In response to Rudy's victory, the crowd cheered after witnessing an intense battle. As for those of us down below at the time, we all kinda muttered amongst ourselves in regards to Rudy's battle skills. He may have been something of a spaz, but when it came to battling, he was one tough opponent, especially considering that this was now his second battle in a row that Combusken, Rudy's strongest Pokemon, had to sit out simply because he wasn't needed.
Oh well, great battle anyway. Nice work, Rudy, I thought to myself as I watched Dianne and Turtwig walk over to congratulate Rudy and Misdreavus. Again, really appreciated her sense of sportsmanship considering several of the other contestants we had battled during the competition up to that point. Even the eight finalists weren't exactly that friendly for the most part.
First there was me, obviously. Then there was Rudy, my roommate and new friend. After him there's Theo, who may or may not have still been in the competition due to his absence, and Chad, the snobby jerk with his nose in the air. Then there was Esmeralda, the girl who knocked Crystal out of the competition and who was arguably just as snobby as Chad, and Dianne, who had just battled Rudy. The only two competitors I knew nothing about were Sheila, who hardly spoke at all since the dinner party, and Azazel, who only spoke whenever reacting to Chad's snarky remarks.
Wonder who's battling now, I thought to myself as the TV turned off. Don George then stepped forward as he prepared to activate the Dodrio Selector again.
"Okay, Finalists, it's now time to reveal the two Trainers who will compete in the second battle of the Champion Island Finals. Be sure to remember your numbers. Selector, start." Upon hearing the command, the machine activated again as it blew the six remaining ping pong balls around inside. Don George then went on to reveal the first Trainer as the third ping pong ball made its way out. "And the first Trainer of the second battle is, Number 2. I repeat, it's Trainer Number 2, Chad from Saffron City."
"Hmph, I hope I battle against Trainer Number 1. That way I can show 'em who's really Number 1", chuckled Chad.
"Trust me, I want you to battle against Trainer 1, too", retorted Azazel, implying that he was Trainer Number 1.
"And the second Trainer of the second battle is, Number 7. I repeat, it's Trainer Number 7, Sheila from Pastoria City." I could hear Azazel groan to himself in disappoint as he was itching to knock Chad out of the competition, not that I blamed him.
"Not too much of challenge I suppose", teased Chad with a stretch. "I'll try to go easy on you", he continued as he walked over and offered Sheila his hand. "Ouch", he hollered in pain when her Piplup jumped up and pecked it. "Watch it, you little pipsqueak!"
"Pip-Pip-Piplup-Piplup", retorted the water Pokemon, who was not at all forgiving of Chad's rude behavior towards Sheila.
"Now now, Piplup", began Sheila in a monotone voice as she picked up her Pokemon into her arms, "that it not how one should behave."
"Lup", replied her Pokemon in a huff.
"We must not let our emotions get the better of us, even in the face of ignorance."
"Who are you calling ignorant", asked a now ticked off Chad as he held up a fist, now implying that he was ready to fight her.
"Back off, Chad", I demanded as I stepped in front of Sheila to face him.
"Out of my way, Roger", demanded Chad as he tried to push through me.
"I told you to back off", I retorted as I stood my ground and pushed him back.
"Ka-Da-Braaaaaaaaa", chanted his Pokemon from behind him as my body became completely frozen. Kadabra then used its psychic powers to lift me up and throw me across the room, slamming me into a wall in the process.
"That was uncalled for, Chad", exclaimed Azazel.
"Yeah, well who cares?"
"Oooooh, he shouldn't've said that", muttered Esmeralda. As if on cue, Charizard then lets out an angry roar as he swings at Kadabra with an Iron Tail attack. Sheila and Chad jumped out of the way while Kadabra dodged by using Teleport. Upon missing his target, Charizard's powerful tail easily sent several nearby chairs and tables flying, to the dismay of the rest of us as we all scampered out of the way.
"Dabra", said Kadabra as it reappeared to the side of Charizard. It then drew back his right hand (the one with the spoon) and made a fist as it began to spark with electricity.
"That thing knows Thunder Punch", asked a shocked and yet slightly impressed Esmeralda.
"Call him off, Chad", demanded Azazel. Upon seeing Kadabra's gesture, Charizard's tail began to glow again as it prepared for another Iron Tail.
"This has gone too far already", said Sheila in her monotone again (apparently this was her normal speaking voice). "This must cease."
"Knock it off, right now", demanded Azazel.
