Welcome to chapter 38 and hope everyone is ready for this new one. Yeah sorry for taking a while I was doing all of my chapters at best while I was on vacation. It took a while since we traveled around a lot so I didn't have time to work on my chapters. Still, I did my best and hope everyone is ready for this chapter.

Last time we saw Ryan and Mia have a big battle that ended with only one getting the win. Now the next three battles will happen soon and hopefully everyone will like it. The next battles will contain OCs that people send me before and will appear for battle soon. So for those that send me their OCs before sorry I forgot who send who, but thanks guys so much for them they're awesome.

Now as explained before all battles will be three on three, until the finals when it will be six on six. With that said time for the disclaimer. I don't own anything from Pokémon just my OCs and thanks to those who send their OCs too. Also for those that don't know: theItalicor at times a flashback, will represent the Pokémon talking and Bold is for thoughts. Now let's begin with the chapter, enjoy.

Threats

Hotel (Normal pov)

Due to the long battle between Ryan and Mia, along with damages to the arena floor the next three battles would be postpone till tomorrow. So everyone used this chance to go over their strategies for the next day. Everyone was fine with it and it motivated most of the remaining trainers to try to outperform Ryan and Mia. This was also anticipated by the crowd who hope the next battles will be as good or better.

Ryan is with Rachel, Derek, Dawn, and Iris resting up while their friends are off getting ready for tomorrow. Rachel is resting on Ryan's lap after the long battle she had earlier. Derek sat in between Dawn and Iris as they eat their desert after eating their meal earlier. Johanna and Annabeth were with them earlier, but left to go see an old friend of theirs. They took Grace and Meloetta so they could show them around, but also to give them a chance to get some rest.

"So, you already have an idea of what Pokémon to use?" Ryan asked towards Derek.

Derek nods in response. "Pretty much chose the ones I think will help hold my own against Apollo's Pokémon. I'm betting though he probably won't use the dark Pokémon till he fights you."

"What makes you think that?" Dawn asked.

"If he shows that Pokémon early on it will cause trouble for him, especially if the people panic and if the police gets involved," Derek explained as he takes a sip of his drink. "He may not play by the rules, but that doesn't mean he isn't going to play by them until he fights us both and shows off his monster."

"But that doesn't mean he won't try using it against you," said Iris who was worried about her brother fighting Apollo.

"I know he won't because I'm not his focus. At least not his full focus," Derek turns towards Ryan and points at him. "He has more hate towards you than with me, especially how many times he has never defeated you."

Ryan knew that was true and recalls how many times they fought. How many times he lost, how many times he vowed to defeat him, and how many times he would even threaten to hurt his Pokémon. Rachel is one of them, especially when they first met. That's why he was worried about using her against him if they fight in the finals.

"Ryan, if you do make it…no when you do make it to the finals and you fight him you have to make sure not to hold back against him," said Derek with a serious expression. "You'll need to be careful, give it all you've got, and make sure Apollo does not get away with all he has done."

Ryan knew Derek is right and would need to give it all he has to beat Apollo, even if it means Rachel getting involved. He looks down and begins petting her head.

"Your right, I'll make sure when we fight in the finals that he won't get away with all he has done," said Ryan agreeing with what his friend said. "Just promise me you won't back down either and you'll give him everything you've got as well."

Derek nods in response. "You bet I will."

Dawn however was still worried and placed her hand on his. "Derek, just be careful please."

Derek knew she was worried for him and gave her a small kiss on the cheek. "Don't worry, I'll be fine. Both me and my Pokémon will kick his ass."

"Good, because I don't want to have to carry you back home and explain what happened," said Iris as she gives her brother a hug.

Ryan began laughing and noticed Rachel letting out a small yawn. "All right, I'm going to take Rachel up to get some sleep. Can one of you guys go get Grace and bring her back?"

"Sure, I'll go find her," said Dawn as she gets up from her seat and walks out with Ryan as he carries Rachel leaving the siblings together.

Iris turns to her brother who begins finishing up his meal. "So, you sure you will be okay tomorrow when you fight Apollo? I mean I know what you said makes sense, but do you really believe he won't try using that Pokémon of his?"

Derek turns to his sister and waits a moment before responding. "I know your worried and so is everyone else, but I know what I am doing. I wouldn't go along with this unless I knew I had a plan."

"Still, what if your plan backfires?" Iris asked unable to shake off her nervousness. "You remember what Ms. Cynthia told us about Apollo's Pokémon. If you're not careful it could really hurt you and your Pokémon. If that happens…"

Derek could see his sister is really worried about this and what will happen if anything does happen. He knows if he fights Apollo it is a big risk. The guy is unstable and if he is not careful he might actually use the dark Pokémon. Still, a part of him hopes he does use it so he can try finding a weakness to help Ryan take it down.

