Indigo League Part 9: Settling the Score

After the Top 16 battles were finished.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, it's now time for the Top 8 matchups." The announcer said

Ash, A.J, Leaf, Fergus, Corey, Neesha, the girl from before, & a boy with deep purple hair styled in a large ponytail, light brown eyes, wearing a green haori with a gray hakama & Japanese sandals' pictures showed up on the screen

"First match will be Ash vs A.J." The announcer said

"Good luck, Ash." A.J. said. "You're gonna need it."

"Thanks." Ash said

"Second match will be Leaf vs Fergus." The announcer said

"No holding back." Fergus said

"Right." Leaf nodded

"Third match will be Neesha vs Mina" The announcer said

"Let us have an artistic battle." Mina said

"Agreed." Neesha said

"& final match will be Corey vs Otoshi." The announcer said

"It is an honor." Otoshi bowed

"Ditto." Corey said

In the locker room with the gang

"How do you feel about going up against A.J., Ash?" Serena asked

"I'm really looking forward to it." Ash said

"We can tell, because last time you battled him, you lost." Brock said

"I know & now I have a chance to settle the score." Ash said

"Be careful, Ash." Serena warned "No doubt that A.J's Pokémon are very strong."

"She's right, A.J. isn't a pushover, y'know." Brock said "& remember, you have to use six of your Pokémon."

"I know, but the question is what Pokémon is A.J. gonna use?" Ash wondered

"We don't know, but you better choose which Pokémon you're gonna use, wisely." Brock said

"Right." Ash said

Later

"Welcome to the first match of the Top 8 between Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town & A.J." The announcer said

"Go, Sandslash!" A.J. said as he sent out his Sandslash

"Sandslash." Sandslash said

"In that case, Pikachu, I choose you!" Ash said

"Pika!" Pikachu said in determination as he stepped into the battlefield

"Pikachu? Not a very wise choice." The announcer said

"True, but I wouldn't underestimate Pikachu just because he has a Type disadvantage." Oak said

"Chu." Pikachu said as sparks appeared on his cheeks

"I can tell Pikachu's been waiting a long time for this." A.J. said

"He sure has, & so am I." Ash said

"Battle begin!" The referee said

ASH VS A.J.

"Alright Sandslash, use Swords Dance." A.J. said

"Slash!" Sandslash said as several blue swords appeared, circled around it & crossed together

"Now, Crush Claw."

Sandslash's claw became surrounded by crimson-red aura & charged at Pikachu

"Pikachu, intercept it with Brick Break." Ash said. Pikachu's fist glowed bluish white & clashed with Sandslash

"Not bad, Use Stomping Tantrum." A.J. said. Sandslash repeatedly stomped on the ground, sending splinters from the ground which hit Pikachu

"Use Calm Mind." Ash said

"Pi." Pikachu said as he closed his eyes & blue green ripples entered his mind.

"Use Rollout." A.J. Said. Sandslash glowed light brown rolled towards Pikachu

"Use Grass Knot." Ash said

"Chu." Pikachu said as his eyes glowed light green & summoned two green glowing vines tied up in a knot which caused Sandslash to trip on the ground.

"Sandslash, Earth Power." A.J. said. Sandslash hit the ground & created cracks with golden energy that travel along the ground, exploded, & hit Pikachu

"Iron Tail." Ash said. Pikachu's tail glowed white & charged at Sandslash

"Shadow Claw." A.J. said. Sandslash's claw became surrounded by black claw-shaped aura & both Pokémon clashed each other repeatedly

"Use Sand Tomb." A.J. said.

"Sandslash!" Sandslash said as it created a sandy tornado & captured Pikachu with it

"Time for Splishy Splash." Ash said

"Pikachu!" Pikachu said as a surfboard appeared underneath him, then he summoned a huge tidal wave with sparks of yellow electricity in it which got him out of the Sand Tomb & hit Sandslash which caused it to become paralyzed

"Don't give up, use Crush Claw." A.J. said as Sandslash prepared Crush Claw but couldn't move due to paralysis.