"Stay out of this", retorted Chad. "Kadabra, Thunder Punch attack!"
"Quick, Wartortle, Hydro Pump!"
"Grovyle, break 'em up with Leaf Blade!"
"Sing, Chansey", I shouted as I covered my ears.
"Chansey", asked the other Finalists in shock simultaneously.
"Chansey", said my normal-type in a cutesy manner as it hopped in between Charizard and Kadabra. "Chaaaaan-Sey, Chan-Chaaaaaaaan-Sey, Chan-Chaaaaaaaan-Sey", sang Chansey. As expected, everyone in the room, both Trainers and Pokemon, began to calm and relax instantly as everyone began to fall asleep. I managed to stay awake long enough to witness Charizard and Kadabra collapse due to Chansey's song.
"Nice, job, Chansey. Good, work", I muttered weakly just before I, too, fell asleep." Some time after that, I awoke to the sensation of feeling something warm by my face. As I opened my eyes, I discovered that it was the flame on Charizard's tail that was waking me up. "Hey, Buddy", I groaned with a yawn as I managed to sit myself up. Charizard groaned happily as he licked my face in response.
"Chansey-Chan", added Chansey.
"I'm glad to see you guys, too", I chuckled as I shoved Charizard off of me and rose to my feet. "Man, I needed that", I said with a stretch.
"Morning, Sunshine", said Esmeralda as she rolled her eyes at me.
"Anybody wanna remind me what happened?"
"Long story short, Chad was being Chad, and Chansey put everybody to sleep", said Esmeralda as she held up what I assume was Grovyle's Poke Ball. It was then I noticed that Wartortle wasn't in the room, either.
"Oh yeah, now I remember", I began. "His Kadabra, he threw me into the wall. And then it and Charizard….", I began as I remembered the big fight they had. Charizard then interrupted me with an apologetic groan as he pressed his face against mine. "It's okay, you were just trying to help", I said to my oldest friend as I placed my hand on the other side of his face.
"How cute, a boy and his Charizard", teased Esmeralda. For the sake of not starting another fight, I ignored her comment and moved the conversation forward.
"What happened to Sheila, and Chad?"
"Seems like Chad is about to win Round 2", said Esmeralda as she turned back to the TV screen. It was the final clash between Chad's Kadabra, and Sheila's Piplup.
"Kadabra, Thunder Punch!"
"Kada-Bra", shouted the psychic-type as it clobbered the penguin Pokemon with an electric fist. Poor Piplup was tossed like a ragdoll as it lay on the ground defeated.
"Piplup is unable to battle! Kadabra wins! The victory goes to Chad from Saffron City!"
"Looks like it was quite the contest."
"Pfffft, not even close", said Esmeralda.
"How do you mean?"
"He swept it", uttered Azazel.
"Say what?"
"His Kadabra, he swept the match. Chad's Kadabra singlehandedly defeated all six of Sheila's team." My attention was drawn away from the conversation upon noticing Charizard growling at the screen. Chad and Kadabra had really gotten under his skin.
"Easy, Buddy", I reassured him. "Matter of fact", I began as I pulled out a Love Ball and a Friend Ball, "why don't you chill until our battle? You, too, Chansey", I continued as I recalled them both.
"Attention, Trainers", said Don George to grab our attention. "The third battle of the Champion Island Finals will now be decided. Does everyone remember their numbers?" The three of us all nodded in response. "Very good. Selector, start." In response to the command, the machine, once again began its process of selecting the two participants for the third battle. "And the first Trainer of the third battle is, Number 4. I repeat, it's Trainer Number 4, Esmeralda from Greenfield."
"About time", muttered Esmeralda, who at that point was as anxious to battle as the rest of us were.
"And the second Trainer of the third battle is, Number 5. I repeat, it's Trainer Number 5, Rojan from Pallet Town." I glanced over at Esmeralda upon hearing my named being announced.
"This should be fun", she said to me. "After all, you seem to be a much stronger Trainer than your little girlfriend, Crystal. But hey, in her defense she got pretty far for a little girl who stumbled her way into the big leagues. Same goes for Anya, too." Upon hearing her insult Crystal yet again, something within me snapped, unleashing a far more competitive side than usual.
"Crystal and Anya are great Pokemon Trainers, and worked just as hard as you did to earn their places here. Yet since the moment we met you, you've been nothing but a negative and disrespectful thorn in our sides. When I came to this island, I was looking forward to meeting and battling with a group of respectable and honorable Trainers fit for battle. But instead, more than half of the Trainers I've battled and interacted with are nothing but jerks who see Pokemon battles as nothing but a way to belittle and demean everyone around them. That being said, for the way you've been treating me and my friends, I swear that by the time our battle is over, I will have made you eat those words."
