Heroic New Era: New Beginnings
Chapter 18: What it Takes to be a Master
The Pokémon Masters League tournament was under way, as the preliminaries were beginning. The four teams met together with Cynthia and Korrina with them.
"Well, here we are, the tournament." Siege said. "You guys aren't feeling nervous are you? I mean, we came here to relax. Not just to push for a win."
"Yeah, no pressure." Richard remarked, tossing a Poké-ball up and down in one hand. "We'll see how well we do. But remember, even if we lose, it's still proof of good work to make it this far. Everything after this… is just to prove you can go higher."
"Of course, we know." Kaguya told Siege. "Don't listen to Richard, he's just simply a bit competitive right now. We'll take it easy, and see how far we go. After all, how our Pokémon go through this is what matters the most right now, we're here to grow our bond with them."
"That's the most important thing of any battle or League." Cynthia said with a smile, before frowning. "Sadly, I don't think Lear realizes that fact."
"I see it in his eyes though, Cynthia. The passion for battling and everything… he seems like a kid that got isolated at a young age, was treated rather roughly too. But I wouldn't be so surprised if we see him come back tenfold with a brand new sync pair partner, and one that fits him truly." Siege stated.
"You honestly think it's possible, Siege?" Yang asked.
"I know it's possible, Yang." Siege responded to her question. "Unless any of you say otherwise."
"Can't disagree." Mokou barely shrugged.
"Very well then." Siege stated. "Let's get out there and show the PML what we're made of!"
And so, the PML tournament was underway, as the preliminaries began. The 4 teams of O.I.M. battled extremely well, and were among the top performing teams, even being considered stronger than Lear's team, if not by much. It was noteworthy that there were without question some tough matches that the teams had to push through, including a rough battle between Hilbert, Hilda, and Cheren from the Kalos Region, with Cheren's Stoutland soaking most of the damage for the team, especially against Kiana's Giratina, since Kiana's team were the ones facing them. Even so, the synergy between not only the Pokémon but their sync trainers had grown incredibly, allowing them to pick up the well earned victory. It was an incredible match, one worthy of ending the Preliminaries of the PML on.
Next up was the Quarterfinals and already, the teams were pit against one another. Kiana's team had to face the all Fire-type team led by Gus, while Siege's team faced off against the best friend Pokémon trio of Diana, Elena, and Alexandria. Both matches were fought tooth and nail, heated matches that really got the crowd pumped as they watched in awe at the sheer might and power of both teams. But in the end, Gus, Yang and Ruby showed that having a one-type team isn't always a disadvantage, and Siege's team proved yet again that they were among the strongest team there… albeit with a small problem after the match, back in their rest area, as Zana had formed back into human form and was laying on a bed.
"Zana's really tired guys… these past few battles especially have worn her down." Rutega said.
"I wish I could continue on… but I'm afraid… my loss of stamina will prevent me from doing well." Zana admitted.
"And the Semifinals will be soon, we're up against Lear's team at that." Siege stated.
"A disadvantage… Lear will bite at this easily… but at the same time, if we can achieve victory even like this… he might be struck hard enough with the concept of friendship overcoming raw power, that he'll have to accept it." Richard pondered.
"Or perhaps you face him with a fresh team member." A voice rang out as Cynthia walked into the room… although her appearance seemed much different.
"That's a new look for you." Siege commented as he saw Cynthia in her Sygna Suit.
"They call this a Sygna Suit. For those who want to really bring out the fighting spirit in them via not only a change of attire…" Cynthia stated, before sending out not Garchomp, but Kommo-o. "But a change of Pokémon as well. One you share just as strong of a bond with."
"Huh, interesting…" Gus remarked.
"The concept is rather interesting… but there would have to be two other Pokémon willing enough for such a bond with myself and Richard to ever consider the idea." Siege remarked.
"Perhaps. But regardless, I'm able to fill in for Rutega to allow Zana some rest." Cynthia stated as she looked at Siege and Richard. It shocked some that Cynthia wasn't even reacting to the fact Zana was a human, when Siege chuckled.
"I suppose it doesn't surprise you to see her like that. After all you've seen gijinkas before." Siege mused.
"Indeed I have." Cynthia said with a smile and chuckle. "But it seems your friends didn't know that I had."
"Well, they do now." Siege chuckled. "Anyways, this helps a lot, Cynthia. Now we have a team to take on Lear. Richard, you ready?"
"Always." Richard smirked back.
"Then let's go." Siege smirked as he, Richard, and Cynthia walked out, meeting Lear, Rachel, and Sawyer on the PML stage… except Lear looked very different than the last time they had battled.
