Chapter 35

Disclaimer: moi-moi819 does not own Pokémon, or any of their titles therein. This is a nonprofit fan fiction. No copyright infringement was intended.

Moi-Moi: Congratulations to Rihimesama, Optimus Prime's daughter, alaskan anime gal, MysticRyter, Oh my Batman is that Spitfire, and bootskitty328 for getting the riddle right! It was Oshawott! I was really pleased to hear that you guys completely forgot that Gabi was just ten. That means that I'm writing this so well that you're getting into the story and believing it fully. But, what would you expect from an A-Class Connoisseur-Writer? ;)

To Pessimistic Perfectionist, I've never really thought him to be cute before now. If only he weren't a minor. Then, I'd have no regrets. ;) If they announced that Pokémon was ending, I would die. I would instantaneously combust right on the spot. I would rage, cry, scream, and yank my hair out all at the same time. I'm getting worked up now. Please don't do that to me again. My heart can't take it. ^.^' Okay, here's my question: How would you feel if Ash were to encounter something really significant like meeting up with his father or even Red? I know that Ash basically is Red, but still. I would die a happy death to see his father or to see Red's amazing Pokémon. Sighhh… I'm going to go curl up with my happy feels now… ^.^

?- this Pokémon is said to be the "Beautifly of the Sea"

~:~

"The League battle between Lucian, of the Elite Four, and Gabrielle, the challenger, is getting underway! Gabrielle's just been powering though the League with her amazing Pokémon, but will Lucian, the strongest member of the Elite Four, be able to put a stop to her climb to power?"

"I doubt it. You may be powerful Lucian, but I'm just a bit more prepared today. In the end, that will make all the difference," I smirked at him.

"We'll see. I'm looking forward to it, Gabrielle. I hope to finish our battle soon. There is a book I'd like to finish reading," Lucian smirked.

I bit back a growl. Infernape didn't seem pleased by this as well, but she didn't hold back her comments. A dumb book was more important to him? "I guess it doesn't matter. I'll make sure to wrap this up quickly for you then. Gardevoir, on the field!" I called out.

"Espeon, let's go," Lucian spoke and released his Pokémon.

"And the first match is Espeon versus Gardevoir! Who will come out on top?"

"Gardevoir, use Magical Leaf!" I started.

"Espeon, use Quick Attack to dodge it," Lucian spoke.

"We're not letting you get away. Gardevoir, turn it up!" I commanded. Lucian watched curiously, as Gardevoir began creating more and more Magical Leaves to fill the stadium. There were so many leaves flying about the arena that Espeon could no longer dodge the attack. Not only was the attack landing a hit, but also the swirling vortex of leaves were colliding with each other to create a mass of sparkling lights. "Psyshock!"

"Espeon, Shadow Ball!" Lucian commanded. The two moves collided center-field in a large, smoky explosion. "Use, Signal Beam!"

"Let's show them how to make the best of their move. Use Psychic!" I commanded with a smile. Just as Espeon fired off its attack, Gardevoir used Psychic to stop the attack mid-air. She concentrated long enough to compress the attack in to a small, high energy orb about the size of Lucario's Aura Sphere. "Send it back!"

"And Gabrielle is quickly taking control of the match! Is our Psychic type Master being shown up with a Pokémon of his own specialty?"

"I must admit, Gabrielle. You battle with a skill that is beyond your years. I feel honored to be in this battle with you. But, I am not about to lose like the others. Espeon, use Shadow Ball rapid fire!" Lucian exclaimed.

"Thank you, Lucian. Gardevoir, use your Psyshock rapid fire!" I responded. The orbs were flying all over the field, colliding with large explosions and dazzling lights. "Use Magical Leaf!"

"Psychic, Espeon!"

Like we had done many times in the past, the Magical Leaf was controlled with the Psychic and sent flying for Gardevoir. "Use Teleport to dodge, Gardevoir," I smiled. Lucian was very skilled. But, I wasn't about to lose this. Too much was on the line. "Gardevoir, use Psychic!"

"Espeon, fight back with your Psychic," Lucian responded. The two Pokémon were suddenly caught in a battle of wills. Both were glowing a bright blue and struggling to keep their hold on the other. I guess this explained why Psychic against Psychic wasn't the best matchup.

