Pokemon Moonlight Silver (COMPLETE!!!)

[EmeraldSky]

@Scytherwolf; @Soups;

Episode 118b: The Ties that Bind! (part 2)


The Silver Stadium was electric as fans--many of them holding signs and other items emblazoned with the L-marking on Ash's hat or a stylized version of Gary's signature medallion--made their way into the stadium. "Welcome to the Silver Stadium in Johto, where one of the hottest rivalries of last year's Kanto League gets an epic rematch in a new region." a dark brown haired female sportscaster began. "Hello everyone, I'm Tina Carson, where we are getting set for Round 2 of one of the most electrifying matchups of last year's Indigo League--Ash Ketchum vs. Gary Oak."

She then turned to address her partner, a young man with dull blond hair. "Alex, what's changed since these two young trainers met on an ice field at Indigo Plateau last year?"

"For one thing, the stakes are higher." the man replied. "The matchup went viral on social media overnight, with 'TeamKetchum' and 'TeamOak' hashtags trending on Chitter, MyTube, Pokebook, and Memogram within hours with no sign of slowing down. Last time, it was only a two on two match--today, these two are also going at it with a full compliment of six Pokemon a side."

"We should also mention that today's matchup is also a matter of pride--Gary is the grandson of Kanto's own Prof. Oak, and Ash came in the Sweet 16 of the Kanto League." Tina continued via voiceover as the TV cameras cut to show scenes of Macy, Jackson, Ethan, Lyra, and fans excitedly showing off signs and other items supporting Ash or Gary. "But today these rivals meet as equals in Silver Stadium, with Ash matching how he did last year."

The scene cut away to show the stadium. "Today's match is a full six on six battle with a random selection of battlefields." Alex explained. "Our competitors can expect to see grass, water, rock, and ice-based fields..."

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"Harrison!" Ash called as he dashed through the boys' locker rooms, where Harrison was gathering his belongings. "I wanted to say congrats on winning your match earlier today." he explained.

"Thanks." Harrison smiled. "I'm amazed how everyone is going nuts over your match here in a bit...I really hope you win, so I can get a chance to battle you in the quarterfinals."

"I'll do my best." Ash smiled. "So, are you part of my team?"

Harrison nodded. "'TeamKetchum' all the way."

After waving goodbye to Harrison, Ash emerged from the locker room to find a crowd of fans with "TeamKetchum" signs and Tina waiting for him. "Ash, what's going on in your head right now as you prepare to face your opponent?" Tina asked him.

"Well, aside from nervousness, I'm feeling confident and focused." Ash replied. "I understand that Gary's not going to hold anything back, so I need to bring more than my A game--I'm bringing my S game!"

More cheers and applause filled the air as Ash's fans suddenly heard Gary's cheerleaders chanting "Go, TeamOak! Go TeamOak! Go TeamOak! Go! Go!" as Alex finished up his own interview with Gary on the other sideline.

Inspired, Harrison started cheering "Brickabracka, firecracka, sis boom bah! Ash Ketchum, Ash Ketchum, rah, rah, rah!" as he emerged from the locker room.

"Brickabracka, firecracka, sis boom bah! Ash Ketchum, Ash Ketchum, rah, rah, rah!" the fans joined in, eagerly chanting as Ash made his way to the Silver side of the arena. "Brickabracka, firecracka, sis boom bah! Ash Ketchum, Ash Ketchum, rah, rah, rah!"

"As you can hear, excitement and spirit is running high for both sides." Tina continued over the chanting. "When we come back, the match of the ages will finally get underway!"

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[Brickabracka, firecracka, sis boom bah! Ash Ketchum, Ash Ketchum, rah, rah, rah!] Tintri cheered, waving a pair of fans in the air as Misty arrived in the stands, then hurried to rejoin his master as Brock, Brenna, Ami, Hinata, and Hitomi watched Ash made his way into the arena, flanked by his own parcel of cheering fans. "How did the Ring Drop go?" Brock asked as Misty took the seat next to him overlooking the Silver side of the arena

"Very well--Aurora turned out to be a great choice for the Ring Drop." Misty replied, aware of the chanting around her. "Everyone seems to be getting into the spirit of Ash vs. Gary, Part 2..."

"They've been getting into it ever since the matchup was announced..." Brock explained as he perused Pokebook on his PokeNav. "Have their own hashtags and everything. Not just that, but kids are watching it in class, and offices everywhere are having watch parties, so this is a pretty big deal."

"This would explain all the 'TeamKetchum' and 'TeamOak' hashtags all over my own Pokebook feed..." Misty mused.

A wave of cheers snapped her to attention--Ash and Gary were taking their places in the arena! "Log off, Brock--the match is about to start!"

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This is it! The Victory Tournament gets underway with one of the most hotly anticipated matches in League history! the announcer began as Gary summoned a large blue dinosaur-like Pokemon. Two rivals have come to this storied arena, but only one will advance farther into the tournament!

"Aina, I choose you!" Ash called as he heaved a Poke Ball skyward, revealing Aina before the huge Pokemon Gary commanded. I've seen Gary with a Nidoking before, so this must be the female Nidoqueen! I hope striking first with a Fighting type gets me the advantage!

"Nidoqueen, start with a Rock Smash!" Gary called.

[WAAAAAAAHHH!!!] Aina cried as she did her best to leap and jump past the rocks raining around her.

"Focus, Aina! Use Superpower!" Ash commanded.

He smiled as Aina managed to push through the oncoming rocks thanks to the familiar aura of Superpower. But his confidence turned to horror as Gary's Nidoqueen Ursaring-hugged her, and then fired a Hyper Beam at point blank range, easily knocking Aina out of the match.

"Are all your Pokemon gonna be that easy?" Gary taunted, to cheers from his fans in the stadium.

"That was just the scout--now for the heavy hitters!" Ash shot back as he heaved another Poke Ball skyward. "River, I choose you!"

"Nidoqueen, return!" Gary called before finding a second Poke Ball of his own. "Magmar, let's turn up the heat!"

Ash gasped as the Magmar unleashed a Flamethrower, but heaved a sigh of relief as River weaved around the fire and fired a Water Pulse! The crowd watched in awe as the Magmar went flying up into the air, blowing out the familiar kanji of Fire Blast as he fell back to earth.

Some "ooh"s filled the air as the Magmar and the Fire Blast landed on River at the same time! Hammered where it hurt! the announcer commented as the Magmar used a point blank Flamethrower to weaken River even more!

[I...must...be...strong...] River heaved, to some applause as she stood up and brushed away the char. [But I'm stronger than you, Mr. Volcano!]

With that, she heaved another Water Pulse in the direction of another wave of flames, buying her enough time to streak through the water her previous attack created and slam into the Magmar with Aqua Jet, knocking it out.

"Well, color me impressed." Gary smirked. "Let's see how Miss Mousie fares against some real firepower!"

Ash was awed at the familiar giant turtle with water cannons in its shell that Gary summoned. That is Blastoise - the final form of Squirtle, and the most powerful Pokémon on Gary's team! But I'll just fight water with water!

He took a deep breath and called "River, try Bubblebeam!"

The stadium seemed to hold its breath as the wave of Hydro Pump and the flurry of rainbow bubbles clashed in the middle of the arena...

To Be Continued...