That night, long after the events of our chaotic picnic, I found myself unable to sleep. It was as if my brain couldn't be turned off, as my thoughts and memories were playing on an infinite loop in my head. Because of this, I got out of bed and managed to sneak out of the dorm.
Eventually I found a relaxing spot consisting of a lone tree planted beside the edge of a cliff overlooking the ocean. I sat there, leaning against that tree for about an hour or so before my thoughts were interrupted.
"Trouble sleeping", asked Crystal as she approached me.
"Arm was acting up", I lied, as it was the first excuse I could think of.
"Ah, of course", she began sarcastically as she took a seat next to me. "So, logically you got out of bed, dressed yourself completely, and decided to gaze menacingly out into the distance."
"Hmph", I huffed with a chuckle.
"What's wrong?" I very easily could've asked her what she was doing up as well, but I let it slide because I enjoyed her company, and I didn't mind sharing another private moment with her.
"I just— I just had a lot on my mind is all."
"Does this have anything to do with Team Neo Flare? Or Theo? Or Tobias?" Upon hearing his name, I let out another sigh.
"More like all of the above."
"Wanna talk about it?"
"I'm going to have to face him eventually."
"Is that a bad thing?"
"I hope not. It's a bit of a long story, but some time ago, Tobias managed to get under my skin, so much so that I was afraid to ever battle again. And for a brief moment, that fear resurfaced when Dialga appeared."
"Perhaps, but from what I've se— er well, heard, you were really brave. Rudy says you stepped up and risked your very life trying to protect the others, especially Molly. And it's like they say, "courage is acting despite being afraid"."
"Maybe, but I have this sinking feeling that this was just the beginning. Steven and the other champions seem concerned. There's a lot about these thugs that they're not telling us, and I feel like the answers lie somewhere in this Kalos Region."
"So, what're you gonna do?"
"That's the thing, I don't know. When I came to this island, I guess I was hoping to find the part of myself that I lost when I battled Tobias. But then I met you guys and suddenly I don't know what I battle for anymore."
"What do you mean?"
"Battles are supposed to be fun, but lately it's like I'm battling for other reasons. It's hard to explain."
"You're battling for others", she said as her Poke Gear started ringing. Despite this however, she silenced it. "Believe me, I've been there. One minute you're wide-eyed and eager to meet new people and Pokemon as you travel the world, and the next, it seems like all that matters is winning at any cost, to the point you lose yourself in the process. But that's what I like about you."
"Hmmmm?"
"When we met, you and Rudy were just eager for battles. You just wanted to compete in a friendly competition with your Pokemon, and you were respectable allies and opponents to every Trainer you met since arriving here. You valued every Trainer and Pokemon you interacted with, and when crisis ensued, you answered the call and showed everyone how brave you are. I never knew you before the island, so this is how I see you. You value the spirit of the Pokemon battle, and you stand up for what is right. So, with that in mind, what're you gonna do", she repeated. Upon hearing her question again, I paused to reflect on my time on the island.
"Well, the first thing I'm gonna do is defeat Theo. I plan to show him what me and my Pokemon are capable of, and win this tournament once and for all. After that, I don't know what. But I guess I'll take it one day at a time, and just do what I do best, battle until the bitter end."
"Sounds like a plan", she said with a chuckle as her Poke Gear began ringing again.
"Somebody's popular."
"It's just work", she began as she hung up again. "I'll call back later", she continued before resting her head on my shoulder, just as she did after my last breakdown. In response, I instinctively positioned my head to rest on top of hers as we sat there in blissful silence watching the sunrise.
"Crystal?"
"Hmmm?"
"Thanks."
"No problem."
Some time later, we all found ourselves at the forest battlefield where I battled for my Grass Crest several days ago. In the crowd were Professors Oak, Ivy, Elm, Birch, Rowan, Juniper, and Sycamore, as they all sat towards the far left of the bleachers that were positioned on the side of the battlefield. Within the middle section of the bleachers were radio host Mary, Doctor Proctor, a Nurse Joy, a couple of Officer Jennys, Don George, the Orange Crew, and champions Cynthia and Drake. And finally, towards the far right of the bleachers were my friends Crystal, Rudy, Anya, Casey and the Hales.