"No matter. Gardevoir, use Teleport and follow up with Psyshock!" I commanded. Releasing her hold on Espeon, Gardevoir was able to vanish once again, only to reappear behind Espeon. Espeon and Lucian were both too surprised to respond, but it made no difference. Gardevoir was already creating a ring of Psyshock orbs and launching it at Espeon's form.

"Espeon is unable to battle! The winner is Gardevoir!"

"Great work, Gardevoir. Take a nice rest," I said to her as I recalled her. I could hear the crowd cheering loudly, but I ignored them. I waited for Lucian to call out his next Pokémon. It didn't matter who he chose. I had the perfect Pokémon ready to go to face anyone of his.

"Medicham," Lucian called out and released his Pokémon.

"Pepper, let's go!" I exclaimed and released him.

"The next battle will be between Pepper and Medicham. Lucian obviously has the disadvantage. How will he compensate?"

"Medicham, Thunder Punch!"

I smirked. Just as Medicham zoomed through the air towards Pepper, he sent a sharp glare towards the Psychic type. Medicham froze mid-air with a petrified expression. "Let's help it back down, Pepper. Sky Attack!" I commanded. "Intimidate is a very useful Ability to have. Don't you think?" I winked at Lucian.

Lucian sent me a light glare before shouting a command to Medicham. "Ice Punch!"

"Close Combat!" I responded. Pepper flew Medicham quickly and by using his feet skillfully, he was able to deflect Medicham's punches as well as land some strikes to Medicham's face and body. "Use Sky Attack!"

"Thunder Punch!"

"I don't believe it! Pepper took a direct hit from that Thunder Punch, but it looks unaffected!"

"What?" Lucian exclaimed.

"Lucian, I've been training my Pokémon to be prepared when facing Pokémon who have an advantage. And compared to Infernape's Thunder Punch, Medicham barely makes the cut. Pepper, use Sky Attack to finish this!" I spoke with an outstretched arm directed at Medicham.

"In that case, use Drain Punch Medicham," Lucian spoke.

"As if. You can dodge that easily, Pepper," I smirked. Thanks to Intimidate, Medicham's attack power was cut in half. Pepper was able to fly towards Medicham fiercely and fearlessly. He swooped in with incredible agility to dodge the Drain Punch and land a critical hit to Medicham's torso.

"Medicham is unable to battle! Pepper is the winner!"

"Return, Pepper. I'm proud of you," I said with a gleeful smile. "Luxray, let's go!"

"Mr. Mime, go!" Lucian called out.

I smirked when Luxray let out a loud roar and his body began to glow red. Every muscle in his body tensed just as he sent a harsh glare Mr. Mime's way. Mr. Mime had to be a male. And this was Lucian's unlucky day. "Luxray, use Crunch!" I called out with a large grin. Luxray took off with a large leap, his vicious eyes locked on Mr. Mime in a deadly glare. Mr. Mime backed away slightly, too terrified to move.

"Dodge that!" Lucian tried, but Mr. Mime was frozen on the spot. Mr. Mime was flinching.

Mr. Mine was hit in the arm by Luxray's super effective Crunch and tackled to the ground. Since Luxray had Mr. Mime pinned to the ground with a mighty roar, I decided to call for another attack. "Discharge and I want tons!" I exclaimed with a smile. Mr. Mime was electrocuted on the spot, Luxray's attack being too overwhelming for it.

"Use Light Screen!" Lucian called out.

"Crunch, again!"

"Toss Luxray off and use Psychic," Lucian exclaimed.

I watched Luxray being tossed away carelessly by Mr. Mime's Psychic with a frown. Luxray was slammed about the field harshly by Mr. Mime's controlling movements. "Luxray, show him your fighting spirit! Use Discharge!" I exclaimed loudly. Before Mr. Mime could slam Luxray down onto the field again, he quickly let out another roar before righting his body mid-air. Both Lucian and Mr. Mime were shocked at the sight of Luxray lighting up the arena with his brilliant Discharge. "Alright, Luxray. Let's go!" I shouted encouragingly. With another cry, Luxray's shine doubled in size. That wasn't Discharge anymore.

"I wouldn't believe it if I weren't watching it with my own eyes folks. Luxray has powered up from Discharge and is now using Wild Charge! This is incredible!"

