Join my p@treon for more chapters
[email protected]/Tempest_29
"Alright! Today's first match is about to begin. After yesterday's intense competition, the players who successfully advanced will now face their second showdown!"
"Today, on this ice battlefield, these two competitors will be the first to battle!"
"Ash from Pallet Town versus Pete from Fuchsia City!"
Despite the early morning hour, every venue was already packed with spectators.
As the first competitor scheduled to appear, Ash arrived at the arena early.
Misty and the others sat in the audience section. Ritchie, whose match was scheduled third this morning, and Giselle, who had afternoon matches, also came to watch.
As for Green and Gary, they both had morning matches of their own, so they couldn't attend.
"Now let's welcome both contestants with a warm round of applause!" As the announcer's voice rang out, thunderous applause filled the stadium.
The battlefield slowly rose from below. The entire field was constructed of ice—beyond the frozen ground, numerous ice blocks formed rocky protrusions across the arena.
Moving on an ice field was inherently difficult. One wrong step could easily send a Pokémon crashing into these ice formations.
Both trainers took their positions on their respective battle platforms. As the platforms rose to equal height, the large screen above illuminated simultaneously.
"Both are young competitors, but they've performed exceptionally well in this conference. Who will claim victory in this match? Let's find out!"
The announcer's voice stirred even more anticipation among the spectators outside the stadium.
"Ash from Pallet Town, I didn't expect to face you this early, but I won't lose to you."
Pete looked across at Ash, his eyes burning with determination.
Over the past few days, Ash had become something of a celebrity. First, he'd been invited by President Charles Goodshow to serve as torchbearer before the public eye.
Then he'd caught Moltres during the opening ceremony. In yesterday's first match, he'd used a single Kingler to defeat Mandi's three Pokémon.
To be honest, Ash had accomplished things that many veteran Alliance participants had never achieved, earning himself considerable fame.
In this world, exceptional Pokémon Trainers were like world-class athletes in basketball or football. Outstanding performances garnered them legions of devoted fans.
"Same here. Good luck!" Ash responded calmly to his opponent's declaration.
"Then don't hold it against me—go, Vaporeon!"
Pete threw his Poké Ball, and his first Pokémon emerged—a Vaporeon.
Vaporeon was one of Eevee's evolved forms. Even though it was a Water-type Pokémon, it was perfectly suited for ice field battles.
In fact, most Water-type Pokémon could adapt well to ice fields, just as most Ice-type Pokémon could handle water-based arenas.
"Pete's first Pokémon is Vaporeon! What Pokémon will Ash choose to counter it?"
The announcer's voice echoed across the field.
"Vaporeon! That's a tough opponent. I wonder which three Pokémon Ash registered!"
In the audience, Misty watched the field with concern.
"I'm sure Ash will be fine!" Brock added reassuringly.
At that moment, Ash standing on the battle platform didn't reach for a Poké Ball. Instead, he looked down at the Pikachu perched on his shoulder.
"Pikachu, you're up!" Ash said, glancing at his partner.
"Pika!"
Without hesitation, Pikachu leaped excitedly from Ash's shoulder and landed on the field.
Upon landing, Pikachu's feet slipped slightly on the ice. The icy surface was clearly treacherous—any Pokémon that wasn't Water or Ice-type would struggle with mobility here.
"It's Pikachu! Player Ash has sent out Pikachu! While Pikachu has the type advantage, movement on this terrain will be challenging. The outcome is anyone's guess!"
The announcer carefully analyzed the battlefield situation.
"It's Pikachu! Chuchu, look—Pikachu's out there!" Yellow exclaimed, hugging her own Pikachu close.
"Pika pika!"
When Chuchu spotted Pikachu on the field, stars seemed to sparkle in her eyes. She jumped onto Yellow's head, cheering enthusiastically for her fellow Pikachu.
According to the roster, Ash had registered Pikachu, Gyarados, and Muk for this venue. Upon seeing that Pete's first Pokémon was Vaporeon, Ash naturally sent out Pikachu to take advantage of the type matchup.
"The battle is about to begin! Pete will attack first!" A random number flashed on the large screen, and Pete won the right to make the opening move.
"Vaporeon, use Water Pulse!"
Pete wasted no time launching his attack. Upon hearing the command, Vaporeon opened its mouth and condensed a heavy sphere of blue water.
Boom!
With a forceful release, the water sphere shot toward Pikachu.
"Pikachu, Electro Ball!" Faced with the incoming attack, Ash chose a direct confrontation before Pikachu could fully adapt to the icy terrain.
"Pika... chu!"
Pikachu suddenly leaped up, swinging his tail. Golden electrical energy condensed into an Energy Ball, which he hurled forward.
Crash!
The Electro Ball and Water Pulse collided at the center of the field, erupting with tremendous force. Smoke filled the air as Water Pulse exploded and scattered, but a burst of energy pierced through the haze.
Pikachu's Electro Ball broke through the smoke and continued flying toward Vaporeon. The Water Pulse had failed to stop the Electro Ball's momentum.
"The two moves collide, but Pikachu's Electric-type attack proves more powerful!"
In a head-on clash between Electric and Water-type moves, Electric attacks naturally held the advantage. Moreover, Electro Ball's power increased proportionally with the user's Speed stat.
Combined with the fact that Pikachu wore a Light Ball, the power of his Electric-type moves was significantly amplified. Ordinary Water-type attacks couldn't withstand Pikachu's electrical assault.
"Vaporeon, use Acid Armor!" Facing the incoming Electro Ball, Pete reacted swiftly.
Upon hearing the command, Vaporeon's physical form began to shimmer and fade. Its entire body transformed into liquid, then collapsed into a puddle of water on the spot.
This maneuver allowed it to dodge the Electro Ball attack completely.
The Electro Ball sailed harmlessly over the puddle where Vaporeon had been standing just moments before, eventually dissipating as it struck one of the ice formations at the far end of the arena.
"What an impressive defensive technique! Pete's Vaporeon uses Acid Armor to completely avoid the attack by liquefying its body!" The announcer's excitement was palpable.
The crowd roared with appreciation at the clever defensive play. In the audience, several trainers leaned forward, taking mental notes of the strategy.
"That's a smart move," Brock observed, his arms crossed. "By turning into water, Vaporeon can avoid most physical contact. But Ash won't be caught off guard for long."
On the field, the puddle of water that was Vaporeon began to reform, its liquid body reshaping itself back into the familiar form of the Bubble Jet Pokémon. The transformation was seamless, and Vaporeon stood ready for the next exchange.
Pete smiled confidently. "Vaporeon isn't going down that easily! Now, use Aurora Beam!"
Vaporeon's mouth began to glow with prismatic light as it prepared to launch the Ice-type attack.