Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon and Harry Potter

BloodyKitsune1997: Alright this is the next chapter. No reviews this time, but next time I'll definitely answer. Hope you enjoy this!

Words: 6,864

Chapter 41

Steven looked at her with wide eyes as she grinned at him, "You managed to beat Blaine?"

Vali nodded radiating pleasure and pride even through the pokenav. Steven couldn't believe how strong she'd grown since their battle at the Conference. Vali leaned back against her seat, "Yup, he only used six pokemon. The Elites."

"Elites?" Steven's estimations of her increase in strength went up, "That's amazing, Vali! You've reached a level of strength most only do after years of training within a year and a half,"

Vali shook her head, "We've still got awhile to go especially if we're going to become Elites ourselves. We're getting there as that fight proved," Steven heard the sounds of a pokemon center in the background, "Especially since only Balto and Thorin were still up when Magmar fell,"

"Wow," Steven had to shake his head at the prospect, "How is everyone?"

"They're rough though Nurse Joy says only Smaug is in really bad condition what with the knock out drag out that he'd done with Magmar," Vali replied with a wry smile, "He's lucky that she's able to heal his jaw and that his teeth can grow back,"

"That bad?" Steven asked with a curious look.

Vali rolled her eyes, "Let's just say he's got a brand new scar for his pride, you'll see it next time we meet up."

Steven had to chuckle a little, "Sounds like him, I take it they'll all be in the pokemon center for a bit?"

"For another hour or two, they'll be finished afterward and we'll be heading back to the gym for packing up," Vali let out a relieved sigh, "I'll be glad to be home and actually able to relax for the first time in months,"

Steven let out a small chuckle, "Spa day for the pokemon?"

"Spa days," Vali correct with a laugh, "It'll be fun. I'm also going to be spending more time with Ash and Gary. It'll be perfect since they're off school,"

"Sounds like you've got some fun planned," Steven replied with a slight grin, "I really hope you enjoy it,"

"I will," Vali turned her head away from the screen and her grin widened, "Looks like someone's free from Nurse Joy's tender mercy, I gotta go,"

"Talk with you later then, I hope everything goes well," Steven replied before the call ended, "So Vali's finished her apprenticeship early..."

Steven looked up as his office door opened and his father walked in, "Are still preparing you battle plan against the fourth elite?"

"No, I was actually just finishing up my conversation with Vali," Steven said as he sent down his pokenav, "She's finished her apprenticeship and is heading home once everyone is done in the pokemon center,"

"Already?" His father looked rather surprised, "Wow, I didn't expect that,"

"Neither did I, Vali wasn't expecting it quite so soon either," Steven replied as he looked at the papers before him, "Thankfully, my present for her will be ready within the next couple of weeks. I'll be able to give it to her right after Lance's Champion battle,"

"That's wonderful," Joseph smiled brightly, "Lance sent tickets?"

"Yup. We'll be in the top box alongside Vali," Steven answered as he held up the tickets that had been sent to him, "I'm looking forward to it,"

Joseph nodded while a beep sounded from his pokenav, "Ah, we should get going if we want to meet with Champion Drake."

"True," Steven stood up with a low sigh.

"Home at last," Vali breathed in the sweet air of Pallet Town, "I've missed this. You did too, right?" Balto barked as he stood beside her allowing his trainer to lean into him while they overlooked the town, "Let's head to the house and get our things settled down, we'll check out the lab later. I know you're read to see your dad for a bit, huh?"

Balto wagged his tail and licked her cheek earning a huff from Vali. Thorin snorted from her side. Elrond spoke as they began making their way to the house, "It should be interesting to see how Ash and Gary react. Delia is keeping your presence a secret, right?"

Vali nodded as she curled her fingers through Balto's fur as they trotted down the path, "Mhmm, Sirius doesn't know either. He'll be here in a day. I can't wait!"

Elrond chuckled as they started passing through the town. A few people stopped to stare for a few seconds before someone muttered, "Is that...Vali? Little Valkyrie Potter-Black?"

