July 1, 2018. Sinnoh, Lily of the Valley Island

Commentator's booth

"And welcome Ladies and gentlemen to the Lily of the Valley Conference 2018! The place of Sinnoh's very own Pokemon League! Every year one hundred and twenty eight accomplished trainers are invited here to participate in Sinnoh's greatest competition and to claim the Lofty title of SINNOH LEAGUE CHAMPION! With me in the booth today is Bob Cutthroat and for the next two weeks we will be bringing to you every single pokemon battle happening here LIVE!"

"That's right Jimmy, I cannot wait to see what kind of wild strategies the participants come up with during this year's competition. As most of you know, the Lily of the Valley Conference is an exclusive event for only the cream o' the crop trainers in the region. In order to even qualify for a spot in this prestigious event, a trainer must complete the region's gym circuit and collect a total of at least eight badges, which I assure you is mighty difficult. Ain't that right Jimmy?

"That's absolutely correct. But the prize is well worth it. By becoming a participant of the Lily of the Valley Conference, each of the one hundred twenty eight contestants are guaranteed a two week all paid vacation to the Lily of the Valley Island, full of Five Star Resorts, Restaurants and High Speed Wi-Fi. Not only that, but everyone attending will receive a Sinnoh Championship T-shirt, a new product presented by our very generous sponsor Charles Goodshow! Welcome to the booth Mr. Goodshow, what do you think about this year's competitors?"

"Oh ho, well I suppose we'll just have to wait and see hmmm? After all it would be quite a crime to spoil the surprise for everyone watching. But I am very excited for the exhibition match, after all the Champion herself will be making an appearance."

"And that was a very cryptic Charles Goodshow! I have to say Bob, if the president of the Pokemon League Committee himself is so excited about this match, then I can just feel my own heart ready to burst out of my chest!"

"Right you are Jimmy, before the preliminary rounds can begin an exhibition match is to be held. Usually a member of the Elite Four would showcase the peak of pokemon battling to inspire other competitors, BUT for this year, we have truly a finger lickin' treat for you. Because TODAY marks the ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY since Sinnoh crowned its brand new champion. And so, making her debut in the exhibition match today, she is currently the youngest champion of any league worldwide, storming through the Championship two years ago and defeating the Elite Four last year, she is the Princess of Battles and the strongest trainer in the entire region, CYNTHIA CAROLINA!

"I am shaking in my boots Bob, this is Cynthia's first official public battle ever since her coronation. Believe it or not, she has never seen a single challenger to her title for the entire year! Not for lack of trying, but the Elite Four, which she beat so easily, turned out to be too strong for any other trainer to defeat."

"Is that right? But Firecracker, if that's true then who has Mr. Goodshow selected for the exhibition match?"

"An excellent question my friend, one that we will find out after a word from our Sponsor: GreenCo."

The pokemon center shops now sell Super Repel Extra by GreenCo. "Tired of those pesky Zubats and Pidgeys? Try a Super Repel Extra, guaranteed 100% success rate. Warning: product may cause a severe allergic reaction".

"And now back to the Lily of the Valley Conference!"

"Welcome back everyone, I'm Jimmy Firecracker standing in front of the exhibition match arena, I am getting word that the League employed Alakazam have already deployed protective barriers around the stands to protect our viewers from the battle. And I hear that Bob has now found out the identity of Cynthia's exhibition match opponent. It's all you Bob.

"Mighty kind of you Jimmy! That's right, while I'm still in the observation booth I can already see him coming through the outer gates of the Arena. The opponent of this exhibition match is Ace Trainer Nathan Alsé. For those watching who don't know, an Ace Trainer is a professional battler sponsored by the league itself in order to further their careers. In order to become an Ace Trainer one must win a Pokemon League tournament, so each and every one of them are quite the force to be reckoned with. However, most Ace Trainers aren't quite on the level of an Elite Four member so I believe this match will be a clean win for the Champion. Back to you Jimmy."

