Chapter - 24, the Aftermath of Battle

Ash: Charizard, use Dragon Pulse!

Charizard gathered draconic energy within its maw, forming a pulsating sphere of power that surged toward Garchomp. The Dragon Pulse attack streaked through the air, aimed directly at Garchomp with precision.

Cynthia's eyes narrowed as she prepared to respond.

Cynthia: Garchomp, block the Dragon Pulse with Dragon Claw!

Garchomp intercepted Charizard's Dragon Pulse with its own Dragon Claw, the clash of attacks creating a shockwave reverberating through the arena. The force of the impact sent both Pokémon staggering back, their strength and determination. As both Pokémon glared at each other, they suddenly fell to the ground from exhaustion.

Referee: as both Pokémon are unable to battle this battle is a tie.

3rd person POV –

The audience was on the edge of their seats, eyes wide and breaths held as they witnessed the intense battle between Ash's Charizard and Cynthia's Garchomp. The sheer power and skill on display were awe-inspiring, and the atmosphere in the stadium was electric with excitement. Among the crowd, several familiar faces watched the battle with rapt attention.

In the VIP section, Delia Ketchum, Ash's mother, sat with a mix of pride and anxiety on her face. She clutched her hands together tightly, her heart pounding as she watched her son's Charizard clash with Garchomp. Despite her worry, she couldn't help but smile, seeing how far Ash had come on his journey.

Delia: Oh, Ash.

she murmured to herself

Delia: you've grown so much. Be careful, Charizard.

Professor Oak, sitting next to Delia, nodded in agreement. His eyes were focused intently on the battle, analyzing every move and counter-move with the keen eye of a seasoned Pokémon researcher.

Oak: This is quite a match.

he said, his voice tinged with admiration.

Oak: Ash has certainly come a long way. His strategies are much more refined now. And Cynthia… she's truly one of the best trainers from Sinnoh.

Misty, sitting a few seats away, was on the edge of her seat, her fists clenched in excitement.

Misty: Come on, Ash! You can do it!

She shouted, her voice ringing out over the roar of the crowd. She had seen Ash in many battles before, but this one was particularly thrilling.

Misty: Charizard, hang in there!

Next to her, Brock nodded vigorously, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

Brock: This is one intense battle.

He said, barely able to contain his enthusiasm.

Brock: Charizard and Garchomp are both giving it their all. This could go either way.

He glanced at Misty and then back at the battlefield, feeling the adrenaline surge through his veins. The battle continued to rage on, with Charizard and Garchomp trading powerful blows. The audience could feel the intensity of each clash, and every successful move was met with cheers and gasps from the crowd. Charizard, its wings beating furiously, managed to dodge Garchomp's Stone Edge, narrowly avoiding the sharp stones that erupted from the ground. The crowd erupted in applause, impressed by Charizard's agility. Ash's friends and family leaned forward in their seats, their hearts pounding in their chests. Delia's hands were trembling slightly, and Professor Oak placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

Oak: He's doing great, Delia.

Professor Oak said with a confident smile.

Oak: Just watch. Ash and Charizard have a few more tricks up their sleeves. On the battlefield, Charizard gathered its strength and unleashed a powerful Dragon Pulse, the energy attack streaking toward Garchomp. The audience held their breath as the pulsating sphere of draconic energy hurtled toward its target. Cynthia's Garchomp met the Dragon Pulse head-on with a Dragon Claw, the collision creating a shockwave that echoed through the arena. The crowd gasped at the sheer force of the impact, and Delia covered her mouth with her hands, her eyes wide with concern and pride.

Misty: Charizard, you're doing amazing!

Misty shouted, her voice filled with encouragement.

Brock: Don't give up!

Brock's eyes were fixed on the battlefield, analyzing the Pokémon's movements and strategies.

Brock: Garchomp is tough, but Charizard has the power and resilience to match it.

he said, more to himself than anyone else.

Brock: Ash just needs to stay focused.

As the battle wore on, both Charizard and Garchomp showed signs of exhaustion, their breaths heavy and movements slightly slower. The crowd's energy was palpable, every person in the stadium on the edge of their seat, sensing that the climax of the battle was near.

Ash: Charizard, use Fire Blast!

Ash commanded, his voice strong and determined. Charizard roared, summoning a massive burst of fire that formed into the shape of a fiery star before launching it toward Garchomp. The heat from the attack was intense, and the audience could feel the warmth even from their seats. Cynthia remained calm under pressure.

Cynthia: Garchomp, counter with Draco Meteor!

