Alright, time for the beginning of the finals. Things are about to get crazy! Thank you all for the questions, but now it's time to see what the contestants are going to have to do this time!
By the way, the final is getting split into two or three parts, just an FYI.
IN ADDITION: There is an important announcement at the end of the chapter. Please read it.
000
After everyone was rested, the final three contestants simply say by themselves, waiting for Mew to come along. Hypno was off in a corner, looking almost bored as he kept glancing at a clock. Wooper and Gardevoir sat by side. Gardevoir was still reading her psychology magazine. When Wooper asked her why, she just shook her head and said not to worry about it.
Wooper himself just kept casting glares at Hypno. Hypno tried to ignore it but once in a while their eyes would meet. Hypno would just roll his eyes. Apparently the mud fish held a grudge. How annoying.
Wooper just slapped his tail against the seat.
000
"So...this is the final three," said Wooper, looking down. "Well, I'm happy to be here but...I just...it doesn't feel as good as I thought, you know? I mean...I got dumped, my friends went home, and in order to get here I had to sacrifice my best buddy...I don't know how Piloswine managed to do it back in season one."
Wooper looked up though, shaking his head. "Not that I won't try, of course! I plan to be a strong competitor until the very end! After all, I have friends to avenge! Hypno's going down! I'm going to beat him, and then I'm going to win the whole darn thing!"
"Team Vent lives on! I'll make all of them proud!"
000
"Final three...well, Cacturne, I officially beat your high score," said Gardevoir, frowning at the camera nervously. "But this season doesn't feel nearly as pleasant."
She stood up, looking almost indignant. "I actually like singing! And dancing! But I didn't get to enjoy this season at all! One minute it was Cacturne and I getting separated, the next I got dumped, Mismagius and I fell out, and on top of that I had to deal with HYPNO! This could've been the greatest season ever and I feel like I got cheated out of a fun time!"
Gardevoir took a deep breath and let it out. "Anyways, I suppose I'll have to focus on winning the final. Banette mentioned brackets, so I suppose it's almost a tournament. But why would Banette be involved with a tournament for the finalists? It doesn't make sense! But I suppose Mew will explain it soon enough."
"I'll defeat Hypno soon enough. I'm more scared of Mismagius and...him. I've got more people to confront than just a big nosed yellow jerk."
"Thanks for helping me get this far, guys," said Gardevoir. "I'll try to win for all of you."
000
Hypno smirked at the screen. "I have no speech planned. I don't plan on thanking anyone. It was thanks to my own devices and pure genius that got me to this point in the game. Alliances? Ties of friendship? Please- all that does is put a target on your back and weaken you when those people are out of the game and your life. Take a note of my example, viewers- this is how you win."
He folded his arms, nodding confidently. "No matter what challenge comes next, all I have to do is beat Gardevoir and Wooper. Gardevoir has proven to be a fairly tricky competitor but I'll definitely be able to best her in the final. She won't catch me off guard again. Take her down? Wooper will be a cakewalk."
"I'll be the winner. Mismagius, thank you for breaking your alliance. Weavile, you were a lovely stepping stone. And Alakazam? I'm the winner you could never be."
He leaned back and let out a loud, mocking laugh.
000
"Attention campers!"
The three Pokemon looked over to see Mew floating through the doors of the Pokemon League, grinning wide. "So, I hope you're well rested and ready to fight for your spot at the top! The Pokemon League is a fitting place for a final showdown, don't you think?"
"Just get on with it," snapped Hypno. "I want my money."
"Patience, powdered nose. I have to explain the competition because this is going to be a bit complex. Now, I assumed Gardevoir and Wooper remember what happened last season in the final."
"Gloom and Piloswine duked it out!" said Wooper. "Gloom won, so he won the prize!"
"Correct-a-mundo!" said Mew, laughing. "So, I figured that a challenge like that is WAY TOO EASY. So this time, it's gonna be harder."
"Well of course it is, there are three of us," pointed out Hypno.
"Not what I mean, Hypno. Instead of fighting each other, you'll each have to get through the Pokemon League!"
"Wait...so we're going to be fighting through OTHER Pokemon to get into the finals?" asked Gardevoir. "That doesn't make sense- why would you set us all up in the Pokemon League together- two finalists could gang up on one."
Mew smirked. "I never said you were together. There are many different Pokemon Leagues across the regions. For example, one Pokemon League is in Kanto, one is in Sinnoh- and they both have different types of Pokemon used, right?"
"Right...," said Gardevoir, confused as to where Mew was going with this.
Mew laughed. "So, you'll each have a different Pokemon League! You'll have to fight through an Elite Four to get to the Champion! If you can't make it through the Elite Four, you're out of the running! The Champion will be a different challenge that I'll explain to whoever gets there. Any questions?"
Silence. Gardevoir couldn't believe it. They each had to fight through four different Pokemon to qualify for the finals.
"Alright then- so there'll be a Kanto League, a Johto League, and Hoenn League- one for each of your respective regions."
Hypno suddenly stopped and laughed. "Oh well, you might as well give me the prize now. You know how we Psychics are in the Kanto region. Nothing stands in our way!"
"Yeah, I know, you're absolutely right!" agreed Mew, laughing. "Which is why you won't be doing the Kanto League!"
Hypno froze. "What?"
"Yeah, in case you all studied up the Pokemon Leagues and trained for this, I'm mixing it up!" said Mew cheerfully. "I'm swapping all of the Pokemon Leagues so no finalist has the League from their own region! So, Wooper gets the Kanto League, Gardevoir gets the Johto League, and Hypno gets the Hoenn League!"
Hypno looked mortified. "WHAT?"
"So, without further ado, let me hand out your brackets!" said Mew. Gardevoir nodded in understanding. That's what Banette meant...but...wait a minute.
"One question before you do...who are the Pokemon we're fighting?" asked Gardevoir.
Mew grinned. "Why, the other competitors of course!"
000
Gardevoir blanched. "Oh god."
000
Wooper gulped.
000
Hypno let out a loud bleep.
000
Mew smiled "Now then, here are the brackets!"
He handed each contestant a card.
Wooper - Kanto - Ice, Fighting, Ghost, Dragon, Champion
Gardevoir - Johto - Psychic, Poison, Fighting, Dark, Champion
Hypno - Hoenn - Dark, Ghost, Ice, Dragon, Champion
Everyone stared at their cards, studying them intently. Wooper had no idea what to think, but his bracket seemed to be one of the least threatening...but then again, he didn't even know what to expect.
Gardevoir looked at hers carefully- Psychic would be strange, but she could get through the Poison and Fighting rooms. Dark would be a doozy though.
Hypno was livid. Dark first, and then Ghost? Two weaknesses, straight in a row! But Ice and Dragon couldn't be too bad. If he could make it past the first rooms, he'd be fine. Still, that was a pretty big if. He raised his hand.
"How do you expect us to fight FOUR consecutive battles without losing?"
Mew shook his head. "Uh, truthfully? I don't. Not to worry. Unlike the ACTUAL League, you'll be able to rest after each room. I've assigned you each a Pokemon to be your "healer" if you will. Before and after each room, they can heal you up to prep you for the fight. Healers! Come on in!"
