A gentle breeze coming in from his window in the Chateau wakes Ryan up. The light emanating from outside gave him the distinction that he had somehow survived the night. He didn't know how, but he didn't really care either. He had and that's what mattered. He felt stiff and completely bereft of energy. He looked above him and saw Marahute perched above him, sunning herself. Glancing towards the rest of his body, he saw that Sparks was asleep by his feet. Sandshrew between his legs and Julia's Cyndaquil on his stomach. He at first wanted to let them sleep, but he let out a long yawn, which drew his Pokémon's attention. Marahute landed on his head and cawed loudly. Sparks jumped off the bed and ran around the room barking. Sandshrew cuddled up next to his "mama". And even the fiery echidna leaped up and down happily at Ryan being awake.
"Yes, guys" Ryan laughed weakly. "I'm okay."
Sparks raced over to his door and barked again. The rustling sounds of people moving about convinced the trainer that his Pokémon weren't the only ones who were waiting for him to wake up. The door opened and Sparks raced back for the bed.
Julia is the first one inside and she heaved a sigh of relief. "You had us worried for a second, Ryan" she remarked happily.
"What-what happened?"
"You've been out of commission for three days" the Professor explained.
"THREE DAYS?!" Ryan shouted.
"Relax" Julia insisted. "You needed it. Getting sucked into another dimension really drains your body. And you and your Pokémon fought to keep everyone else safe. You deserved a few days of rest."
Ryan looked around for his friends. "Holly? Addy?"
"They're busy making final adjustments to their hair styles and costumes for the Ball, tomorrow night. You needn't worry about them, though. We would have to pry the two of them out of here most nights. You've made quite an impression for yourself."
"How is he?" a voice called from the hall. Erin entered, and like Julia before her, heaved a sigh of relief. "Oh, Ryan. Thank goodness you're safe."
"What was it that knocked me out?"
Erin sighed. "It was Anthony's Banette. I tried to have him put the Pokémon in storage, but he wouldn't listen to me. Well, now he and his Pokémon are out on a fishing trip to Lake Ness outside of Cauldro City."
"But how did a Pokémon-"
"It used our own dreams against us" Julia told her bewildered pupil. "A combination of Dream Eater and Nightmare. It had all of us at its mercy, except for you apparently."
"In any case" Erin said, "we apologize for what befell you here, Ryan."
"Don't worry about it, Aunt Erin" Ryan insisted. "I'm a tough guy. I can handle it."
"And to truly make up for that experience, whenever you're ready, I'll be waiting for you in the Gym downstairs. Just come on down and face me when you do." She pinched her nephew's cheek before leaving the room.
Ryan gasped. "Julia, we never got around to do any of that training."
Julia nodded. "Well, after knowing what you went up against in these very walls, I don't think I could offer you much else. You seem perfectly capable of handling any challenge that comes your way."
Ryan frowned. "But, it wasn't me who stopped the Banette."
"They know that" a voice echoed from the hall once more. Piper stood in the doorway, smiling down on the boy. "But you held your own against a Pokémon far stronger than you or anyone else on your team. You stood your ground and that alone is impressive." She turned to her cousin. "See, Jules? I told you he reminded me of Mike."
Ryan beamed. "Mike? Oh come on."
"Michael was capable of turning bad situations around very quickly" Julia remarked. "You two may be cut from the same cloth. You are Kingstons, of course."
"And even though you weren't the one who beat the Banette" Piper added, "if you hadn't have faced that Ghost Pokémon and broke it's trance it held over me, I wouldn't have been able to come in and save you."
"Oh, so that was your Starmie" Ryan said, surprised.
"A Queen of Arcana has to be more than just a pretty face" Piper giggled.
"Unfortunately" Julia chimed in, "we won't be able to catch your match against Erin. I have to get back to the Research Facility and Piper wants to make it to Kingston Castle early to prepare for her Contest Season Debut." Before Ryan could plead, she held her hand up to him. "But, before we go, we figured your bravery deserved to be rewarded." Julia's Cyndaquil looked over to his trainer and called out to her, running over to her and going right under her hand to get pet. "Addison and Holly weren't the only ones we couldn't keep away from you. Cinder here has been sitting on your stomach since we brought you back up here."
"He certainly is a loyal Pokémon" Ryan said.
"And unfortunately" Julia continued, "when I go back to Parlor Town to get back into my work, I won't be able to let him run around and play with all of Michael's bigger and stronger Pokémon running around on the Ranch. But, I think if Cinder had a trainer with him who could let him stretch his legs, move around, maybe even battle for him, I think he would be a very happy Pokémon."
