Chapter 48: Semifinals Showdown
In the semifinals against Assunta, Ash, as expected, lost to assunta., who forced him to sacrifice three Pokémon. Ash's Charizard was indeed powerful, but its disobedience was a major flaw. Finally, facing such a strong opponent, Charizard's fighting spirit was unleashed, and it defeated both Ursaring and Crobat in quick succession, finally collapsing before Dragonite's overwhelming power.
Charizard would surely be frustrated by this defeat, Ryan thought. However, by the time he reached the Orange Islands, Ash would be able to properly command Charizard. By the time they reached the Johto League Silver Conference, Ash's strength would likely allow him to reach the semifinals or even the finals.
Meanwhile, Assunta had also decisively dispatched her opponent. Ryan's next opponent would be her. Assunta, noticing Ryan, grinned at him with an enthusiasm that reminded Ryan of some particularly energetic protagonists from adventure stories.
After a while, Assunta ran over to Ryan's section in the stands, greeted him cheerfully, and said, "Hey! I'm Assunta from Rustboro City. You're Ryan, right? I've heard Steven mention you. We'll be rivals next. I hope you can give it your all—I want you to defeat me at full strength!"
Ryan looked at the spirited trainer, extended his hand, and said, "Ryan from Pallet Town. Looking forward to our match. I hope it'll be an exciting battle."
Assunta shook Ryan's hand enthusiastically and said, "Of course! I'll be sending out all my main team members. By the way, thank you for discovering those Fossil Pokémon . I applied to the League for a long time before I could enter that restricted area, and I captured an amazing Pokémon. It's now one of my aces."
Ryan smiled and said nothing revealing. He introduced his friends, and then they parted ways. After dinner, Ryan, based on what Assunta had said, speculated that the Pokémon she had captured was likely an Aerodactyl. So, he decided to field Aerodactyl and Mewtwo tomorrow. It was the semifinals, and he couldn't afford any slip-ups. Meanwhile, Ryan decided to rest his less battle-hardened Sylveon and Vileplume, saving them for a potential finals appearance.
The next day, to the enthusiastic cheers of the crowd, Ryan and Assunta entered the main arena. They shook hands in a show of sportsmanship and then took their positions on opposite sides of the battlefield.
As the bell rang, they both simultaneously sent out their Pokémon, and two Nidoking appeared on the field.
"Oh! Both trainers' first choice is Nidoking! Everyone knows that Nidoking are fiercely territorial and competitive by nature. Which of these two Nidoking is the stronger? Let's find out!" The announcer's commentary ignited the atmosphere, and both Nidoking seemed energized by the rivalry.
Ryan's Nidoking had formed a bond with Lillie's Nidoqueen, and this opponent was exactly the kind of challenge he had been waiting for! Ryan smiled and said, "Show your strength, Nidoking! Ice Beam!"
"We won't lose either, Nidoking! Rock Slide!" Assunta called out.
Ryan's Nidoking opened its mouth, condensing icy energy and launching an Ice Beam at Assunta's Nidoking. Assunta's Nidoking conjured massive rocks from thin air and hurled them at Ryan's Nidoking. The attacks met in mid-air, the rocks freezing solid before shattering and crashing to the ground. The first exchange was a draw.
But Ryan smiled. Ice Beam dealt special damage, while Rock Slide dealt physical damage. Even though it was a tie, since Nidoking typically relied on physical attacks, this meant Assunta's Nidoking couldn't match Ryan's in special attack power.
Assunta, having realized this, frowned and said, "Megahorn!"
"Let's show the difference. Nidoking, Megahorn!" Ryan commanded.
Nidoking roared; it loved this kind of direct confrontation. Its horn glowed with energy as it charged toward Assunta's Nidoking. Both Nidoking's horns struck their opponent's forehead simultaneously. Ryan's Nidoking only staggered back three or four steps, while Assunta's Nidoking was sent flying, crashing heavily to the ground. It struggled to its feet, shaking its head groggily, clearly near its limit.
Ryan said calmly, "Finish it with Ice Beam."
Nidoking opened its mouth and launched another Ice Beam. Assunta called out to her Nidoking, urging it to dodge. But Nidoking, still dazed from the collision, was unable to react in time, and the Ice Beam struck true, rendering it unable to battle.
"What a spectacular Ice Beam to end the first match! Ryan once again proves his formidable strength. So far, very few trainers have been able to defeat Ryan's Pokémon in a one-on-one battle. Such incredible power! Let's give him a round of applause!" the announcer declared, working the crowd into a frenzy.
Looking at the roaring audience, Assunta recalled her Nidoking and said, "You're truly amazing, Ryan. Now I'm getting serious too. Go, Empoleon!"
A massive penguin Pokémon appeared on the battlefield. Ryan grimaced. This was clearly targeted. Steel-types resisted Poison-type moves, and Water-types had an advantage over Ground-types. It was obviously designed to counter Nidoking.
"Return, Nidoking. Go, Greninja!" Ryan recalled his Nidoking and sent out Greninja to face Empoleon.
"Empoleon, Drill Peck!" Assunta commanded.
Watching Empoleon spin rapidly and dive toward Greninja, Ryan said, "Grass Knot!"
Greninja formed a hand seal and slapped the ground. Several green energy vines instantly sprouted from the battlefield, firmly entangling Empoleon's feet and sending it tumbling.
Looking at the fallen Empoleon, Ryan said, "Perfect opening—Power-Up Punch!"
Greninja's fist glowed with orange energy as it struck toward Empoleon. Assunta quickly shouted, "Aqua Jet!"
Empoleon was immediately surrounded by water and launched itself at Greninja. Greninja responded with a powerful punch, striking Empoleon squarely in the face. The two attacks connected, and Empoleon rubbed its face irritably while Greninja took a combat stance, eyes locked on its opponent.
When Aqua Jet hit Greninja, the Power-Up Punch hadn't fully activated yet. The residual effects of Grass Knot were still in play, and since Greninja was part Water-type, the water-based damage was reduced, making it relatively ineffective. Meanwhile, the Power-Up Punch landed solidly on Empoleon, and after the hit, Greninja's attack power increased by one stage.
"Empoleon, Aqua Ring," Assunta said, apparently planning a battle of attrition.
Water droplets formed around Empoleon's body, combining to create three rings of water around it. After healing it, they faded, but the restorative effect remained active. Ryan didn't interrupt the setup. After all, Greninja was holding Leftovers, and its health was gradually recovering as well.
"Double Team, then Power-Up Punch," Ryan commanded.
Multiple Greninja copies appeared across the battlefield, confusing Empoleon. The real Greninja then landed another punch to Empoleon's face, further enraging the penguin Pokémon.
Assunta said helplessly, "Empoleon, use Surf to hit everything!"
Ryan smiled—all four of Greninja's moves had now been revealed, so he felt comfortable continuing. "Grass Knot again!"
Another wave of energy vines sent Empoleon crashing down, followed by Greninja's enhanced Power-Up Punch slamming into its face. The combination of attacks, amplified by the previous Power-Up Punch boost, was too much for Empoleon to withstand, and it fainted.
Ryan always felt like Empoleon was trying to communicate something important, but it must have been his imagination. He watched as Assunta recalled Empoleon and prepared to send out her third Pokémon.
(End of Chapter)
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