Garchomp raised its head to the sky, summoning meteors of draconic energy that rained down onto the battlefield, colliding with Charizard's Fire Blast. The resulting explosion lit up the entire arena, the force of the blast sending shockwaves through the crowd. Delia gripped Professor Oak's hand, her heart in her throat.

Delia: Please be okay, Charizard.

she whispered, her eyes never leaving the battlefield. Misty and Brock were standing now, unable to sit still as the battle reached its peak.

Misty: This is it, Ash!

Misty yelled, her voice filled with anticipation.

Misty/Brock: You can do this!

The dust from the explosion began to settle, revealing Charizard and Garchomp both standing, though exhausted. Their breaths were heavy, and their bodies showed the signs of a grueling battle. The audience was silent, the tension almost unbearable. Ash's eyes locked with Cynthia's, both trainers understanding the immense effort their Pokémon had put into this battle. With a determined look, Ash made his final command.

Ash: Charizard, use Seismic Toss and Dragon pulse! Charizard nodded, gathering the last of its strength as it soared into the sky, taking Garchomp with it. The crowd watched in awe as Charizard ascended higher and higher, the anticipation building with each passing second. Cynthia knew this was the moment to counter.

Cynthia: Garchomp, use Dragon Rush and Dragon Claw!

As Charizard reached the peak of its ascent, Garchomp's body glowed with draconic energy, preparing for a final, powerful Dragon Rush. The two Pokémon plummeted back to the ground, Charizard spinning in mid-air to execute the Seismic Toss while Garchomp prepared to unleash its attack upon impact. The collision of their attacks created a massive explosion of energy and light, blinding the audience momentarily. The shockwave from the impact was felt throughout the stadium, and everyone held their breath, waiting to see the outcome. When the dust finally settled, Charizard and Garchomp lay on the battlefield, both unable to continue the fight. The referee stepped forward, his voice echoing across the silent arena.

Referee: Both Pokémon are unable to battle! This match is a tie!

The crowd erupted into applause, cheering for the incredible display of strength and determination from both trainers and their Pokémon. Delia wiped a tear from her eye, overwhelmed with pride for her son.

Delia: Oh, Ash, you were amazing.

she said softly. Professor Oak smiled, his eyes twinkling with pride.

Oak: Ash and Charizard have shown incredible growth. This battle was a true testament to their bond and strength.

Misty and Brock were clapping and cheering, their excitement unabated.

Misty: That was one of the best battles I've ever seen. Ash and Charizard gave it their all

Brock nodded in agreement.

Brock: Absolutely. They proved they could stand soon fight against the champions soon.

As Ash and Cynthia approached their fallen Pokémon, they shared a mutual respect. Ash knelt next to Charizard, placing a hand on its side.

Ash: You were amazing, Charizard. Thank you for giving it your all.

Cynthia did the same with Garchomp, her voice filled with admiration.

Cynthia: You were incredible, Garchomp. You fought with everything you had.

The trainers recalled their Pokémon, and as they stood to face each other, they shook hands, acknowledging the effort and skill of their opponent.

Cynthia: That was an incredible battle, Ash. You and Charizard are a formidable team.

Cynthia said with a smile.

Ash: Thanks, Cynthia.

Ash replied, his eyes shining with gratitude.

Ash: Garchomp was amazing too. It's an honor to have battled you again.

The crowd continued to cheer, celebrating the epic clash they had witnessed. As Ash, Cynthia, and their friends left the battlefield, the sun set on another unforgettable day in the world of Pokémon, a world where trainers and their Pokémon strive together, their bonds growing stronger with every battle.

With the Blackthorn clan during the fight –

The Pokémon battlefield buzzed with anticipation as the epic clash between Ash's Charizard and Cynthia's Garchomp reached its thrilling climax. The audience was a sea of eager faces, their eyes glued to the two battling titans. Among the crowd, notable figures from the Pokémon world watched with bated breath, their reactions reflecting the intensity of the showdown. In the stands, the audience erupted with cheers and gasps at every powerful attack and counterattack. The air was thick with excitement as spectators leaned forward, their collective energy feeding into the electric atmosphere. Every fiery blast from Charizard and every seismic strike from Garchomp drew a wave of reactions, with some fans even standing up, unable to contain their excitement. Among the crowd were members of the Blackthorn City Gym, known for their expertise in Dragon-type Pokémon. They watched intently, analyzing each move with a critical eye. The gym's leader, Clair, a renowned Dragon Master, stood at the forefront, her arms crossed and her expression one of intense focus. Her long blue hair flowed in the breeze as she watched the battle, her dragon companions by her side.

Clair: This is truly a spectacle.

Clair remarked, her voice carrying a note of admiration.

