35- Ecruteak Contest! Hikari vs… Shinji?! (part 2)
The first battles of the second round went by flying after Shinji passed to the next round. Hikari did too after having skillfully defeated her opponent, a Quilava, so the second round of batles came soon to both.
-My next opponent has an Aipom… I know how to handle it- The girl said to herself very confidently –What about you Shin? - She turned to the boy at her side, who like her stared at the screen with interest.
-Well… no idea what pokémon will use my next opponent, but I'm sure I'll win- He stated.
Hikari smiled lightly –You're taking this very well you know? You're advancing a lot, I can't believe you're going to win a contest- She said with a certain tone just to tease him.
-Does that mean you're going to lose? - He asked in the same way.
The girl stayed silent for a moment –No… of course not! - She frowned –¡I'll reach the finals and beat you there! ¡You'll see! - She exclaimed pointing at him accusatively.
As soon as the second round of battles started, Hikari was up first against a grey-ish haired girl with purple eyes.
-Now we have the first battle of the semifinals which will be between Hikari and Kuukai! Without further ado I wish you good luck and… Begin! - Mimian started the battle.
-Dorinda come out!
-Aipom let's show them! - The girl didn't miss a beat –Let's start now, use doubleslap! - The Aipom jumped on top of Dorinda and started giving slaps with her small paws and tail –Quick, sand attack and charge your focus punch!- With a swift movement he tossed some sand at Dorinda's face and jumped back, the hand in his tail turned to a fist as it started glowing white.
*Oh no! A focus punch, I need to distract him quickly* -Dorinda flamethrower!- Hikari ordered, but she was too busy trying to take the dirt off her face, which didn't allow her to see very well -No!- The blue-haired girl's points went down.
-Focus punch now!
-Dorinda dig, quick!
Dorinda ignored the dirt for a moment and concentrated on Hikari's command to dodge the opponent's attack, she quickly went underground and the focus punch kept going and failed, Kuukai's points lowered down and even more so when Dorinda came out from beneath Aipom giving him a good tackle -Aipom are you okay?- asked the girl. Dorinda took the chance to wipe her face better.
-Well done! Now use flamethrower one more time- This time the flamethrower hit the opponent squarely, dropping more points.
-Aipom, let's recover! Use swift! - The Aipom whipped his tail in the air and several yellow stars were directed towards Dorinda.
-You too! - Another burst of stars canceled the first, taking more points from the Aipom's trainer. -Now extrasensory! - The ninetales's eyes gleamed blue and the Aipom was crushed to the ground, he could hardly get up.
-We're not going to give up, use thunderbolt!
-Thunderbolt?- Hikari said momentarily surprised, an electric charge was released from the small Aipom and the Sinnoh girl quickly regained composure - -Flamethrower!- The blast of fire managed to counterattack it, but the extrasensory lost control, leaving the Aipom free.
-Focus punch once more! - Kuukai said with a smile.
The flames dissipated in small embers and revealed the Aipom running towards Dorinda with his tail fist glowing full of energy –Dig again!
-Wait Aipom, concentrate and jump when she appears, you can do it!- The Aipom nodded and closed his eyes waiting a few seconds until Dorinda came out of the underground but the monkey jumped just in time to avoid her –Now hit her!
-I don't think so, flamethrower!- Both attacks clashed causing more damage on the poor Aipom and in the smoke and haze both backed off, when the field cleared up both pokémon were still standing and exchanging looks.
-Let's go with doubleslap again! - Kuukai called, the monkey was ready to start with his slaps again, approaching Dorinda.
-Flamethrower!
-Jump and use swift!- Before the flamethrower could approach too much the Aipom jumped high above the flames and from the air swiftly moved his tail launching various star projectiles against Dorinda –Keep it up!
-Use faint!- Hikari decided counterattack a physical attack with another so when the Aipom was going to hit with his tail Dorinda quickly avoided the attack, appearing behind him and giving it a good tackle.
-Time's up! - Mimian called out –The winner and finalist is… Hikari!
-Yes! That's how you do it, it was a good move that dig! - Hikari said as she petted Dorinda.
-Now we'll begin with the second battle of the semifinals before the exciting finals! - Mimian announced while Shinji and another boy where in the field, both looked very confident, but the confidence of the opponent broke down when both released their pokémon.
-Let's go Spearow!
-Luxio, standby!
Hikari curiously looked up the info of pokémon quickly "Spearow the tiny bird pokémon. It's small but sharp beak, just like its claws, help it catch prey easily. It is pidgey's and rattata's worst enemy and one shouldn't be fooled by its size, it has a very hostile and fierce. Its screech can be heard a kilometer ago and when it's in trouble it'll call the rest of the flock as support"
-Huh, well now he has type advantage but I don't know if it'll be so easy- Hikari said as she fixed her hair a little –We'll see what happens, though I do hope he advances- She added in a low voice and with a slight smile.
The boy frowned upon seeing his opponent –Spearow… we can't give up just because we have type disadvantage, let's show what you're made off with your drill peck! - The Spearow went full speed against Lux with his beak spinning like a drill.