Wild Charge. I gazed at Luxray in delight before grinning. "Let's do it. Luxray, use Wild Charge!" I commanded. Luxray broke Mr. Mime's hold on his body before charging through the air at the Psychic type with his body lit up brightly. The Electricity trailed after him like a meteor tail before Luxray crashed fiercely into Mr. Mime. A large explosion and dust cloud rose up so I shielded my eyes from the debris and shockwaves. Once the smoke had cleared, I noticed that Luxray was suffering from recoil damage. I bit down onto my lip.

"Mr. Mime is unable to battle! Luxray is the winner!"

"Excellent work as usual Luxray!" I cheered from my box. Luxray sent me a grateful look and a happy call. "You ready for one more bout?" I asked him. Judging by the electricity sparking from his fur, I'd say that he was more than ready.

"Girafarig, let's go!" Lucian called out. Once again, Lucian had chosen a male. "Use Crunch!"

"Use your Crunch!" I responded. The two Pokémon leapt at each other quickly, with Girafarig leaping backwards and the smaller mouth on its tail opening wide while Luxray charged head on. Luxray sunk his fangs into Girafarig's neck just as the second mouth bit down on his tail. Luxray growled angrily and glared at the second head. "Use Iron Tail!" By releasing Girafarig's neck, Luxray was able to slam Girafarig onto the ground with just his tail.

"Use Double Hit, Girafarig!" Lucian exclaimed. Girafarig struck its hooves out quickly to strike Luxray in the face and send flying him back. I cringed slightly as my jaw dropped. I couldn't hold back the fierce glare towards Lucian and Girafarig after seeing Luxray be hurt. "Use Psybeam."

"Show them what you can do. Use Iron Tail!" I commanded. It was risky to use any special attacks while Light Screen was still in effect, but I had other tricks up my sleeve. As the Psybeam zoomed towards Luxray, he readied his tail. With perfect timing, he leapt into the air before bringing his tail down onto the Psybeam. The result was a crashing wave of Girafarig's Psybeam lighting up Luxray's already glowing tail with a rainbow of colors. "Let's finish this. Use Iron Tail!"

"Double Hit, Girafarig," Lucian spoke.

"Use Wild Charge!" I commanded. While he was already running with his tail in the air, Luxray charged up a Wild Charge as well. His speed increased wildly before he collided with Girafarig, Psy-Iron Tail first. The erupting shockwaves were amazing. The explosions just kept coming even after the initial impact. I waited anxiously for the results. After the smoke had cleared away, both Luxray and Girafarig were still standing. Not long after, they both collapsed onto the field with exhausted sighs. "Luxray!" I cried out in worry.

"Both Pokémon are unable to battle! The match is a draw!"

I recalled Luxray with a small smile. "Luxray, you battled beautifully. I'm so proud of you," I spoke to him once I had him in his ball.

"Gabrielle, I'm afraid that our battle is coming to an end. No matter what the outcome, I truly enjoyed myself while battling you," Lucian smiled.

"Thank you, Lucian. Dragonite, let's go!" I exclaimed.

"Alakazam," Lucian called out.

"Thing are starting to heat up, folks. Lucian is down to his last two Pokémon while Gabrielle has five Pokémon remaining. Things don't look good for Lucian…"

"Alakazam, Focus Blast!"

"Dragonite, Ice Beam!" I commanded. The Focus Blast was fired from the point between Alakazam's spoons quickly. Before it could get close, Dragonite's Ice Beam stopped it cold and caused it to explode mid-air. "Use Dragon Rush!"

"Use Psychic," Lucian spoke.

"Quick, use Ice Beam!" I switched. Dragonite switched attacks just as quickly. He shot off an Ice Beam that froze Alakazam solid before it could attack. That Light Screen was long gone. "Now, use Dragon Rush!"

"Alakazam, break out now!" Lucian ordered, but it didn't work. Alakazam was hit with the powerful Dragon Rush head on and blasted out of the ice prison by force. "Don't stop attacking! Use Dragon Tail!"

"Energy Ball now!" Lucian called out. Alakazam's Energy Ball hit Dragonite's already charged tail with an explosion, but Dragonite kept going. Dragonite hit Alakazam in the center of its face with immense force and slammed Alakazam into the ground front first. "Use Psychic!"

