Summer and Sorin's Top 8 battle was a close-fought one, with both Trainers and their Pokémon pushing each other to their limits. It came down to their Fire type starters, who were determined to win for their respective Trainers. After a flaming fistfight, Ellanher, Sorin's Typhlosion, prevailed over Blaze, knocking Summer out of the Silver League tournament. However, she was happy her cousin won, and hopes that he will win the tournament. Who will become the winner of the Silver League tournament and what are the next plans for Summer and her friends?

Chapter 60- A Shining Farewell

"And, that's all I know."

Weldon leaned back in his chair, looking at the Kanto Champion's worried expression. The young Trainer was still processing everything Red told him about his newly revealed godfather.

"So, Giovanni became the Kanto Champion to gain access to the private library available to all Champions to figure out where my dad disappeared to? And the reason why he invested in Mewtwo was because he was worried that you'd be the one to take his title and had to win no matter what?"

Red sighed. "In a Seedot's shell, yes."

The boy grew upset. "But doesn't that still doesn't excuse him from creating an artificial Pokémon or even allowing Team Rocket to hurt people. And you allowing the latter to happen makes you as complicit in his crimes."

The Champion was taken aback. "Weldon...I couldn't do anything without any proof. Not only did Giovanni cover his tracks well, but also Archer. I did what I could do by monitoring the Viridian City Gym and the actions of Team Rocket as a whole."

Weldon angrily stood up. "Then why didn't you tell me all of this two years ago?! I could've stopped Giovanni sooner."

Red raised his voice. "You weren't strong enough then, and you still aren't."

This time, Weldon was shocked and grew quiet.

"Weldon, you may have won a regional tournament, but I could tell something's still holding you back from your full potential. I saw it in our battle, and I saw it in this tournament. If you can't overcome that, I know you won't be able to beat Giovanni, let alone Craig or Stanley."

The boy stepped back. "H-How do you know about Craig?!"

Red showed him the book, The Origins of the Ten Oldest Battling Families.

Weldon exhaled sharply. "What's going on between me, Stanley, and Craig is none of your business, Red. It's my problem, and mine alone."

"I know, and I apologize. Can I at least tell you why I was researching your families?"

"I think you did enough."

Weldon stormed out of the office, blinded by anger and shame. He's right... Everyone's right... I'm not worthy to keep the Leland name... He was so preoccupied by his extreme emotions, he brushed by a male PLA employee and a young brown-eyed man with spiky orange hair, a black jacket with short grey wool around the collar, a large black belt with a silver buckle, and brown khaki pants.

The man asked, "Who's that kid?"

"That was Weldon Leland," the employee explained. "I guess his meeting with Champion Red has ended."

"I'd say. Guess my meeting with him's earlier than expected."

"Right this way, sir." The worker led the man into the room then closed the door behind him.

The man sat down and smirked, "Rough day, Red?"

The Champion groaned, "Really, Blue? I'm not in the mood for this."

"Sorry, force of habit." Blue leaned forward. "Now then, why did you want to see me?"

Later that week…

{It all comes down to this!} the announcer shouted to the spectators in the Crystal Battlefield. {Both Sorin and Taylor Rose are down to their last Pokémon. Whoever wins this battle will become the Senior Division winner!}

"Come on, Sorin!" I cheered. Lightning and Teddiursa echoed my sentiment by punching their right paws in the air.

"This really has been an interesting battle," Jasmine mused. "Those two really are something."

Ellanher punched Petals, Taylor Rose's Meganium, with a fiery right hand.

{And another super effective Fire Punch lands! How will Taylor Rose overcome the obvious type disadvantage?}

The television screen showed the girl's frustration as she waved her arm forward. Petals tackled her opponent, who tumbled to the ground, then stomped on the dirt. Although we couldn't feel it, we saw the battlefield shake, causing large stones broken off from the dusty terrain and hit Ellanher.

