fight.
"Sheesh, that Charizard is something else," Ken said.
"No kidding. Charizard's about to clean house," Terry replied.
"Greninja and Pikachu were two of Ash's strongest Pokémon, and Charizard wiped them out like it was nothing," Sonic said in amazement.
"Ash'll pull through," Mario piped in.
"This is definitely something. Who knew that this could be so popular?" Ren said. As the crowd continued to yell and chant, Morgana had heard enough.
"I'm hiding in the bag now. At least it'll be somewhat quiet," he said, crawling through the opening left in Ren's backpack.
"If this last battle is anything like the last two, it should be over soon," Sonic said. Shadow, meanwhile, stayed quiet and kept his eyes fixed on the battlefield.
"Well, Ash, what's it gonna be? You gonna bring your Charizard out?" Red asked.
"I love the idea! But I've got something better planned!" Ash answered back, pulling out another Pokéball. "Go Incineroar!"
The Pokéball opened, and Incineroar appeared. The Heel Pokémon looked out and saw the fans.
"Incineroar!" Incineroar began to strike a pose for the audience, who erupted.
"The final battle has begun! Who will prevail; Incineroar, the Heel Pokémon, or Charizard, the Flame Pokémon? Let's make some noise!" The announcer yelled, causing the already loud crowd to become even louder. Hearing the crowd, Incineroar continues to flex and pose for the crowd.
"Alright Charizard, you know what to do!" Red exclaimed. Without hesitation, Charizard lifted himself up in the air.
"Incineroar, Bulk Up!" Ash ordered. The Heel Pokémon did as it was instructed.
"Surround the field with flames," Red said. The crowd watched as Charizard flew around the field, making a barrier of flames, leaving Charizard and Incineroar alone.
"Here we go Ash! One last battle! Let's leave it all on the field!" Red shouted.
"You know it! Let's end this Incineroar!" Ash called out. Charizard looked toward the Heel Pokémon, and let out a loud roar. The crowd began to chant for Charizard again. Incineroar, however, was not intimidated. In fact, he seemed excited for the chance to battle the Flame Pokémon.
"Start off with Rock Smash!" Red commanded. Charizard charged, ready to strike.
"Dodge and use Cross Chop!" Ash responded back. Incineroar dodged away from the charging Flame Pokémon, before launching himself towards Charizard.
"Hold him off with Flamethrower!" Red said. Charizard opened his mouth, and at first, Incineroar seemed to be engulfed in Charizard's flames.
"Incineroar! Fight through!" Ash encouraged. For a little longer, Charizard continued to its attack.
"Incineroar!" The Heel Pokémon suddenly broke through, and struck Charizard. This caused the Flame Pokémon to skid backwards.
"Wow, Charizard took that like it was nothing!" Sonic said.
"They're both even, this could be anyone's game," Shadow finally answered, his eyes still locked in on the battle.
"Use Wing Attack!" Red commanded. Charizard took to the air, before taking a nosedive toward the Heel Pokémon.
"Use Revenge!" Ash called out. Incineroar stood its ground, waiting for the Flame Pokémon to attack. When it did, a fiery aura surrounded Incineroar, causing Charizard to step back, confused.
"Now, use Darkest Lariat!" Ash commanded. Incineroar charged at Charizard, taking advantage of its confusion, and leveling it with a powerful lariat. Charizard was sent to the ground, and for the first time, it seemed to be struggling. Incineroar took the opportunity to pose for the crowd.
"Now use Cross Chop!" Ash commanded again. Incineroar jumped in the air, charging down towards Charizard.
"Charizard, quick! Use Flare Blitz!" Red shouted. Charizard met Incineroar, and won the encounter. Incineroar landed on the ground, and Charizard flew back down to his position. Both seemed to be running out of steam, but wanted to give up. Incineroar kept a confident look, daring the Flame Pokémon to give his all. Both Red and Ash knew that the fight was coming to an end soon.
"What a contest! I get the feeling we're coming down to the homestretch!" The announcer said, getting the crowd to cheer some more.
"Charizard! Surround Incineroar with Flame Thrower!" Red shouted. Charizard took to the air, surrounding the Heel Pokémon with tall walls.
"Now finish with Flare Blitz!" Red ordered. Charizard approached Incineroar at high speed, seeking a finish.
"Incineroar, Revenge! Darkest Lariat!" Ash cried, but it seemed hopeless. The impact of the flare blitz caused a great force. Dust clouds covered the field. Charizard landed in front of where Incineroar had been, waiting for what seemed to be the inevitable. The crowd waited for Incineroar to appear.
"'Cineroar!" The Heel Pokémon suddenly appeared, and leveled Charizard with a great lariat. Charizard was launched the other way before landing in its stomach. The crowd was stunned at what they saw. Slowly, Charizard started to get to its feet. It rose, clearly exhausted. Just when it looked like it could continue, the Flame Pokémon collapsed. It was over.
"Charizard is unable to battle! Incineroar is the winner!" The announcer called out as the crowd roared. Incineroar, though tired, flexed for the crowd one more time.
"And that means your winner of this incredible match is ASH KETCHUM!" The announcer called one last time.