On the battlefield, once again, were me and Theo, each on either side waiting for the battle to get under way as Steven stepped forward, once again acting as referee for our battle.
"Attention, Pokemon Trainers and fans, on behalf of myself and all who made this tournament possible, I once again present to you, two Pokemon Trainers who have proven their worth, and now compete for the Champion Island crown!" And once again, in response to his words, the crowd cheered for the upcoming battle. "To my left, from Pallet Town, Rojan!"
"Go, Rojan", cheered Crystal.
"You got this, man", added Rudy.
"And to my right", continued Steven, "from Goldenrod City, Theo!" Upon Theo's being announced I noticed that behind him was a camera crew, as this battle was going to be broadcast, which caused me to get a little nervous. "Now, Trainers, let out your Pokemon!" Without question, or missing a beat, Theo threw his first Poke Ball, unleashing the Pokemon inside.
"Furret!" In response, I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and began to call out my first Pokemon.
"Kadabra, I choose you", I hollered as I threw my Fast Ball.
"Kada-B-Ra!"
"Now, Rojan, Theo, without further ado—", he began for being interrupted.
"Wait", exclaimed Molly as she ran over to my Trainer Box carried a plastic pouch in her hand.
"Oh, what is it now", grumbled an annoyed Theo.
"What's up, Molly?"
"I made these for you", she said as she handed me the pouch. Inside were seven little shortbread cookies shaped and designed like Poke Balls. "They're for good luck." Upon seeing her gift, I couldn't help but smile.
"This is so sweet, thank you, Molly", I replied as I pulled her in for a hug. I then pulled out one and tossed it to Kadabra, who began eating it happily. As that was going on, Molly pulled out her Pokedex and pointed it at Furret.
"Furret, the Long Body Pokemon, and the evolved form of Sentret. When under attack, Furret can slickly squirm through narrow spaces in order to escape their enemies."
"Hey, Theo, do you mind if my assistant shares the Trainer Box with me", I asked him.
"Fine, whatever. Let's just get this battle started." I then looked into the crowd towards Mrs. Hale, as if to silently ask for permission for Molly to assist me. In response, she simply grinned and nodded back to me.
"Okay then", began Steven with a chuckle, "let the battle finally get under way!"
"Focus Blast", said Theo calmly.
"Fuuuuuuuuuuu-Rret", exclaimed Furret as it charged a ball of light blue energy and fired it at Kadabra.
"Kadabra, Psychic attack!"
"Daaaaaaabraaaaaaaa", growled Kadabra menacingly as its eyes began to glow red. As a result, Furret's Focus Blast stopped in its tracks, and than evaporated into thin air.
"Giga Impact", continued Theo, as if unfazed by Kadabra's counterattack.
"Furret-Furret-Furret-Furret", chanted Furret as it charged towards Kadabra while surrounding itself in a powerful aura-like energy.
"Use Psycho Cut, Kadabra!"
"Kadaaaaaaaa", began Kadabra as its spoon began to glow purple, "Bra", it continued as it sliced at the air as if the spoon was a sword. In response, a "slice" of psychic energy fired at Furret, who squeaked upon impact as it was blown backwards.
"Hyper Beam, now", continued a calm Theo.
"Fuuuuuuuuuuuur", began Furret as it starting charging its attack in its mouth.
"Intercept it with Shock Wave!"
"KadaaaaaaaBraaaaaaaaaaa", hollered Kadabra as blue electricity surged from its body.
"Rret", exclaimed Furret as it fired its Hyper Beam at Kadabra's Shock Wave. Upon the two attacks colliding, the battlefield became engulfed in a cloud of smoke from the resulting explosion.
"Kadabra, are you okay", I hollered through the smoke while simultaneously shielding Molly from some of the blast.
"Focus Blast", continued Theo. With no time to think, I commanded Kadabra again.
