The Silver League Tournament began with Summer facing off against Emma Eaton, who took our heroine off-guard with her flexible battling strategy. But with her own battling strategy, Summer defeated her opponent, securing a spot in the Top 32. After this match, she decides to watch her rival Weldon's Top 32 match. But what she experiences is not what she ever wishes to feel again. What is going on during his battle, and will Weldon prevail?

Chapter 56- A Heavy Weight

A Poliwrath fell onto the grassy battlefield, knocked out by Lightning's Thunderbolt.

The referee crossed his arms in the air and announced to the Silver Battlefield spectators, "Poliwrath is unable to battle! Lightning wins, and this Senior Division Top 32 match goes to Summer Scorcher from Littleroot Town!"

The crowd cheered as Lightning jumped into my arms. "We did it, Summer!"

"Thanks to you and Aurora."

After we nuzzled each other, our opponent, Randy Roland, sheepishly approached us.

"Man," he said timidly. "I knew you were good, but I never expected you to beat me with only two Pokémon."

I shook my head. "You still battled pretty well, Randy. Lightning was close to fainting against your Poliwrath. Let's battle again soon."

"You bet."

After we shook hands, we returned to the backstage area. We entered the female locker room and took my backpack from the locker they assigned to me.

"So, Lightning. Glad you're taking a break from Teddiursa?"

She heaved a sigh of relief. "Totally. Not that I don't enjoy hanging out with him. But he can be such a handful; good thing Flower's taking care of him. She's much more composed than me when things get rough."

We laughed then went out into the hallway, but a boy around our age interrupted the good mood. He looked frazzled, with his unkempt red and black plaid shirt, blue jeans, and tangled short black hair. When he realized his was being watched, his brown eyes grew wide.

"Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry!" he said in a pitchy tone. "I must look like a mess. I was doing some last minute studying, so I lost track of time."

I smiled, "No, it's all right. I was heading out anyway. Who are you up against?"

"The strongest Trainer I've faced, Weldon Leland."

So he's Weldon's opponent? No wonder why he's so stressed. "Well, good luck, um…"

"Perry, Perry Parson. And thanks, Summer."

"Wait, how did you-?"

But he ran down the hallway at breakneck speed.

I stroked my chin, causing Lightning's interest to pique. "What's up, Summer?"

"Maybe we should watch Weldon's match."

"Really? Why?"

"I...I just want to make sure he's okay."

Lightning smirked. "Sure…"

I rolled my eyes. After calling Yuki and letting her know, we headed to the main lobby to see where the match will be taking place. There, I noticed Sorin sitting on one of the benches, looking at his Pokégear.

He looked up and said, "Hey, Summer. How's it going?"

We walked over. "Good, how about you?"

"Great so far. I still have a couple more hours until my match."

I raised an eyebrow. "Then, why are you here so early?"

He looked away. "Well...I was actually...watching your battle. You were...really good..."

The worry in his heart seemed to increase. "You seem, distracted, lately. Are you okay, Sorin?"

He cleared his throat. "I'm sorry, Summer. It's just-"

{The Top 32 Senior Division match between Weldon Leland and Perry Parson will begin shortly. Please gather to the Crystal Battlefield if you wish to watch the match.}

I sighed. "Sorry, I should get going. Can we talk later, Sorin?"

"Um...sure… How about tomorrow at the Swiftney's on Champion Street? Around 3?"

"Sure, that sounds fine to me. Good luck, Sorin."

"Thanks...and congratulations on making it to the Top 16."

"Thanks, Sorin. See you tomorrow."

We waved goodbye, and Lightning and I headed to the Crystal Battlefield bleachers. Yuki, Ichigo, Flower, and Teddiursa were waiting at the entrance. Teddiursa leapt onto the Raichu's head, causing her to stumble and regain her balance.

"Sorry we're late!" I said.

Yuki smiled. "Don't worry, Summer. We already found seats. Lisa and Sip won't be able to come since Lows' battle is going on at the Gold Battlefield right now."

"That's okay. At least everyone else will be here. Thanks for watching Teddiursa, Flower."

