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As one of Johto's starter Pokémon, Bayleef's pure Grass typing put it at a massive disadvantage.
Against Kai's Scizor, a dual Bug–Steel Pokémon, she was outmatched both offensively and defensively.
Ash had made a career of winning against type disadvantages but this time, his luck had run out.
No matter how many times Bayleef unleashed Razor Leaf or Magical Leaf, the attacks merely bounced off Scizor's armored body. Even a full-force Body Slam or Tackle barely scratched it.
Meanwhile, Scizor pressed the assault relentlessly. Its speed outclassed Bayleef's, its wings shimmering as it darted in and out of range. Those massive pincers struck again and again, sparks flying with every hit.
Bayleef tried to hold her ground, but it was like punching solid iron. Finally, after a fierce exchange, Ash sighed and raised his Poké Ball.
"Bayleef, return."
The beam of light pulled her back before Scizor could land another hit. Ash looked down at the last Poké Ball in his hand and the little yellow Pokémon by his feet looked up knowingly.
"Pika!"
"Yeah," Ash said softly, smiling. "It's up to you now, buddy."
Pikachu bounded onto the field, cheeks sparking faintly as it faced Kai.
The crowd buzzed with confusion.
"Wait a minute!" the announcer exclaimed. "Ash's final Pokémon is… a Pikachu? Why would he save that for last? Against Kai's team, this seems like a strange choice unless Pikachu has something special we don't know about!"
To outsiders, Pikachu looked small and ordinary. But anyone who knew Ash understood this was his strongest and most trusted partner.
Still, Pikachu's performance had always been unpredictable. One day it could topple a Dragonite; the next, lose to a rookie's starter. Even Ash himself never quite knew what would happen.
But as Pikachu took its position, its confidence was unmistakable the same fire in its eyes that burned in Ash's.
Kai studied the tiny opponent carefully, hand on his chin. He knew Pikachu too well.
If he switched to something Electric-weak, Ash would turn it around instantly.
No it was best to keep Scizor in and play it safe.
"Scizor, it's all yours," Kai called. "Be careful."
Scizor nodded, stepping forward. Despite being a Steel-type, it wasn't weak to Electric attacks meaning Pikachu would have to get creative.
The referee raised a flag. "Battle, begin!"
Pikachu and Scizor lunged forward at the same moment.
Scizor swung one massive claw, aiming to crush its tiny opponent but Pikachu leapt onto its arm, running up the metal limb in a blur before twisting midair and slamming its Iron Tail toward Scizor's face!
"Right in the face!" the announcer shouted. "What a gutsy move!"
But Scizor raised its other claw in time, blocking the blow with a loud clang! Sparks flew as steel met steel.
The two landed apart, eyes locked.
"This Pikachu's impressive!" the announcer said excitedly. "Fast, agile, and surprisingly strong!"
Ash pointed forward. "Pikachu, Thunderbolt!"
Lightning surged from Pikachu's body but Kai was ready.
"Scizor, Double Team!"
Scizor split into six identical copies, each moving with perfect synchronization. Pikachu's Thunderbolt struck the one that had been in front before the split but it passed through harmlessly. A clone.
The others charged at once.
"Pikachu, dodge it!"
Pikachu darted left and right, but one Scizor, the real one, landed a direct hit with its pincer, sending Pikachu crashing into a boulder.
Ash winced. "Hang in there!"
Pikachu groaned, then sprang back up, tail glowing white. The tip charged into a glowing orb of electricity, a Thunder Iron Tail combo, and Pikachu hurled it toward Scizor like a lightning-charged hammer.
"Scizor, Quick Attack — move!"
Scizor blurred out of the way just as the electric sphere smashed into the ground, erupting with a shower of sparks.
The crowd roared. Every exchange was lightning fast literally.
For a while, the two Pokémon clashed fiercely, both covered in scratches and scorch marks.
It was an even match.
And as usual the stronger the opponent, the stronger Pikachu became.
Finally, both Pokémon launched themselves forward one last time, each using Quick Attack.
The two streaks of light crossed in midair and when the dust settled, both Pokémon lay on the ground, unmoving.
The referee stepped forward, checked both, and raised both flags.
"Scizor and Pikachu are unable to battle! The match ends in a draw!"
The stadium erupted in cheers.
"What a fight!" the announcer exclaimed. "Ash's Pikachu fought brilliantly, taking down Kai's Scizor in a draw! What an incredible display from both Trainers!"
But everyone knew what this meant. Ash had only one Pokémon left the already-exhausted Bayleef.
The crowd's cheers softened into murmurs of sympathy.
Ash had earned everyone's respect with his unpredictable, creative style. Many believed he had the potential to reach the semifinals maybe even win the tournament someday.
But this time, it wasn't meant to be.
Ash knelt and gently lifted Pikachu into his arms.
"Pika…"
Ash smiled. "You were amazing, buddy. Beating Kai's Scizor… that's something to be proud of."
He carried Pikachu to the sidelines, handing it to Misty for care, before stepping back onto the field.
He flipped his cap backward and took out Bayleef's Poké Ball once more.
He already knew how this would end but giving up wasn't in his nature.
"Let's go, Bayleef!"
The Grass-type reappeared, still battered but determined.
Kai smiled approvingly. "That's the spirit, Ash. Since this is our final round, I'll battle you with everything I've got."
He threw his Poké Ball. "Go — Gardevoir!"
Ash's eyes widened then he laughed. "Really, Kai? Still holding back your Gardevoir until the end, huh?"
The Psychic-type floated gracefully onto the field, eyes glowing faintly.
The outcome was obvious. But for Ash and Bayleef, quitting was never an option.
The two friends faced their opponent one last time and gave it everything they had.
When the battle ended, Gardevoir stood tall.
The referee raised the flag. "The winner is Kai! He advances to the semifinals of the Silver Conference!"
The crowd erupted in thunderous applause.
Kai walked over and offered Ash his hand.
"You were incredible, Ash. My Dragonite and Scizor both fell to you that's no small feat. I can't wait to see how strong you'll be next time."
Ash grinned, shaking his hand. "Thanks, Kai. I'll train even harder and next time, I'm gonna beat you for sure!"
Later, in the Pokémon Center lounge, Kai sat with Erika, who beamed with pride.
"Congratulations," she said warmly. "You made it to the semifinals!"
Kai chuckled, pulling her close. "Thanks, Erika. I couldn't have done it without you."
The two laughed softly, their victory shared in quiet joy.
But for Ash and Pikachu, this wasn't the end. It was just another step toward the dream that never faded becoming a Pokémon Master.
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~Support with 200 PowerStones = 1 Bonus Chapter
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