Chapter 75 - The Semi-Finals Begin

The remaining two battles in the Top 8 had wrapped up quickly, and the semi-final rounds were determined. Logan would be taking on Maleah, and Seshiru would face off with Haruto. They were the four strongest trainers in Kanto at the moment, and all eyes were on them. Their faces were plastered all over the news, and although it made Logan uncomfortable, he was asked to sign dozens of autographs.

The second to last day of the conference came. The Top 4 contestants were given a lot of time to prepare. During the day, there were smaller exhibition battles by contestants who wanted to perform on the bigger stage. They also held a small festival that would continue into the next day to keep everyone entertained as the bigger battles became less and less.

Logan sat, staring at a computer screen with all of his Pokémon surrounding him. He allowed Seshiru to join him, as he didn't have very many surprises left that she wouldn't know about if they both were to make it to the finals. She had already organized her team for her battle with Haruto, and she saw no harm in helping out Logan.

"I used Swampert's mega evolution in the last battle out of desperation," Logan said. "I still have Charizard's mega evolution, but if I manage to get past Maleah, I'll have no more surprises for the finals."

"But if you don't use Charizard in your next battle, who's to say that you'll be able to beat Maleah?" Seshiru asked. "Her ace is that Decidueye, after all. It'd be a fool's game to bring Swampert into that battle after what he went through yesterday. But, I guess you're a fool at heart."

Yurie nodded and sighed. "You have to weigh your options carefully."

Then suddenly, there was a knock on the door. Yurie stood and answered it. Within moments, her face lit up with joy, and she squealed.

"What?" Logan asked.

"Hey," a voice that Logan hadn't heard in roughly a year said. A head with hair yellow as lightning peaked through the crack in the door.

"Himawari!" Logan yelled. He jolted up and ran to his old friend and traveling companion. Logan, Yurie, and Himawari all embraced for a moment while Seshiru looked on, perplexed. "How have you been?"

"Being a gym leader is stressful, but I made it through one year," Himawari said as he let go of the hug. "I figured I'd come and watch you kick butt in the Indigo League. Sorry I couldn't make it earlier though."

Himawari was different from the last time that they saw him. He now stood with confidence, and it looked like his shoulders had widened. He still wore the necklace with the sunflower pendant, but his clothes were much brighter. He now dressed in white pants and a black t-shirt instead of his regular all-black attire.

"Who's this?" he asked, taking notice of Seshiru.

"Seshiru!" Yurie exclaimed. "She traveled with us through Kanto!"

Seshiru shyly waved without saying a word. She couldn't tell, but she was blushing.

Yurie nodded excitedly. "She's a better version of you!"

Himawari's shoulders slumped. "Oh."

Yurie punched Himawari in the arm. "Just kidding! We've missed you!"

Himawari turned his attention to Logan, and he smiled. "I've taken good care of him," he said while detaching a white Poké Ball from his belt. He handed it over to Logan who appeared slightly confused as to what Himawari was saying.

Logan looked closely at the Premier Ball, and it all came back to him. "Oh!"

"We want to welcome you all back once again! We've now moved onto the Top 4 and semi-final rounds! These four trainers have fought hard to get here today, and by no means are they going to let up! Our first battle will be between B-Block's Logan Stephenson and Maleah Kalani. Can we get a round of applause?!" the announcer yelled into the microphone, eliciting a response from the crowd.

Logan and Maleah made their way to the field. There was something different about the stadium, but Logan couldn't quite figure it out. The field was still normal, but there was a small sheen of red light that lit the stadium.

"As per special request from one of our competitors, the field has been modified slightly. I can't spoil the details of the modification, but you are all in for a big surprise!" the announcer exclaimed.

Maleah grinned at Logan. "It sucks that your journey ends here."

"The following match will be a full six-on-six battle! A winner will be decided when one side has lost all of their team! When one side loses three Pokémon, we will enter a short intermission. Trainers, are you ready?"

"Yes!"

"Then let the semi-final rounds begin!"

"Go, Persian!" Maleah shouted while throwing her Poké Ball onto the field. Her signature Dark-type Persian emerged and licked her claws. She growled at Logan, disliking the fact that he rejected her trainer.

Logan grinned and then ripped his Poké Ball from his belt. "As soon as the bell rings, the match starts! Let's do this, Golisopod! Use First Impression!"