"Thank you Bob! And now I see Nathan entering the arena. The match is about to begin folks, so keep your eyes peeled, because this battle will surely be one for the history books. And remember! Where there's smoke…"

"There's Firecracker!"

"You're goddamn right!"

'Good grief,' thought Nathan Alsé as he walked out into the arena, the roars of the crowd echoing in his ears. He looked around for a moment, staring up at the spectators. 'Geez, all of 'em are just way too excited for an exhibition match. Then again it is Cynthia, so of course they would be. Why am I surprised.' His white jacket with red outlines fluttered in the breeze, exposing the black "Sinnoh Championship T-shirt, which was given to him by Charles Goodshow as a welcoming gift. He had to admit, Goodshow had good style when it came to T-shirts. The Turtwig on the front, (he got the Grass-type T-shirt as a gesture of respect for his starter) was exceptionally badass looking, despite it being...a Turtwig. He squinted and adjusted his Pokemon League cap, white with a Salamence's head engraved on it. A sign of an Ace Trainer. The sun was exceptionally bright today, perfect for a pokemon battle.

'They just had to choose me for this event, didn't they? And right as I started my Kalos journey. Fucking assholes. Now I won't be able to meet up with Ash and Lis. Damn, and I was really looking forward to going through the gym challenge there. Speaking of Kalos, I really should train you up a bit more shouldn't I?' He gazed down at his belt which held 10 pokeballs. Specifically looking at a premier ball, which by the looks of it was brand new, the shine and gloss of the sphere contrasting sharply with the other five pokeballs, three great balls and single ultra ball. As if sensing his thoughts, whatever was inside the capsule caused it to slightly vibrate, causing a smile of fond amusement to settle itself on the trainer's face.

"No" he spoke soothingly at the ball, "I can't use you for this battle. But, just wait a bit ok? I promise you that I will make you the strongest there is." He petted the sphere one last time, before turning his gaze forward.

"Alright Nathan" he muttered to himself, slapping himself on the cheek in order to get the blood flowing. "Let's put on a show. Minimum prep, and..." his hand dropped to his belt instinctively selecting a poke ball, the red and white sphere feeling as comforting as it did the first time he held it in his hand. With practiced motion he unclipped and enlarged it in his hand. Extending his arm, pokeball in hand towards his opponent, he closed his eyes for a moment and listened to his heartbeat. One... two... three… his eyes opened, the fire of battle burning within his green irises.

"...Maximum effort."

His opponent stood on the opposite side of the battlefield. A young woman, twenty years of age and wearing a black trenchcoat and high heels. Her blond hair fluttered behind her, akin to a river of sunlight and her gray eyes sparkled with joy while a confident smile played on her face as she waved at the crowd. It was clear to everyone that she was excited for the upcoming battle and was looking forward to it. And why wouldn't she be. Cynthia had not had a decent battle in months now. And official battles were even rarer for her. Except for the semi-annual battle against the elite four she was required to perform as a champion, most of her duties lied in governing the region. As for informal battles, she was undoubtedly the strongest among her friend group, and both she and Nathan knew this, both of them being part of said group. Still, that didn't mean she would go easy on him nor did she expect the same from him. Here on this arena, with the scopes of the cameras focused on them and the deafening cheers of the crowd egging them on, they were naught but two battlers ready to engage in combat.

"Sorry for calling you out here Nate, but you really were the best choice for this presentation." Her voice was melodious and carefree. "We haven't battled in months and the last one was just way too short for my liking."

"Jesus Cynthia, how much time do I have to tell you this" Nathan, or Nate to his friends, rolled his eyes, already feeling annoyed with the girl. "The last battle was short because I had to catch my boat back to Sinnoh, and I couldn't afford anything longer than a two on two. Plus your Braviary is a fucking beast. What do you feed that thing? Goddamn."

"Well I can't reveal my recipes and training methods out here now can I?" She responded with a wink and the same confident smile that hadn't left her face since Nate entered the arena. Although now the smile was just a bit more teasing. "But you better not let me down, after all we have our fans to think about."

"You mean your fans Cynthia, and you KNOW that I of all people would never let a girl down."