Ryan looked at the Cyndaquil, who ran over to Ryan and nuzzled him. "So does that mean you want me to look after him, Julia?"
Julia nodded. "If you think you can handle him as well as your little Sandshrew." She pet the Sandshrew who rested by Ryan's legs.
The Cyndaquil yelped in joy when Julia handed Ryan his Poké Ball. Julia patted her former Pokémon's head. "Ryan will look after you now, Cinder. I really need to get back to Parlor Town now. See you, Ryan." With that, Julia left his side and slipped out the door.
"I'm not so sure my gift could top that" Piper said.
"It's okay, Your Grace" Ryan saluted. "You don't have to give me anything. Serving the Queen is a pleasure."
Piper laughed. "Well, I insist on awarding such a brave and young squire." She reached into her pocket and pulled out a peculiar stone that shined with the colors of the Morning Sun. "This is a Dawn Stone. I've been holding this for good luck. But I think you could use it better than I can. See what you can do with it." She handed the stone to Ryan.
"Th-thank you" Ryan remarked.
"You may find use for it" Piper told him. "That is for saving my cousin. And for saving me? Well, I thought about what to give you for that. And I thought of just the right thing." She bent over and kissed him on his cheek, causing the young trainer to flush with color. "Now, Ryan. I'll leave you to it. I hope we meet again at the Ball, tomorrow. I'm sure my Dancing Partner for my Contest Performance would love to meet you." She waved to him and walked out.
Ryan stared at the door way, his cheek touching where Piper had kissed him. With a doofy smile on his face, he looked to his team. "Okay guys. Enough laying around. How about we go and get that Peace Badge! What do you guys say?"
When all four of his Pokémon cheered, Ryan threw his covers off and leaped out of bed. "Then let's go!"
{Meanwhile}
After several days of hovering around the ArcTV Studios, Michael and the Elite Four were finally called in to take part in their long awaited interview with Walter O'Hara. As they were led onto the soundstage to have the interview all of them have been dreading, Cameron pulled her cousin aside to remind him of the ground rules.
"Let me do all of the talking, okay?"
"I got it" Michael remarked.
"The last thing we need is someone bursting out of control right now" Cameron reminded him. "You and Chris just sit in the back behind Mark and Lizzie and let me handle this. Okay?"
"I got it" Michael reiterated. "Shouldn't you be telling your brother this?"
"Him I can hit if he screws up" she explained coyly to him.
The two then caught up with the others and found their spots on a huge couch. Cameron sat in between Mark and Lizzie, while Chris sat behind Mark and Michael directly behind Cameron. Somehow, to Michael, it felt eerily proper for Cameron to be the center of the attention. He figured this was probably her audition to a take over control of the Pokémon League after this season. He knew his tenure as Champion was drawing to a close, but it didn't sit well with him how appropriate it felt to be sitting there while Cameron took fire from the media.
The set doors opened and Walter O'Hara entered the stage. He looked far worse in person than on television. The toupee atop his head still looked as if a Slakoth was eating his head. but he looked as if he wore spray tan on his face and wore a tacky and cheap suit and a bow-tie that seemed like it would have been fashionable in the 1930's. He came over and offered to shake the hands of everyone present. Mark and Lizzie hesitantly agreed, while Cameron shook it professionally. Michael and Chris however left him hanging and thus the "spray tanned potato" headed for his own chair and sat down.
"Emily" he spoke, as if his voice box was being strangled by a balloon. "Emily, where is my clipboard?" A young intern hurried over to his side and handed him a worn clipboard and a cup of coffee.
"Here you are sir" Emily said to her boss. She looked at who her boss would be blasting today and gasped. Chris winked at her, causing her to blush and run off.
Cameron, seeing her brother's display, smacked him in his shin. "Tone it down!" she hissed.
Walter cleared his throat and his show's theme music played. The pretentiousness of it made Michael want to get sick, but he held his tongue as the lights came up on them and the cameraman off stage began to roll the film.
As if they turned on a switch for him to activate, Walter's on screen persona activated as his eyes locked firmly on the camera. "Welcome to The O'Hara Hour, where I give you the news, bitter or sour."
Oh brother, Michael thought to himself.
"Today, I have a very special group as my guests on the show. I'd like to welcome to the show our region's very own Champion, Michael Kingston, as well as The Elite Four. Mark of Kanto, Lizzie of Hoenn, and two of Arcana's own, Chris and Cameron Kingston." His attention turned to his guests. "Welcome to the show, it's a pleasure."
"We were happy to be invited" Cameron said, as politically neutral a statement as could be said.