Logan's Pokémon emerged onto the field, and he raced forward. In the blink of an eye, he emerged in front of Persian and then lashed, knocking the Dark-type backward. She landed right in front of Maleah, who was surprised by the cheap shot.

Logan shrugged and looked playfully at the crowd.

"Thunderbolt!" Maleah commanded.

Persian quickly stood up and then leaped into the air. She rained sparks down onto the field, zapping Golisopod. The Bug-type screeched horribly as he was shocked.

"And use Shadow Ball!" Maleah yelled.

Now falling from the sky, Persian quickly formed the dark ball in the back of her throw. She spit it up and then smacked it with her claws, sending it directly to Golisopod.

But before it could strike, Golisopod was absorbed in blue light, and he disappeared from the field, retreating into his Poké Ball that remained attached to Logan's belt.

Logan sighed. "Already, buddy? I get that you're scared, but c'mon."

"So quick," Seshiru muttered in the backroom.

"I understand that Golisopod has raw strength, but what kind of strategy is there in running away?" Haruto questioned.

Logan held out a Poké Ball and grinned. "Well, we're not going to get away with any more trickery, I guess. Go, Snorlax!" He tossed his Poké Ball high into the air, and it exploded open. Snorlax's form took the field, although it took slightly longer than usual. The large Pokémon glanced at Persian and then Maleah before smacking its belly.

Maleah raised an eyebrow. "Interesting."

"Use Aerial Ace!" Logan ordered.

"What?!" Maleah yelled.

Snorlax snorted and then shot down the field while holding its arm out. It exploded with aerial energy before connecting directly. It wasn't as powerful as everyone had thought it would be, as Persian was only knocking back slightly.

"Persian, use Night Slash!"

Persian rounded about and prepared to strike.

"Fake Tears!"

Then suddenly, Snorlax started to cry. Teardrop energy poured from its face, making Persian stop in her tracks.

"What's happening? What kind of Snorlax is this?" the announcer questioned, reflecting everyone else's visible confusion.

"Aerial Ace!" Logan shouted.

And Snorlax lunged forward once more, getting yet another direct strike on Persian. The feline Pokémon flew backward, landing weakly in front of Maleah. She tried to remain standing, but she couldn't, falling forward on her face.

The referee was perplexed, but she knew that she still had a job to do. She raised her flag and announced, "Persian is unable to battle! Uh, Snorlax is the winner!"

Maleah gritted her teeth and glared before withdrawing Persian. "Stop it! I've studied you enough to know what's going on! That's not a Snorlax!"

Logan shrugged. "Busted! Zorua, why don't you come out and take a bow?"

Snorlax giggled and then leaped into the air, rapidly flipping before changing forms, revealing the much smaller Zorua. The crowd started to cheer, now understanding what exactly had been happening.

"We won't be falling for any more tricks, Logan," Maleah said. "Go, Sirfetch'd!"

Maleah's Pokémon with the long sword-like onion materialized onto the field. He was stoic and looked at Zorua with a stern expression.

"We're at a disadvantage, but that's not gonna scare us," Logan exclaimed. "Use Dark Pulse!"

"Leaf Blade!"

Zorua leaped into the air and then blasted a ball of dark energy at the ground. It exploded and pulsated across the field. However, Sirfetch'd was experienced. He slashed at the pulsating energy with this sword, slicing right through it with ease.

"It's strong," Logan said. "Try Night Daze!"

Zorua came back to the ground and howled, blasting black energy from his body. This energy was much faster, and it connected with Sirfetch'd before he could effectively block.

"Leaf Blade once more!" Maleah shouted.

Sirfetch'd's sword became tipped with green energy. He slashed wildly and then ran forward, ready to slice Zorua. However, once he reached the Pokémon, he slashed and missed wildly.

"Got some of your vision blacked out, huh?" Logan said with a grin. "You wanted an intense battle, Maleah? You got it! Aerial Ace!"

"Throat Chop!"

Zorua jumped back before lunging forward, aerial energy exploding from the top of his snout. However, he was suddenly stopped as Sirfetch'd jabbed with his sword, hitting Zorua directly in the throat. Zorua fell to the ground and coughed, trying to recover from being stunned.