Vali blinked a little before looking around, "I wouldn't exactly say little, but yeah."

"What are you doing around here, Kiddo?" Vali recognized the man to be one of her former class-mates parents though couldn't place a name, "Aren't you apprenticed to Gym Leader Blaine?"

"Just finished it, actually," Vali answered earning a wide-eyed look, "I'll be working with Lieutenant Surge in Vermillion City working on a couple of things,"

The man cleared his throat, "Delia and Sirius must be proud of you. You've managed to get through your apprenticeship so quickly."

"Delia is very happy as is my godfather," Vali replied with a small smile, "With any luck, I'll be a member of the Elite soon enough," She looked at Elrond and nodded as if he'd said something, "Well if you'll excuse us, we should be heading off. Delia is expecting us at home,"

Vali continued on her way leaving the man gapping behind her as Elrond spoke, "He is mentally bashing his daughter and basically wishing you were her. His daughter has become a failed trainer and is stuck in Celadon. She's barely managed to gain a job working in the messenger corps there."

"I'd say poor kid if I did know most of the girls in my class deserved that kind of life," Vali muttered in her mind, "I mean you've probably seen it in my mind. A good portion of them will have hurt at least one pokemon intentionally,"

"True," Elrond shook himself with a sigh, "Still sucks,"

Eventually managed to get home, Vali headed inside and kicked off her shoes as she called out, "Delia?"

"Vali!" Delia shouted from deep within the house, "Welcome home!"

"I'm going to get my stuff settled," Vali called out as Elrond floated with her.

The lab was just as Vali remembered it if a bit more busy though only by a little. She found Professor Oak quite easily among the many project rooms, "Professor."

"Vali!" Professor Oak smiled broadly and quickly went to hug her, "Welcome back! I take it you finished your apprenticeship?"

"Yup," Vali nodded with a grin, "Among other things. I'll be heading to Vermillion in two weeks to study under Surge until I'm called. Not under an Apprenticeship, I'm done with that, but I've got things to learn from him,"

"I'm glad to hear that," Professor Oak smiled warmly, "You've gained a lot working with Blaine and more will follow with Surge. What was your final test?"

"Battling his Elite Team, my entire team save for Magby against his," Vali saw his eyes widen in disbelief, "Only Balto and Thorin still stood, it was amazing. Smaug and Magmar were going toe-to toe in a pride due. He's got scars from it, but the butt-head is happy that he managed to tie with Magmar,"

"Holy-Mew," Professor Oak breathed out, "And the others?"

"It was hard work, but they've got team work that allowed them to manage it," Vali answered with a shake of her head, "Ninetails was still standing before Magmar and it was doubtful that we'd take her down if it hadn't been for being allowed to team up. Arceus, Professor the battle was amazing. To see them now compared to back when we first started our apprenticeship, I'm so proud of them especially since I didn't have say a word to them,"

"You've grown," Professor Oak murmured softly, "It's easy to see, Vali. I look forward to continue watching your growth,"

Vali looked over Ash and Gary's battle practice from the tree-line without saying a word to either of them. They were working with Pidgeotto and Bellsprout having them battle against each other. Just as Pidgeotto struck what was the final blow, Bellsprout evolved earning excited shouts from both boys and Vali's narrowed eyes. While she trusted the plant pokemon, the Bellsprout-line could get out of hand when first evolving. When the glow of evolution faded, the newly evolved Weepinbell seemed to look around as acidic drool began to coil down from it's mouth.

Vali immediately took out the food she'd prepped as the boys celebrated and Ash shouted, "That's awesome, Gary! We both have second form pokemon now!"

"Mhmm!" Gary nodded as his eyebrows scrunch up, "Now give me a second, I remember Erika saying something about when Bell evolved,"

Vali relaxed a little at that. Ash frowned at Gary, "What do you mean? He looks fine. I mean he's drooling, but fine other than that."

"I know that, but he's drooling for a reason, Ash-boy," Gary looked at his Weepinbell carefully, "Erika said that when Bell evolved I needed to..." He frowned softly, "Dang it, I can't remember. What do I need to do? I know it's super important to ensure Bell won't be something or other later on..."

