Chapter 66 - Logan vs. Yuta - Part 2 - Yuta's Ambition
Two Years Ago
"C'mon, Logan! You can do this!" Yuta cheered as he watched the Vertress Conference on his TV. One of his new favorite trainers was competing in the semi-finals match, and Yuta believed the louder he yelled, the better he would do. "You're Emboar is too strong to lose!"
"Falling Dragon Tail!" Logan's opponent called.
"Arm Thrust!" the boy with dark brown hair and a black and white jacket ordered.
The two Pokémon on screen had just been separated, and the serpentine Pokémon was airborne. She began to charge arcane energy in her tail as she fell from the sky. She shifted her body slightly and used the motion from her fall to continue downwards to the giant fire Pokémon. He tried to lift his arms, but it was clear that he was too worn out. The Grass-type slammed her tail directly onto the Fire-type's head. Both of them stumbled backwards and glared at one another.
"C'mon!" Yuta yelled.
His cheers went unheard though as the Fire-type fell to one knee and then the other. He huffed and then collapsed completely.
"Emboar is unable to battle! Serperior is the winner! The victory goes to Mao Li!" the referee's voice declared loudly over the TV.
Yuta sat back on his cushion and sighed. "No way…"
"You really tried you best there," Yuta's mother said. "I'm sure Emboar is glad that you supported him."
"I'm going to be a really strong trainer too one day! Maybe I'll even be able to raise an Emboar like that one!" Yuta declared.
"You're making a lot of noise," Yuta's father, a man with a beard of stubble and black messy hair said as he entered the room. "It's too early for that kind of racket." He reached into the fridge and grabbed a beer.
"It's the Vertress Conference, dad!" Yuta said. "The trainers in Unova are really strong!"
His dad shook his head. "The trainers in Hoenn are strong, Yuta."
Yuta nodded.
His mom laughed. "It looks like Yuta found a new person to idolize," she said as she pointed to the boy on the TV. He appeared disappointed as he consoled his Pokémon. "Maybe you'll get a match with him when you become a trainer?"
"You think he'd come to Hoenn?"
Yuta's dad took a drink from his can. "He wouldn't stand a chance here. And besides, my son would wipe the floor with him."
Yuta looked at the TV. "Logan, one day, we'll battle. And I'll show you just how strong a trainer from Hoenn can be! It sounds like so much fun!"
His dad scoffed. "Fun? Kid, if you're going to be a champion, then you need to know that Pokémon battling isn't about having fun. It's about strategizing and beating your opponent by any means possible. Champions bust their butts and have no time for fun. They're ruthless."
Yuta stayed quiet. The boy on the screen, even though he had lost, was still smiling.
Present Day
Yuta looked up into the crowd. No matter what match it was or where he looked, he never saw either of his parents. He always imagined that they would be there. He closed his eyes and focused back onto the battlefield.
"We will now resume this battle on the water field!" the referee declared. He raised his flags into the air and waved them around.
"Camerupt, go!" Yuta yelled while throwing his Poké Ball onto the field. A large Camerupt with red eyes emerged. He lazily looked out onto the field, taking note of the different pools of water.
Camerupt has Ground-type capabilities, so bringing in Manectric at this point would be foolish. But maybe I can outspeed him with something else. Logan thought. He pulled a Luxury Ball from his belt. "Go, Fraxure!"
A dark green Dragon-type Pokémon with razor sharp tusks protruding from the sides of his jaw appeared on the field. He roared and waved his tusks around in an intimidating fashion.
"Okay," Yuichi said. "What's his plan here?"
"Fraxure, start with Dragon Dance!" Logan ordered.
"If that's how we're going to play, then use Sunny Day!"
"They're both going to power up first," Himawari said as the two Pokémon used their attacks. The bright artificial sunlight filled the arena, and Fraxure started to glow with arcane energy. Steam slowly rose from the pond built into the stage.
"Now, get in close with Dragon Claw!" Logan called.
Yuta glared. "Rapid-fire Solar Beam!"