The Ivysaur beamed. "No problem, Summer. It was nice to tend to someone again."

"Yeah!" the Normal type agreed. "She's so nice!"

"Ugh," Lightning groaned. "You never say I'm nice."

"Well...sometimes you aren't."

We all laughed. "All right," I said. "Let's head inside. Go ahead and take a rest, Flower."

She nodded, and I returned her into her Pokéball. We then walked outside to the large rows of concrete. Yuki navigated us through the sea of spectators, but I was slightly distracted as I couldn't help but overhear two girls next to us gossiping.

"Did you read that testimonial about Weldon Leland?"

"Yeah I did! I can't believe he abuses his special ability to bully Trainers into doing chores for him!"

"I know, right?! And that he's avoided multiple charity events around the Johto Region."

"The Leland family is one of the most honorable battling families around. No wonder why he's been shunned by most of his family. I bet even that apologetic speech he made about that girl after the Indigo League was just an act to hide his bullying."

I clenched my fists, tempted to scold them. H-How is this still going on?! I thought Diggy Dunsparce no longer was doing gossip! Who's spreading these lies now?!

Yuki tapped my right arm, and I relaxed. "We're here," she solemnly said.

I slid left next to Morty, with Jasmine, Samir, Carlos, and Candy sitting beside him.

"Is everything okay, Summer?" Jasmine asked. "You seem...angry."

I sighed. "I'm just upset, that's all."

Morty looked at me and closed his eyes, as if he was contemplating something. After a few breaths, my emotions returned to normal.

"Anyway," Samir said. "Does anyone know anything about Perry Parson?"

Candy crossed her legs. "To my knowledge, he's just an average Trainer. He barely made it in time to register since he won the Rising Badge a few days prior."

"That...does sound like him," I replied.

The announcer shouted, {And now, please welcome our next two Trainers for this Top 32 Senior Division matchup! On the north side comes Perry Parson from Violet City!}

We clapped as the boy nervously approached his box. The close up on the television screen showed the sweat dripping down his face.

"Is...he okay?" Yuki wondered.

I tilted my head. "Maybe? He must still be as frazzled as when I saw him earlier."

"I can understand what he must be going through," Carlos added. "After all, he is facing one of the strongest competitors in the tournament."

{And from the south side, the 2004 Junior Division Indigo League winner, Weldon Leland!}

We were about to cheer when a group in front of us roared, "BOO!"

I was taken aback. Booing? What in the world is going on?!

Suddenly, other people around the stadium added to the heckling. I could barely hear the referee's speech through the taunts.

"You don't deserve to be a regional winner!"

"You're a disgrace to your family line!"

Looking at Weldon's close up, he appeared to be calm.

"Are you all right, Summer?" Morty asked.

"Y-Yeah… I'm okay…" Come on, Summer... The booing is not directed at you anymore...

The wheel in between their faces spun around; when it stopped, a grass battlefield emerged from below. Perry let out his first Pokémon, an Ampharos. Once Weldon sent out Arcanine, more boos rang throughout the stadium. He clenched his left hand, but refused to lash out.

I sighed deeply. Weldon…

Perry started out with a Thunderpunch, and the match was underway.

Thirty minutes later…

Weldon and his Golem were panting heavily as they faced against Perry's Persian. My rival was down to his last Pokémon while Perry still had two Pokémon left. This increased the negative chants around us, so much so that I was forced to return Lightning and Teddiursa to protect their hearing after Weldon lost his Gyarados.

"Go, Perry! Destroy Weldon!" they cried.

Candy frowned, trying to suppress her anger. "This is getting ridiculous! No Trainer should be booed like this!"

I tried to keep focusing on the match, but the traumatic sounds from two years ago were starting to resurface. Come on, Summer… Deep breaths…

Morty tapped my shoulder and motioned me to the corridor. I nodded, and we hastily retreated.

With the boos deafened, my breathing slowly returned to normal.

"How are you feeling, Summer?" He asked.

"B-Better… Thanks for helping me, Morty…"

He gave me a small smile. "I don't think you should be thanking me just yet."

"What...do you mean?"

