Battling Echoes

She sat there, staring long and hard into her reflection for quite some time. Lifting her hand, she gripped the visor of her hat, and pulled it down. Just ever so slightly, so she could cover her eyes. But only a little bit, not a lot. She wanted to be able to see under it, after all. Yet at the same time, she wanted to keep this aura of mystery to herself. But, this aura of mystery was often lost on her. She was too cute to look ruthless. She was too young to look powerful. She was to girly to act this way.

Then again. Her mind was catching up with her. The young girl with the brown hair, flustered her cheeks so they grew large. Holding her breath, she tried to force out these unwanted thoughts by action. It worked, for the most part. Her cheeks deflated, and her flustered face grew relaxed. Once again, her blue eyes fell upon the reflection she cast within the mirror.

Rosa White. Despite the name, she had no relation to the other White which came two years before. But it was hard to tell. Many would argue the same blood flows through their veins. They had the same battling style, the same killer instinct in battle, the same level of authority and power. But of course they did. They were the Unova Champions, one after another.

But there was more to this connection that meets the eye. There really was a reason why they acted so much alike. It wasn't because of the cosmic powers of the universe, no, it was much closer to home. The current Unova Champion just modeled herself after her predecessor. And no, no, not that dragon tamer who became the Champion. The Champion before her. She looked up to the one, the only, hero of ideals.

Hilda White. Rosa's hero. The original Unova champion, before she suddenly disappeared for some reason. Only Cheren and Bianca know, and they aren't too keen on telling anyone. Yes, even Bianca, and Rosa has tried.

But enough of these thoughts. The Unova champion stared into the mirror again, running her blue eyes up and down her young frame. She couldn't help but to stretch forth and touch herself. Watching her reflection stretch forward and touch her hand, brought a quaint smile to her lips. That smile gave way to a few lowly chuckles, which grew muffled thanks to the sleeve of her shirt. She wasn't laughing out of pleasure, she was laughing because she found things to be so absurd.

Yeah, this was kind of absurd. No one else may have known it, but she sure did. Eyes moving down again, they ran along three capsule devices. All were red and white, as they should have been. She grabbed one, feeling the healthy weight it handed her. There was also a natural warmth within, which sent pleasant shivers down her spine. She tapped the device on the center, causing it too shrink within her palm. After doing so, she turned to the satchel which sat on the desk's edge. Zipping it open, she placed the capsule in a pouch along other capsules.

She grabbed another one of those devices next. Up and down she tossed sphere, while her eyes scanned the outer edge of it. She couldn't help but to find its design superb. It was, for lack of a better word, perfect. Within this device, lay yet another creature. One with the power to level mountains, if she did say so herself. Rosa could only wonder how life would have been without the being inside. Like the last, she tapped it on the center, and tucked it away into her satchel.

And lastly, the device on the edge of the desk. She reached out for it, grabbing it in her hand. Pulling it back, she eyed the very center of the device. Within, she felt an almost supernatural level of heat within. She placed the capsule next to her cheek. The heat which bounced off the edge warmed her cheek up a bit. It also brought a smile to her face.

The door suddenly opened. She looked away from her satchel, and instead up to the person who interrupted her. He stepped in with his white collar hiked up high, you know, as usual. That distinct indifferent look on his face, which belied his true emotions. Seeing her brought a warm smile to his lips. That was rare.

"Being held up in a room isn't like you, Rosa..." he said as he stepped in, "Worried about what's going to happen?"

There was an interesting attribute to the Unova Champion. Even though she was always smiling and always happy, she never actually spoke. The best you'd get from her is a name, and that's it. She just never speaks. It's not like she can't speak, it's just that she doesn't. No one quite knows why, save for the teen who stood some feet away. Once again, it was an attribute she gained from modeling herself after her idol. Her idol never spoke, so why should she.

But this was a moment in time in which she had to break that silence. If ever so briefly.