"Ice Beam!"

"I'm learning to believe the unbelievable here, folks. Dragonite has made quick work of Lucian's Alakazam!"

"Excellent work, Dragonite. Return," I said to him with a grateful smile. "Infernape, it's time we wrap this up. Don't you think?"

"You're using Infernape? Even though I know I have the type advantage, your Infernape is a cut above the rest. I'm sure that your Infernape will be quite the challenge. More so than Flint's," Lucian smirked. "Bronzong, use Iron Defense!"

"Flamethrower!" I called out. Thanks to Iron Defense, the damage Bronzong would have received was cut in half. This would be tougher than I had expected. "I trust you, Infernape. You're the only one who can do this job. Flamethrower!"

"Iron Defense!" Lucian exclaimed again. Once Infernape's Flamethrower was repelled yet again, Lucian smirked. "Use Gyro Ball!"

"Don't get confident, Lucian. Stop it with Thunder Punch," I smirked. Bronzong's Gyro Ball was quickly stopped by Infernape's Thunder Punch before the collision sent Bronzong flying backwards. "Use Flamethrower one more time!"

"Flash Cannon, Bronzong!"

"What an impact! These two Pokémon are giving it their all and I can feel it here in my announcer's box!"

"Psychic, go!"

"Stand strong and use Close Combat!" I commanded. Infernape struggled mightily against Bronzong's hold, the fire in her eyes growing by the second. One step at a time, she was pushing through Bronzong's hold on her body with intense determination. "Use Flamethrower!" I tried. Infernape reared back her head and allowed the flames to collect in her mouth.

My eyes widened at her fighting spirit. "Go, Infernape!" I couldn't help but cheer. Once her body started glowing a bright red, my jaw dropped. I've seen that move. "Let's try it then. Infernape, use Overheat and give it everything you've got!" I shouted. The fire was so hot that as soon as she let it out, I began to sweat slightly. It was much more intense than watching Ash's Infernape activate Blaze. My jaw dropped as my eyes watered happily. We've come so far…

"And that's it! Bronzong goes down and gives Gabrielle the win! What a match!"

~:~

I sat backstage in the waiting room of the Coliseum with all my Pokémon around me. I tried to hold back the tears that were threatening to fall. "You guys are the best… I'm the luckiest Trainer in the world to have such amazing, hard working Pokémon like you," I started. "We've come so far together and improved so much. I can't thank you all enough. I truly love each and every one of you for all that you've done for me." Luxray was at my side in a second, happily purring and rubbing his charged fur against my leg. I pet and hugged him happily as I felt my other Pokémon join in on our group hug.

"I'm sorry to interrupt…"

My head snapped up quickly before I turned to see who had entered the room. "Cynthia, what are you doing here?" I asked and stood quickly.

"I came to speak with you. Now that you've beaten Lucian, we have to make a date for our battle. I'm ready when you are," Cynthia smiled. I looked around at my Pokémon. Were we ready yet? "Let me offer you some advice, Gabi. When I was your age, I was driven to seek strength and to have powerful Pokémon. It's not until I grew older and wiser that I realized that forming strong bonds with your Pokémon is the true key to strength. But, you already know that don't you?

"From just witnessing you with your Pokémon, I can see and feel the love and trust that you all share. Together, you and your Pokémon overcame all the challenges you faced, however difficult. It means that you've triumphed over any personal weaknesses, too. I can feel the power you've gained emanating from you. Even now, I believe that you would be a worthy adversary," Cynthia finished with a smile.

"Thank you, Cynthia. That means a lot to me," I started. "For so long, I've looked up to you because of your strength and power. But, it wasn't until I went on my own journey that I realized what being a strong Trainer really means. My Pokémon taught me that. Although our bond is a strong one that I will forever cherish, there are some things that could be improved."

"I understand. When will you be ready?" Cynthia asked patiently with her casual pose.

I stared down at my Pokémon. The determination, ambition, courage, and strength were all here in all of their eyes. They fully trusted me. It touched me immensely to see such raw emotions in their eyes. "In one week I think. If I waited any longer, I think my Pokémon would explode with impatience," I joked with a smile.

