Chapter 28: The Final Fated Fight, Act 1: Prelude
The next day, at the Giant Chasm…
...
"Master Ball, go!"
…
…
…
*Click*
Gotcha! Kyurem was caught.
Kyurem's data was added to the Pokédex.
"Well, there it goes. Off to the PC Box." Nate tells himself. "Now…time to find those DNA Splicers."
After a few minutes of searching the area where Kyurem was, he finally obtains the item in question.
"Huh...Just as the Shadow Triad had left it. In my hands, no one's even going to think of using these for nefarious purposes, at least for the time being…" With his task done, he then makes his way back out of the cave. "Now we're even, Black…"
Not long after catching the Boundary Pokémon, he hears a couple of footsteps behind him. Upon turning around, he meets Cheren and Bianca for the first time in a year.
"So, you finally caught Kyurem..." Cheren says in a congratulatory manner. "This was the Legendary Pokémon that Team Plasma, no, Ghetsis, and more recently, the Shadow Triad, was using for their own goals."
"Yeah.." He replies. "I did it in order to prevent any more of them from trying to exploit the poor Pokémon."
"That's so good of you to do it." Bianca says. "And I'm sure Professor Juniper would be happy to hear that you caught it."
"I didn't catch it for Pokédex data though. I did it as a promise to Black."
"That's pretty honorable of you." Cheren replies. "Speaking of Black...We just met him earlier this morning. He returned to Nuvema Town after several years. Suffice to say, his mom was relieved to see him, as were we. Of course, there was a lot of catching up with him too..."
Nate, curious, then inquires further. "I'm guessing he's also the reason you two are here?"
"Pretty much." Cheren answers. "He said he was busy training for the upcoming PWT, so he couldn't meet you."
"He also wanted to make sure you were alright." Bianca adds. "He told us about your near-death experience."
"Tell him I said thanks. I really appreciate the gesture." Nate then places the DNA Splicers, which until this point he had been holding in his right hand, into his bag. "Well then, I have to head back to Undella Town…"
"Before you go…" Cheren says, which causes Nate to stop walking momentarily.
"Yeah?"
"I guess we'll be seeing each other at the PWT, then?"
"Well, yes and no."
"Hm?" Bianca asks, clearly intrigued at his answer.
"Yes, I will be participating. But, it won't be in the World Leaders Tournament."
This answer astonishes the two. "You're going for the Champions Tournament again!?"
"Well, yes."
"You do remember your defeat at the hands of Red, right?" Cheren asks him in a concerned manner. "I can still picture that look on you when he pulverized your team."
Nate, confidently, replies with "That's exactly why I'm participating. To get back at him…"
Satisfied with the former Champion's answer, he continues with: "Well, if that's the case, then I'm wishing you luck."
Bianca, however, feels some disappointment. "Awww, it's too bad we won't get to battle you again, especially after you stomped all over our old Pokémon teams. And I'm already disappointed about White not going..."
Hearing this, he tells them one more thing before leaving. "Speaking of White…"
"Hm?" Bianca asks him, curious.
"She gave her participation slot to my girlfriend, Yancy. Most likely you'll have a chance of battling her instead."
Hearing this, Bianca becomes excited."Speaking of her...We just met her outside. I even got her autograph, see? If that's the case, then that makes up for it!" She then shows him the aforementioned autograph, which confirms to him that it is indeed her. Immediately, his demeanor changes from confident to nervous.
"(Oh, cripe...She found out, alright…)"
"Is something wrong?" Cheren asks him, noticing his change in behavior.
"N-nothing...I, uh, really have to go now…"
"See you, and good luck!" Bianca tells Nate just as he leaves hastily. She then asks Cheren. "Say, doesn't his behavior remind you of when we first started dating?"
"Yup...I just didn't want to embarrass him. And from the looks of things, it looks like he's in trouble."
"Do you think he'll be fine?" She asks him.
"He'll be fine...Remember when you scolded me for staying up late and sleeping in the Gym?"
"Yeah, I remember…" He replies, holding her hand. "How could I forget that?"
...
Upon exiting Kyurem's lair, he's indeed greeted by an all-too familiar face.
"I can't believe you sneaked out just to catch a Legendary Pokémon." Yancy tells him in a scolding manner, still in her pajamas, with only a robe and slippers on as cover from the cool morning breeze. Clearly, she was upset at his sudden departure from the Ruri estate. "I even cooked breakfast, you know!"
