Chapter 297: Semi-Finals, Against Gary
Though Ash's match against Gary was scheduled first, this trainer was preoccupied with his own upcoming battle.
A victory would secure him a place in the finals. Even if he lost to Ash or Gary there, achieving the runner-up position would elevate his trainer rank significantly.
As an official trainer, advancing to Poké Ball rank would bring higher allowances from the Pokémon League—something he deeply desired.
Ash, noticing the trainer's unease, didn't push for conversation. Instead, he held Pikachu close and leaned back, closing his eyes to rest while waiting for the broadcast notification.
---
"Player Ash, please proceed to the battle venue."
The announcement startled Ash from his rest. He opened his eyes and glanced at the clock on the wall—still five minutes before 8:30. Standing, he allowed Pikachu to settle on his shoulder and turned to acknowledge the other trainer.
"Good luck," the trainer said, forcing a smile as he cheered Ash on.
Ash nodded politely before leaving the room. Walking through the long corridor, he emerged into the buzzing Indigo Stadium.
---
The stadium was alive with energy. Over 10,000 spectators had gathered outside the venue, unable to secure tickets but eager to watch the match broadcasted on the large outdoor screens.
"We can see Ash entering the field now!" the commentator exclaimed, his voice brimming with excitement.
"Ash!" Delia Ketchum exclaimed with pride, her face lighting up as she spotted her son on the field.
The crowd erupted into cheers, chanting Ash's name as he walked toward the battlefield.
Passing the audience stands, Ash offered bows and nods of gratitude, acknowledging their enthusiastic support.
From the opposite tunnel, Gary emerged from the red player channel. Unlike Ash, he strode forward with an air of confidence, ignoring the cheers around him.
His sharp gaze never left the battlefield as he took his position across from Ash.
---
From the audience, Professor Oak observed with a knowing smile. "Gary, don't hold back," he muttered to himself, his arms crossed—a pose reminiscent of Gary's own demeanor.
On the field, Gary mirrored his grandfather's posture, crossing his arms as he addressed Ash with a faint smile. "Finally, Ash... we meet here."
Ash nodded, his eyes burning with determination. "Yeah, Gary."
"This time, I won't lose to you again," Gary declared boldly, his voice echoing across the stadium.
His statement hinted at their past battles and his losses to Ash, something he openly admitted in front of the massive crowd.
Ash smirked at his rival's confidence. "Too bad, Gary—I'll be the one winning today." His expression shifted, becoming serious as the playful banter gave way to focus.
The crowd buzzed with excitement. Even the commentators seemed surprised to learn of Gary's past defeat to Ash, fueling the anticipation for the match ahead.
---
As the clock struck 8:30, the referee stepped onto the platform to explain the rules.
"The semi-final match between Ash and Gary will now begin! Each trainer may use six Pokémon. The match will pause for a halftime break once one side has lost three Pokémon.
After halftime, the match will resume, and the battle will conclude when one trainer's full team is defeated!"
The referee held up a coin. "Now, we will decide the turn order. Player Gary, please make your call."
Gary barely hesitated. "Heads."
The coin flipped through the air, landing on the referee's hand. A camera zoomed in, revealing the image of a Magikarp on the coin's front.
"Player Gary has won the toss! Please make your choice."
"I'll go second," Gary announced confidently. His strategy was clear—observe Ash's tactics and counter them effectively.
"Very well. Player Ash, please send out your first Pokémon!"
Ash thought for a moment before making his decision. "Haunter, let's go!"
---
The Poké Ball burst open, and Haunter materialized mid-air. The dark purple ghost Pokémon floated ominously above the ground, letting out a mischievous laugh as it surveyed the battlefield.
"Haunter..." Gary murmured, his eyes narrowing. His expression betrayed no surprise—it was exactly what he had anticipated.
"Go, my star player!" Gary called out, hurling his Poké Ball onto the field. "Umbreon!"
A brilliant light emerged, and a sleek Umbreon appeared on the battlefield. Its jet-black fur shimmered faintly under the stadium lights, the golden rings on its body glowing softly. Its ruby-red eyes glinted with sharp intelligence.
---
"Umbreon! A rare evolution of Eevee!" the commentator exclaimed. "Even now, researchers have yet to fully understand the conditions required for this evolution. And Gary Oak... he has one in his arsenal!"
Ash's gaze sharpened as he studied Umbreon. "Umbreon, huh? I didn't expect to see it here. I thought Gary only got one after traveling to Johto…"
Gary smirked, clearly pleased by Ash's reaction. "This is the trump card I've been saving for you, Ash."
He had raised an Eevee early in his journey, and by sheer luck, it had evolved into Umbreon. Until now, he had deliberately avoided using it in battles to keep it a secret.
---
"The match begins now!" the referee announced, signaling the start of the battle.
Ash wasted no time. "Haunter, use Shadow Strike!"
The ghost Pokémon lunged forward, dark energy crackling around its hands as it launched its attack. Ash had no intention of holding back.
Thanks to his system, he already had a good idea of Umbreon's abilities and saw no need to test the waters.
"Umbreon, counter with Faint Attack!" Gary commanded.
Umbreon moved with blinding speed, vanishing momentarily before reappearing to strike Haunter with precision. The battlefield lit up as the two Pokémon clashed, their trainers locked in a fierce mental battle.
The semi-final had officially begun, and the intensity of the Indigo Plateau Conference reached new heights.
________________________
Join my Patreon for more advance chapters