{What a turn of events! A surprise Earthquake pounds Ellanher! What will Sorin do next?}

My cousin remained calm and waved his arm forward. His starter slammed his front paws on the dirt, causing plumes of fire to head towards the Grass type. Taylor Rose was so stunned, she couldn't issue a counterattack. Petals then collapsed onto the dirt, motionless.

The referee waved his flags and shouted, "Petals is unable to battle! Ellanher wins, and the winner of the 2005 Silver League Senior Division is Sorin Baldwin from Olivine City!"

We cheered as the winning pair gave each other a celebratory hug. To our surprise, the two opponents shook hands and Taylor Rose left the battlefield without incident.

Wow, I never expected Taylor Rose to be so calm in defeat... Guess she's a more respectable person than I thought.

"You took the words out of my mouth, Summer," Lows stated.

A young female reporter in a light gray blouse and black skirt made her way onto the scorched field and said, "Congratulations, Sorin! How does it feel to win the Senior Division tournament?"

Sorin wiped his brow and spoke into the microphone. "I'm still trying to process everything. I can't believe I won!"

The spectators laughed.

"Is there anyone you want to thank for supporting your run?"

He nodded. "I just want to thank my parents, my friend Teeni, the Gym Leaders I battled to get here…" He then scanned for and smiled. "And especially my cousin, Summer, and our grandmother, Lan."

I blushed as the audience gave a round of applause.

"Let's give it up one more time for Sorin Baldwin!"

After the cheering, the announcer said, {The awards ceremony will be held tonight at 6 on Champion Street. There's still a few hours left, so please watch our final match in the Master Division and enjoy the last day of the tournament festivities!}.

A few hours later…

As night fell over Indigo Plateau, the lights along Champion Street illuminated the long row of food and merchandise vendors. My friends, Sorin, and I walked down after the awards ceremony, eager to our last chance for Johto cuisine.

Jasmine squealed, "An Olivine seafood stand! Anyone interested in some steamed fish?"

"I'll keep looking," I replied, shaking my head.

Morty smiled. "The Ecruteak tea stand is next to it. I'll accompany you, Jasmine."

She smiled as her fingers intertwined with the older Gym Leader's. "Come on then, Morty!"

She giggled as they ran over. A few fans waiting in line saw them, the Gym Leaders obliged their requests for autographs and pictures.

Lows sniffed the air. "I'm going to that fried chicken stand."

Lisa salivated. "Oohh… A Goldenrod City specialty! I'll go with you, Lows!"

"Fried chicken does sound good," Sip replied with a hungry smile.

Yuki said, "I'll join you in walking around some more, Summer."

"Me too," Samir and Sorin added.

I beamed. "See you guys later then!"

After they left, my oldest friends and my cousin continue to peruse the remaining food stands. Eventually, we settled on a pasta and noodle bar using produce from Cianwood Town, Azalea Town, and Blackthorn City. We found a long table and proceeded to enjoy our last dinner.

I happily slurped my linguini with sausage and vegetables grown near the Ilex Forest mixed with Tamato Berry cream sauce. "Wow, this is so good!"

Yuki chuckled as she picked up a noodle in her rich duck soup with pickled herbs from Blackthorn City. "I have to agree. This could almost rival Will's noodle soup!"

Samir devoured his macaroni with beef and Moomoo Milk cheese. "This reminds me of that premade dinner, but so much better."

Sorin picked up some of his pork and yaki udon with his wooden chopsticks. "These noodles are so fresh! And the meat's so tender!"

I drooled a little. "Please don't say anymore. It makes me want to get those too!"

They laughed while our Pokémon, except for Rocky, Steinar, and Indra, enjoyed their own dishes in a clearing next to us. The air was so mild, I didn't mind the wind blowing by.

Wow, this journey's almost ending. It's been so long, and wait...I haven't done any reports to Professor Oak or even Professor Birch this whole trip! I hope they're not upset...

I ate some more pasta to distract my worrisome thoughts. But my eyes noticed something sitting farther in the clearing. I couldn't recognize what it was, but I felt drawn to it.