Vali moved into the clearing as she said, "You need to feed him, Gary. At the current moment, Bell is experiencing the downside of evolution just like a Teddiursa, Munchlax, and so many others. All the nutrients in his body have been used to evolve and now he's starving," She looked at the two boys, "Even a human looks tasty to poor Bell right about now, I believe we should get him some food," She smiled at them while hold up the bag of it in her hand, "Good thing I've got some."

"Vali!" The two cried out, "You're back,"

"For two weeks," Vali replied with a grin, "Now let's get this poor dear fed then checked out by Professor Oak,"

The two weeks were split up between spending time with her brothers and spoil her pokemon rotten as Delia had her help out around the house a bit. It was nice to simply kick-back and relax while enjoying time with her family. All of her pokemon were becoming relaxed with each day though her youngest pokemon needed battles of a lower level scale to keep themselves occupied. As so, she spent time allowing each of them to battle against trainers of their skill level. With their enhanced training, they won most of those battles, but still lost a few.

"Too think that even with just the two of them training together that they've managed to get this far, I'm shocked," Lance commented as they sat together watching Ash and Gary train against some of the younger dragons allowed out of the dens.

They had traveled to Blackthorn the day before Vali was due to leave for Vermillion. Vali leaned back against one of pillars that were splattered across the area, "Yeah, we might've helped, but it was all them in the end. Pidgeot and Weepinbell were good choices for them, it's almost poetic now that I'm looking at it," She smiled lightly as Ash managed to send a Bagon toppling backwards with a cry, "Ash's spirit is like the wind and Pidgeot is as headstrong as he is. But where he can't always be grounded, she can ground him and help him think things through. Gary is a planner and has a keen eye for details much like Bell. But when he get's too impatient, Bell reminds him to be strong and steady."

"I can see that," Lance hummed lightly as Vali ran a hand across Aragorn's back with a small smile, "So heading to Vermillion? What do you think it'll be like?"

Vali shrugged softly, "No idea, Surge has been quiet about training since I've been back, but I'm pretty sure it'll be really fun. I know that Smaug is looking forward to it if only for the chance to to run himself ragged again since he's been growing a little bit bored since we've been home."

"That sounds like him," Lance let out a laugh as he leaned a little bit further against Diaval's sleeping form, "It's funny to think of how much has changed in a year. You would have looked at training with Surge with some dread,"

Vali grinned a bit, "True though I'd have enjoyed the chance to learn regardless. And you would have struggled far more with each Elite, the last of the Johto would've beaten you," Aragorn rolled over her legs, "Ice against Dragon...You managed it well,"

"That Ninetails of his almost won, Chark just barely managed to cut it off," Lance looked over at Aragorn, "Four-tails now? He's certainly meeting your prediction of becoming as big as a Ninetails when he gets all his tails,"

Vali grinned as she rubbed behind Aragorn's ears, "And larger still when he evolves. Professor Oak's friend in the Orange Archipelago, Professor Ivy, is interested in both Aragorn and Idril. She wants to study them because of their shiny and King genes."

"Really? I knew someone was studying them, but not who," Lance looked at her curiously as Diaval shifted a little and yawned, "So Professor Ivy of the Orange Archipelago..."

"She's got a practically gigantic Vileplume," Vali took out her pokenav and showed him the picture of the Vileplume next to Professor Ivy causing Lance to gap at it, "She put me in contact with a guy that has a Mareep and a Milktank King. Thanks to both of them producing more than the usual amount of fleece and milk, he's able to feed them while still keeping the business booming. He helped me with a meal plan for this one," Vali grinned down at Aragorn as he wagged a tail at her, "He's pretty cool and is trying to find a king Combee for honey,"

"Huh sounds interesting," Lance shook his head softly, "So I guess the meal plan has helped?"

"A lot," Vali looked over at Ash and Gary once more, "He's a lot healthier and his weight is a lot more stable," She sighed deeply, "So battles in a few weeks, you've got me for both and Steven's coming for the Kanto Champion battle after the Johto one. What is the plan?"