"So. I'm facing you two again. Only this time with someone else." Lear stated promptly.
"Gonna mock us for changing strategies, I bet." Siege stated.
"Actually, no." Lear stated. "You know how hard it was for me to watch what your partner was putting her Pokémon through to get you two here? You all were going hard, but she was at her limits!" Lear exclaimed. "So I wasn't expecting her to be your partner, considering her Pokémon probably needed rest."
"What got into you all of a sudden?" Siege asked.
"Being captured by those idiots that call themselves Team Break, and watching them hurt a Pokémon you had a special connection with, it changes you." Lear stated simply. "I've changed quite a bit since our last encounter, with some help. So don't expect that this time is going to be easy for you!" Lear yelled.
"I expect the same from you. Kai, let's go!" Richard declared, as he threw his Pokemon out.
Cynthia sent out Kommo-o simply, having a smile on her face.
"Reshina, let's do this!" Siege exclaimed.
"Rachel, your Umbreon is more slippery than any other Umbreon I know! Flank them on their sides!" Lear said, looking to the purple haired trainer.
"You got it, Master Lear!" Rachel beamed as her Umbreon roared.
"Sawyer, you've served me longer than any other retainer. You know my weaknesses and how to cover them!" Lear said to Sawyer.
"I'll serve you well, Young Master!" Sawyer declared.
"And Hoopa." Lear said, before he looked towards his Pokémon, the Mythical Pokémon Hoopa. "You've never been one to stick to the plan, have you? Just go out there and have fun!" Lear said, as Hoopa cried out in joy at the idea.
"So he actually has a Mythical Pokémon friend… this just got interesting." Siege smirked widely.
"Siege! Richard! Prepare yourselves!" Lear declared.
"You as well Lear! Prepare to face the true might of Champions!" Siege declared.
~BGM: VS. Lear - Pokémon Masters OST~
"Blue Flare, Reshina!" Siege yelled as Reshina fired off her blue flames.
"I don't think so! Hoopa, Mirror Coat!" Lear yelled as Hoopa soon absorbed the attack, before firing it back, as the AoE effect still applied, as Blue Flare slammed into the trio of Pokémon. Luckily Kyurem had Dragon to match it's ice typing to avoid super effectiveness.
"Damn, that was a good one!" Siege grit his teeth.
"Then how about this!?" Cynthia yelled. "Bulldoze, Kommo-o!"
"Nuh-uh… Counter, Umbreon!" Rachel exclaimed as Umbreon soaked the attack, and countered on Kommo-o solely, dealing a large blow.
"Argh… Richard, any ideas?" Cynthia asked.
"Shame that we don't have any Pokemon capable of dealing super-effective damage to Hoopa, but they can't do much to Kyurem either." Richard remarked. "And that Mirror Coat could prove tedious. Wear Hoopa down with weaker attacks, and take out Lear's support. That's the best I can give. Kai, Glaciate!"
Kai immediately unleashed his signature move, as ice went towards the group.
"I'll return that back to sender right now! Mirror Coat, Hoopa!" Lear declared as Hoopa raised it again.
"Not on my watch! Reshina, SACRED FIRE!" Siege declared, as Reshina used the move she learned from Koa-oh to ram physical fire into Hoopa, which connected, allowing Mirror Coat to drop and Glaciate to hit, slowing down all Pokémon on the opposing side.
"Clever combo." Lear admitted. "But not good enough! Hoopa, Psybeam!" Lear yelled as it hit Kommo-o. And from the devastating move from Umbreon earlier… Kommo-o went down and out.
"Tch… he's already got us down one." Siege grit his teeth. "He has gotten better, Richard."
"So he has, but we aren't giving the win easy." Richard stated. "Kai, freeze that Unbreon over with a Ice Beam!"
Kai immediately fired the beam of ice from his maw, as it streaked towards Umbreon. The attack hit dead-on, freezing the Umbreon in place.
"Nice! Now let's remove Honchkrow from the picture!" Siege stated as he looked to Sawyer. "Fire Blast!"
The fire attack hit dead on, burning Honchkrow as Lear grit his teeth.
"Hoopa, stop that Kyurem in his tracks! Psychic!" Lear yelled as Hoopa began slamming Kai around.
"Shoot…" Siege grit his teeth. "...I got you covered, Kai. Reshina! Time for our sync move! When a bond is strong enough, it can break all barriers of possibility!" Siege declared, as he and Reshina glowed in similar aura. "Reshina… SHARED HOPE FUSION FLARE!"