Camerupt roared, and his eyes turned even redder. From the sky, energy built from solar light rained down, but Fraxure was quick. The Dragon-type moved around the energy as it pelted into the ground, and he jumped into the air, swiping directly at Camerupt. He got a direct hit, making Camerupt take a couple steps back.
Yuta grinned. "Eruption!"
Camerupt roared, and the ground below him and Fraxure started to rumble. Fire exploded from the ground, sending Fraxure flying into the air.
Yuta grinned. "Can't dodge now! Solar Beam!"
Camerupt's voice called out, and one more beam shot from the sky, ramming directly into Fraxure, pushing him back to the ground. He crashed hard into one of the pools, but within a few moments, he emerged and swam to the edge. When he came back to the ground, he took in a deep breath but then went back to his battle stance.
"My Fraxure may not be fully evolved, but his pride won't allow him to go down easily," Logan said. "I have to admit though, your attack had me frightened for a moment."
Yuta looked at Fraxure in disbelief. "It's so much stronger than it was two years ago."
"Fraxure!" the Pokémon cried out.
"One more Dragon Dance!"
"No! We can't let him! Use Earth Power!" Yuta commanded quickly.
As Fraxure started to glow with more arcane fire, Camerupt mooed while the ground started to shake. He pulled a giant stone from the earth using psychic powers and then tossed it across the field, but when it landed, Fraxure was too fast, avoiding it completely.
"Give 'em Poison Jab!"
Fraxure zigzagged forward as his tusks started to glow purple. Before Yuta could even think of an order, Fraxure slashed his tusks, hitting a direct hit on Camerupt and making him fall back. The Fire-type howled as his body started to glow a tint of purple, and the poison began to set in.
"No…" Yuta muttered. "We can do this! Hit him with Solar Beam!"
Camerupt slowly recovered but fought through the pain. He started his attack, making it rain solar energy once more. But Fraxure was way too quick.
"We've already seen Camerupt's moves," Logan said. "We can't lose this round. Fraxure, give him Dragon Claw!"
Fraxure spun his body around and then slashed quickly, making Camerupt stumble backwards. He still remained standing, but he was starting to breathe heavily from the damage.
"One more Dragon Claw! Make this one count!"
Fraxure lunged forward.
"Defensive Eruption!" Yuta called.
Before Fraxure could connect, the area around Camerupt exploded with fire, surrounding him completely. Fraxure stopped his attack and looked at the wall of fire in amazement.
"Earth Power!" Yuta's voice called.
A giant stone from the earth emerged from the fire, crashing into Fraxure directly. The Dragon-type was tossed backwards and fell into one of the pools once again.
"Solar Beam!"
A pillar of light struck the pool, releasing steam into the air, and once the light faded away, there was no more water. Fraxure was also missing.
"What?!" Yuta yelled.
"Dragon Claw!"
Fraxure exploded from the pool behind Camerupt, and he swung his claw, getting a direct hit. Camerupt flew into the air and then crashed down hard onto the solid ground. He was unable to make an effort to get back up.
"Camerupt is unable to battle! Fraxure is the winner!" the referee declared.
"What happened?" Himawari asked.
Yuichi smiled. "So, the pools are all connected with underground channels, and it's my guess that Fraxure simply swam to another pool while everyone was distracted with Solar Beam."
"Incredible," Yurie muttered.
Yuta returned his Pokémon and then looked up at the screen. Two of his Pokémon remained. Logan had four. He peered into the crowd. Still couldn't see them anywhere.
One Year Ago
"So, Mr. Stephenson. If you win the Manalo Conference, what are your plans?" a voice called from the TV. Yuta sat calmly on the ground, but his eyes were glued to the screen.
The boy that Yuta had watched one year previous nervously laughed as the camera pointed towards him. He was covered in sweat which soaked his white t-shirt.
"Well, first… I defeat the Alola Elite Four!" the boy declared. His voice was shaky.
"That's a bold claim!" the interviewer said. He started to pull the microphone away, but Logan grabbed his wrist.
"And then, I'll beat the champion!" he now had fire in his eyes. "And I'll tour the world and take on the champions of other regions!"