"Plan?" Lance looked at her curiously.

Vali hummed softly, "Battle plans, future plans, and such, you do have a plan, right?"

"Yes," Lance nodded as he followed her gaze to the boys, "We'll go in hard, but fight smart. We've been studying both Champions, so we should be able to win. The Johto Champion won't be too hard since he's been falling behind in recent years. Kanto's going to be a bit hard, but we can do it. As for the future," He took a deep breath, "I want to ensure that pokemon won't be abandoned or abused so much. I want to make sure what happened with Thorin or that Magmar from Vermillion won't happen again. I want to make sure the League is free of corruption. There is so much corruption, Vali,"

The soft words and the dark look in Lance's eyes said a lot. Vali reached out and touched his arm, "You'll have help when I become your Elite."

"Glad to hear it," Lance grinned at her, "So Fire Lady, Vali?"

Vali snorted him, "How about no, I'll let Smaug burn your hair off the next time you say that."

"How about Fire Empress?" Lance said while reaching up to touch his hair slightly on impulse.

Vali snorted slightly though admitted that it was somewhat better than Fire Lady, "Why in the world would you call me that?"

"You've got to have a title if your an Elite, Vali," Lance told her earning an eye-roll.

"I'll be the first one to not have a title," Vali replied as she shook her head, "I'm not interested,"

"Look who's here!" Surge boomed as Vali strode into the Vermillion City gym, "A little brat and her foxes,"

"Hey, Surge," Vali greeted him as Aragorn raced from her side to see the blonde man with an eager look while Surge's challenger looked on in shock, "Looks like I'm interrupting,"

"Nah, the battle isn't due to start for another minute," Surge replied while bending down to pick up Aragorn, "Your Princeling got bigger since we saw each other. Definitely going to be Ninetails sized by the time he gets all six tails, you're taking good care of him not that I ever doubted it," He looked at Vali with a grin, "So ready to get your ass kicked in training?"

"Sure, we've relaxed long enough," Vali replied with a grin.

"Go take a seat in the stands, it shouldn't take long for us to take care of this baby," Surge replied while gesturing to the stands.

Raichu grinned and pounded her fists together earning a matching grin from Vali as the kid challenging Surge spluttered. Vali followed the direction and headed for the stands with Elrond floating beside her head, Aragorn walking beside her, Thorin on her other side, and Litwick floating on her shoulder. She took a seat as the kid finally snapped out, "Hey, I'm going to win this battle!"

Vali shook her head softly as Surge began to taunt the boy with Raichu sparking on his shoulder. The battle began and Surge released the first pokemon of his second badge set up. A Pikachu took the field with a sarcastic grin on its face. Based on what she could see, the chu was only a couple months after evolving from a Pichu. She eyed the pokemon that the boy released and snorted a little as a Diglett appeared on the field. It looked almost newly caught maybe a month off though the little one was healthy meaning the kid was taking care of it. It would seem the kid was going for type advantage, but he'd have been better off trying with a Dugtrio if he wanted to try it with Surge. Poor Kid was going to loose hard with an almost newly caught pokemon, it was going to shake him to the core.

"But that is the purpose of Surge's challenge, isn't it?" Elrond asked as they settled easily to watch the ensuing beat-down.

Vali nodded as she watched the Pikachu race around the arena with Diglett become increasingly confused as it attempted to keep up with the fast moving blur of yellow. She had to shake her head as the Pikachu easily slammed Iron Tails into the Diglett while dodging the slow attacks of the ground-type. She spoke softly as Pikachu slammed one final attack into the Diglett's head and knocked it out, "Kid's gotta have better strategy if he wants to go far."