"Great work, Incineroar! Get some rest, you've earned it!" Ash said, returning the heel Pokémon to its Pokéball. Meanwhile, Red walked up to Charizard who was coming to.
"Great job out there, Charizard. Take a good rest," Red said. The Flame Pokémon smiled as it returned to its Pokéball. The two Trainers met in the middle of the ring and shook hands. Then, Red lifted Ash's hand in the air, as the crowd cheered one more time.
"Wow, that was intense! Great to see he pulled it out!" Sonic said. As the rest of the group celebrated and talked, Shadow kept his gaze towards the field. As Ash waved to the fans, he caught the Ultimate Life Form's eyes. Shadow, seeing he had his attention, cocked his head toward the right. Ash looked for a second, nodded, and continued waving to the fans.
"Come on, let's get going," Shadow said, getting the group to go in that direction.
About 10 minutes later, Mario, Sonic, Shadow, Ken, Ryu, Terry, and Ren were standing in one of the buildings' hallways. They could still hear the crowd buzzing.
"They never stop, do they?" Morgana groaned as his head poked out of Ren's backpack.
"Not so different from anyone back home, I guess," Ken said.
"What exactly are we doing here, Shadow? You just brought here and told us to wait," Mario asked.
"We're waiting for Ash," Shadow replied, checking both directions to see where the Pokémon Trainer could be coming from.
"Well how long is it gonna take? We've been sitting here for 10 minutes!" Sonic whined. "At least we had something to look at out there!"
"Whining like a child won't help," Shadow growled.
"Isn't that him coming now?" Ryu said, pointing down the hallway. Sure enough, Ash walked towards the group, with a recovered Pikachu on his shoulder.
"Mario! Shadow! Good to see you guys!" Ash exclaimed as he approached.
"Pika Pika!" Pikachu agreed.
"Good to see you again, Ash," Mario said, offering his hand, which Ash shook.
"You sure surprised me coming out like this," Ash said. "How'd you guys hear about the battle? And who are these other guys with you?"
"We didn't hear about the battle. We more or less stumbled upon it," Shadow answered.
"And these are some of our new allies. That's Ren, that's Terry, and this is my friend Ken," Ryu said.
"New allies? What's wrong? Is something happening?" Ash asked.
"Let's just say we're in a sticky situation that just got stickier," Sonic replied.
"We've been trying to gather all our old friends while also attempting to make new ones," Mario said.
"Well, could you fill me in on this 'sticky situation?'" Ash questioned.
"Well, here goes nothing..."
"Wow, sounds pretty scary," Ash said once Shadow had finished explaining.
"Not quite the word I'd use, but scary works," Sonic responded.
"And you want me to come? What could I do?"
"You might not be able to do anything yourself, but your Pokémon like Incineroar are pretty strong. And we're gonna need all the help we can get at this point," Mario said.
"Well..."
"Hey, Ash!" A new voice was heard approaching. Our heroes turned to see Red approaching. "Great battle today, hope to do it again... who're these guys? Fans or something?"
"Not exactly...," Ash said, before his voice trailed off.
"What's up? Is something wrong?" Red asked, now being bewildered.
"Shadow, should we tell him?" Mario whispered.
"There's no need to bring him into this. It's enough asking Ash to risk himself. I don't want to ask Red as well," Shadow answered, shaking his head.
"Ash? What's happening, dude?"
"Sorry, Red, I need to go."
"Go? With these guys? What are these guys up to?"
"Listen kid, I don't want to sound like a jerk, but we've got to leave. We've got business to take care of," Shadow interrupted. He was trying to get the group moving when Red shouted from behind.
"If that's the case, let me come too!" Red called.
"You don't know what you're asking for. What we're doing is dangerous," Ryu said.
"Well, Ash is coming, right? You saw the battle. You know my Pokémon are just as talented as Ash's!" Red protested.
"How do you know about his Pokémon?" Mario asked.
"I was coming back here to talk to Ash again, but I heard voices. I can see you've got confidence in someone like Ash. Well, you can have that confidence in me, too!" Red continued to protest. Shadow was conflicted. On one hand, what he was doing was dangerous enough. Having a 10 year old and his Pokémon fight someone as dangerous as Waluigi could end badly. But on the other hand. Shadow had seen how powerful a Pokémon like Charizard could be. Finally, he sighed.
"Alright, you can come. We'll bring you up to speed on the way back," Shadow said.
"Great! You can count on me!" Red said, confidently.
"So, how do we get out of here without getting a ton of distractions? I doubt people will just let Ash and Red walk peacefully," Ken said.
"I've got this," Shadow answered. He tapped something on his wrist.
"What's that?" Sonic asked.
"A way to get in touch with Falcon. Hopefully we can get out of here before people realize," Shadow said. After a second, he motioned the group to head for the exit. Luckily, not too many people seemed to notice Ash or Red. Outside, Falcon had the Falcon Flyer waiting.
"So, did you have fun?" Falcon asked jokingly.
"It was interesting to say the least," Sonic answered.
"Just take us home, Cap. We need to take a break," Mario said, flopping into his seat.
"Alright then, we're off!" Falcon responded, kicking the Falcon Flier into high gear while punching in coordinates. The portal soon opened, and the Falcon Flyer flew through it, taking out exhausted heroes back to Altea.