Round 3 - Match 1

Carol clenched her fist, caught between two desires. She loved her friends and family dearly and wanted to see them happy, but she had ambitions to fill. She wanted to win the tournament. Badly.

That was why she and Scarf had come here, after all, wasn't it? To win? To show to everyone that Scarf had become the most powerful Pokemon they'd ever seen, after taking so long to grow?

Scarf wasn't sure, either. It shared her ambition, but like her, it understood that it might be a selfish desire.

She turned to Kyle, who stood beside her as they waited for the announcement that would signal the beginning of her match. A few days ago, they had been in a similar scenario, only the roles had been reversed. Carol and Scarf were the ones fighting, this time.

Kyle's mood had hardly improved, though that wasn't much of a surprise to Carol, nor did she blame him for it. He'd put so much of himself into his goal of winning, and now that his dream was unattainable, he could display nothing but gloom. He still tried to act natural for everyone, though. But Carol saw through him, and she was sure the others did, too, to some degree.

Still, Carol couldn't help but feel that Kyle had felt like this since before the tournament and that losing was just his breaking point. Something had happened. But what?

He tilted his head at her as she turned to him, his face blank. "Are you worried?" he asked.

Carol nodded. "What am I supposed to do, here? Do I try to win? Do I let him win? Who am I supposed to fight for? Myself, or my brother?"

The tournament had reached round three. Carol and Noah's match would start it off. Thirty-two contenders remained, including Carol, Noah, Jordan, Thomas, Oliver, and Adrien. But this match would take one of the first two out of the running, and Carol wasn't sure who she would rather see take the fall.

"I'll be honest, I can't even think about what I'd do if I were you," Kyle said. "I didn't have to worry about fighting Chelsey in the tournament, and she's not as young as Noah is."

"I don't want to hurt his feelings," Carol said. "But that could happen whether I win or try to lose."

Neither her nor Kyle acknowledged the possibility that Shine was stronger than Scarf, or that Noah had a stronger Bond with his Pokemon. As tough and talented as Noah and Shine were, they weren't on Carol and Scarf's level. Carol would almost certainly win this fight if she tried, even considering Shine's superb defense against Scarf's attacks in particular.

"Welcome back, everyone!" the announcer said from inside the stadium. "Let's get right into our first match of the day! I hope you're all ready, because, first-up, we have a brother-and-sister bout!"

"You got this," Kyle said. "Meaning, uh, I know you'll make the right decision," he clarified.

Carol chuckled. "Thanks."

Carol wasn't even sure what exactly Kyle was thinking about her situation. How would he feel if she let herself lose? Would he be glad that his friend was out of the competition, too, or would he be upset that Carol had thrown her opportunity aside?

As the announcer called out her and Noah's names, she stepped into the arena, waving pleasantly to the crowd. She didn't mind the praise. It was a refresher from what she'd used to experience at school. Back then, people had looked at her with hard expressions before glancing away. They hadn't wanted anything to do with her. She'd never done anything to them. She just hadn't fit in, and that made her a target.

But she'd grown since then. She'd made friends. She'd proven to her schoolmates that she was a strong trainer. She was recognized by the CPP as a hero. She was a Champion. She was confident that she had earned the praise the crowd was giving her.

And what if she let herself lose to Noah? Would that praise disappear? Carol shook her head to herself. She'd become too fond of feeling special. She hated that she disliked the idea of losing the approval of the masses.

Ugh, I still can't think of what to do.

She liked being popular. She'd known what it was like and had thought she didn't need to, but it was a lot nicer than she'd expected. She wasn't one to hog the spotlight; that role belonged to her friends. She didn't mind being recognized for what she was once in a while, however.

She was pulled from her thoughts as her eyes caught on Noah. He was smiling slightly, with his hands stuffed in the pockets of his shorts. Carol had lived with her brother all her life—she knew what he felt at most given times. He appeared uncertain, but he was steeling himself. He must've known that the battle would be difficult for both of them.

Could Noah be feeling the same way Carol was? She hadn't considered that until just then. Would Noah decide to let himself lose so that Carol could win the tournament? He was a kind kid. It was possible.

At the announcer's command, the two siblings met in the middle of the battlefield and shook hands while the referee recapped the rules. Neither of them spoke. Noah didn't seem to have anything to say, and Carol spent all the time they had to talk thinking of what she should say. Before she knew it, they had returned to their respective sides of the battlefield, and the battle was commencing.