"A Bellsprout? A Gloom would've been better," Elrond shook his head as Vali snorted softly as the grass-type was released, "He's at least attempting strategy with each pokemon, but nothing he's chosen is a good choice,"

"No," Vali shook her head as the Bellsprout barely managed to keep up with Pikachu's speed and at the very least score some kind of damage, "This time the Bellsprout has potential. This one has been caught longer and listens much better," She watched it carefully as the Bellsprout released some powders that Pikachu didn't seem to notice, "Pikachu didn't even notice those powders. At the very least, he should make it to the next battle round before losing. He still needs work before progressing to the next badge,"

Vali watched her words become truth as the air became electrified as a Helioptile appeared. She almost giggled as the boy began questioning what the pokemon was even as it began to beat the ever loving shit out of his Bellsprout. Helioptile were one of her favorite electric-types both due to the inner power these sunny lizards held and because they were adorable. She watched as the Bellsprout fell into the sand and shook her head as the boy tried to cry foul about it. She spoke up from her place at the stands, "Helioptile are known as the Generator pokemon from Kalos. They tend to make their homes in the arid deserts of Kalos to ensure safety from their enemies and maximum ability to generate sunlight energy. They much like your Bellsprout do not require food though it does help and they enjoy it greatly," She stood up and began walking down from the stands, "I'm going to give you some advice, Kid. An Experienced trainer to a newbie just trying to get their first badge."

"Who are you to think you're-" The boy began only to cut himself off as both Aragorn and Thorin began to growl at him.

Vali spoke as she gestured to the two causing them to fall silent, "I'm Valkyrie Potter-Black and I came in fourth of my first tournament," The boy promptly paled, "Train that Diglett until it's a Dugtrio and you might just manage the type advantage angle for the first battle, the second will take it out most likely unless you actually use strategy. The Bellsprout was passable, but it still needs work beyond that if you're wanting to use it. The main thing though is to bond with them further and gain a better understanding of them," She gave him a look, "If you bond with them, you'll find that no battle even one like this will end the same," She felt Elrond settle by her shoulder, "By increasing the bond with them, you will be able to battle at higher levels. If not, you might want to find a new path for yourself soon."

The boy spluttered at her even as one of the gym trainers began leading him out. Surge spoke once the kid was gone, "Bit harsh on that last part, Kid. Not that you're wrong, it was correct to tell him that, but still harsh."

"Had to say it, Surge," Vali said as Aragorn leaned into her leg, "Better to learn early and do things right than fall," She looked at him curiously, "That Helioptile was new, you didn't have one last time I was here,"

"Got it in exchange for one of Raichu's Pichu," Surge answered as the Helioptile was released and Vali began greeting the little electric-type with a small smile, "You like it?"

"Kind of want one eventually, I'm actually looking to get a grass-type of some kind," Vali answered as she ran her fingers across the little electric-types head with a soft smile, "Not sure what, I might end up asking Erica for suggestions,"

"I'll think on it as well, but it'll have to be something with fire resistance," Surge scratched at his chin, "For now let's get you settled in,"

Unlike with Blaine where she had to think before she moved and her pokemon were forced into highly intensive training that made them think heavily as they improved themselves, Surge forced them to move without thinking at quick speeds and honed their instincts to high points while training their resistances higher than Blaine had. He had Vali go to her therapy sessions in person since Rodrick was right there. When they had a day off, it was strictly a no training day and she was practically forced from the gym. Everything had a strict structure that forced them to grow at a quick pace in a different way than Blaine had and they relished in it, they were becoming as strong as possible and that filled them with pride.

Vali looked over the plains with a small smile as she took in the Rapidash and Ponyta that raced around. She urged Balto forward as Elrond said, "Looking for the Elder now."

Vali hummed softly as the Ponyta pranced around and the Rapidash sparred. They practically ignored her after a couple of moments and likely a telepathic message by Elrond. Eventually the aged Elder of the herds raced out of the woodwork of horse pokemon and stopped their progression, Vali left Balto's back and took out Arwen's pokeball with a warm smile. She bowed slightly, "Elder of the Rapidash and Ponyta, it is a pleasure to meet you once more. I've comeback as promised with Arwen in hand to show you her progress."

