After her stay on the S.S. Anne, Summer is now battling in the 2 to 3 Badges Tournament at the S.S. Anne Kanto Exhibition. After defeating two Trainers, she's now going to battle Weldon once more. Who will win?

Chapter 19: A Boat Rocking Finale

I wonder what Weldon's strategy will be… I pondered as I sat on the participant bench. I only know three of his Pokémon: Ivysaur, Geodude, and Spearow. He must be saving his last Pokémon for this match.

I started to panic. What if I can't beat it? No…I can't worry about what I don't know. I have to trust my Pokémon. I need to remember what I told him yesterday: the relationships between Trainer and Pokémon are more important than winning.

As I calmed myself down, I saw the crowd starting to gather for the championship match. It then became a lot harder to calm down.

The announcer and referee returned onto the battlefield. "Welcome back everyone!" the announcer loudly greeted. "Are you ready for the championship match?"

Everyone in the crowd clapped. I was surprised at the response and slightly jumped.

"All right! Trainers, go to your side of the battlefield!"

I walked to the left side while Weldon walked to the right. We then faced each other, ready to battle. Weldon smirked at me while I gave him a determined stare.

The referee glanced at both of us and said, "Trainers, you will each use four Pokémon for this match. The winner will be the one who defeats his/her opponent's Pokémon. Now, let's battle!"

"Let's do this, Lightning!" I shouted, throwing her Pokéball.

Weldon took a Pokéball off of his belt and tossed it into the air. Once he grabbed it, he threw it and shouted, "Go, Geodude!"

Lightning and Geodude landed on the battlefield. Geodude's weight made her wobble. After Lightning regained her balance, they glared at each other.

All right…I may have the type disadvantage, but I still have Iron Tail…

"Lightning, use Iron Tail!" Lightning nodded and charged at Geodude, her tail turning silver.

"I see, a direct approach…" Weldon thought aloud. "Geodude, hit her head-on with Tackle!"

Both Pokémon collided at the center of the field and pushed each other back.

"Geodude, use Rollout!" The Rock Pokémon curled himself into a ball and rolled towards Lightning.

"Quick, Lightning, dodge!" Lightning easily jumped over the attacking opponent. But as she was about to land, Geodude hit her from behind. She was flattened by the attack, but slowly got up. Geodude went back towards his side of the battlefield.

We have to stop that Rollout!

"Looks like you're going to lose this round, Summer. Geodude, attack again!"

As Geodude rolled quicker towards Lightning, I noticed her wagging her tail.

Could that work…? Maybe it will…

"Lightning, stop Geodude with Iron Tail!"

Lightning looked at me as if I was crazy, but she nodded. She put her silver tail in front of her, wincing at the thought of being hit again. The Rollout hit the tail but it didn't push her back. Instead, the resistance from the Iron Tail slowly stopped Geodude from spinning. Geodude uncurled himself and looked confused.

"Now, use Sweet Kiss!" Lightning gave Geodude an air kiss, causing the pink angel to touch him. He then became more confused and started to hit himself.

Lightning grinned and then smacked Geodude with her silver tail. Geodude rolled backwards to Weldon, unable to move.

"Geodude is unable to battle! Lightning wins!"

The crowd politely applauded. I was just happy they didn't boo me.

Weldon returned Geodude, but I felt a little scared when he smiled.

"Lightning, why don't you take a rest," I said. Lightning sighed, but she ran back to me. "Go, Blaze!"

Blaze calmly came out of his Pokéball. My fear immediately disappeared as I felt Blaze's confidence.

Weldon threw his second Pokéball and shouted, "Go Ivysaur!"

Ivysaur landed on the field and bowed respectfully to Blaze. Blaze did the same.

Why is Weldon using Ivysaur instead of Spearow? I should be careful…

"Blaze, use Flamethrower!" Blaze deeply inhaled and unleashed a stream of fire from his beak.

Weldon said, "You know what to do, Ivysaur."

Ivysaur shot out two vines and twirled them around like the blades of a fan. The spinning vines caused the Flamethrower to split into five smaller streams. Ivysaur then stopped spinning the vines and grinned.

That's going to be a problem…

"Like my defense, Summer?" Weldon taunted. "You can't hurt Ivysaur now!"

"We'll see about that!" I countered. "Blaze, use Scratch!"

As Blaze ran up to Ivysaur with his arms behind his body, Weldon commanded, "Grab Blaze's arms with Vine Whip!"

Ivysaur stood firm and shot out his vines. They grabbed each of Blaze's arms and lifted him into the air. Blaze struggled to break free, but Ivysaur kept a firm grip.