"Contenders! Prepare your Pokemon!" the announcer called. Carol and Noah both unlocked their Poke balls.

Should Carol go on the offensive right off the bat? Should she defend?

"Go!"

No more time to think. She let Scarf loose and, on a whim, decided to hang back and let Noah and Shine make the first move.

The Aggron and the Dragonite both straightened. They stared at each other in silence for a short duration, neither one moving.

"It appears the siblings are waiting to see if their opponent will make the first move!" the announcer said. "Which one will oblige first, I wonder?"

Without a word from Noah, Shine raised a massive, steel-plated foot and stomped the battlefield. The ground shook, and cracks spread outward from the point of impact. The rumbling made its way toward Scarf, who gently flapped its wings to float over the Earthquake attack as it passed harmlessly beneath it.

That hadn't been a real attack. Noah was just testing Carol. Carol sighed. Well, there was no point in delaying any longer. Shine's defense would truly make defeating it a lengthy process, so she could at least hit it with a few attacks.

Hyper beam, Carol told Scarf.

Scarf opened its maw. Its throat and mouth began to grow brightly white, similar to how Eve's Judgment glowed. Shine charged straight forward in response, the claws on its feet tearing through the ruined battlefield.

Scarf released the energy in a beam that struck Shine, who bulldozed through it. Noah grimaced in pain as his Pokemon was enveloped by the attack, and Carol cringed. She could never get used to hurting her brother through their Pokemon battles.

Shine emerged from the Hyper Beam's energy and continued to dash toward its target. Before Scarf had time to recover from using such a powerful attack, Shine's head glowed brown, and it smashed into Scarf, tossing it backward and down to land.

Head Smash. The Rock-type move was two times effective on a Dragonite, but Scarf's hidden ability gave it more resistance to attacks made while it was at max Health Points.

Head Smash was the strongest move against Scarf that Shine had in its arsenal. Was Noah going to try to win, then?

Shine followed up on the Head Smash by stopping the ground once more, sending out another Earthquake. Carol reflexively urged Scarf to rise, and the Dragonite climbed to its feet and launched back into the air.

Use Fly!

Scarf did a loop in the air and streaked down toward Shine before slamming into the Aggron, who took the blow head-on, just like Scarf's previous attack. Scarf swooped around and went in again to land another strike. This time, however, Shine was ready. It grabbed Dragonite by the arm as it came down and held firm. Scarf tried to retreat into the air, but Shine held it down. The Aggron then heaved, throwing the Dragonite over its shoulder and onto the ground.

Carol winced. Hurry, use Outrage!

Scarf roared in Shine's face. The Aggron tried to keep Scarf pinned while the Dragonite began to thrash, its limbs and claws glowing purple-blue. It struck Shine in the side multiple times, making it growl in pain. Shine's body began to glow silver.

Carol gasped. Get out of there!

With one final strike, Scarf managed to throw Shine off of it right before Shine unleashed its Metal Burst, creating a light that threatened to blind Carol. When the light faded, Scarf and Shine stood apart, but Scarf appeared to be a little woozy. It was confused after using Outrage.

It seemed like Noah and Shine were fighting with everything they had. Carol's brother was breathing heavily, his eyes narrowed. He wanted to win this tournament just as badly as she did.

Shine charged toward Scarf again. In its confused state, Scarf wasn't able to defend itself. Shine's body glowed silver again as it smashed itself into Scarf, sending them both tumbling to the ground.

Through Scarf's consciousness, Carol assumed that they were about halfway to their limit. They figured that Noah and Shine were about a quarter-way to his.

As Scarf rose, it ate the Persim berry it carried, curing itself of confusion in time to dodge Shine's next attack. At that moment, Carol felt grateful for the rule that allowed their Pokemon to hold supplies. Scarf flew high into the air and used Hyper Beam once more, which Shine endured and brushed aside.

Scarf had an aerial advantage. Shine didn't have any ranged attacks that could reach it, so if Scarf stayed airborne and struck from a distance, they would take a free victory. Before, Carol had been avoiding this to be honorable, but she was now going to avoid it so Noah and Shine could win.