The interviewer laughed. "I see! Do you have any champion that you're particularly fond of?"
The boy nodded. "Steven Stone from Hoenn! He's my hero!"
Yuta's eyes widened, and he shot up straight. "Steven's my hero too!"
"Quiet," Yuta's dad mumbled. He was almost passed out on the couch, a beer firmly in his grip. "It's too late for that."
"Sorry…" Yuta turned back to the TV and he sat back down. "Logan's hero is Steven. That's amazing. I hope he wins. I hope he comes to Hoenn. I want to see that battle."
"Well, folks. You heard it here! If Logan wins, then he's going to tour the world and take on all of our champions!" the interviewer said. "And now, onto our next contestant!"
Yuta turned away and picked up his notebook and pencil. He flipped through the pages and quickly found the one with Logan's name on it. It had listed the Pokémon that he used in both the Vertress and Manalo Conferences along with their attacks. Yuta smiled.
"I think you could beat Steven."
Present Day
Yuta drew out his next Poké Ball. "We won't lose today." He threw his Poké Ball into the air, and the Pokémon that everyone feared emerged, Metagross.
Logan gritted his teeth together. "If he Mega Evolves, I'm in a tough spot."
Yuta shook his head. "Patience is rewarding, Logan. Not just yet."
"Then let's fight with everything we have! Fraxure, power up one more time! Dragon Dance!"
Blue flames encircled Fraxure as he roared, building up energy, but this time, Yuta wasn't in a hurry to attack.
"Go ahead. It won't matter," he said. "Meteor Mash!"
Metagross withdrew its four arms and then shot across the field. Once it reached Fraxure, it swung one of its giant arms, but Fraxure was easily able to dodge it.
"Dragon Claw!" Logan ordered.
"Keep going!"
The two Pokémon swung their attacks, clashing in the middle of the air. They paused for a moment before both were knocked backwards a little bit. And without needing their trainers' orders, they swiped once more. Fraxure was overpowered slightly, and his legs buckled, allowing Metagross to send him backwards.
"Now use Zen Headbutt!" Yuta yelled.
Metagross twisted his body before lunging forward. He tackled into Fraxure while psychic energy exploded from his body, sending the Dragon-type into the air.
"Come down with Dragon Claw!" Logan ordered.
Using the momentum of his fall, Fraxure swiped downwards, getting a strong hit against the Steel-type, and sending it reeling. Once Fraxure was back on the ground, he knew what was coming.
"Giga Impact!" both of the trainers ordered.
The two Pokémon exploded with white energy as they leapt forward. They clashed in the middle of the field, causing a small explosion. Both of them were tossed backwards, but only Metagross remained strong. Fraxure's body went limp as he collided with the ground, and the referee examined him closely.
"Fraxure is unable to battle! Metagross is the winner!"
Logan nodded. "You did great, Fraxure." He returned his Pokémon and readied his next Poké Ball.
"Even though Fraxure used Dragon Dance repeatedly, that only increased Fraxure's speed and attack stats for the match. Fraxure was still defensively weak, especially when you compare it to a Metagross," Yuichi explained.
"But he put up a great fight!" Himawari explained. He flexed what he had of muscles in his thin arms. "He has dragon's blood after all!"
Yurie sighed. "Not this again…"
Logan flipped his Poké Ball upwards and then tossed it into the air. Once more, Manectric appeared onto the field. Although he had taken some damage during his battle with Glalie, he was still eager to fight.
Yuta laughed. "Alright. Use Earthquake!"
"Use those legs! Get into the air!"
As Metagross shifted its body and shoved one of its massive claws into the ground, Manectric jumped into the air. The entire field shook from Metagross' attack, but Manectric didn't feel a thing.
"Flamethrower!"
"Manectric!" the Pokémon howled before unleashing a heavy stream of fire from his mouth. The stream engulfed Metagross completely, forcing him to stop his attack.
"Now Thunder!"
The sky rumbled as Manectric howled. As he fell from the air, he unleashed lightning from his body. The lightning soared into the air and collected in the clouds before unleashing back down onto the field. It blasted Metagross, making the Steel-type wince with pain. When the attack stopped, Manectric came back to the ground and sneered at Metagross.
