Pokémon Crimson Gold

by yonas813

A Pokémon adventure heavily based off the HeartGold and SoulSilver games. Embark with young Pokémon Trainer Ethan as he sets to make a name for himself across the Johto region encountering wild Pokémon, trainers, gym leaders and even the evil Team Rocket.

95. Those who are strong

Pokémon Crimson Gold

Chapter 95: Those who are strong

It wasn't only amazing; it was probably one the best moments in his life. Against all odds Ethan managed to pull off a miraculous victory against Silver which he even had doubts himself.

He was ecstatic. Not because he had left his rival in the dust but because he would be making it to the final round of the Indigo league. Clearly something not many other Trainers could say the same thing.

Now that he's won, there were one of two Trainers he could potentially face in the next round. Leviathan, the man who somehow captured a Legendary Pokémon, and Lyra, not only his childhood friend but the same girl who trashed him in a three-on-one battle which ended up turning into a three-on-one.

Right as Silver had left the ring feeling fulfilled the final chapter in the story of their rivalry, another Trainer walked up to Ethan giving him some praise.

It was Leviathan, whose battle with Lyra was up next.

"You made it to the finals, amazing!" The Trainer spoke. "You're remarkable Ethan, in your own special way, that's what I believe."

"Really, thanks." Ethan replied. "Oh uh, unless I'm mistaken, this is our first-time talking, a-anyways, I really appreciate it."

"Trust me, I look forward to battling with you." Leviathan claimed which made Ethan chuckle.

"Very funny, don't act like it's set in stone you're going to be making it to the finals, what just because you have that Zapdos and all!" Ethan laughed. "Cause Lyra's got a whole lot waiting for you, honestly you should be looking forward to battling her, not me."

"Believe me, I do look forward to battling her my friend." Leviathan said.

"Good because then-" Ethan stopped talking as he looked off into the crowd. He was looking for Lyra but she was nowhere to be seen.

"Um, did you see where she went?" Ethan asked turning back to the tall man before him.

"No I don't think I have, after all I was paying my full attention towards your battle." Leviathan admitted.

Ethan looked around once more. He could not find her at all but he did notice the door to the exit swinging open. Of course that could just be some random person Ethan didn't know but he felt it was worth taking a look.

"Hey, I'm going to go really quick." Ethan told Leviathan as he dashed off the stage. "Meganium, keep up with me alright!?"

"Megay Megay!" She cried following right behind him.

Leviathan watched as the two walked off the stage before pondering. Where could she have gotten...? He asked himself.

Ethan and Meganium came running through the main hall into the reception room to where he met eyes with the receptionist sitting at the front desk.

"E-excuse me!" Ethan said alarming her as he slammed his hands to the front desk. "Have you seen a girl around here, girl named Lyra, she's a contestant in the Indigo league?"

"Of course." The woman answered. "I just caught her leaving and going outside just now, is anything wrong?"

"No, nothing's wrong, just, thanks for the help." Ethan said with a head nod before he turned around and head for the door.

Could she be... scared to battle Leviathan? Ethan wondered as he made his way to the door.

Once he walked through the doors he was met with a sad girl sitting down on the highest stair hugging her knees. It was Lyra. Just seeing her like this, he hasn't seen her like this ever since she became a Trainer. It was like she was... vulnerable.

He was almost too shy to speak with her but he then remembered it was Lyra. His best friend. How could he not speak with her.

Ethan walked behind her walking slower as he got closer. He was feeling nervous again. But he knew that was probably how she was feeling. He got over it and walked beside her taking a seat on the stairway next to her.

Meganium walked behind him standing behind the both of them.

"Lyra..." Ethan spoke looking over at her. She was still hugging her knees but moved her head slightly. He could see the surprise in her eyes as she realized who it was.

She moved her head back in her knees. "You weren't supposed to see me like this, so uncool."

"Tell me, what's the matter." Ethan said. "It's Leviathan, isn't it?"