"I trust you five understand that my audience aren't the biggest fans of yours" Walter said, almost pitying his guests. "I would just like to say that it is impeccable of you to come into the line of fire and be interviewed. If more people displayed your sense of decorum, Arcana wouldn't have any problems."
Half of Arcana doesn't have decorum because of you, Michael bitterly thought.
"If only Arcana could have a sense of unity" Cameron remarked, playing the talk show host like a fiddle.
Michael sighed. Maybe she is ready to take over for me.
"I guess I should start there" Walter said. "Arcana really hasn't had a strong sense of unity since the passing of your grandfather, James Kingston. Have you or anyone in your family felt that it has been your duty to lead Arcana since his passing? And if so, how can you all not understand that you have disappointed many who looked to the Pokémon League for strength?"
Michael held his tongue, though he could feel his blood beginning to simmer beneath him,
"I don't think it's been an obligation for us to succeed my grandfather" Cameron said. "It's never been about succeeding anyone. It's about building on and improving upon wherever we can. He left Arcana for us in good shape, when we were all only children. When he died, it all fell apart. During that tenure, some in my family have taken it upon themselves to assume greater responsibilities in Arcana, most failing because they did not possess the same ideals that my Grandfather reigned with for nearly 40 years. Do I believe we can do better at our jobs? Absolutely. Do I think we should hold our heads down because we haven't been able to bring about a lasting peace? I do not."
"Interesting" Walter said. "And for the rest of you?"
"I think Cameron said it best" Mark answered. "We can do a better job, but the job we have done I don't believe is shameful. We have done Arcana a great good since we've been on board."
"Indeed" Walter answered. "You five are the longest tenured Elite Four and Champion we have ever had. Yet criticism of your tenure cannot be ignored. It's the obligation of the media to question the integrity of our governing leaders. Surely you all understand that?"
"Absolutely" Cameron answered quickly. "Hence, why we're here to discuss this at all."
"Arcana has many suitable Pokémon Trainers that can and have applied for positions within the Pokémon League. And yet, the League is currently under the primary control of the Kingston Family and two foreigners." His eyes lingered on Mark and Lizzie with the 'foreigners' jab, but he nevertheless continued when he didn't elicit a reaction from them. "Can you answer this criticism of you?"
"The Pokémon League is open to any and all trainers who believe themselves up to the challenge of collecting all of the Gym Badges and taking on the Championship Tournament at the end of each season. As you said, Walter, the Pokémon League is looked to for strength and guidance during troubling times and we cannot accept any but the strongest into these positions. Of the 10 Gym Leaders in Arcana, two are only in the family through marriage and their success in their own Pokémon League careers. Greg, for example, who married Michael' sister, was the runner-up in the Tournament about 16 years ago, when he lost to Giselle Odelia. As for the rest, our family has bred itself to become master Pokémon Trainers from young ages. I challenged the Pokémon League when I was 11 and made it to the Finals against Michael, who beat me and took home his second title. In short, we have Kingstons in those positions because they are the best we have to offer."
Walter continued reading from his clipboard. "And what of the two non-Kingstons in the Elite Four? A bit of an odd choice to have foreigners take in those positions, isn't it?"
Now Michael clenched both fists, doing his best to keep himself calm, though he could sense an outburst coming very soon.
"Again" Cameron reasoned, "the Elite Four are the premium trainers that the Champion must rely on to help protect Arcana from danger. Mark and Lizzie here are two of the strongest trainers I have personally ever come across. If it weren't for them, honestly, I think Arcana would still be under the control of Giselle."
"Funny you should mention Giselle" Walter said, his eyes now finding Michael. "Champion, some are beginning to believe that the idea that Giselle Odelia was a part of a large scale conspiracy led by supporters of Balthazar Aced is a little farfetched. When she went down, only she received a prison sentence for her actions, while many whom you have claimed were linked to her still roamed free for 10 years. Why is that?"
"Well" Cameron said, "for one thing-"
"I'm pretty sure I asked Michael, my dear" Walter said condescendingly. "So, Michael?"
Michael cleared his throat. "I should think it'd be obvious Walter. Without sufficient evidence, we couldn't bring those associated with Giselle to justice. I would like to point out, however, that most of those linked to her have fled Arcana and hide abroad to avoid extradition to our region for their crimes."
"And for Giselle being just a part and not the mastermind?" Walter prodded.
"When I was kidnapped by Giselle" Michael explained, lowering his head to recall those dark days, "she brought me to a laboratory somewhere in Arcana to be tortured and experimented on. She herself did not place the branding iron on my arm, but another man entirely. But she herself did have a significant role to play to lambaste me to everyone when I escaped and convinced members of my own family to banish me."