"Oh, please. When our battle ends, you will be joining those two little girls in the stands. Then all three of you can watch as I put an end to little Rudy's streak of luck."
"That's the spirit", said a cheerful Don George.
"Huh", asked the three of us simultaneously.
"The fire, the drama, the comradery, the rivalries, these are a few of many reasons why you Trainers were chosen to compete in this competition. You three and the rest of the finalists have proven to be exceptionally skilled Pokemon Trainers with fire and passion in your hearts. I look forward to seeing a great battle from the two of you."
"Hmph", said Esmeralda in a huff as she walked over to the platform on the left. I then made my way over to my platform on the right and followed her up to the battlefield. Once the two of us arrived in our Trainer Boxes, I noticed a few voices of encouragement from the cheering crowd.
"Take her down, Rojan!"
"You can do it!"
"Show her who's boss!"
"Croconaw!"
"Bay-Bay!"
"Bus-Ken!"
"Thanks, Guys", I muttered to myself as I waved to them.
"Pay attention, Rojan", said Esmerald. "The battle's over here."
"Then bring it on."
"This third battle of the Champion Island Finals will now begin", began the referee. "Each Trainer will use six Pokemon, and there is no time limit. The battle will end when all six of either Trainer's Pokemon are unable to battle. Understood?"
"You bet."
"Let's go!"
"Then release your Pokemon!"
"Ladies first, Rojan. Go, Pichu", shouted Esmeralda as she threw her first Poke Ball.
"Pichu-Pichu", squeaked the mouse Pokemon.
"My turn then. Go, Dwebble", I shouted as I threw my Quick Ball.
"Dweb-Dweb-Dwebble!"
"And begin!"
"Charge in, Dwebble!"
"Dwebble-Dwebble-Dwebble-Dwebble", chanted my Pokemon as it rushed at Pichu.
"Brace for impact, Pichu! Use Light Screen!"
"Piiiiiii-Chu", it squeaked as it created a window-like shield to protect itself as it tried to anticipate Dwebble's attack.
"A lot of good that'll do 'ya. Dwebble, show 'em your new trick! Use Stealth Rock!"
"Dwebble", exclaimed Dwebble as its body began to glow white. In response to this, several large, floating rocks appeared from seemingly nowhere and began to circle around the battlefield.
"We're fine for now, Pichu! Use Present!"
"Piiiiiii-Chu", exclaimed the electric-type as created a rainbow-colored sphere of energy and fired it at Dwebble.
"Quickly, use Dig to escape!"
"Dwebble-Dweb", it replied as it burrowed underground, just before the attack blasted it.
"Fish it out with Shock Wave!"
"Pichu-Pi", squeaked Pichu as it ran over to the hole Dwebble escaped into. "Piiiiii-Chuuuuuu", it exclaimed as volts of blue electricity surged from its tiny body into the hole. The electric attack wound up being so powerful that poor Dwebble was blasted from under the ground further away. The bug-type Pokemon hollered in pain as the electric attack threw him into the air, crashing down onto its side afterwards.
"Are you okay, Dwebble?"
"Dweb-Ble", it groaned as it rose to its feet. "Dwebble?" Upon hearing its tone of voice I noticed it looking at Pichu. The tiny yellow Pokemon was stumbling about dizzily as electricity sparked all over its body.
Oh yeah, Pichu can't use electric attacks without shocking themselves, too. "Now's your chance, Dwebble! Use Rock Slide!"
"Dweeeee-Bble", exclaimed my Pokemon as it slammed on the ground with its pincher, causing the ground to crack. The crack then traveled along the ground all the way to Pichu, where it then opened up further and began pelting Pichu with a shower of rocks from underneath it. Dwebble's rock-type attack really did a number on Pichu, as it struggled to rise to its feet when it was over.
"Pichu, use Present, on yourself!"
"Dwebble?"
"Say what", I asked in shock.
"Do it, Pichu!"
"Piiiiiii-Piiiii-Piiiii", chanted Pichu as it began charging up for a huge Present attack. Upon seeing how big the orb was getting, Dwebble backed up a few steps.
"Are you crazy? Do you realize how big of a gamble you're taking", I asked Esmeralda in reference to the fact that she was banking on the 20% chance of Pichu healing itself with its own attack.