"My my Nate, what a suggestive statement in public' she giggled prettily, "are you trying to get the media to dissect my life?"

"This is your punishment for making me endure a six hour flight, crammed into the back of a Delta Emerald Airlines plane. It's like Remoraid in a barrel up in there. Plus, I couldn't fall asleep because the engines on that damn thing were louder than an Exploud using Hyper Voice! Oh and let's not forget the fact that the in flight meal looked like something that a Muk would spit out. My stomach has been making sounds that disturbingly resemble the Growl move, for the past TWO HOURS!" Nate ranted, as his frustration reached its limit.

For a moment both Champion and Ace trainer were silent, the spectators murmuring as they digested what was just said. Then both Cynthia and Nate started chuckling which quickly escalated into full blown laughter, the kind of laughter that only two very close friends shared, after they found something that they both could make fun of.

"Oh man, I missed talking to you" Cynthia said. "But unfortunately…" her eyes sharpened and she too took out a Pokeball. "...This is no place for talking. So then, Ace Trainer Nate Alsė. Winner of the Vertress Conference 2017 and my long time friend, I, Cynthia Carolina, hereby accept this oficial One on One exhibition battle, what say you."

Those were the magic words. Once two trainers' eyes meet they have to battle. Nate met Cynthia's gaze with his own and a thin sparking line passed from one to the other. Their battle passion was ignited.

"I say...bring it on Carolina."

(Cynthia Diamond and Pearl Champion Battle Theme plays)

"Garchomp, Battle dance" she spoke three simple words. Those three words that inspired fear within any challenger's heart. Those three words that translated into 'this battle was over before it even started', those three words that accompanied Cynthia Carolina all the way to her ascension towards the pinnacle of battling prowess. Those three simple words...that unleashed a monster.

It was a pseudo-legendary, the apex predator of its home region. The fastest, strongest and most brutal creature to grace battling arenas. With its mere presence it instilled fear into the hearts of those facing it, and commanded respect from all who witnessed it. A dragon so powerful that it was capable of single handedly keeping up with the likes of Lance Wataru's three Dragonite and defeating an entire team of six belonging to an elite four member. This was the Mach Pokemon, the Dragon/Ground type of Sinnoh. Garchomp

"GRAAAAAAAHHHHH" its roar sent shockwaves throughout the battlefield as the beast gazed down at Nate. Its eyes glinted with predatory challenge. Confidence and superiority swirled in a maelstrom of power within the reptilian orbs. This was a statement. 'I am the strongest.' 'I am superior.' 'Stand down or be destroyed.' But Nate did not stand down. His own green eyes shined with defiance and assurance in his own ability. Garchomp's challenge and threat was answered with 'Prove it'. The Pokeball in his hand, an old worn down thing with a leaf sticker on it, trembled as if ready to answer the challenge. Then, with a bright light, his own pokemon materialized.

"TORTEERRRA"

His starter stared down Cynthia's own. The Grass/Ground type tortoise showing no fear in the presence of the dragon. Four massive feet, each thick enough to be confused for a tree trunk, dug themselves into the ground, their owner gaining comfort from its connection to the dirt and earth. The tree on the back of its shell shook as if it were rattled by some form of wind, the leaves on its branches sharpening to blade-like lethality. A toothed maw opened and closed with snapping menace. Then it roared, and the battle was on.

"Since you are the challenger," offered Cynthia, "I will let you have the first move." One arm at her hip and the other pointing at him.

It would be utterly foolish, Nate thought, not to take the opportunity provided.

"Torterra, level the playing field. Summer Grasslands."