"Those were two very strong strikes," Yuta said. "But unfortunately for you, very strong isn't good enough! Metagross, finish Manectric with Zen Headbutt!"
"Fight back with Wild Charge!"
The two Pokémon bounded towards the middle of the field. Manectric had already collected electricity from his previous attack, so he was instantly absorbed in energy. As Metagross flew forward, his body emitted a psychic aura. Eventually, the two met, causing one more explosion to light up the field. From the explosion, Manectric's body flew. It landed with a hard thud on the ground, and he didn't recover. When the dust settled, Metagross remained standing strong in the middle of the battleground.
Logan sighed. "Dang." He returned Manectric and then grabbed his next Poké Ball. "Go all out, Dusclops!"
Dusclops emerged on the field, calmly waving his two hands around as he looked at Metagross. The Steel-type had taken quite a lot of damage in its previous battles, but Dusclops knew that he was still in for quite the fight.
"Start with your Fire Punch!" Logan ordered.
Dusclops slid forward as though he were skating on ice, and his hand started to glow with the light of flames.
"Meteor Mash!"
Metagross lifted its large claw, but Dusclops was faster. He jabbed upwards, hitting Metagross on its underside, stopping it in its tracks. Metagross winced and then looked down at Dusclops. With one swift movement, it swung its claw downwards.
"Get back!" Logan yelled.
Dusclops jumped backwards, narrowly missing Metagross' attack.
"Now give it a Shadow Punch!"
Ghostly energy formed around Dusclops' other hand, and he punched forwards, shooting his hand off like a rocket. It ricocheted off of Metagross' face, making the Steel-type stumble backwards.
"We got this!" Logan yelled.
"Earthquake!"
Metagross used the motion of its backwards movement and lifted both of its front claws into the air. What followed was one of the most powerful Earthquake attacks Logan had ever felt. The ground below Dusclops and Metagross crumbled, and the Ghost-type was sent soaring into the air.
"Now Zen Headbutt!"
Metagross spun its body around and retracted its giant claws before floating into the air. Purple energy exploded from its face while it shot forward.
"Keep it back with Ice Beam!" Logan ordered.
Dusclops twisted his body and then released his light blue beam of ice downwards. It collided with Metagross, but that didn't stop the behemoth of steel from racing forwards. The two Pokémon smashed into one another, and Dusclops was shot downwards, crashing into the ground.
"Dusclops!" Logan yelled out.
Metagross slowly floated back towards the ground, and it loomed over the dust and smoke where Dusclops had crashed.
Suddenly, the ghostly energy from before emerged, crashing directly into Metagross' face. The smoke cleared, and Dusclops was revealed to be safe, both of his arms filled with dark energy. He swung a right. Direct hit. He swung a left. Direct hit. Repeatedly, he jabbed at Metagross, making the Steel-type pull out its massive claws. The two were now standing on the field, and Dusclops was forcing Metagross back with every jab.
"Don't let him get to you!" Yuta yelled. "Meteor Mash!"
Metagross lifted its claw once more, and Dusclops jabbed, getting in a hit in the middle of the Steel-type's face. Metagross' claw then fell to the ground with the rest of its body. In a loud crash, Metagross collapsed.
"Metagross is unable to battle! Dusclops wins!"
The crowd was silent for a moment before they erupted into applause.
Logan sighed with relief. "Fantastic…"
Yuta looked at his Pokémon in complete shock. He slowly lifted his Poké Ball, and the red light absorbed Metagross. "You've really cornered me, Logan."
Eleven Months Ago
It was quiet in Rustboro Forest as Yuta made his way through. He had defeated the Rustboro gym leader with no problem, but he unfortunately had to make his way back through the forest to get to the next gym.
"This is boring," he said. He pulled out his Poké Ball and sighed before releasing Treecko. "Let's walk together. Can't hurt to talk, I guess."
Treecko looked a little bit confused but then nodded. He lead the way while Yuta slowly followed him. The two were silent for awhile.