Three Pokemon entered the room behind Mew- Piloswine, Froslass, and Lopunny. Wooper jumped up and down, and Gardevoir smiled. Hypno rolled his eyes. Of course.
"There was no one else that would take him," whispered Wooper to Gardevoir. The tall dancer let out a giggle.
"Now that you've gotten your healers, it's time to finally begin!" shouted Mew.
000
"It feels good to actually be doing something useful!" said Piloswine, nodding his shaggy head. "I'm glad we got a chance to help out our friends! And it's nice to be back on the big screen! Also, Wooper lucked out- I think that he's only got one or two tough rooms. In my opinion, he got the easiest bracket."
000
Lopunny smirked. "Now that Weavile's stuck in a room waiting for a challenger, I can have Hypno all to myself."
000
Each contestant was led to a separate starting room. Wooper was chatting animatedly with Piloswine, while Hypno just confidently strode ahead, Lopunny trailing after him obediently. Gardevoir watched them go, silently wishing Wooper good luck.
"You seem lost in thought," said Froslass.
"I'm just a bit annoyed that I don't get Hypno to beat up on my own," said Gardevoir, smiling back weakly. She nodded to Froslass and started walking, with Froslass floating along with her.
"You've done well, you know," said Froslass. "You were a great leader."
"That's nice of you to say, but I know a far better one," said Gardevoir, frowning.
"I don't know much about Cacturne at all...but I'm sure you two will work things out once this over...for better or for worse," said Froslass.
"We'll see...how are you and Gengar doing?" asked Gardevoir, smiling.
Froslass lit up. "Oh, it's going great! He's actually much more lively when the competition isn't going on. He knows how to skateboard and he has a scooter, and he picked me up and we went on a lovely date. I have never had a hamburger before! It was delicious!"
Gardevoir laughed. "You've got a world to explore, Froslass- Gengar will be the perfect guide."
They soon arrived at the door.
"Do you know who's inside?" asked Gardevoir.
Froslass shook her head. "I only know what types you're going against. Psychic, right?"
"Yeah...so I've either got Alakazam or Bronzong..."
"Got a plan?"
"No...I'll just have to wing it..."
"Which one would you rather fight?" asked Froslass curiously.
"...I honestly can't say- they're both going to be incredibly difficult to deal with," admitted Gardevoir. She opened the door.
"Wish me luck!"
000
Wooper hopped into his room, looking around wildly. He had been enjoying his time catching up with Piloswine, but now was the time to focus. He frowned in thought. The room was half frozen, but there was also a lot of water.
"I thought I had the Ice room first," he mused, hopping anxiously. He took a few steps forward before he heard a low noise. He looked forward and saw the water bubbling.
"What's...what's going on?" asked Wooper, backing away. A large shadow appeared in the water as it bubbled more, and all of a sudden, a large blue head breached the surface. Lapras emerged from the waves before flopping onto the land.
"Welcome, Wooper!" she announced. "I will be your first opponent!"
"Lapras? You? Can't you just let me go past?" asked Wooper. "Don't you want me to win?"
"Unfortunately, I cannot- Mew won't allow that to happen, so if we let you pass, you're disqualified," said Lapras. "Are you ready?"
Wooper gulped. "I...I guess so?"
Lapras charged up a large ball in her mouth before shooting a large, frigid beam at Wooper. Wooper gulped and rolled out of the way. Lapras soon fired another blast, which Wooper rolled away from wildly.
"Alright then! I'll take you on, Lapras!" said Wooper, grinning as he charged forward. Wooper leaped into the air and spun like a torpedo before his skull collided with Lapras's neck. Lapras was knocked back slightly, before swinging her head and hitting Wooper away. As he soared away in the air, she charged up a blue wave of energy and sent it soaring towards him. Wooper gulped as the dragon pulse struck him midair and sent him crumpling to the ground.
Lapras gave a dry smile. "It won't be that easy, I assure you."
Wooper got to his feet and slapped his tail. "That's fine by me! I'll show you just how tough I am!"
000
Hypno stood in front of his door, frowning. He had no idea who would lie ahead. There were many Dark types within this vicious game...and none of them were appealing.
"Any plans?" asked Lopunny.
"Shut up, I'm thinking," sneered Hypno.
Lopunny frowned. "Look, I'm here to help you- you don't have to be rude."
"I don't NEED help!" snapped Hypno. Lopunny scowled and walked away. Hypno turned to face the door once more.
"Please be Weavile," muttered Hypno under his breath. He had broken her once, he could do it again. The alternatives were NOT pleasant to think about. Honchkrow was a dark black bird who could fly out of reach...and she never gave up- that wasn't thrilling. Houndoom was a nasty brute who would definitely fight hard. And of course, there was the wild card. Hypno had never seen Cacturne in action, but he knew that Cacturne was NOT a person he wanted to cross.
"Please be Weavile, don't be Cacturne, please be Weavile, and DON'T be Cacturne," he kept muttering as he opened the door and stepped inside.
He was greeted by a dark room and a rush of heat. As he stepped inside, the door closed behind him. He cursed under his breath. If it was hot, it wasn't Weavile. He could barely see anything.
Suddenly, flames shot out of the ground in the corners of the room, lighting up the entire floor. And there, ahead of Hypno, was a certain black and red dog, glaring at him.
"I'm gonna be your first opponent," growled Houndoom, snorting with jets of flame sparking at his nostrils. "Are you ready?"
Hypno frowned. Not Weavile, but not Cacturne. He had dodged one bullet, at least. "I suppose so."
Houndoom growled before shooting a large blast of fire at Hypno. Hypno's eyes widened as he moved to avoid it, hissing under his breath- a tiny bit singed his shoulder.
"I was glad you got put in my path," growled Houndoom, eyes glowing angrily. "I've been wanting a crack at you for a LOOOONG time."
"He's immune to Psychic moves," grumbled Hypno. "No hypnosis this time...you'll just have to show him that typing alone won't be enough."
Hypno charged up a shadowy blast and threw it at Houndoom. Houndoom yelped as it hit him, but the damage wasn't severe. He grinned at Hypno as he pounced forward.
"Is that the best you've got?"
Hypno doubled back and smirked as he stepped out of Houndoom's way again.
"I have a lot more than just that- as you'll see in time."
000
Gardevoir frowned as she stared at her opponent. "You weren't the one I was expecting, to be honest."
Bronzong sighed in the middle of the pink room filled with various, strangely shaped metal objects, getting off of the wall he was leaning against. "I wasn't supposed to be the original one in here, but since Alakazam was promoted to help Mew set things up, he called the shots and switched me in."
Gardevoir sighed. "I'm sorry about that then. Are you just going to let me by?"
"Hardly," snapped Bronzong. "If I let you through, you get disqualified. While I'd be okay with that, I'd hate to see Hypno win after you getting this far. Watching you jump through hoops as you make him sweat is actually rather entertaining from the other side of the screen. So...are you ready?"
Gardevoir stared forward before smiling. "You're a good friend, Bronzong...I'll try not to hurt you too badly."
Bronzong laughed coldly. "Shut up and fight."