"Alright Pikachu, charge up Skull Bash." Ash said

"Piiiiiii" Pikachu said as he became surrounded by light blue aura

"Now, Attack!" Ash said

"KA!" Pikachu said as he hit Sandslash with a fast flying headbutt which caused it to faint.

"Sandslash is unable to battle, Pikachu wins." The referee declared

"Amazing! Pikachu has managed to defeat Sandslash!" The announcer exclaimed

"Yes, this shows that Pokémon who are at a Type disadvantage can be stronger than they seem." Oak commented

"Sandslash, return." A.J. said as he returned Sandslash

"Way to go, Pikachu." Ash praised. "One down, 5 to go."

"Pika." Pikachu smiled

"Go, Magmar!" A.J. said as he sent out a Magmar

"Magmar." Magmar said

"Magmar, use Clear Smog." A.J. said. Magmar released a stream of white smog from his mouth & hit Pikachu

"Pikachu, use Surf." Ash said

"Pikaaaa!" Pikachu said as he summoned a tidal wave

"Use Protect." A.J. said

"Mag." Magmar said as it crossed its arms, summoned a turquoise force field, & protected itself

"Use Feint, now." Ash said. Pikachu's tail glowed orange, smashed through Protect, & hit Magmar

"Perfect." A.J. smirked

"Pika!" Pikachu yelled in pain as he became burned

"Pikachu!" Ash gasped

"Oh no, looks like Pikachu has been burned." The announcer said

"Yes, & it's because of Magmar's Ability Flame Body." Oak said

"I knew your Pikachu knew the move Feint, so I had Magmar use Protect to lure Pikachu in down & have Magmar's Flame Body activate." A.J. said

"Mar." Magmar smirked

"Alright Magmar, use Lava Plume!" A.J. said

"Magmar!" Magmar said as it caused an explosion with a mixture of smog and fire which hit Pikachu

"Pikachu, Thunder Punch." Ash said. Pikachu's fist became surrounded by yellow electricity & charged at Magmar

"Use Fire Punch." A.J. said. Magmar's fist became engulfed in flames, clashed with Pikachu which caused an explosion & both Pokémon to skid back.

"Chu!" Pikachu yelled in pain as his burn had taken effect

"Hang in there, use Thunderbolt." Ash said

"Pika Chuuuuuu!" Pikachu said as he fired a bolt of yellow electricity.

"Use Smokescreen." A.J. said. Magmar released black smoke from his mouth which covered the battlefield & Magmar avoided the attack

"Now, use Fire Blast."

Magmar fired a 大-shaped blast of yellow-orange fire from its mouth & hit Pikachu & caused him to faint

"Pikachu is unable to battle, Magmar wins." The referee declared

"Are you okay, Pikachu?" Ash said picking up Pikachu

"Pika Pi." Pikachu said

"You were great, take a good rest." Ash said as Pikachu climbed back on his shoulder

"That Magmar sure is strong, it actually might give Blaine's Magmar a run for its money."Gary said impressively, even Blaine was impressed with A.J.'s Magmar

"I wonder which Pokémon Ash is gonna choose next." Serena said

"Nidoqueen, I choose you!" Ash said as he sent out his Nidoqueen

"Nido!" Nidoqueen said

"It's a good thing, Nidoqueen is part Ground Type." Delia said

With the Gym Leader

"I'm looking forward to see how Ash's Nidoqueen battles." Giovanni said simply as he turned to Koga "What about you, Koga?"

"Hm." Koga nodded

Back on the Battlefield

"Use Will-O-Wisp." A.J. said. Magmar fired a pink, light blue, & dark blue fireball from its mouth

"Nidoqueen, use Water Pulse." Ash said. Nidoqueen fired an orb of water from her hands which doused through the Will-O-Wisp & hit Magmar

"Magmar, Fire Spin." A.J. said. Magmar sent a stream of fire with a flick of its tail & Nidoqueen got trapped in a fiery tornado

"Get out of there, using Aqua Tail." Ash said. Nidoqueen's tail became surrounded in swirling water, then she spun around while dousing the Fire Spin.

"Now, use Sludge Bomb."

Nidoqueen fired brown blobs of explosive sludge from her mouth

"Use Flamethrower." A.J. said as Magmar shot fire from its mouth which collided with Sludge Bomb

"Now, Iron Tail."