She slowly nodded her head. "I was really excited to battle him, I really was. But that was all before, now that I'm paired with him, it's like, I just can't believe it. I'm going to lose the Indigo league, and to him off all people. I don't think I can beat him."

"But you're plenty strong, don't forget you're the Trainer who defeated me without even losing a single Pokémon to my three!" Ethan said with a chuckle.

"That was a long time ago Ethan." Lyra muttered.

"Still, that says a lot. You were strong then and even stronger now, I know you can beat him, if you think you can't win then you're stronger than you know." Ethan told her to which she didn't drop her frown.

"I-I don't know I..." She said looking him in the eye. He could finally see the red in her eyes making him feel worse. "I really, really didn't want you, or anyone, to see me like this. Usually I act all confident, and tough but, it all fell apart when I realized I'd have to battle Leviathan. I know, it must be embarrassing, especially since you're the complete opposite. You're always so strong, more confident than I could be, and if you falter or lose, you don't pout or cry, you accept it and come back stronger from it, I wish I could be like that."

"Hahahahaha!" Ethan began to laugh out loud much to her surprise. He finally settled down and looked her back in the eyes. "You think I'm all of that; let me tell you Lyra, there's not a single person in this thing who's more nervous than to have to wake up, battle other Trainers and risk the chance of losing and dropping out of this thing than me."

"But, I've seen you time and time again." Lyra replied surprised.

"Well, you just saw the persona of me, I wish I could be the confident and self-assured Trainer I portray myself as, but I'm really not. And this may sound messed up, but, deep down, I think I'm kind of glad you're the same way." Ethan confessed which she hadn't seen coming.

"Really, but why?" She asked.

"It just... it feels nice to know that I'm not the only one in over my head." He said rubbing the back of his neck. "So uh, Lyra, I'm just saying you don't have to..."

"Feel alone." The two of them said at the same time, her now with a smile.

And so the boy returned her smile. "Yeah, exactly what I was going to say."

Lyra giggled and shook her head. "God I probably seem so stupid right now."

"Stupid, please, you're telling that to the guy who thought water types beat grass types for half his life." Ethan said with a soft chuckle.

"Oh yeah, the Professor used to get on your back all time for that one." Lyra continued to laugh.

They finally stopped laughing and the two had a short moment of silence until Ethan finally got up from his seat and held his hand out for her to reach.

"Come on, let's go." Ethan said shaking his hand slightly. "If it makes you feel any better, hold my hand."

Lyra gave another snicker and got up without holding his hand. "Please Ethan, don't tell me you think I'm so nervous I can't even walk without clinging to your hand."

Ethan's smile dropped and he put his extended arm down. "Yeah, you're right, I'm sorry about that. Well, anyways, should we go."

"Let's." Lyra said as she followed Ethan with Meganium walking to the side of him.

The brunette walked alongside her best friend and rival as the two entered the main room of the plateau. She was plenty thankful to him for coming and speaking with her when she was losing focus of what was important, but deep down she was still nervous. How could she not be?

As they entered the long hallway with the large door she was even more nervous than ever. She looked over to Ethan who walked with confidence, and even if it was all a rouse it didn't matter.

Without looking at him Lyra reached over grabbing his hand clinging on to his fingers.

And without looking back at her, Ethan shifted his hands and grabbed onto hers. Something she hadn't expected him to do especially from what she had just told him.

"...Thanks Ethan." She said quietly as the two continued their stroll to the main room.

Finally, as they reached the final doorway to the stadium they both opened it with their other hands. They were finally there, being met with the loud screams from the audience.

"We're here." Ethan said looking to Lyra.

"Yeah, and-" She stopped speaking though as Ethan let go of her hand. "Y-you're not coming with me to the stage?"

"While holding your hand?" Ethan said with a chuckle. "I would, but people would probably think we're a couple or something."

It took a second for Lyra to register what he said before she finally nodded her had. "...Yeah, totally. Anyways, you going to watch and cheer me on, right?"