"Intercept it again with Psycho Cut!" As a result, the two Pokemon fired their attacks again, resulting in another explosion, this time sending both Pokemon flying backwards out of the smoke. The good news was, only Kadabra was able to rise to its feet.
"Furret is unable to battle, Kadabra wins", said Steven as the crowd cheered. There was some bad news, however. Having endured two explosions from its battle with Furret, Kadabra was exhausted already.
"You okay, Kadabra", I asked again.
"Ka-Da-Dabara", it replied through its shortness of breath. Theo then silently recalled his Pokemon only to replace it with another as he threw his second Poke Ball.
"Delcatty", it purred gleefully upon entering the battlefield.
"Another normal-type", I muttered aloud as Molly pulled out her Pokedex.
"Delcatty, the Prim Pokemon, and the evolved form of Skitty. Delcatty live life at their own pace, napping most of the time and rarely confronting other Pokemon."
"Well clearly this Delcatty didn't get the memo", I retorted as if responding to the Pokedex.
"Kadabra versus Delcatty, battle begin!"
"Kadabra, Shock Wave!"
"Kada-Braaaaaaaa", hollered Kadabra as it repeated its electric attack.
"Blizzard."
"Del-Deeeeeeeeel", shrieked Delcatty as it blew a mighty, freezing wind at Kadabra's attack, causing it to be reflected back at it.
"What the", I gasped in shock.
"Ka-Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaab", cried Kadabra upon electrocuting itself, while simultaneously enduring Delcatty's chilling winds. "Dabra", it groaned weakly before falling onto its stomach in defeat.
"Kadabra is unable to battle, Delcatty wins!"
"Kadabra, return", I said as I recalled Kadabra. "You've earned a good rest."
"What'll you do now", asked Molly.
"Don't worry. I've got an idea", I replied as I pulled out a Dusk Ball. "Go, Haunter", I continued as I threw it.
"Haunter-Haun!" In immediate response, Theo recalled Delcatty, and called upon a new Pokemon.
"Flyyyyyyyyyyyy", shrieked his mighty dragon-type Pokemon.
"Uh-oh", I muttered as Molly pulled out her Pokedex again.
"Flygon, the Mystic Pokemon, and the evolved form of Vibrava. Flygon are known as "The Desert Spirit" because of the song-like voice that emanates from the sandstorms they kick up."
"Eat up, Haunter", I said to my Pokemon as I tossed it a cookie.
"Ha-Ha-Hau", it chortled happily after eating it in one bite.
"Flygon versus Haunter, battle begin!"
"Flygon, Fire Blast", said Theo calmly. In response, Flygon then fires its mighty fire attack at Haunter.
"Dodge, and use Curse!"
"Haunter", exclaimed Haunter as it slipped out of the way of Flygon's attack. "Haun-Ter-Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaun", it growled as its eyes began to glow white.
"Fly", asked a confused Flygon when nothing happened in response.
"What happened, Rojan? It's not doing anything", said Molly.
"Give it time." Theo then continued the battle despite this.
"Solar Beam."
"Flyyyyyyyyyyy", began Flygon as it started absorbing sunlight into its wings.
"Haunter, Hypnosis!"
"Haunter-Haun", growled Haunter again as its eyes now started glowing yellow. In response, Flygon started flapping its wings slower and dizzily until finally collapsing onto the ground, having now fallen asleep.
"Follow that up with Dream Eater!"
"Haun-Ter", continued Haunter as it summoned a red energy stream from its hand and began sapping away Flygon's energy. In response, Flygon tossed and turned in its sleep in discomfort due to Haunter's attack. This continued until Flygon laid still, unable to move anymore.
"Flygon is unable to battle, Haunter wins!"
"Way to go, Haunter", I congratulated my Pokemon.
"Hau-Hau-Haunter." In response, Theo once again silently recalled his Pokemon, and replaced it with another as he threw his fourth Poke Ball.
"Grum-Pig!"
"What's that", asked Molly aloud as she pulled out her Pokedex again.