"Hugh..." she mumbled

Spiky-haired teen raised an eyebrow at the call of his name. If she had the nerve to say it, that meant she was really bothered. But by what? He placed a hand upon her shoulder, but she wilted. It was as if she was trying to escape him. Hugh watched as Rosa stared off into the distance, with half-closed eyes. Being her best friend, he knew when she was bewildered. That usual cheery visage of hers was gone right now.

"Rosa, you're ready now," Hugh assured, "I'm sure you are."

She didn't feel ready. She felt far from ready. This wasn't a feeling Champions felt. But she was feeling it. She hated this.

"Listen Rosa," Hugh murmured, "All of Unova is waiting to see their Champion. You can't hide in here forever, you know..." he once again placed his hand on her shoulder, being sure to hold her in place so she couldn't escape, "You can't keep them waiting, Rosa..." his eyes furrowed, "You can't keep her waiting..." that last statement brought the Champion's eyes up, "Bianca told me that she's been waiting to face you. She want's to know the person who took the Champion's belt from her..."

"I don't think I'm good enough..."

Hugh looked into her reflection, seeing those blue eyes of hers lack the life they usually held. He knew such a statement would never leave her lips, not on any day. For once in his entire life, Hugh heard fear flow from his friend's lips. This was a different type of fear, not that usual kind. This wasn't something like Kricketune (which she was known to wilt from), or caves (because they're so dark and icky), no this was that next level fear. The fear which stops her from doing anything. And he wouldn't allow that.

"C'mon, Rosa," Hugh remarked, "You can't just stand in here! She's waiting for you..."

She looked up at him through her reflection. Those eyes of his were genuine, but she just didn't agree with him. She honestly wanted to have no part in this. As if he'd let her.

Hugh began to tug on her, despite her objections. A few moments later, she was standing up on her own two feet while being pushed toward the door. The closer he moved her, the stronger her objections became; she really did not want to leave. But Hugh was someone who would never fold on his decisions. This was especially true.

"No... Hugh... stop..."

Her timidness was slowly returning, the same as her silence. The closer she got to the door, the less words flowed from her lips. When she stepped foot outside, she was as silent as usual. Her eyes were wide though; she couldn't believe she got out this far. She gained a deerling caught in headlights affect, as she stared toward the pristine halls around her.

"I got her right here, Cheren," Hugh called, "No need to fret..."

Rosa straightened up, as energy spread inside her. Through the walls of this building, she could hear chants and calls. Most of those chants and calls were her own name. It was enough to make anyone weak in the knees, she especially. But this was not why she felt so weak. Turning around her eyes fell upon her best friend. Hugh's arms were crossed, and he had that no-nonsense face of his. There was no turning back now. Deep down inside, Rosa wanted to punch him. Where did he got off pushing her out like this; it was obvious she didn't want to leave. But in the same place rage sat, so did joy. Had he not pushed her out, she would have never left.

"Finally..." an older males voice called from behind, "I was beginning to worry..."

Rosa stared off into the distance, seeing someone much older than she and Hugh was. He had raven black hair, and a stern disposition matching that of her friend. He was truly an overbearing person. And yet, after a few seconds, he gained a light-hearted smile which offset his original demeanor.

"Finally, Rosa," Cheren said as he placed his hands upon her shoulders, "You know my friend has been dying to meet you," the current Unova Champion nodded, though it was slow, "When she was abroad, I often told her about you. She enjoyed hearing the stories I and the other Gym Leaders told her," he began to walk her off down the hall, with Hugh following close behind, "She's been waiting to face you ever since she returned."

Yeah, ever since she returned. How long had the original Champion been here? A few weeks now? The media wouldn't shut up about it. But Rosa couldn't hate. She was the same way. Fangirling was not something the Champion should be doing, yet she did it so hard.

"I hope you're ready, Rosa," Cheren stated, as he suddenly stopped near a pair of doors, "My friend doesn't want anything less than the best from you..." he watched as she pulled another one of those capsule devices from her satchel, "So I recommend you give it to her..."

