Chapter 163: Ash vs. Lucian!

Words : 927 Updated : Oct 8th, 2025

"A friendly battle?" "Wait, hold on a second!" Dawn suddenly reacted. "Ash, did Lucian just say that you helped Professor Oak with research on the eighteenth Pokémon type—the Fairy type?" She was completely baffled. "What's going on here?!" "Ash, you go ahead and battle Mr. Lucian," Anabel said with a smile. "I'll explain everything to Dawn." "Pika-pika!" Ash and Pikachu waved, then followed Lucian to the battlefield outside the Pokémon Center. Of course, Dawn and Anabel wouldn't miss such an exciting battle, so they quickly followed. However, as soon as they got outside, Dawn clung to Anabel's arm, shaking it eagerly. "Come on, tell me! What's this about Ash helping with Fairy-type research?!" Anabel chuckled. "It's exactly what it sounds like. You know Professor Oak, right? He's one of the most respected Pokémon researchers in the world. "Recently, he published a groundbreaking research paper on the discovery and classification of Fairy-type Pokémon, something that's been overlooked for years... and guess who played a key role in that research?" Dawn's eyes sparkled with excitement as she listened. Meanwhile, on the battlefield, Ash and Lucian were preparing for their match. "Ash, I'll be using this partner of mine—Bronzong, go!" With a deep, metallic hum, the Steel/Psychic-type Pokémon floated onto the battlefield. "Broooon-zong!" Ash nodded, unfazed. "Pikachu, you're up!" "Pika!" Pikachu leaped onto the battlefield, sparks crackling from its cheeks. Before starting, Ash tossed another Poké Ball into the air. "Come out, Buizel! Watch this battle carefully—you might learn something from it." Buizel emerged from the Poké Ball, landing gracefully beside Ash. It turned its gaze toward the battlefield, eyes locked onto Bronzong and Pikachu. "Bui! Bui!" (One day, I'll be that strong too!) Ash smirked. "Of course you will." Lucian chuckled. "I see... That Buizel must be a new capture." Ash nodded. "Let's get started. Pikachu, use Agility to close the distance!" "Bronzong, use Gyro Ball!" Gyro Ball was a move that became more powerful the slower the user was compared to its opponent. Given Bronzong's naturally low speed, it was the perfect counter to Pikachu's Agility. As Pikachu dashed toward its opponent, Bronzong spun rapidly, becoming a blur of metallic light. "Pikachu, jump and spin to dodge it!" Bronzong charged forward like a spinning top. Just before impact, Pikachu used its tail to propel itself upward, flipping over the Gyro Ball attack. "Now, Iron Tail!" "Bronzong, use Iron Defense!" CLANG! Pikachu's glowing tail slammed down on Bronzong's armored body, creating a sharp metallic ringing that echoed across the battlefield. Dawn and Anabel instinctively covered their ears at the piercing sound. Buizel, however, stared intently, as if trying to memorize every movement. It wanted battles like this—intense, direct confrontations where power and strategy clashed head-on! "Bronzong, Heavy Slam!" "Pikachu, Volt Tackle!" A thunderous collision followed as both Pokémon launched into their respective attacks. Dust and energy exploded outward, forcing the spectators to shield their eyes. As the dust cleared, both Pokémon panted slightly, showing signs of fatigue. Lucian narrowed his eyes. "Ash... Your Pikachu's strength has already reached an Elite Four level. That's truly impressive. You've only been traveling for three years, right?" Ash smirked. "More or less." "Then let's keep going—Pikachu, use Thunder!" "Bronzong, use Weather Ball!" A massive bolt of lightning shot from Pikachu's body, colliding with Bronzong's charged Weather Ball attack. Sparks and energy crackled through the air as the two attacks clashed. But in the end, Thunder overpowered Weather Ball, striking Bronzong head-on! "Broooonzong!" Lucian's expression remained calm, even as his Pokémon staggered backward from the powerful electric attack. "Not bad at all. But let's see how you handle this—Bronzong, use Flash Cannon!" Bronzong's massive mouth-like opening began charging a blinding sphere of energy. Ash's eyes sharpened. "Pikachu, Volt Tackle—break through it!" The moment Flash Cannon was fired, Pikachu cloaked itself in golden lightning and dashed straight toward the incoming blast. A deafening explosion erupted as the two attacks collided—Volt Tackle's sheer force overwhelmed Flash Cannon, sending the charged energy attack scattering in all directions! "Impossible..." Lucian had intended to follow up with Trick Room, a move that could completely flip the tide of battle by reversing speed priorities. But before he could issue the command— "Pikachu, Iron Tail—finish it!" Before Bronzong could recover, Pikachu spun midair, slamming its glowing tail directly into Bronzong's body. BOOM! Bronzong shot backward like a missile, crashing into a large rock with tremendous force. CRACK! The rock shattered into pieces, and Bronzong slumped to the ground, unable to battle. Silence fell over the battlefield. Lucian sighed, then smiled. "Return, Bronzong." Even though Bronzong had been knocked out, as an Elite Four's Pokémon, it would recover quickly—especially since they were right outside a Pokémon Center. However, their battle had drawn attention. A crowd had gathered, watching from a distance. Lucian glanced at Ash, clearly impressed. "Your Pikachu truly exceeded my expectations. My Trick Room strategy never even had a chance to activate." He reached into his pocket, pulling out his PokéGear. "Let's exchange contact information. I have a feeling we'll meet again. And... I expect to see you in the Lily of the Valley Conference. "When you win, come challenge the Sinnoh Elite Four." "Pika!" Pikachu's ears perked up. Ash grinned, determination flashing in his eyes. Ash grinned. "I won't disappoint." -------------- T/N: Access Advance Chapters on my P@treon: [email protected]/PokePals

Chapter 163: Ash vs. Lucian!

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