"You're just nervous because Pichu's about to get itself a nice energy boost. Observe", said Esmeralda as Pichu finally released its attack on itself.
"Pichu", it exclaimed as it began encased in a cloud of smoke following the resulting explosion. When the smoke had finally cleared, Pichu was lying on its back unconscious.
"Pichu is unable to battle! Dwebble wins!"
"Oh, no!"
"Well, that happened. Nice job, Dwebble", I said to my Pokemon with a thumbs-up.
"Dwebble-Dweb."
"Pichu, return", said Esmeralda as she recalled her Pokemon. You got off lucky that time."
"Wrong, your Pichu was defeated because you were relying on luck to win. Me and my Pokemon use skill and heart, not luck and excuses."
"Dwebble."
"Well then, let's see how skilled you are against this", she said as she threw her second Poke Ball. "Go, Teddiursa!"
"Teddi! Teddi", it asked in confusion upon noticing the floating rocks. It was then that several of them broke away from the rest of the group and pelted the poor Pokemon for merely entering the battle.
"Grrr, you'll pay for that, Rojan!"
"And begin!"
"Teddiursa, let's show Crystal how to be trained the right way", said Esmeralda in reference to Crystal's Teddiursa.
"We're gonna make you eat those words! Dwebble, use Slash!"
"Dweeeeeeb", began Dwebble as he rushed at Teddiursa.
"Fake Tears!"
"Uh-oh."
"Uuuuuuuuuur", wailed Teddiursa as it fell onto the ground and rolled around in a crying tantrum. Upon seeing this, Dwebble stopped dead in its tracks, as it was now hesitant to attack.
"Dwebble. Dwebble-Dweb", said an awkward Dwebble as it turned back to me for instruction.
"No, Dwebble! It's a trick!"
"Now use Fury Swipes!"
"Teddi-Ur", exclaimed Teddiursa as it took Dwebble by surprise with a violent scratching of its claws. "Ursa-Ursa-Ursa", chuckled the bear Pokemon upon having tricked Dwebble the way it did.
"Dwebble-Dweb", it growled in response. It didn't appreciate being made to look like a fool. Not to mention that Teddiursa played right into its pincers by using a physical attack against it.
"Now let's see how you like it! Teddiursa, use Lick!"
"Dig, now!" Before Teddiursa even had a chance to move, Dwebble had already burrowed underground and struck Teddiursa with its pincer under its chin. The tiny bear Pokemon fell onto its back in defeat.
"No way!"
"Teddiursa is unable to battle! Dwebble wins!"
"But how did Dwebble get so fast?"
"Dwebble have an ability called Weak Armor, which increases their speed the more they're struck by physical attacks. So that little stunt you pulled with Teddiursa's Fury Swipes helped us as well."
"Dwebble-Dweb", added Dwebble with a smirk on its face.
"Grrrrr, Teddiursa, return", said Esmeralda as she recalled her Pokemon. She then threw her third Poke Ball. "Go, Smoochum!"
"Smooch-Smoochum", it cheered happily upon being released. "Smoooooooooch", it hollered after being bombarded by Stealth Rock. The poor ice-type was an even worse matchup against the rock-type attack.
"Grrrr, that Dwebble is gonna pay!"
"Begin!"
"Dwebble, use Rock Slide!"
"Dwebble-Dweb", exclaimed Dwebble as it struck the ground again.
"Dodge, and use Attract!"
"Oh no!"
"Smooch", said Smoochum as it jumped out of the way of Dwebble's Rock Slide. "Smoooooooch, Smooch-Smooch-Smooch", it chanted as it began kissing a stream of hearts at Dwebble. Upon making contact, Dwebble's entire attitude towards Smoochum changed.
"Dwe-Bble", exclaimed a now very excited Dwebble. The poor and naïve bug-type had fallen madly in love with Smoochum, to a point where it just stood in place, unable to move.
"Snap out of it, Dwebble! Get moving!"
"Pound attack, go!"
"Smoochuuuum-Smooch", exclaimed Smoochum as she struck Dwebble across the face with its fist. Poor Dwebble had taken too much abuse from Pichu and Teddiursa by that point, so it was unable to recover upon being thrown onto its side in defeat.
"Dwebble is unable to battle! Smoochum wins!"
"Nice try, Dwebble. Return", I said as I recalled my Pokemon. I then pulled out and threw my second Quick Ball. "I choose you, Sawk!"