"No one is above the law" Walter told Michael. "Including yourself. More than 11 people were killed when you and your Pokémon brought that lab down. And even being kidnapped and tortured does not give you the excuse to break the law."
"Can I interject here?" Cameron requested, eyeing the growing fury in her cousin's voice. "Michael has been through a serious ordeal no one in your audience could possibly comprehend. Kidnapped and tortured by someone he trusted and exiled from his home as a 12 year old boy."
"You cannot circumvent-"
"Allow me to sum up my thoughts then" Cameron said. "Walter, I want you to answer one question with complete honesty. If Michael had not returned to Arcana, and to this day Giselle Odelia still ruled Arcana with an iron fist as she did for nearly four years, do you think our region would be in better shape or not?"
Walter nodded. "An excellent question, Cameron. I believe in an Arcana where anyone can have any opinion without fear of being ridiculed or jailed because of it. I believe in freedom and I believe in the integrity of this region. And when we can have integrity in this region, then our region will be a better place."
"That didn't answer my question" Cameron said, her own temper beginning to show.
"I feel as if it did" Walter said. "And that's the beauty of Arcana. We can agree to disagree." He then turned back towards the Cameraman. "We'll be right back after a brief message from our sponsors." When the camera went dark, Walter rose from his seat and went over to a small stool to make sure he still looked presentable to the audiences.
"You did good" Cameron leaned back towards Michael.
"Barely holding together" Michael told her.
"Then leave it all to me" Cameron said. "Keep it cool and this nightmare will end very soon."
The five put on straight faces as Walter returned and the cameraman started rolling once more. "Welcome back to The O'Hara Hour. I have with me the Elite Four and our Champion, Michael Kingston. Now, I have been told by my legal experts, that you are not allowed to discuss the trial of Cassius Sinclair with the media."
"That is correct" Cameron answered.
"With that being the case" Walter said, "I would like to ask why Michael has since recused himself from this trial."
"I believe that falls in line with what your legal experts have said involves the trial" Cameron said.
"That isn't what I asked" Walter said.
"I feel as if I did answer your question, though" Cameron said, a wry grin on her face.
"Very well" Walter said. "I do feel compelled to ask a few questions, more about the state of Arcana than anything. I understand that our precious Queen of Arcana, Piper Pines has since broken up with her longtime friend and dance partner, Tanner Haggerty. How does this impact the running of our Region?"
When Cameron did not immediately answer, Michael stepped in, almost against his will. "Our Queen has maintained her sense of duty and order, despite constantly getting hounded by people about her relationship status. Honestly, considering what she's been through, I find her actions quite commendable."
"What some would call commendable" Walter said, "I call uneasy. Her Highness should not be in a position of power when she is in a rocky relationship like the one she's in now. And as Champion of Arcana, Michael, I think you should address this issue."
"If this issue needed addressing" Michael answered plainly, "then I will address it. Piper has done an outstanding job as far as I'm concerned. The Commencement Ceremony for the Pokémon Contests went off without a hitch and she now heads for Kingston Castle for the first leg of the Pokémon Contests."
"If that is indeed the case" Walter said, "how come there are those who believe that Tanner Haggerty only broke up with Piper because she loved another man?"
"I'm not privy to the love life of our Queen" Michael said bluntly, "and frankly, neither should anyone. It's her business to decide who she spends her time with."
Walter nodded. "I see. Now, one last piece of discussion before we can part ways. One criticism that has been lobbied at the Kingston Family for many years has been this obsession to have great power in Arcana. This goes beyond recent memory and as far back as the times of James Kingston. No one will deny that he and Balthazar Aced were once great friends. But during the later years of his life, Balthazar was making great strides in his research, coming up with experimental medicines for curing sick Pokémon as well as treatments for those who are not considered mentally well. Now, when Balthazar Aced allegedly went mad, many asserted that it was because of Arcana's famous 'Crimson Moon', which appears every fifteen years and is slated to make another appearance in a few months."
"I'm not quite sure where you're going with this" Cameron said.
"Some have claimed that it wasn't because of the 'Crimson Moon' that Balthazar went insane. They even question whether or not that he even went insane. They have asserted that Balthazar had stolen the spotlight from James Kingston and so our Champion decided to eliminate his friend and ruin his reputation after his passing."
"A complete fabrication" Cameron said. "Everyone knows that Balthazar Aced went insane because of his exposure to the Crimson Moon. He and my grandfather were researching it for nearly two years. In fact, he was so busy with his research that he missed my birth because of it."
"But what if there was evidence to the contrary?" Walter asked.
"Then I would want to see that evidence" Cameron said.
"Why is that?" Walter prodded. "So that you could release your own redacted facts to refute this belief?"