The Elder stamped his hoof and threw his head with a neigh as Elrond translated, "I see, Young Fire-Bearer. Well let's see what the young Ponyta has to offer!"

Vali released Arwen and more heat flooded the area as the Ponyta within burst forward. Arwen was almost the size of a Rapidash now and her hooves had become almost jet black. She had gained longer strands of flame on her mane and tail. She had a large bump where her horn was supposed to be. There was very little holding Arwen back from evolving save for the Ponyta herself, she wanted to show her former family what she'd become.

Arwen looked at the Elder of her tribe and released a loud neigh, "Elder! I have returned with my human and herd-mates to prove myself to you as you've asked."

"I can see that," The Elder shook his mane out and flared it, "Be ready, Child of my sun-and-stars! I will not go easy on you!"

"Don't need it!" Arwen flared her mane in return.

With a battle cry, she dove for the Elder as Vali and her Alpha quickly moved away as Elrond set up a barrier. Arwen could feel her former family coming around them to view the battle as she began to fight with the Elder. She was grateful for the training she'd gone through throughout the time she'd been with her pack because it allowed her to do this. She narrowed her eyes at the Elder as he threw a Fire Blast at her. It was ineffective though still surprising that he'd toss one at her. With a low snort, she began using High-Horse Power knowing that this would be a tough fight.

Each breath stoked the flames within her, Arwen remembered everything Lotus, Blaine's Rapidash, had taught her to ensured she'd reach her peak as a Ponyta. She threw her all into the battle willing the Elder to see her resolve to protect the new herd she'd come to love. With flaring flames and stomping hooves, she aimed each blow with the preciseness that'd been ingrained in her during recent months. The power that filled each blow was from her grueling training and the sheer strength that filled her. Even if she lost the battle, it was a point of pride to fight the Elder at this level.

When the battle reached it's climax, Arwen stared at the Elder with a sweat soaked flank as evolutionary energy coiled within her just ready to burst forth. The Elder spoke as he held his horn towards her neck, "You've grown strong, Child of my sun-and-stars. I grant you permission to rise. You will now be known to the Herd as Fire-Walker. Guard your new herd well and return again to show me your strength eventually, you may one day succeed me as the Elder."

Arwen let out a neigh as pride and evolutionary energy burst through her.

Vali released her other pokemon to watch Arwen's evolution as she felt her inner flame pulse in unison to the changing pokemon before her though not the extent of Thorin. When the light of evolution died down, Arwen had reached the base height of a Rapidash though she'd grow larger for another couple months. The color of her hooves darkened to a deep obsidian that gleamed in the light with a pale moonstone-like rim at the bottom. The cream of her fur turned somewhat reddish the closer it got her flames and her eyes had become a burning amber with a bright red core. The bump had transformed into a razor sharp horn that gleamed in the sunlight and pointed proudly forwards. When Arwen looked around, she quickly found Vali.

Vali spoke as she began making her way to the much bigger fire-type, "Arwen, you've evolved! It's so wonderful."

Arwen let out a soft sound as Elrond began translating, "It is. I feel so much more powerful. I'll be able to protect everyone much better. I don't think I'll get used to the horn though. It's kinda heavy."

Vali giggled as she reached Arwen and began petting her, "You'll get used to it. It's part of you just like my fire," She kissed Arwen's overly warm nose.

With Arwen's evolution came new training for the newly evolved Rapidash, the pack also had to learn how to adapt to adding the bigger pokemon into their training as well. Vali worked one-on-one with Arwen as adjusting to this new form might be easy, but the power levels had tripled. She didn't neglect the others, but Arwen was her focus. Surge helped out quite a bit as his Zebstrika had gone through the same troubles when she'd evolved. Arwen steadily got used to her new body and Vali eased up a little bit.

"Vali, thank you for coming to see me," Rodrick said as Vali entered the room she'd been directed to, "I take it Surge has been relentless especially with Arwen's evolution?"

"Yeah, but we're enjoying it," Vali noticed the window off to the side of the room, "What's up? Surge said it was pretty urgent,"

Rodrick leaned back against the wall with a small smile, "Well, Miss Manectric and her cub are doing much better now. Soon enough we'll be able to foster them, I brought you here so you'd be able to say hello and speak with her."