"We're not going to give you a chance!" Maleah exclaimed. "Meteor Assault!"

Sirfetch'd leaped back and then stuck out his sword. He started to run forward, picking up speed much quicker than Logan had anticipated. He exploded with chakra and then jabbed, causing a massive explosion on Logan's side of the field. When the dust and smoke cleared, only one Pokémon remained standing, Sirfetch'd.

"Zorua is unable to battle! Sirfetch'd is the winner!" the referee announced.

"And this match is even yet again!" the announcer yelled.

Logan withdrew Zorua and looked at the screen that showed the competitor's Pokémon.

"Logan is battling with Pokémon of all kinds of different drawbacks. If he continues like this, then there's no way he's getting to the finals," Haruto said.

Seshiru nodded. "As much as I hate to admit it, I think you're right."

She now knows that I'll be using Snorlax in this battle, which puts me at a slight disadvantage. She also knows about Golisopod. I can't make any mistakes or try any tricks from here on out. She has something intense planned for the second half of the battle, and I need to be prepared for anything, Logan thought.

He drew out his Level Ball. "Go, Nidoking!"

Nidoking roared and then looked at Sirfetch'd, who refused to show any fear.

"Let's get things off to a good start!" Logan exclaimed. "Use Earthquake!"

Maleah opted to not give Sirfetch'd an order, as he was unable to move. The field shook violently once Nidoking smashed his foot into the ground, and the Fighting-type Pokémon was badly injured. He refused to show any pain though. He looked back at Maleah, who nodded.

"Brave Bird!"

Sirfetch'd held his sword tightly before he took into the air. Energy exploded from him as he pointed towards Nidoking.

"Defend with Surf!" Logan shouted.

Nidoking spun his body around and built up a wall of aquatic energy around him. However, Sirfetch'd was too strong. He connected with Nidoking's aquatic wall, blasting him backward. There was a small explosion, and the two Pokémon quickly jumped back, getting some distance from one another.

Maleah looked at Sirfetch'd who was breathing heavily. He was surely losing strength. "Use Leaf Blade!"

"Fight back with Flamethrower!" Logan shouted.

Sirfetch'd pointed his blade and then dashed forward. But Nidoking was fast. He blasted flames from his mouth, making it impossible for Sirfetch'd to get closer. The Fighting-type was worn down, and he dropped his sword, looking at the wall of fire in horror.

"Surf!" Logan's voice came from the other side of the flames.

Nidoking roared as the wave of aquatic energy surrounded him. It lifted him into the air, and then he raced down the field. The water drowned out the fire and then washed over Sirfetch'd. He was dragged back to his side of the field, washing up before Maleah's feet.

"Sirfetch'd is unable to battle!" the referee exclaimed. She raised her flag and pointed it at Nidoking. "Nidoking is the winner."

"He's ahead now," Haruto said. "Good for him."

"But both Golisopod and Nidoking aren't without injuries. I'd argue it's still more in Maleah's favor," Seshiru responded.

"You don't seem to have a lot of faith in your friend."

Maleah withdrew Sirfetch'd and then gripped her next Poké Ball tightly. "We're here to win. At all costs! Go, Decidueye!"

Her Pokémon exploded from the Poké Ball and took into the air. He flew around in circles before landing and looking at Nidoking with a stone-faced expression.

Logan lifted his Level Ball.

"I don't think so! Use Spirit Shackle!" Maleah yelled.

Decidueye quickly lifted one of his wings, unleashing a single feather-like arrow forward. It flew across the field and then attached itself to Nidoking's shadow. The Poison-type looked at it curiously before the arrow imploded.

Logan slowly lowered his Poké Ball. "It looks like we have to work with what we have. Nidoking, use Megahorn!"

Nidoking had been startled by the arrow, but he was more than prepared to fight. His horn suddenly grew in size, surging with dark green energy. He ran down the field, ready to inflict as much damage as he could. But Decidueye was much faster, easily taking into the air and avoiding the attack.

"Psycho Cut!" Maleah commanded.

"Fight back with Flamethrower!"

Decidueye swung one of his wings, shooting psychedelic energy at the field. Nidoking responded with a roar, and flames billowed from his mouth. The two attacks connected and then imploded, causing smoke to fill the air. The Pokémon didn't wait for follow-up orders and used their attacks once more. The smoke engulfed their bodies, but eventually, the attacks came to a stop. The smoke faded away, and Decidueye remained in the air, hurt by the Fire-type attack. However, Nidoking was unable to get out of the way of the psychic onslaught, and he was left faint in the middle of the field.

