After passing the Elite Four entry exam, Summer faced her first opponent in the Indigo League. Despite her opponent's strategies, Summer defeated Sandy and moved on to the Top 32. Now, she has to face one of her rivals, Carlos. Will she succeed in defeating him or will his Pokémon's powerful attacks stop her?

Chapter 51: A Batalla Grande

Ariel, Candy, Rai, Carlos, Samir and I were having dinner at Teppan-mochi, a teppanyaki and mochi restaurant on Miyamoto Lane. Their specialties were the three-meat yakisoba and the Status Rainbow mocha, which were made with the five status condition healing Berries. As we ate freshly prepared noodles, Rai, Candy, and Ariel talked about our earlier battles.

"I still can't believe you beat Pete with just Soufflé!" Rai exclaimed.

Candy brushed her hair back confidently. "It was just a warm-up. Besides, I heard Olivia is much harder. We have a rivalry of our own, being the top of our respective schools."

"That's true! She's one of the top graduates of Saffron Prep."

Ariel smiled. "You still have a good chance though. You too, Rai. You're battling Vince."

As the three continued talking, Samir just listened to their conversation while Carlos and I ate in silence. It was a little awkward to sit next to the Trainer you're battling next.

"Señorita Summer," Carlos said, breaking the silence. "I know what you're thinking. And I don't want you to feel that way."

"But I didn't expect to battle somebody I know so soon!" I argued.

"But has that stopped you before?" He then stared at me intently. "Señorita Summer, I want a challenging battle. A batalla grande. I know you would want the same from me. After all, I want to see how strong we have become since our encuentro primero."

His fierce brown eyes supported the seriousness in his voice. I sighed but agreed, "Alright. I'll go all out during our battle. You better be telling the truth about your effort."

He laughed and replied, "Claro que sí! Now, let us order some of this 'mochi.' What do you think, Samir."

"Let's get a large variety! I want a supply for your battle. Who knows how long it'll take?"

We all laughed and finished dinner, separating when we entered the hotel.

Two days later…

While waiting on a bench in the north locker room, I closed my eyes, remembering the times I encountered Carlos.

From the first battle, he was so arrogant and only cared about winning. So much so that he released an Onix for losing. But after I caught Rocky and battled him again, he realized that no matter the outcome of a battle, your Pokémon are the most important.

Then at the Safari Zone, he helped me with the Team Rocket crisis there. He even offered to return the Warden's teeth when I had to bring Koga to the Pokémon Center. He changed so much since then that he was almost unrecognizable.

I slowly opened my eyes and heard my name on the PA system.

Ms. Summer Scorcher. Please enter the red hallway for your battle.

I got up, did a little light stretching, then made my way to the red tunnel. The bleachers looked a little fuller compared to my last battle, but it still wasn't packed. After a few seconds, Carlos entered from the south end, determined and smiling. I smiled back as the crowd cheered and the same referee from last time entered the referee's box.

"The junior division match between Summer from Littleroot Town and Carlos from Viridian City will now begin. The field and first move will be chosen at random."

The field circle's arrow spun around, then landed on the brown piece. The turn circle followed, with the point landing on a red slice.

"This battle will be on the rock field, and Summer will have the first move."

The battlefield immediately changed from dirt to craggy rocks pointing out from the ground. This field restricted larger Pokémon and favored those who could nimbly climb on them. The shield then surrounded the battlefield and slowly became translucent.

"Trainers, choose your first Pokémon!"

I decided to use the field to my advantage. "Let's go, Lightning!"

She leaped out her Pokéball and landed on all fours, eager to finally battle.

Carlos smirked and took out a Pokéball with a green camouflage pattern on top. "Tauros, vámonos!"

A large brown bull with a dark grey ruff and white horns stomped onto the field. He radiated immense power as he aggressively pawed the dirt.

[Tauros, the Wild Bull Pokémon. It is not satisfied unless it is rampaging at all times. If there is no opponent for Tauros to battle, it was charge at thick trees and knock them down to calm itself.]

I see, that's a Pokémon he got at the Safari Zone. I wonder how Lightning can handle him.

The referee glanced at each of us and waved both flags into the air. "Battle begin!"

"Lightning!" I shouted. "Use Quick Attack!"

She smirked and dashed towards the Pokémon. However as she made eye contact, he leered at her, causing the Electric type to become frightened and lightly hit his head. She then retreated back to our side.

"What happened, Lightning?" I asked.

"I-I don't know. I became scared when I looked at his eyes!"

Carlos snickered. "Buen intento, Señorita Summer. Tauros has the Ability Intimidate. So, Señorita Lightning's physical attacks will cause little damage."

At least Lightning has Thunderbolt, but he may have a counter for that as well.

"Tauros," Carlos commanded. "Use Take Down!"