Vali blinked in shock before nodding as warmth spread through her, "I'd like that."

"Well, let's go see them," Rodrick said as he moved to the only door in the room, "You'll have at most an hour since the cub still needs to have certain time-based treatments,"

"Understood," Vali nodded as Rodrick opened the door.

Rodrick smiled at her as he murmured, "You'll do just fine."

Vali walked inside the room and found Manectric curled up on a plush bed with her cub playing with a couple toys. Manectric blinked a bit and narrowed her left eye which was somewhat cloudy. Elrond spoke as the Manectric grunted, "You're here."

"Yeah," Vali nodded as Aragorn sat completely still to allow the Electrike to sniff him, "Rodrick wanted us to spend some time together. You two are looking amazing,"

Manectric let out a low rumble, "Not as good as we could, I will admit we are...better. We have you to thank for that. I remember what you'd said."

"I see and what did you think?" Vali asked recalling her offer.

"My cub," Manectric looked at her cub, "Wishes to have the same bond your pack has with you. I...I wish to rest for the remainder of my days. I do not wish to seperate from him permanently any time soon. I...We will go to that place you spoke about,"

"Alright," Vali said as she sat down against the wall, "But for now, you guys are kinda stuck here and I've got some more time. So how about I tell you about Pallet Town?"

Manectric nodded and Vali began speaking about her hometown.

"So we'll be headed towards the arena soon," Vali told Lance as she brushed her hair, "Surge is getting the gym prepared to be shut down for the day,"

"This is awesome!" Lance grinned at her, "I can't wait to see you and show you what we can do. We'll be champions after this,"

"How about you brag after beating the champion?" Vali replied with a laugh earning a snort, "C'mon, Dragon-boy, you can't be overconfident before a fight especially this,"

"I know," Lance's grin fell a bit, "Hey, Vali..."

"You'll win, Lance," Vali cut him off, "You're strong enough and you've got the goal in mind. Keep your mind on that, you'll be just fine," She grinned at him, "Now quit talking to me and go pep up your team. Nervous dragons aren't going to be much use on the battlefield, you need to go get them focused and ready to beat the champions team into the ground,"

"Fine," Lance grinned at her and ended the call.

Lance looked at Diaval as his partner let out a low croon, "She's wished us luck, Bud. We've got to prove her right and go get everyone ready for the battle."

Diaval nodded with a determined look on his face. Lance matched his look and began releasing his team as Vali's words filled his mind. He hoped she didn't mind him taking some of her favorite words and using them for his speech.

"Wow, this place looks amazing," Vali said as she looked over the Johto side of Mt. Silver, "So this is where they hold the Silver Conference and champion battles for the Johto Region,"

"Yup," Surge nodded as they walked towards the stadium, "Unlike with Kanto, Johto doesn't use Silver Town's arena space all year long because the wild pokemon tend to be a bit rougher and for historical reasons. Up there," Surge gestured to the gleaming silver and gold bells, "Are the bells of Ho-oh and Lugia. Apparently if the champion being crowned is blessed by at least one of them, the bells will ring,"

"Wow," Vali murmured as she looked up at the bells, "They're so pretty,"

Surge led the way towards the Arena, "Pretty and heavy as hell, the last time they hit the ground caused an earthquake and it took ten Rhyperior to get them back into place."

"Holy shit," Vali stared at the bells in shock, "How the fuck...?"

"No idea," Surge showed the people at the entrance their tickets and they were directed to a different area.

When they reached their designated area, Vali found three other people in the box they'd be sitting in during the fight. The first was Ulric who Vali was happy to see. The second was a shirtless man with gi-pants. The second was an elderly man in a kimono. She knew the two to be the Johto Gym Leaders Chuck and Pryce. Ulric noticed them first and grinned at Vali, "Vali! Surge, nice to see you. In the box with us?"

"Yeah," Surge answered as they walked inside, "Where are the other Johto Gym Leaders?"