"Cheren! C'mon! We've gotta get our seats!" a bubbly woman's voice called.

"I'm coming Bianca!" he snapped back, before groaning, "Just... try your hardest, Rosa."

There was a statement she was waiting to hear from him. Something along the lines of 'Good luck' or 'Don't worry, you'll win', but he never said that. He just smiled weakly, and walked off. Rosa didn't know why she expected him to give her spiritual backing. She was, after all, facing his best friend. At least Hugh was there. He walked up, placed his hand on her shoulder, and gave a childish nod.

"I'm behind you ever step of the way, Rosa," he said, "Show that woman whose the new Champion of Unova."

Their hands intertwined briefly, performing their ritualistic hand shake. When it was finished, he began walking off for his own seats. Rosa watched as Hugh suddenly stop some yards away, only to turn and face her. When he did, he smiled an uplifting smile. It was enough to push her forward. Rosa placed both hands on the glass double-doors. A few seconds of mental preparation later, she pushed the door opened.

The loud cries of crowds echoed inside the hallway. She stared down the corridors, seeing light pour in toward her. She walked down with the same pace, never stopping. She knew if she stopped, she would never start walking again. The roaring crowds became louder, and the light became brighter. The shimmering halls were soon replaced by tempered steel. Stepping onto said steel, Rosa gripped the edge of her frilly skirt. Now she really wanted to run. But, no, there was no running. Pokémon Champions never run.

Rosa met a staircase, and began to walk upon it. Higher and higher she stepped, fists at her side. The dark steel floors suddenly turned red, being separated by a line. The Unova Champion gazed to her right, seeing a switch poised for her touch. Rosa grabbed it slowly, and after a deep breath, she pulled the switch down.

The floor below her feet began to shift. It moved up, bringing the Champion closer to the light. She moved her hands forward, placing them upon the handrails of red post. Her face finally met sunlight, while the calls of cheering crowds echoed aloud.

Rosa smiled.

…

"NOOOOOOOOOW! GOOOOOOOD EEEEVEEEEENING UNOVA REGION!"

Every Pokémon Stadium needs that guy. The person you know will hype you up for anything. He explain the battle in such excruciating detail, describing every bone snapping hit, every attack, every ability he sees. And he would always yell it out, he'll make you know just how strong the Pokémon you're watching are. The battle could be between two Dunsparce, and yet that announcer will make it seem as if legends were clashing.

"I'm your announcer, the presumptuous Jon Deerling here, alongside my co-host, Vance Weavile!"

"Hello Unova," Vance said. As opposed to his co-host, Vance's voice wasn't nearly as hypeful. He sounded more intelligent, and more mature. "And for those watching from elsewhere, we're here in Nimbasa City's Pokémon World Tournament Stadium, preparing to see a magnificent clash between the old and the new."

Yes, the Nimbasa City Large Stadium. The great sprawling stadium was usually held to show soccer games or football games, but not this time. But not this time. No, no, no, this was where the greatest Pokémon battle of Unova history would be held. Yes, the greatest. The stands were lined with individuals, all cheering as loud as they could. In the center of the stadium, sat a battle platform which was elevated by a single pillar which sat in the center. The field was a green metal, with a Poké Ball insignia in the middle. It didn't look like a magnificent battlefield, but it was. You just haven't seen it yet.

Pokémon battles are what people in this world live for. What some would even say, they would die for. And this was no different. The individuals could not wait to see the night flare to life by the clashing spirits of Pokémon and their trainers. Hugh found his chair and sat down upon it, keeping that cool indifferent nature of his, despite the roaring individuals around him. His eyes briefly moved over, to see a little girl who looked much like him, with a Purrlion in her lap. She smiled, causing him to punch her lightly on the shoulder.

"Do you think Rosa will win?" the little girl asked.

"Course I do, sis..." Hugh answered, "I've seen that girl clash with legends. As long as she keeps her head in the game, this battle is her's."