The Normal type bellowed fiercely and became surrounded in orange energy. He was so strong that when he charged at the Pikachu, the rocks immediately shattered as they made contact with his horns.

"Lightning, stop Tauros with Iron Tail!"

She nodded and charged up her tail. When he grew closer, she jumped up and swung the heavy tail on the Pokémon's head. After a slight struggle, Tauros overpowered Lightning and tossed her into the air. He then winced in pain from the recoil damage.

When Lightning straightened out and descended, I shouted, "Lightning, Thunderbolt!"

She nodded and unleashed her powerful Electric attack.

Carlos just smiled. "Tauros, Shock Wave!"

I watched in surprise as Tauros unleashed an Electric attack of his own; the lightning bolt and lightning wave collided in midair, then caused a small explosion. The Mouse Pokémon was tossed back into the air as the Wild Bull Pokémon was pushed back.

Seeing Lightning was quickly tiring, I knew I had to hit Tauros with just one attack. I clenched my right fist and shouted, "Lightning, use Thunder Punch!"

She nodded with a smirk and charged her right hand with electricity. Carlos was slightly surprised, but he stood firm.

"Tauros, use Earthquake!"

The bull stood on his hind legs then forcefully stomped on the field. The ground shook and caused some of the rocks to break apart and fly into the air. Despite being cut by the rubble, the Pikachu pushed her fist forward and dove towards her opponent. Remembering her opponent's Ability, she glanced away to avoid its impacts.

"Tauros, end this with Horn Attack," Carlos boldly commanded.

His Pokémon's horns became enlarged as they clashed with Lightning's Thunder Punch. Although he took some damage from the attack, he was able to hold his ground and knock her into the wall on my left. I immediately ran over to her and caught the badly injured Pokémon before she felt onto the field.

"Lightning is unable to battle! Tauros wins!"

The crowd cheered, and the television screen updated the images based on the result. The damaged wall immediately repaired itself.

"Are you okay, Lightning?" I softly asked.

She smiled and whispered, "I'm fine, Summer. That Tauros is really strong…"

"Don't worry, I know who to choose next." After I returned her, I took out another Pokéball. "Go, Swirls!"

She landed on the slightly damaged battlefield and glared at the bull. Thankfully, Intimidate only worked on the first Pokémon the user battles.

"Let's rock this battle, dudette!" she shouted. I nodded firmly and smiled at my rival. He saw I wasn't giving up, which made him grin as well.

"Battle begin!"

"Swirls," I started. "Use Water Gun!"

"You got it!" She inhaled and released a stream of water from her right hand.

Carlos waved his left hand. "Tauros, Take Down!"

His Pokémon was pushed back by the Water Gun, but Tauros overcame the Water type attack and ran forward.

"Swirls, dodge!"

She nodded and twirled to the right, narrowly missing the Pokémon's horns. I also had to jump out of the way as he crashed into the wall. After a few seconds, he freed himself but shook in pain from the recoil damage.

"Now use Water Gun again!"

"Tauros counter with Shock Wave!"

Both Pokémon unleashed their long-range attacks at once, colliding a few feet in front of me. I saw Tauros' attack slowly gaining power from the conductivity and pushing forward.

Darn physics! But… Maybe if I use that attack in a different way, it'll counteract that energy.

"Swirls, don't give up. Use Water Pulse!"

She nodded and charged up an orb of water with her left hand as she continued the Water Gun. Once she could no longer control her first attack, she stopped and quickly moved the Water Pulse in front of her. The enhanced Shock Wave touched the orb and gained more power, but luckily, it didn't make contact with Swirls.

I grinned and pointed at Tauros. "Now, throw it at Tauros!"

Carlos was in shock. "Rápido, Tauros! Dodge!"

As Tauros ran back onto the field, Swirls yelled, "Surf's up, dude!"

She hurled the Shock Wave-powered Water Pulse at her opponent and we watched in awe as the attack followed the fleeing Normal type. Once the attack slammed into his right side, Tauros slammed into the wall once more and collapsed, unable to move.

"Tauros is unable to battle! Swirls wins!"

"Great job, Swirls!" I cheered. She gave me a thumbs up and was ready to continue battling.

Carlos returned Tauros and said, "That was quite something, Señorita Summer. But let us see if you can handle my next Pokémon. Scyther, vámonos!"

A large light green Pokémon appeared out of another Safari Ball, his arms were sharp blades. He flew up with his cream-colored wings and cried.

He looks fast and almost as powerful as Tauros. I'll try to see if we can slow him down.

"Battle begin!"

"Swirls, use Hypnosis!"

She nodded and created a purple ring with her eyes. When she unleashed it, the Bug type just snickered.