-Thunderbolt! - Shinji said calmly.
-I don't think so, evade it with aerial ace! - The Spearow quickly did a pirouette in the air avoiding the electric attack and managing to land a good on Lux, who flinched and shook a bit.
-Thunderbolt again! - This time Lux released a strong current that caused a lot of damage on the poor Spearow who was still too close.
-Then…- The other trainer mumbled narrowing his eyes –Use mirror move!- The Spearow landed and extended his wings to look more intimidating, a small circular portal that reflected like a mirror formed in front of it and copied Lux's thunderbolt, releasing an electric charge against the shiny luxio herself, which took out some of Shinji's points.
-Come on Luxio bite!
-Fly!
The poor Spearow was not fast enough and Lux jumped over him like a total huntress biting one of his wings, the bird squeaked and tried to flap his wings but it was useless –Thunderbolt- Lux closed her eyes strongly at the moment of releasing a powerful attack. Once it was over, the bird pokémon was on the floor with spiral eyes, beak open and feathers in a grey-ish color with sparks jumping about.
-Spearow!
-Oh…- Mimian looked surprised, the battle didn't even last a minute! –Well… Spearow is unable to battle which means Shinji and Luxio go to the finals! - She announced happily thought with a sweatdrop. Lux started jumping happily; her first contest and she had reached the finals!
-Well, it seems like you've reached the finals- Hikari said when the boy appeared back in the coordinator's backroom, there were very few people left beside them being the two finalists, just other coordinators who were finishing picking up their stuff. Dorinda and Lux were out of their poké balls as there wouldn't be any problem between both.
-You thought I couldn't do it? - He asked.
She smiled playfully –I'm not saying that, is just that… if you were to win, what would YOU do with a ribbon? - She asked raising an eyebrow.
-I won't take it easy on you and if I win I'll just gift it to you- He commented nonchalantly.
She let out a light huff –Is that even allowed?
-I don't know.
-Hikari just stared at him for a moment without a word, then shook his head –Forget it, but I don't expect anything other than the best of you- She added.
-Hn, of course.
-And here we are at the finals of the Ecruteak city contest!- Mimian announced after the five minutes of resting –And the two finalists are though opponents… remember that the winner will obtain the beautiful Ecruteak Ribbon!- She reminded holding the ribbon, it was then that Hikari noted that she was seeing it for the first time. She was so into the whole "Shinji-participating-in-a-contest" that she hadn't paid attention to it before. The ribbon was purple with lavender details and a round golden medal –You have five minutes, the points are set and… Begin!
-Dorinda time for the finals!
-Luxio, show what you can do!- Both pokémon came out of their poké balls among sparks and embers and stared down at each other, the victory would be for one of them but there was no time to lose, the time was running! –Thunderbolt now!- A thunderbolt went straight for Dorinda as first movement and surprisingly it was a direct hit, the poor Ninetales had no time to evade whatsoever! Hikari seemed impressed –Shadow ball! - The boy continued.
-Use extrasensory! - The extrasensory stopped the shadow ball in the air and returned it straight towards Lux, lowering her points.
-Iron tail! - The Luxio's tail shone white and she ran up to Dorinda, cutting the shadow ball in her way and turning it to wisps of smoke.
-Evade it! - Dorinda managed to do a fast movement to the right avoiding the attack.
Hikari tried to maintain calmness at all times *Shinji has won his battles easily because of Lux's power, she's very skilled and fast, but he still doesn't take into account that much the point system. I won't let him defeat us and we'll win point by point* She smirked –Dorinda flamethrower and dig! - Being so close the flames surrounded Lux almost immediately and Dorinda took the chance to go underground.
-Luxio, jump to avoid her attack! - Lux was somewhat dizzy because of the fire and just shook and rolled around the field to put out the flames, then she felt a light tremor under her paws, she jumped to avoid but even so Dorinda managed to catch her with a direct hit of her body, Lux fell and growled at Dorinda. Hikari smiled proudly and Shinji looked impressed at the combo, having troubles for once –Use thunderbolt again! - He called.
Lux stood up angrily and shoot a powerful electric discharge towards Dorinda, but Hikari was ready to face it –Dorinda… will-o-wisp counter shield! - She ordered pointing to Lux. From each tip of her tails came out a small blue flame that together created fire rings surrounding Dorinda, the electricity stuck to the fire as well creating a beautiful effect around the Ninetales. The combined attack was tossed against Lux, hitting her with her own thunderbolt and burning her because of the will-o-wisp. Shinji's points were almost halfway while Hikari still had them almost complete, the time was still running.
-Shadow ball! - Shinji said again.
Hikari didn't even flinch –Feint attack!- Lux tossed another ghost-type sphere against her partner-turned-rival but she quickly evaded it disappearing from sight and in a blink she was behind the Luxio again hitting her with her beautiful tails and making her fall.