"Grumpig, the Manipulate Pokemon, and the evolved form of Spoink. Grumpig can control opponents by using their three black pearls to magnify their psychic powers."
"Be careful, Haunter", cried a worried Molly.
"Haunter versus Grumpig, battle begin!"
"Psychic attack", said Theo calmly.
"Grumpig", growled Grumpig menacingly as its eyes began to glow red.
"Haunter-Haun", cried Haunter in pain as its body became encased in a red aura.
"Haunter, try a Shadow Punch!" Before Haunter could attempt to move, Grumpig flexed its fingers, intensifying its attack, and preventing Haunter from moving."
"Poor Haunter", said Molly upon watching Haunter in pain.
"Don't give in yet, Haunter! Curse it, now!"
"Haunter-Haaaaaaaaun", it hollered once more as its eyes glowed white again.
"End this", said Theo calmly.
"Piiiiiiig", growled Grumpig as it balled its hands into fists, spiking its attack once again as Haunter fell to the ground in defeat.
"Haunter is unable to battle, Grumpig wins!"
"Haunter, return", I said as I recalled my Pokemon. "Nicely done, buddy. With your help, we can still win this."
"What do you mean, Rojan", asked Molly.
"You'll see, Molly", I said with a wink as I pulled out a Great Ball. "Swanna, go", I continued as I threw it.
"Swanna-Swann!" Upon being released, I tossed Swanna a cookie, in response, Theo swapped out his Pokemon, again.
"Delcatty!"
"Delcatty versus Swanna, battle begin!"
"Swanna, use Brave Bird!"
"Swann-Swann-Swann", began Swanna as it flew up into the air, and then dive-bombed towards the ground as its body became engulfed in flames. Once that happened, Swanna then pulls up at the last minute and charges at Delcatty as its body began to glow blue.
"Use Blizzard", said Theo in an annoyed tone.
"Del-Del", shrieked Delcatty as it repeated its Blizzard attack.
"Swan-Na", squawked Swanna as the chilling winds blew it backwards into the air as it began spiraling towards the ground.
"Giga Impact", continued Theo.
"Del-Del-Del-Del-Del-Cat", chanted Delcatty as it charged at the airborne Swanna and lunged at it, simultaneously surrounding its body in aura-like energy in the process.
"Dodge it, Swanna! And use Rain Dance!"
"Swanna-Swan", squawked Swanna as it barrel-rolled out of Delcatty's way, thus dodging the attack. Swaaaaaaaaaaaa-Nna", it continued as it flew higher and fired a large ball of water into the air. Once that happened, dark rain clouds suddenly appeared and began pouring onto the battlefield.
"Catty-Del", whined Delcatty, who was not a fan of water.
"Suck it up. Use Hyper Beam."
"Deeeeeeeeeeel-Cat", shrieked Delcatty as it fired a Hyper Beam up at Swanna.
"Quick, Swanna! Scald!"
"Swanna-Swann", it squawked as it fired boiling hot water out of its mouth at Delcatty's attack. As the two attacks collided, they pushed back and forth against each other struggling to overpower the other. However, Swanna's attack was fortunately boosted by Rain Dance, as its attack managed to cut through Hyper Beam, forcing Delcatty to retreat.
"You got 'em now, Swanna! Use Steel Wing!"
"Swannaaaaaaaaaa-Swan", exclaimed Swanna as it chased after Delcatty as its wings began to glow. Just when it seemed that Swanna was going to catch Delcatty, Theo counterattacked.
"Pathetic. Use Blizzard."
"Cat-Tyyyyyyyy", shrieked Delcatty as it turned and unleashed yet another Blizzard attack, this time from super close range.
"Swanna", squawked Swanna as it was once again thrown backwards through the air.
"Swanna— oof", I exclaimed before Swanna collided into me, throwing us both backwards out of the Trainer Box. Upon landing on my bad arm, I hollered out in pain.
"Rojan", exclaimed Crystal, Rudy, and Molly.
"That was uncalled for", added Anya.
