Brendan wasted no time, "Exploud, [Boomburst]!"
Exploud inhaled deeply before unleashing an enormous shockwave. The visible rings of sound ripped across the battlefield, kicking up dust and sending chunks of broken rock skidding across the ground.
But Solidad had already expected an opening attack, "Ninetales, [Protect]."
A shimmering green barrier surrounded Ninetales. The Boomburst crashed into it with incredible force, the barrier rippling violently, but it held.
The moment it disappeared, Solidad countered, "[Will-O-Wisp]."
Several eerie blue flames appeared around Ninetales before drifting toward Exploud.
Brendan frowned, "Don't let those touch you! [Hyper Voice]!"
Exploud roared again. The focused wave of sound smashed through the ghostly flames, dispersing most of them before they reached him, though a few continued floating around the battlefield.
"Close the distance!" Brendan shouted, "[Stomp]!"
Exploud charged surprisingly fast for a Pokémon its size.
"[Quick Attack]," Solidad countered quickly.
Ninetales vanished in a white blur.
Exploud's massive foot slammed into the ground where Ninetales had been, cracking the battlefield.
"There!" Brendan pointed, "[Ice Fang]!"
Exploud spun around just as Ninetales reappeared behind him. Ice coated Exploud's jaws as he snapped toward the Fox Pokémon.
But Ninetales gracefully ducked underneath the bite.
"[Confuse Ray]!"
Its eyes glowed an eerie crimson, and a strange beam of light struck Exploud directly between the eyes. Exploud stumbled, and its eyes swirled.
Brendan clicked his tongue, "Come on! Shake it off!"
Instead, Exploud spun the wrong direction and slammed one of its fists into the battlefield, sending cracks spiderwebbing through the stone.
Solidad took advantage immediately, "[Flamethrower]."
A stream of fire erupted from Ninetales' mouth.
"Snap out of it!" Brendan yelled.
At the last second, Exploud shook its head and regained its focus, then threw itself to the side as the flames scorched past it, leaving black scorch marks across the battlefield.
Brendan smiled, "Now! [Crunch]!"
Exploud lunged forward, its jaws glowing dark as it clamped down on Ninetales' shoulder. Ninetales cried out as the Dark-type attack connected.
"Push it away," Solidad called, "[Iron Tail]!"
Ninetales' tails glowed silver, and all nine tails slammed into Exploud's chest. The impact forced Exploud backward, finally breaking the bite, and both Pokémon slid across the battlefield before stopping.
Brendan grinned, "Now we're talking."
Across the field, Solidad gave a small smile, "Ninetales, [Nasty Plot]."
Ninetales sat gracefully as dark purple wisps began swirling around it.
But Brendan wasn't going to let that finish, "Oh no you don't." He pointed straight ahead, "Exploud...don't let it finish! [Boomburst]!"
Exploud inhaled once more, its entire body vibrating with power. Before Ninetales could fully complete its setup, another earth-shaking wave of sound exploded across the battlefield. The shockwave engulfed Ninetales completely, throwing up a massive cloud of dust as the stadium shook beneath the force of the attack.
Ninetales slowly emerged from the cloud, panting heavily. Its elegant fur had become ruffled, and it slid backward several feet before digging its paws into the ground to stop itself.
Brendan grinned, "Didn't let you finish it."
Solidad wasn't concerned. She simply nodded, "You didn't."
She pointed forward, "Ninetales, [Fire Blast]!"
Ninetales opened its mouth, releasing a massive kanji-shaped inferno that roared across the battlefield.
Brendan reacted instantly, "Meet it head-on! [Hyper Voice]!"
Exploud roared as the soundwave collided with the fire, the two attacks grinding against one another before exploding in a shower of flames and smoke that scattered across the arena.
Brendan pointed again, "Don't let up! [Crunch]!"
Exploud barreled forward, jaws glowing with dark energy.
"Ninetales, [Agility]."
Ninetales disappeared into a white blur, darting around Exploud so quickly it left afterimages in its wake.
Exploud spun, trying to follow, but Ninetales suddenly appeared beside Exploud.
Solidad quickly commanded, "[Extrasensory]."
Purple psychic rings burst from Ninetales' eyes. The attack struck Exploud in the side, forcing it to stagger several steps before regaining its footing.