Magmar's tail glowed white & hit Nidoqueen.

"Mag!" Magmar winced as he became poisoned

"What?!" A.J. exclaimed shockingly

"& Magmar has become poisoned after hitting Nidoqueen, which means that Nidoqueen's Ability is Poison Point." The announcer said "

"Right." Oak said

"Nidoqueen, use Body Slam." Ash said as Nidoqueen jumped into the air

"Use Psychic." A.J. said

"Mar." Magmar said as its eyes glowed light blue, telekinetically stopped Nidoqueen in his tracks. As it was about to slam Nidoqueen to the ground, the poison took effect on Magmar which caused it to let go of her & she landed safely on the ground.

"Now's our chance, use Earthquake." Ash said. Nidoqueen stomped on the ground which created an earthquake & hit Magmar which caused it to faint

"Magmar is unable to battle, Nidoqueen wins." The referee declared

"Magmar return." A.J. said as he returned Magmar. "Go Tauros!"

A.J. sent out a Tauros

"Roooooor!" Tauros bellowed

"Tauro, use Work Up." A.J. said

"Rooor!" Tauros said as he became surrounded by light red aura

"Nidoqueen, Focus Punch." Ash said. Nidoqueen's fist glowed orange & charged at Tauros

"Fissure." A.J. said. Tauros glowed white & slammed her hand into the ground, then a white beam shot out from the ground & hit Nidoqueen which caused her to faint.

"Nidoqueen is unable to battle, Tauros wins." The referee declared

"Nidoqueen return." Ash said as he returned Nidoqueen. "Gengar, I choose you!"

Ash sent out Gengar

"Gengar." Gengar said

"Since Normal Type moves don't have any effect against Ghost Types, Ash chooses Gengar." The announcer said

"Yes, but Ghost Type moves don't have any effect on Normal Types either." Oak said

"Gengar, make sure you stay off the ground while Tauros is using Ground Type moves, ok?." Ash said

"Geng." Gengar nodded as he levitated up in the air

"Alright Gengar, use Sucker Punch" Ash said

Gengar circled around Tauros at high speed, then his fist glowed purple & punched him

"Use Zen Headbutt." A.J. said. Tauros became surrounded by a light blue force field & headbutt Gengar.

"Use Dark Pulse." Ash said. Gengar fired a beam of black & purple circles from his hands.

"Use Double Team." A.J. said. Tauros glowed white & created multiple copies of himself & avoided the attack.

"Now, Stomping Tantrum."

Tauros & his copies repeatedly stomped on the ground, sending multiple splinters from the ground.

"Send them back with Psychic." Ash said

"Gengar!" Gengar said as his eyes glowed light blue & telekinetically sent the splinters back which hit Tauros & his copies

"Use Payback." A.J. said

"Rooooor!" Tauros bellowed as he unleashed a burst of purple energy which hit Gengar & caused him to fall on the ground

"Now, time for Fissure." A.J. said as Tauros prepared Fissure

"Gengar, Destiny Bond." Ash said.

"Geng." Gengar said as his eyes glowed purple.

Tauros hit Gengar with Fissure which caused him to faint.

"Rooooor!" Tauros bellowed in pain as he became surrounded in purple aura before fainting

"Both Pokémon are unable to battle, it's a draw." The referee declared

"Wow, what was that?" Serena said surprisingly

"That was the effect of Destiny Bond." Gary said "Once a Pokémon uses Destiny Bond before fainting, the opponent will also faint."

"Return" Ash & A.J. said as they returned their Pokémon

"Go Fearow!" A.J. said as he sent out a Fearow

"Fear!" Fearow cawed

"Pidgeot, I choose you!" Ash said as he sent out his Pidgeot

"Pidgeot!" Pidgeot cawed

"Pidgeot, fly up!" Ash said

"Pidgeot!" Pidgeot said as she flew up in the air

"After it, Fearow." A.J. said

"Fearow!" Fearow said as it flew up in

"Folks, we are now witnessing an air battle between two Flying Type Pokémon." The announcer said

"Use Agility." Ash said. Pidgeot disappeared & reappeared behind Fearow

"Fear?" Fearow said surprisingly

"Now, use Air Slash." Ash said. Pidgeot's wings glowed light blue & fired saw disc-like energy blades & hit Fearow.