Lux shook growling and then let out a roar, suddenly, she started glowing white. Her body grew in size, the fur in her head and neck became fluffier, her paws got sturdier… when the brightness was over an intimidating yellow Luxray was in the stage, her red eyes stared challenging at the same-colored ones of Dorinda.
-Luxio…
-Lux…
-Evolved! - Both trainers said at the same time.
-Shinji's Luxio has evolved mid-battle… woah! That will take off a lot of point from Hikari!- Mimian exclaimed, half of Hikari's points went down almost instantly much to the girl's horror who only stared in disbelief, now both scores were equal and there was only one minute left.
-Dorinda we can't give up! Flamethrower!- She called quickly.
-Thunderbolt! - A powerful fire surge and a thunderbolt stronger than usual clashed in the center of the field, both attacks mixing and causing an explosion –Bite! - With her excellent eyesight Lux tried to find Dorinda but when she was about to attack she felt the effects of the burn from the previous will-o-wisp, the smoke cleared and her opponent was nowhere to be seen, then she attacked from underground once more –Spark!- He ordered as the opponent was still near.
-Feint attack now! - Hikari ordered, Dorinda disappeared and reappeared behind Luxray, landing a good hit with her back paws. Lux glared at her and jumped to bite but then…
-Tiiiime's up!- Everyone stared at Mimian and then turned to the screen –Wow… that was an incredible battle, very good participation both of you, but there can only be one winner and that is… Hikari and her Ninetales!
Hikari got super happy and ran up to Dorinda –We did it! We won Dorinda!- The golden Ninetales put her paws on Hikari's shoulders and the girl hugged her, Lux sat down and curled her tail around her paws, lowering her eyes and ears. She sighed, her first and maybe only contest and she had lost… but she had shown what she was capable of and even got to the finals –You did amazing Lux!- The pokémon looked up to see Hikari smiling, then felt a pat in her head and turned to Shinji.
-Luxray! - She exclaimed happily, with a jump she licked both trainer's cheeks, sure they complained but… it's the thought that counts.
-And now we hand the Ecruteak ribbon to Hikari!
-You gave a great battle in the finals, you know how to use your opponent's attacks in your favor and your combinations are very good, you really deserve this ribbon- Mr. Contesta said, giving her the ribbon.
-Thank you very much Hikari replied taking it and nodding. This time Dorinda had pinned on her neck fur an exact replica; Hikari took the real one and put it on the star in Lux's tail.
The pokémon stared at it and smiled lightly –Lux!
-Very well then it's decided- Hikari said.
It was nighttime and they were in the outside of the pokémon center with both teams out of their poké balls resting a bit trying not to sleep yet. Lux and Kaito in particular stood together near the trainers. The former happily resting between both and the latter just there somewhat distracted and confused as to why he was in that place –Lux, if you really like contests you can come with me- The coordinator said, Lux stared at her confusedly –You see, it seems like Kaito is only interested in battles- Upon hearing his name the Seadra turned to her immediately –So… Shin and I thought on trading, that way Kaito could participate in all the battles he wants and you could be in more contests with me if you want to.
Both pokémon looked at each other, Kaito agreed instantly and nodded with energy, he seemingly liked the idea of participating in battles and having Shinji as a trainer, but Lux seemed somewhat unsure –Luxray…
-That's why you have to think on it, if you really want to partake in contests- Hikari stopped as Lux nodded –Then, what's wrong?
-Lux…- The Luxray stood up and rubbed her face on Shinji's hand like the feline she was.
-Daawww- Hikari said tenderly –She got attached to you.
-Luxray- The boy said with a serious tone, the pokémon stared at him attentively –You're very strong to be honest, and today after evolving you even learned thunder… you know what? I hadn't noticed but until now, this was your first defeat, you're very skilled in battles but that doesn't mean you need to turn back from what you like- He sighed before continuing –Listen don't worry about me, you'll still be in the team, we're all a big team- He explained –Look at Bayleef and Torterra- Both pokémon stared at the scene curiously –Or Umbreon and that crazy Eevee- Evoli rested curled up to Noctail –They're from different trainers but they don't let that affect them.
Luxray stared at the ground while Hikari was captivated by the boy *Wow… Shinji is giving a little friendship speech? And flattering one of his pokémon at the same time? This is new* She thought with a small giggle –That's true Lux- She added –Whatever you choose it's fine, but choose what you like the most, I'll give you my full support- She said staring at the pokémon eyes, the rest of the pokémon gave their support as well in their own ways.
Lux seemed to ponder on it for a moment and finally extended her tail to place the ribbon in Hikari's hands, the girl sighed thinking that maybe she hadn't decided on contests after all, but then the Luxray placed her paw on top of it –Lux Luxray- She said happily with sparkly eyes.
Hikari then grinned –Lux! That's great it'll be amazing to have you in the team. And now… I think we should go back to the room, it's late guys, if you want to you can sleep outside of your poké balls with us today. Ro mumbled a "tor, torterra" that made Hikari laugh, as it sounded like a sarcastic "sure, whatever" and apparently that's what it was since the other pokémon also laughed, thought feeling a bit bad that he couldn't join them inside.