Brendan smiled instead of looking worried, "There you are." He snapped his fingers, "[Echoed Voice]!"
Exploud let out a sharp cry.
But Solidad quickly countered, "Dodge with [Quick Attack]!"
The fox shot forward, weaving through the returning sound waves before reaching Exploud.
"Now, [Iron Tail]!"
All nine tails glowed silver. They slammed into Exploud one after another in a rapid flurry of strikes.
Exploud grunted as each hit landed.
Then Brendan shouted, "Grab it!"
The instant the final tail struck, Exploud reached out with both arms. Its massive hands wrapped around Ninetales before it could escape.
"Now!" Brendan yelled.
"Point-blank [Boomburst]!"
Solidad's eyes widened, "Ninetales!"
Exploud inhaled deeply.
"...BOOOOOOOOM!!"
The deafening explosion erupted with Ninetales still trapped in Exploud's grasp.
The shockwave blasted outward in every direction, forcing both trainers to shield their eyes as dust and debris exploded across the battlefield.
Then, when the sound faded, everyone looked back and saw Ninetales on the ground, panting heavily after that attack with spirals in its eyes and unable to battle.
The referee immediately raised his flag, "Ninetales is unable to battle!"
The crowd erupted into thunderous applause.
Brendan pumped his fist, "That's it!"
Exploud roared triumphantly despite looking exhausted.
Across the field, Solidad smiled as she recalled Ninetales.
"You did beautifully."
She looked down at her final Poké Ball.
"Now then..."
She held it gently for a moment before tossing it into the air.
"Lapras, it's our turn."
Lapras landed back on the field, and this was it: Solidad's last Pokémon. As for strategies on what to do right now, [Perish Song] was out since Brendan still had more Pokémon. She may be at a disadvantage, but she came this far, so what's the point in giving up?
Brendan pointed forward.
"Let's see how much more we've got! Exploud, [Thunder Punch]!"
Electricity crackled around Exploud's massive fist as it charged straight toward Lapras.
Solidad immediately responded, "Lapras, [Ice Beam]."
A freezing beam shot across the battlefield.
Exploud didn't slow down.
The beam struck its arm directly, ice rapidly spreading across it, but Exploud pushed through the freezing pain.
"Now!"
Exploud slammed its electrified fist into Lapras's neck. The electric impact sent sparks dancing across Lapras's body, and Lapras cried out as it slid backward.
Brendan grinned, "Keep going with [Ice Fang]!"
Exploud lunged again, jaws coated in ice.
But Solidad raised her hand, "Lapras, [Surf]!"
Water exploded upward beneath Lapras, and a massive wave crashed into Exploud before it could reach her. The huge Normal-type was swept completely off its feet and carried halfway across the battlefield before crashing into a stone pillar.
Brendan winced, "...That hurt."
"Again." Lapras rode another incoming wave, "[Hydro Pump]."
A concentrated torrent erupted toward Exploud.
Brendan pointed immediately, "Meet it head-on with [Hyper Voice]!"
Exploud roared. The concentrated soundwave collided with the Hydro Pump.
For several seconds, the two blasts clashed against each other, but then the water finally overpowered the sound. The Hydro Pump burst through and slammed directly into Exploud. The impact launched it backward several feet before it skidded to a stop.
Exploud pushed itself onto one knee. It growled, then slowly stood back up.
Solidad smiled, "Wonderful endurance."
"But..." She pointed forward, "Lapras, [Freeze-Dry]."
A blast of freezing energy shot toward Exploud, and when it hit, all the water soaking it began freezing solid until Exploud was left completely frozen in ice.
Brendan sighed and held out his ball, "Return."
Exploud quickly became red light again and went back into the ball. Brendan switched balls quickly, getting another one ready.
"Alright, you want to play like that? Then let's end it like this. Breloom!" He shouted, throwing out the ball again.
Breloom landed back on the field, staring down Lapras like before, but this time it wanted to end it for good.
And just like the first time, Brendan quickly called out first, "Breloom, [Mach Punch]!"
Breloom's fist shot forward, stretching across the distance and slamming into Lapras' jaw. Lapras slid backward through the shallow water covering the battlefield.
"Counter with [Ice Beam]!" Solidad quickly commanded.