"Use Mirror Move." A.J. said. Fearow copied Pidgeot's attack & hit her

"Use Steel Wing." Ash & A.J. said as both Pokémon wings glowed white & clashed each other repeatedly

"Pidgeot, use Aerial Ace." Ash said. Pidgeot became surrounded by light blue streaks & charged at Fearow

"Fearow, Sky Attack." A.J. said. Fearow became surrounded in orange and gold sparkling aura & hit Pidgeot which forced her back.

"Use Roost." Ash said

"Pidgeoooo!" Pidgeot cawed as she became surrounded by white feathers & healed herself

"Drill Peck." A.J. said. Fearow's beak glowed white, spun like a drill & charged at Pidgeot

"Use Twister." Ash said. Pidgeot flapped her wings & created a huge twister which captured Fearow.

"Now, let's turn Twister into a Searing Tornado." Ash said. "Use Heat Wave."

Pidgeot released an orange gust of wind with a flap of her wing which mixed with the Twister & turned it into an orange & white swirling tornado. When it disappeared, Fearow fell to the ground & fainted

"Fearow is unable to battle, Pidgeot wins." The referee declared

"Wow, that was an amazing combo move." Serena said

"Eevee." Eevee nodded in agreement

"Fearow return." A.J. said as he returned Fearow "Go Machamp!"

A.J. sent out a Machamp.

"Machamp!" Machamp said as it flexed its muscles

"Can you still battle?" Ash asked

"Pidgeot." Pidgeot nodded

"Machamp, use Bulk Up." A.J. said

"Champ!" Machamp said as it flexed its muscles & became surrounded in crimson aura

"Pidgeot, use Wing Attack." Ash said as Pidgeot's wings glowed light blue & charged at Machamp

"Get a hold of it." A.J. said. Machamp caught Pidgeot by her wing & got skidded back a few inches

"Now, Strength."

Machamp became surrounded by orange aura & forcefully pushed Pidgeot back

"Use Hurricane." Ash said. Pidgeot released a powerful gust of wind by flapping her wings

"Ma..." Machamp said as it withstood the attack

"Use Stone Edge." A.J. said

"Machamp!" Machamp said as it punched the ground causing light blue rock pillars to appear out of the ground & hit Pidgeot

"Now, use Focus Blast." A.J. said. Machamp fired an orb of yellow energy from his hands

"Intercept it with Air Slash." Ash said. Pidgeot fired Air Slash which collided with Focus Blast.

"Use Aerial Ace."

Pidgeot hit Machamp with Aerial Ace

"Use Seismic Toss." A.J. said. Machamp grabbed Pidgeot, jumped into the air, & fell into the ground head first with her.

"Pi...Pi..." Pidgeot panted

"Ma...Champ..." Machamp panted

"Pidgeot, use Brave Bird!" Ash said

"PIDGEOOOOOOO!" Pidgeot cawed as she became surrounded in light blue aura & flew straight towards.

"Machamp, use Superpower!" A.J. said.

"MAAACHAAAAAAMP!" Machamp yelled as it became surrounded by light blue aura & charged at Pidgeot

Machamp & Pidgeot clashed into each other & caused an explosion. When it cleared, both Pokémon had fainted

"Both Pokémon are unable to battle, it's a draw." The referee declared

"Pidgeot, return." Ash said as he returned Pidgeot

"Return Machamp." A.J. said as he returned Machamp

"Now A.J. has only one Pokémon left while Ash only has two Pokémon left." The announcer said

"Let's see if A.J. has saved his best for last." Oak said

"Hm, you bet I have." A.J. smirked "Go Aerodactyl!"

A.J. sent out an Aerodactyl wearing a neck holder with an Aerodactylite in it

"Aerodactyl!" Aerodactyl screeched

"Wow, he has an Aerodactyl." Ash said surprisingly

With the Gym Leaders

"That Aerodactyl looks stronger than the rest of A.J.'s Pokémon." Brock thought "This might not be easy for Ash."

