Sunlight streamed through the stained-glass windows into the drawing hall, bathing the entire space in a dreamlike glow. Ash adjusted his cap, his gaze fixed on the Magikarp pond in the center. Pikachu stood on his shoulder, its cheek pouches flickering slightly.
"Pika Pika! (Let's do our best today too!)" Pikachu patted Ash's cheek with his small paw.
"I know, buddy." Ash responded with a smile, "No matter who we draw, we'll give it our all."
Xiao You, Brock, and Serena stood behind him. Serena clasped her hands tightly in front of her chest, her eyes full of anticipation: "Ash will definitely draw a good match!"
"From a statistical perspective, the strength of each opponent is pretty similar," Brock analyzed, stroking his chin, "but Ash's shiny Pokémon definitely gives us a big advantage."
Nurse Joy, a staff member, walked towards them with a smile: "Contestants, please take turns fishing for Magikarp. Those with matching numbers will become opponents."
Not far away, A Hong was adjusting his red bandana. His Pikachu, Raichu, stood by his feet, his tail gently swaying. A Hong looked up and met Ash's gaze, and the two smiled at each other.
"Looks like we might become opponents, Ash." A Hong walked over and extended his hand.
Ash shook his hand, battle intent igniting in his eyes: "That will definitely be an exciting match!"
"Contestants, please begin fishing for Magikarp." Nurse Joy's voice rang out.
Ash and A Hong each picked up a fishing rod and stood on opposite sides of the pond. Ash took a deep breath and cast his line into the water. Ripples spread across the surface, and after a moment, his fishing rod suddenly dipped.
"It's hooked!" Ash pulled the rod up forcefully, and a Magikarp leaped out of the water, water droplets from its tail shimmering in the sunlight. The number tag hanging from it was clearly visible—number 7.
At the same time, A Hong also reeled in his Magikarp. When both number tags simultaneously turned towards the audience, a gasp erupted from the crowd.
"They're both number 7!" Xiao You covered her mouth in surprise.
Ash and A Hong exchanged glances and both started to laugh.
"It seems fate wants us to battle." A Hong's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Just what I wanted!" Ash clenched his fist, "Let's both give it our all!"
After their agreement, the two left to prepare for the match. On the way, Ash's mind was already formulating tactics.
"A Hong's main Pokémon are Raichu, Charmeleon, and Pidgeotto…" Ash murmured to himself, "Ceruledge should be able to handle all situations."
Pikachu tilted his head: "Pika? (Ceruledge?)"
"That's right, buddy." Ash patted Pikachu's head, "Ceruledge's ability allows it to absorb Fire-type attacks, and its Ghost-type makes it immune to Normal-type moves."
Serena jogged to catch up with them: "Ash, have you decided on your first Pokémon?"
"Yes." Ash took an Ultra Ball from his waist, its surface reflecting a mysterious luster in the sunlight, "It's time for Ceruledge to make its debut."
The lights of the battle arena were dazzling, and the audience seats were packed. At the commentary desk, Champion Lance adjusted his cape and spoke into the microphone: "Hello, everyone, and welcome to the Pokémon Tournament's Round of 16! I'm your commentator, Lance."
"And I'm Lucia~" The girl with long cyan hair waved energetically, "Today's matches are so exciting! What kind of performance will Trainer Ash put on?"
Lance smiled and glanced at his partner: "It seems Miss Lucia can't wait. Today, Trainer Ash will be battling Trainer A Hong from Viridian City. Both are powerful Trainers."
"And they only became friends yesterday!" Lucia cupped her face in her hands, "This kind of friendly battle scenario is the most heartwarming!"
The live stream's bullet comments instantly exploded:
[Lucia's at it again]
[The Champion's favoritism is too obvious]
[Ash's Harem +1]
[Don't talk nonsense, in front]
[I only care what Pokémon Ash uses today]
On both sides of the arena, Ash and A Hong were in position. The referee raised his flag: "This match is a 3-on-3 battle. Both sides, please send out your first Pokémon simultaneously!"
"Go, Charmeleon!" A Hong threw his Poké Ball.
"Ceruledge, I choose you!" Ash's Poké Ball arced gracefully through the air.
When the black-gold figure appeared on the field, the entire stadium fell silent for a second, then erupted in deafening cheers.
"Oh my goodness!" Lucia stood up directly from her seat, "This is… a shiny Ceruledge! And it's the rare black-gold color!"
Lance's eyes also widened: "Following the pink Dratini and Rainbow Eevee, Trainer Ash once again showcases a rare Pokémon. This Ceruledge's armor luster and blade sharpness are simply perfect!"