"What!? I thought-!" Lear said in shock as Reshina rose up into the air.
"Did you fail to hear that? When a bond is strong enough, all barriers come crashing down! Reshina can use Fusion Flare thanks to me, without Kyurem's aid! Reshina! GO!" Siege commanded.
Reshina slammed down on the enemy field in a brilliant burst of flames, as the crowd looked in shock and awe.
"Holy…" Richard remarked. "Now that's a show!"
However… Hoopa was still up due to Honchkrow and Umbreon taking the brunt of the attack.
"Sorry Master…" Rachel said as her Umbreon collapsed.
"We've done what we could." Sawyer admitted.
"You two did enough." Lear said. "Hoopa! Let's finish this! For them!"
Hoopa nodded in approval, as it seemed to get a second wind.
"Richard… you got a special move of sorts planned?" Siege asked as Reshina was panting from lost stamina.
"Got you covered." Richard declared, as a ice-cold aura appeared around Richard, as it flowed to Kai. "Hey, Lear. Think a normal Glaciate is bad? Here's a more powerful version of one! Absolute Zero Glaciate!"
Kai then opened his maw, letting out a mighty roar, as his surrounding were immediately frozen with ice crystals, before they then broke off, shooting towards Hoopa, as it struck where Hoopa was, creating a icy mist that turned Hoopa and his surroundings into a massive ice crystal, which Kai shattered with another roar.
Hoopa, however, still had enough energy to still fight as it intended to go out in glory.
"You think it's time, eh?" Lear asked, as Hoopa nodded. "Very well… SINGULARITY HYPERSPACE HOLE, NOW!"
Reshina and Kai were soon swallowed up in large amounts of Psychic energy, before it exploded on them both, as the trio of Pokémon looked drained of their energy. It was only who would collapse first to grant the victory…
And finally, Hoopa gave out, slowly descending and landing to the ground.
"Whew… what a match…" Siege said with an exhilarated tone. "Reshina, take a long rest. You deserve it." Siege said as he recalled Reshina.
"Huh, that was a real good fight. Looks like you found what you're looking for, Lear. Or at least well on the path to it." Richard admitted with a grin. "Kai's really took that one hard."
"I don't need your compliments." Lear said. "I thought I had the answer… Actually, I do have the answer to what was holding me back all this time… I simply realized it too late." Lear said, as he looked up and smiled. "I suppose I have the two of you to thank for that. You two, the bond you share not just between yourselves, but your Pokémon… I wish I could have been given what you two have." Lear said, looking down.
"Master Lear…" Rachel said.
"Young Master…" Sawyer said, both with sympathetic tones.
"Rachel, Sawyer… let's watch the finals intently tomorrow, shall we? Siege, Richard… if there is anyone I would want to win the PML besides me… it's you two." Lear said with a smile. "So give it your all in the finals. I want to see you two win, if not, give it every fiber of your being you can."
"Lear… heh, you got it. We'll make sure we win, or at least put on one hell of a show." Siege smirked, as Richard nodded in agreement.
With that said, the next semifinals match got underway… and in a surprising turn of events, Gus's team was beaten by the other team they were facing, a team consisting of Galar Gym Leaders Bea and Nessa, and a Trainer who hailed from the Sinnoh region by the name of Daleia. The next day rolled around, as the finals were about to begin, as Zana, Reshina, and Kai were rested up, as the group met up one more time before the finals.
"Well, this is it… the finals are upon us." Siege stated.
"Just to give you forewarning, Bea's Sirfetch'd is no joke." Yang stated.
"And Nessa's Drednaw took Helga out in one hit… she still hasn't gotten over that fact. Indy's been trying to cheer her up but…" Ruby stated.
"Daleia may be from Sinnoh… but the Pokémon she uses… it's Solgaleo." Koa-oh stated. "Solgaleo pulls no punches… be careful when facing him, especially for Zana's sake, Rutega."
"Noted… Solgaleo is gonna be rough, heck, all three of them sound tough." Rutega commented.
"Yeah, this won't be easy. These are two gym leaders with respectable reputation and an unknown with good prowess we're talking about." Richard stated with a hand under his chin. "We'll have to fight this to the last ounce of strength for this win."
"Reshina, Kai, Zana… give it your all out there. Hold nothing back. But don't overexert yourselves." Siege stated.
"I'll fight valiantly, Siege. Lear wants us to win… I intend to secure us with victory." Reshina said.
"Same here, I didn't train this far to lose a battle without a proper effort." Kai added.