"Hey, I'll be right back."

"Oh, okay," Yuki said. "We'll be right here."

I nodded and approached the figure. It was Weldon, embracing his bent legs with his arms. A sudden wave of sadness hit me, like a riptide trying to pull me from safety. The intense emotion made me head hurt, but I still proceeded to talk to him.

"Weldon?"

He quickly turned around, rubbing his eyes. "S-Summer! Wh-What are you doing here?"

I shrugged. "Intuition, I guess."

"Figures." He didn't protest as I sat on his left. "So, congratulations on making the Top 8 again."

"Thanks. I...I'm sorry about what happened."

"Why are you sorry? You had nothing to do with my match."

"But I should've made more of an effort to talk to you. You seemed like you were in pain, both before and after your time in the tournament."

He chuckled softly. "I guess you can say that." He looked at the sky, his gray eyes scanning the twinkling stars. "Summer...after you heard and read those rumors about me, I learned your opinion of me didn't sour. Why didn't you turn on me like everyone else?"

I was surprised by his question, but I responded, "You may be my rival, Weldon, but I know you're not that kind of person. You're a powerful Trainer, no matter what anyone says."

He paused then said, "Thanks, but I'm afraid it's too late."

"Wh-What are you talking about?"

He stood up and replied solemnly, "It doesn't concern you, Summer, but you'll find out soon enough."

"Weldon…"

I got up and tried to touch his arm, but he brushed my hand away. The melancholic emotions around him increased, almost to a breaking point. I stumbled slightly and gritted my teeth.

Wh-What's going on?! M-My head's throbbing so much…

As I fell onto the grass, Kazan's voice echoed through my mind. Summer! You must resist these emotions!

I took several deep breaths in an attempt to regain control of my body.

There you go…

I smiled. Thanks, Kazan. What just happened to me?

Before the Legendary Pokémon could respond, Samir ran over. "Summer! Are you all right?"

I nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine. Did Weldon walk past you guys?"

"He did, and he seemed really distracted. Was that who you saw?"

My head was still pounding, and I winced in pain. Samir took note and didn't ask any more questions. Despite this, we were able to enjoy the rest of the festival until the late hours of the night.

The next day…

Yuki and I already checked out of our hotel and waited in the Pokémon Center for everyone else. I thought the pain from yesterday's encounter with Weldon would've subsided by now, but the late-night party appeared to prolong its severity. At least the ibuprofen I took earlier began to work its magic.

"I can't believe our journeys in Johto are about to end," Yuki mused.

"I know, it seemed short, but also long at the same time. It's too bad Sorin couldn't come here today. He has a lot of interviews to do."

"At least you got to say goodbye to him in the hotel lobby."

"True… At least we'll stay in touch whenever we can."

After we got our Pokémon back from Nurse Iris' Chansey, we let out Ichigo, Lightning, and Teddiursa.

I looked at the Electric type. "Thanks for helping Errol and Aella make up, Lightning. Sorin and I really appreciate it."

She gave a smug smile. "No problem, Summer! I do have a knack for these kinds of things."

Teddiursa rolled his eyes. "From what I saw, you tried to approach them, but you tripped on the side of the pool. They made up without your help!"

"Hey! At least I tried to, Teddiursa! You were just practicing your Fury Swipes on Rocky and Steinar!"

I let out a small sigh. "Okay, okay, just calm down, you two. We don't want to get kicked out."

After they settled down, my friend asked, "So, Summer, are you heading back home?"

"Yeah, it's been so long since I've been in Hoenn, I hope nothing's changed too drastically."

"I for one am very excited!" Teddiursa exclaimed. "Summer told me my future Trainer is waiting there for me! I can't wait to show whoever it is my improved Fury Swipes!"

He proceeded to attack Lightning with the aforementioned move, but she blocked the attack by stopping the young Pokémon with her tail.

As he struggled in vain, Lightning said, "I want to see where you and Blaze met, Summer! And your family in person!"

I beamed. "I'm sure they'll be all excited to meet everyone, especially Professor Birch."

