Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon.

It had all come down to this moment.

I stood there, glaring at my opponent through my brown, narrowed eyes. A slight breeze swept over me, moving through my course orange and black hairs, and ruffling my thicker peach-colored fur. My large feet were planted firmly in the stadium ground as I stood, ears perked, eyes focused, awaiting your signal.

As I waited for your command, memories began to flash in my mind. From the day we first met, to this final battle, you had always been there for me. When you first saw me, your eyes were filled with excitement, but at the same time full of comfort, easing my fear-filled mind. You had always congratulated me after every win, and comforted me after every loss. To this day, I still remember the joy we both felt at my evolution. You and I worked our hardest to make it this far.

And this is what it all came down to.

It was then that realization hit me. All this time, I had not been fighting for myself. No, we were both in this. Together. Suddenly, I wanted to win this battle more than any before it, just to make you proud. Of course, I knew you would be proud even if I lost, but today I felt a determination I had never felt before. A determination that made me believe a win was inevitable. And if it filled you with pleasure, then so be it.

Then it came.

You signaled me to make the next move. I took a deep breath in anticipation. Soon, I felt scorching flames pass over my gleaming fangs and out of my mouth. I saw the red-orange blaze surround my opponent. And once the fire had lifted, he lay there on the grounds of the stadium. My muscles tensing up again, I waited for him to get back to his feet, and anticipated any coming moves. Nothing. My opponent was down. Out of the fight. Beaten.

I looked back at you, and noticed the sparkle in your eye and the smile on your face. I ran toward you, feeling just as proud as you were. Soon, I felt your hand running down my head, and you felt my tongue on your face. The massive cheering from the crowds filled our ears, representing all that we had worked for. Every win, every loss, our joys, our sorrows, every tear, every smile had been worth it.

We were victorious.