"Huh, oh well, yeah but, first off I've got to get my Pokémon fixed up, you saw how beaten up they were from my battle with Silver." Ethan told her.

"Okay but, you'll miss half of my battle..." Lyra cried.

"Don't worry, I've got a friend nearby, I'll be back before you even remember I'm gone, I'm promise." Ethan told her reassuringly.

She smiled and nodded her head. "Well, see you in a bit in that case."

"You bet I will." Ethan said walking along with Meganium through the exit.

Lyra took one look her friend walked away from her and turned around looking ahead at the ring with her opponent on it. There he was, Leviathan, the Trainer she'd have to defeat if she wanted to battle Ethan.

I'm going to have to battle him; I can't waver, not anymore... Lyra told herself as she began to make her way towards the ring. But right as she did she stopped hearing a knock behind her.

She turned her back. At the exit door was Ethan who had his face laying on the see-through glass door along with his hands. He looked at her as she looked at him and knocked on the door with one hand.

The girl smiled again and made her way towards the door and opened it just so she could hear him. "Missed me?"

"No- maybe, look. Uh, I don't want to put any more pressure on you than you already have, but I just want to tell you one last thing." Ethan admitted. "I just wanted to say... good luck out there, and remember, Leviathan isn't the guy I want to battle, you are. So, you'd better win, okay?"

"Megay Megay!" Meganium agreed.

"So much for not putting pressure on me, but alright, I'll beat him." Lyra joked as Ethan closed the door shut.

She dropped her laugh and turned facing the ring where it'd be decided or not if she'd be making it to the final round. As she walked she told herself...

"I'm going to beat him, he's strong, but I'm even stronger." Lyra said over and over.

Leviathan over on the ring was pleased to see as the girl finally took her first step on the ring directly on the opposite side of him.

"Y-you took quite a while kid, everything okay?" The announcer asked walking by her side.

"Oh me, I'm fine, I was just... in the bathroom." Lyra lied which the announcer could see clear through her teeth.

"Ugh, well, that's fine." He said taking a few steps back from her before raising his microphone to his mouth. "Well everyone, here we have it, the final match of the semifinals, on one corner we have Leviathan from Pallet Town, and on the other side, Lyra from New Bark Town, both Trainers have proven remarkable strength as they won round after round!"

Lyra could hear it from the audience themselves, sure she was getting a couple of cheers, but most of all she could hear was them crying her opponent's name.

"LEVIATHAN, LEVAITHAN!"

"This battle's going to be a wash!"

"Maybe the girl's got a chance!?"

She couldn't let it get to her though. Of course Leviathan would be the fan favorite after all he was the one with the Legendary Pokémon. But if she could win this battle, or even keep up with him, some would be bound to cheer for her.

Meanwhile in the audience...

"...So, do you think Lyra can actually win this?" Allen said asking both Elm and Eliza. He had never watched her battle. Hell he barely knew anything about her other than the fact that she and his son were friends.

"Of course she does, she's just as strong as Leviathan, if not stronger." Elm told Allen. "She's one of my students, I have all my faith in her."

"But Leviathan's the Trainer with Zapdos, right?" Allen said. "How could she... or anyone aside from Ethan face him?"

"Well, not so long ago, about a month in fact Ethan and Lyra actually battled." Eliza explained to her husband.

"R-right..." Allen said getting the recollection. Without any one's knowledge, he was there when Ethan first returned to New Bark Town, although he hadn't witnessed his battle with Lyra. "And how did it go?"

"Well..." Elm began.

"Somehow, she managed to beat Gyarados, Heracross, and Meganium, with just one Pokémon!" Eliza said finishing his sentence.

Allen didn't expect it. He couldn't believe it. His face was filled with shock. "...Well, just one Pokémon, she beat him with just one Pokémon, kind of like..."

"Yup, kind of like Leviathan, he's only used that Zapdos of his in battle up till this point." Elm remarked.