"Unsportsmanlike conduct", added Casey.
"Hmph", huffed Theo from his own Trainer Box. "I'm waiting", he said to Steven, impatient to continue the battle.
"Go ahead, Steven", I groaned as I struggled onto my feet. "This, isn't, over." Steven hesitated, but eventually continued to make the call.
"Swanna is unable to battle, Delcatty wins!"
"Swanna, return", I said as I recalled Swanna. "Thanks for the assist", I muttered as I looked up at the rain continuing to fall.
"Let's go", said a still impatient Theo. "This battle has grown tiresome."
"You threw a Swanna at him! Let him catch his breath, you jerk", hollered Anya.
"Stay strong, Rojan", added Crystal.
"Dig deep", added Casey.
"You got it, coach", I called back as I pulled out a Poke Ball. "Stoutland, you're up", I continued as I threw it.
"Stoooooooooutland!"
"Del", growled an uneasy Delcatty in response.
"You sure you're okay", asked Molly as I threw Stoutland a cookie.
"Absolutely. This battle is just getting started", I responded with a grin.
"Delcatty versus Stoutland, battle begin!"
"Giga Impact", said Theo calmly.
"Del-Del", began Delcatty as it charged towards Stoutland.
"Stoutland, Thunderbolt!"
"Stout-Stooooooooooout", howled Stoutland as electricity surged from its fur at Delcatty. Having been already soaking wet from Rain Dance, Stoutland's Thunderbolt proved to be even more powerful as Delcatty cried out in pain.
"Hyper Beam attack", continued Theo, though you can tell he was starting to get frustrated.
"Use Dig!" Before Delcatty had a chance to move, Stoutland had already disappeared underground.
"Del? Del-Del-Del", began a panicky Delcatty as it desperately tried to search for Stoutland. Suddenly the ground began to rumble a bit, indicating Stoutland's arrival.
"Stoooooooout-Land", growled Stoutland as it launched itself out of the ground and slammed into Delcatty, throwing it out of bounds as it laid on its side in defeat.
"Delcatty is unable to battle, Stoutland wins", said Steven as the rain came to a stop and the sun returned. Theo then recalls his Pokemon, but then hesitates before calling out another.
"Before we go any farther, I have something I wish to say to you", said Theo to me.
"And what's that", I asked him.
"Why are you here?" I pause for a moment upon hearing him repeat his question, and take a deep breath before answering him. Though the events of this tournament had me questioning myself and my reason for battling, thanks to the support of my new friends, I remembered exactly why I was there.
"I'm here for the same reason I started my journey in the first place, and it's simply because I, love, Pokemon. And that's all the reason I need to be here."
"Stout", barked Stoutland.
"I see", began Theo as he pulled out another Poke Ball. "As I've said, you're a worthy opponent, so I commend you for making it this far. But this is as far as you go", he exclaimed both suddenly and dramatically as he threw it.
"Smear-Gle!"
"Grrrrr, another one", I groaned upon the reveal of another normal-type Pokemon, which always meant that Theo taught it a plethora of powerful moves. Molly then pulls out her Pokedex again.
"Smeargle, the Painter Pokemon. Smeargle use the liquid that comes out of their tails to make unique marks that establish their territory."
"Stoutland versus Smeargle, battle begin!"
"Smeargle! Giga Impact!"
"Smeargle", cried Smeargle as it rushed towards Stoutland.
"Surprising no one", I muttered. "Stoutland, use Strength!"
"Stoutland-Stout", barked Stoutland as it rushed towards Smeargle as its body became encased in a red aura.
"Smear", cried Smeargle upon being bowled over by Stoutland.
"Follow that up with Take down!"
"Stoutland", growled my Pokemon as it continued to charge towards Smeargle.
"Get up! Get up and use Hyper Beam", exclaimed a now highly vocal Theo.
"Smeaaaaaaaaaaaaaar-Glllllllllllllle", it hollered upon unleashing a close range Hyper Beam on Stoutland, who was thrown backwards through the air.
"Are you okay, Stoutland?"