Bronzong immediately set up a large barrier in front of him. Gardevoir charged a psychic blast and sent it flying at him. While it managed to get through the barrier, the effect seemed diminished. Bronzong didn't even wince. Gardevoir frowned.
"Light Screen...so he's a tactician, too."
Bronzong picked up a large metal ball in the corner with his mind and hurled it at her. She managed to redirect it, but he threw another and she had to dance out of the way to avoid the hit.
"Come on, I don't have all day and neither do you!" snapped Bronzong, throwing more attacks her way. Gardevoir stopped a large cube from hitting her and hurled it back. Bronzong groaned before barely floating out of the way. Gardevoir watched him carefully.
"Strong and sturdy, but not very fast at all...," she commented to herself. She charged up two dark balls of energy with her hands and flung them at him. Bronzong managed to avoid one but the other hit him dead on. He groaned loudly and slumped for a moment, but shook himself off. Surrounding himself with silver energy, he launched himself at Gardevoir. Gardevoir stared in surprise, but easily avoided the hit. Bronzong turned and scowled at her.
"You'll have to be faster if you want to hit me!" said Gardevoir triumphantly.
Bronzong stared for a moment before laughing darkly. "Alright...if you insist!"
Bronzong began to charge energy, smirking all the while as he did so. Gardevoir was about to run forward before the entire room started to dissolve and twist around. She felt strange...it was almost as if reality had become warped.
"Wh-what is this?" stammered Gardevoir. She tried to move backwards, but her body didn't feel nearly as quick to respond as she was used to.
"Trick Room," explained Bronzong. "Fast is now slow, and slow is now fast. In my twisted little game, you've lost all of that speed you once had. As for me..."
Bronzong charged himself up again and shot himself at Gardevoir. This time, he moved extremely quickly and rammed her hard. Gardevoir gasped in pain and staggered backwards, hitting a wall. Struggling to move, Bronzong quickly picked up an iron ball and threw it at her. Gardevoir managed to stop it with telekinesis- thankfully, her mind was fine.
"You're clever, but I'm smarter- that's a fact," said Bronzong, sneering. "Let's see how well you can dance when you're the slow one!"
Bronzong began to send out bright silver beams towards Gardevoir, who struggled to avoid them. Each flash cannon came harder than the last and Gardevoir was scrambling to get away. She frowned, biting her lip as she shifted the blast back to him. Bronzong gulped and easily dodged it, glaring at her.
"Is this it?"
"Not even close!" shouted Gardevoir, twisting around and sending a thunderbolt back at Bronzong. His lazy eyes widened as the attack struck him and he let out a gasp of pain. He hadn't been expecting an electric attack. Scowling, he lifted a large object with his mind and threw it on Gardevoir. She leaped out of the way, but her dress got caught under the metal cylinder. She struggled to move. Bronzong floated forward, smug. The twisted dimensions finally dissipated.
"If you can't even take me, you're no match for Hypno."
Gardevoir glared at her dress, but in her mind, she was calculating. The dimensions were gone.
"Sad. I was expecting you to be better," drawled Bronzong.
Gardevoir glared at him before ripping her dress to break free of the grip she was caught in. Scoffing, she hurled the item back at Bronzong, who didn't move in time to dodge it. Bronzong was knocked back, but he wasn't out yet.
Gardevoir focused her power and launched a thunderbolt down on the ground, sending sparks flying everywhere. Bronzong just stared, dumbfounded.
"You missed."
"Did I?" asked Gardevoir, leaning down on the ground to pick something up. Bronzong stared- the old bit of her dress that had been torn off was now in Gardevoir's hands. And more importantly, the sparks from her lightning strike had ignited the paper like material- Gardevoir walked forward with the fiery scrap in her hand.
Bronzong backed away, nervous now. "Keep that away from me."
Gardevoir smirked and ran forward, while Bronzong moved away as quickly as he could until he was flat against a wall. Gardevoir got even closer before swinging her arm in a wide arc. Bronzong turned away.
CLANG!
Bronzong opened his eyes as all of the metal objects in the room slammed into him- it didn't hurt much due to his metallic skin, but he still let out a low yelp of pain. He groaned, struggling to move and retaliate, but he couldn't. Gardevoir had nailed him to the wall. As he glared down, she smiled.
"Can't move, can you?"
"No, I can't," he said shortly.
"Do you surrender? Do I win?"
Bronzong growled under his breath. "Yeah, yeah, you win. Now let me down!"
Gardevoir obliged and released him. Bronzong held up a card and tossed it to her. Gardevoir caught it, looking curious.
"Swipe that card when you arrive at the next room, and you can go in," drawled Bronzong. "Good work. Now go on and take down your next opponent. I'm going to the Pokemon Center."
Gardevoir gave a pleasant wave and smiled as she slowly limped towards the door. "Bye Bronzong!"
"Whatever."
000
"That first fight...was a doozy...," said Gardevoir. "Froslass fixed me up, but my heart is still pounding."
000
Hypno laughed as he shifted around the battlefield, avoiding Houndoom's blasts while firing back his own shots. Houndoom snarled and kept chasing him. Hypno tried to look confident, but he needed a plan- Houndoom just needed to land a good hit on him and it was all over.
On the other hand, he knew that Houndoom was all bite and no defense. It would take a solid hit for either one to go down.
Hypno suddenly stopped and turned, charging his energy. Houndoom stopped and glared in confusion, cocking his head to one side. What was he up to?
"I won't let you win that easily!" snarled Houndoom, howling as he launched a Dark Pulse to Hypno. Hypno gulped and dodged before throwing a large brown wave towards him. Houndoom ducked as the focused blast of energy flew over his head. Houndoom groaned. A fighting move, eh? That was obnoxious. But Houndoom was thinking now- he had only used special moves...Hypno didn't seem to be a melee fighter.
"Alright, time to get up close and PERSONAL!" snarled Houndoom, leaping for Hypno, fangs on display. Hypno hissed and rolled away, dusting himself off as he got up.
"That was too close," he murmured, before turning. Holding a hand behind his back, he got ready as Houndoom came at him again. As Houndoom pounced, his fangs glowing with flames, Hypno swung forward. Houndoom's eyes bulged out of his head as the punch connected to his stomach. He felt suddenly exhausted and he crumpled to the floor. Hypno, on the other hand, looked perfectly refreshed.
"What...did you do?" gasped Houndoom.
"Drain Punch is a lovely move when I'm in a pinch," said Hypno, snickering. Houndoom groaned, pulling out a key before dropping it in front of Hypno. The poor dog then fainted. Hypno grabbed the card key triumphantly, laughing loudly.
"One room down."
000
"That big nosed creep totally played me!" snapped Houndoom, shaking his head. "He's a clever little shit, I'll give him that- Alakazam was right to be on his case the whole time."
000
"I wonder how far the others have gotten," said Gardevoir quietly.
000
"All healed up!" declared Froslass. Gardevoir stretched. She felt as good as new!
"Good job," she commented. "Glad I got you as my healer."
Froslass gave a shy smile. "Th-thanks, but it was originally going to Banette...but he got swapped in at the last second."