Few people truly understood the correct way to use a Torterra in battle. New trainers starting out on their first journey, would look at the Evolved forms of the Sinnoh Starters and decide that since Torterra was so massive and powerful looking, it would be logical to fill up its movepool with attacks such as Energy Ball, Rock Climb and Leaf Storm. As a result, they would end up using their Torterra, as a grass type Blastoise. What absolute fools. While the continent pokemon was no slouch in the offensive department, its true power: what made it so feared in the wild and such a fascinating object of research, was its ability to nurture life. The shell of a Torterra, while serving as an excellent defensive mechanism for the creature, was also its main weapon. Throughout the species's history, it adapted to its forestry environments and co-evolved along with the ecosystem around it. And eventually...it learned to create its own ecosystem on its back, becoming known as the continent pokemon. The shell was not made of simple scutes, but a series of layers of rock, earth, dirt and other natural materials. Because of this, trees, bushes and other plants grew on its back, which would provide Torterra with the sugars and juices it needed to move, while the Torterra itself would provide nutrients for the plants. The strength of the Sinnoh grass type starter was not offensive moves, it was in creating an environment so perfect for its thriving conditions, that it became literally untouchable.

Torterra's eyes lit up with green energy and the arena around it changed. From its feet the earth started bubbling, as tall verdant grass started sprouting from the previously barren soil. Quickly the patches of grass expanded as Torterra's will demanded that the world around it become a field of lush greenery. In mere moments an entire half of the field appeared like an idyllic landscape, the kind you might find in a pure mountain valley, or perhaps in the great prairies of Unova. At the same time Torterra's head angled towards the sky and shot a pulsing orb of orange light straight up. The sphere ascended into the air before hovering to a stop, and there it hung, with waves of intense light and heat emanating from it. The continent pokemon growled in satisfaction, seeing its handiwork, as its body shined with liveliness, the grass and tree on its back turning greener and more lush, and its tail beginning to swing from side to side, indicating the turtle's increased energy.

This was Torterra's Summer Grasslands, a technique developed by Nate and his starter through their years of journeying together. A combination of Sunny day and Grassy Terrain. Because Torterra, like many grass type pokemon, used photosynthesis as one of its energy sources, it greatly preferred sunlight, and, like many grass types, it also became much more active and energetic during periods of daytime. The tree on its back would function as a natural battery for the creature, capturing the sunlight before transforming it into sugars, which would then be injected straight into Torterra's body, causing the pokemon to become faster, more energetic and in some cases, even more aggressive.

At least that is what happens during normal sunny weather. Sunny Day though, was an entirely different story. A localized source of artificial sunlight, centered in a small area, powerful enough to cause intense heat and light in its general vicinity? Something like that would cause Torterra's body to go into overdrive, causing even more energy to be pumped into its body. It would become, for lack of a better term, hyper. Its movements would become faster, its healing would accelerate and its attack power would increase as the pokemon's body would constantly be bathed by the life giving energy. Usually that would eventually lead to harm, or at least it could if affected by a very powerful Sunny Day for an extended period of time, but this is where Grassy Terrain came in. Its mystical properties, not only exponentially boosted the power of grass type moves, but, more importantly, they also constantly healed Torterra, or rather made sure to keep its body in optimal condition. Any excess energy would be siphoned off to power Grassy Terrain further, while also returning said energy as a form of healing whenever Torterra would become injured. This was Sunny Grasslands. A combo move that turned Torterra from powerhouse, to an utter and total monster.

Cynthia's eyes narrowed, clearly recognizing the immense potential of the move, but also not quite comprehending its true scope. 'After all', Nate thought to himself, 'she wouldn't know. Their last meeting happened four months ago, and Sunny Grasslands was a fairly new development. It wasn't the only one though, nor was it the strongest.'

"Garchomp, stay alive. Torterra has most likely just become exponentially more powerful." she spoke warily. "I want you to test its defenses. Attack with Flame Cannon, low power."

'Low power my ass' groaned Nate to himself as he watched Garchomp's eyes dance with battle glee and its open mouth turn white hot from the heat gathering within, heat that was very well capable of burning Torterra to ashes if he didn't do something about it. Of course, his starter already knew what to do. No command was needed, experience dictated their actions.