A beam of freezing energy shot toward Breloom.
But Brendan quickly countered, "Jump!"
Breloom sprang high into the air, twisting over the beam as it froze the water beneath into solid ice.
"Now, [Bullet Seed]!"
Breloom rapidly fired dozens of glowing seeds downward.
"Lapras, [Protect]!"
A green barrier shimmered into existence around Lapras. The seeds exploded harmlessly against it.
The instant the barrier vanished, Solidad pointed upward, "Now! [Surf]!"
Water burst upward beneath Lapras before forming into another towering wave.
Brendan had been expecting it, "Now, grab the rails!"
Before he fell, Breloom twisted and shot its stretchy arms into the air above the stadium, grabbing the railings above them and pulling itself higher, avoiding the water. And in case anyone questioned it, there was nothing in the rules that said he couldn't do that. The railings above them were technically part of the field, so it was fair game.
Then, when Breloom let go after the water passed, it fell and spun around, dropping directly toward Lapras.
Brendan pointed straight ahead, "Now! [Seed Bomb]!"
Several glowing seeds flew from Breloom's hands before exploding directly against Lapras' chest. Lapras cried out, stumbling backward.
Solidad started sweating and shot her hand out.
"Lapras, [Freeze-Dry]!"
Cold white energy burst forward once more.
Brendan smiled, "I've been waiting for that. [Mach Punch]!"
When Breloom landed, it quickly jumped again, using a punch against the ground and its stretchy arms to push itself into the air, dodging the ice.
Then Brendan pointed into the sky, "Now, end this with [Close Combat]!"
While Breloom was still in the air, it pulled its arms back before shooting them both forward, stretching them down to hit Lapras again and again. A barrage of punches came crashing down, each one hitting Lapras one after another before finally charging the last punch.
It struck Lapras across the jaw, sending it falling to the ground with spirals in its eyes.
The referee immediately raised his flag high into the air, "Lapras is unable to battle!" He swung his other flag toward Brendan, "Therefore, the winner of this battle is Brendan!"
The stadium erupted into deafening applause. Breloom let out a victorious cry before pumping one fist into the air.
Brendan laughed loudly and ran onto the battlefield, "You did it!"
Breloom met him halfway, and the two bumped fists.
"That was incredible!"
Across the field, Solidad let out a small sigh as she recalled Lapras, "You battled beautifully."
Then she looked over toward Brendan and gave a smile again, "Congratulations."
Brendan scratched the back of his head with a grin, "Thanks."
He walked across the battlefield and held out his hand, "Great battle, let's do it again sometime!" Brendan said with a smile.
Solidad smiled and took his hand, shaking it, "Okay, I'll look forward to it."
Then the announcer's voice echoed through the stadium, "Ladies and gentlemen, our first finalist has been decided!"
The giant screen above the arena flashed brightly.
FINALIST BRENDAN
The crowd roared once more.
"And after a short intermission..." The announcer pointed toward the opposite tunnel, "Our second semifinal will begin!"
The screen shifted once again.
ASH VS. WALLY
The cheers somehow became even louder.
—
Solidad and Brendan walked through the tunnel with the cheering behind them, and as they walked into the backstage area, they saw Ash and Wally sitting on a bench as they waved to them.
Brendan immediately lit up and ran over to them, raising his hands up for a double high five, "Hey guys, I did it! I'm in the finals!"
Ash shook his head helplessly and gave him a high five on one hand, and Wally quickly did the same on the other.
Wally smiled, "Congratulations, Brendan. That was an amazing battle."
Brendan laughed, still riding the excitement from the win, "Thanks! Solidad was seriously tough. If Exploud hadn't landed that Boomburst..."
Solidad chuckled, "You earned that victory."
She looked over toward Wally, "And now it's your turn."
Wally nodded, instinctively gripping the Poké Ball in his hand, "...Yeah."
Brendan caught that and quickly clapped his hands, getting their attention, "Hey, both of you better give it your all, because I expect a good, strong battle in the finals!"
Ash smirked, leaning back against the bench, "You don't have to worry about that."
Wally looked over at him and smiled, "I wasn't planning on holding back."
Brendan grinned from ear to ear, "That's what I wanted to hear!"
Then a member of the League staff suddenly stepped through the doorway, "Ash, Wally, it's time."