He looked at the open door and sighed. "We've been played into their scheme all this time... I know he doesn't want you to get involved, but you're one of the few people he can trust now."

A loud cheer echoed from the battlefield.

"Morty. This person you're helping… Who is he?"

The Gym Leader adjusted his scarf. "You already know him: the Kanto Champion."

I was shocked. "Ch-Champion Red?! But why? I know he told me to check on Weldon, but I never expected any of this."

"I know… That's because this goes much deeper than just his skills as a Trainer or as a member of the Leland family. It's because-"

{I can't believe it! I just can't believe it!} The announcer interrupted. {We have just witnessed a major upset here in the Senior Division! Perry Parson has defeated Weldon Leland to advance to the Top 16! The crowd is ecstatic at the results!}

I leaned back against the wall, clutching my heart. Weldon...lost?

Morty muttered, "We failed…"

"I...I need to make sure he's okay."

Morty nodded, and I ran towards the boy's locker room. But when I exited the stadium, a smug Caleb stood outside. Next to him was a purple feline-like Pokémon with yellow rosettes on his fur, yellow fur on his paws, underside, and face, yellow whiskers, and a jagged purple tail.

I would have taken out my Pokédex to examine the strange Pokémon, but I knew this was a waste of time. "Caleb...what are you doing here?"

He could barely contain his joy. "To celebrate of course. To celebrate Weldon's defeat."

I narrowed my eyes. "His defeat?! But then why did you become his agent in the first place?"

"Who said I even wanted to be?"

I paused, allowing him to continue.

"I just needed to get close to him to learn about his habits, his preferences, his weaknesses..." He flashed an evil smirk.

Suddenly, the memories of the rumors flashed in my mind. The love triangle between me, Elliot, and Weldon; the wildlife of the lies about his family and his battling style... They all started...when Weldon let Caleb go...

"Oh my gosh..." I muttered, trying to steady myself. "You're the one who's been spreading those rumors about him..."

"That's right!" he gloated. "And now, to make sure you never tell anyone about this! Liepard, Sand Attack!"

The purple Pokémon growled and spun around, kicking sand into my face. I was able to block it from blinding my eyes, but I couldn't see anything Liepard or Caleb anywhere.

Suddenly he shouted past the dust cloud, "Pursuit!"

I heard something shifting positions to my left. With the instinctual movements I learned from Koga, I rolled forward and dodged Liepard's sharp claws. I immediately took out a Pokéball and shouted, "Lightning, use Iron Tail to blow away the dust!"

The Raichu materialized and she sliced the air with her silver tail. The dust returned to the ground, revealing our enemies.

"Cute trick," Caleb scoffed. "But it won't matter! Liepard, Dark Pulse!"

"Lightning, Thunderbolt!"

The purple rings and the lightning bolt collided and exploded into a shower or purple sparks.

Undeterred, I shouted, "Quick Attack!"

Caleb waved his right arm. "Pursuit!"

Lightning dashed forward, but he leapt over the Mouse Pokémon and chased after her. They darted around the benches, bushes, and trees, with both showing no signs of slowing down.

"Well, would you look at that," Caleb mused. "A Persian-and-Pikachu chase. How, amusing...but it's no use. Time to end this." Once his Pokémon cornered Lighting in between a tree and a bench to my right, he ordered, "Slash!"

Liepard extended his right claws and charged.

"I don't think so!" Lightning and I raised our left arms and formed a fist. "Thunderpunch!"

We swung forward, and the Electric type hit Liepard square in the jaw. He cried in pain and crashed into Caleb. Both fell to the ground, with the former unable to move.

"Great job, Lightning," I praised.

She smirked. "Thanks for the challenge."

Caleb returned his Pokémon, just as the police arrived. When he saw them, he tried to escape, but the Growlithe and Arcanine surrounded him.

The police chief, a man of slightly build stature, walked over and handcuffed the agent. "Caleb Caedmon," he said in a gruff voice. "You're under arrest for Trainer interference, mass slander, and battling a tournament participant in a match not allowed by the Pokémon League Association."

"Y-You can't do this to me!" Caleb protested. "You have no evidence for the first two offences!"