Back on the battlefield

"Jolteon, I choose you!" Ash said as he sent out his Jolteon

"Jolteon!" Jolteon barked

"Jolteon, use Thunder Wave." Ash said. Jolteon released rings of yellow electricity

"Dodge & use Crunch." A.J. said as Aerodactyl dodged the attack. Then Aerodactyl opens its mouth, creates yellow teeth-like aura & bites down Jolteon

"Now Rock Slide."

Multiple glowing rocks appeared around Aerodactyl & then it launched them at Jolteon

"Use Agility." Ash said. Jolteon ran & dodged the attack.

"Now, use Thunderbolt."

"Jolteoooon!" Jolteon said as he fired a bolt of yellow electricity

"Use Thunder Fang." A.J. said. Aerodactyl's fangs glowed yellow, created yellow teeth-like aura with sparks of electricity & bit down the attack.

"Wow, Aerodactyl immobilized Thunderbolt with Thunder Fang." The announcer said

"Talk about fighting thunder with thunder." Oak complimented

"Aerodactyl, use Ancient Power." A.J. said. Aerodactyl glowed white, fires silver ball with a green core from its mouth.

"Use Shadow Ball." Ash said. Jolteon fired a black & purple ball of shadow energy from his mouth which collided with Ancient Power.

"Use Dragon Pulse." A.J. said. Aerodactyl fired a multicolored dragon-shaped beam of energy from its mouth

"Use Dig to dodge." Ash said as Jolteon dug underground & avoided the attack

"Perfect, Earthquake." A.J. smirked. Aerodactyl landed hard on the ground causing an earthquake & forced Jolteon out of ground.

"Jolteon!" Ash exclaimed worriedly

"Jolt..." Jolteon said weakly as it tried to get back on his feet before he collapsed & fainted

"Jolteon is unable to battle, Aerodactyl wins." The referee declared

"Jolteon return." Ash said as he returned Jolteon "Blastoise, I choose you!"

Ash sent out his Blastoise

"Blast." Blastoise said

"Let's go, Blastoise." Ash said

"Blast." Blastoise said as he pulled out his glasses & put them on

"Now we're talking." A.J. said as he pulled his own Mega Necklace from his shirt. "Ready Aerodactyl?"

"Aero." Aerodactyl nodded

"Mega Evolve!" Ash & A.J. said as they touched their Key Stones which shined in a white light.

Blastoise & Aerodactyl glowed bright red-orange & mega evolved into Mega Blastoise & Mega Aerodactyl

"Blast!/Aero!" The Pokémon roared as Ash pulled out his Rotom Phone to check Mega Blastoise's Type

Type: Water

Ability: Mega Launcher

"Still a Water Type, but it'll have to do." Ash thought before saying "Blastoise, use Shell Smash."

"Blast." Mega Blastoise said as he glowed white, then the energy cracks and breaks off of his body, causing him to glow red.

"Use Dragon Pulse." A.J. said as Mega Aerodactyl fired Dragon Pulse

"Use Gyro Ball." Ash said. Mega Blastoise's cannons glowed white, then he cut through the Dragon Pulse while spinning & hit Mega Aerodactyl

"Use Sky Drop." A.J. said. Mega Aerodactyl grabbed Mega Blastoise by his arms, lifted him high into the air, sped down towards the ground and flew away at the last second, hurling him to the ground

"Blastoise, are you alright?" Ash asked as Mega Blastoise stood up & shook it off

"Blastoise." Mega Blastoise nodded

"Then use Flash Cannon." Ash said. Mega Blastoise fired a white and light blue beam from his cannons.

"Dodge & use Thunder Fang." A.J. said as Mega Aerodactyl dodged the attack & charged at Mega Blastoise with Thunder Fang.