"Sawk", grunted my fighting-type as it flexed its muscles and tightened its belt.
"And begin!"
"Smoochum, use Powder Snow!"
"Smooooo-Chum", exclaimed Smoochum as it exhaled a small, concentrated gust of an icy wind at Sawk.
"Drive straight through it! Use Brick Break!"
"Sawk", exclaimed my Pokemon as its fist began to glow white. He then used it to shield himself from Smoochum's attack, while simultaneously pushing against it as he rushed towards Smoochum.
"Dodge it!" Smoochum responded to its Trainer's order by jumping into the air just as Sawk swung its fist and missed.
"Not a chance", I retorted. Sawk then took our opponents by surprise by leaping into the air as well, except he jumped much higher than Smoochum did.
"Smoochum?"
"Oh no!"
"Do it, Sawk!"
"Saaaaaawk-Sawk", it exclaimed as it continued with its Brick Break attack, sending Smoochum barreling into the ground.
"Smoochum-Smooch", it groaned in defeat as it lied on its back.
"Smoochum is unable to battle! Sawk wins!"
"Way to go, Sawk", I praised my Pokemon as he returned to the ground.
"Sawk-Sawk!"
"Smoochum, return", said Esmeralda as she recalled her Pokemon. "Go, Chikorita", she continued as she threw her fourth Poke Ball.
"Chiko-Chiko", exclaimed the battle-ready grass Pokemon, just moments before being bombarded by Dwebble's Stealth Rock just as the others were. However, unlike the two Pokemon that came before, Chikorita was fortunate enough to be resistant to rock-type attacks, so the damage she took was minimal.
"Begin!"
"Alright, Sawk, use Karate Chop!"
"Sawk! Saaaaaaaaawk", it hollered as it leapt high into the air again as it prepared to slam down on Chikorita with its Karate Chop.
"Chikorita, use Attract!"
"Chiiiii-Kori", shouted the grass-type as she kissed a stream of hearts up at airborne Sawk, just as Smoochum did to Dwebble. Sawk, with nowhere to go and no way to dodge, failed to finish his attack as the hearts bombarded him, causing him to crash land onto his back. Moments after his landing, Sawk shot back onto his feet and rushed towards Chikorita. He then goes on to flex his muscles in an attempt to showoff, for he had now fallen for her.
"Oh, come on", I complained as I facepalmed myself.
"That's a good girl, Chikorita. Now use your Ingrain", said Esmeralda with a mischievous chuckle.
"Chikooooo", said Chikorita in a calm and soothing voice. In response, her eyes and body began to glow green as large, brown roots shot out of the ground and wrapped around her. They then proceeded to replenish a bit of Chikorita's energy before returning back underground. Sawk, still under her spell, simply gawked in awe as every single thing Chikorita did made his heart skip a beat.
"Sawk, I'm begging you! Please listen to me!"
"Now use Poison Powder!"
"Chiko-Chiko", cried the grass-type as it swung the leaf on its head around and around, spraying a cloud of toxic spores onto Sawk, who was still too much in love with Chikorita to notice the poison.
"Follow that up with Razor Leaf!"
"Chiiii-Ko", shouted Chikorita as it flung several razor sharp leaves at Sawk, throwing him onto his back for a moment due to the force. Fortunately for me, the attack was powerful enough to snap Sawk out of Chikorita's love spell. Unfortunately, because he was, he was now able to feel the full effect of Chikorita's poison.
"Oh, no, Sawk! Are you okay?"
"S-Sawk", it groaned weakly as it assumed its battle stance.
"You sure?"
"Sa-Sawk!"
"Okay, then go get 'em!"
"Sawk", it shouted as it rushed at Chikorita with a vengeance.
"Shut your boyfriend down! Use Attract!"
"Chi-Ko", shouted Chikorita as it began kissing hearts again.
"Don't let her, Sawk! Low Sweep!"
"Sawk", it grunted as it dropped to all fours, bypassing the hearts as they flew over his head. He then swung out his right leg and swept it at Chikorita's feet, causing the tiny Pokemon to tumble over, landing on its head in the process.
"That's the way! Way to go, Sawk!"
"Sawk-Sawk", said my Pokemon as he returned to his battle stance. Just when it seemed that he was ready to take on anything, Sawk's face started to turn a purplish color as he grabbed at his chest. It was at that point that the poison had gotten the better of him, as he fell to his knees, and then onto his stomach in defeat.
"Sawk, no!"
"Sawk is unable to battle! Chikorita wins!"
