Unova, Vertress City.
The Vertress Conference.
Ash's opponent was rather unusual. He was a member of the Pokémon Rescue Team-Virgil.
Information about Virgil was available online, and his Eevee Rescue Team was what he was best known for.
According to an earlier interview, Virgil had developed a special fondness for the Eevee family after an Umbreon led him out of a forest.
Virgil had something else in common with Ash: just like Pikachu, his Eevee disliked staying inside a Poké Ball.
Li Wei, Cynthia, and Dawn watched the match at home, as did Blue, Red, and Professor Oak.
Delia and Mr. Mime quietly cheered Ash on.
Delia had originally planned to go cheer for Ash in person, but after some consideration, she had stayed in Pallet Town.
In the stands, Brock and Iris watched the field.
Unlike the composed Brock,
Iris was a little nervous.
"Can Ash win?"
Brock nodded. "Have faith in him. Now's the time to see whether Ash really learned anything during all those journeys."
The commentator, Takeshi, announced loudly, "Then let the finals-begin!"
Ash's opening choice nearly made Li Wei black out.
It was actually-Snivy!
Snivy was cute, sure, but Snivy was weak...
Fortunately, Virgil seemingly hadn't anticipated such a bizarre move from Ash and had opened with Jolteon.
That was clearly meant to counter Ash's Pikachu and Keldeo.
Virgil's Jolteon had the Ability Volt Absorb.
Pikachu would have a hard time fighting Jolteon, with only Quick Attack and Iron Tail proving effective.
Ash had always been an aggressive battler.
"Snivy, strike first! Leaf Blade!"
"Jolteon, dodge with Quick Attack!"
Virgil chose to evade.
Jolteon became a streak of white light, nimbly dodging the slash of Leaf Blade.
Ash pressed the attack. "Catch Jolteon with Vine Whip!"
Before the glow of Leaf Blade had faded from