"So maybe she's strong, but it's not the same thing as Leviathan, he has a Legendary Pokémon, not even I, or Lance more importantly has one. But... I want Ethan to avenge his loss, so I hope Lyra wins." Allen muttered. "Plus, it'd be fun to watch her and Ethan battle."

As they spectated, so did the judges who watched both Lyra and Leviathan in the ring.

"You know, Lyra's beaten every one of her opponents so far in the ring with little difficulty, she might not lose this battle, she's got a chance." Oak said to the two much more pessimistic judges.

"Nah, what the hell's the New Bark Town girl going to do?" Sullivan groaned. "She's just another Johto rat, and let's not forget she's a GIRL!"

As he said that Lorelai elbowed him in his arm. "Ouch... the hell's that for!?" He said grasping it.

"Don't underestimate her just because she's a girl, well... you can, but who knows, maybe she'll surprise you." Lorelai said realizing she was losing her cool.

"And what do you think, do you think the brat actually has a chance? You realize the only person who could give actually battle Leviathan and not lose to him instantly is Lance himself, right?" Sullivan argued.

"...Yeah, you're right, that girl is a bit out of her league." Lorelai finally admitted. "But damn, do I hate having to agree with you, little gremlin."

"Pfft, same goes to you." Sully said crossing his arms. Right as he did though he heard the voice of the man they were just speaking of.

Lorelai looked to the man with disgust before turning her head.

Sullivan turned around. Behind him stood the Champion.

"You shouldn't underestimate the girl, she's stronger than you can imagine I'm sure." Lance said as Sullivan quickly got up from his seat and kneeled down.

"O-o-of course sir, of course." Sullivan said which made Lorelai groan.

"Sully!" She yelled. "He's a champion not a king!"

"Shut up!" Sullivan said turning his body to Lorelai. "You just hate Lance because of what-."

Before he could finish Lance interrupted him. "It's alright Sullivan, it's fine, in fact she's right, get off from your knees, in the midst of the Indigo league you're just as important as me."

"I-I could never be as important as you." Sully said getting up from his knees.

Lorelai looked at Lance again with anger. "Can you go back and piss off somewhere else, we're supposed to watch these battles and spectate, not get distracted!"

"Ho ho, that'll be a first!" Oak laughed to which the former Elite four ignored.

"I'm sorry, I don't want to intrude, I just wanted to get a closer view of this battle." Lance explained.

"Then fine!" Lorelai yelled getting up. "I'm out of here, why don't you take my job for the day, it wouldn't be your first time!"

With all her angst she marched past both the Champion and Sullivan who both watched her along with Oak. The two judges were shocked by her outburst, but Lance wasn't.

"Hehhh... I don't think that woman will ever stop hating me." Lance sighed before he turned to Oak. "Professor! Mind if I take a seat?"

"Well... if she's gone for the day then... go ahead." Oak said as Lance sat beside him.

Back to the ring. Both Lyra and Leviathan stood firmly as the two traded conversation.

"So, here it is, finally, you and me get our fight, our battle." Leviathan stated. His happiness and excitement couldn't be understated.

Lyra smiled wearing a mask over her nervousness. "Yeah, I still can't believe it. So... are you ready to lose?"

"Me, lose. Absolutely, I'll walk out of here with pride and satisfaction, if you can defeat me." Leviathan said. "And I'll admit, as I've said before, your first battle in this league caught my attention, but you've since proven to be the strongest Trainer in this league, well, aside from me, perhaps, perhaps even stronger, I'll suppose we'll just have to find out which of us is stronger."

As he spoke those words, from his belt he pulled it out. What Lyra was dreading, his Ultra Ball. The very same that contained a Pokémon lesser Trainers couldn't even comprehend catching.

Their it is...! Lyra thought but before she could pull out a Pokémon the announcer approached them.

"Woah woah woah, did you forget?" He said. "Neither Trainer can release a Pokémon until it's decided who'll be going first."

"Of course." The two Trainers said as the announcer pointed to the large monitor.