"Stout", it barked as it rose back onto its feet.
"Alright then! Use Thunderbolt!"
"Stoooooooooout", howled Stoutland as electricity once again surged from its fur.
"Gle", hollered Smeargle from the voltage of Stoutland's attack.
"Grrrrrr, Thrash! Now!"
"Smear-Smeargle-Smeargle-Smeargle-Smeargle-Smeargle", chanted an angry Smeargle as it powered through the voltage and charged at Stoutland.
"Stout?"
"Smeargle", it hollered angrily as it lunged at Stoutland and began wailing on it. Stoutland whine and hollered as it tried desperately to shake off Smeargle, but in the end, Smeargle ended up wearing it down as Stoutland collapsed onto its side in defeat as Smeargle stood on top of it triumphantly.
"Stoutland is unable to battle, Smeargle wins!"
"Stoutland, return", I said as I recalled my Pokemon. "Well at least now I know what I'm up against", I continued as I pulled out another Poke Ball. "Go, Watchog", I continued as I threw it.
"Watchog-Hog! Watchog", it asked curiously as I tossed it a cookie.
"Eat up, Watchog."
"Watchog-Hog", it said happily as it nibbled down the cookie. "Watchog", it exclaimed as it flexed.
"Smeargle versus Watchog, battle begin!"
"Do it, Smeargle!"
"Smear-Glllllllllllllllle", began Smeargle as its body began to glow white.
"What the", I uttered in shock.
"Watch?"
"Wait a second, Smeargle can't evolve, can it", asked a confused Crystal.
"Do something, Rojan", began Rudy as he rose to his feet. "It's gonna blow!" Upon hearing that, I suddenly remembered that in his last battle, Theo used a Magnezone that knew Explosion.
"Quick, Watchog! Use Flash!"
"Watc-Hooooooooog", cried Watchog as the rings on its body began to shine brighter than Smeargle was.
"Smear", whine Smeargle upon being blinded by Watchog, its attack coming to a halt in the process.
"Ugh", groaned an annoyed Theo upon his plan failing.
"Hyper Fang, now!"
"Watchog-Hog", cried Watchog as it lunged at Smeargle as its buck teeth began to glow. Watchog then bites the top of Smeargle's head, depleting the rest of its energy as Smeargle fell onto its back in defeat.
"Smeargle is unable to battle, Watchog wins!"
"He did it", cheered Rudy.
"Way to hustle, Rojan", added Casey.
"Return, now", growled Theo as he recalled Smeargle. "This is far from over", he continued as he threw another Poke Ball.
"Grumpig!"
"Not again", groaned Molly.
"Watchog versus Grumpig, battle begin!"
"Watchog, use Slam!"
"Watchog", cried my Pokemon as it charged towards Grumpig.
"Grumpig! Shut it down with Focus Blast!
"Gruuuuuuuuuum-Pig", snorted Grumpig as it charged a ball of light blue energy in its hands and hurled it at Watchog.
"Hog", cried Watchog as it got pummeled by Grumpig's super-effective attack.
"Gruuuuuuuuuuum-Pig", continued Grumpig as it attacked Watchog again with a Giga Impact, without Theo's permission.
"Watchog, no!"
"Watchog", groaned Watchog as it lied on its stomach in defeat.
"Watchog is unable to battle, Grumpig wins!"
"Grrrrr, Watchog, return", I said as I recalled my Pokemon.
"Grumpig-Grum", chuckled Grumpig menacingly. As for Theo, he was once again calm, as if proud of his Pokemon taking initiative and attacking on its own.
"This is it", I said aloud as I pulled out a Love Ball. "Let's do it. Charizard, I choose you", I hollered as I threw my Love Ball. Upon being released Charizard let out a mighty roar.
"I've been waiting for this", muttered Theo.
"Grumpig", snorted his Pokemon.
"Grumpig versus Charizard, battle begin!"
"Charizard, Blast Burn", I exclaimed immediately. My objective was to take out Grumpig as quickly as possible. In response to my command, Charizard punched the ground with a flaming fist, resulting in fiery shockwaves to travel along the ground towards Grumpig.