"Nidoking is unable to battle! Decidueye is the winner!"

Haruto folded his arms. "Well then. Now, what does he do?"

"Even though it's in Maleah's favor, it doesn't mean it's finished. Logan can still pull through."

Haruto stepped back. "They are going to be taking their break soon. I think I know who I'd prefer to face in the finals. I don't need to watch anymore."

Megahorn would have gotten the job done. I need to try to think more clearly. I can't make too many more mistakes, Logan thought as he withdrew Nidoking.

"What will Logan do next?" the announcer asked.

"Use First Impression!" Logan shouted while tossing his ball forward.

Golisopod appeared and darted into the air. He tracked down Decidueye and then slashed, sending her to the ground.

"Dual Chop!" Logan directed.

Both of Golisopod's massive arms started to glow, and he swung forward, prepared to strike twice.

"Hurricane!" Maleah yelled at the top of her lungs.

The instant that Decidueye heard the command, he started the attack, whipping up winds around his body. The wind quickly expanded, engulfing the two Pokémon. Viewers at home were unable to see anything that happened, as the camera crew couldn't keep focused on the Pokémon. Both Pokémon disappeared from view.

Then the wind and energy dissipated, but only Decidueye remained on the field. He looked around, unable to find Golisopod. He landed on the ground and cooed curiously.

"Where is Golisopod?" the announcer yelled.

"Liquidation!" Logan ordered.

The ground below Decidueye cracked, and Golisopod emerged. He uppercut Decidueye, knocking him back a few feet.

"Decidueye, fight back! Use Energy Ball!"

"Throat Chop!"

Golisopod knew that he couldn't give Decidueye a chance. He lunged, jabbing Decidueye in the neck. The Grass-type keeled over and coughed, allowing Golisopod to tower over him.

"Liquidation! You can do it, Golisopod!" Logan shouted.

Golisopod raised his two arms, allowing for aquatic energy to surround them. He prepared to hammer them down, but then he suddenly froze. The arena became silent as the cameramen focused in, revealing a small feather-like arrow inserted into Golisopod's shadow. The arrow suddenly exploded, and Decidueye retreated.

"Not good!"

"Decidueye, finish this with Hurricane!"

Now with Golisopod immobile, Decidueye knew that he could do his attack with ease. He flapped his wings, creating the terrible storm once again. The wind whipped up, and now the camera crew held onto their belongings as hard as they could. A long attack wasn't necessary though, and within only a few seconds, Golisopod was finally brought down.

"Golisopod is unable to battle! Decidueye is the winner!" the referee declared.

"We will now be going on a fifteen-minute intermission, folks! The trainers will need some time to gather their thoughts and form strategies for the second half of the battle!" the announcer exclaimed.

Logan and Maleah withdrew their Pokémon. Logan walked back to his bench and took a seat. He looked into the crowd where he knew Yurie, Sora, and Himawari were. He smiled at them and then looked down at his shoes.

"You're really gonna let her beat you, huh?" a voice asked from behind.

Logan turned around, locking eyes with Haruto. He had combed his black hair nicely, and he was wearing a black shirt with arcane flame designs.

"This isn't over yet," Logan said. "Are you lost?"

Haruto shook his head. "Maleah is a strong trainer. She won the King of Kanto Tournament. She also made it to last year's Champion Cup in Galar. But I know that I could beat her. There's no doubt in my mind. She's fighting this hard right now because she wants to impress you. It's no secret."

"So?"

"So, this is already her best. You have to win. You can't lose this battle. When I win the Indigo Conference, I want it to be against the best trainer in Kanto. Well, second best," Haruto said. "There are only two trainers left in this tournament that threaten my victory, and that's you and Seshiru. If it ended up being me and Maleah in the finals, it'd be a clean sweep. I don't want my victory to have that kind of stain."

Logan sat up and then looked at the sky. The sun was beginning to set, but with the lights of the stadium raining down on him, it was hard for him to tell.