"In one week it is. I'll be sure to let Charles know," Cynthia said. "Until then, Gabi."

"Bye, Cynthia," I smiled. As she left the room, I could feel my anxious determination rising. In one week, there would be the new Sinnoh region Champion.

~:~

This was the biggest match of my life…and I was only ten! The League Coliseum was so packed that it looked like people were sitting on each other's laps just to make room. The crowd was going wild and nothing had even started yet. Infernape stood at my side, perfectly at ease. She sent me a wink and a thumbs up and I nodded in response. There was nothing to worry about. My Pokémon were in the best condition ever. I had come this far. I was so close and I wasn't about to leave without a title to my name.

"The six-on-six full battle between the Sinnoh region Champion, Cynthia, and the challenger, Gabrielle, will now begin! Both sides will continue to battle until all of one side's Pokémon are unable to battle! Furthermore, no Pokémon substitutions will be allowed!" the referee declared.

"I must say that I am truly grateful to have this battle with you, Gabi. As of right now, you are the most powerful challenger in the Sinnoh region. At the end of this match, we will see which one of us deserves the title of Champion Master," Cynthia spoke with a ready smile.

"I agree, Cynthia. But, I should let you know that my Pokémon and I aren't leaving here without that title," I smirked. Infernape let out a bark in confirmation and Cynthia smiled.

"Well, that's enough talk. Let's get on with why you're here. As the Pokémon League Champion, I accept your challenge! Glaceon, battle dance!" Cynthia exclaimed.

"Lucario, let's go!" I shouted and released him.

"The first match will be Lucario versus Glaceon. Who will come out on top?"

"Glaceon, Water Pulse!" Cynthia commanded.

"Use Aura Sphere!" I commanded back. Glaceon was fast. Luckily, Lucario was able to quickly fire an Aura Sphere to combat the Water Pulse. "Don't stop attacking! Use Aura Sphere rapid fire!"

"Shadow Ball!" Cynthia responded. Each Aura Sphere was met with a Shadow Ball to match. "Use Ice Beam!"

"Lucario, dodge it and use Close Combat!" I commanded. Lucario was able to flip once away from the attack before taking off towards Glaceon. He moved quickly, striking Glaceon with his paws, feet, and tail.

"Glaceon, Signal Beam," Cynthia commanded.

"Not gonna happen. Force Palm!" I exclaimed. Before Glaceon could launch its close-range attack, Lucario placed his palms on its body and released twin blasts of energy simultaneously. "Close Combat!" I exclaimed.

"Glaceon, Shadow Ball!" Cynthia exclaimed.

"Bone Rush! Send them right back!" I shouted. Every one of the Shadow Balls were sent flying back by Lucario's batting skills with his Bone Rush. The Shadow Balls hit Glaceon as well as exploded around it in clouds of dust and smoke.

This battle was starting off with some difficulty. Cynthia's Pokémon had amazing stamina. They were able to take a hit and keep on going. But my Pokémon were able to hit harder than ever. "Finish up with Close Combat!" I commanded.

"Glaceon is unable to battle! Lucario is the winner!"

"Lucario, great job! Come back and take a good rest," I smiled at him. Lucario nodded to me while breathing deeply to catch his breath. I recalled him and waited for Cynthia to choose her next Pokémon.

"Roserade, shine on!" Cynthia called out.

Before I could choose a Pokémon, Infernape was glaring Roserade down harshly. "You want to get in there now? If you're sure, then go ahead. Infernape, I choose you!" I exclaimed.

"I get to battle Infernape? This should be interesting. Roserade, Sludge Bomb!" Cynthia ordered.

"Flamethrower!" I ordered. The Flamethrower was able to hit the Sludge Bomb before it could land a hit on Infernape. The Sludge Bomb exploded in the center of the field in a cloud of smoke. The Flamethrower was still able to tear through the smoke and land a direct hit on Roserade. "Use, Flamethrower again!"

"Shadow Ball, Roserade!" Cynthia commanded with a fierce, battle expression. Roserade fired of many Shadow Balls that quickly closed in on Infernape. She cart wheeled away to dodge before launching her Flamethrower directly at Roserade. "Extrasensory!"

"You'll have to do better than that! Finish it off with Overheat!" I yelled. I knew that Overheat was a move that decreased in power each time you used it, but I was sure that this would end it.