"Did you just hear yourself?" the girl inquired as she and her Purrlion chuckled lowly, "As long as she keeps her head in the game, that's what you said," the girl chuckled, "This is Rosa, we're talking about, and we know how she gets sometimes..."

Hugh squinted, as he replayed his sister's words in his head. He almost forgot, this is Rosa. And there's no bigger fan of a certain someone, than Rosa herself. He could only pray she retained her battling intuition.

"Well, we all know why we're here," Jon's voice boomed over the jumbotron, "It's not often the Nimbasa Stadium get's such a turnout for a Pokémon battle. When I look over the stadium stands, it seems as if everyone from all over the region is in here! I can even see some Gym Leaders!"

"And why wouldn't they be here?" Vance asked of his co-host, "As we all know, sometime ago, a villainous gang known as Team Plasma attempted to take control of Unova," the lights in the stadium turned off, plunging the massive arena into complete darkness, "They had it all, strong Pokémon, a great propaganda, and an ingenious plan," a spotlight appeared on one end of the stadium; the sound of mechanisms working began to echo, "But Unova had a heroine, who came from such a humble beginning. She plowed through every Gym in the region, taking all eight badges for herself. She then surmounted the Pokémon League, with nothing but her Pokémon and spirit backing her. She made her way through Victory Road, challenged and defeated each Elite Four member, and bested Iris herself to become Unova's newest Pokémon Challenger. And while doing so, she defeated the Team Plasma uprising, stopping their plans, and saving Unova from climate terror at the hands of an icy legend," Vance grew silent briefly, "Unova Region, you've cheered for her before, you'll cheer for her again. This is your Champion, ROSA WHITE!"

The red post finally stopped moving. It stood perched on one end of the battlefield, standing tall and erect against the air. The spotlight stared down upon the stand, but more importantly, stared down upon the girl standing upon it. Her visor covered her eyes, casting her face into a shade. She gripped it slowly, her fingers clamped on upon the end. She pulled it up, showing her blue eyes and emotionless face to all. The crowd went ballistic. They could see her face thanks to the stadium's main screen, which gave a close-up image of her visage. She looked so poise, so serious, so ready for a battle. This was the face which could command Pokémon. This was the face of a Pokémon Champion.

"Whoa! I'm quaking in my boots!" Jon's giddy voice cried, "She looks so ready! I can't wait for the battle to begin! But!" he grew uncharacteristically serious, as he brought the microphone closer to his lips, "Many know of Rosa white, she is the champion after all. But there was a White before her who blazed the trail for heroes everywhere. They may share the same last name, but their connection to one another is nothing more than spiritual. From the beginning, it seemed as if Rosa channeled her spirit. As if Rosa was like an echo of the champion who came before. Everything Rosa has done, she has done before. Stormed the Unova Gyms? She did this. Challenged the Elite Four? She did this. Defeat not only the Pokémon League, but also the original Unova Champion Alder? She did this. Best of all, it was because of her that the Plasma uprising failed the first time. But soon after becoming the Champion we all know and love, she left for unknown regions. Now... two years later... the Unova Champion has returned. Here, in the very heart of the Unova Region, in Nimbasa City's Large Stadium, the clash between the future and the past is about to happen! Unova Region! I give you, your original Champion, HILDA WHITE!"

Another spotlight appeared, much like the one which sat upon Rosa. This one was on the opposite end of the stadium, showing nothing but air. But like Rosa's post, the sound of working machinery sounded out. Everyone in the stadium watched as a blue mechanical post, exactly like Rosa's red one, moved up to arena level. There was a girl on that stadium, one who was slightly taller and older than Rosa herself. The current Champ couldn't help but to compare herself to this person who opposed her. She wore a hat, which covered the front end of her hair. Speaking of her hair, it was dark brown, so dark, it appeared to be black. She wore a black vest and a white t-shirt underneath, along with blue cutoff jeans. While Rosa had a childish, cute, girlishness to her, the trainer who opposed her was much more tomboyish. Had it not been for that obvious feminine figure, she could have easily been mistaken for a boy.