He doubts he will use it, but even if he doesn't then he won't try finding a weakness. That way Ryan can use it and help defeat him.

"Look, I promise if anything bad looks like is going to happen I will forfeit, okay?"

Iris stares at her brother shocked by what he said. "B-but you never gave up before or even forfeit a fight. You would do that now if things go bad?"

Derek nods in response. "If you guys are so worried something will happen to me and my Pokémon then I will do this for you. However, if he doesn't use that Pokémon then I will do what I need to do to make sure he doesn't win."

Iris couldn't help but smile and knew her brother would indeed go down fighting no matter what. "Thanks and I hope you kick his ass tomorrow."

Derek raises his glass. "You know it."

Meanwhile (Dawn's pov)

I found my mom with Ms. Annabeth taking care of Grace who is playing with Meloetta outside in the gardens. Thankfully it was isolated since we didn't want to risk anyone seeing Meloetta. If they did no doubt they would try capturing her even though Ryan already did, but it doesn't mean they won't hassle him. That's why I'm glad my mom and Ms. Annabeth are with them to keep them safe.

I walked over to where my mom is at, sitting on a bench watching Annabeth play with the girls. "Hey mom, how are things going here?"

Johanna turns towards her daughter and smiles. "Things are going good here. The girls are having so much fun and it's been a long time since Annabeth has had this much fun before Ryan grew up."

I turn towards the girls and Ms. Annabeth noticing how much fun she is having. She is playing with them like a mother would with her own child. I guess with Ryan no longer a little kid anymore that she doesn't get to have fun anymore with own child. Getting the chance to take care of Grace and Meloetta I bet brought back some good memories.

Looking over I noticed my mom had a sad expression on her face. I wondered why at first, but then realized that maybe like Ms. Annabeth she misses the old times when I used to play with her. I guess I can't blame her. We used to hang out together so many times, talked about everything, and even played games when I was little.

Now though we don't spend a lot of time together. We don't talk much since I am out traveling, whenever we do talk it's for a short while, and it takes me long to get back home but I don't stay long. I decided maybe now is a good time to talk to her. Maybe it can help her feel better and help take my mind off about tomorrow.

"Mom, can I ask you something?"

Johanna turns to her daughter and gives her a small smile. "Of course, what is it?"

I decided to ask her something that has been bothering me. "Mom, did dad ever do anything crazy or dangerous that made you worry for him?"

Johanna was surprised by the question asked by her daughter, but decided to answer her question anyways. "Your dad was adventurous, but was cautious as well so I didn't have to worry so much about him while he traveled. However, Annabeth was someone I worried the most about."

"Why?" I asked.

"Well, let's just say she was more adventurous, tends to get into trouble, and was always on the move," Johanna explained recalling all the times her friend has almost gotten into trouble during their travels together. "In fact she was a little like your friend Derek."

"Really?" I turn towards Ms. Annabeth and couldn't see the comparison. "So, did you ever try talking to her about that?"

Oh if only you knew, honey. Johanna mentally laughed before she replied to her daughter's question. "Let's just say talking to her didn't always work and it took a while before I could convince her to do anything. Even then that took a miracle to do."

I began giggling imagining how things must have been like with my mom traveling with Ms. Annabeth. It must have been something like my travels with Iris and how reckless she can be at times. Still, there were some good times that we had and it was a lot of fun traveling wherever we went. So, maybe mom had some good side in her travels too.

"Mom, despite how Ms. Annabeth was like before you two had a fun time with your travels, right?"

Johanna thought about all their past adventures and couldn't help but smile. "Yes, there were times when we had a lot of fun during our travels. At times she did make me worry, but she found ways to make me feel better and make any situation a good one."

"But what if the situation involves her getting hurt despite all you did to try helping her?" I asked hoping her answer would help me.

Johanna figures her daughter is worry about tomorrow involving Derek. So she decided to help her out and hope what she tells her will help.

"There have been many times when Annabeth almost got hurt. Each time I would try talking to her, but was stubborn and we would get into some arguments. However, once we talked she promised to be more careful and would not make me worry so much. Although there are times when she does get a little reckless from time to time."

Johanna turns towards her friend where she sees her lifting Grace up as the three of them began giggling. It made Johanna smile happily and is glad to see how her friend is having fun.

"I'm glad though she didn't change too much though since I knew I could trust her to be careful," she then turns towards her daughter. "If you are worried about someone then just trust that they will be okay and show your support towards them."

I nod in response feeling what she said helped a little. "Thanks mom and I appreciate your help."

Johanna nods and gives her daughter a kiss on the forehead. "Anytime, now why don't you go talk to Derek and I'll help Annabeth take the girls back to Ryan."

I nod in response and head off to find Derek hoping to talk to him. "I just hope he's free to talk to me."