"Roserade is unable to battle! The winner is Infernape!"

"Awesome work, Infernape! Come back and take a rest," I said to her. Infernape looked absolutely fine. Her battle with Roserade hadn't taken much out of her at all. "Who's next, Cynthia?" I asked with a smirk.

"I wouldn't get too comfortable just yet. Milotic, battle dance!" Cynthia exclaimed and released her beautiful Milotic.

I was momentarily dazed by its beauty before Infernape pinched my side lightly. "Hey! What was that for?" I shouted. Infernape yelled at me while pointing to where Milotic and Cynthia stood waiting. "I know that we're in a battle! Give me a break. Luxray, let's go!" I called out. Cynthia just looked amused at the situation wile Infernape huffed. "Luxray, use Discharge!"

"Use Hydro Pump!" Cynthia exclaimed. I was surprised to see that Milotic's Hydro Pump was actually defending well against Luxray's Discharge. "It'll take more than type advantage to beat my Milotic. Milotic, use Blizzard!"

"Dodge it!" I commanded. It was unfortunate that we had to do battle without Luxray's ability Rivalry. If only Milotic was a boy… No matter. We weren't about to rely on an Ability like a crutch. "Use Iron Tail!"

"Ice Beam, Milotic," Cynthia spoke.

"Keep that tail going strong!" I grinned. Cynthia seemed surprised by this, but I smirked at her. Milotic's Ice Beam was hitting Luxray directly on his glowing tail. The Iron Tail was splitting the Ice Beam right down the middle, creating a clear path for Luxray's body to move towards Milotic. When Luxray's tail began to freeze, I grinned. "Hit it with everything you've got!"

"Milotic, use Dragon Tail!" Cynthia called out.

After being hit with Luxray's tail, Milotic began charging up her own tail. She moved to swing it at him fiercely and he tensed. "I don't think so. Use Crunch!" I commanded. Just as the Dragon Tail swung at Luxray, he opened his jaws to clamp down on the tail. When Milotic cried out in pain from the attack, I cheered. "Use Wild Charge and take Milotic for a ride!"

"That's got to hurt! Luxray is pummeling Milotic's body into the battlefield while delivering a shocking Wild Charge!"

"Milotic, fight back with Hydro Pump!" Cynthia commanded. Milotic was able to struggle long enough to blast Luxray directly with a Hydro Pump. The attack washed Luxray away from Milotic and gave Milotic a chance to catch its breath. "Hydro Pump, one more time!"

"We'll use that water thanks. Discharge!" I spoke with my arm gesturing to Milotic. Luxray was able to fire off a Discharge that collided with the Hydro Pump to send a blast of electrified water flying out all over the field. Milotic cried out when the charged water touched her skin, but we weren't finished yet. "Wild Charge, let's go!" I commanded. Luxray took off with a display of electricity following and lighting him up. He collided with the still wet Milotic with awesome force and sent it flying towards the stadium wall. "Yes!" I cheered.

"Milotic is unable to battle! The winner is Luxray!"

"Hmm. This is something else. You are giving me quite the battle, Gabi. Lucario, battle dance!" Cynthia called out and released her Pokémon.

Cynthia's Lucario looked absolutely powerful. So powerful that I wanted nothing more than to fully test her Lucario's skills with the most intense battle ever. Infernape was ready to head onto the field, but I stopped her. "Sit this one out, Infernape. It's Lucario's turn again!" I called out with a smirk.

"It appears to be a double-Lucario battle! Although Gabrielle's Lucario has already seen battle, will it be able to pull her a win?"

"Lucario, use ExtremeSpeed," Cynthia ordered.

"Dodge it!" I called out. My eyes widened as my jaw dropped. Cynthia's Lucario was so fast that I didn't even see it move. Before Lucario could see what was happening, Cynthia's Lucario had struck him down with some quick kicks. I grit my teeth as I watched Lucario get kicked and tossed around the field roughly by Cynthia's Pokémon. "Lucario, you have to focus! Their speed won't matter if you concentrate! Use Bone Rush!"

"Close Combat, Lucario," Cynthia spoke. My Lucario took a deep breath before closing his eyes in concentration. He summoned up a glowing, bone staff that he used to defend against Cynthia's Lucario's attacks.