Everyone let out a breath. Ash and Wally both stood up, Ash adjusted the brim of his hat before placing it back on his head, and Wally took a slow breath and closed his eyes for a second, steadying himself.
Wally looked over at him, "...Ready?"
Ash looked over with a grin, "I've been ready." Ash held out his fist.
Wally smiled back, "So have I." Wally returned it, giving Ash a fist bump as they both walked out.
–
As they stepped out onto the field, the stadium lights dimmed for a moment.
Then the announcer's voice boomed throughout Ever Grande Stadium, "Ladies and gentlemen...the second semifinal of the Ever Grande Conference is about to begin!"
The crowd erupted into deafening cheers.
"The winner of this battle will earn the right to challenge Brendan in today's Championship Match!"
Both Ash and Wally stepped out, walking toward the battlefield as the crowds cheered for them. Then they gave each other one last nod before separating, walking to opposite sides, and finally facing each other.
Ash smiled, "So...you ready?"
Wally reached to his belt, his fingers resting on six Poké Balls. He took a breath and smiled, "More than ever."
The referee stepped between them, "This will be a full six-on-six Pokémon battle! Both contestants may substitute Pokémon freely! When all six Pokémon on one side are unable to battle, the other trainer shall be declared the winner!"
He looked toward both trainers, "Are both trainers ready?"
Ash nodded, "Ready."
Wally tightened his grip on his first Poké Ball, "Ready."
The referee swung both flags downward, "Begin!"
Ash and Wally both threw their Poké Balls out.
"Go, Torkoal!"
"Let's go, Garchomp!"
Two Poké Balls burst open, and with a flash of red light, Ash's Torkoal appeared on one side of the field, while across from it Wally's Garchomp landed heavily, its claws digging into the stone battlefield.
At first, there was a very obvious difference in strength between the two Pokémon. After all, it was a pseudo-legendary versus a first-stage Pokémon. But as anyone familiar with competitive Pokémon could tell you, one of these Pokémon was significantly better suited for competitive battles. And I'll give you a hint: it wasn't Garchomp.
As soon as Torkoal appeared, white smoke poured from the openings in his shell and from his nose, and the field began growing hotter. It was his ability, Drought. Torkoal was setting up the Sun.
And one more thing everyone noticed was the item he was holding, A Heat Rock.
Yeah, today Ash was bringing a Sun Team against Wally, with some contingencies in case Wally managed to get rid of the Sun. But Ash wasn't kidding, he was not holding back here.
And to prove it, as soon as Torkoal finished setting up the sunlight, Ash immediately held his Poké Ball out and returned him right back.
Then, in his other hand, he held his real first Poké Ball. Ash threw it out, and as it hit the field, Salamence came out of the ball, stretching his wings and glaring at the pseudo-legendary across from him.
Now, it looked like a fair battle, except there was one thing. Remember, Salamence here also had ancient DNA, much like Donphan. That was mainly why Ash didn't use him as much as people would expect him to. He was still trying to learn everything this would give him.
So far, he had only noticed that Salamence's claws were longer, his wings were larger and had a few more spikes, and he had the yellow markings along his stomach. But other than that, there hadn't been any major visible changes.
But because of that, Ash still hadn't Mega Evolved him. He had no idea what would happen, especially after seeing what happened with Roaring Moon. However, there was one thing Salamence had inherited that was very useful here. The ability, Protosynthesis.
And as the sunlight shined down on him, Salamence's expression began to change. His claws extended, his teeth seemed to grow longer and sharper, and his posture became more feral, Salamence let out a low growl.
The real battle could begin.
Ash started, "Salamence, [Dragon Dance]!"
Salamence roared as blue energy surrounded his body. His speed and power began rising as the ancient energy inside him reacted with the sunlight.
But Wally wasn't going to let him set up freely, "Garchomp, [Dragon Claw]!"
Garchomp shot forward quickly as its claws extended and started glowing green.
"Salamence, move!" Ash commanded.
Salamence launched upward, narrowly avoiding the strike as Garchomp's claws sliced through the air beneath him.
"Now!" Ash snapped his fingers, "[Aerial Ace]!"