"There is a strict difference between fact and belief" Cameron insisted.
"And yet you insist that the story you've all been told is accurate" Walter again questioned.
"But I would welcome any evidence that said otherwise."
"I ask again, so that you could ruin the reputation of this brave person on behalf of a family of tyrants?"
"Tyrants?" Lizzie asked. "That's a little unfair."
"Let the Arcanan's answer this, my dear" Walter snapped.
Now, Michael had seen enough. "You want an Arcanan to answer? Fine, I'll answer!"
"Mike, it's fine" Cameron said. "I can handle-"
"The Kingston Family is far from perfect" Michael answered, his blood boiling. "If you want anyone of their own to openly criticize them, here I am. They have made many mistakes in their existence, many who still have a great deal of influence in Arcana. My Grandfather probably made mistakes in his lifetime as well. But I will not take from him his greatest legacy of stopping Balthazar Aced and saving Arcana from the madness of his old friend."
"An old friend your grandfather might very well have had murdered?" Walter accused.
"Do you have evidence pointing to my father wrongfully taking Balthazar's life?"
"The only proof we need to have is that when we all pass on, we'll know that your grandfather is rotting in hell where he belongs!"
Michael didn't know how he got past his cousins and friends so easily, nor did he know how quickly he was in front of Walter O'Hara's face. The only thing he saw was the utter terror in the host's face as he fell backwards and the reflection of pure hatred he saw in his eyes. Chris and Mark were holding his arms and preventing him from doing whatever his inner rage wanted to do to the man who had defaced the memory of his Grandfather. Lizzie stepped in between Michael and Walter and pushed her friend back towards the couch.
Walter looked over towards his cameraman. "Are we clear?" When he got his answer he rose to his feet. "I need to get away from this maniac!"
Michael continued to try and free himself from his friend's grasp until Walter was out of the studio, finally calming down. He couldn't tell if he was angrier at Walter O'Hara for insinuating that his father was a murderer or at himself for losing his cool on television. The looks of worry, consternation and disappointment in his comrades eyes made it clear that the latter was far worse than the former. He could only lower his head in shame as the consequences of his actions would boil in over the next few days.
{Meanwhile}
Holly watched on as Addison did her best to keep a stack of three books on her head while she balanced on a tight rope in the courtyard of the chateau. She couldn't help but be impressed with the poise her friend was showing, despite having only a few days of training. Addison's concentration was entirely focused on maintaining her poise and balance.
Poise and grace, Addison told herself. I have to maintain poise and grace.
"You're doing great, Addy" Holly told her friend. "Hang in there."
"Trying to" Addison said, straining her concentration.
"Sorry" Holly said.
Addison took a deep breath and continued walking the tightrope, continually repeating her mantra to herself. Poise and grace. Poise and grace. Poise and grace. She slowly made her way toward the end of the tightrope, the books remaining straight on her head as she touched the other platform at the end of the rope. As she reached the other side, she turned around and prepared to make her return trip. She looked over to where Holly was standing and saw her talking with someone out of her view. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes again. Poise and grace. Poise and grace.
"Did you want to take a little break, Addy?" Holly asked.
Midway through her balancing act, Addison sighed. "No, Holly. And please don't distract me."
"Oh, okay" Holly said. "I'll go route for Ryan on my own then."
Addison's eyes jumped open. "Ryan's awake?!"
"And he's going to challenge Erin in her gym" Holly said, before going inside the Chateau.
Addison did her best to maintain her balance, but slipped and fell off the tightrope and into the little pool that sat underneath her tightrope. Her Eevee and Venonat raced over to her to check on their trainer. Addison stepped out of the pool and wringed her hair as dry as she could get. I can't miss this! I didn't get to root for Ryan in Craft Terrace. I'm not gonna miss this chance!
{Meanwhile}
Ryan nervously looked at the doors that led down to the Alchemiburg Gym and took a deep breath. The last time he had been in this gym, he had to face his fears and square off against a powerful Ghost Pokémon. Now, with his team reinforced by rest and a new addition in Cinder the Cyndaquil, he was preparing himself to take on his second Gym Battle, against his Aunt Erin. He didn't know if she was truly powerful or if what Lizzie and others had said about her was true, but he knew he couldn't take any chances. With all four of his Pokémon finally on his belt for once, he pushed the doors open and headed down the staircase to face his next true challenge.
Unlike the immense forest that infested Tori's Gym in Craft Terrace, his Aunt Erin's was a simply stadium with a small seating area where fans could sit and enjoy a match if they came. Erin sat in the middle, staring right at him. Ryan stepped into the room and made his way for his spot in the Gym.