"Right, you mentioned that...so...he's got to be in either Wooper or Hypno's run."
"I hope Wooper doesn't get him," said Froslass.
"I hope Hypno does," scoffed Gardevoir. She headed towards the next door, which was tall and purple.
"Poison next, huh? So I could get Bellsprout, Golbat, or Venonat," said Gardevoir, thinking aloud.
"Crobat," corrected Froslass. "He's evolved. And don't forget Gengar."
"Oh right, Gengar...," muttered Gardevoir, looking at the door apprehensively. "And Crobat's evolved? What's he like now?"
"Still a bit jittery but...a lot more confident," admitted Froslass. "I think he's accepted his curse and it's made him stronger."
"That doesn't sound fun," said Gardevoir. "So Gengar is a wild card, Crobat is troublesome, Venonat is mystery, and Bellsprout is a wimp turned borderline psychotic when he's mad."
"Don't worry, you won't have to fight Bellsprout, he's still running things on the outside I believe," said Froslass.
"Well, time to find out," said Gardevoir, swiping her card and stepping inside.
000
Wooper kept dodging Lapras's long ranged attacks before scampering up and head butting her again and again. Lapras growled before slapping him away with a large fin.
"If I can't beat you on land, than come in the water!" said Lapras, turning away and diving into the large lake that consisted of half the battlefield. She soon submerged underwater, and Wooper frowned. That didn't look too safe. But he had to try. Wooper dashed towards the water and looked down. He couldn't see anything.
Deep below, Lapras eyed him, carefully watching his movements. Smiling to herself, she took her chance and suddenly the water began to shake. Lapras charged forward and a massive tidal wave formed in the pool. Lapras surfed on the wave, which was headed straight towards Wooper.
"Better run fast, Wooper!" she shouted. Wooper stood still. Lapras didn't know if he was in shock or not. The large wave crashed and Lapras slid across the ice. She glanced back, wondering where Wooper went off to. Her eyes soon widened in shock. Wooper was standing there, smiling happily as usual, in the exact same place.
"How?" asked Lapras, shaking her head. "How did you manage to survive the hit?"
Wooper chuckled loudly. "Uh, duh? I have Water Absorb!"
Lapras stared, dumbfounded, before shaking her head in annoyance. SHE had Water Absorb! How could she have forgotten that other Pokemon could have it. Wooper grinned and charged towards her before leaping in the air. He slammed on the ground in front of Lapras.
A large shockwave rippled across the ice field as the ground quivered and shook. Lapras struggled to remain upright but the ground breaking up caused her to stumble and stagger about as she tried to keep her footing. Wooper grinned and launched himself forward, spinning in a rapid spiral as he landed a decisive headbutt to her skull. Lapras teetered before slumping on the ground. Wooper landed on his butt beside her.
"Did...I hurt you?" asked Wooper.
Lapras opened one eye. "Only a little. Congratulations, Wooper. I can't move, so you may pass. The key is tucked in my shell."
Wooper hopped forward and picked out the card with his mouth. "Mmph! Bye Laprath!"
Wooper ran off, swimming through the water before hopping out on the other side. Piloswine was waiting for him.
"You. Did. AWESOME!" shouted Piloswine. Wooper held his key triumphantly, as Piloswine began to see to him.
"So you're next room is Fighting, right?" asked Piloswine.
"Yeah...me and Gardevoir both got those!" said Wooper, staring at the card.
"There are only two fighting types in this entire competition," warned Piloswine. "It's a flip of a coin. You could either get Hitmonlee, or you could get..."
"Primeape," gulped Wooper. The thought of the enraged pig monkey being in the next room terrified him. "That's...not a pleasant thought. Do you think I'm going to get her?"
"I think you'll get lucky," said Piloswine cheerfully.
"I'm not sure...," said Wooper, frowning as he stared at the door in apprehension.
DING!
Piloswine and Wooper looked up as Mew grinned.
"Sing a short song- we need one each episode!"
((Author's Note: Yeah, Mew's a jerk. I considered not doing a song this chapter, but each chapter that wasn't Hitmonlee infested demands a song, so have a short song of Piloswine singing with Wooper. It's mainly Piloswine, so if the words appear in parenthesis, it's Wooper. Cheerful, motivating, it's called "You Can Do It!"))
Piloswine: Don't be scared! Don't you frown!
You're the greatest champ in town!
No pig monkey's gonna get your goat!
Wooper: Are you sure?
Piloswine: Take that victory...and grab it by the throat!
Wooper: Throat, what?
Piloswine: Come on, Wooper, don't you fret!
You're not out of this competition yet! (Not yet anyway!)
So put on a big grin!
And get ready to win!
You might be scared as heck but you can do it!
Wooper: You really think so?
Piloswine: Who cares about your lack of arms? (I DON'T HAVE ARMS? Oh...right!)
They won't save you from Primeape's harm! (Piloswine, stop!)
But you're really tough man!
Even though she's real rough, damn! (You're not helping!)
Even if you're put in a cast, you can totally do it!
Wooper: I don't want to be in cast again!
Piloswine: GRAND FINALE!
Sure, yeah you're small and blue and scared! (PILOSWINE, COME ON MAN!)
And you might be handily impaired! (ENOUGH WITH THE ARMS, DUDE, SERIOUSLY!)
But you've got a duty!
To kick Hypno's booty!
Don't let Primeape stop you!
Don't let anyone stop you!
Get onto the end because you can do it!
...unless you fight Primeape.
Wooper: What?
Piloswine: Nothing!
Piloswine grinned at his friend. "There...now take that speech to heart! No matter who you fight, you'll be fine!"
000
Piloswine shook his head. "He's a dead man."
000
Wooper stared. "Piloswine, you're a rotten liar."
000
Hypno glanced around, impatiently. "Lopunny? LOPUNNY! Where are you?"
His so called attendant was not there to help him. Tapping his foot, he waited for a minute but she still didn't show up.
"Whatever, I don't need that Jessica Rabbit anyways," he muttered. "That Drain Punch was sufficient for healing me. I'll simply have to best the next opponent without taking a scratch."
He walked up to the large door, which was black and purple and had a scary face on it. "Ghost. So I'll be dealing with Mismagius, Gengar, or Froslass- hopefully the last one, I feel she'll be the easiest to fight."
Hypno opened the door and stepped inside. The room was dark and foggy, filled with eerie smoke. Sounds of laughter were heard, and Hypno heard a strange noise in the background...a music box? The creepy tune continued as Hypno moved further into the room.
"Hello? Who's my enemy this time?" asked Hypno.
A familiar voice answered.
"I suppose it's me."
Red eyes glowed in the darkness. A large golden smile appeared in the mist. Hypno's eyes widened as he stepped backwards in both shock and horror.
"You!"
000
Gardevoir moved inside of her room, which was dense and filled with fog. The trees were dead and there were many exotic plants. It looked like a weird swamp. She slowly moved inside, listening with her senses. She could sense a presence watching her every move. As she stepped in closer, a branch cracked.
Gardevoir looked around wildly for a moment. She heard something...something like wind. She looked left, right, behind her...where was it coming from?