The Trainer moved up the hat which sat on her head, much like Rosa before. But while the Unova Champion had a face of seriousness, she held a smiling visage. Her blue eyes lit up like the night sky, while that smile of hers spread from cheek to cheek. Turning to the stadium stands, she stretched her hands out in an uplifting and energetic pose. To say the least, the crowd went wild. Here she was, gone for two years, returned for a battle. The one, the only, Hilda White.

Rosa felt her body grow weak in the knees. There she was, her idol. When Rosa became a Pokémon Trainer, she emulated Hilda as best she could. She wanted to be like the original Unova Champion. She read stories and heard tales about how Hilda faced Team Plasma, and took them down by herself. And even though Rosa had done the same herself, she always felt it paled in comparison to Hilda's actions. And you know what? Jon's words seemed to cement that fact. Even though Vance spoke of such reverent tones about Rosa, she couldn't help but to feel lackluster in comparison to Hilda. As if Hilda was the original, and Rosa was nothing but a clone.

"Whatever Champion you root for, it doesn't matter!" Jon yelled, "This will surely be a battle for all ages!"

The lights of the stadium finally returned, illuminating everything and everyone. The crowds cried with an almost fervent blood-lust. They were ready, but was Rosa ready? She stared over to the blue post, and to the young woman who stood opposed to her. Hilda had that eye, that trainer eye. That's what Hugh called it. That killer instinct which only a rare few seemed to own. Though her smile belied her true power, those blue eyes said otherwise. She was not a person to be trifled with. So desperately, Rosa wanted to put on an equal facade. One which showed just how strong she was. Which showed that, she too, was not a person to be trifled with. But the demeanor was lost on her, rendering her a bit childish looking. And because of this, Hilda laughed.

Hilda. Laughed. Now Rosa was really feeling weak. But no, there was no turning back. Rosa wouldn't run now, not ever. Even if she really wanted too.

"Yup..." Hugh said as he sat in his chair, the masses roaring around him, "This is going to be a good fight..."

"The excitement is mounting!" Jon stated with giddy excitement, "Bring on the countdown!"

The main screen flashed white, like an old movie real. The countdown began, right at five. Then to four; Rosa felt her heart begin to lock up. Three next; the Unova Champion gripped her heart. Two; she looked up and over to Hilda. One; the original Champion gazed back.

"ALRIGHT!" Jon yelled, "LET THE BATTLE BEGIN!"

Hilda pulled her hand back, sliding a Poké Ball into her palm. She caused the device to enlarge in hand, while her face grew decidedly serious. Cocking her hand back, she threw the capsule device forward into the air.

"Go! Anna-Belle!" Hilda's voice was so powerful, so demanding of respect. It shook the very souls of those too weak to hear it.

The capsule device snapped open in the air, flashing to life in a magnificent way. The streaking light flew down to the metal arena grounds, quickly taking form. The light danced upon the ground briefly, before launching up higher into the air. When the shine dispersed, it left a bird in its wake.

Wondrously beautiful, it had a swan's frame. The white feathers of its body shined beautifully in the air. Its yellow beak was sharp and spear-like, giving it a powerful disposition. Upon this birds chest were light blue fathers, which seemed to be cupping the creature's breasts.

"Swaaannaaa!" Hilda's Pokémon stated, letting all know what Pokémon it was. The White Bird Pokémon, Swanna, that is.

"Impressive!" Jon stated, "And for Rosa?"

Everyone's eyes moved over to Rosa, preparing to see what Pokémon the Champion would throw. But she was just to mesmerized by the sight of the Swanna to do anything. This was Hilda's first Pokémon, and yet it held such a high level of authority. When the bird perched itself upon the ground, Rosa felt something inside her turn. She almost forgot she needed to send her Pokémon out too. Placing her hand into her satchel, Rosa glared from under her visor toward her enemy.

"I choose you!" she yelled, "Go! Salvador!"