"Before we begin, Ryan" Erin said, "I have to remind you that even though you saved us from a renegade Ghost Pokémon, that doesn't mean I can go easy on you."
"I'd be insulted if you did" Ryan said plainly.
"Very well then" Erin said, turning on her Gym Leader persona. "Welcome, trainer, to the Alchemiburg Gym. I am Erin, the leader. Many disregard Normal Pokémon in favor of using other types, such as Fire and Water. My Pokémon are proof that power can come in all shapes and sizes. And this battle will prove it to you. I hope you're prepared to lose!"
Ryan returned a glare towards his Aunt. "Give me all you got!"
"I plan to" Erin grinned. She reached for her first Poké Ball. "We will use two Pokémon on our teams. The last team with a Pokémon left standing will win. Go, Persian!" The Poké Ball dropped from her hand and a slender and limber panther appeared on the field, meowing and licking her paw.
"Okay" Ryan said. "Then I choose my own Pokémon, Cinder the Cyndaquil!" Ryan sent out his newest addition to his team. The Fire Pokémon let out a cheer as it knew it would finally get an opportunity to battle. "You ready for a battle, Cyndaquil?" When his Pokémon yelped in approval, Ryan returned his attention to his opponent. "Cinder, use Flame Wheel!"
The Cyndaquil spun around in a fire ball and launched itself at the Persian, who simply dodged the attack with finesse. The Cyndaquil rolled back in front of Ryan, surprised he didn't hit anything.
"You'll have to do better than that, Ryan" Erin warned her nephew. "My Persian is one of my strongest Pokémon. And my Pokémon fight as a unit." She waved her arm at her Persian. "Use Metronome!"
The Persian thought for a moment and then unleashed a powerful torrent of water at Cinder from seemingly nowhere. Fortunately, the Cyndaquil rolled out of the way of the attack. Ryan was perplexed by what had just transpired. "What the heck? I though only Water Type Pokémon could use an attack like that."
"That's the power of Metronome" Erin warned. "It can unleash a completely random move whenever I have my Persian use it! You'd best beware, because both of my Pokémon know it."
Ryan nodded. "Okay, I think we're gonna need to rethink our tactics here."
"Good choice" Erin warned him. "You won't last long otherwise."
"Cinder, use Smoke Screen!" The Cyndaquil sniffled his nose and let out a huge sneeze, which clouded the arena in smoke.
"Persian!" Erin called to her Pokémon, "Use Slash!" The Persian growled and lunged at what it thought was the Cyndaquil, but it came out of the smokescreen having attacked nothing. Confused, the Persian looked around for it's target, only to be run over by a Flame Wheel from Cinder, who then rolled back to his position as the Persian recovered from the serious hit.
"Persian, use Metronome!" The Persian again pondered it's next move and then rushed at the Cyndaquil with a powerful Electrical attack, before suddenly returning back to it's Poké Ball. The Cyndaquil rolled back to his feet, a little woozy from it's most recent hit. "Once a Pokémon uses Volt Switch, it can switch itself out for another Pokémon in my party. Your Cyndaquil got a big hit in on my Persian, but my next Pokémon will make it all for naught." She reached onto her belt and pulled out her second Poké Ball. "Go, Audino!" She threw the next Poké Ball onto the field, where a bizarre looking pink and cream colored Pokémon with big black eyes appeared.
"Wow" Ryan said.
"Audino was my close friend during my Contest years" Erin explained. "But she has always looked forward to battling, because she has a few powerful abilities. For instance, with every passing moment, my Audino is restoring my Persian back to peak fighting strength."
"What?" Ryan gasped. "But how?"
"Pokémon have hidden talents, Ryan" Erin said. "If you don't find yours, then you won't go very far in this league. And I'm afraid theirs worse news for you. I was kind of hoping you would have brought a Fighting Type Pokémon with you, but this will work all the same. You see this I have on my wrist?" Erin held out her hand and showed a small object she thought was at first a watch.
"What is it?"
"I'm afraid that it's game over for you" Erin said as she activated it. Her Audino began to shine like the sun, temporarily forcing Ryan to cover his eyes. When he uncovered them, the Pokémon had transformed. No longer just a pink and cream colored Pokémon, she now shined in what he could only describe as an elegant gown of white.
"What-"
"Mega Evolutions" Erin explained. "Pokémon are capable of many different things. It's a shame you had to learn this one the hard way. Audino! Use Metronome!" The Audino raised it's hand and fired a beam of Ice directly at the Cyndaquil, who was able to brave the attack, but was shivering cold from the powerful Ice Attack.