At the last moment she looked up. Her eyes widened in a panic as a large purple bat swooped in. Gardevoir managed to avoid the blow. Crobat pulled out of the dive, grinning down at her.
"Hey there, Gardevoir! Long time no see!"
"Crobat...I'm surprised you pulled out of that landing...you know...with your curse," said Gardevoir, nodding.
"Nah, my curse doesn't hurt as much, but the branch I was hanging on DID break- still, that's better than a tree falling on me!" said Crobat cheerfully.
"So I assume you hold the second key?" asked Gardevoir.
Crobat nodded. "Yep! Get past me, get the key. But I'm not the weak old bat I used to be. I've been working out with Honchkrow! Let's see how you handle my new moves."
Gardevoir smirked. "Bring it on."
Crobat immediately disappeared, only to reappear a few feet from Gardevoir's face. Flapping quickly he quickly dashed past her, hitting her with his wing. Crobat grinned as he pulled off into the air again. His new aerial ace technique never failed. Gardevoir shook her head in pain. That had stung, but it wasn't the worst feeling. She could take several of those.
Crobat turned and dashed down again, but Gardevoir was ready this time. Charging up, she launched a thunderbolt at him. But Crobat was too quick. He pulled back and darted back into the sky, the sound of his wings fading quickly.
Gardevoir huffed in annoyance. This was going to be a lot harder than she had originally thought.
000
Wooper stepped inside and let out a long, low groan.
Primeape pounded her fists together, letting out a low, sinister laugh. "Welcome to room two, Wooper! I'm gonna pulverize you!"
Wooper stopped and turned around before proceeding to bang his head agains the door. Primeape stopped, looking confused.
"Uh...are you...okay there?"
"I'm contemplating my poor life choices," mumbled Wooper. Primeape just stopped and folded her arms.
"Can we just get on with it?" asked the pig monkey impatiently. "I've been looking forward to this!"
"Yeah I guess," muttered Wooper, cursing in his head.
Primeape seethed. "AT LEAST ACT SCARED! ARGH! THAT'S IT! IT'S GONNA HURT A LOT MORE NOW!"
Primeape rushed at Wooper, a powerful fist held in the air. Wooper gulped.
000
Hypno stepped back, shaking his head, eyes wide with fear as Banette grinned back, stretching as he stepped closer.
"How?" blustered Hypno. "I...I took you down! I eliminated you! You were trapped in the Distortion World!"
"Things don't always go according to plan, do they?" asked Banette, snickering. "Point is, I'm back, baby. And I happen to be your second opponent. Lucky you, eh?"
Hypno grit his teeth and clutched his pendulum. What could he do? Banette had an immunity to his tricks!
"Let's begin!" shouted Banette, charging up before launching a flurry of blue flames at Hypno. Hypno gulped and moved aside as the flames landed on the ground behind him. He looked back. The wisps were gone. He turned around quickly, but Banette was already gone. A fist came out of nowhere and nailed him in the nose. Hypno stumbled back, groaning.
"You and I have unfinished business, buster," said Banette, grinning. Hypno snapped back and charged a psychic blast, but Banette was step ahead. Blending in with his own shadow, he dashed behind Hypno, elbowing him in the back. Hypno snarled, but Banette was on a roll, his hands morphing into large claws. Hypno's eyes widened as Banette started slashing him again and again, cutting Hypno down time and time again. After one particularly hard strike, Hypno knocked him away.
Banette grinned. "Too tough for you to handle? Thought so- that's why you got Palkia to do it, right?"
"You little runt," snarled Hypno. "I got rid of you! You're only here by luck
"Uh, no. YOU'RE only here by luck, nose face. You couldn't take on me or Gardevoir any day of the week."
"ARGH!" howled Hypno, like a wounded animal, charging a shadow ball to launch at Banette. Banette gulped and was hit straight on, knocked over by the blast. He got up quickly though and sent a flourish of fireballs at Hypno again. Hypno scattered them with his mind and clenched a fist, glaring down Banette with anger.
"Why do you even hold such a grudge towards me?" asked Hypno. "I did nothing to you- I simply told Mismagius that you and Gardevoir made a good couple. I didn't TELL her you were unfaithful."
Banette scowled. "Yeah, I get it, you're not like old Weavile, you're subtle. You mix honey and poison together. But don't pull that shit with me- you knew exactly what you were saying, and I know exactly what you meant to do."
Hypno laughed. "Don't try and act so smart, puppet boy. You sound like your old friend. He scared me far more than you ever did. That's how it is with you and Mismagius- the reason you were such a good couple is because you were both happily oblivious in Cacturne's and Gardevoir's shadows."
Banette's eyes flashed. "I'm not in his shadow! I'm my own damn person! I didn't need Cacturne to come back here and kick your ass!"
Hypno laughed and fired more attacks, with Banette dashing around, trying to avoid them. The ghost grew out his claws again and dragged them along the ground.
"You still can't see it?" asked Hypno mockingly. "Maybe the flames of that fire you started blinded you as well."
Banette gave him a look of horror and disgust. What? He knew? Oh right...the files...
Hypno smirked as Banette started to look nervous and confused. That's right...keep him talking...distract him until the time is right and then take him down.
"You're a fool who follows after bigger fools because you're weak! You don't trust yourself to make your own decisions after that fateful night!"
Banette stared at him, frozen but still able to hear. Hypno laughed, shadowy energy charging in his hand.
"You place Cacturne and Gardevoir on such pedestals, but they're as dumb as you. Cacturne could've been the greatest thorn in my side, but he eliminated HIMSELF for the SECOND TIME! HE'S A FOOL! And as for your dancer friend, her time here is limited. And don't get me started on that stupid, smart mouthed, jealous, lonely witch that you call a girlfriend. Oh sorry...ex girlfriend...but what we can really call her is-"
BAM!
Hypno gasped out as a powerful, dark punch slammed into his jaw, sending him skyrocketing in the air. Banette's eyes were glowing with fury as he knocked Hypno up, up, up. Hypno was stunned. What had just happened? Like a rag doll, he fell to the ground and hit it hard, a loud cough escaping from his body. Banette brought his clenched fist to his side. All he had needed was one good punch.
"You can say shit to me all you want, but never my friends," he growled. "Gardevoir, Mismagius, and Cacturne are all great people! And I don't care what you say- Cacturne may have dropped out, but he's ten times smarter than you- and he's also got a heart."
Hypno gasped out. He couldn't move. No...no...NO! IT COULDN'T END LIKE THIS!
Banette watched as Hypno fainted on the ground. He grinned. Hypno was officially out of the game. Just like that.
But now it was time for part two. Banette walked over to a corner and picked up a walkie talkie.
"I beat him. Tell Mew that Hypno's out of the competition. And now, where exactly do you want me to take him?"
"Here's what I want you to do," responded a smooth, British voice.
000
Gardevoir continued dodging Crobat's attacks, but she kept taking small hits now and again. Crobat had gotten a lot faster and stronger with his evolution...and it wasn't just that. Sensing his emotions, Gardevoir could feel a new confidence inside of him, a sense of optimism despite all of the horrible things that had happened to him. And for the first time, he wasn't just giving up.