A fireball erupted from Garchomp's throat and screamed towards the stationary Grass Type. Flame cannon. A simple, yet horrifically effective combo. It was, in all effectiveness, a much more powerful Flamethrower. Rather than a stream of flames, it condensed the fire into a ball of heat so intense that it approached dangerous levels, before ejecting said fire ball at extreme speeds. The result would, in all effectiveness, be a bomb that rivaled Self-Destruct or Explosion in strength. Even at low power, it was strong enough, to one shot the likes of Feraligatr and the infamous Blastoises of Kanto.

Torterra did not move an inch. It did not flinch as the Grassy Terrain started burning away under the pure heat that Garchomp's "low power" attack exuded. And at the last moment, its eyes flared once more, this time with pink psychic energy.

The Fireball ruptured, detonating with enough power to cause a cloud of dirt to obscure nearly the whole arena. Garchomp's eyes narrowed as if determining what happened. Then, suddenly, as if realizing something was coming for it, it dashed away with a screech. A massive Solar Beam passed right through where it was but a moment earlier and crashed into the psychic barriers, causing a few of the Alakazam stationed at the edges of the arena to groan in an effort to maintain them.

"My my Mr. Alsé" smiled Cynthia without turning around and still maintaining her outward calm cheerfulness, that irritated Nate to no end. 'It's like she thinks I'm not even remotely a threat.' "You've clearly improved by leaps and bounds since our last battle. That was a Light Screen wasn't it?"

"Yes." Nate answered with some frustration evident in his voice. She was playing with him, wasn't she? Then he shook his head. No, it wasn't like Cynthia to play with opponents she actually respected. This was simply the unfortunate result of him using a pokemon against a person that knew said pokemon since it was a Grotle. But that didn't mean he would go down easily.

"Well then, if you don't mind I shall up the power level. Garchomp, darling, use Flame Cannon again, high power please."

This time, whatever came out of Garchomp's mouth was no mere fireball. It was a miniature sun. Not the paltry heat source created by Sunny Day, but a massive sphere of scorching plasma that was so horrifyingly, monstrously powerful, that Nate groaned as, even through the Psychic fields erected around the trainer's box, he could feel his skin begin to blister. He paid it no heed. After all, he wasn't the one Garchomp was aiming for.

"Torterra dodge!" he screamed out to his friend.

Cynthia tittered in amusement, clearly not expecting a pokemon like Torterra to be remotely capable of dodging anything. But she did not take Summer Grasslands into effect. And as Garchomp launched his tactical nuke, Torterra moved. Or rather it jumped. Cleanly passing right over the "Flame Cannon", as Cynthia called it, as it streamed under the pokemon and detonated right in the middle of the Grassy Terrain. Once again, the explosion shot up dust into the air and obscured Torterra from view. Once again, Garchomp's eyes narrowed as it attempted to find its opponent through the obstruction.

"Sunny Grasslands, again!" came the command from Nate's trainer box and yet again the field was covered with lush greenery. Torterra was revealed to be standing in the same place, looking no worse for the wear, except now it was standing in a massive crater with smoking edges.

"Alright, now it's my turn to attack." spoke Nate with a ferocity, that caused Cynthia to blink in surprise. "Now, use Leech Seed, continuous fire."

"Terra Terra Terra Terra" with each "Terra", his pokemon shot a batch of parasitic saplings at Garchomp from the tree on its back. A basic attack, all things considered, but nevertheless, deadly over time. Time that Cynthia was not willing to give him. Not that he expected her to.

"Use Dual chop to slice the Leech Seed in half Garchomp, then use Dragon Rush to get in close."

Perfect.

As with anything it did, Garchomp executed the maneuver flawlessly, its bladed fins blurred into motion, neatly bisecting each of the Leech Seeds before they could get close to it. It moved at speeds so fast that it appeared as if it was merely twitching, and yet the slight distortions in the air in front of it, and the piles of shredded Leech Seed behind it, was clear evidence that it was in fact defending itself. As it completed the final slash, it fluidly transitioned into Dragon Rush, cloaking itself with teal energy, that took the form of a dragon and then launching itself at Torterra, who roared in defiance at the charge.