The live stream's bullet comments scrolled frantically:
[Holy crap, black-gold Ceruledge!]
[What kind of luck does Ash have?]
[This color is too cool]
[A Hong is in trouble]
[Charmeleon against Ceruledge has a type disadvantage]
A Hong was also visibly stunned for a moment, but quickly regained his composure: "Interesting! Raichu, it looks like we've met a strong opponent!" His Charmeleon let out a low growl, the flames on its tail burning even more intensely.
The referee confirmed both sides were ready and announced: "Charmeleon versus Ceruledge, battle start!"
"Charmeleon, Flamethrower!" A Hong launched the first attack.
A scorching pillar of fire shot towards Ceruledge, but Ash's lips curved into a slight smile: "Ceruledge, absorb all the flames."
The flames completely engulfed Ceruledge, and a gasp rose from the audience. However, when the flames dissipated, Ceruledge was not only unharmed, but its black-gold armor glowed with a dark red light.
"Flash Fire ability!" Lance immediately explained, "Ceruledge absorbed the Fire-type attack, and the power of its Fire-type moves will greatly increase!"
A Hong gritted his teeth: "Damn, I forgot about that…"
"Bitter Blade!" Ash seized the opportunity to give the command.
Ceruledge crossed its twin blades, dark red flames igniting on the edges, and charged towards Charmeleon with lightning speed. Charmeleon tried to block with its sharp claws, but Bitter Blade not only dealt massive damage but also restored Ceruledge's health.
"Charmeleon, counter with Dragon Claw!" A Hong urgently shouted.
Charmeleon's claws glowed green, but Ceruledge nimbly leaped back to dodge, then followed up with another Bitter Blade. This attack directly hit a vital spot, and Charmeleon cried out in pain as it fell to the ground.
The referee raised his flag: "Charmeleon is unable to battle, Ceruledge wins! Trainer A Hong, please send out your next Pokémon."
A Hong recalled Charmeleon, whispering: "You did well, get some good rest." Then he took out another Poké Ball, "Pidgeotto, it's your turn!"
"Pidgeotto versus Ceruledge, battle continue!" the referee announced.
Lucia excitedly commented: "Pidgeotto is Normal/Flying type, so Ceruledge's Ghost-type moves are ineffective against it! This will be a battle of wits!"
"Pidgeotto, Quick Attack!" A Hong's Pidgeotto transformed into a white blur and charged towards Ceruledge.
Ash reacted quickly: "Ignore it, use Swords Dance!"
Pidgeotto's attack passed directly through Ceruledge's body without causing any damage. Ceruledge's twin blades spun rapidly, forming a blade barrier.
But A Hong saw his goal achieved: "Follow up with Wing Attack!"
Pidgeotto's wings glowed white, striking Ceruledge from the side. This hit was effective, and Ceruledge staggered back a few steps.
"Normal-type moves are ineffective against Ghost-type," Lance frowned, "but Flying-type moves can still cause damage."
Ash clenched his fist: "Use Bitter Blade!"
Ceruledge's blades, wreathed in high-temperature flames, slashed fiercely at Pidgeotto. Pidgeotto swayed a few times after being hit, but quickly regained its balance.
"Create distance, use Hurricane!" A Hong commanded.
Pidgeotto quickly ascended, its wings flapping to create a powerful current of air. Ceruledge was buffeted by the wind, struggling to stand firm, and small scratches appeared on its armor.
Ash narrowed his eyes: "Use Shadow Sneak to jump up!"
Ceruledge suddenly vanished from its spot, reappearing behind Pidgeotto the next second, its blades aimed directly at Pidgeotto's wings. But Pidgeotto nimbly rolled sideways, avoiding the vital spot.
"A beautiful dodge!" Lance exclaimed, "Trainer A Hong's Pidgeotto has excellent flying skills!"
A Hong didn't relax: "Continue with Hurricane!"
Pidgeotto once again stirred up a fierce wind. Ceruledge had to stab its blades into the ground to steady itself. Ash knew he had to change tactics: "Use Clear Smog!"
Ceruledge released purple smoke from the gaps in its armor, which quickly filled the entire arena. Pidgeotto lost sight and seemed a bit flustered.
"Now! Bitter Blade!" Ash seized the opportunity.
Ceruledge burst through the smoke, its twin blades wreathed in dark red flames, striking Pidgeotto directly. This attack hit precisely, and Pidgeotto fell from the sky.
"Pidgeotto!" A Hong exclaimed.