As I waked inside I bumped into someone and fell on the floor. Looking up I gasped when I saw it was Apollo, who I could tell recognized me.

"Well, well if it isn't Derek and Ryan's weak little friend. Where are you going in such a hurry?" he asked with his cold dead eyes staring at her.

"J-just looking for my friend," I replied nervously as I got up from the floor and tried to leave. "So um I'll just go now."

As I tried to leave I felt his cold hands grab my arm. I tried to break free, but I felt his grip get tight and begins hurting me.

"S-stop it, it hurts!" I tried to call out for help, but he shoves me into the wall. It hurt a little, but he didn't seem to care.

He kneels down in front of her and begins speaking in a cold tone. "I want you to deliver your boyfriend a message for tomorrow. Tell him that tomorrow will be his end and I will make him pay for getting in my way. Oh and if decides to not show up, well…" he takes out his dark Pokéball. "I might have to have my pet feed on you and his sister."

He is insane. He's literally lost his mind and would actually do this. I wanted to scream for help, but I was afraid he would hurt me and anyone that tried helping me. He kept moving the Pokéball close as I felt a cold chill run up my spine as if the monster inside is ready to kill me.

"In fact, maybe I should feed you to it right now," said Apollo as he is about to summon his Pokémon, when he is hit by a Water Gun attack knocking him into the wall.

I looked over and see the attacker was Buizel with Derek nearby. I was so relieved to see him, but I couldn't still move because of what Apollo said.

Apollo recovered from the attack and glares at Derek. "That was a mistake."

"The only mistake you made was going near my girl," said Derek as he walks over and stands in front of Dawn to protect her. "I'm going to say this once, you go near her, my sister, or anyone I care about and I swear I will make sure you never harm another living soul ever again."

I managed to look up at Derek noticing how serious he is. I never saw this side of him before. It was both shocking and strange seeing this. Still, I felt the fear leave my body as I began moving back up.

Apollo didn't seem concerned about the threat and wanted to end this, but decided to wait till tomorrow. He puts his Pokéball away and begins laughing.

"Very well, but just know this. Tomorrow it will you whose end will come tomorrow," he begins walking away leaving the two trainers alone.

(Normal pov)

Once Apollo was gone Dawn wrapped her arms around Derek relieved that he came by to help her. "T-thanks. I was so worried that he was going to use that Pokémon of his to..."

Derek held her close and tries calming her down. "I know and I'm sorry for not getting here sooner. Amanda said she saw Apollo walking by the hotel lobby so I went to go keep an eye on him to make sure he doesn't hurt anyone," he then lets out a small sigh. "I wish I got here before he laid a finger on you."

She could tell he meant what he said and was so worried something was going to happen to her. He wanted to keep her safe and would do anything to protect her. It actually made her worry more now because if he did fight Apollo right now then he could have gotten hurt against the dark Pokémon. If that happened then she would blame herself for putting his safety at risk for hers.

Derek held Dawn close for a minute before breaking the hug. "Come on, let's go talk somewhere private," he took her up to her room where thankfully no one else is there.

Once inside he took her to the bed where he sat her down and went to grab one of the water bottles in the room. He handed one to her and sat down.

"What did he say before I got there? Did he threaten you or our friends?"

Dawn stares at Derek unsure if she should tell him, but perhaps he should know if Apollo does what he told her will happen. "H-he said that tomorrow he is going to make you pay for getting in his way and if you don't show up he'll feed his pet to…Iris and me."

Derek tried everything to keep his anger under control after what Dawn told him. Apollo not only threatened his girl, but he also threatened his sister. He knew he was doing this to get in his head, but damn it was working. Still, after seeing the concerned look on Dawn's face and knowing how much she needs him he decides to calm down.

He inhales and then exhales slowly as his anger began to subside a little. He takes ahold of her hand and tries smiling to reassure her.

"Well then, I better make sure I show up so that doesn't happen."

Dawn was glad to see he didn't get upset, but couldn't help but be worried about what Apollo said. "Why aren't you worry about tomorrow? Why aren't you concerned about what Apollo might do? What if he unleashes his dark Pokémon to attack you? I know you said he won't, but after what happened just now what if that changes and what if something bad happens?"

Derek could tell Dawn is really worried, especially after what happened with Apollo just now. After what happened he isn't sure if Apollo won't use the Pokémon on him tomorrow, but he knew he had to keep his confidence up and help keep Dawn calm so she will be okay.

"I guess the reason I'm not worried is because of our friends and you," he replied placing his hand on the side of her face. "You all believe in me so much that it keeps me calmed and gives me so much confidence that I will get through whatever he throws at me. So I will face him tomorrow, I will fight him, and I'll make sure he doesn't go near you, Iris, or our friends again."

Dawn's mood changed with what Derek said and wraps her arms around him for a hug. "Just promise me you'll be careful."