Nate's smile widened into a wild grin, Cynthia fell for the trick. Like usual, she underestimated him. Despite knowing that this battle was official she still, subconsciously treated him as a friend and battled casually and for fun, using simple tactics that would have worked on many, but not on him. He was an Ace Trainer. A champion of the Ventress Conference. In this battle, she was only his opponent. And right now, his opponent had made an error.

"Torterra, use Protect, and then Grab and drain it."

Once again, Torterra's eyes flared with power and a shimmering honeycomb shield manifested in front of it. And Garchomp, with its full body Dragon Rush slammed head first into the barrier.

Now, Dragon Rush was powerful. There was no arguing with that. It was powerful and that was that. A reckless charge, coating itself with Draconic energy that barreled into whatever was in its way and savagely crushed it. It was similar to Wild Charge or perhaps Flare Blitz in that sense, except slightly superior in the sense that the user did not take recoil damage. And Cynthia's Garchomp was known for mastering the technique to such a degree that it was capable of annihilating entire teams of six with just that single move. Concentrating the draconic energy on its head and horns and instantly accelerating to supersonic speeds it would ram into its opponent and send it flying into knock out, horrific injuries all over the unfortunate victim's body.

And that is exactly what happened this time. Garchomp roared into motion, breaking through the sonic barrier leaving a thunderclap and sonic cone behind it as it became a green missile of dragon power. With terrifying, earth rending force it rammed into Torterra and sent it into blissful oblivion.

Or at least that is what played out in its mind seconds before it impacted against the barrier of Protect and all of its acceleration, speed, and force turned on itself. For a single heartbeat it was confused as to why did its target feel like an immovable wall, and then the pain hit.

Garchomp screamed as it was hit with the full force of its own attack, and for a second appeared disoriented as it fought off the sudden concussion. And in that single moment Torterra struck. The spires of rock that made up parts of its shell turned green and extended, sharp emerald lances piercing into the Mach Pokemon's arms and legs. And then they began pulsing, as they siphoned the power of the dragon type straight into Torterra's body. This was Giga Drain, one of the most powerful parasitic moves that a grass type could learn. The technique would strip its victims of vitality, fat reserves, muscle mass and life force at incredible speeds, which would lead to extreme exhaustion and weakness. In the wild, where battle etiquette did not apply, Pokemon such as Tangrowth and Victreebel would use this move to immobilize, kill and eat their prey.

"Don't let up Torterra." Nate shouted over Garchomp's agonized wails as the powerful move, combined with Grassy Terrain's empowerment turned what usually would be a mere annoyance to the pseudo legendary, into a legitimate threat. Nate knew that despite it appearing so, Garchomp was not actually that hurt by the Giga Drain, the only pain he was feeling was coming from the pierced limbs that Giga Drain caused, and those would heal very quickly. He had to keep up the pressure before Cynthia's beast could recover.

"Rapid fire, Leech Seed, then Solar Beam, full power."

"Terra, Terra Terra Terra" "TorTERRAAA"

Garchomp's roars of rage and pain were consumed by blinding light as the Solar Beam erupted in a violent explosion that was so powerful it consumed both Pokemon.

As the smoke cleared, Torterra was revealed still holding on to Garchomp, Giga Drain still sapping the Mach Pokemon's energy while Grassy Terrain quickly restored itself with the excess power that was siphoned away from the Sinnoh starter. Garchomp was down on one knee, body covered with wounds, from which sickly green vines sprouted and glowed with a sickly parasitic power. Leech Seed. Despite its obvious pain, the rage in its eyes was undiminished, in fact it burned stronger than ever, as if the proud dragon was angered for allowing itself to be reduced to such a state.

"Alright Garchomp, that's enough playing around" came Cynthia's calm, but no longer carefree voice. Get up, Grab Torterra and execute Aerial Maneuver 03."

'What the hell', Nate frowned in worried agitation. 'What does Aerial Maneuver 03 entail, and what the hell did Cynthia mean by "enough playing around?"'

Garchomp promptly and furiously, gave him a live demonstration.