If they kept fighting in close quarters, Shine would eventually win. Scarf might have more experience, and a Dragonite might be more powerful than an Aggron, but up close, Scarf barely stood a chance.

Scarf continuously used Outrage and Earthquake while Shine took the hits and retaliated with its own moves, keeping its lead as both Pokemon's HP trickled closer to zero. The announcer kept with the events smoothly, calling out moves and shifts in the struggle.

Carol was content with how the battle would conclude. Noah would move on, likely making it to the semi-finals, or perhaps even further. Although, even so, his chances of beating Adrien were about as large as hers, which weren't significant. She'd be able to spend more time with Kyle after both of them had lost, though she would have to risk hurting his feelings. Still, she was sure everything would be–

"Stop it!" Noah shouted from the other side of the battlefield.

Carol's train of thought came to a halt. A portion of the audience paused. The announcer stopped commentating on the match.

"Stop treating me like a kid!" Noah yelled. "I know you're not trying! Don't you dare let me win that easily! If I can't beat you at your best, then I don't deserve to get past this round!"

Carol stared, speechless, at her brother as he breathed deeply. She gritted her teeth.

Scarf, back up and use Hyper Beam!

Scarf placed its feet on Shine's chest and pushed, shoving the Aggron to the ground while propelling itself backward. It then gathered energy in its mouth and unleashed a ray of light towards its target. It wouldn't be very effective, but it would keep Shine at bay while Carol found a way to make a comeback.

How could she have been so selfish? All she had been thinking about was how the match's results would affect her. Sure, she'd been concerned with Noah's feelings, but only regarding how his feelings would make her feel. It wasn't about her. It was about what her brother wanted.

Noah wasn't after victory. He just wanted to be strong and to prove that he was strong. How could he do that if his own sister wouldn't take him seriously?

Carol would put as much effort into this battle as she would in a battle with Kyle or Adrien. For Noah's sake, she wouldn't hold back anymore.

Alright, Noah, Carol thought with a grin. Let's see what you can really do.

Scarf flew up high and unleashed Hyper Beam after Hyper Beam, taking a moment between each one to recover some energy. Shine was too slow to dodge any of them, but it was sturdy enough to plow through each one. However, if this kept up, Shine would eventually lose.

Noah narrowed his eyes, and Shine stopped in place after another one of Scarf's Hyper Beams faded. It crouched low, bending its knees and sinking low to the ground.

Carol tilted her head, then her eyes widened. No, she thought. He couldn't possibly be trying to . . .

Shine burst from the ground, leaping in the air with such force that it hung above Scarf. It was heavy, but even so, its legs were apparently strong enough to propel itself into the air. Carol and Scarf were stunned a moment too long. Shine's head glowed brown again, and it brought its own skull down on Scarf in midair, spiking the Dragonite to the ground, cracking the battlefield further.

Carol cringed in pain and frustration. At this point, Scarf could only take a few more hits. She looked up and saw Shine plummeting towards the ground, its fist ready to strike. It was going to use Earthquake as it landed, and Scarf wasn't getting up fast enough.

Carol and Scarf weren't done quite yet.

With a rush of new power, Scarf hurled itself back into the air before Shine met the battlefield, shattering it even further. Noah locked eyes with Carol and grinned.

It had been around a month or two since Carol had last used a Half-Bond in battle. After using it so many times, she could effortlessly orient herself in Scarf's vision as soon as the temporary connection was forged.

Noah shut his eyes for a few seconds, and when he opened them, one eye had shifted color. The iris was steel blue, the same hue as Shine's eyes. Carol's right eye was colored a darker gray with a hint of green to match Scarf's.

By making Half-Bonds, both Carol and Noah had given extra strength and stamina to their Pokemon. Scarf looked as healthy as ever, and Shine seemed just as well.

"Something strange is going on here," the announcer commented. "A moment ago, Carol's Dragonite appeared at the end of its rope, but it seems fine, now! I wonder, could we be seeing a turnaround?"

Scarf advanced using Fly. It streaked past Shine, swiping with claws as it did so. It zipped in every direction several times faster than it had been doing before, with much more force behind its attacks. Shine staggered each time it was hit. The Aggron's eyes darted about, trying to keep up with Scarf while searching for an opening.