"You're a lot like your sister in that way. You want your victory to mean something and be important. You're a showman. Your sister wasn't interested in fighting in the finals of the Grand Festival if it meant not battling with her rival," he said. "I guess I appreciate your support, even if it's for a weird reason."

Haruto was silent, but he continued to look at Logan with a stern expression.

"What?" Logan asked. He looked back at him.

"Don't break my sister's heart."

Logan didn't respond.

"I don't like your brother," Himawari said. "He's probably down there trying to psych Logan out. It's not fair."

Yurie shook her head. "No. I think he has a soft spot for Logan, really. He's probably trying to encourage him in his own special way!"

Sora couldn't help but focus on the field. The energy that was being emitted around the stadium was unfamiliar to him. It made him uneasy, but he wasn't sure how to bring it up. He wouldn't be able to explain it. Whatever it was that Maleah was planning was going to be something that most of the people in the audience weren't ready for.

The fifteen minutes were up quickly, and the two trainers returned to their positions on the field. They both grabbed their Poké Balls and prepared to leap into action.

"Resume!"

"Decidueye, you're back up!" Maleah said while throwing the ball into the air. Decidueye emerged, did a quick spin, and then landed on the field.

Logan grinned. "Just because we're out of tricks doesn't mean that we're done having fun! Incineroar, show the world what you can do!"

Logan's Fire-type emerged from his Poké Ball, did a few flips, and then landed on the ground. He slowly stood up and held his arms above his head, hoping for a loud ovation from the crowd. They seemed as though they weren't sure how to respond, but some cheered for him.

This battle shouldn't be too long. Decidueye would have taken a lot of damage from his last few battles. He may be Maleah's starter Pokémon, but he can only take so much. We have to end this one quickly if we want to tie things up, Logan thought.

"Incineroar, use Flamethrower!" Logan ordered.

"Into the air!" Maleah directed.

Incineroar thrust his hips forward, blasting flames from his belt. It raced down the field, but Decidueye was still quick. He took into the air, easily avoiding the attack.

"Spirit Shackle!" Maleah commanded. "We're not going to let him escape."

"While they're in the air, use Darkest Lariat!" Logan instructed.

Incineroar's arms became engulfed in black energy, and he ran across the field. Once he reached the middle, he leaped into the air, ready to give Decidueye the clothesline that would finish the battle.

But then, a few of Decidueye's feather-like arrows hit the ground, and Incineroar was suddenly stuck in mid-air, unable to move.

Maleah grinned and then raised her wrist. "It's time, Decidueye! Go all out!"

She struck a pose, and the Z-Energy around her started to swirl. It was shadowy and frightened some of the children in the audience. It flew into the air and whipped up around Decidueye as his trainer struck her poses.

"Use Sinister Arrow Raid!" Maleah commanded.

All of the ghostly energy divided, turning into dozens of arrows around Decidueye's body. He looked down at Incineroar and then grinned before launching every single arrow at the ground. The arrows forced Incineroar back to the field. He hit with a crash, and then the arrows imploded, causing smoke to surround his body. Decidueye slowly came back from the air, now heaving from the energy that he had used.

Logan straightened out his posture and then put his hand to his chin. "That was pretty strong, Maleah."

The natural wind that moved through the stadium blew the smoke away, revealing Incineroar, who stood with the same pose as Logan.

"But it wasn't strong enough! Darkest Lariat!"

Now that he didn't have to leap into the air, it was easier for Incineroar to use his attack successfully. As though he had shot against ropes, he flung himself across the field, his arm out. He quickly reached Decidueye, winked at him, and then drove his muscled bicep into the avian Pokémon's chest. The Ghost-type flew backward and hit the wall behind Maleah. He slowly slid down the wall and fell into a slump. There was no chance that he'd be getting back up.

"Decidueye is unable to battle! Incineroar is the winner!" the referee called.

The crowd erupted into cheers, and Incineroar played off of them. He put his hand to his ear, and the crowd got louder. When he pulled away, they quieted. He played with their emotions while Maleah withdrew her Pokémon.

"I expected it to do more, but it looks like Incineroar just no sold my attack," Maleah said. But she grinned as she looked at Incineroar's shadow. "But there's no getting away from my next Pokémon, Logan. We're not going to lose this so easily."