"Grumpig-Grum", chuckled Grumpig as it used its tail to jump high into the air, dodging Charizard's attack in the process.
"Grrrrr", I growled upon the attack missing.
"Gruuuuuuuuuum-Piiiiiiiiiig", it continued to holler as it fired a Hyper Beam down at Charizard, who roared in pain upon being slammed with such a powerful attack.
"Charizard", I hollered as Charizard fell onto its back.
"Get up, Charizard", cried out Crystal. Charizard then struggles onto its feet and roars as it pounds on its chest.
"That's the way", I cheered as I was getting pumped by Charizard's drive to keep fighting.
"Grumpig", asked a confused Grumpig upon returning to the ground, as if shocked Charizard withstood the attack. Grumpig-Gruuuuuuuum", it growled as it prepared to attack again, "Grum", it gasped suddenly as it froze in place with a thousand-yard stare. The entire battlefield fell silent upon watching Grumpig's shocked expression. "Piiiiiiiig-Grumpig", snorted Grumpig, finally breaking the silence as he fell onto its back in defeat.
"What the", gasped a shocked Theo.
"Huh", asked a shocked Steven aloud. "Oh, I see", he continued upon remembering earlier in the battle. "Grumpig is unable to battle, Charizard wins!"
"Say what?! What happened to my Grum—", began Theo in a rage before finally remembering something. "Grrrrr, you're gonna pay for that blasted Haunter, Rojan!"
"Haunter", asked a confused Molly.
"See? I told you", I said to Molly with a wink as I tossed Charizard a cookie. "Way to hang tough, Charizard." Charizard growls in response as he munched on the cookie I gave him. I then take a moment to eat the last cookie, as if to give me energy for one last push.
"Return, now", hollered Theo as he recalled his Grumpig.
"Here it comes", I muttered as Theo pulled out his last Pokemon. Charizard growls as it readies itself for battle. This was the match we had been anticipating since practically the tournament began.
"Scizor! End this", hollers Theo as he throws his final Poke Ball.
"Scizor!"
"This is it", I added as Molly pulled out her Pokedex one last time.
"Scizor, the Pincer Pokemon, and the evolved form of Scyther. Scizor are formidable opponents, known for their incredible attack speed, and their scissor-like claws."
"Molly, get behind me", I said to her upon realizing that this last battle was going to be explosive. Without question, Molly positioned herself behind me as she clung to the back of my hoodie.
"For the Champion Island crown, Charizard, versus Scizor, battle begin!"
"Scizor, Double Flash Cannon!"
"Sciiiiiiiiiiiii-Zor", hollered Scizor as it fired two Flash Cannon attacks from both of its claws. Clearly Theo was eager to end this battle there and now.
"Charizard! Use Flamethrower with all your might!" Charizard then lets out another mighty roar as it fires the biggest Flamethrower it could muster at Scizor's attack. Upon the two attacks colliding, the battlefield was once again engulfed in a huge explosion. I remember having to brace myself for the blast, as there was so much kickback. When the smoke finally cleared, Scizor was on its feet panting heavily, while Charizard was on its stomach.
"Hmph", huffed Theo with a smirk, having assumed he won the battle.
"No way", gasped Rudy.
"It can't be over", added Anya.
"Chari-zard", I began to question upon noticing Charizard not moving.
"Charizard is unable to—", began Steven before something catching his eye.
"Look", exclaimed Crystal as she pointed onto the battlefield. I then looked onto the field towards Charizard and noticed something strange. The flame on its tail began glowing a bright golden color.
"What the", gasped Theo as Charizard rose onto its feet. As it did so, its body began to glow in a red aura, as its Blaze ability was starting to kick in.
"What's happening to Charizard", asked Molly as Charizard let out another roar. Charizard then looks back at me as it wagged its glowing, golden tail. As I looked into Charizard's eyes, I felt something boiling over inside of me. I couldn't explain how or why, but somehow I could feel the power surging through my Pokemon. I knew exactly what was going on with Charizard, and it was a crazy idea.