"Really? I doubt that. After all, I have a very reliable source provide it to me."

Champion Red strode forward, his face stoic and his eyes cold.

"YOU!" the agent retorted. But he held his tongue, not wanting to damage his case further.

The police led Caleb into a white and black car, returned their Pokémon, and drove away. Red was about to say something when crowds of people left the stadium. When they caught sight of him, they gasped with delight.

"Oh my gosh, it's Champion Red!"

"Champion Red! Can I get a picture with you?"

"I want an autograph, Mr. Red!"

The champion sighed and handed me a piece of curled up paper before walking to the side to meet his adoring fans.

I then unfurled the note and read, "Meet me at my office tonight at 8." I crossed my arms. Red better have an explanation for me. Then, I remembered what I was supposed to be doing and we entered the backstage area.

I walked over to the female receptionist watching over the waiting room and asked, "Excuse me, did Weldon Leland come by here?"

"Why yes! He left about ten minutes ago." She slowly batted her brown eyes, trying to maintain her calm manner. "A shame really..."

"I see. Do you know where he went?"

"I'm sorry, he didn't give any indication of his next location."

"Well...thank you."

I exited the building and sighed. Lightning rubbed against my left leg, trying to comfort me. Weldon...please be all right...

Twenty minutes earlier...

Weldon sat on a bench in the boy's locker room and slammed his fist onto the wood. H-How could I have lost like that?! I was horrible! Weak! A...fraud... He wiped the tears beginning to fall from his eyes and tried to stifle his sobs. Maybe...they were right after all...

He bit his lip and opened his locker for the last time. But something else was there besides his backpack. What's this?

A small white envelope was sticking out of the bag's side pocket. Curious, he opened it and read the note's contents. "Meet me at the Kanto Overlook." Kanto Overlook, that's at the eastern side of the Indigo Plateau. But the person didn't leave his or her name... Can I even trust this person? How do I know they won't take advantage of me? But he sighed. Guess I won't know until I get there.

He slipped on his backpack and sneaked out of the backstage area. He was so focused on finding out the mysterious note writer that he didn't notice an unusual cloud of dust at the stadium entrance. As he weaved through the somewhat quiet streets, he couldn't help but feel that the people who were there were staring at him like he was a Dunsparce, or worse, a Grimer. Not wanting any more negative attention, he slid into the narrow alleyways behind the buildings and ran to the overlook.

After ten minutes, he arrived at a clearing with a gorgeous view of the Kanto Region, with Cinnabar Island Volcano, Mt. Moon, the Saffron City skyscrapers, and the Pokémon Tower highlighting the mostly flat to mountainous landscape. A man in a black fedora and trenchcoat was standing in between an information placard and a long wooden bench.

Weldon felt a strong force driving him to battle the lone viewer. It...can't be...

The man turned to him, revealing himself to be none other than Giovanni. "So you got my letter."

"Giovanni!" Weldon roared. He took a Pokéball from his belt and was about to throw it when the man raised his right palm.

"No need for the traditional introduction battle, Leland. I'm not here for a fight anyway."

The young Trainer reluctantly reattached the ball to his belt. "Then what do you want with me?"

Giovanni faced him. "Just seeing how you're doing, that's all."

Weldon could barely contain his inner rage any longer and shouted, "Just FINE! Everything's fine! Only that I lost in the Top 32, I'm embroiled in rumors I can't shake off, and I disappointed everyone! I just can't...I just can't..." He fell to his knees and pounded the dirt, his tears forming small circles on the soil. "WHAT AM I DOING WRONG?!"

He expected his enemy to gloat, but a comforting hand touched his left shoulder. Weldon was dumbfounded. "Wh-What are you doing... Why would you-"

"I'm not the monster you think I am."

Weldon looked up and, to his surprise, saw concern and kindness in the man's face. Giovanni helped him onto the bench and sat beside him.

The former Gym Leader handed Weldon a tissue and said, "To answer your question, you're relying on a skill set that doesn't fit your battling style."