"Alvin is busy with his successor and that newbie bug is busy getting his city locked down after the ruckus caused by removal of Norris," Pryce answered as his eyes settled on her, "Elena is too busy working on getting her daughter trained up for becoming her successor. The young Birdmaster is working on his technique so will be unlikely to join us,"

"Jasmine should be joining us soon," Chuck added with a grin, "The Kid's running a bit late," He looked at Vali, "So you're Valkyrie Potter-Black, I've heard quite a bit through the grape-vine though not as much as I'd wish,"

"All good, I'd hope," Vali said with a sheepish smile as Surge let out a grunt.

"Of course," Chuck grinned at her, "So, Vali, how'd you get into the box?"

"Lance is one of my best friends," Vali explained causing Ulric to laugh.

"And you're one of his future Elite Four members," Ulric revealed causing both Johto gym leaders to stare at her in surprise.

"You're shooting to become Elite?" Pryce asked with a measured look on his face.

Vali nodded lightly as she moved to sit down, "Might as well especially since Lance wanted to drag me along for the ride and it'd ensure my pokemon would get the best possible care."

"Indeed," Pryce nodded lightly.

"That and I'd be letting down a lot people if I didn't become one," Vali said as Litwick slipped out of her shadow to peer at them all, "Anyways, my pokemon want to become the strongest they can and that's what I aim to be,"

Surge chuckled as she sat down and Litwick moved to sit on her shoulder while Thorin jumped onto the seat next to her. Surge looked at them all as he moved to sit down as well, "Cant wait for this to start though, it's been awhile since someone was ballsy enough to try something like this."

"Very true," Pryce muttered as he sat down, "Your nephew is quite..."

"He's a determined kid," Ulric grinned at them all as he sat down, "Which means he should be able to do this,"

Vali looked over at the battlefield as Lance stepped forward dressed in his usual gear though it was definitely much more new. He wore a cape which she knew was a tradition in his clan to wear on special occasions. Lance looked across the field at his opponent the current Johto Champion, Shion Odel, with determination and pride. The mics crackled to life as the announcer shouted, "Welcome everyone to the battle of the century! Can Lance Blackthorn beat not only our champion Shion, but also Champion Maxwell of Kanto?! We'll see the start of it today with this battle! Like always at the higher levels, you can switch out your pokemon at will, but no item use is permitted! After three pokemon are knocked out or withdraw, the field will change terrain! And you can only use six pokemon! So how about we start things off, the challenger and champion were given a coin to toss before the ceremony and Challenger Lance won. Champion Shion, you have the first release!"

"Very well," The grape haired woman looked at Lance with a sleepy grin, "It won't help you out, Kid. Come forth and rend them, Tsukiyomi!"

Shion's starter burst forth with a roar and the Absol immediately began looking around with a glare. Lance grinned at Shion in reply as he released a Kindra that immediately set off a rain-dance, "Thanks for the pep-talk, but your reign is over. It's time for us to become grow stronger with a new champion that has direction."

The Referee started the match and Vali could barely keep up even with her increased training. Lance hadn't been kidding when he'd said the battles had pushed him to new levels. Cerci took slight damage, but that Absol found itself quickly falling to the powerful water dragon. Shion's next release was an Ampharos that barely managed to scrape by a win. Lance took it out with an Aerodactyl followed by a rather ballsy Meganium though the Aerodactyl she hadn't known about barely survived that round. The fight paused to switch the field revealing a race sleek water field. Aerodactyl was taken out by a Gyarados. Lance released a Gyarados and the two almost ripped each other apart before they were withdrawn. The two released their pokemon at the same time with Shion pulling out a Gardevoir and Lance a Dragonite. The two fought for awhile before the Dragonite took it out with a lucky dragon's breath. The next pokemon was a Mamoswine that took out Dragonite. Lance release Chark and barely managed to take out the Mamoswine.

Vali watched it fall and let out a shout alongside everyone in the arena as the Referee called it. She shouted out, "Lance! You did it!"