"What's this?! Lucario is fending off the Close Combat with its eyes closed! This is remarkable!"

"Way to go, Lucario! Keep focusing on your opponent's Aura. Now use Bone Rush back to back!" I ordered.

"Use Dragon Pulse!" Cynthia exclaimed. A turquoise ball of light appeared before Lucario's mouth before it launched the ball of glowing energy directly at Lucario. Without me saying a word, Lucario swung his bone staff to reflect the attack right back.

"Close Combat!" I commanded. I grinned as I watched Cynthia's Lucario be pummeled and tossed about roughly by my own. "Use Force Palm!"

"Gabrielle's Lucario seems to have found its groove! How will Cynthia deal with this?"

"Aura Sphere!"

"Use your Aura Sphere!"

"Lucario, use Close Combat!"

"Fight back with your Close Combat!"

This match was getting more and more suspenseful by the second. Both Pokémon were exchanging blows and still getting back up for more. I knew that their attacks were landing super effective hits and that eventually, both Pokémon would begin to run out of steam. Lucario had already battled once before. If he kept up this pace, he would be beaten soon. "Lucario, you have to dodge those attacks!" I called out to him. And just like that, Lucario began dodging Cynthia's Lucario's attacks with much more ease than before. I smiled widely at his graceful movements on the battle field. He was dodging Lucario's attacks with almost a dancer-like grace. I raised a brow at that. Were Gardevoir's dance lessons coming in handy? "Time to finish up. Use Force Palm!"

"Lucario, dodge it!" Cynthia called out.

"No way! End this with Aura Sphere!" I grinned.

"Use your Aura Sphere!" Cynthia ordered. With amazing control, Lucario shot a charged Aura Sphere directly at Cynthia's Lucario to knock it out. Unfortunately, Cynthia's Lucario was able to fire an Aura Sphere that knocked out my Lucario as well. I frowned for a short while before smiling gratefully. "I have to say to Gabi. I can't remember the last time I was backed into a corner like this. I'm greatly enjoying myself," Cynthia smiled.

"Me too, Cynthia. Challenging the League has been the most fun I've had in a while. But, you haven't seen anything yet. Gardevoir, let's go!"

"Gastrodon, let's go!" Cynthia called out.

"Gardevoir, use Magical Leaf!"

"Gastrodon, use Stone Edge!"

I wasn't about to let Cynthia get away from me. Not now. "Use Psychic to control that Stone Edge! Send it all back!" I commanded. The Stone Edge as well as the Magical Leaf flew at Gastrodon all at once for a critical hit that exploded on the Pokémon on contact. "Use Magical Leaf once more!

"Use Muddy Water to defend!" Cynthia ordered.

"We won't let you. Take control of the Muddy Water, too!" I commanded.

"Gabrielle is definitely not making it easy for our Champion. She's turning all her moves against her with Gardevoir's powerfully, potent Psychic…"

"You have a very powerful strategy Gabi. You're making full use of Gardevoir's Psychic abilities as well as landing some incredibly powerful hits to Gastrodon. Gastrodon, Sludge Bomb!" Cynthia spoke.

"You know the routine. Give 'em a taste of their own medicine!" I smiled. The Sludge Bomb was sent right back to Gastrodon easily with Gardevoir's abilities. "Let's wrap this up now. Magical Leaf!"

"Dodge it, Gastrodon!" Cynthia tried. With immense control, Gardevoir was able to reroute the Magical Leaf with Psychic and fire it right at Gastrodon.

"Gastrodon is unable to battle! The winner Gardevoir!"

Garchomp was left. Although we had taken all of Cynthia's other Pokémon, none of Cynthia's other Pokémon were like Garchomp. Garchomp were already powerful Pokémon. But Cynthia took power to a whole new level… "Dragonite, let's go!"

"Garchomp, battle dance!" Cynthia called out. "You haven't won yet, Gabi. I won't let such a fun battle end so easily!"

"Actually, I'm ready to accept my title now. Dragonite, Ice Beam!" I called out.

"Dodge it and use your Dragon Rush!" Cynthia commanded. Garchomp was much faster than the last time I saw her. Garchomp zoomed into the air to dodge Dragonite's attack before landing a speedy Dragon Rush on Dragonite. Dragonite was pushed down into the hard battlefield ground with a loud slam and a pile of dust and debris scattered about. "Garchomp, Giga Impact!"