"Alrighty folks, the time is now!" He exclaimed. "On the big screen again it'll be decided just which Trainer gets to go first!"

The wheel remained right in between the images of Lyra and Leviathan. Both of them watched as the pointer began to spin around the circle.

Leviathan watched still with his Ultra Ball in hand as he waited for the spinner to come to a stop.

Lyra did the same only she was crossing her fingers and was a bit more fretful. Please, please, please please please. She thought.

The pointer began to progressively get slower; it was about to come to a complete stop. This was the moment when it got more nerve wracking for the girl in the ring.

Finally, the pointer stopped on the image of a Trainer and so...

"YES!" Lyra exclaimed throwing one arm into the air.

Leviathan looked at her a bit confused. "You have to show your Pokémon first, why does that excite you?"

Indeed he was right. On the big screen the pointer was clearly pointing towards Lyra's image

She smiled. "That's what I was counting on."

"Of course, let's see who you've got." Leviathan told her with much intrigue.

Lyra pulled out a Pokéball from her bag and clutched it in her arms. "You've got this, I know you do."

She looked up and tossed the Pokéball into the air. "Gliscor, you're up first"

Out from the light emitting from the Pokéball came a purple blur of pure speed. It dashed around in the air in every direction before finally landed to the ring ground.

"Gliscor, Gliscor!" The Pokémon uttered landed to the ring floor. It was one Leviathan didn't recognize, it was a large, bluish-purple vampire bat like Pokémon. Its legs had two toes and a slightly darker circular coloration on the underside, and its tail had two barbs, resembling a vampire's fangs. Its most noticeable features however were its front teeth, waits, pincer arms and wings

"What is that?" The announcer asked of her holding the microphone to her mouth.

"Oh him, Gliscor of course, Sinnoh discovered Pokémon, just hand Gligar a razor fang and it'll evolve at the sight of it." Lyra said much to the intrigue of the audience.

"Awe, a Gligar evolution huh, the Sinnoh region really is full of surprises." He spoke moving the microphone away from her. "And if it's a ground type like its previous evolution, then I know one Pokémon Contestant Leviathan has who wouldn't appreciate it."

Leviathan smiled at the announcer's comment. "That's right, if Zapdos is the Pokémon you're implying then yes, a disadvantage would be undeniable." He said retreating its Ultra Ball to his belt.

"What's the matter, lost faith in Zapdos?" Lyra asked mockingly.

"Very funny, I have no doubt Zapdos could best Gliscor in battle, but there's no point in risking anything, not this early on in the battle, I still have five other Pokémon I can use." He stated.

"Then go ahead." Lyra said ss Leviathan picked a Great Ball from his belt.

"As you wish." Leviathan said tossing his Great Ball into the air. Out from it landing on the battlefield came just the Pokémon of the typing Lyra had expected. Sitting their was a Lapras.

"Lap, Lapras!" It screeched looking up towards the ground and flying type.

A water and ice type, huh, nice to know, since he only used Zapdos until now I seriously thought it was the only Pokémon he brought with him. Lyra analyzed.

"O-oh my, I don't believe it, this right here is the first Pokémon Contestant Leviathan has ever used that isn't his Zapdos, and a Lapras at that, incredible!" The announcer exclaimed getting cheers and chants from the crowd.

Yeah it's alright... Lyra thought. But it'll be no match for Gliscor.

"Gliscor, we'll start with Night Slash!" She cried.

With great speed Gliscor quickly flew up until the air like a sonic boom before diving down with super speed. A single pincer engulfed by the energy of a dark type.

"Ice Beam!" Leviathan yelled which was not good for Lyra. A hit like that would be twice as affective as it would usually be on a ground type thanks to Gliscor's second typing.

"Acrobatics!" Lyra shouted. Right as she spoke the words, by moving from side to side with enough speed to rival a rocket, Gliscor formed about a couple dozen after images.