Carlos playfully shook his head. "I'm afraid Scyther is too fast to be caught by a Hypnosis ring. Dodge, then use Double Team!"

With lightning speed, Scyther evaded the ring and created five copies of himself, all of them charging at Swirls.

Not again! And I'm not using Errol in this match. Guess we need a good strategy.

"Swirls, destroy the copies with Water Gun!"

She aimed her hands at the incoming Scyther and shot rapid-fire water blasts. Although they hit all the copies, the real one easily flew over it.

"Scyther, Wing Attack!"

The Pokémon's wings glowed white and smacked Swirls in the chest, hurling her into the side of snapped rock. She grunted in pain but recovered before she hit the north wall.

"Are you okay, Swirls?"

"Don't sweat, Dudette. You know how I am."

That looked like it did a good amount of damage. I need to think about this more carefully.

"Scyther, use Fury Cutter!"

The Bug type nodded and lifted his arms in a menacing manner.

"Let's try this. Use Water Pulse!"

She charged up another orb of water and hurled it at the Pokémon flying towards her. He easily slashed in half, causing a wave of water to temporarily block his view. He flew through it and saw, to his surprise, no one.

"Scyther, detrás de ti!" Carlos warned.

The Pokémon sharply turned around and saw Swirls jumping at his left side.

I clenched my right fist and shouted, "Swirls, Ice Punch!"

"Let's chill out, bro!"

I ignored the bad pun as Swirls punched at Scyther's face. Although he dodged and darted back to his side of the field, she was able to hit his right wing, causing ice to grow on it. Scyther immediately winced and his speed decreased dramatically. Carlos gritted his teeth, but I knew he wasn't panicking.

"Scyther, fight through the pain and use Fury Cutter!" Carlos shouted.

"Swirls, use Ice Punch!"

The two Pokémon charged towards the center of the battlefield, their attacks becoming stronger as they came closer. As Swirls punched Scyther in the chest, she felt the blade slash her body. Both of them collapsed from the powerful attacks, unable to move.

"Both Swirls and Scyther are unable to battle! This battle is a draw! Trainers, choose your final Pokémon!"

We both recalled our Pokémon as cheers erupted once more. I smiled at Swirls' Pokéball, knowing she did her best. As we looked up and stared at each other, we smirked.

"Señorita Summer. I am thoroughly enjoying this battle. You are proving to be quite the opponent. But I will not hold back, especially with my last Pokémon! Go, Charizard!"

His starter emerged from his Pokéball and roared proudly. The crowd became more excited, knowing the power of the fully evolved Kanto fire starter.

"Neither will I, Carlos! We'll show you how much we've grown as well. Rocky, let's show him!"

The Onix shook the stadium when he landed on the battlefield. After both Pokémon's pictures flashed on the television screen, Charizard recognized his former teammate and eagerly flexed his wings. Rocky softly smiled at his opponent and stretched his tail.

"Battle begin!"

"Rocky, use Rock Throw!"

He nodded and created a rock with his tail. As Rocky hurled the boulder at Charizard, the Fire type scoffed the obvious move.

Carlos waved his right arm to his side. "Charizard, Steel Wing!"

The Pokémon roared and easily sliced the rock in half with his silver wings. Rocky respectfully growled in response to his opponent's power.

"Now, Charizard. Dragon Claw." Charizard flew into the air as his claws glowed green.

"Rocky, Dragonbreath!" I countered.

The Onix unleashed green flames from his mouth, but the Fire type circled around the fire. He then slashed Rocky's face, causing the Rock type to roar in pain.

That Charizard's fast! I need to try something else.

Carlos saw my hesitation and made the first move. "Charizard, Steel Wing."

The starter smirked and flew towards Rocky again, his wings turning silver.

That's it! "Rocky, stop it with Crunch!"

Carlos was shocked at Rocky clamped onto Charizard's right wing. The Steel Wing faded as Charizard struggled to break free.

"Charizard, cálmese! Break free with Mega Punch!"

His Pokémon nodded, and he charged up with right hand with white energy.

"Rocky, throw Charizard onto the ground and use Rock Throw!"

With all of his might, Rocky swung Charizard behind his head and hurled the Pokémon into the rocks on the battlefield. As the Fire type tried to stand, his hand returned to normal. He was then hit by a large boulder, causing major damage. He was panting hard, but refused to quit.

Carlos noticed his Pokémon's injuries and knew he had to end the battle fast. "Charizard, use Flamethrower!"

"Rocky, Dragonbreath!"

The orange and green flames collided in the center of the field, with neither Pokémon gaining any ground. Suddenly, Charizard's eyes narrowed with determination, and his body slowly emitted soft embers. I gritted my teeth, recognizing the ability as Blaze. The Flamethrower immediately gained more power and pushed the Dragonbreath back to its user. Rocky roared as the flames seared his body, and he began to pant as well.