Pidgeotto struggled to fly up, but Bitter Blade's recovery effect made Ceruledge stronger with each attack. With another Bitter Blade, Pidgeotto finally couldn't hold on.
The referee announced: "Pidgeotto is unable to battle, Ceruledge wins! Trainer A Hong, please send out your last Pokémon."
A round of enthusiastic applause erupted from the audience. Live stream bullet comments:
[This Ceruledge is too strong]
[It's a 1-on-2 sweep!]
[A Hong is in danger]
[The black-gold Ceruledge is awesome]
[Lucia is so cute]
A Hong took a deep breath and recalled Pidgeotto: "You did very well." Then he took out his last Poké Ball, "Raichu, you're our last hope!"
Pikachu, Raichu, leaped onto the field, its electric pouches crackling. A Hong's gaze became incredibly firm: "Let's give it our all, Raichu!"
"Pikachu versus Ceruledge, battle continue!" the referee's voice rang out.
Lucia excitedly said: "Trainer A Hong has sent out his partner, Pikachu Raichu! This is a showdown between two Pikachu Trainers, although Trainer Ash's Pikachu isn't on the field…"
"Raichu, Quick Attack!" A Hong launched the first attack.
Raichu charged towards Ceruledge with astonishing speed, but Ash was prepared: "Counter with Shadow Sneak!"
The two Pokémon crossed paths in mid-air, each inflicting damage on the other. Raichu landed and immediately turned around: "Pika—chu!" A Thunderbolt directly struck Ceruledge.
"Use Bitter Blade to absorb the electricity!" Ash shouted.
Ceruledge crossed its twin blades. Although Electric-type moves didn't provide an attack boost, Bitter Blade's recovery effect still allowed it to withstand the attack. Ash seized the opportunity: "Now, use Bitter Blade!"
Ceruledge lunged forward, its blades slashing fiercely at Raichu. Raichu was knocked back several meters but quickly adjusted its posture and landed steadily.
"Raichu, use Agility to get close, then Iron Tail!" A Hong commanded.
Raichu's figure blurred, instantly appearing at Ceruledge's side, its tail glowing with a metallic sheen. This blow struck Ceruledge's armor with a crisp clang.
"Hold on!" Ash encouraged, "Counter with Bitter Blade!"
Ceruledge's blades sliced across Raichu's body, but Raichu endured the pain and delivered another Iron Tail. Both Pokémon began to show signs of fatigue, but neither would back down.
"This is incredible!" Lance exclaimed, "Both sides are showing amazing willpower!"
A Hong suddenly shouted: "Raichu, use Volt Tackle!"
Raichu was enveloped in electricity, charging at Ceruledge in a suicidal attack. Ash knew this was the decisive moment: "Use Bitter Blade with full power!"
The two forces collided in mid-air, erupting in a dazzling flash of light. When the light dissipated, Raichu lay on the ground, while Ceruledge, though scarred, still stood.
The referee raised his flag: "Pikachu is unable to battle, Ceruledge wins! Therefore, the winner is—Trainer Ash!"
The entire venue erupted in thunderous applause and cheers. Lucia jumped up excitedly: "That's fantastic! Ash won!" Realizing her gaffe, she blushed and added: "Uh… I mean, that was an excellent battle!"
The live stream bullet comments flooded the screen:
[Ceruledge swept 3 Pokémon!]
[Ash is too strong]
[A Hong lost with honor]
[The black-gold Ceruledge is super cool]
[Lucia is so cute]
Ash ran to Ceruledge's side and gently stroked its armor: "You did great, buddy!" Ceruledge responded with a low hum.
A Hong also picked up Raichu and walked towards Ash: "An excellent match, your Ceruledge is too strong."
Ash extended his hand: "Your command was also outstanding, especially in the Pidgeotto match, you almost turned it around."
Their hands clasped, the two Trainers' smiles were sincere and bright. In the audience, Serena, Brock, and Xiao You were all moved by this scene of friendship.
"Let's look forward to Trainer Ash achieving even greater success in the upcoming matches!" Lance's concluding remarks brought this exciting battle to a close, "And we also thank Trainer A Hong for his wonderful performance!"
As Ash left the arena with Ceruledge, he looked back at the highlights replayed on the big screen, his eyes sparkling with anticipation for the next match. Pikachu jumped onto his shoulder, his cheek pouches gently rubbing against Ash's cheek.
"Next, we'll face even stronger opponents." Ash whispered, "But as long as we're together, there's nothing to be afraid of."
Ceruledge's blades shimmered with black-gold light in the sunlight, as if responding to its Trainer's determination. New challenges awaited them.