The Ice Beam hit one of the images which of course it phased through. Before Leviathan knew it the real Gliscor came and with the very same Night Slash sliced Lapras in the face with it.

"Lappp!" The Lapras cried screaming in pain from the blow.

"Now, follow up with Thunder Fang!"

With no hesitation between attacks Gliscor revealed its sharped teeth and sunk it at the neck of Lapras instantly electrocuting the Pokémon with super effective damage.

The electricity radiated from even outside the ring. The electrical surge was so powerful Leviathan could see his water type's bones.

"Hmph, Sheer Cold!" Leviathan uttered.

"What is that move...?" Lyra repeated.

Despite being hit with over ten thousand volts of electricity, Lapras turned its screams into pure determination as it widened its mouth with a cool breeze of icy mist releasing from it.

Gliscor despite using a super effective attack, was hit with a super effective attack from his opponent. An attack akin to Blizard came from the Transport Pokémon's mouth which completely engulfed it.

"G-Gliscor...!?" Lyra cried as her Pokémon fell to the ground being covered in snow which was slowly melting off.

"I-incredible, Lapras is taken out in just one hit! Well, what else could we expect from Contestant Leviathan!" The announcer exclaimed. "Contestant Lyra, please release one of your five Pokémon remaining!"

She couldn't believe it. Sure the attack was powerful as well as super effective, but it ended that fast, and not to mention all the while Gliscor was attacking Lapras with an electric type attack.

Lyra returned her Gliscor to its Pokéball. "Y-you did well but... wow, just one attack, and not even with his Zapdos."

Leviathan smiled. "Not to worry, Sheer Cold is a one-hit ko, if the attack lands, just about any Pokémon would be taken out instantly."

"Woah." Lyra said as she put away the Pokéball and grabbed another one. "I never knew that, not to worry, I've still got this!"

"Surprise me." Leviathan told her.

"Donphan! It's your turn!" Lyra yelled as she tossed her Pokéball. Out came a gray, elephant-like Pokémon with a thick, black band of hide running down the length of its back and extending to the tip of its long trunk. It had thin, elongated ears held out almost perpendicular to its body. Along with four short legs that were encircled with a broken, black band and three toes.

Like a trumpet the Donphan raised its nose into the air giving out a loud screech while raising its hind legs off the ground.

"...Another ground type?" Leviathan asked surprised.

"That's right, if Sheer Cold is an instant knock-out, then it doesn't really matter what type of Pokémon I can use!" Lyra yelled. Plus, I've got to be careful about Zapdos, I can't have him using it so early. She thought.

"I don't know what you're planning but it won't work!" Leviathan yelled. "Lapras, Hydro Pump!"

Lapras raised its mouth wide open as a gush of pressurized water released zooming through the air homing for Donphan.

"Use Rapid Spin to dodge!" Lyra screamed. Donphan listened and curled up into a ball with steam and sparks releasing from below him before it leaped into the air avoiding it.

With swift speed Donphan crashed into Lapras' face pushing the water type back.

Donphan uncurled and instinctively leaped back in place getting some distance between it and Lapras.

Leviathan gave a smirk. "Smart Pokémon, it's a good idea to make sure you're at all times as far as possible, considering my Lapras' move set."

"We're not going to be worrying about Lapras for much longer!" Lyra exclaimed. "Donphan, Rock Smash!"

"Trying to go for super effective damage, huh." Leviathan replied.

Donphan took one big leap once more. His trunk glowing with a red tint as he got closer and closer to its water type opponent.

"Sheer Cold, now!" Leviathan yelled.

Just what Lyra expected. Right as Lapras began to unleash the icy mist which any Pokémon was vulnerable to, Donphan smashed his trunk into the ring floor breaking up some piece of ground which blocked it.

What...? Leviathan thought stunned.

"Now, Rock Tomb!" Lyra yelled. Using the pieces of rock that had resurfaced from the earlier attack, three large and sizable pieces or rock in the shapes of stakes came out all above Lapras. Before it could even react the Pokémon was crushed along with a large smoke cloud.