"I will not lose easily." Zana said. "We will give them a show they won't forget."
"Then let's go. The finals await us!" Siege declared.
The Team soon walked to the arena, as they were greeted by Bea, Nessa, and a blue and white clad Trainer, that was Daleia.
"So you're Richard and Siege…" Daleia said as she saw them. "You two have been making as much waves as I seem to have been." She added.
"So you are Daleia… and you're from Sinnoh?" Siege asked.
"Indeed I am. Needless to say I know about you two. It's been my dream to meet you two and battle both of you… I suppose now is my best chance for such!" Daleia smiled.
"It will be our pleasure to fulfill your request to battle us. Bea, Nessa, Daleia. I hope you three are ready. Because we do not intend to hold back!" Siege exclaimed.
"Let's do this!" Richard exclaimed. "The finals… no matter how it's cut, there will be a show for everyone!"
"That is the intention!" Bea stated as the two sides sent out their Pokémon, and the battle was going underway.
~BGM: VS. Gym Leader Sword and Shield - Family Jules Cover~
"Sirfetch'd! Meteor Assault on Kyurem!" Bea ordered.
Sirfetch'd immediately rammed right through Kai, dealing severe damage to him, although it did slow the avian Pokemon down as well temporarily.
"Tch! Is Kai okay?" Siege called to Richard.
"This match-up doesn't bode well for Kai… Solgaleo is resistant to both his offensive-types, and Drednaw resists Ice…" Richard clicked his tongue. "But I can still pull my weight, Kai, Slash that Sirfetch'd!"
The attack hit dead on, but Sirfetch'd took the hit well.
"Solgaleo! Sunsteel Strike on Kyurem!" Daleia ordered.
"Not if I have anything to say about it! Behemoth Blade, Zana!" Rutega yelled, as the female Zacian charged and slashed down Solgaleo, dealing a large amount of damage.
"Drednaw! Hydro Pump on that Reshiram!" Nessa ordered.
"Not happening! Reshina, dodge it!" Siege ordered as Reshina dodged. "Now, Blue Flare!" Siege demanded as Reshina bombarded them all with Blue Flare, which Solgaleo was visibly hurt from.
"Solgaleo!" Daleia exclaimed in concern.
"We'll handle this!" Bea stated as she looked ahead. "Close Combat on that Kyurem to even the score!"
The attack landed on Kai, as he was struck hard by it, causing him to stagger back.
Reshina looked at Kai with deep concern, which caused her to be nailed with a second Hydro Pump by Drednaw, as things looked bleak for the team.
"Youch… Richard I don't think Reshina's got much left in her…" Siege grit his teeth.
"Hell, not much I can do!" Richard growled. "Kai, use Hyper Voice! Pay them back!"
Kai then immediately let out a ear-shattering roar, as Daleia's team suffered the effects of the attack. However, Sirfetch'd and Drednaw held strong, while the attack further weakened Solgaleo, if only slightly.
"Zana! Use-" Rutega was about to say, before Solgaleo soon slammed into Zana with Sunsteel Strike as a last ditch effort to protect Drednaw and Sirfetch'd… and it was a critical, sending Zana skidding back to Rutega's feet, defeated. "Zana! No!"
"Damnit…" Siege grit his teeth, looking at Reshina, and then Kai… "...Richard, I'm going to need you fully in sync with me to pull this off. Can I entrust that you and Kai will do what we need to pull off this move?"
"Take your shot. It's a gamble either way." Richard remarked with a firm nod.
"Alright… time for a double sync move!" Siege said as he and Richard got into position.
"Our wills combine…" Richard began.
"To forge a greater future!" Siege finished.
Absolute Sync Fusion Glaciate Flare
Reshina began by rising up into the air for Fusion Flare, while Kai bombarded the enemy field with a powerful Glaciate, stronger than he had ever produced before, before Reshina shot down at the frozen in place Pokémon, as her impact caused a huge explosion of flames, as ice shards flew every for extra decoration.
And with the combined blow, Sirfetch'd and Drednaw couldn't even stand after the blow, and Solgaleo was finally down and out after a resilient performance.
The crowd roared and cheered, acknowledging the explosive match, and the winners of the match, as Lear announced it with pride in his voice.
"Give it up for your PML Champions! Siege, Richard, and Rutega!" Lear announced from his elevated platform.
"Hoh, that was close, very close." Richard remarked.
"But we managed to get through and take the victory." Rutega said with a relieved smile.
"Well done you three. You deserved the win." Daleia smiled.
"It was an excellent match." Bea said, adjusting the knot on her battle suit.