Salamence disappeared. For a moment, even Wally lost track of him, then Salamence appeared behind Garchomp and struck with his wings, sending the land shark sliding forward. But Garchomp dug its claws into the ground and stopped itself.
Wally quickly shot his hand out, "[Stone Edge]!"
Garchomp raised its hands, then slammed them into the ground hard, and several sharp rocks erupted from the battlefield, shooting toward Salamence.
Ash quickly reacted, "[Protect]!"
A green barrier appeared around Salamence, blocking the incoming rocks.
But Wally expected it, "Now, [Dragon Rush]!"
Garchomp surrounded itself in blue energy and charged forward.
Ash's eyes narrowed, "Salamence, [Dragon Claw]!"
Salamence's claws glowed with dragon energy as he met Garchomp head-on. The two dragons collided in the center of the battlefield as both Pokémon pushed against each other, neither willing to give an inch, but then Salamence started pushing Garchomp back.
Wally noticed and quickly changed strategy, "Don't fight against it," Wally called, "Pull back!"
Garchomp immediately disengaged, sliding backward before jumping away.
Ash snapped his fingers, "Don't let him escape! [Dragon Claw]!"
Salamence launched forward, his claws glowing blue.
But Wally was ready, "[Protect]!"
A green barrier appeared around Garchomp just before Salamence struck. The impact shook the battlefield, but Garchomp was protected.
Wally smiled, "Now use [Swords Dance]!"
Garchomp jumped backward, spinning its blades as glowing energy surrounded its body.
Ash noticed what he was doing, but instead he got a grin from ear to ear, "Alright then." He pointed forward, "Salamence, [Dragon Rush]!"
Salamence roared as blue energy surrounded his body, charging directly toward Garchomp.
Wally immediately responded, "[Dragon Rush]!"
Garchomp charged forward as well.
The two dragons collided in the center of the battlefield. A massive shockwave exploded outward. Both Pokémon pushed against each other, claws locked together.
Then suddenly Ash called out, "Salamence, jump!"
Salamence spread his massive wings and launched himself upward.
Garchomp stumbled forward, losing its balance.
"Now!" Ash pointed, "[Earthquake]!"
Salamence's eyes flashed as he twisted in the air, then he dove downward. His massive body crashed into the battlefield, causing the entire arena to shake violently.
The ground split apart as waves of energy spread outward beneath Garchomp.
Wally's eyes widened, "Garchomp, you fly too!"
Garchomp reacted instantly, pushing off the ground with all its strength and launching itself upward. As it expanded its arms, it began gliding and flying too, since a lot of people forget Garchomp can fly.
Ash watched Garchomp go up, but he quickly commanded, "After him, [Dragon Rush]!"
Salamence surrounded himself in blue energy and flew up toward Garchomp.
Wally quickly raised his hand, "Garchomp, [Iron Head]!"
Garchomp's head became coated in steel as it met Salamence head-on. The two Pokémon collided with a deafening impact.
Then both Pokémon were thrown backward. Salamence spread his massive wings, catching himself before he could fall, while Garchomp twisted through the air before landing back onto the battlefield with a heavy impact.
Ash smiled and quickly continued, "Salamence, [Dragon Claw]!"
Salamence shot forward, flying down after Garchomp.
Wally reacted instantly, "Garchomp, [Scale Shot]!"
Garchomp spread its arms and started throwing scales right at Salamence. Salamence got hit with them one after another, but he tanked through and got close, slashing Garchomp across the chest before he crashed into the ground.
Then as the dust quickly cleared, Garchomp and Salamence were both on the ground, but they both pushed themselves back up. Both of them were breathing heavily, but they got ready to keep going. Neither of them even thought about giving up.
Then Ash moved first, "Salamence, [Dragon Claw]!"
Salamence launched forward.
But Wally was ready, "Garchomp, [Dig]!"
Garchomp slammed its claws into the ground and disappeared beneath the battlefield just before Salamence reached him, but before Ash could call for Salamence to use [Earthquake], Garchomp immediately jumped back out and slashed Salamence across the chest.
But Salamence didn't go down. He took the hit, then quickly showed his teeth and bit down, catching Garchomp's arm with [Jaw Lock].
Garchomp tried pulling its arm out, but Salamence's bite was too strong. Even when Garchomp began hitting Salamence across the face, he didn't let go.