"Cinder!" Ryan called out to his Pokémon. "Are you okay?"
The Pokémon nodded, though it shook violently due to it's rapidly decreasing body temperature.
"You're going to have to withdraw him to take a loss" Erin told her nephew, "unless of course you have an Audino that can heal your Pokémon?"
Ryan shook his head. "We're not beaten yet! Cinder! Use Headbutt!" The Cyndaquil lunged at the Audino with all it's might and rammed itself into the Audino. The Mega Audino took a few steps backward, but shook off the attack and stood firm. Exhausted, Cinder fell down on it's stomach.
"It truly is a shame" Erin said. "Audino, use Swift!" A volley of stars hammered into the Cyndaquil, KO'ing poor Cinder from the match.
Ryan recalled his first Pokémon, his nerves shaking. He was truly on the ropes in this match.
"If you're thinking of a new strategy" Erin cautioned her opponent, "you'd better hurry. My Persian will soon be back to full power, and then you'll need a miracle to win this match."
Ryan was truly stumped. Erin's Pokémon were capable of aiding each other in ways he could only dream of having his team work. While he had to think of a plan to take out a powerful Mega Evolved Pokémon, he knew he would soon have a fully powered Persian waiting for him on the other side. And almost none of his Pokémon would make a difference in the long run. Marahute was susceptible to any more powerful Metronome attacks Erin's team relied on and his Sandshrew was still too inexperienced to get into any real fighting. Man, this is where I get my butt handed to me.
"Keep focused, Ryan!" a voice called to him from the audience. Ryan turned to find Holly sitting in the audience. "I didn't run through the Chateau in heels to watch you lose! Get it together!"
"But how?" Ryan said. "She's too strong."
"Pokémon Battling isn't just about which Pokémon has the best moves" Holly told her friend. "You have to be just as clever and smart as you are strong. If you can't out muscle her Ryan, maybe you can out think her."
"Wear her down, Ryan!" another voice cheered. Ryan turned towards the entrance of the arena and found Addison.
Moved by his friend's motivational speeches, Ryan turned towards his Aunt. "This isn't over yet! And I think I have one Pokémon who can turn the tables in this match."
Erin grinned. "Then show me what you've got. If I'm going to beat you, I want you to throw it all down on the line!"
Ryan grabbed his dearest and most treasured Pokémon's Poké Ball. "Let's go, Sparks!" Ryan called forth his Jolteon, who barked at the Mega Evolved Pokémon it was set to face.
"So, you started with an Eevee as well?" Erin smirked.
"And I'm going to win with one!" Ryan declared.
"Easier said than done!"
"Sparks! Use Thunder Shock!" The Jolteon launched an array of small electrical charges at the Audino, who took the blasts as if they were nothing. Despite this, a few charges lingered and caused the Audino to make quiet whimpering noises.
"Ryan!" Addison cheered. "You paralyzed her Audino!"
"Now she may not be able to attack!" Holly celebrated.
"Not quite" Erin exclaimed. "Audino, use Refresh!" The Audino took a deep breath and surrounded itself with a mystical light. Within seconds, the Audino was back to standing on it's feet and smiling. "So much for your Paralysis! Audino, use Metronome!"
Ryan braced himself for the worst, when he thought he heard a drum going off. He looked back at the Audino and saw it was punching it's own stomach as if toughening itself for a great battle. The Audino's eyes now lit with a fiery passion for battle, though it's legs began to look a little wobbly.
"RYAN!" Addison shouted to him, "HIT THAT AUDINO WITH EVERYTHING YOU HAVE! NOW!"
"But-"
"It just used Belly Drum" Addison warned him.
"Belly Drum?" Ryan asked himself. He then remembered. It was a move that he recalled that Cameron used on Chris to win the Championship the previous season before losing the Title Match to Michael. It decreases a Pokémon's health, but maximizes it's attacking capabilities. Cameron and her Lucario used that move to sweep through her brother's team after he knocked her down to her final Pokémon. He needed to attack before that Audino was able to use it's newfound power. "Sparks, I need you to hit that Audino with everything you have, okay? Use Thundershock!"
Sparks stood his ground firmly and launched another volley of electrical attacks at the Audino. Every single one hit the mark, hammering the Mega Audino with the immeasurable power of Thunder. The Audino gave one last whimper before falling on it's back, knocked out.
"YES!" Ryan cheered.
"Alright!" Addison applauded.
"Way to go!" Holly exclaimed.
"Enjoy it while you can" Erin warned, "because my Audino delayed long enough for my Persian to return to full power! GO!" Once again, Ryan was faced with the limber and deadly Persian, who once more licked her paw when she was called into battle. When she and Sparks locked eyes, it appeared as if the very ground shook beneath them.
