Chapter 34: Chapter 34:Black Belt!
The quarterfinals and semifinals progressed without much difficulty. Ace's Primeape had showcased exceptional skill, defeating Raido's Hitmontop and overpowering Daniel's Hitmonlee with a mix of strategy and brute force. Each victory drew gasps of amazement from the audience as Ace's unconventional tactics and Primeape's unique fighting style continued to leave an impression.
Now, the stadium was alive with electric energy as the finals approached. The spotlight shone brightly on the ring, illuminating the two finalists who would face off. On one side was Ace, the rookie sensation whose battles had become the talk of the event. On the other side was Anthony, a seasoned competitor whose determination to win the P1 Grand Prix was palpable.
Ace stood across the ring from Anthony, his face calm but his mind racing. 'This is it. Time to execute the plan. I have to win, but more importantly, I need to make Anthony see what he's losing in his pursuit of this dream.'
The announcer's voice boomed through the stadium. "Ladies and gentlemen, the moment you've been waiting for! The finals of the P1 Grand Prix! On one side, we have the underdog sensation, Ace Drago, and on the other, a seasoned fighter with unyielding determination, Anthony! Let's see who will emerge victorious!"
The crowd roared as the referee stepped forward. "Finalists, send out your Pokémon!"
Anthony confidently threw his Pokéball. "Hitmonchan, show them the strength of our training!"
The boxing Pokémon appeared, bouncing on its feet, its fists glowing faintly as it punched the air with precision.
Ace smiled and released his own Pokémon. "Let's do this, Primeape!"
Primeape leaped onto the battlefield, thumping its chest and glaring at Hitmonchan. The air between the two Pokémon was charged with tension, and the audience leaned forward in anticipation.
The referee raised his flag. "Begin!"
Anthony wasted no time. "Hitmonchan, use Mach Punch!"
Hitmonchan shot forward like a blur, its fist glowing as it aimed a swift punch at Primeape.
"Dodge and counter with Seismic Toss!" Ace commanded.
Primeape sidestepped the Mach Punch with nimble footwork before grabbing Hitmonchan by the arm and spinning it into the air. With a loud roar, it slammed the boxing Pokémon onto the ground, causing a shockwave that made the audience gasp.
Anthony gritted his teeth. "Hitmonchan, get up and use Dynamic Punch!"
Hitmonchan rose quickly, its fist covered with fighting type energy as it charged Primeape.
"Primeape, block and retaliate with Low Kick!" Ace ordered.
Primeape crossed its arms, absorbing the blow. Then, with incredible precision, it swept Hitmonchan's legs out from under it, sending the Pokémon tumbling to the ground again.
Anthony's frustration was evident. "Hitmonchan, enough playing around! Bulk Up and then use Mega Punch!"
Hitmonchan flexed its muscles, glowing briefly as its strength increased. It then charged Primeape with a Mega Punch.
Ace saw an opportunity. 'He's getting desperate. Time to use what I've taught Primeape.'
"Primeape, weave and counter!"
Primeape moved fluidly, dodging the Mega Punch with movements reminiscent of a skilled martial artist.
The crowd was mesmerized as Primeape ducked under Hitmonchan's punches and landed a powerful Mega Punch to its chest, sending it skidding back.
Anthony was stunned. "What kind of fighting style is this? Hitmonchan, get back up!"
Hitmonchan struggled to its feet, breathing heavily. Ace decided it was time to end the match and deliver his message.
"Primeape, let's finish this. Use Bulk Up and then Brick Break!"
Primeape's muscles bulged as it powered up, then it charged at Hitmonchan with a glowing fist. The impact of the Brick Break sent Hitmonchan flying across the ring, where it landed unconscious.
The referee raised his flag. "Hitmonchan is unable to battle! The winner of the P1 Grand Prix is Ace Drago and his Primeape!"
The crowd erupted into applause, but Ace's focus was on Anthony, who was kneeling beside his fallen Pokémon.
Ace walked over, offering a hand. "Anthony, this isn't just about winning or losing. Your family needs you. Rebecca and your wife are struggling while you're here chasing this dream. It's time to go home."
Anthony looked up, shocked. "How do you know about Rebecca?"
"She told us everything," Ace said firmly. "Dreams are important, but not at the cost of your family. You've proven your strength, but now it's time to prove your love for them."
Anthony's eyes filled with tears as he realized the truth in Ace's words. He looked at his unconscious Hitmonchan, then back at Ace. "You're right… I've been so blinded by my ambition that I've neglected what truly matters."
Anthony stood up after grabbing Ace's hand, nodding. "Thank you, Ace. I'll go home and make things right."
The audience cheered again, oblivious to the emotional exchange that had just taken place. May, Serena, Dawn, and Rebecca watched from the stands, smiling with relief.
Rebecca whispered, "Thank you, Ace."
Ace turned to Primeape, patting its head. "Good job, buddy. You were amazing out there."
Primeape grunted proudly, flexing its muscles for the cheering crowd as the commentator announced Ace's victory, making him the star of the event.
Ace and the girls were now gathered at the Pokémon Center, their Pokémon released to enjoy a brief rest. Outside, a lively scene unfolded as all the Pokémon circled around Primeape, who stood proudly in the center, displaying the black belt it had earned by winning the P1 Grand Prix.
"Primeape looks so proud," May giggled, watching as the fighting Pokémon flexed its muscles.
"Can you blame him?" Dawn added.
Serena smiled. "You deserve it, Primeape. You were amazing out there!"
Primeape puffed out its chest, letting out an enthusiastic growl as the other Pokémon cheered for it, their admiration clear. Ace stood nearby, arms crossed with a small smile. 'Black belt will increase the power of Primeape's fighting type moves. That being said, i should look into getting some held items for my other Pokemon as well. And Celadon City has a giant departmental store where there will be tons of held items.'
(Pls give me some power stones!)
(Find out next time on Pokemon:Ace's Adventures!)