"The awards ceremony should start later today for you three. We'll be there!" Nessa said with a smile.
The victors soon gathered on the main stage with Lear, as he was preparing to make the announcement to everyone, as the ceremony soon began.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the PML was an incredible success!" Lear stated with pride in his voice. "We have had trainers from all regions and all walks of life competing here during this event, and today, we crowned our first PML Champions! They are…" Lear said, as Zacian and Rutega soon walked forward. "Rutega!" Lear called out as Richard and Kai then walked forward. "Richard!" Lear exclaimed, as Siege and Reshina walked forward as well. "And Siege! Please give them a big round of applause, as they will be put in Pasio's hall of fame, and always remembered as the first ever PML champions!" Lear said with a smile as the crowd roared for the trio, as fireworks went off in celebration of their victory.
With the rather short award ceremony done, the group soon met up with Magina as they were preparing to head back to the OSA Golden Blaze.
"Well, how was your break?" Magina asked the group with a smile.
"Wonderful." Siege said with a smile, before the group turned around to see Lear coming to them. "Oh, Lear. Is there something you want to discuss with us?"
"...I just wanted to thank you again for helping my foolish eyes see what I was truly missing. I have you all to thank for opening my eyes." Lear said, as he saw them leaving. "I must ask, why are you leaving Pasio?"
"Sad as we are to admit it, there are threats outside of here that we must attend to. We cannot stay." Siege admitted. "Therefore, we have to leave."
"I see." Lear said with an understanding nod. "I wish you all the best on your endeavors. Just make sure you come back and visit us here, okay?"
"Oh I'm certain we will, Lear!" Yang said with a smirk.
"You take care of yourself now!" Kiana smiled.
"Heh, don't worry about me." Lear smirked. "You guys worry about yourselves. Anyways, till next time, later." Lear said as he waved at them before walking off.
"...Well, I suppose we best be dropping the gijinkas back off at home then?" Siege asked.
"Are you kidding!?" Reshina exclaimed, causing Siege to be startled. "All of our lives have been spent in Pokétopia! We want to get out there and help the multiverse like you guys do! We've been waiting for years for some more action!"
"Sorry, but I gotta agree with sis." Kai nodded, crossing his arms. "Magina tells us about what's out there, and that's piqued a lot of our interests. If we're going to be your partners, then we deserve to follow you. Besides, ain't like a little adventure is going to hurt us, right?"
"Besides, how can we just simply stay on the sidelines and not recognize the bond we've made with you all?" Zana asked. "It would be foolish for us to return to Pokétopia now, considering the strides we've taken in forming bonds with each and every one of you."
"I will agree with my fellow friends." Koa-Oh stated with a firm nod. "Simply returning home now would waste the bonds we have made with each and every one of you."
"I prefer to remain with you, Kaguya." Diana stated. "A friend like this rarely comes, and I am not afraid to be exposed to the dangers of the unknown… I will go through anything to stay by your side."
"The same sentiment is with me." Kyoko said, with a hand to her mouth. "I refuse to leave you, Sakura, just because you fear that I will be a casualty. I may have a power of a empath, but you have seen how I fight, you need not fear my well-being."
"Well, can't exactly ditch you ladies and your men as well, can I?" Morgan chuckled. "Besides, like Kai-buddy said, I'm yearning for some adventure. So sign me up, and let's dash through the worlds, and see what things we find!"
"Perhaps sticking with this group will continue allowing me to open up more and more." Garon said with folded arms. "I think I'll benefit a lot from staying with you all."
"Elena and I have been itching for this for the longest time… you can count on us to send our opponents ablaze with our close sync and our incredible lightning and psychic combos!" Alexandria said with a smile and wink, as Elena nodded in agreement.
"Heh, I wouldn't mind Indy and Helga sticking around either. May get in some quality sparring with you two." Yang smirked as she patted the two on the back.
"Just don't go overboard…" Ruby said with a sweatdrop.
"Oh come on. You're a literal Demon Overlord and you're telling me to be cautious?" Yang asked Ruby with a chuckle.
"Hey! Just because I'm a Demon Overlord does not mean I'm negative towards people all the time! But yeah, having Indy and Helga around is a very nice feeling for me." Ruby said with a smile.
Indy and Helga smirked at the sisterly duo in response to this statement.
"I suppose that settles it then. Everyone, let's head back to the OSA Golden Blaze, and prepare for our next mission. And welcome aboard our new gijinka friends." Siege said with a smile as the gijinkas all cheered in celebration of being able to help out the universes, as the group walked through the portal Magina had made.