"You okay, Chikorita?"
"Chiko-Chiko", replied Chikorita to her Trainer with a nod.
"Sawk, return", I said as I recalled my Pokemon. "You put up a great fight. Thanks, Pal."
"Ha! If you call that a fight, then taking out your other Pokemon should be a breeze."
"Well there's three things wrong with your little theory. The first is that you only defeated my Sawk and my Dwebble through deceit and trickery. Second, you seem to have forgotten that thanks to my two Pokemon, we've managed to take the lead in this battle. And third, I've got something special for your little tricks", I said as I threw my Great Ball.
"Amoooooooooonguss", hollered my own grass-type Pokemon. Upon seeing my choice of Pokemon, Esmeralda gasped, for she knew that Amoonguss not only had a distinct advantage against Chikorita, but was immune to the effects of her Poison Powder.
"Begin!"
"Amoonguss, use Mega Drain!"
"A-Mooooooooooon", cried my grass-type as it fired a green energy stream at Chikorita. Upon making contact, it proceeded to sap away some of her energy.
"Chi, Ko", grunted Chikorita as Amoonguss' attack rendered her unable to move.
"Yeah! That's the way! Keep it up, Amoonguss! Huh", I asked to myself aloud upon noticing Chikorita's body beginning to glow green again. Overgrow, I thought to myself upon remembering Chikortia's ability. "Amoonguss, back off!"
"Quick, Chikorita, use Razor Leaf!"
"Chiko-Chiko", shouted Chikorita as she flung her sharp leaves at Amoonguss. Powered up by her Overgrow ability, Chikorita's Razor Leaf attack sent poor Amoonguss flying backwards, resulting in him landing on his back. "Chikoooooo", growled Chikorita as she stood on top of Amoonguss and glared down at him.
"Finish him, Chikorita!"
"We're not done yet! Poison Powder!"
"What?!"
"Moon-Guss", said Amoonguss as he puffed a cloud of toxic spores into Chikorita's face. This caused the green Pokemon to panic as it leapt off of Amoonguss and ran around in circles for a brief moment.
"Chiko-Chiko-Chiko", coughed Chikorita as its face began to turn purplish due to the poison.
"Chikorita, heal with Ingrain!"
"Chiko", replied Chikorita as the large roots surrounded her yet again as she desperately tried to combat the poison.
"Let's add to the pressure! Amoonguss, use Mega Drain!"
"Amooooon-Guss", it hollered as it once again began sapping away at Chikorita's energy. Chikorita grunted in pain and great discomfort as it had no chance of being able to combat both Mega Drain and Poison Powder, even with its Ingrain.
"Shake 'em off, Chikorita! Use Razor Leaf!"
"Chikori", she cried upon unleashing a third Razor Leaf attack. This one was the most powerful one yet, as it once again threw Amoonguss onto his back, only this time he was unable to get back up.
"Amoonguss!"
"Amoonguss is unable to battle!" Before the referee could continue with his call, Chikorita gasped as its eyes rolled to the back of its head, just before collapsing in defeat as well. "Chikorita is also unable to battle!"
"Return, now", we both said simultaneously as we recalled our Pokemon. This time, I beat Esmeralda to the punch, as I released my new Pokemon from its Great Ball.
"Throh, I choose you!"
"Throh-Throh", it said with confidence as it crossed its arms.
"Go, Cyndaquil!"
"Cyndaquil", it squeaked as it shook its head. "Quiiiiiiiiiil", it hollered as Dwebble's Stealth Rock took its toll, having still been in effect. "Cyndaquil", it then said sternly as its back ignited and its body began to glow red.
"Be careful, Throh. It's using its Blaze ability, so its fire attacks are stronger now."
"Throh", replied my Pokemon with a nod.
"And begin", shouted the referee.
"Okay, Throh, try a Body Slam!"
"Throh! Throh-Throh-Throh-Throh", chanted my fighting-type as he charged at Cyndaquil like a tank.
"Cyndaquil, use Ember!"
"Daaaaaa-Quiiiiiil", cried Cyndaquil as it unleased its flame breath attack at Throh, who was forced to stop in its tracks as it shielded its face with its arms.
"Now use Leer!"
"Cynda", it exclaimed as it glared at Throh in an attempt to intimidate him.
"Don't back down, Throh! Bulk Up!"
"Throooooooooooh", it hollered at Cyndaquil as it stomped its foot and flexed as hard as it could. Cyndaquil's attempt to intimidate Throh had backfired as it was now intimidated by Throh upon seeing its large muscles.