Her Poké Ball flew through the air, before falling upon the steel ground. It was silent for a few moments, only to snap open and violently erupt with a brilliant shine. The shine danced from the open capsule, only to land a few feet away. Once the light show ended, there stood a bipedal shrimp in its wake. Or it could have been a crab, it really depends on how you look at it, honestly. It could've even been a crayfish, it all depends on who you ask. With a star on its head, and black rings around its eyes, there was no disputing this Rogue Pokémon.

"Craaaawwdaunt!" Salvador yelled, his feet marching to show his prowess.

"Interesting choice of Pokémon," Jon remarked, "Well Vance, you're our residential lexicon of Pokémon knowledge. Tell us what you can about these Pokémon!"

"As if you'd need to ask," he stated, "Anna-Belle, Hilda's Swanna, weighs 54.3 pounds. She's Hilda's choice flying-type Pokémon, though it is dual water type. Despite her elegant appearance, this Swanna's strength is unparallelled, save for a distinct few."

"Impressive!" Jon stated, "And how about Salvador, Rosa's Crawdaunt?"

"Weighing 72.8 pounds, this dark and water-type Pokémon is Rosa's main water being. Because of his additional dark typing, Crawdaunt proved invaluable during her battle with Elite Four member Shauntal and her Ghost-Type..." Vance leaned in closer to the booth's glass, "I'm dying to know what will be the outcome of this battle."

"Wow, Vance actually interested?" Jon commented, "Now I'm hyped! Let's see what will be the outcome of this bout! Hilda's Swanna versus Rosa's Crawdaunt! Let's GO! TERRAFORM!"

The metal floors beneath the Pokémon's feet began to move. A line which stretched from one end of the battleground to the other, began to split and part. The metal gaps of the arena began to expel steam, while the base shifted and transformed. The crowd went wild at the sight of the spectacle; this was something which happened so very rarely. The metal floors eventually vanished, for now rocks replaced it all. Great pillars of cliff sides stretched from the gaps of the arena. The crowd watched with sparkling eyes, as the metal green floors were replaced by tall great mountains. When it all finished, the Pokémon stood in a mountainous region much like Mt. Silver. The Swanna by the name of Anna-Belle, stood perched on a rocky summit, while Rosa's Crawdaunt, Salvador, stood within the valleys below.

The two Unova Champions prepared themselves. Hilda gained a smirk on her lips, while Rosa's mouth bent into a frown. Being in the same presence as Hilda, the current champ felt extremely belittled. But she wouldn't let anyone know that. She was going to prove that she was superior, superior to her own idol.

Yeah, we'll have to wait and see.

"Salvador! Crabhammer!" Rosa ordered.

Despite its hulking disposition, the ruffian Pokémon was surprisingly agile. He leaped up high into the sky, dashing between the rocky mountainsides. And Anna-Belle? That Swanna just stared down upon her foe without nonchalant eyes. When the crab fell, so did his claw of an arm. It oozed bubbles and water, while it slammed the strike down. Anna-Belle flew back from Salvador's attack, dodging the strike with ease. But just to show his prowess, the Crawdaunt destroyed the ground Anna-Belle once stood perched on. His eyes still showing murder, he stared up to the swan who now hovered above her. To his ire, the White Bird Pokémon was laughing at him.

"Anna-Belle! Counter with Air Slash!" Hilda commanded.

The bird flew higher back; its wings crossing over one another. Around her, the wind began to pick up. It grew so strong, Salvador was knocked off of his feet. Seeing this, the bird struck. She dragged her wings away from one another, launching a blade made out of air. It sliced through the sky, and struck the Salvador square in the chest. He was knocked away by the strike, being sent into the valleys below.

The Rogue Pokémon's body slammed into the jagged walls, causing rocks to fall upon his body. One rock which clashed against the star on his forehead caused him to grow angrier. Salvador quickly leaped up, returning the mountain tops above. He opened his mouth and gave a violent roar to the giggling Swanna above.

