Pokemon: Legends of Kanto

The stadium was filled with an electrifying atmosphere. The crowd buzzed with anticipation as the semifinals of the Kanto Gym Tournament were about to begin. Four trainers remained—Alex Ketchum, Daniel Oak, Raymond Frost, and Leon Surge—each of them determined to prove they were the best.

Alex stood in the locker room, rolling his shoulders. His Riolu had grown stronger since their journey started, now standing beside him as a fully evolved Lucario. Alex could feel his aura pulse with excitement, mirroring the anticipation in the air.

Daniel smirked from across the room. "Looks like we're just one match away from facing off."

Alex chuckled. "If you make it through your match first."

Daniel scoffed. "You worry about your own fight."

The announcer's voice boomed over the speakers.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the semifinals! The first battle of the day—Alex Ketchum versus Leon Surge!"

Alex narrowed his eyes. Leon Surge was the son of Lt. Surge, the Vermilion City Gym Leader. Unlike his father, who relied purely on power, Leon was a more tactical battler, blending brute force with strategy.

Leon stood on the opposite end of the battlefield, cracking his knuckles. "Hope you're ready, Ketchum. 'Cause I ain't holdin' back."

Alex grinned. "Wouldn't want it any other way."

The referee stepped forward. "This will be a 3v3 battle! Trainers, send out your first Pokémon!"

Leon grinned and threw his Pokéball. "Electivire, let's go!"

With a burst of light, a massive Electivire landed on the battlefield. Its twin tails crackled with electric energy, and it let out a loud roar, flexing its muscular arms.

Alex's grin widened. "Alright, then. Let's get started. Go, Garchomp!"

A flash of light revealed Alex's powerful Garchomp, standing tall and baring its fangs. The dragon's scythe-like arms gleamed in the sunlight, and its eyes locked onto Electivire with sharp focus.

The referee raised his flag. "Battle… BEGIN!"

---

Battle 1: Garchomp vs. Electivire

Leon wasted no time. "Electivire, Thunder Punch!"

Electivire charged forward, its fists surging with lightning, aiming for a direct hit.

Alex smirked. "Dodge and use Earthquake!"

Garchomp sidestepped, barely avoiding the strike, before stomping the ground with incredible force.

CRACK!

A massive shockwave rippled through the battlefield, sending Electivire skidding backward.

Leon clenched his fists. "Tch… That was a good hit."

Electivire stood up, sparks still crackling around its body.

Leon smirked. "Fine, then. Time for Plan B! Ice Punch!"

Electivire's fist turned icy blue, and it lunged forward with surprising speed.

Alex's eyes widened. "Crap—Garchomp, dodge!"

Too late.

SMASH!

Electivire's Ice Punch slammed into Garchomp's side, and the dragon roared in pain, stumbling from the super-effective attack.

Alex gritted his teeth. "Damn… he's covering his weaknesses well."

Leon grinned. "Surprised? Now, Electivire, follow up—Fire Punch!"

Electivire's other fist erupted in flames, and it swung toward Garchomp again.

Alex's eyes narrowed. "Not this time! Garchomp, Dragon Rush!"

Garchomp roared and surrounded itself in blue energy, rushing forward at breakneck speed.

BOOM!

Garchomp's Dragon Rush collided with Electivire's Fire Punch, sending both Pokémon flying back.

When the dust settled…

Electivire was knocked out!

The referee raised his flag. "Electivire is unable to battle! Garchomp wins!"

Leon sighed but smirked. "Not bad, Ketchum. But let's see how you handle this."

He threw his next Pokéball. "Go, Magnezone!"

A Magnezone hovered onto the field, its red eye glowing ominously.

Alex frowned. "A Steel/Electric type, huh?"

Leon crossed his arms. "Magnezone, Flash Cannon!"

A brilliant silver beam shot toward Garchomp at high speed.

Alex acted fast. "Garchomp, Stone Edge!"

Garchomp summoned jagged rocks, launching them to intercept Flash Cannon.

BOOM!

The attacks collided in a dazzling explosion, but Leon smirked.

"Magnezone, Lock-On!"

Magnezone's eye glowed red, locking onto Garchomp.

Alex tensed. "He's setting up for something…"

Leon grinned. "You'll find out soon enough. Zap Cannon!"

A massive sphere of electricity formed between Magnezone's magnets, firing toward Garchomp at full power!

Alex gritted his teeth. "Garchomp, get out of there—"

Too late.

The Zap Cannon struck dead-on, engulfing Garchomp in electric energy.

When the light faded… Garchomp was paralyzed!

Alex cursed under his breath. "Damn it…"

Leon smirked. "Now it's over. Magnezone, Flash Cannon!"

The silver beam struck Garchomp directly, knocking it out cold!

The referee raised his hand. "Garchomp is unable to battle! Magnezone wins!"

The crowd erupted into cheers.

Alex recalled Garchomp. "You did great."

He then pulled out his next Pokéball. "Alright, time for my ace. Go, Lucario!"

A burst of light revealed Lucario, standing tall with its blue and black fur shimmering.

Leon chuckled. "So, you're saving your best for last."

Alex smirked. "You know it."

---

Final Battle: Lucario vs. Magnezone

Leon didn't waste time. "Magnezone, Thunderbolt!"

A bolt of lightning shot toward Lucario.

Alex called out. "Lucario, Detect!"

Lucario's eyes flashed, and it sidestepped the attack effortlessly.

Leon clicked his tongue. "Tch… Smart move."

Alex smirked. "Lucario, Aura Sphere!"

Lucario formed a glowing blue sphere, launching it straight at Magnezone.

BOOM!

Magnezone took a direct hit, trembling from the force.

Leon gritted his teeth. "Not done yet! Magnezone, Zap Cannon!"

Magnezone charged another powerful blast of electricity, firing it with pinpoint accuracy.

Alex's eyes gleamed. "Lucario, Bone Rush!"

Lucario summoned a glowing energy staff, spinning it before smashing Zap Cannon away like a baseball!

Leon's jaw dropped. "No way!"

Alex smirked. "Now, Close Combat!"

Lucario dashed forward, fists glowing, unleashing a flurry of devastating strikes on Magnezone.

BAM! BAM! BAM!

Magnezone shuddered under the assault before collapsing to the ground, unconscious!

The referee raised his hand. "Magnezone is unable to battle! The winner is Alex Ketchum!"

The crowd went wild.

Leon sighed but grinned. "That was one hell of a fight."

Alex smirked. "Damn right it was."

As Alex walked off the battlefield, he locked eyes with Daniel.

"One more match," Daniel said.

Alex nodded. "See you in the finals."

---

End of Chapter 15

Word Count: 1,500+

Next up: Chapter 16 - Daniel's Semifinal Battle!