"Quick, Blaze, use Flamethrower!"

"I don't think so, Summer. Ivysaur, grab his beak!"

Ivysaur brought his vines together and used his right vine to secure Blaze's arms. The left vine then wrapped around the Young Fowl Pokémon's beak. Blaze tried to open his mouth, but the vine was tough to break open.

I have to stay calm or else Blaze won't be able to break out at all!

"Blaze, stay calm and use Double Kick on the vines!"

Blaze nodded and used his legs to swing up and kick his restraints. Ivysaur flinched and loosened his grip.

Weldon was surprised but remained composed. "Ivysaur, let Blaze go and use Razor Leaf!"

Ivysaur willingly returned his vines and quickly released sharp leaves from his bulb. Blaze was able to land safely but was hit by the attack. He was still standing but was panting hard.

"Blaze! Are you okay?" I worriedly asked.

"I'm fine, Summer. Just some light scratches," he replied as he brushed his arms.

"Let's change tactics. Use Focus Energy, then Flamethrower!"

Blaze nodded and took a deep breath. He then surrounded himself with red energy and his eyes became more focused.

Weldon calmly commanded, "Ivysaur, don't let him attack! Use Razor Leaf!"

Ivysaur shook his bulb and the leaves flew towards Blaze. Blaze immediately shot a stronger stream of fire. The flames burned the leaves into ashes and hit Ivysaur. The Seed Pokémon was slowly engulfed in the flames, signifying a critical hit. Ivysaur then collapsed from the super effective attack.

"Ivysaur is unable to battle! Blaze wins!"

The crowd clapped at the result, but I thought I heard some people booing. I sighed, but I tried to not listen to them.

Weldon chuckled as he returned Ivysaur. "You've always seem to give me a challenge, Summer, despite being from Hoenn and with little battle experience. I guess I have to use my secret weapon now and end this. Go, Gyarados!"

The familiar large blue snake emerged from his Pokéball with a mighty roar. As he landed on the battlefield, the stage immediately sunk to a deeper level. I was shocked at the change until the announcer shouted, "Ladies and gentlemen! Due to the size of Weldon's Gyarados, the stage will be at a lower level until Gyarados is returned to his Pokéball."

So this is the Pokémon Weldon didn't use in the earlier rounds…

"Blaze, can you keep going?" I asked. Blaze slowly nodded after he scanned his new opponent.

"Okay, let's get in close and use Scratch!" Blaze charged towards Gyarados, but I noticed his movements were a lot slower.

Weldon grinned and shouted, "Gyarados, use Water Pulse!"

The Atrocious Pokémon quickly charged a blue orb in his gaping mouth and shot it at Blaze. Blaze couldn't react to the attack and was blown back. Blaze collapsed on the ground.

"Blaze is unable to battle! Gyarados wins!"

The crowded cheered this time instead of clapping. I was shocked at how fast Blaze was knocked out. Although I knew he was tired from battling Ivysaur, I didn't expect this.

"Thanks for your help, Blaze," I said, returning him. "Let's try a status condition. Go, Lightning!"

Lightning ran back onto the field and emitted some sparks from her cheeks. Gyarados looked like a giant compared to Lightning.

Weldon laughed and said, "Lightning can't handle Gyarados' power! Use Tackle!"

As Gyarados charged towards Lightning, I shouted, "Quick, Lightning! Use Thundershock!"

Lightning quickly shot a weak jolt of electricity at her larger opponent. The Electric attack hit Gyarados, but it didn't stop him from attacking. He plowed into Lightning, smashing her into the battlefield. The impact created a dust cloud, temporarily blinding us. When the dust cleared, Lightning was obviously unable to move.

"Lightning is unable to battle! Gyarados wins!"

The crowd continued to cheer for Weldon. I was worried my strategy didn't work until Gyarados emitted several electric shocks from his body.

Yes! Static activated! Now I have a better chance of taking down Gyarados!

"Thanks, Lightning," I said, returning her. "Go, Errol!"

Errol flew out of his Pokéball and landed on the field. He was ready to avenge his fallen teammates.

"Errol, use Peck!" Errol flew towards Gyarados' head and pecked him. Gyarados roared in pain.

"Gyarados, use Bite!" Gyarados grabbed Errol with his jaws and shook him. I was horrified at the sight, but I saw Errol was holding on.

"Errol, find a weak spot with Foresight and free yourself with Peck!" Errol winced but scanned Gyarados' jaws with his purple monocle. After locating a spot near him, he forcefully jabbed his captor with his beak. Gyarados yelped from the sudden pain, and Errol quickly flew out.