"PERSIAN! USE SLASH" Erin declared. The Persian lunged forward, bearing it's claws directly at Sparks.
"Sparks!" Ryan countered. "Use Headbutt!" The Electrical Pokémon and Normal Pokémon charged right at each other and delivered crushing blows. Sparks had a deep cut in his fur, but the Persian appeared to have the wind knocked out of her. The cat took a fair amount of time making it back to her position.
"Sparks!" Ryan shouted, taking the initiative. "Use Thunder Shock!" The Jolteon showered the Persian in Lightning, once more causing it damage.
"Persian" Erin called, "Use Metronome!" The Persian ran up to Sparks and slapped a bit of mud into Sparks's eyes. With his vision now impaired, Sparks had to now listen for his opponent. The Persian circled her prey before pouncing on it and slashing away with a volley of Scratch attacks. The Jolteon managed to fend the Persian off and kick her aside, but looked completely exhausted. Persian didn't look much better.
"I think this last attack is going to decide it" Ryan said.
"I couldn't agree more" Erin smiled.
"SPARKS! USE HEADBUTT!"
"PERSIAN! USE SLASH!"
The Persian and Jolteon rushed each other in one final attempt to out speed and thereby win the match for their trainer. Claws bared and head sealed into attacking position, the two struck at each other with precision and power. Everyone in the arena could hear both blows hit their mark. Ryan closed his eyes tight to avoid seeing what unfolded. Erin did too, unable to bear to see who won the final bout.
When Ryan opened his eyes, he saw the that while the Persian had indeed managed to sink her claws into Sparks, the Headbutt had hit it's mark, piercing the Persian's inner defenses. The Persian was flung backwards and fell to the ground, fainted. Sparks fell back himself, barely able to stand, but somehow victorious.
"I did it?" Ryan remarked, completely shelled. "I DID IT!" He hurried over to hug his fatigued Jolteon, who licked his fingers as trainer and Pokémon embraced.
"YAY!" Holly cheered.
"RYAN WON!" Addison celebrated. The two girls embraced.
Erin was just as shocked as Ryan was at first. "I-I-I don't know what to say. Impressive, Ryan. Truly impressive. I was afraid that after I got you into that early hole, you weren't going to recover. But you showed true backbone and cunning strategy. You believed in your Pokémon and they both performed amicably for you." She recalled her fainted Persian and reached into her pocket. "To affirm your victory here in Alchemiburg's Gym, I present you with this." Erin came over to her nephew and placed the Peace Badge, a Pink and White Oval that shined when the sun was shining nearby. "The Peace Badge. Congratulations."
Ryan and Sparks both jumped for joy when they had the Peace Badge in their hands. "YES! WE GOT THE PEACE BADGE!"
Erin nodded. "The Peace Badge assure you that you are at least 20% complete with your journey. But it doesn't end here. There are plenty of more challenging and dangerous opponents for you to face. Sometimes strategies are needed. Other times, strength. And sometimes, you need a little bit of luck. If you think your luck is good, then I suggest you make good use of this TM." She handed her nephew his third metallic disk. "This will teach any Pokémon capable of learning it the move Metronome."
Ryan nodded. "Thanks, Aunt Erin. I'll be sure to use it."
Erin smiled. "To think, you're now old enough to challenge the gyms of Arcana." Before she could finish her thought, her Pokémon Gear goes off in her pocket. She quickly pulls it up and accepts the call. "Hello, Mama." Her mood suddenly darkens. "Oh my goodness. When? Okay, I will try to reach out to him. What was that? No, I don't think you talking to him is going to help smooth things over. If and when he shows up at the Castle, just leave him to his own devices, okay? I'll have Tori contact him too. Okay, Mama. Bye." She hangs up the call.
"What happened?" Ryan curiously asked.
"Nothing you need concern yourself with, sweetie" Erin said. "Now, you kids are headed to Kingston Castle, yes?"
Ryan nodded. "For Addison and Holly."
"Then I actually have a favor to ask of you" she said.
"Of course" Ryan said.
"I'll tell you in a moment" Erin told her nephew. "But first, I need to go and heal my Pokémon." Erin turned and left for the Chateau.
Before Ryan could react, both Holly and Addison were embracing him. "You guys!"
"You did it!" Addison cheered. "I knew you could!"
"You showed her what for!" Holly added. "Congratulations."
Ryan smiled. "Thanks you guys." He turned towards his Jolteon. "Well Sparks, that's two Gym Badges down." The Jolteon barked in approval. Ryan then turned to his friends. "Then, when we're all set, let's hit the road!"