"Hey, Summer. You haven't really done much research for him or Professor Oak lately," Yuki noted. "Would that affect your position as a Junior Researcher?"

"I actually was thinking that yesterday. I don't really know..."

"Well, are you still going to be a researcher?"

I stroked my chin as Teddiursa slumped to the floor in exhaustion. "I'd still be happy to help with the Pokémon translation app and giving information to Professor Birch, but maybe not the writing and presentation part of it anymore. That way, I can still travel and meet new Pokémon, but with no pressing tasks from the professors."

"I think that's a good idea. I'm sure they'll understand."

"What about you, Yuki? Are you going to work on the Eevee Showboat this summer?"

She gave a sly smile. "Actually, I'm just going to visit for a couple of weeks before I start the Kanto Contests."

"Really?! That's great!" But then I hesitated.

Yuki sensed my sadness and replied, "I know; that means we won't be traveling anymore… But I'll try to visit Hoenn if I can! I heard there's a new Contest tournament there that the Hoenn Champion will begin to host next season. If our schedules match, let's meet up then!"

I smiled and nodded. "Of course! Promise?"

We shook hands, then pulled each other into a tight hug. When we separated, the rest of our friends entered the building.

"Hi, Summer and Yuki!" Jasmine greeted. "Are you two ready to go home?"

We nodded.

The Olivine Gym Leader focused on me, Yuki, Lows, Sip, and Lisa. "Thank you for letting me and Morty watch your matches."

"No, thank you for helping us!" I said. "We appreciate your advice during the Grand Festival and the Silver League."

Lisa chimed in. "It was such an honor to hang out with such an awesome Coordinator like you, Jasmine!"

Lows added, "And we all will take your and Morty's advice for our future battles."

Morty chuckled. "It's been a while since Trainers have given us so much praise. Don't you agree, Jasmine?"

After a light chuckle, she replied, "That means we've done our job well. Anyway, we need to head back to our Gyms to plan for the next year's Silver League. Our work's never done."

After we waved goodbye, the two Gym Leaders walked hand in hand back into the town.

They really do make a good couple.

Lows sighed. "Guess we all are going home now, huh? At least you and Samir don't have far to go, Lisa."

"True...but I'll still miss you, Lows. And, everyone else."

I smirked as the boy's face flushed red.

"M-Me too, Lisa. We'll see each other again soon."

The young Coordinator winked. "I'm holding you to it, Lows!" After hugging Yuki, she headed to the door. "You coming, Samir?"

The intern said, "In a minute."

"Okay, I'll wait outside for our ride."

When she did so, Samir whispered to me, "Don't worry too much about Weldon, okay? He'll recover, like always."

My cheeks suddenly felt warmer.

He smiled and told everyone, "It was great meeting and seeing you all. Hopefully I'll see you on my expeditions. Good luck with your future journeys!"

"Bye, Samir!"

After he left, Candy looked at her Pokégear. "The train to Kanto's leaving in an hour. We should hurry to Goldenrod City." The Celadon City native gave me a fierce look. "We'll battle again someday, Summer. And when we do, I'll be the one who is victorious!"

Carlos rolled his eyes, but I grinned. "We'll see, Candy. Thanks for coming to see my matches. You too, Carlos."

The Ace Trainer bowed slightly. "It was truly an honor to see you again, Señorita Summer. May our paths cross again in the future."

Lows sighed. "Guess I'd better go with them." He took a deep breath and said with a smile, "Thanks for your help, Summer. I kind of feel bad I didn't do anything to help you."

"No way! You helped me study for my battles during the tournament. And I know you'll win a regional tournament in the future, Lows. Keep in touch?"

"Of course!"

We shook hands, and I could tell he's grown quite a bit since our first encounter at the National Park. The Kanto natives waved goodbye and exited.

Yuki said, "I should get going too. The ship to Tangelo Island's leaving in two hours from Vermillion City." We gave each other one last hug, then she and Ichigo ran out the door.