"So, do you have dreams, Treecko?" Yuta finally asked.
Treecko stopped walking and then looked up. He put his hand to his chin and thought for a moment before nodding. "Treecko!"
Yuta didn't quite understand, but he nodded nonetheless. "My dream is to become the strongest trainer in all of Hoenn. I want to be the champion."
Treecko nodded.
"I think, if I'm a strong trainer... If I can make a career from Pokémon battling… I'd make them all proud."
Treecko continued walking, and Yuta wasn't sure what to say next. He just watched his little Pokémon walk forward.
"I think we can do it. I know what you're capable of, and I'm sure we'll become a really strong team."
Treecko smiled and gave him a thumbs up.
"Let's do this, Treecko."
Present Day
"I told you I was ready," Logan said with a smile.
Yuta nodded as he pulled out his last Poké Ball. "No. You're not. Go, Sceptile!"
Sceptile emerged onto the field and he let out his battle cry. He glared at Dusclops and then looked back at Yuta.
Yuta looked down at his bracelet. Dusclops knows Ice Beam. I shouldn't risk such a disadvantage with two Pokémon left to defeat. Patience is rewarding.
I know that he's capable of Mega Evolution, and if there's a Mega Evolution for Swampert and Blaziken, then there's bound to be one for Sceptile. But why isn't he doing it? Logan thought. "No matter. We'll fight!"
"Sceptile, get in close with X-Scissor!"
Sceptile cried out as he ran forward. The leaves on his arms elongated and began to glow a dark green.
"Fight back with Fire Punch!"
As Sceptile sliced, Dusclops' hands were set aflame. He swung, but Sceptile was too quick. He easily dodged around Dusclops' attack before slashing upwards. Dusclops was knocked into the air.
"Now Leaf Blade!"
"Falling Thunder Punch!"
As Sceptile's dark green energy changed colors, Dusclops moved his body. The two swung their attacks, clashing in the middle of the air. They paused for a moment before Sceptile overpowered Dusclops, and the two crashed into the ground. When the smoke cleared, the referee gave his signal.
"Dusclops is unable to battle! Sceptile wins!"
Logan looked to the screen as his Dusclops' picture was blacked out. He then returned Dusclops and smiled. "This has been fun, Yuta. Your Sceptile has clearly become strong."
Yuta nodded. "We worked really hard to get this far."
Logan motioned to his side where Mightyena was standing. Mightyena nodded and then ran out onto the field as his picture appeared on the screen.
"Isn't this interesting, Logan?" Yuta asked as he looked out onto the battlefield at both of the Pokémon.
"Almost poetic."
"It won't be like last time," Yuta exclaimed. He finally raised his arm into the air, and his bracelet started to glow. The airflow throughout the field came to a stop, and energy started to build around Sceptile. Soon, his entire body was enveloped in an orb of bright energy. It then exploded, and Sceptile had taken a new, bigger form with a longer tail.
"There it is…" Logan muttered.
"Sceptile!" the Pokémon cried out.
"That's Sceptile's Mega Evolution?" Yurie wondered. "It looks so strong…"
Yuichi nodded. "But why on earth did he wait until now to do it?"
"Sceptile, use X-Scissor!"
"Fight back with Iron Tail!"
The two Pokémon ran across what was left of the field from Metagross' Earthquake. They hopped onto the broken stones, and soon, they met in the middle. Mightyena swung his tail, and Sceptile slashed. The two clashed, but Mightyena was quickly overpowered. His body was spun around by the force of the collision, and he found himself face to face with Sceptile.
"Double Hit!" Yuta yelled.
Both of Sceptile's hands started to glow with arcane energy and he jabbed outwards, hitting Mightyena once in the jaw and then a second time but in the chest. Mightyena flew backwards but landed on his feet.
"Double Hit?" Logan wondered out loud. "Alright, let's get in close! Use Ice Fang!"
"Dodge it!" Yuta yelled.
Ice crystals formed at Mightyena's mouth, and his breath became visible. He ran forward with his maw unhinged, but Sceptile was quick, repeatedly avoiding his attack while running backwards. Eventually, Sceptile used his massive legs to jump back far enough to create distance. Mightyena stopped running, and the two glared at one another.