Carlos took a deep breath and said, "Señorita Summer. The next move will determine who will continue in the League."

I nodded. "Let's make this last attack count! Rocky, Iron Tail!

"Charizard, Steel Wing!"

As Rocky's tail and Charizard's wings glowed silver, the two acknowledged each other's strength through a small nod. Charizard flew at Rocky's face and smacked his opponent with both wings. Rocky cried in pain, but he roared and caught Charizard with his powered up tail. The Fire type slammed into the ground, creating a dust cloud that covered the field. I immediately covered my arms and hoped Rocky was still okay. When my eyesight recovered, Rocky was leaning forward, but he refused to collapse. Charizard on the other hand, struggled to stand. After softly roaring, he fell back to the ground, unable to move.

"Charizard is unable to battle! Rocky wins, and the winner of this match is Summer from Littleroot Town!"

"We did it, Rocky!" I happily yelled as I ran over to him. "You did really well."

He affectionately leaned against me. "Thank you, Summer."

Carlos returned Charizard and sighed sadly. But he walked over to us with a big smile. "Congratulations, Señorita Summer. You as well, Rocky. That was truly a batalla grande."

I grinned. "It was. Thank you, Carlos."

We shook hands and exited the battlefield, the crowd's cheers slowly faded the further we walked through the tunnels.

Later that day…

Candy, Rai, and I celebrated our wins with Ariel, Samir, and Carlos at Seaking's Burgers, a hamburger restaurant that has various kinds of burgers and milkshakes. Although Carlos was slightly down about his loss, we all cheered him up by letting him choose the dessert for us.

As we ate a massive Oran Berry pie, I asked Carlos, "Are you going to stay until the tournament's over?"

He nodded. "Sí. Otherwise, my roommate would have no place to stay."

"Thanks, Carlos," Samir replied. "You can provide me and Ariel commentary about the battles."

Ariel added. "It'll be nice if someone we know explains what's going on."

The Ace Trainer laughed. "Claro que sí! I would be happy to."

We then eagerly finished our slices of pie and returned to our rooms.


A young teenager with black spiky hair and green eyes observed the six kids eating the pie. As he played with the collar of his red polo shirt, he thought, That girl's stronger than I thought. Even a Charizard didn't faze her… I wonder how she'll handle mine if we battle…

As the group left, Enoch and Mac entered the restaurant.

"Man! I've been craving a double cheeseburger!" Mac exhaustively cried. "These matches are tougher than I thought."

"I guess it's a good thing they implemented the Elite Four entry matches to make it more challenging for us," Enoch replied. He then noticed the teen stirring his melted chocolate milkshake and sternly said, "Go order first, Mac."

The Youngster noticed the change in his friend's tone, but didn't question it. As he went to the counter to order his burger, Enoch approached the Trainer. The teenager looked up, recognizing his visitor.

"Funny seeing you after three years," Enoch stated.

The Trainer laughed. "So, you finally became a Trainer, Enoch? I thought you learned your lesson when I beat you badly."

Enoch's eyes narrowed. "I've changed since we last met, Stanley. Besides, why are you at a tournament you've already won before? Usually you're off battling or training, not resting."

Stanley got up from his chair. "That's none of your concern, Enoch. Now, excuse me."

He left the restaurant and walked into the brightly lit streets.

Enoch started at the doors. Why is Stanley here? If he's here because of Weldon, I don't like where this is going at all…


Before I went to bed, I received a voice message from the League officials, telling me the Top 16 matchups have been announced and are posted in the divisions' respective hotels. Noticing Ariel and Lightning were already asleep, I snuck out of our room and went downstairs, curious about the pairings. When I arrived at the lobby, I saw a teenage boy looking at the lists on the wall. When I approached him, he just walked past me and into the elevator. I couldn't help but feel anger and intrigue coming from him. Ignoring the strange occurrence, I looked for my name, and to my shock, I had to face another Trainer I knew: Rai.

Pokémon: Blaze (Blaziken, male): Brave Nature, moves: Fire Punch, Double Kick, Flamethrower, Blaze Kick; Sky Uppercut- learning

Errol (Noctowl, male): Rash Nature, moves: Psychic, Confusion, Hypnosis, Peck

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

Lightning (Pikachu, female): Adamant Nature, moves: Thunderbolt, Quick Attack, Iron Tail, Thunder Punch

Flower (Ivysaur, female): Gentle Nature, moves: Sludge Bomb, Leech Seed, Razor Leaf, Sleep Powder

Rocky (Onix, male): Lonely Nature, moves: Rock Throw, Crunch, Dragonbreath, Iron Tail

Questions for the Chapter:

What did you think of the battle?

What is Stanley planning?

What do you think of Summer's next opponent?