Logan knew from the look on Maleah's face, he was in trouble. He had full faith in Incineroar's ability to take on any other Pokémon. But he also knew that Maleah was dangerous when she was serious. The two were nearing the end of the battle, which meant that whatever Maleah had planned for him, it was getting closer.

"It's your turn, Toxapex!" Maleah shouted. She released her Pokémon onto the field. As Logan remembered, Maleah's Toxapex was pink. But what was unsettling about her were her yellow eyes that peeked through the darkness.

Toxapex has a dangerous maneuver. We can't get up close if possible, but when it comes to Incineroar, almost every attack is up close, Logan thought. He looked up at the screen, which showed off four of his Pokémon, but Maleah knew of Snorlax already. He wanted to save his sixth Pokémon for last, although it'd be a good match for Toxapex.

"Pin Missile!" Maleah commanded.

"Incineroar, get into the air!"

Toxapex groaned, and the thorns on her body started to glow before rocketing into the air at Incineroar. But the Fire-type did as told, leaping high, and narrowly avoiding them. Toxapex had good control of the thorns though, and she managed to turn them around to begin the chase.

"Flamethrower!" Logan shouted.

"Incine!" Incineroar cried as flames billowed from his mouth. The flames engulfed Toxapex's attack, instantly putting it to a stop. Incineroar came back down to the ground and then hit a pose, making the crowd cheer again.

Logan grinned. "I know that you're trying to bait me in closer. But, I also know about Toxapex's little defense that you got waiting for me."

Maleah shrugged. "Well, you can't win if you don't attack!"

"Flamethrower!" Logan yelled.

"Use Baneful Bunker!"

Incineroar, now with time to show off again, thrust his hips forward, and the flames emerged from his belt yet again, racing down the field. However, Toxapex had ample enough time to close herself off, protecting herself from the flames. When they died down, Toxapex lifted her front leg, and she laughed at Logan and Incineroar.

"Liquidation!" Maleah shouted.

Toxapex quickly skated across the field, and some of her legs started to glow with aquatic energy. Maleah had made the order faster than Logan would have anticipated, and within seconds, Toxapex struck, making Incineroar fly backward.

"Incineroar, use Cross Chop!" Logan directed.

"Baneful Bunker!" Maleah ordered with a sly grin.

Incineroar quickly flipped into the air, and he crossed his arms in front of his face. He started to fall back to the ground, prepared to strike Toxapex as hard as she could. However, she was ready. She slammed her two front legs down to the ground, shutting herself out from the outside world and protecting herself from any strike.

Logan's eyes widened. "Stop!"

"There's no stopping with that kind of momentum!" Maleah yelled.

But then, inches away from Toxapex, Incineroar stopped. He roared as he struggled to keep himself still, but once everyone saw what he had done, they erupted into cheers.

Incineroar, keeping himself balanced on his thick tail, slowly pulled himself away from the Water-type Pokémon. He lowered himself to the ground, and then grabbed his tail, pulling it out from the field.

"Amazing!" the announcer shouted. "Incineroar, at the last second, managed to jab his tail into the ground with enough force to keep himself from connecting with Toxapex! What a crafty move by the Pokémon!"

Maleah sighed. "You are so annoying. Toxapex, use Cross Poison!"

Incineroar was not given the time to enjoy his feat of excellence. Instead, he looked on terrified as Toxapex slowly opened up her shell.

"Cross Chop!" Logan ordered.

The two Pokémon reeled back, prepared their attacks by crossing either their legs or arms and then jutted forward. They clashed, and to everyone's surprise, they were equal in power.

"It's now or never," Logan said. "Flare Blitz!"

Incineroar broke from the struggling, roared, and the flames from his belt covered his body. He glared at Toxapex and then launched forward like an exploding meteorite.

"Fell into our trap, Logan! Baneful Bunker!"

Toxapex slammed down her two front legs, and this time, Incineroar had no way of stopping himself. He crashed into Toxapex, sending flames and smoke into the air. It covered the both of them, but Logan knew what had happened. He knew that Incineroar was in trouble.

Logan looked at the smoke as it slowly cleared. Incineroar was attached to Toxapex, his body glowing with a slight purple hue. "Incineroar, do what you do best! Let's give 'em a suplex!"

"Did Logan just order a wrestling move?!" Himawari questioned. "He knows it's fake, right?!"