Grass-types are weak to Ice-type attacks, but he looked especially frightened by the idea of Ice Fang. That on top of the fact that he used a Dragon-type attack. I wonder if Sceptile gains a second typing when he Mega Evolves. I don't know everything about Mega Evolution, but I guess that could be a possibility. Logan thought. His eyes caught Yuta's, and for one moment, it looked like Yuta was worried. "Got ya."
"We have to keep him back!" Yuta yelled. "Leaf Storm!"
"Dig!"
Sceptile whipped up green energy that took the form of hundreds of leaves. Using his powers, he released them across the field, and they surrounded Mightyena completely. When they faded away and the attack stopped, Mightyena was missing. Only a hole in the ground remained.
"No…" Yuta muttered. "Focus."
Sceptile closed his eyes and started to focus. When the ground near him started to rumble, he flipped around.
"Leaf Blade!"
Mightyena exploded from the field, but Sceptile was fast enough to duck under his icy fangs. He swiped upwards, knocking Mightyena back.
"Follow up with Dual Chop!"
Sceptile shot across the field and raised his arcane covered claws. With one, he jabbed directly into Mightyena's side, and just as he was about to lunge out for his second attack, the Dark-type turned, crunching down his ice covered fang on Sceptile's other claw. The Grass-type howled as the ice began to creep up his arm all the way to his shoulder.
"X-Scissor!" Yuta yelled.
Dark green energy surrounded Sceptile's free arm, filling his leaves with power. He swung his arm around, slashing Mightyena directly. The Dark-type whined as he was knocked away, and both Pokémon glared at one another.
Just as I thought. Ice Fang did a lot to Sceptile. One more of those and this victory is ours. Logan thought.
Mightyena is damaged, and if we can hit him with only one full powered X-Scissor, then I'm sure this will be over. Yuta thought.
"Alright. Go!" they both yelled in unison.
"Ice Fang!"
"X-Scissor!"
The ice on Sceptile's arm exploded as the dark green energy surged through his body. He growled as the leaves on his wrists extended into what could only be compared to a scythe. Mightyena howled into the air, and his entire maw was encased in ice. The two Pokémon ran forward, and upon their collision, smoke was sent into the air from the pure energy that they exuded. When it faded away, both Pokémon stood still.
"Mightyena…"
"Sceptile…"
The crowd went silent as Mightyena fell to one knee. He looked at Sceptile with only one eye opened and his teeth gritted. Sceptile looked down at him with a blank stare before his eyes closed and he fell backwards. The multi-colored energy from before exploded off of his body, and he returned to his original form.
The referee raised his flag. "Sceptile is unable to battle! Mightyena and Logan are the victors!"
Logan ran out onto the field as fast as he could with his boot and met with Mightyena. He cheered as he gave his Pokémon a hug.
"We did it! We did it!" he yelled out. "I'm so proud of you!"
With the red light of his Poké Ball, Yuta returned Sceptile and looked up into the sky. He bit the inside of his cheek and then smiled even though he had lost. "Logan." He paused. "That was fun. Thank you." But Logan couldn't hear him.
"Trainers! The matches are set for tomorrow!" the announcer's voice boomed through the stadium. Everyone turned their attention to the screen. "We'll be seeing a rematch from last year's Manalo Conference when Logan Stephenson takes on Luna Devons! And then it'll be Itou Kenta from Kanto taking on the Kalosian Aimee Charpentier! For the first time in many years, no matter who wins, it'll be someone from outside of Hoenn! Things have definitely gotten interesting!"
Logan stood up and looked at the screen. His face was positioned right next to Luna's. "Alright. This is what I've spent the last year preparing for. I'm ready."
AUTHOR'S NOTES:
It's about time that we got here… except… not just yet.
Next chapter will be a small breather chapter. I'm going to try to summarize all of Logan and Luna's two year journey into one little chapter. It'll be very jumpy, but it'll fill in some things, I think. We'll get to see what their relationship was like before this.
Here we go!