"Grrrr, fine, then we'll use Quick Attack!"
"Cynda-Cynda-Cynda", chanted Cyndaquil as it charged at Throh with intense speed.
"Stand your ground, Throh! Here it comes!"
"Throh", it replied as it assumed a battle stance similar to that of a sumo wrestler.
"Cyndaaaaa-Quil", exclaimed Cyndaquil as it lunged at Throh once it got close enough. Much to the little fire-type's surprise, Throh rendered the attack useless as he caught Cyndaquil out of the air with his bare hands.
"Say what?"
"Quil?"
"Use Circle Throw!"
"Thrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr", began Throh as it began spinning around and around as fast as it could, Cyndaquil still in its grasp. "Throh", it exclaims finally as falls onto its back, while simultaneously throwing Cyndaquil over the back of its head. Throh's attack was so strong that the two Pokemon became engulfed in a cloud of dust upon impact. When the dust cleared, Throh stood proud and tall as he rose back onto his feet. Cyndaquil remained on its stomach in defeat.
"Cyndaquil is unable to battle! Throh wins!"
"Cyndaquil, return", said Esmeralda as she recalled her Pokemon. She then paused for a brief moment to take a deep breath before pulling out her last Poke Ball.
"Here it comes", I muttered to myself, as I knew which Pokemon was coming.
"Finish these fools, Grovyle", she shouted as she threw her Poke Ball.
"Grovyle", said the grass-type in a calm voice as it stuck its twig into its mouth. It winced for a moment upon taking damage from Stealth Rock, however, just as Chikorita did, Grovyle was able to shake off the minimal damage as it, too, was a grass-type. When the damage was dealt, the floating rocks all dropped to the ground, having served their purpose as there would be no more Pokemon for Esmeralda to call on after Grovyle.
"And begin!"
"Grovyle, use Bullet Seed!"
"Grooooo-Gro-Gro-Gro-Gro-Gro", it chanted as it spitted out a barrage of seeds at Throh.
"Throh, Endure!"
"Throh", replied my Pokemon as it crossed its arms to shield itself from Grovyle's attack.
"Now try a Body Slam!" Before Throh could even move, Esmeralda and Grovyle were already in the process of attacking again.
"That didn't work on Cyndaquil, and it certainly won't on Grovyle! Use Energy Ball!"
"Groooooooo-Vyle", hollered Grovyle as it charged up a green energy orb in its mouth and fired it at Throh. The attack wound up being strong enough to send Throh flying into the wall behind me.
"Throh", groaned my Pokemon as he fell onto his stomach in defeat.
"Throh is unable to battle! Grovyle wins!"
"My bad, Throh. Return", I said as I recalled my Pokemon. "That was bad judgment on my part. Please forgive me", I continued as I pulled out and threw my Friend Ball. I didn't bother revealing its name, as I figured everybody knew who it'd be.
"Chansey", cheered my Pokemon upon being released. Chansey then stepped forward and squared off against Grovyle.
"Begin!"
"Chansey, use DoubleSlap!"
"Leaf Blade, now!"
"Grovyle", exclaimed Grovyle as the leaves on its arms sharpened and began to glow a bright green. Then, just as it did before with Throh, it utilized its ridiculous speed and sliced Chansey's side before she even had a chance to move.
"Grrrr, Chansey, Egg Bomb!"
"Chansey! Chan-Sey", she exclaimed as she hurled her egg at Grovyle.
"Send it back with Solar Beam!"
"Grooooo-Vyle", countered Grovyle as the leaf on its head began to glow as it absorbed sunlight. Grovyle then unleashed its powerful sun beam from its mouth as it fired directly at Chansey's airborne egg. The attack then pushes the egg through the air with great speed until it eventually slammed into poor Chansey's face, as Grovyle had turned her own attack against her.
"Oh, no! Are you okay, Chansey?"
"Chan, Sey", groaned my Pokemon as she struggled onto her feet, pausing for a moment to return her egg to her pouch.
"Think you can try an Iron—", I began to ask my Pokemon before being interrupted.
"Bullet Seed, now!"
"Groooooo-Gro-Gro-Gro-Gro-Gro", began Grovyle as it began firing its seeds at Chansey.
"Chaaaaaaan-Seeeeeeeey", hollered my Pokemon as Grovyle's barrage rendered it unable to move. When the abuse had finally ended, Chansey fell onto its back in defeat. The poor dear barely managed to pull off one attack.
