Chapter 213: Tie
"Water Arrow!"
A deep roar erupted from Blastoise as it stood firm on the battlefield. Its triangular eyes gleamed with power, making it look even more majestic than before. A surge of energy spread around its body—it had just broken through to the Elite level while evolving!
Unlike Wartortle, Blastoise had grown significantly larger. Now 1.7 meters tall, it stood 0.1 meters above the average Blastoise, with a more muscular and robust physique.
Blastoise's dark blue skin resembled the deep sea, its short yet sturdy limbs divided into sections by distinct joints, each ending in three sharp toes. The once wave-like tail of Wartortle had transformed into a stubby blue tail, more fitting for its tank-like body.
Its lower jaw was now milky white, contrasting sharply with the triangular ears positioned above. A massive shell encased its torso—the back a deep brown, the abdomen a light yellow, and white ridges separating the two.
However, the most striking feature was the twin Hydro Cannons protruding from both sides of its shell. These powerful weapons, hidden during Wartortle's evolution, could now extend and retract at will, their aim adjustable with pinpoint accuracy.
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Blastoise
Type: Water
Category: Shell Pokémon
Ability: Torrent
Hidden Ability: Rain Dish
Torrent
When Blastoise's HP drops to one-third or lower, its Water-type moves gain a 1.5× power boost.
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Wartortle had held on through sheer determination—a testament to its unwavering willpower. But its survival wasn't just luck; the Torrent ability had activated due to its low stamina, allowing it to resist Ninetales' Fire Blasts.
Now, despite evolving, Blastoise had only recovered a fraction of its strength—still not enough to surpass one-third HP. This meant Torrent was still active!
Ash clenched his fists. The sight of Blastoise reignited his hope for victory. A confident smile spread across his face as he gave his next command.
"Now it's our turn to fight back!" His voice rang out, filled with determination. "Blastoise, Hydro Pump!"
"Water Arrow-!"
Blastoise let out a deep battle cry. The barrels on its shell shifted, aligning perfectly with Ninetales. Dark blue energy gathered, swirling into two concentrated jets of water. Even with environmental interference, the charging speed was far superior to its previous Wartortle form!
Blaine's eyes narrowed. He knew Blastoise had reached Elite level, but he still believed in Ninetales' strength. He raised his hand and commanded,
"Ninetales, Encore! Fire Blast!"
Ninetales, standing with elegance and pride, let out a majestic cry. "Nine-!"
However, the repeated use of Fire Blast had drained a significant amount of stamina. The once instantaneous flame conjuration was now slower than before.
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Boom!
Both attacks launched at the same moment—Blastoise's Hydro Pump and Ninetales' Fire Blast.
A thick water column and a burning inferno collided in the center of the battlefield.
An explosive shockwave tore through the air, sending gusts of wind in every direction. A massive cloud of steam erupted from the point of impact, completely obscuring the battlefield.
The trainers, along with Brock, Misty, and Mei, shielded their eyes as the steam engulfed the entire stadium.
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The Tension Rises
Ash's heartbeat raced as he struggled to see through the dense mist. Was Blastoise still standing? What about Ninetales?
Seconds felt like hours. Then, slowly, the steam began to clear.
Two silhouettes emerged.
Blastoise and Ninetales both remained standing, but it was clear—they were both on their last legs.
Their heavy breathing and slightly swaying bodies signaled their exhaustion.
The crowd held their breath.
"Blastoise…" Ash whispered. His hands clenched into tight fists. "Can you keep going?"
Blastoise's eyes burned with determination. Despite the strain, it lowered its stance, preparing to attack once more.
Blaine, too, analyzed the situation. He could see Ninetales' stamina running low. If this battle dragged on, Ninetales would have a harder time keeping up.
"We have to finish this now," Blaine muttered. "Ninetales, one final Fire Blast!"
Ash didn't hesitate.
"Blastoise, Skull Bash!"
Blastoise's entire body tensed, its shell gleaming under the arena lights. It lowered its head, gathering momentum, before launching itself forward like a cannonball.
Meanwhile, Ninetales inhaled deeply, summoning every ounce of remaining energy into one final, blazing Fire Blast.
The two attacks clashed!
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Final Moments
As the fire and force collided, another shockwave erupted, pushing trainers and spectators back slightly.
For a moment, there was only silence.
Then—
THUD.
One Pokémon fell to the ground.
The referee squinted through the fading steam and raised his hand.
"Both Blastoise and Ninetales are unable to battle!" he declared.
A tie.
The stadium was silent for a moment before erupting into cheers. The crowd celebrated the incredible battle, clapping and shouting the names of both Pokémon.
Ash let out a deep breath, smiling at Blastoise. "You did amazing."
Blaine, though slightly disappointed, smirked. "That was a worthy match, Ash."
Ash turned to face him, determination still burning in his eyes. "Next time, I'll win for sure."
Blaine chuckled. "I'll be waiting."
Misty, Brock, and Mei rushed over, cheering for Ash.
"That was insane, Ash!" Misty grinned. "You really pushed Blastoise to its limits!"
Brock nodded. "Blastoise evolved at the perfect moment—talk about perfect timing!"
Mei smiled warmly. "You should be proud. That was one of the best battles yet."
Ash scratched the back of his head, laughing. "Yeah, but next time, I want a clear win!"
The group shared a laugh as they exited the stadium, ready for whatever adventure lay ahead.
Even though the match ended in a tie, this was just another step toward Ash's ultimate goal—becoming a Pokémon Master.