The young Trainer wiped his eyes. "What do you mean? It works for Stanley-"

"That's because you don't have his other battling ability, the one that enhances the user's Pokémon's power. I should know; I've faced against him back when I was a Gym Leader. Did you not know this?"

Weldon stared at the clouds. "No...he always has powerful Pokémon, so I assumed that if I trained my Pokémon hard enough, then...I can actually beat him... I really am a nobody in the family..."

"Look, Leland. You can't focus on the strategies other people are using if you actually want to get stronger. You need to develop your own strategies and nurture your battling ability. Even if it means starting over."

The boy pondered this advice. "I'll...keep that in mind."

Giovanni crossed his arms. "So, have you found the person I mentioned before?"

Weldon sighed. "No...the only person I know who has an Emboar has been avoiding me. But when I think about it...I think he really did do it..."

"The only thing I remembered was that Pokémon, and I don't remember what the person looks like, only that it was a man. Just keep that in mind."

"I want to, honest. But he's been tormenting me all my life. I never knew the reason why, but if he is related to Dad's disappearance, then it has to stem from that..." Weldon wistfully looked at the grass on the overlook swaying in the light breeze.

Giovanni stared at the crestfallen boy and took a deep breath. "Weldon... Has...your mom ever mentioned me to you before?"

Weldon was wary. "Not really. Why do you ask?"

He adjusted the collar of his trenchcoat. "There's...something I need to tell you. I'm-"

"There he is!"

The two turned around and saw two police officers with a Granbull and a Growlithe. One of them shouted, "Giovanni Razzuchi, you're under arrest! Growlithe, Flamethrower!"

The Fire type unleashed a stream of flames at them. Giovanni gritted his teeth and shifted his eyes to the right. The fire followed his movements and struck the rocks on the mountain.

"Don't let him get away!" the other officer cried. "Granbull, Roar!"

The Normal type crouched down and emitted a powerful roar that blew Weldon and Giovanni into the air. Thinking quickly, the latter grabbed the boy and dove towards the trees below.

Weldon was shocked. "What are you doing?! Are you crazy?!"

The former Gym Leader smirked. "Not crazy, resourceful." He sent out his Honchkrow, who caught both of them and landed safely on Route 22. Giovanni let a shaky Weldon off and was about to take off when the boy interrupted him.

"You're leaving?! Why aren't you turning yourself in?!"

"I will, eventually. But for now, I have to keep going until I know your father's alive. For your mother's sake... and my godson's."

"G-Godson?! What are you-?"

Giovanni looked up and saw more officers approaching. He smiled at him and fled the scene without giving Weldon any further explanation.

As the police ignored him and gave chase, Weldon fell into another whirlwind of emotions. Giovanni's...my godfather?!

Summer's Pokémon:

Blaze (Blaziken, male): Brave Nature, moves: Fire Punch, Flamethrower, Blaze Kick, Sky Uppercut

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

Aurora (Dewgong, female): Calm Nature, moves: Water Pulse, Ice Beam, Aqua Tail, Aqua Ring

Lightning (Raichu, 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 (Steelix, male): Lonely Nature, moves: Stone Edge, Crunch, Dragonbreath, Iron Tail

Temporary- Teddiursa (male): Naughty Nature, moves: Fury Swipes, Roar, Leer, Scratch

Yuki's Pokémon:

Momo (Wartortle, male): Quiet Nature, moves: Water Gun, Rapid Spin, Blizzard, Aqua Tail

Ume (Swellow, female): Adamant Nature, moves: Roost, Wing Attack, Quick Attack, Swift

Ichigo (Minun, male): Sassy Nature, moves: Discharge, Hidden Power, Helping Hand, Spark

Kiui (Skiploom, female): Jolly Nature, moves: Bullet Seed, Mega Drain, Silver Wind, Sleep Powder

Mikan (Cyndaquil, male): Bold Nature, moves: Facade, Flame Wheel, Flamethrower, Smokescreen

Questions for the Chapter:

What did you think of Weldon's battle?

What did you think of the reveal of the source of the rumors?

What did you think Red wants to talk to Summer about?

What did you think about the reveal of Giovanni and Weldon's real relationship?