The claws on the end of it's bladed fins, sharper than obsidian, powerful enough to rend metal to shreds with a mere touch, and yet accurate enough to make incisions thinner than a scalpel stabbed themselves into the bands of Giga Drain that connected Torterra to Garchomp. Torterra growled in discomfort but refused to let go...and with a sudden chill, Nate realized that this was exactly what Garchomp was aiming for. Its leg muscles flexed and the Mach Pokemon, akin to a military jet launched itself into the sky, dragging the continent pokemon, a beast weighing over a 1000 lbs, up with it with effort, that while was clearly visible, wasn't nearly as taxing as it should have been.

Nate's eyes widened in horror as he realized what was about to happen. Torterra understood it too and started furiously thrashing and struggling in order to get out of the land shark's hold. But it was futile. Garchomp bared his teeth as flames started licking the insides of its mouth.

Cyntia's voice rang out across the arena as she spread her arms. "Now, Nate, allow me to demonstrate why I am a champion." She grinned, and that simple smile was hundreds of times more terrifying than Garchomp's fiery jaws. "Garchomp, Flame Cannon point blank to Torterra's face. Then, throw it.

Garchomp's mouth opened…

"Retreat into your shell!"

And another deafening explosion rocked the Arena.

The aftermath of the impact was not pretty. Torterra's shell was utterly scorched, the grass on its back was burned away revealing the singed rock below, the tree's canopy was gone and it stood there like an ugly burned hand, reaching towards the sky as its owner drew his last gasps under the burning log that crushed his spine. And Garchomp wasn't done. With a last triumphant roar, it hoisted Torterra over its head, and then hurled it to the ground with bone crushing speed.

"Use Protect around yourself, then heal yourself with synthesis!" It was a desperate gamble, but Nate could see no other way to survive the horrifically one sided beatdown that his starter just took.

"Garchomp, don't let it heal. Aerial Ace."

Nate paled. Another Super-Effective move, and one that was also completely unavoidable. Protect wasn't guaranteed to work two times in a row, and Torterra wasn't fast enough to dodge even with...Summer Grasslands'...power up…

That was it.

"Torterra, retreat into your shell, use lightscreen, and concentrate everything else on synthesis. Let Garchomp do the rest for you."

Torterra groaned in agony, yet complied. Once again its eyes flared with pink psychic energy and a thin multicolor barrier surrounded it in a shimmering cover. A second later, Torterra disappeared into its shell. Just in time, as Garchomp slammed into it, its wingblades coming down onto the shimmering barrier and passing through it like a hot knife through butter before ramming themselves deep into Torterra's shell. Green tinged blood spurted from the gash and Torterra let out a moan of agony. Garchomp prepared to jump back, but suddenly staggered in pain as the vines wrapped around it flared with green light and Torterra's wound started healing, Leech Seed activating its insidious parasitism again.

Garchomp snarled in irritation and leapt back to Cynthia's side of the field, watching for Torterra's next move, awaiting its Trainer's next order.

Nate crossed his fingers. 'Come on Torterra, come on buddy. I know you still have energy in you. Come on, you can't lose now, we still haven't proven ourselves, we still aren't the strongest there is.'

No response. Fear gripped Nate's heart.

"COME ON DAMMIT, GET UP TORTERRA. GET UP! WE AGREED TO BECOME THE STRONGEST! WE CONQUERED UNOVA TOGETHER! WE ARE WINNERS! WE MUST WIN! WE HAVE NO OTHER CHOICE! SO POWER THROUGH THE PAIN! USE EVERY BIT OF YOUR POWER AND STRIKE BACK! MAXIMUM EFFORT!"

And Torterra heard his plea. The Grassy Terrain around it faded, as the continent pokemon absorbed all of its stored energy. A foghorn like rumble washed over the arena, sending a strange chill up the spines of everyone watching, and then they bore witness to the power that made the Torterra species so dangerous.