Incineroar laughed through the pain, and he kept his arms around Toxapex. He lifted her into the air, and her small body dangled from the inside of her shell. Then, he heaved, tossing her straight into the air where she couldn't defend herself.

"Darkest Lariat!" Logan shouted while punching the air.

"Roar!" the Fire-type roared while jumping. Dark energy swirled around his arms, and he uppercut, landing a direct hit on Toxapex's small body. She flew back to her side of the field, crashing down hard. Incineroar landed on his feet and tried to pose, but then he was inflicted by poison, making him fall to one knee.

Maleah glared. "You think that'll be enough? Toxapex, use Liquidation!"

It didn't matter if Toxapex was upright or upside down. She scuttled across the field, aquatic energy forming over one of her legs. She swung, but Incineroar ducked, barely dodging the strike.

"No way! He's so fast!" Maleah shouted in disbelief.

"Incineroar, it's time for the three count! Use Flare Blitz! Give these people a show!" Logan instructed.

Incineroar knew that it'd be his last attack regardless if he was successful. He was engulfed in flames again, got down on all fours, and then bounded forward. Toxapex didn't have the time to block this time, and she took the entirety of Incineroar's attack. She blasted backward, dragging against the ground until all of her legs went limp. She slumped to the ground, fainted.

"Inci-ne-roar!" the Fire-type cried out, holding his arms above his head. He then fell backward, his body sprawled out.

"Both Toxapex and Incineroar are unable to battle!" the referee declared.

"And just like that, we are tied!" the announcer exclaimed. "Both trainers are left with two Pokémon! I'm sure that there are going to be many more surprises in the coming moments, folks! But I think that I don't speak for just myself when I want these two competitors to fight forever!"

Logan took in a deep breath and then withdrew Incineroar. His Alolan starter Pokémon did his best and got him back to even ground. However, he knew that Maleah still had one more trick up her sleeve. Whatever it was, he needed to try to conserve as much energy as possible. He looked across the field and at Maleah, who was preparing her next Poké Ball.

"Two more Pokémon to go," Logan muttered. "The finals are so close."

AUTHOR'S NOTES:

We've entered the final stretch of this battle. They're now tied, but it seems like Maleah has a huge secret for Logan. What do you think it'll be? Will Logan be able to overcome it?

Also, I'm going to be posting the first chapter of a new series on March 6th (my birthday). It's something that I've been wanting to post up for a very long time, but I haven't really had the energy to do so. It'll be a part of the KokoroPokémonUniverse (KPU?), but it won't be nearly as involved as the Logan/Yurie/Cyan/Leinani's stories.

Also also, for those wondering about the Crown Tundra story, I'm currently working on its skeleton. I finally brought myself to actually play the DLC, and now I'm working on a story for it. I probably won't actually start posting that until after Igniting in the Isle of Armor is finished.

REVIEWS:

pokemonking0924 - "It was nice to see Emma again and she really pushed Seshiru hard, plus I enjoyed Seshirus reaction to facing another mega evolution. Something tells me as soon as this tournament is over she will go find a mega stone for one of her Pokémon or catch a new one that can mega evolve." - She does have a Squirtle! Who knows what's in her future?

wisdom-jewel - "I knew Emma wouldn't be able to be the runner-up. It has to be between Seshiru and Logan. Or Logan and Yuta. I was hoping she'll be in the Top 6, but Top 8 is fine with me. She's going to be a gym leader until she's ready to move onto something else. I'm guessing she'll stay for several years until wonder lust gets to her. However, Emma might wonder a bit when she's a gym leader when the opportunity arises. Apart of me wants Logan to battle her during this, but I can't choose begger. You did her well with this again, it would be fun to see Emma and Maleah battle. Like for fun and to test each other skills." - I might write her vs. Lilo sometime, but I can't promise anything. For now, I don't think she'll show up again in a big setting. Although, there is a certain Ex-Champion vs. Champion battle coming up. Maybe she'll be there to support her old friend?

CrescentApple - "I was a little surprised she won with one more pokemon to spare. Rarely see that, and I like it. And Maleah is Lilo's little sister! And here I assumed she was a random person from Alola." - I think I did the same thing last year with Luna vs. Finn. And yeah! I had small hints that Maleah is Lilo's sister, but nothing too obvious (just her name being announced and the fact that she also has a Decidueye).