"Chansey is unable to battle! Grovyle wins!"
"Chansey, return", I said as I recalled my Pokemon. "I'm so sorry, Chansey", I continued as I talked down to my Friend Ball. "I know you're much stronger than that. Sorry for making you look like a fool."
"That's the smartest thing you've said since the tournament began", teased Esmeralda. I growled to myself for a moment before responding to her.
"Be silent", I said to her as I pulled out my Love Ball and threw it. "This ends now!" Upon being released, Charizard, my ultimate Pokemon, let out a mighty roar as it pounded on its chest.
"Final battle, begin!"
"We'll end this just as easily as we did the other two. Grovyle, use Energy Ball!"
"Groooooo-Vyle", hollered Grovyle as it fired its green energy orb at Charizard. The attack slammed right into Charizard's face, engulfing it in a cloud of smoke upon making contact. Despite that however, Charizard didn't so much as flinch, nor did he make any sort of attempt to avoid Grovyle's attack, making him seem all the scarier when the smoke cleared and revealed the stern look on his face. "Grovyle", whimpered a now nervous Grovyle as it began slowly backing away from its opponent.
"That, that can't be", said an equally nervous Esmeralda.
"It's over, Esmeralda! Charizard, Blast Burn!" Charizard roared once again as it then slammed onto the ground with a flaming fist, resulting in flaming shockwaves traveling along the ground towards Grovyle, who was frozen with fear. Once they reached their target, the shockwaves engulfed Grovyle in a fiery explosion. The grass-type Pokemon didn't stand a chance, as it fell onto its stomach in defeat moments later as its charred body began smoking.
"Grovyle is unable to battle! Charizard wins! The victory goes to Rojan from Pallet Town!" In response to my victory, the crowd cheered. However, nobody was louder than my three friends, who all rose to their feet to give me and Charizard some congratulatory applause. After a few moments of relishing in the glory of our victory, Charizard and I walked across the battlefield to greet Esmeralda and Grovyle.
"Hey", I began to her as I offered her my hand (she was on the ground cradling her Grovyle), "thanks for a great battle." Esmeralda responded by smacking my hand away.
"I don't need your pity", she said as she returned Grovyle to its Poke Ball. "Hmph", she continues in a huff as she marches off the field. I stood there dumbfounded for a moment as I was quite baffled by her behavior.
"Oh well. Thanks, Buddy", I said to my Charizard as I cradled and petted his face. The big brute growled softly in response.
"Congratulations to you, Rojan", said Professor Rowan over an intercom. It was at that moment that the platform where Esmeralda's Trainer Box was lifted up Azazel to the battlefield. "Attention, visitors and guests", he continued, "due to the absence of Pokemon Trainer Theo from Goldenrod City, an automatic victory shall be awarded to—", he continued before being interrupted by what looked like a Hyper Beam. The Hyper Beam fired from the colosseum's entrance, and blasted on the ground in the center of the battlefield, dangerously close to me and Charizard. Upon almost being blasted, Charizard rightfully roared in anger at the entrance, which was shrouded in darkness due to the evening sky.
"I surrender to no one", said Theo in a calm, and eerie voice as he emerged from the shadows. He must've recalled the Pokemon responsible for the Hyper Beam as he made his way over to the battlefield alone.
"For that little stunt you pulled, you should be disqualified", I retorted, also irritated at him for being attacked.
"Settle down. My business is with Azazel, not with you."
"Well tough, because you're a little late to the game, Pal. Azazel already won the battle since you couldn't be bothered to show up."
"Wrong", said Azazel from behind me. He waited for me to turn around and face him before continuing. "I refuse to advance to the next round by default. Either Theo and I battle, or the tournament continues without either of us." As much as I couldn't stand Theo, I had to give Azazel credit for being an honorable Trainer. He may not have been the most social Trainer I'd ever met, but he was both honorable and respectful to those around him. It was for that reason alone that I didn't argue with his decision any further.
"Change of plans, folks", began Professor Rowan, "it appears the fourth battle of the Champion Island Finals will take place after all."
"Guess that's our cue", I said as I pulled out Charizard's Love Ball. "Charizard, return", I said as I recalled my Pokemon.
"Good, now kindly get off the field", said Theo.
"Hmph", I huffed at him. "Take him down", I then said to Azazel with a thumbs-up. Azazel responded with a smirk as he returned it right back to me. I then made my way to the stands to join my friends.