"Uh...Sorry if I left suddenly like that...I was actually heading back before breakfast…I swear."
Seeing the genuine look of apology on her boyfriend's face, she ultimately relents. "Sigh...Alright. Just be glad that the maids are still helping me to prepare the food as we speak…" They then depart the area via their Flying-type Pokémon, heading back south in the direction of her parents' estate. Upon arriving back at the mansion, they're greeted by her parents.
"Glad to see you got your boyfriend back." Mrs. Ruri says to her daughter. "Just where did he run off to?"
"The Giant Chasm..." She says as a matter of fact. "He snuck out and caught the Legendary Pokémon Kyurem."
"Good thing you came out of it unharmed." The older woman tells Nate, clearly concerned about his safety and having pulled off a reckless action. "That Pokémon almost killed you twice. And it would have been painful for a lot of people, us included, if something had happened to you back there."
"Thanks for your concern, Mrs. Ruri…I really appreciate it."
"Now then, if you'll excuse me, I have to head back to the kitchen to help finish preparing breakfast…" Yancy then heads towards the kitchen, with Nate deciding to follow her there not long afterward.
"So, uhhh...How did you find out I was planning on going there again?" He asks his girlfriend, clearly surprised that she was able to track him down at all despite his seemingly successful attempt at sneaking out.
"Girl's intuition…" She replies, all the while preparing ingredients. "Not to mention that Master Ball you left at your bedside last night. And…there was the fact that I saw you talking with Black back at Pokestar Studios."
"Figures…" He then hands her a kitchen knife that she, until that point, had been trying to get a hold of on the other side of the counter. "Here you go."
"Thanks…Do you think you could help me a little bit more by handing me a few more things? The maids are pretty busy as it is, and it's already 8AM…"
"Sure. It's the least I can do to make up for earlier."
…
"So, Nate, Yancy…" Mr. Ruri tells him over the breakfast table. "I just got this email from Clay. It might concern you both." Both of them immediately stop eating.
"What is it, dad?"
"What did it say?"
He then tells them bluntly. "It's about the PWT."
"Hm?"
"And?"
"It seems that...Due to the recent bombing near the Driftveil Chateau Hotel, Clay is ordering the postponement of the Pokémon World Tournament for a full month in order to increase security and ensure the safety of both spectators and participants."
"Wait, what?" Yancy asks. "Then again...It's probably to be expected considering what happened to us…"
"It's probably for the best." Nate adds. "It'll also give us some time to train more Pokémon we can use."
Ricky and Cindy, sitting on the opposite end of the table, aren't as satisfied, however.
"Awww... That means we can't watch Nate and big sister…"
"Yeah...We have to head back to Kalos in a week because of the next term…."
"That's a shame." Nate tells them. "I was really hoping I could see you at the PWT."
"Don't feel so bad about it." Mrs. Ruri says to the two siblings. "I'm pretty sure you two will be able to watch it on live TV when it happens."
"Yeah, you're right, Mom…" Ricky says. "I'm pretty sure we'll be required to watch it, too, as reference for Pokémon battling…"
"Don't feel so bad, brother, at least we'll get to see Nate and big sister on TV." Cindy says as she tries to cheer him up. "Besides, I'm pretty sure the entire school will be talking about the PWT like before."
"Yeah, yeah…"
"Anyways...Nate, we'll be wishing you the best of luck!"
"Thanks. And good luck in your studies, you two."
"Alright, that's enough talking. You should finish your breakfast, you two! Your sister and Nate helped make all of this."
"Okay, mom…"
"Yes, mom…"
…
And so, the Pokémon World Tournament was indeed delayed by over a month. Security and police presence in Driftveil City was increased threefold, with barricades, metal detectors, and checkpoints being set up in the city proper as well. However, thanks to this delay, both Nate and Yancy are able to spend more time together, as well as train additional Pokemon…
…
"Welcome all, to the Pokemon World Tournament!" Clay says over a loudspeaker, addressing a crowd of thousands in front of the PWT. "As of today, I am officially declarin' this tournament open!" Immediately, the crowd in front of him cheers, claps, and whistles. "Now then, allow me to introduce a couple new faces. They'll be takin' over for me."