Clair: Charizard and Garchomp are both showcasing extraordinary strength and strategy. It's a battle worthy of legends. Next to her stood several members of the Blackthorn Gym, including veteran trainers who specialized in Dragon-types. They exchanged nods and murmurs of agreement, their eyes never leaving the battlefield. "Charizard's agility and power are remarkable." one of the trainers commented. "But Garchomp's resilience and tactical prowess are equally impressive. This battle could go either way. "Further up in the stands, the legendary Dragon Masters from various regions had gathered to witness this clash of titans. Among them was Lance, the Dragon-type Champion of the Indigo Plateau, his signature red cape billowing in the wind. He watched with a serious expression, his keen eyes following every move with the precision of a seasoned battler.

Clair: Lance, what do you think of the battle?

Clair asked, glancing at the Champion. Lance nodded thoughtfully.

Lance: Both Ash and Cynthia have trained their Pokémon exceptionally well. Charizard's versatility and Garchomp's sheer power make this a battle of titanic proportions. It's a testament to their skills as trainers.

The audience's reactions crescendo as the battle reaches its peak. When Charizard and Garchomp collided in a spectacular explosion of energy and light, the stadium was momentarily silent, the air thick with tension. As the dust settled, revealing both Pokémon down and unable to continue, the crowd erupted into a standing. With an awesome battle between the 2 High Elite Pokémon, there was no doubt in people's minds that they would soon enter the stage of champions.

Back in the section reserved for the Blackthorn Gym members, Clair and her fellow Dragon Masters exchanged approving glances.

Clair: Ash has proven himself today.

Clair said, her voice filled with respect.

Clair: He's a trainer worthy of battling the best.

The Dragon Masters nodded in agreement, their respect for Ash and his Charizard growing even more. "Cynthia and Garchomp were also exceptional," one of them added.

Lance: This battle was a perfect display of strength, strategy, and resilience.

Lance turned to Clair, his expression serious yet impressed.

Lance: Both trainers demonstrated the true spirit of Pokémon battles. This is what it's all about – pushing each other to the limits and beyond.

As Ash and Cynthia shook hands on the battlefield, acknowledging each other's skill and determination, the audience's cheers grew even louder. The legendary Dragon Masters, along with the Blackthorn Gym members, joined in the applause, recognizing the incredible effort and sportsmanship displayed by both trainers. With the sun setting on the horizon, casting a warm glow over the stadium, the battle between Ash and Cynthia had become a legendary tale in the Pokémon world. The reactions of the audience, Delia, Professor Oak, Misty, Brock, and the esteemed Dragon Masters and Blackthorn Gym members encapsulated the spirit of the event – a celebration of skill, determination, and the unbreakable bond between trainers and their Pokémon. As the trainers and their Pokémon left the battlefield, the echoes of the epic clash lingered in the air, a reminder of the extraordinary journey that lies ahead for Ash, Charizard, and all who witnessed this unforgettable battle.

Ash POV –

After my battle with Cynthia, I quickly returned Charizard and went gave it to Blissey, who used Teleport to go to the nearby Pokémon center. I still thank the gods that I thought Blissey to use Teleport using TM. Soon I found myself surrounded by ACE trainers asking me for tips, my Pokémon, and training,… and some girls even asked for my number. Soon I was able to get out thanks to the security. And met up with Mom, Professor Oak, Brock, and Misty. I met them in the Pokémon center, and After having a cooked meal both mom and Brock made. I was able to meet Clair and she said that she would be able to battle me after 6 months, as would be able to battle me using my elite team I think I accepted thinking that it is very rare for gym leaders to have a full team of elite Pokémon. 

Later at night, Misty and Brock decided to travel to Violet City for my first gym battle in the Jhoto region. Soon we were discussing our paths and I was thinking of Pokémon I should train, in between here to Violet City and I decided to train from my old teams –

Primeape

Pupitar

Electabuzz

Magmar

Kadabra

Event

Event

Absol

Poliwhirl

Kangaskhan

My new team –

'S' Ditto 

Skarmory

Spinarak

Vulpix

Magnezone

These are my team with Pikachu and Blissey as the obvious. Due to Charizard's fight, he was injured and after getting healed was directly sent back to Professor Oak's Coral to rest. I have also decided it is time for Primeape to evolve into its final evolution and I know just the perfect place the burned tower of Ho-Ho shrine.

Soon the next day, after having our breakfast, we said goodbye to Professor and Mom, as they would leave after meeting with Professor Elm.

Ash 'thinking': let's see what new adventure I would go through Jhoto and will finally meet the Ho-Ho that I saw on the first day of my journey I am sure that was no ordinary Ho-Ho as I am 95% sure the Ho-Ho I saw was a 'shiny'.