The Sinnoh starter's body glowed, an emerald outline of pure power surrounding it. The plant life on it's back starting to regenerate at a rapid pace, the grass bubbling up to cover the rocky scutes with a glowing carpet, the dead tree sprouting new leaves, as the burned singes flaked away revealing a pristine healthy trunk. The ground beneath Torterra cracked as the tortoise emerged from its shell and reared up on its hind legs, before letting out an ear rupturing bellow. The green aura around it exploded in power, as Torterra's sclera shifted from white to green. This was the apex state. The adrenaline-powered overdose that, for a short time, forced Torterra to shatter all of its normal capabilities and elevated it to a state beyond what it could achieve even with Summer Grasslands. The rage and pain fuelled Limit Break, known as. "Overgrow".

"Now Torterra, use Solar Beam, with everything you've got in you!"

The emerald aura surrounding Torterra pulsed before coalescing into a single green orb hovering right in front of the Pokemon's skull, and then Torterra headbutted it. A green laser erupted from the sphere and screamed out towards Garchomp, carving a trench into the ground beneath it, the pure power of the attack causing Torterra's body to slide back from the overwhelming force.

"Garchomp, use dig to escape the blast." Cynthia called out, as she witnessed green death coming for her pokemon.

Nate cackled, unable to help himself. Finally. This was what he was waiting for. He knew Garchomp would eventually go underground. It was its natural hunting strategy after all. Ever since these pokemon hatched as tiny Gibles, their classic battling tactic lay in attacking from below, giving them the monikers of "Land Shark", because the beasts could swim through the earth, just as well as any sharpedo did through the sea.

"Torterra, now is the time. Use Earthquake."

With the same foghorn like rumble, the Grass and Ground type once again reared up on its hind legs and its front claws began shining with power.

Cynthia's eyes widened

...too little

"Garchomp get out of there!"

...too late.

With a savage cry Torterra brought its full weight down upon the ground and shattered it. A violent shaking passed over the battlefield and a muffled roar of pain identified Garchomp's location.

Two pairs of eyes locked in onto the spot.

"Earthquake again."

And once more seismic waves passed over the arena as Torterra's bulk crashed into the earth.

"Again."

"Tor…"

"And Again"

"TERRA"

The ground now resembled water. The tremors were so powerful that constant waves passed through the rock and dirt and crashed into the psychic barriers, like a grotesque imitation of a rocky seashore. Torterra steadied itself as the vibrations slowly faded, the emerald aura still shining, the verdant eyes still blazing.

For a moment Nate dared to hope. Did he actually do it? Did he finally beat her? Was Garchomp truly defeated?

The champion of Sinnoh, Cynthia Carolina: Princess of Battle crushed that hope within Garchomp's jaws.

"Use Draco Meteor."

The Dragon type's fin breached the surface of the decimated ground, zooming toward Torterra, before the Mach Pokemon itself erupted from the ground with a defiant roar. Madness danced within Garchomp's eyes. Deep gashes and wounds dotted the body of the pseudo-legendary, blood oozing from them and pooling below its feet in a puddle of crimson. Its maw ignited and pointed itself towards the sky. And then...It used Draco Meteor.

As the orb of unstable draconic power ruptured, both Nate and Torterra's eyes reflected the deadly sight. And as the stars descended, he could only look at the incoming...light.

.

.

.

.

Distantly he heard someone yell out that Torterra fainted.

Well shit.

Welcome everyone to this crossover. This is my first time writing for this site, so please go easy on me.

This chapter is meant as an introduction to Nate. I tried not to make him into a broken Mary Sue, however he still is a very powerful Trainer with a lot of Traveling experience, and even a League win under his belt. He still isn't even close to Champion or Elite Four level though.

You have also met his first Pokemon as well. I used Torterra for this match because I did not like how the anime did it dirty, so I made mine the starter of the main character.

Now, I know the crossover did not actually begin yet, but careful readers just may find the mention of a Fairy Tail character already in the story. If any of the readers have questions put them in the comments and I will answer them at the beginning of the next chapter. Suggestions are welcome, but flames will not be appreciated.

P.S. Yes, Jimmy Firecracker is a reference to DBZ Abridged.