"L-Lapras!?" Leviathan yelled stunned by the attack.

From the smoke and dust Donphan leaped back once again gaining some distance between it and its opponent.

"Phan, Phan!" It said with a confident tone.

Once the smoke cleared, underneath all the broken rock was a bruised, and beaten-up Pokémon who was clearly unconscious.

"...Lap..." It could barely even muster.

"Lapras is unable to battle!" The announcer cried. "Contestant Leviathan, please bring out your next Pokémon!"

"Very well, return Lapras, you did exactly as I needed you to." Leviathan said recalling his Pokémon before he looked back up towards Lyra and Donphan.

Lyra walked up to her Donphan and patted it on its face before returning her rival's gaze.

"That's a powerful Donphan you've acquired, already I'm impressed." Leviathan commended her.

"Thank you, hey, now that I think of it, that's technically the first Pokémon you've ever lost during a battle during your time here, aren't I right?" Lyra asked.

"Really, who'd of thought."

"Donphan, keep it up, you're doing fine!"

"Don!" Donphan said using its trunk to trumpet.

The battle was progressing to a reasonable start for both sides. Both down just one Pokémon. As the two continued their bickering, Ethan watched having just returned from dropping his Pokémon off with Garnet.

He looked at the big monitor and could see the scoreboard. Both were dead even in terms of Pokémon remaining.

"She's doing just fine..." Ethan said. He was watching from right beside the bottom bleachers when someone came from beside him.

"Hey buddy, congrats on the latest win." Someone said patting him on the back.

Ethan turned to see Kenneth and returned his smile. "Thanks man."

"How's it feel to be making it to the finals?"

"Hah! Well, I guess we'll just have to find out when the day comes tomorrow!"

Ethan dropped his smile and returned his eyes to the battle. Specifically Lyra and as he did without even realizing it his smile returned.

Kenneth took notice of this. "You don't seem too worried about her."

"Of course not, Lyra's strong, stronger than me, she's got this without a doubt!" Ethan said. "I have zero doubt she can't win this."

"Pffft, and what makes you say all that?" Kenneth asked.

"She's beaten me a million times, also, I... I don't know, it's just, when you have faith in someone, you have faith in someone." He tried to explain.

Kenneth looked Ethan in the eye before pulling back his face and nodding. "I think I see now, you like her, don't you?"

"Ugh, well, it's not always about that, Kenneth." Ethan said trying to deny it. "I just believe in my friend is all."

"Well look, it's continuing." Kenneth said pointing to the ring.

Ethan turned to see Leviathan grabbing another Great Ball before tossing it in the air.

With the red light ejecting from it out came a Pokémon Lyra instantly recognized. Landing on the ground was the six-limbed behemoth that was Machamp.

"Champ!" The fighting type yelled flexing both its arms. Lyra could see its veins pulsing from each arm.

She turned to Donphan once more. "Don't be intimidated by it, you've got this, you'll see!"

"You sure about that?" Leviathan taunted.

"Darn right I am!" Lyra yelled. "Donphan, Rapid Spin!"

Spinning across the battlefield like a top once more, Donphan quickly crossed the battlefield with steam and sparks behind it as it approached Machamp.

Machamp stood there in place, just waiting for his Trainer's command.

"Seismic Toss!" Leviathan ordered. Upon hearing the words Machamp widened its four arms as the elephant Pokémon got in close.

What happened next shocked Lyra as well as the rest of the audience, Machamp caught Donphan in between its arms struggling to keep the Pokémon who was mid rapid spin in his grasp.

Donphan didn't stop spinning, it moved still with remarkable speed trying to overpower Machamp's hold with pure strength and speed. Streaks of smoke emitted from their struggle.

"Amazing, Machamp's actually managed to catch Donphan, I've never seen anything like it, not when a Pokémon's using Rapid Spin!" The announcer exclaimed. "But will Donphan be able to overpower Machamp, or is it game over for the poor guy!?"