Ash smiled and snapped his finger, "Alright, you did great, but it's not enough. [Breaking Swipe]!"
Salamence's eyes flickered, then he pulled Garchomp up before slamming him into the ground. Then he lifted him up again and slammed him down over and over, never letting go of Garchomp's arm. Finally, to end it, Salamence raised his foot and stomped down onto Garchomp's chest, knocking the air out of the Dragon-type before it finally went unconscious.
Finally, Salamence let go of Garchomp's arm, letting it fall limply to the ground. Wally returned Garchomp to its ball and took a breath, "Thank you."
Then he pulled out his next Poké Ball as he looked at the Salamence that was breathing heavily.
Wally threw the Poké Ball forward, "Altaria, let's go!"
A flash of light filled the battlefield. Altaria appeared, spreading its fluffy cloud-like wings as it floated gracefully above the arena.
On the ground, Salamence growled, then took off flying after the bird. Ash smiled, "Alright, let's do this, Wall. [Dragon Claw]!"
Salamence shot forward, his claws glowing green as he flew upward, raising them high.
But Wally pointed forward, "Altaria, [Cotton Guard]!"
The clouds surrounding Altaria expanded, wrapping around its body, and as Salamence slashed down, he struck nothing but cotton, leaving Altaria safe but also leaving him open.
"Altaria, [Dragon Pulse]!"
Altaria puffed out its chest and fired a beam of dragon energy directly at Salamence.
Ash quickly countered, of course, "Salamence, dodge!"
Salamence twisted through the air, narrowly avoiding the attack, but he still got clipped on the wings due to how large they were.
Then Ash continued, "Now, [Dragon Rush]!"
Salamence surrounded himself in blue energy and charged.
Wally immediately reacted, "Altaria, [Protect]!"
The barrier appeared just before impact, and the collision shook the battlefield, but Altaria's shield held on. Then Salamence had to fly back.
But that was when the opening Wally needed showed up, "Altaria, [Moonblast]!"
Altaria let out a cry and fired a pale beam, hitting Salamence directly in the stomach. It hurt badly, causing Salamence to get flung backward and start falling out of the air.
But Salamence twisted at the last second, spreading his massive wings and catching himself before he hit the battlefield.
Wally noticed immediately, "Altaria, don't give him time to recover! [Dragon Pulse]!"
The cloud-like Pokémon fired another blast of dragon energy.
"Salamence, dodge!"
Salamence tried to move, but his injuries slowed him down. The attack clipped his wing, forcing him to spin through the air.
Wally saw the opening, "Now! [Moonblast]!"
Altaria gathered energy again, the bright sphere forming between its wings.
"Salamence, get closer!" Ash continued.
Salamence pushed himself forward instead of retreating, flying straight toward Altaria.
Wally's eyes widened slightly, "Altaria, fire!"
The Moonblast shot forward, but Salamence didn't dodge. Instead, he let out a [Snarl], and as the two attacks flew out, they clashed against each other. However, the [Snarl] was overpowered, and the beam still ended up hitting Salamence. It did its job, though.
It cut just enough through the attack, allowing Salamence to get close, and Ash noticed and pointed forward, "Now! [Dragon Claw]!"
Salamence's claws glowed blue as he slashed forward, striking Altaria across the neck and making the bird Pokémon fly back in pain, but it quickly recovered.
Then Wally gave one more command, "Now, [Hurricane]!"
The moment the Protect disappeared, Altaria spread its wings and created a massive vortex of wind. Salamence tried to resist against it, but eventually, he got pulled into it and spun around. The hurricane lifted him into the air and tossed him around violently before throwing him across the battlefield.
Salamence crashed into the ground and slid backward, leaving a long mark across the stone.
Salamence tried to stand, but he had reached his limit and fell down with spirals in his eyes, knocked out.
Ash smiled slightly, "You did great, Salamence." He returned his dragon to his ball, then grabbed his next Poké Ball. While he could still use the sun, he wasn't going to waste it.
Ash threw his next Poké Ball, "Donphan, let's go!"
Donphan flew out of the ball, slamming into the ground. Of course, just like Salamence, he also had Ancient DNA, so when he felt the sun shining on his back, Donphan lowered his stance and let out a roar, staring up at Altaria. This battle was far from over.