"Use Protect." Ash said

"Blastoise." Mega Blastoise said as he summoned a turquoise force field & protected himself

"Now, use Hydro Pump." Ash said. Mega Blastoise fired powerful blasts of water from his cannons & hit Aerodactyl

"Use Iron Head." A.J. said. Mega Aerodactyl became surrounded by white aura & charged at Mega Blastoise

"Use Brick Break." Ash said. Mega Blastoise's arm glowed bluish white & clashed with Mega Aerodactyl

"Blastoise, use Water Pulse"

Mega Blastoise fired an orb of water from his arm cannon

"Aerodactyl, Agility." A.J. said. Aerodactyl dodged & flew around Mega Blastoise at fast speed

"Blast? Blast?" Mega Blastoise said as he tried to keep up with Mega Aerodactyl

"Now, use Supersonic." A.J. said

"AEEEROOOO!" Aerodactyl screeched as supersonic waves came out of its mouth which caused Mega Blastoise to become confused

"Oh no, Blastoise." Ash said worriedly

"Use Stone Edge." A.J. said.

"Aerodactyl!" Aerodactyl said as light blue rock pillars to appeared of the ground & surround Mega Blastoise.

"Blastoise! Blast!" Mega Blastoise said as he repeatedly hit his head against on of the stone pillars.

"Blastoise, you gotta calm down!" Ash called out

"Let's finish this, Use Hyper Beam!" A.J. said. Mega Aerodactyl fired an orange beam of energy from its mouth which hit Mega Blastoise & caused an explosion. When it cleared, Mega Blastoise was laying weak on the floor.

"Come on, Blastoise, you gotta get up." Ash pleaded

"Blast...Blastoise." Mega Blastoise groaned as he slowly stood up, then he closed his eyes & started panting. "Blast...Blast..."

"We're not gonna give up, are we?" Ash said

"Blast." Mega Blastoise snapped his eyes open & started having flashbacks. He remembered when he first met Ash, when he, Brock, & Jenny saved him & his friends from the forest fire & worked together to put it out. He remembered when he evolved into Wartortle & then evolved into Blastoise, & he remembered when he defeated Blaine's Magmar & Giovanni's Nidoking.

"Let's show them what we're made of, Blastoise." Ash said

"BLASTOISE!" Mega Blastoise exclaimed in determination as it pointed its overhead cannon towards Mega Aerodactyl, then a glowing light blue ball of water appeared in front of the cannon.

"Whoa, what's that." Ash said as he pulled out his Rotom Phone

Your Blastoise has learned Hydro Cannon

"Hydro Cannon is the Water Type Starters' strongest move." Delia said

"Aerodactyl, Use Giga Impact." A.J. said.

"AERODACTYL!" Mega Aerodactyl screeched as it became surrounded by a purple aura with spiraling yellow stripes of aura & charged at Mega Blastoise.

"Ready Blastoise?" Ash asked

"Blast." Mega Blastoise nodded

"Aim." Ash said

"Stoise." Mega Blastoise said as he aimed the Hydro Cannon at Aerodactyl as it got closer

"Now, use Hydro Cannon!" Ash said. Blastoise fired Hydro Cannon & hit Mega Aerodactyl which caused an explosion. When the smoke cleared, Mega Aerodactyl had fainted & reverted back to its previous form.

"Aerodactyl is unable to battle, Blastoise wins." The referee declared "So the victory goes to Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town."

"Alright, Blastoise." Ash cheered

"Blast." Mega Blastoise smiled as he reverted back to its previous form

"You were amazing out there." Ash said as he hugged Blastoise

"Blastoise." Blastoise said happily

"There you have it, folks. Ash has won the match thanks to Blastoise learning the Ultimate Water Starter Move; Hydro Cannon." The announcer said

"Yes, now he'll be moving on to the Top 4." Oak said

Ash & A.J. shook hand

"Well, I guess you & I are even." A.J. said

"Yeah, the battle was definitely more intense then the last battle we had." Ash said

"Heh, well you know me." A.J. chuckled "Me & my Pokémon have always given intense battles because of how strong we are."

"That's for sure." Ash agreed

"Good luck with your next battle, Ash." A.J. said

"Thanks, & best wishes to you & Sandslash." Ash said

"Sandslash." Sandslash said as it held out its claw to Pikachu

"Pika Pi." Pikachu smiled as he shook it.

Sorry for the long wait everyone, but I hope you enjoyed the chapter. Yes, Pikachu can learn Calm Mind in the Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee games. Anyway, stay tuned for the next chapter, Morpho Out.