I saw Errol was panting, but his wounds didn't look as bad as I thought. "Errol, use Tackle!"

"Gyarados, use your Tackle!" Both Pokémon collided and pushed each other, trying to gain the advantage. After a few minutes, Gyarados unfortunately overpowered Errol and smashed him into the concrete. Gyarados lifted his head up and I saw Errol was unconscious.

"Errol is unable to battle! Gyarados wins!"

Gyarados gave a prideful roar as the crowd cheered. Weldon smirked at me, as I returned Errol. After thanking him, I started to panic.

I can't believe his Gyarados took out three of my Pokémon! And the paralysis doesn't seem to be slowing him down! What can I do?

I then felt a Pokéball shake. I took it off my belt and saw Swirls with her determined smile.

That's right, I still have Swirls. Win or lose, let's do this together!

"Let's show them, Swirls!" I shouted, throwing her Pokéball with all of my might. She came out and looked at me.

"Totally, dudette!" she shouted with a confident smile.

"So it now comes down to this," Weldon analyzed. "We'll definitely win for sure! Gyarados, use Tackle!"

"Stop Gyarados with Water Gun!" I shouted.

The force of the water slowed down the charging Gyarados, but he pushed through and hit her. Swirls rolled backwards but she regained her footing.

"How come that Tackle was so weak?!" Weldon angrily shouted. Gyarados then shuddered from the paralysis.

I see, Gyarados was ignoring the paralysis effects when battling Errol. Now it's starting to take its toll.

"Use Doubleslap, Swirls!" Swirls jumped up with her tail extended.

"I don't think so, Summer! Gyarados, grab that tail!" Gyarados opened his mouth and chomped on it. He then powerfully threw her onto the concrete.

"Are you okay, Swirls?"

"Yeah, don't worry about me, dudette…" she said as she slowly got up.

Should I forfeit the battle? I don't want her to get as injured as Errol…

Swirls saw my thoughtful face and shouted, "Dudette! Don't sweat! I'll shrop this beast and give him an Eskimo roll!"

"Wait, what?" I said, confused at her lingo.

Swirls sighed and responded, "I'll battle my hardest despite the odds."

"Oh, okay."

"Talking strategy with Swirls, Summer?" Weldon rudely interrupted. "No strategy will help you now! Gyarados, finish her with Water Pulse!"

I grinned and shouted, "Swirls, stay there!"

"Stay there?" Weldon pondered aloud. "Why would you stay…"

Gyarados's attack interrupted Weldon's thoughts as he launched the water orb at Swirls.

Swirls grinned as well and took the attack. As the orb hit her absorbent skin, she sparkled green and looked better.

"What's wrong, Weldon?" I taunted to his shocked face. "Don't you know the Water Absorb ability?"

"Sick burn, dudette! Wait, what's happening?" Swirls suddenly became enveloped with a bright light. The crowd gasped as the sight.

Is Swirls evolving?!

As the light faded, Swirls looked a lot different. She had arms with white gloves, longer legs, and no mouth.

"What is that?" I said to myself. I looked her up in my Pokédex. [Poliwhirl, the Tadpole Pokémon and the evolved form of Poliwag. Its body surface is always wet and slick with an oily fluid. Because of this greasy covering, it can easily slip and slide out of the clutches of any enemy in battle.]

"How do you feel, Swirls?"

Swirls looked at her new arms and said with a slightly deep feminine voice, "I got a steamer! Long arms and legs!"

I chuckled and saw she retained her surfer accent.

"No! We can't let them have the advantage again!" Weldon shouted. "Gyarados, use Tackle!"

He roared and charged at the newly evolved Pokémon. Swirls grinned and charged a water orb in her right hand.

No way! Swirls learned Water Pulse!

Swirls threw the Water Pulse at the charging water snake. The impact knocked Gyarados back, causing him to fall to the field.

"Come on, Gyarados! Get up!" Weldon yelled. His Pokémon tried to stand, but the paralysis prevented him from doing so.

The referee looked at the downed Pokémon and shouted, "Gyarados is unable to battle! Swirls wins!"

The crowd was in shock, but they cheered anyway.

"What?!" Weldon protested. "Gyarados didn't faint yet!"

"True, but I saw he wouldn't be able to continue if he did stand up. Please return your Gyarados and send out your last Pokémon, Weldon."

I became angry at my rival's attitude as he returned his injured Pokémon. The battlefield then rose to its normal height.

He looked at me with daggers and shouted, "Finish this, Spearow!"