"Dragonite, dodge it and use Ice Beam!" I commanded. Dragonite was able to slip away just in time to allow Garchomp to collide with the battle field before firing a super effective Ice Beam at her back. "Now use Dragon Tail!"

"Dodge it! Use Brick Break!" Cynthia commanded. Garchomp was able to zip away from the Dragon Tail just before landing a destructive Brick Break on his head. "Use Dragon Rush!"

"Use Ice Beam from within your Dragon Rush!" I commanded. As Dragonite flew at Garchomp, he grew a large, ice lancer from the jagged, blue dragon's jaws. The two Dragon types collided at once in a large explosion that sent large amounts of smoke flying throughout the stadium. I waited impatiently for the results of the clash. When Garchomp landed on the battle field ready for more, my eyes widened.

"Dragonite is unable to battle! Garchomp is the winner!"

With a sigh, I recalled him. "Wonderful work, Dragonite. You were just excellent," I told him. I watched Cynthia as she and Garchomp waited for my next move. Lucario was far too Injured, Luxray's attacks wouldn't be very effective, and I knew that Gardevoir wouldn't be able to handle this. I had to use Vaporeon then.

I was just about to call him out when Infernape latched onto my arm quickly. I stared at her in shock. She was giving me a hard stare that was not only daring me to call out another Pokémon, but it was flooding all her determination to battle into me. "Alright, Infernape. You're on. Infernape, let's win this together!" I shouted.

"And Infernape's back for more!"

"I see. Well, let's not keep them waiting, Garchomp. Use Brick Break!" Cynthia ordered.

"Block that!" I commanded. Infernape was able to stop Garchomp's attack cold before she could touch her with her pointed claw. Infernape sent Garchomp a wicked smirk and Garchomp balked. "Flamethrower!" I commanded. Infernape held Garchomp in place long enough to spit hot fire directly in Garchomp's face. "Use Close Combat!"

"Garchomp, Draco Meteor now!" Cynthia called out.

"Use Thunder Punch to knock it back!" I countered. Infernape swung her fists wildly, knocking each Draco Meteor back towards Garchomp like Pokémon Ping Pong.

"Dodge that!" Cynthia ordered.

"Close Combat again!" I ordered. Infernape leapt through the field of falling Draco Meteors fearlessly to land direct strikes onto Garchomp's body. She tossed Garchomp about like a ragdoll with immense fury and aggression that I had never seen from her before. Like all my other Pokémon, she knew that this battle was more than important. "With that in mind, Infernape, use Flamethrower once more!"

"Garchomp, dodge it and use Brick Break!"

"They can't touch us now. Use Flamethrower max power!" I shouted with so much excitement coursing through me that I could barely keep from flying off a wall.

Garchomp was pushed back by Infernape's fire power and slammed into the battlefield harshly. After this battle, I didn't want to be the person who cleaned this place up… "Garchomp, it's time to end this. Use Dragon Rush!"

"Let's win this, Infernape. Use Overheat!" I exclaimed. Garchomp ascended high up into the air quickly before crying out loudly and charging up Dragon Rush. From the ground, Infernape was glowing a bright red and allowing the flames to run and dance over her fur. Garchomp descended. "Go!" I shouted just as Infernape released her fire. Garchomp flew head on and charged into the fire, splitting the flames apart with her power. Once her body connected with Infernape's, the Dragon Rush was swallowed completely by the Overheat just before the two moves imploded on each other and a loud explosion crashed throughout the arena. I covered my face to block out the light, dust, heat, and winds flying rampant in the stadium.

It took forever, but once the shaking stopped I opened my eyes to view the damage. Both Infernape and Garchomp were still standing. They were glaring each other down harshly, their bodies completely battered and bruised. I held my breath at the complete silence and stillness of the field. Cynthia waited as well, her eyes trained on both Pokémon…And then Garchomp fell.

"I don't believe it! Cynthia's Garchomp is down! You see it here folks! We have a brand-new, Sinnoh region Champion!"

~:~

Moi-Moi: I'm speechless…

Next Time:?

Edited: 12/1/13