Derek returns the hug and nods in response. "I promise."

Moments later they break the hug and stare at each other for a minute before they lean forward. Their lips embraced in a passionate kiss as the two stayed this way for what felt like forever.

Meanwhile (Ryan's pov)

I stood outside on the balcony looking out at the full moon enjoying how good the night feels. I looked down to see Mia helping Amanda, while Amy looked on from the sideline. It made me happy to see that Mia didn't leave and is still around helping our friend get ready for tomorrow. She'll need it when she goes up against Sora. He's a strong trainer and won't go down so easily so Amanda will need all the help she can get to be ready for him.

Looking back into the bedroom I see Rachel sleeping in the bed with Grace and Meloetta. Mom brought her by earlier to drop her off after Grace passed out from exhaustion. I'm so glad mom came by to help us so we can get some time to focus on our battles. It also gave me some time to spend time with Rachel since we never get much time together like we did before.

I honestly never thought when I first wanted to become a Pokémon trainer that my life would turn out the way it has now. First I became a trainer, met Rachel, go on a three year journey together, meet new friends, have many great battles, gain dangerous rivals, fall in love, and now end up with the fate of the world in my hand.

Putting my hands in my pocket I pulled out a white Pokéball that was given to me by Ms. Cynthia that contains the light Pokémon, Luminance. The very Pokémon that I am expected to use to fight against Apollo's monster and defeat to save the world. This was something I never thought I would have to do and was unsure I would be able to accomplish. I mean I have helped fight against evil organizations that wanted to hurt others, but never something like this.

I have my friends helping me, but will it be enough? "Will it be enough to save everyone?"

"You all right?" I put my Pokéball away and see my mom coming out to the balcony. "You looked worried. Is something wrong?"

"N-no, no everything is fine," I replied nervously. "I'm just tired after what happened today and looking forward to then next three battles."

"Oh okay," Annabeth walked over and joined her son standing next to him. "It has been so many years since I've been to the Sinnoh League. It feels almost yesterday that I competed here against your father."

That caught my attention and got me surprised. "W-wait what? You fought dad?"

Annabeth giggled and nods in response. "This was when I was around your age that we first battled. I was so pumped up and was ready for the battle while your father told me he was a nervous wreck."

"Dad? A nervous wreck? No way," I replied not believing that dad was like that.

"It's true, especially how back then he had a crush on me," Annabeth began giggling again recalling the times she used to tease him. "I knew back then he liked me, but I wasn't there yet so I used to play around with him just to get a reaction. After a while though I began returning my feelings back towards him and I helped him toughen up so he could fight me properly without worrying about me getting mad if I lost."

"And did he beat you?" I asked curious about what happened.

"Once, but only after I told him if he defeated me I would go out on a date with him," she recalled how confident her husband looked when he fought her and how he didn't give up until he won. "You know, you reminded me a lot of your father when you battled out there today. You have his heart, courage, and spirit of never giving up no matter what."

"You think so?" I asked surprised that I reminded mom a lot of dad, which is something I never thought of before. "Do you think if dad was here he would be proud of me?"

Annabeth faces her son and placed her hand on his shoulder. "He will always be proud of you. Even if he's not here with us I have no doubt he is proud of how far you have come and will always believe in you."

"Even if the world is at stake? You know just as an example," I replied trying not to reveal to mom what is going on.

Annabeth figured her son is using this as an example and replies his question. "Your dad felt the same way when we used to fight against many dangerous criminal organizations and despite all we went through he never gave up. He kept on believing and believed we would succeed. I know your dad would always believe in you even if you are fighting to save the world. I know because if you did save the world then I would be so proud of you like he would as well."

That lifted my spirit after hearing that both my parents would believe and be proud of me even if the world is on the line. I wrapped my arms around my mom's waist and gave her a hug.

"Thanks mom, you are the best."

Annabeth returned the hug and held her son close. "Your welcome and I'm happy to have been able to help.

That's the end of the chapter and sorry for taking so long guys to update this. Been busy with my other stories and been traveling for the last two weeks to go to Canada. I am free now so I'll try to get some stuff ready before returning to school. So please be patient guys and wait till next time to see what happens.

We will see if Derek has enough to take on Apollo before he tries hurting Dawn and Iris. Will Ryan be ready to help save the world when he or if he goes up against Apollo? How will the next three battles go before we get to the semi-finals? And who will survive?

Find out next time to see what happens and thanks to my friend for his help I appreciate it. If you all like how this went then please leave some reviews to let me know what you thought about this. If you didn't like then don't leave a flame review please. I am off now take care guys, be safe, and see you all next time.

PS. I have a Tumblr account where you can find it on my profile and to let you all know how things are going for my upcoming chapters. Take care guys and see you all next time.