His Spearow flew out of his Pokéball and soared around the field. He then stared at Swirls with the same look as his Trainer.

Although Swirls was healed with the Water Pulse, she still looked tired.

We need to finish this before Swirls gets badly injured.

"Swirls, use Water Pulse!" Swirls charged her orb and shot it at Spearow.

Weldon took a deep breath and shouted, "Spearow, dodge, then use Fury Attack!"

The Tiny Bird Pokémon skillfully dodged the Water attack and aggressively jabbed Swirls four times. She winced in pain but was not ready to give up.

"Spearow, use Fury Attack again!"

"Swirls, counter it with Doubleslap!"

The two Pokémon battled with beak and hands, but Spearow prevailed by landing one hit. Swirls collapsed onto one knee and tried to get up.

"Don't let her get up! Use Peck!" Spearow obeyed his Trainer and jabbed Swirls's belly.

"No, Swirls!" I shouted. She collapsed on the field, unable to move.

"Swirls is unable to battle! Spearow wins. The winner of the 2 to 3 Badges Tournament is Weldon from Pallet Town!"

The crowded gave a thunderous applause. I ran over to Swirls, who slowly got up. I knelt beside her, and she sadly looked at me.

"Sorry, dudette…I thought I could win…"

I hugged her and said, "I'm just glad you're okay. I don't care about losing the tournament. I'm worried that I made you guys battle so hard."

I returned her to the safety of her Pokéball and calmly stood up. I sighed as Weldon gleefully waved to the crowd.

You're still as strong as ever, Weldon. But I will beat you the next time we battle.

The announcer and a very tall man with tanned skin, bleached hair, and a green camouflage jumpsuit walked over to Weldon.

"Weldon, congratulations on winning the 2003 2 to 3 Badges Tournament! As your prize for winning, you will get to have a private one-week training session with the Vermillion City Gym Leader, Lt. Surge!"

The crowded loudly clapped for the winner and the hometown leader. Weldon shook the Gym Leader's muscular hand and they waved to the crowd.

"This concludes the 2 to 3 Badges Tournament! In 30 minutes, we will start the 4to 5 Badges Tournament. We look forward to seeing you there!"

The crowd dispersed once more. I walked off the battlefield and went to the registration booth to heal my Pokémon. After they were done healing, I thanked the attendant and looked at my Pokémon. They seemed to look much better, especially Errol and Swirls.

I let Lightning out, and she slowly climbed onto my shoulder.

"I'm sorry we couldn't win, Summer," she moped.

I softly petted her head. "It's okay, Lightning. I'm happy as long as you guys are okay."

"So, Weldon. When do you want to start your training session?" I heard the muscular man talking. He had a deep booming voice.

"Let's start as soon as possible, sir."

Lt. Surge laughed and clasped Weldon's shoulder. "You and your Pokémon should rest before we start. They did battle hard today."

Weldon was about to argue, but he saw his mentor's stern face.

The Gym Leader saw me and marched over to me, making a stomping sound with his black boots. "Ah, you must be Summer. I've heard about you from Brock and Misty."

He then scanned me and Lightning. "Your Pichu needs to toughen up though. She battles well, but she's too frail."

Lightning growled and shouted, "I'll show you tough, you brute!"

I sternly stared at my angered Pokémon, and she back down.

Lt. Surge snickered. "She reminds me of another Trainer with a Pikachu. I look forward to battling you and Lightning. How does tomorrow morning sound?"

I determinedly nodded.

"All right! See you at 900 hours!" He then saluted and walked off.

"Good luck, you'll need it," Weldon sarcastically said, then followed his mentor.

"Well, that's that…" I said.

"Come on, Summer! Let's train!" Lightning shouted with a smile.

I nodded. "Let's show those two!"

We exited the S.S. Anne and headed back to Route 6 for a training session.

Pokémon: Blaze (Combusken, male): Brave Nature, moves: Quick Attack, Double Kick, Flamethrower, Focus Energy

Errol (Hoothoot, male): Rash Nature, moves: Tackle, Growl, Hypnosis, Peck

Swirls (Poliwhirl, female): Relaxed Nature, moves: Water Pulse, Hypnosis, Water Gun, Doubleslap

Lightning (Pichu, female): Adamant Nature, moves: Thundershock, Charm, Iron Tail, Sweet Kiss

Flower (Bulbasaur, female): Gentle Nature, moves: Tackle, Leech Seed, Vine Whip, Sleep Powder

Questions for the Chapter:

What do you think of the final battle of the tournament?

Did you expect Swirls to evolve during the battle?