"Let's do it, Charizard", I cheered, assuring my Pokemon that I was onboard with its plan.
"You'll do nothing but lose! Scizor! Double Hyper Beam!"
"Sciiiiiiii-Zor", exclaimed Scizor as it fired two Hyper Beam attacks from its claws.
"This is it, Charizard! Hyper Flame!"
"Say what?!"
"My word", gasped Professor Oak.
"What's a Hyper Flame", asked a shocked Drake. Charizard then lets out one final roar as it fires a massive golden flame at Scizor, somehow managing to combine its Flamethrower and Hyper Beam attacks. Upon the two attacks colliding, there was yet another massive explosion, except this one was way bigger than any of the others. This one was so large than everyone in the immediate area fell victim to the kickback as we all were blanketed by a giant cloud of smoke. Poor Molly clung onto me seemingly for dear life as I had to brace myself by sticking one of my feet forward.
When the smoke finally cleared, both Pokemon were lying on their stomachs, neither one moving a muscle. We all stood there in stunned silence, taking in the aftermath of Charizard's amazing maneuver. Just when it seemed like Steven was about to declare the battle a draw, Charizard musters up just enough strength to rise onto its feet. Another moment of silence passed, and then Steven made his call.
"Scizor is unable to battle, Charizard wins! The Champion Island crown goes to Rojan from Pallet Town!" The crowd went crazy as they all rose out of their seats and clapped excitedly.
"You did it, Rojan", cheered Molly as she embraced me. "And you were great, too", she continued as she ran over to hug Charizard, who growled happily at her enthusiasm. As for me, I was frozen in place in shock.
"We won", I asked aloud, as if still processing what had just happened. "We won", I continued, confirming it. "Hahaha, WE WON", I finally exclaimed in excitement as I ran out to the battlefield to my Pokemon. "We did it, Charizard", I said happily as I cradled its face. "I'm so proud of you." Charizard growled happily in response to my praise.
"There you have it, folks", said the reporter woman as she and her camera crew stormed the battlefield. "Rojan from Pallet Town has defeated Theo from Goldenrod City for the Champion Island crown. Rojan, how're you feeling", she asked me as she motioned the microphone over to me.
"I uh, uh", I struggled to say as I was at a loss for words.
"You did it", exclaimed Crystal and Rudy simultaneously as they rushed over and embraced me.
"That was truly your best work, Rojan", added Anya.
"Hey! Give the man some air", said Casey to the camera crew as she ushered them away.
"Congratulations", said Theo calmly as he approached us, having already recalled his Scizor. I then stepped forward to greet him as he offered me his hand. I then gave a small grin as I clasped it and shook it.
"Thanks for a great battle, Theo."
"Hmph", he huffed before pulling his hand back and walking away.
See you at the Grand Prix, Theo, I thought to myself as I watched him walk away. Some time afterwards we all found ourselves back in the colosseum. While it was still in ruins, the crowd was small enough to have a small award ceremony on the battlefield as I stood in the center with my six Pokemon as Steven, Cynthia, and Drake approached me.
"Rojan, you and you Pokemon battled valiantly. And for doing so, you have earned the Champion Island crown. This championship medal, which contains a key stone within it, rightfully belongs to you", he continued as he placed the medal around my neck. Well done, and congratulations.
"You still truly are a great Pokemon Trainer", said Drake as he stepped forward and placed a hand on my shoulder.
"Thank you. But I couldn't have done it without my amazing Pokemon", I said with a smile on my face as I looked back at my team. Charizard then roars as it shoots a Flamethrower into the sky, leading my other Pokemon in a cheer.
"Stooooooooutland!"
"Swanna-Swann!"
"Kada-Barrrrrrrra!"
"Watchog-Hog!"
"Ha-Ha-Haunter!"
"Smile", said a cameraman as he stepped forward to take a picture of me and my Pokemon. As the seven of us posed for that picture, that truly was the happiest moment of my entire life.