"Wow, it looks like Salvador's quite angry! I'm surprised he survived such an attack!" Jon commented.

"This is Rosa's Pokémon we're talking about here," Vance answered, "She's trained her Pokémon to cover their weaknesses. So don't give up on the hulking Crawdaunt."

"Salvador!" Rosa yelled, "Crunch!"

The Rogue Pokémon gained a surprising smile, which caused Anna-Belle to cease her giggles. The Crawdaunt before her suddenly launched itself in the air, a stream of water and bubbles flowing from its tail-fin. The Swanna jerked back, but it was too late. His crabby pincers opened up, and reached forth for the swan flying above him. They clamped hard upon the white bird's wings, increasing the hold it had on the fowl. He brought her down to the ground, being extremely violent as he increased the hold it had on her. Salvador dug his pincers as deeply into her feathery body as he could, crunching down upon her bones within. Rosa felt a sense of victory run through her; maybe Hilda wasn't as strong as she originally thought. But one look up to her predecessor said otherwise.

Hilda had such a stern face, her lips a blank line of emotionless. She was staring upon the battle, with a hard, inquisitive, eye. Then she pointed forward, a smile finally growing upon her lips. Rosa felt her heart drop.

"Anna-Belle! Brave Bird!" Hilda commanded.

The White Bird's eyes sharpened. She suddenly lead with her beak, dashing forward with a fantastic speed. She struck Salvador in the face, throwing him off of her body. He landed only a few feet away, but the bird wasn't finished. Anna-Belle dashed up, performed a loop in the air, then shot back down to the ground. At speeds flying greater than anyone could see, the swan made way for Salvador. When he finally returned to his feet, it was over.

A powerful bird slashed straight through him, her wings spread out wide. He felt pieces of his shell being severed by the dash, while his eyes rolled into the back of his skull. He may have been a powerfully violent Crawdaunt, but it just so happened that Anna-Belle was a more powerful and violent Swanna.

Anna-Belle finally hovered on a rock in a preparation manner. Salvador slowly turned around, facing her with his murderous driven eyes.

"Anna-Belle! Roost!"

The bird finally descended down upon the summit of the rocky stage, her wings covering her body. The many gashes and injuries caused by Salvador slowly began to heal. This only angered the Crawdaunt further; he began marching toward her. But Rosa wasn't agreeing with his antics. He looked do damaged to move. She knew her Pokémon's limits, and this definitely was a limit. He couldn't keep going.

Hilda was too strong.

"Wow, talk about a trooper!" Jon remarked.

"Even though he took a Brave Bird straight to the body, Salvador is still moving forward..." he gazed over to Rosa, "Unless our Champion does something, Hilda's Swanna is going to heal thanks to Roost."

Vance was right, Rosa needed to get moving. God, what was wrong with her today? She never acted like this. Had this been any other day, that Swanna would have been at her Crawdaunt's feet. She made too many mistakes; seriously, what was she doing starting off with Crabhammer? It may have been her Crawdaunt's strongest move, but that bird was half water-type. Even if Crabhammer did connect with Hilda's Anna-Belle, the attack would have been ineffective. Rosa seriously needed to get her head in the game.

"Salvador! Swords Dance!" she yelled out.

The Crawdaunt stopped suddenly. His heavy feet began to perform well choreographed dance steps. One after another, he got faster and faster. His dance was uplifting to all around him, even though it was maddeningly frenetic. When he stopped, that fighting spirit swelled within his heart. He was twice as strong now as he was the last time.

Anna-Belle's eyes sharpened as her wounds seemingly healed. Flapping those massive wings of hers, she returned to the skies above. Prepared for another battle, she glared down to the Crawdaunt which opposed her.

"Anna-Belle! Hurricane!" Hilda commanded.

The bird pulled back a few more feet. Then her hands started flapping in powerful strides. They seemed simple at first, but quickly increased in power and strength. Rocks were lifted in the battlefield, as gale force winds took the arena. Salvador was thrown back by the powerful wind, but this did not stop him from pushing forward. He pushed through the wind as best he could, slowly approaching the White Bird Pokémon as he did so.

