"Milotic, Hydro Pump!"
"Mienshao, dodge it!"
"Houndoom, finish off with Flamethrower!"
"Reuniclus! Thunder!"
"Frosslass, use Ice Shard."
"Chandelure, Fire Blast!"
"…Flygon. Use Earth Power."
"Liepard, Night Slash!"
Quiet. The sounds of battle were subsiding as one man's soft, tapping footsteps echoed through the Champion's room. A Delibird was out and about, walking alongside his trainer, who kept silent in his thoughts.
The two soon approached another figure, squatting on a chair and looking to be meditating. Almost not wanting to intrude, the trainer waited a minute before clearing his throat. Otho the Unova Champion opened his fierce blue eyes and looked up, long blonde hair waving slightly.
"I've come to challenge you."
Otho's face remained stony as he rose from his position on the chair. He straightened his back a little, studying the challenger quietly.
"I've been waiting." He said. He pulled a Poké ball from his belt and tossed it almost carelessly. As it sailed through the air, a white flash starting to light up the crack, wide, bright spotlights threw the battle arena into view. Blinding yellow light flashed down onto the field, a sharp navy blue color in contrast to the white walls.
Caught by surprise, the trainer took a step back and watched as the Poké ball broke open and a huge shape started to form. A Bouffalant appeared from the light and reared up onto its hind legs, letting out a roaring bellow.
Gritting his teeth, the challenger looked at his Delibird and nodded. "Delibird, go!" he commanded.
Nodding, the bird used one wing to flap into its position and hefted its bag, glaring determinedly at its opponent.
The two trainers took a moment to prepare themselves before they shouted their commands.
"Wild Charge!"
"Present!"
An hour.
Two hours.
Three hours.
A victor.
Both trainers' chests heaved as a Druddigon spiraled out of the air and landed on the ground, knocked out. An Ampharos stood, doubled over from the exertion, but it was smiling triumphantly. Its sphere, which had been sparked into a brilliant yellow color, was dwindling back to its usual amber glow.
"Druddigon is unable to battle! Ampharos wins, making the challenger victorious!" the referee shouted.
Otho's face cracked into the tiniest of smiles as he called his Druddigon back to its Poké ball. "…well done." He murmured to it.
He pocketed the ball and turned to his opponent, who was hugging his Ampharos tightly.
"Your Pokémon battles well." He commented, "The bond you share is strong. The Four could sense it as well, with your friends who came here today."
"We've traveled very far together," the challenger said softly, "we've been through a lot."
"I know." Otho said, crouching down and pulling an Oran berry from his pocket. He fed it to Ampharos and looked at the younger trainer. "I've heard many things about you; earning your Gym Badges, traveling around the world, and ridding Unova of Team Passion as well. You've seen and done much."
The younger trainer remained silent.
"And now…I must ask you to do one more thing." Otho said.
"What's that?" the other asked.
Otho motioned him to follow and led him out to a large balcony. A cool breeze blew up the mountainside and the trainer looked out, amazed at the Swanna, Pidgeots, and all manner of bird Pokemon taking to the skies. The sun was going down now, setting the sky on fire with a breathtaking mix of reds and golds.
Otho smiled a little. "Ja, it is very beautiful…but what I am going to ask is very important."
The younger man gave him his attention.
"The Four and I have been here for many years. We have seen many things as well, and faced many, many more opponents than you have. However, out of all of those trainers, only you and your friends had what we were looking for." Otho said.
The trainer looked at him inquisitively.
"Compassion." Otho told him simply, "Your love for your Pokemon is plain to see; we all noticed it. Your kindness and loyalty to your Pokemon is rivaled only by their love and loyalty for you."
The other stood a while in thought before replying, "…I love them dearly…but why are you telling me this?"
Otho sighed, his breath that of an old man's. His eyes seemed to age as he leaned against the balcony rail and looked out at the scenery.
"Because…it is time for the Four and me to leave the League; and, in our place, we wish you and your friends to take over. You, however, will be replacing me." He told him.
The younger trainer stood dumb, taken aback. He turned and gazed down the side of the mountain, biting his lip as he was faced by this. He didn't offer a reply.
"…I can see you need to think this over." Otho observed, "Do not worry, though. We can accommodate for you and your friends here in the League. You can speak with your friends in the room we have set up."
He turned and left then, leaving the other to think.
Him…a Champion?
The next morning, Otho and the Elite Four waited in the lobby of the League. They were gathered for either a welcome, or a goodbye.
They were soon joined by their visitors, all dressed up despite the early hours. Otho's attention was drawn to the Delibird who was once again marching up alongside his trainer.
"We've talked about it…" the Delibird's trainer began.
Otho and the Four looked expectant. The other five's eyes shone with determination and excitement as their spokesperson gave their reply.
"…and we accept."
Feel free to guess who's who...but I reveal no secrets.