"Welcome." Professor Kukui says. "As many of you know, I am Professor Kukui from the Alola Region. I'll be happy to tell you all that, for this PWT, there will be an Alola Leaders Tournament added, and several of our Trial Captains, Kahunas, and even some of our Champion candidates, will be taking part in the World Leaders and Champions Tournaments! Now then, I'll let my companion here take over."
"Thanks, Professor. To anyone who's wondering, my name is Leon, and I am the Galar Region's Champion. And yes, several of our region's finest Gym Leaders and Pokemon Trainers will also be taking part in the new Galar Leaders Tournament as well as World Leaders Tournament, with myself representing Galar in the Champions Tournament." Not long after this, Leon then hands the stage over to a more familiar face.
"Thank you, Leon." Diantha says. "I am proud to be representing Kalos once again.
…
"Wow…" Nate says, clearly in awe at the spectacle like everyone else present. "I think I missed one PWT too many…First Kalos, now Alola, and then this new region I've barely even heard of..."
"You probably should have watched all the Battle Videos online…" Hugh replies. "I've fought against Valerie and Wulfric before in the World Leaders Tournament. And boy, they were something…"
"I've fought against Korrina once." Rosa adds. "That Mega Lucario of hers I'm not forgetting about any time soon…" She then redirects her attention to Yancy, seated next to her and checking out a Poke ball. "Wait...What's that you've got there?"
"Oh, you mean this?" She then shows the three of them the Pokemon in question. "This is a Hatterene I got as a Hatenna from a Trade a few weeks ago."
"A Galar Pokemon?" Nate asks.
"Yup! It reminded me a lot of myself, and it even evolves into a Fairy type."
"Yeah, I can see that...Haha…" Rosa says. "So, anyways, will you two be watching the first part of the PWT? I know the second half of the Regional Leaders, World Leaders and Champions Tournaments aren't until tomorrow."
"Yeah, we will." Nate replies. "I'm planning on watching the Hoenn Leaders Tournament. If I'm lucky, I might even see Red there..."
"As for me, I think I might watch the Sinnoh Leaders Tournament." Hugh tells his friend. "Well, anyways, I'll be seeing you around."
"See you, Yancy. Let's hope we get to battle one another tomorrow!" Not long after saying goodbye, she joins Hugh, as both of them head to the area where the Sinnoh Leaders Tournament is being held.
"So, uh, which part was the Hoenn Leaders Tournament being held again? Was it Area 3 or 4?"
Yancy, who is just as lost as he is, takes out a "According to this, it says...Area 3."
"Then that's where we're heading."
As soon as they make it there, they're greeted by an already filling arena. Thankfully, both of them manage to secure a front-row view, albeit having to stand.
"Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen!" A handsome-looking young man says over a microphone. "My name is Steven, former Champion of the Hoenn Region. And I'll be hosting this year's Hoenn Leaders Tournament alongside my successor and friend, Wallace!"
"Thank you, Steven. As of now, I am officially declaring the Hoenn Leaders Tournament...OPEN!"
"(Wallace? Here?)" Yancy mutters to herself. "(C-could she be here?)" Just as she frantically tries to search the crowd for that someone, Nate notices the look on her face.
"Is something bothering you?" He asks her. "You looked like you just lost something."
"Do you...remember that story I told you about Lisia?"
"Wait, you mean that mentor of yours who had a crush on you, right?"
"Y-yeah, her...Just...don't remind me of that again, please." She replies, giving him the 'really now' face. "Just...tell me if you see a girl who looks like an idol singer and wears blue…"
"Sorry…And I will..."
…
A few hours later, following several battles between all of Hoenn's Gym Leaders, only two remain...Norman, and Juan.
...
"Hoenn Leaders Tournament! The final round! The opponent is approaching the area!"
"The final round! Juan vs Norman!"
*Leader Norman is challenged by Leader Juan!*
*Leader Juan sent out Kingdra!*
*Leader Norman sent out Walrein!*
*Slaking used Hammer Arm!*
*The foe's Walrein fainted!*
"Woah! Did you see that Yancy? That must have been an Adamant nature Pokémon."
"Indeed...That Slaking must have been EV trained really well. As expected of someone like Norman…"
*Leader Juan sent out Crawdaunt!*
*Slaking is loafing around!*
*Crawdaunt used Dragon Dance!*
"Egg moves? Interesting…" Yancy says as she takes note. "Something not entirely unexpected, given the kind of Trainers they are."