Despite her situation, Gardevoir smiled a little- Honchkrow was helping him quite a bit.
Crobat dove down again, sending a large gust of wind at Gardevoir, and Gardevoir parried the blow back at him in response. He darted away, rising higher in the air, but Gardevoir was ready. Charging some lightning in her hand, she fired a bolt straight at the bat. Crobat was hit and teetered in the air, zooming down towards a tree. Gardevoir grinned. Yes!
But then Crobat landed with his feet and smiled, perched high in the tree out of Gardevoir's range. Gardevoir stared before swearing loudly. He was taking a break, roosting on a branch to gain all of his power back. Darn it!
Gardevoir closed her eyes. He was too fast for her- that was certain- she needed a way to slow him down. Thinking, she folded her arms. Crobat, however, wasn't going to give her that chance, as he took flight again. However, the branch under him broke, giving him a shaky start and he bumped into another tall tree.
Gardevoir clapped her hands. That was it!
As Crobat zoomed forwards, Gardevoir sent a psychic attack flying at him, but Crobat chuckled and easily dodged it. He kept flapping closer as the blast hit a tree behind him.
"Too slow, Gardevoir!"
"You'd think that, wouldn't you?" asked Gardevoir, pointing behind him. Crobat glanced back, before his eyes widened. She had ripped apart one of the trees in the middle, and it was currently collapsing, falling towards him. Gulping, Crobat twisted his body and shot away, dodging the tree. Gardevoir took the opportunity to throw a shadow ball at him as he went. Crobat was hit and tumbled in the air, but he didn't hit the ground. Wincing, he flew high again, dashing to another tree.
"Not this time!" shouted Gardevoir. As Crobat landed on the branch, she shot a lightning bolt straight at it, and Crobat let out a loud cry as he lost his balance and fell. Gardevoir grabbed him with her powers and hurled him at a tree. Crobat let out a gasp of pain and started to plummet. Gardevoir ran forward, charging herself up with telekinetic energy, ready to end this.
But Crobat wasn't done yet. Eyes shooting open he caught himself, and as Gardevoir got close, he let out a loud screech. Gardevor stopped and clutched her head, covering her ears. The noise was deafening. Crobat stopped and while she was distracted, charged in, slapping her down with a wing before turning and fluttering away. Gardevoir hit the ground hard, and struggled to get up. Crobat was going to get another break if she didn't make a play soon! If that happened, she'd get no chance to beat him!
Gardevoir groaned in concentration, lifting up a tree. Crobat watched from afar, frowning.
"What are you up to?" asked Crobat quietly. He gasped as she swung the tree and...missed completely. She had wound up hitting every other tree in the area. There was a loud crashing as the dead, thin trees cracked and crashed, falling apart. Crobat watched, confused, before a branch hit him on the end. He looked around wildly and gave low hiss. All of the trees were falling! If he didn't get out of here, he'd be toast!
Crobat darted and shot through the trees, moving as fast as a bullet, but there were too many trees. As one struck him in the back, he started falling, hitting the ground hard. Looking up, he let out a gasp as he saw a large trunk falling straight towards him. He closed his eyes and braced himself for impact.
It never came. Crobat opened his eyes to see the tree being hurled away, before he was picked up himself. Gardevoir slammed him against a wall, her other hand ready with a shadow ball.
"Do you give up?"
Crobat smiled, letting out a cough. "Yeah. You got me. Congratulations, you've passed the second room! Let me get you the key."
Gardevoir smiled and released her hold on Crobat. He flapped back up and began to glide through the air, finding one of the fallen trees. Reaching inside of a small hole, he grabbed the key and brought it over to Gardevoir. She took the key, examining it before nodding.
"Good luck!" said Crobat. He gave a weak grin. "I'm gonna head to the Pokemon center. I uh...I hope you or Wooper wins."
Gardevoir chuckled and waved as she headed for the door. "Thanks, Crobat. I'm glad to see you've become a lot cooler."
Crobat blushed, nervously giggling as he flapped away.
000
"Haha...I'm...I'm cool?" said Crobat.
He began to dance around. "I'm cool, I'm cool, oh yeah!"
000
Wooper ran across the rocky battlefield, with a furious Primeape in pursuit. Her powerful fists smashed the rocks in her way as she let out a large roar. Wooper was panicking- Lapras was one thing, but how was he supposed to deal with a PSYCHO.
"I'm going to CRUSH YOU TO A PULP YOU LITTLE BASTARD!"
"What did I ever do to you?" asked Wooper, ducking as she picked up a rock and threw it at him. Primeape snarled and scowled, rampaging even closer to him. Wooper barely moved out of the way of another merciless blow, gulping as the powerful fist came inches away from his face.
"I don't need a reason! I JUST WANT TO SMASH THINGS!"
"That's no way to live a life!" protested Wooper, hopping aside, panicking. "Why don't you go and find a hobby, get a boyfriend, try anger management?"
Primeape stopped, pulling a face. "Punching is a hobby. Anger management is a load of shit. And uh...I...don't really...like boys."
Wooper cocked his head to one side. "Oh come on, you have to have liked a guy at some point."
Primeape shook her head. "Wooper, no, I'm a lesbian."
Wooper stared. "What?"
"I don't like guys, I prefer girls," explained Primeape, more calmly than Wooper had ever heard her before.
"Oh...but...wait a minute, what about you and Rhydon?" asked Wooper, remembering the terrifying couple from last season.
"I...I...who told you about that?" asked Primeape in horror.
"I saw you two together, sitting and making out at the resort when we were eliminated after dark!" blurted out Wooper.
000
"And it was TERRIFYING," said Wooper, shuddering. "I couldn't look at them the same way for a week...or...a month...or EVER!"
000
Primeape groaned and smacked her forehead. "Okay, so...well...uh...look, that whole thing with Rhydon was a mistake okay? Can we not talk about it?"
"But I'm still confused on why you would date him if you didn't like guys!" said Wooper.
Primeape sighed. "I was still...figuring it out back then, okay? I didn't know what I wanted and...well...Rhydon's really a great guy but..."
"A great guy, he beat me into a full body cast," muttered Wooper. Then he shook his head.
"But...I...look, just explain this to me," said Wooper.
Primeape groaned. "Okay, so basically it's like this..."
000
Hypno's eyes opened slowly, as he let out a low murmur...what had happened? He remembered...vaguely remembered encountering Banette in his second room, and the fight...yes the fight had happened but other than that...he was drawing a blank...but it was significantly cooler. He looked up...the sun was setting.
...wait...the sky?
Hypno jolted up and sat up, looking at the sun. He was outside? But...he had been in the building...why was...why was he...no...NO. IT COULDN'T BE?
"WHAT'S GOING ON!?" roared Hypno.
"Well, let's just say you've lost, but not completely," said a familiar voice.
Hypno seethed and turned to see Banette smirking at him. Surrounding him was a bunch of other contestants, all with similar expressions- Gabite had a sneer, Honchkrow had a cruel grin, and Lapras had her eyes pinned on Hypno. Hypno gave a nervous laugh.