"Night Slash!" Rosa could be heard roaring through the wind, "Night Slash!"

The Crawdaunt slammed his tail-fin upon the ground, triggering a wave of water. His fin continued to ooze water and bubbles, which increased in power and strength. He suddenly jettisoned his body skyward, once again rushing toward his foe. Anna-Belle's eyes widened.

She pulled her wings back, trying to guard against the oncoming blow. Unfortunately, that exactly what Salvador wanted. As soon as a weakness was revealed to him, he struck her. Slashes appeared on her unguarded areas, all of it through the darkness. Two slashes, one left, one right.

The Crawdaunt landed on the other end. Behind him, Anna-Belle landed too. She was as silent as could be. The crowd roared with life. The first victory of the night, and want a magnificent victory it was. The feeling of battle was so great, even Hugh leaped up in anticipation. He quickly sat back down, however. It didn't matter, his sister saw.

Rosa felt quite differently, however. She couldn't believe she had taken down one of Hilda's Pokémon. A nagging part of her body thought Hilda was going to get a flawless victory against her, honestly. But seeing that Swanna fall was enough to say other wise. She gazed up to Hilda, wondering what her idol was feeling. She was shocked to see a smile.

"What an amazing turnout!" Jon stated, "Salvador was able to pull a reversal on the battle and defeat Hilda's Swanna with an enhanced Night Slash! Who saw that coming!?"

"I told you not to give up on that hulking Crawdaunt," Vance stated, "Makes me wonder what's going to happen next. Rosa's put her foot through the door, I can only wonder what's on the other side."

Hilda pushed her Poké Ball forth, returning her Swanna to its capsule. Shrinking the device, she reached away for another Poké Ball. It was blue and red, a Great Ball in fact. Tossing it up and down, she tossed the device forward.

"I choose you! Desimus!" Hilda announced.

The device snapped in the air; it was probably for the best. A loud, yet lax, roar echoed through the arena. The creature brought from the light collapsed onto the fields. His body triggered a quake which destroyed some of the rocky land around him. He was large, insanely large. There were multiple bumps on his body, which were light blue with black rings around them. This Pokémon's body was quite out of weight in comparison to other beings, and it was quite goofy looking. But this sight belied its true strength. With red eyes, this frog-like creature glared over to his enemy, the Crawdaunt before. Rosa swallowed her spit.

"Seismi... TOOAAAAD!" the Vibration Pokémon roared.

He began marching forward, Desimus did. Each one of those footsteps caused a tremor to move through the land.

"Now here is something," Jon stated, "A Seismitoad of all things. Honestly, they're rare, aren't they Vance?"

"Indeed they are," Vance replied, "Desimus, Hilda's Seismitoad, is a 150 pound beast. With those bumps on his body, he could easily destroy the walls of this building. Tempered steel and all."

"Well that sounds wonderfully terrifying!" Jon answered, "I can't see wait to see what happens next!"

Desimus stopped, his red eyes falling upon the Crawdaunt before him. Salvador was so awestruck by the size-difference alone, he just continued to stare up. Even Rosa was shocked by how tiny her Crawdaunt appeared in comparison.

"Desimus! Drain Punch!" Hilda ordered.

One of the Vibration Pokémon's hands, fell upon Salvador's shoulder. He tried to pull back, but it wasn't working. Still with that lax smile of his, Desimus pulled back his free hand. A second later, it rushed forward.

Salvador's eyes bulged through their sockets, as a fist dashed into his gut. He could hear the shell covering his body actually crack, thanks to the vibrating fist. To say the least, Salvador was done for. At least he could say he faced down one of Hilda's Pokémon.

The Rogue Pokémon stepped a few feet back, as Desimus released him. He wobbled on his two feet, stopped stiff like a board, then fell over. Silence.

Well, save for the crowds, of course.