Eventually, Shine managed to lock onto Scarf by predicting its next move. It glowed silver and tensed its thick tail before turning sharply and striking Scarf across the face with it. The Dragonite tumbled down from the air, the pain transmitting to Carol, who winced and placed her hands on her arms where they began to sting.

Scarf climbed to its feet fast enough to see Shine stomping the ground and sending out another Earthquake. Scarf growled and hopped in the air, flapped its wings a few times, then dropped to the ground, slamming a closed fist down and using Earthquake itself. The two Earthquakes met in the middle, but Carol and Scarf had a higher level, a stronger Attack stat, and a superior Bond. Shine's Earthquake was overwhelmed, and Scarf's rushed into Shine, knocking it off its feet.

Now's our chance! Carol thought. Outrage!

Scarf roared and jumped into the air, soaring across the battlefield to where Shine laid. Blue fire engulfed Scarf's teeth and claws as it descending upon the Aggron one final time. It thrust its fist down onto Shine, creating a vibrating noise that rang through the stadium.

The dust settled over a demolished battlefield, and Scarf rose above Shine's motionless body.

"With that, Carol and Scarf have won the first match of round 3!" the announcer said. "Congratulations to them! That was an incredible fight! Both contenders should be very proud!"

Noah looked down and fell to his knees, heaving. Breathing hard herself, Carol dismissed the Half-Bond with Scarf and hurried over to her brother's side of the battlefield. She knelt beside him and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"I'm sorry," she said between breaths. "I wish you could've won."

Noah shook his head and looked at his sister. His eyes were watery, but no tears fell. "It wouldn't have felt right if we made it past anyone who wasn't doing all they could to beat me. One day, we'll be strong enough to beat you fair and square. And Kyle, Adrien, and Jordan, too. Then I'll come back for the next tournament and win the whole thing."

Carol laughed. "We'll be waiting to see that." She wrapped her arms around Noah and pulled him into an embrace.

Hannah was lost in her thoughts.

She could hardly pay attention to Carol and Noah's match. She missed the whole battle. The cheers and shouts of her friends just seemed to be white noise. She barely noticed the two siblings return to the box after the match was over. She just may have caught words about a lost bet. She mumbled her congratulations to whoever she thought had won—she hoped it had been to the right person—and continued to think.

When something got to her like this, it could be very difficult for her to stop thinking. It happened plenty often. Most notably, it had happened when she'd met Jordan and had developed a curiosity about the origin of the major injuries he'd sustained. She'd pestered him with questions and spent hours on end creating theories on what the cause could've been, though she never could've expected the real answer. She thought about Adrien and what sort of things could be going on in that boy's head.

Her Blissey, Ostara, liked to ponder any topics just as much as its trainer did, and the two would often assist each other, building off each other's ideas to reach new conclusions.

It was happening again. And this time, they were thinking about that Smeargle.

There was something off about it. Of that much, Hannah was certain. But, unlike everyone else, it seemed, she wasn't focused on the Smeargle's strange Blizzard attack. She felt that the Pokemon itself just seemed wrong. She couldn't explain it. It was only her intuition screaming at her.

Jordan gently elbowed her in the ribs, rousing her a bit from her contemplation.

"Your face has been blank all day," he said. "Thinking again?"

Hannah nodded. She looked up and became aware of the room she was in once more. Everyone else, including Kyle, Carol, Adrien, Noah, and Thomas, were talking on one side of the room. She took note of the bit of darkness behind Kyle's eyes. He was still getting over his loss.

"What's it about this time?" Jordan asked, putting his arm around her and sinking back into the couch.

"The Smeargle," Hannah said.

Jordan pressed his lips into a line. "Yeah, that's been on my mind, too."

"Do you think something's wrong with it?"

"I have no idea," Jordan admitted. "But Kyle's not one to go down as easy as that. I want to find out for myself if this guy's Smeargle is really just that strong." He sighed. "Guess I'll just have to wait until then. But hey, maybe you'll beat him in the next round, right?"

"Mhm," Hannah hummed, thinking again.

"Then after that," Jordan said with a grin while raising the volume of his voice. "I get to redeem myself against that other guy over there."

Hannah smiled as Thomas turned toward them.

"Redeem yourself, huh?" the Lucario trainer asked. "Well, you might redeem yourself by putting up a better fight than last time, but it doesn't mean you'll win."

Jordan chuckled. "We'll see."

Update: See Chapter 1