*Slaking used Hammer Arm!*
*Crawdaunt used Dragon Dance!*
*Slaking is loafing around!*
*Crawdaunt used Superpower!*
*Slaking fainted!*
*Leader Norman sent out Zangoose!*
*Crawdaunt used Superpower!*
*Zangoose's Liechi Berry raises its attack!*
"As expected of someone like Norman…" Nate says. "Rare berries that boost stats…Hmmm...Guess I'd better see if I can get access to one of those Liechi berries...Might be useful for my Garchomp..."
*Zangoose used Close Combat!*
*Crawdaunt fainted!*
*Leader Juan sent out Whiscash!*
*Zangoose used Return!*
*Whiscash fainted!*
*Leader Norman defeated Leader Juan!*
…
"And the winner is Norman!" Steven announces. Immediately, the huge screen in the middle of the arena lights up, showing the Gym Leader's face and silhouette. All the while, the audience, including Nate and Yancy, are cheering, clapping, and praising loudly for him.
"And there you have it folks!" Wallace adds. "Norman, Liza, and Juan will be joining May and Lisia in representing Hoenn for the World Leaders Tournament tomorrow!"
"Did you hear that Yancy?" Nate asks his girlfriend.
"Yeah, I did…So she is here..." She replies, immediately standing up. "I think we should try and look for her, then…" However, before that can happen, someone sitting near them suddenly stops them, apparently having overheard their conversation.
"Hey, you're Yancy, right?" A young man in a white hat suddenly asks her. "Could I have an autograph, please? I'm a huge fan of your Contest performances, not to mention several of your songs as Nancy."
"Sure."
"Then, could you sign this please?" The young man then hands her a notebook and a pen. "Also, could you write "Good luck in your future contest endeavors! From Yancy." here, please?"
"And...There!" She says after writing the autograph. "Could I get your name, at least? I might as well write a dedication here as well."
"It's Brendan." She then writes 'To Brendan' on the notebook's page, before handing it back to him.
"Well, Brendan, here you go."
"Thanks! And if you're wondering about Lisia, well, she's somewhere in the hallway right now if I remember correctly."
"Thank you so much!" She says as she curtseys to him in gratitude.
"Sure thing! And if you're wondering, just like you, I took lessons in Pokémon Contests under her, too. Lisia always told us about how we should be graceful and passionate like you, and how you were her favorite student."
"I-I see…A-anyways, I have to go. I guess I'll be seeing you around if ever. Take care, Brendan!" He then parts ways with the young couple, with the latter making their way out to where Lisia supposedly is.
Nate, who until now had been silently observing Brendan, then remarks to his girlfriend. "You know, I think the guy you just signed an autograph from...He's Norman's son, and was the Champion of the Hoenn Region at one point."
"Wait, what!?"
"Yeah. I always take note of the people I'm likely to face in the PWT. You should probably do that, too. It'll help you be better prepared for any scenario."
"I might as well. It's my first PWT and I'm already feeling out of my league…"
"Don't feel so bad...When I was starting out, I just went in blindly. You'll get used to this in no time. Trust me…" Just then, both of them finally make it back into the main hallway, where a crowd of people are gathered. "Anyways...I think your mentor probably might be over there…" He says as he points to the aforementioned crowd.
Without second thought, Yancy immediately runs in, frantically looking for any sign of Lisia. All the while, she left her boyfriend in the dust.
"Hey, wait up!" He then tries to follow her in, only to get lagged behind and lost in the sea of people. "Drat…"
Meanwhile, going further in, Yancy finally manages to get to the center, where she now has a clear view. After a few seconds, she finally gets the first glimpse of her mentor in years.
"(So...It is her…)" She thinks to herself. "(Guess I should follow her for now. I don't want any unwanted attention…)" Eventually, she gets to a point where the crowd following her is forced to disperse, no thanks to the increased security. Seeing an opening, she approaches her from behind. "Lisia, is that you?"
Upon hearing the all-too familiar voice from behind her, the normally upbeat teal-haired girl immediately becomes shaken. "(Wait, that...voice…Could that be?)" She then turns around to meet who she thinks is her former mentee.
"Yancy!?"
"So it is you, Lisia…"