It was strange seeing the people I know leave, but hopefully it won't be long until I see any of them again. I looked at the last Trainer remaining. "Guess that means we'll head over to Olivine City Harbor."

Sip nodded. "I'm glad you and I got the same tickets, Summer. It'll be lonely going to the Slateport City Pier by myself."

I laughed. "I definitely know the feeling. Come on!"

We headed outside, ready to return to our home region of Hoenn.

In a prison hidden in the mountains near Violet City, Caleb Caedmon sat in his dreary detention cell. His smart suit was replaced with a boring, gray prison uniform and his usually slick hair was matted and messy.

Ugh...this stinks! Why did she and the Champion have to get in my way?! When I get out of here...

A prison guard in a full blue uniform rattled his cell bars, snapping him out vengeful thoughts.

"You have a phone call," the guard said gruffly as he opened the door. "Move it, Caedmon!"

The former agent growled, but complied with the authority's orders. He was handcuffed and led down to the detention lobby, a row of barricaded cells that separated the prisoners from the visitors. He was positioned at Cell A and took the receiver of the dark gray phone.

A man greeted, {How're you holding up?}

Caleb was shocked but made sure the guard wasn't looking. "Sir, I wasn't expecting to hear back from you so soon."

{I bring good news. I was able to reduce your sentence from five years in prison to two.}

"R-Really? H-How?"

{I have my ways. If you play your cards right, you may be able to leave earlier under good behavior.}

"Th-Thank you, sir. But I apologize for allowing myself to be caught by the likes of those two…"

The man chuckled, happy to hear Caleb's anger through the receiver. {I expected this to happen. And I always look out for those who are loyal to me.}

The guard tapped Caleb's arms, signaling his last free seconds.

"I have to go. Good luck, sir."

{Good luck to you as well, Caleb.}

The former agent hung up and as he returned to his cell, he smiled. His mentor's goal was almost reaching its fruition.

Meanwhile...

A young black-haired woman dressed in a black tank top dress and dark red leggings was perched on top of Route 22 mountains, watching a young teenager trod to Route 1 with her binoculars. So that's the next candidate. He doesn't really look like one, to be honest.

To her left, an Umbreon watched his Trainer closely while a young Togepi was nestled in the hood of her red jacket.

"Are you sure we should be watching him like this, Trin?" the Dark type asked.

"We don't have much of a choice," she replied bluntly. "Our enemy will make sure that we'll be eliminated if we're careless."

The baby Pokémon fiddled with the girl's makeup in her black backpack. "Come on, Morpheus. Trin knows what she's doing."

He sighed. "I know, but her antisociality worries me."

"Don't worry, Morpheus," she said with a smile. "I'll make my presence known when the time comes."

Once she made sure the boy returned to his home in Pallet Town, she packed her things and returned the Umbreon. She held onto the Normal type then slid on her jacket and bag. "Come on, Loki. We need to return to Hoenn to do more research."

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

Questions for the Chapter:

What is Weldon going to do?

Why did Summer suffer from Weldon's intense emotions?

What is Caleb's mentor planning?

What is Weldon a candidate for?

Thank you all for reading Summer's journey in the Johto Region. It's been a very long story to complete and has much more drama than Kanto: The Start of the Journey, but I hope you still enjoyed it all the same. As usual, I want to thank everyone who's read and reviewed my story, especially WyldClaw, Fancyyy, and obsidianwolf1! I also want to thank Fancyyy, Lamanti-Gatto (previously Shslcardiologist), and Trin-Miller for allowing me to use their original characters. Lastly, I want to thank my editor (a.k.a. my sister) for editing my chapters.

The Hall of Fame for this story will no longer be updated. There's going to be more suggested characters, intertwining stories, and lots of Legendary Pokémon, so stay tuned!

Thanks again for reading my third main story, and I hope you enjoy the next two stories, Hoenn: A Trio of Fates and Hoenn Nuzlocke: The Gemstone in the Rough, which will begin in May! :)