"What...are you all here to beat me up?" asked Hypno. "Wait until I've won the money then you can-"
"You won't be winning the money, Hypno," said a familiar voice. Hypno looked up. There, sitting at a table, a glass of water in his golden hand, was Alakazam. A familiar dark blue Pokemon was seated beside him, who was glaring daggers at Hypno. She immediately got up and walked over. Hypno's horrified face melted into a charismatic smile.
"Weavile...tell me-"
SMACK! Weavile struck Hypno hard across the face, before punching him in the gut. Hypno let out a hacking cough, and Weavile snatched something away from his neck. Twirling his pendulum, she strutted away. Hypno's skin burnt, and the familiar purple bruises returned.
"I was disappointed that I didn't get to that...a pity Banette got the room before me," snarled Weavile, moving over next to Banette, who put an arm on her consolingly.
Hypno glared. "Give me that back! I need that to win! You're not allowed to interfere-"
"We didn't," said Alakazam shortly. His dark eyes fixed on Hypno's, not wavering in the slightest.
"You lost. Banette defeated you. Without Lopunny to heal you, you had no chance against him. But you would've never thought that you, alone, could fail. Banette took you down. You've lost. You're out the game."
Hypno stared, before letting out a quiet, small chuckle. Then he let out a scream of fury.
"I'VE LOST? HELL NO I HAVEN'T LOST! I REFUSE! YOU THINK I'M OUT OF THE FUCKING GAME YET? THINK AGAIN, ASSHOLE!"
Alakazam sighed, twirling his glass and giving Hypno an almost disappointed look. "Take it with grace, Hypno. That won't be the biggest loss you suffer tonight. But it's not surprising to me that you lost at this point- with me out of the game, you merely rolled the dice and got a few lucky rolls. The last few times, you've been using your pendulum and luck to skate by, but the moment where something takes a degree of skill and honorable fair play...you completely crumble. So sad."
Hypno seethed, but tried to force himself to calm down. "What do you mean biggest loss? I haven't lost yet! I'll go back in there!"
"You won't. Mew will forbid it. You're out of the game, but you're not out of THIS yet. I have a score to settle with you."
Hypno scoffed. "You're bluffing. You can't do anything like that on national television. A bunch of Pokemon beating me up? That would be stooping very low...you can't afford that."
"I'd never do such a thing."
"Then what WILL you do?" snapped Hypno.
Alakazam held up a folder in his hand. Hypno stared, first in confusion, than utter horror. It was him...it was the file. He had it.
"When...when did you?"
"Right before I left," explained Alakazam, slapping it down on the table. "This was the key to me figuring out the mystery about you. Why you are the way you are."
"...you're...you're lying," blustered Hypno.
"Let me explain it from the beginning. It began with you taunting me about my father back in Luxio's elimination. You automatically assumed that my father being a Machamp was a sore point for me. Which is true, but I find it strange how you decided to aim for that possibility first. So...I reasoned that you probably suffered from a similar insecurity regarding a family member. However, I didn't want to delve into your file. But...I still have an idea...you see...I've examined your traits and the Pokemon in your egg group...your charming, romantic nature...your excellent kissing, as Weavile has told me...and of course...your affinity for makeup."
Hypno glared, but deep down...he was afraid.
"All of these characteristics match a Jynx, not a Hypno," said Alakazam, leaning forward on his hands. "But it's there where we run into a little problem, don't you agree?"
"There's more than just a problem with your stupid theory," snapped Hypno. "It's false. You're dead wrong."
"No, I'm sure I'm right on track," said Alakazam calmly, and Hypno began to feel that fear, that intimidation, the raw, painful feeling that he had miscalculated, and that this smarmy psychic had outplayed him once again. "But as you know, Jynx are a female only species...so it's impossible to have a Jynx birth a Hypno. Something's a bit wrong here. You know exactly what I mean, don't you?"
Hypno seethed, but said nothing. Everyone was silent, staring at Hypno and Alakazam. Alakzam sighed and tapped the folder.
"I checked your file and my suspicions were confirmed- you were abandoned by your parents, left in an orphanage. You had to claw your way up, learn how to work with people, and you were bullied mercilessly. But not for the reasons one would think. After all, everyone in the orphanage was in the same boat. Why mock you over being abandoned? No, I know the true reason why you're so insecure. Would you like me to reveal it to them, or will you have the grace to do it yourself?"
"Shut up," hissed Hypno. His eyes were burning. He wouldn't...he wouldn't DARE.
"Very well," said Alakazam, leaning forward. "Hypno was given up by his family because he is a shiny Pokemon. Hypno are pink when they are shiny, but his parents thought him as a freak. They left him in the orphanage and he grew up there, before a kindly Jynx decided to take him in as her adopted son. But you were endlessly mocked about being a pink freak, given up for your shininess. As a result, you began to hate your shininess and coloration, viewing it as a curse. You hated it- you wanted desperately to be normal, to shut up everyone who ever mocked you for it."
"Stop lying about my damn file!" snarled Hypno. Alakazam's eyes bored into him.
"I only used your file to figure out why you had the problem. I determined your shininess long ago."
"Wait, so those purple marks aren't bruises?" asked Banette. "Sorry to interrupt."
"No...they're purple patches of skin, from his shininess under the yellow makeup he covers his body in," explained Alakazam. He turned to Hypno, who looked mortified.
"When did you claim to know about this false rumor?" asked Hypno, snarling.
"It clicked the moment I punched you- that's why you wear the makeup. There was yellow powder on my hands after I punched you, and then I saw the marks. But the marks didn't match my fists."
"If such makeup falls off due to weak punches, then why didn't it come of whenever I went in the water?" countered Hypno.
"That's easy- it's waterproof," said Alakazam, cocking a brow.
"Pah!" said Hypno, scornfully, but he seemed to be getting more uncomfortable and aggressive by the minute. He pointed to the purple marks. "How about this then? Why did the marks disappear so quickly after my fight with Gardevoir? I didn't have my makeup since Turnback Cave due to the Distortion World incident. That's because I don't NEED it."
"But you went looking for it when you were doing your confessionals," said Alakazam. "You needn't have bothered. I easily claimed it after Mewtwo arrived. As for why your marks disappear- you've been reusing the makeup on already on your body. You've been subtlety shifting it. You've had the same makeup on for about two days now, yes? Taking a bit from one side of your face and using it to cover up small spots on the other."
"You're a liar," spat Hypno.
"But the shininess didn't only get you abandoned- you constantly viewed yourself as a freak as the result of your time in the orphanage. An ugly Pokemon with an ugly problem. And while you wore makeup to conceal this, you couldn't stop looking at yourself this way. Your Jynx mother at least who tried to help you by showing you the ways of makeup, but she couldn't fix you- you hated her, you hated your parents who abandoned you, and you hated the world. You slowly morphed into a mean person, a foul Pokemon, even when people were friendly to you, you would scowl and loathe them back. You hated feeling that way and decided to change it. So what did you do? Became charismatic and kind to lure in people."
"Shut your damn mouth!"
"But not all Pokemon fall for such thing. You couldn't stand not getting your way, even one person who didn't trust you or like you got under your skin horribly. So you'd hypnotize people into liking you until you got bored of them. It was almost like an addictive drug that kept you pleasant and happy. But under it all, you felt malice towards us all. A few of us quite personally, actually."
