Join my p@treon for more chapters
p@treon.com/Tempest_29
"Okay, now all four players are on the field!"
"Two are veterans who have been famous in the Fighting competition for a long time, and two are young dark horses who have reached the semifinals in their first appearance at this conference.
"Will the veterans defend their dignity, or will the rookies surpass their predecessors? The draw is about to begin—please focus on the big screen!"
As the scene buzzed with excitement, the commentator's voice rang out, and the four players, along with the audience, turned their attention to the big screen. The players' avatars appeared and began to shuffle rapidly.
Ding!!!
As the sound rang out, the screen displayed the matchups, and the expressions of the four players shifted simultaneously.
"The results are in! The semifinal matchups are Player Ash versus Giant Player and Player Brock versus Player Anthony!"
The commentator quickly summarized the draw. The players exchanged glances, and when the giant caught Ash's gaze, he nervously turned his head.
Ash narrowed his eyes, scanning the room. Near a dimly lit corridor, a shadow darted out of sight when it noticed his watchful gaze.
"Alright, we'll begin with the match between Anthony and Brock shortly. Let the players take a short break while we set up!" the commentator announced.
The players moved to their respective areas. Brock approached Ash, a determined expression on his face.
"I didn't expect to face Mr. Anthony. Ash, if I lose, it'll be up to you!" Brock said, gently patting Ash on the shoulder.
"I got it," Ash replied confidently.
"By the way, Brock, once your match ends, you should visit the restroom," Ash added, leaning in.
"The restroom? Why?" Brock asked, puzzled.
"You'll understand when you get there," Ash said cryptically, leaving Brock to figure it out himself.
Though confused, Brock nodded, trusting Ash's advice.
"Alright, the match between Brock and Anthony is about to begin! Players, please make your way to the ring!" the commentator's voice echoed.
Brock and Anthony locked eyes briefly before stepping to their respective corners of the arena.
"It's not easy to get here. You are indeed very talented, but this is the end of your game!" Anthony declared seriously, standing on the opposite side of the ring and locking eyes with Brock.
"Even if I'm not your rival, I won't give up easily. I have to help Miss Rebecca find her father," Brock responded, his expression more determined than ever. He couldn't fight for it himself before, but now he felt her struggle deeply and was committed to helping Rebecca reunite with her father.
Anthony was slightly moved by Brock's words, but he quickly pushed aside the distracting thoughts. He had made it this far, and nothing could shake his resolve now.
"Let's see what you've got. Go, Hitmonchan!" Anthony called, releasing his Pokémon onto the field.
Brock glanced at his Poké Ball, aware that Geodude was injured and had already expended a lot of energy. Still, he resolved to press on and wear down Hitmonchan's strength as much as possible.
"Let's do this, Geodude!" Brock said, releasing his Pokémon.
As both Pokémon took their positions, the referee signaled for the match to begin. Ash, watching closely from the sidelines, noticed a shadowy figure sneaking under the ring while all eyes were fixed on the battle. A sly grin appeared on Ash's face, but he chose to remain focused on the game.
"Geodude, use Mega Punch!" Brock commanded.
Geodude lunged forward with a powerful punch aimed directly at Hitmonchan.
"This won't work. Dodge, Hitmonchan!" Anthony ordered with confidence.
Hitmonchan easily sidestepped the attack, leaving Geodude swinging at empty air.
"Now it's our turn! Hitmonchan, Mach Punch!" Anthony countered.
Hitmonchan moved swiftly, its feet darting left and right with Agility-like speed, confusing Geodude. Before Geodude could adjust, Hitmonchan closed in and struck with a lightning-fast Mach Punch, sending Geodude flying backward.
"Don't let up! Continuous Mach Punch!" Anthony commanded.
Hitmonchan's fists glowed faintly with blue light as it unleashed a flurry of rapid punches, creating a relentless barrage. The audience could only see a blur of Hitmonchan's fists as it pummeled Geodude with unrelenting force.
Geodude braced itself, raising its arms to shield its body, but the intense storm of punches left it grimacing in pain. Despite the overwhelming attack, Geodude held its ground, teeth gritted with determination.
"Geodude, find a way to escape quickly!" Brock shouted, his voice filled with concern.
But Hitmonchan's punches left Geodude no room to breathe. The speed and precision of the attacks made it impossible for Geodude to slip away. Any attempt to break free would expose it to even more punishing blows.
"Mr. Anthony's Hitmonchan is really strong!" Misty remarked from the audience, unable to hide her astonishment as she watched the ongoing battle. She had seen the strength of Anthony's Hitmonchan in a previous match, but she hadn't expected Brock to be left with so little chance to fight back.
"Yes, Dad worked really hard to train Hitmonchan," Rebecca added with a worried expression. "Brock's Geodude doesn't have the type advantage, and with all the energy it's already spent, there's no way it can stand up to Dad's Hitmonchan."
Rebecca's concern deepened as she realized that Brock was pushing himself so hard for her sake. It pained her to see him struggle.
"Admit defeat, young man," Anthony called out to Brock from across the battlefield. "Sometimes surrendering is the right choice when the odds are against you."
Brock gritted his teeth, the words gnawing at him. He felt torn—knowing he was at a disadvantage yet unwilling to give up. Geodude, sensing Brock's inner conflict, stood firm, determined to hold out as long as possible.
"What should I do..." Brock thought desperately. "I just want to wear down Hitmonchan's stamina, but it's not even working. At least if Geodude can hold out a little longer, it might buy some time to exhaust Hitmonchan."
At that moment, as despair threatened to take hold, a hand suddenly rested on his shoulder...