"SHUT UP!" snarled Hypno.
"You can't stand Cacturne, because he views himself as ugly, but he still has friends and happiness. You can't stand Gardevoir because she's beautiful inside and out, which you can't be. And you especially can't stand me because I never fell for your tricks, and because despite my own controversial heritage, I walk with my head held high. And in the end, you couldn't beat me."
Alakazam stared at Hypno before tossing him the folder, and a makeup bag that had been hidden behind his chair. He caught them in trembling hands. Alakazam then swung the glass of water at him. Hypno shrieked and stepped back.
"Due to you reusing old makeup, I doubt that even waterproof will prevent it from dripping off at this point."
Hypno stared as more purple patches appeared on his body. It slowly dripped off, revealing his dark purple-pink skin under the yellow makeup. All of the contestants stared...in a bit of confusion. Yes, it was a strange color, but it wasn't really that bad. But Hypno could only see hideousness. A reflection of a monster who now looked the part to go along with the act.
"Let's see you try and talk your way out of this one," said Alakazam, leaning back in the chair. "But...I personally think it's checkmate."
"Checkmate? CHECKMATE?" spat Hypno, tossing his head like an animal. "IT'S NOT CHECKMATE! THIS ISN'T OVER! YOU CAN'T BEAT ME! YOU CAN'T! AAAAAAARGH!"
Hypno looked around, spitting and snarling, before running off in the direction of the S.S. Kyogre, screeching like a banshee the whole way. Alakazam watched him go, frowning.
"I don't know if I did the right thing or not," he muttered under his breath. He felt a hand on his shoulder. Weavile looked down at him.
"You didn't really insult him...you just told him the truth," said Weavile. "You told everyone the truth."
Alakazam sighed and got up. "Well...that takes care of that. Hypno has lost."
Loud cheers followed this statement, with contestants jumping around like crazy. Trapinch hugged Diglett, while Honchkrow and Gliscor exchanged a high five. Lapras nodded in approval, and even Lopunny cracked a smile. Weavile turned and watched them all, smiling a bit, before turning back to Alakazam.
But he was already walking off, smiling and chatting with his Gothitelle girlfriend. Weavile sighed and looked on. Hypno was gone, but it seemed that for people like her, the happy ending wasn't a thing that existed.
"Karma has one hell of a sense of humor," she muttered.
Nearby, Banette was looking at his hands awkwardly. Houndoom nudged him and he turned.
"Are you going to do it or not?" asked the dog gruffly.
"I'm a LITTLE nervous, alright?" snapped Banette, glancing over at Mismagius. But he clenched his fists and looked forward before walking up to her. Mismagius glanced to him, acknowledging his presence with a nod.
"Hi."
"Uh...hi," said Banette. He let out a low breath. "So...Hypno's out, eh?"
"Yes...yes he is," agreed Mismagius.
Banette looked down at his feet. "Um...do you..."
Mismagius sighed. "Banette, just because Hypno said things doesn't mean what he said wasn't true. You two always were hanging out. You both think the other is attractive. You're great friends always lasting in the game for a long time together. What am I supposed to think?"
"It's not true!" said Banette, throwing his hands up.
"If I can't trust you, do you really think we should be in a relationship?" asked Mismagius, looking at Banette. Her eyes were sad- both of them were hurting because of this. Hypno may have been taken down, but the pain lingered.
Banette looked away. "If that's how you...really feel then...I guess not."
Mismagius nodded. "It is."
Banette heaved out a huge sigh and nodded. "Alright...I...I understand."
Mismagius nodded and floated away quickly. Banette turned and trudged back to Houndoom. Houndoom saw his expression and sighed.
"It's okay, buddy," he muttered, wrapping a tail around him.
Mismagius quietly floated away, before someone else floated in front of her. Gliscor was frowning down at her.
"I don't get it. He didn't do anything wrong to you. It's not like he fucked up like I did with Pidgeot. It's not fair to him," said Gliscor. "You're ending a perfectly good thing."
"Me entering a relationship where there's no trust is unfair to us both," said Mismagius. "I won't regret my decision."
She floated past him, and Gliscor sighed. Well...that was that.
Bellsprout gathered up everyone. "Okay, so the Hypno drama is over...now can we get back to the end of the final challenge? I want to watch and see who makes it!"
"What if they both do?" asked Lileep.
"Mew mentioned he had a twist," said Bellsprout. "But I have no idea what it is."
Clefable stepped forward, grinning as she whispered into Bellsprout's ear. Bellsprout looked confused, but then he perked up.
"No...way."
000
"NOOOOOOOO!" snarled Hypno, ramming his head against the door. "NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO!"
000
"YES!" shouted Honchkrow.
000
Gardevoir stepped away from Froslass, looking at the dojo styled door in front of her. "So Fighting is next...who do you think I'll be fighting?"
"Either Primeape or Hitmonlee...hopefully the latter," said Froslass.
Gardevoir sighed. "Well...no time to waste...let's go."
She opened the door and stepped inside.
000
And this chapter is completed! A long chapter, but I hope you all enjoyed it!
So, it happened. It finally happened. I bet you all were expecting some epic battle, but no. Banette managed to easily take out Hypno, but I think Alakazam sealed the deal. Now you understand Hypno's issue- he has a forced need to feel just as good as or better than everyone else due to his shininess that causes him to feel insecurity. I had to be very careful with this one. Let it be know that while Hypno was certainly abused, he eventually decided to not move on and be nasty in general.
That being said, Hypno got his comeuppance, with Alakazam dealing the final nail in Hypno's coffin on national television. However, Alakazam wasn't aiming to embarrass Hypno, he just wanted to let everyone know Hypno's secret in response to Hypno telling everyone his own. I personally think Alakazam felt sorry for him.
Fun Fact: Originally, Hypno was going to be hired by another contestant to ruin the game, but I won't reveal who that person was. Not yet, anyway.
In addition, we've got some new information on our hands. Wooper and Gardevoir actually know how to fight! Hypno only knows how to play dirty.
We've got some interesting tidbit facts revealed as well. Primeape's sexuality, Banette and Mismagius NOT getting together, and a definite change in Crobat. But unfortunately, this chapter is long enough, so we're gonna have to pick it up next time.
This chapter was long and confusing, so you can ask me anything about it, as long as it isn't spoiler related. In addition, feel free to ask more questions if you want, but I can only answer them if you have an actual account. A lot of questions will be answered next chapter, by the way.
IN ADDITION TO THAT, PLEASE SELECT WHICH FINALIST YOU WOULD LIKE TO WIN THE COMPETITION IN YOUR REVIEWS: WOOPER OR GARDEVOIR.
Next Chapter: The finale continues, but with only two fighters in the running instead of three. One of them continues to face powerful opponents and has to keep on their toes to get by. The other faces a completely different challenge, and a powerful confrontation occurs. We finally hear from a mysterious competitor...or do we? And in addition, someone who's been gone for a long time finally reveals themselves.
Hypno: Review before I hypnotize you and FORCE you.