"You've got this Donphan, don't give in!" Lyra encouraged.

Donphan listened to his Trainer's cry and truly, truly tried to not disappoint her. Its Rapid Spin was powerful, and even able to push Machamp back by a bit, but the fighting type wasn't giving up, its clutch everlasting.

It spun so much it began to hurt, moving at over Mach speeds to be stopped in place. Its speed was dropping. Donphan's speed was dropping, in Machamp's grab, until...

Finally, Donphan was spinning no more, it uncurled from its ball and so Machamp still had it in its arms.

Donphan was a heavy Pokémon, easily over two-hundred pounds, but Machamp wasn't just a regular fighting type, with its four arms it could easily lift over a ton. With little to no difficulty Donphan was held over Machamp's back before being smashed into the ground.

"Donphan!?" Lyra screamed out.

Her Pokémon lied on the ground, still awake but damaged, it would take a slower Pokémon like it to get up giving Machamp the opportunity.

"Dynamic Punch!" Leviathan commanded.

Machamp gave an eager grin before following its Trainers command. The fighting type leaped into the air holding one arm before the other. Gaining momentum it started crash landing for its opponent with all its power building up in its fist.

With a great crash a huge smoke cloud gobbled the ring. Lyra couldn't see anything but she already knew it was over.

Still she was saddened. And as the smoke cleared she saw her defeated ground type who was without a doubt unable to continue.

The announcer took one good look at the fainted Pokémon and then raised the microphone to his mouth. "There we have it, Donphan is unable to battle, Contestant Lyra, your third Pokémon please."

Lyra sighed as she recalled her fainted Pokémon. "Bummer... Donphan, return, you tried your best, thanks."

She then looked back up towards Leviathan and Machamp. The two looked almost as inseparable as him and his Zapdos.

Leviathan crossed his arms. "That was for Lapras."

"That was for Lapras!?" Lyra repeated. "Didn't know you were much the vengeful type."

"...Who's next?" He asked.

Lyra reached into her bag. She had one Pokémon in mind. One which had the advantage over Machamp and she'd no doubt need if she wanted to take down the fighting type.

"Noctowl, you're up!" She yelled tossing her Pokéball into the air.

Releasing onto the battlefield came her Noctowl along with a loud squawk as it flew circles in the sky.

Machamp looked up watching its next opponent. Just seeing a flying type was bringing out the immense resolve in its eyes.

Watching from afar Ethan couldn't help but feel almost a nostalgic feeling from seeing the Pokémon. Something Kenneth noticed on his face.

"What's the matter with you?" He asked.

"Huh, oh, nothing, well, that Noctowl's really come a long way is all, I was there when she caught it." Ethan spoke before reminiscing.

….

She pulled out her Pokéball and threw it in the direction of the wild Pokémon. Out came her Marill, it was blue, round and adorable.

"Oh, so I was right, it is just your Marill!" Ethan laughed.

"Just shut up and watch!" She yelled at him. "Whoever the Pokémon is, it will be my first wild catch!"

Out from the rustling grass, came a feathered owl-like Pokémon. It was a Hoothoot, Lyra's eyes glistened at this.

"Awesome, alright Marill, let's do this!" She exclaimed excitedly.

"Marill!" Marill responded.

The Hoothoot looked angry, it must have been trying to get some sleep, and was awoke by the noise.

"Chika," Chikorita said, wanting to step in.

"Don't worry Chikorita, we'll get out opportunity to battle soon enough." He reassured his starter.

Hoothoot, came dashing at full speed, wings spread out as far as it could.

"Tackle huh, Marill dodge it accordingly, then use Aqua Tail.

Marill managed to dodge the foe's tackle, Hoothoot knocked itself on the ground hard.

Maril spun around after dodging the hit, a water like seal wrapped around its tail, with a swift turn, it smacked its tail into Hoothoot, launching it even farther back.

Hoothoot rolled over, recovering albeit slowly. It was clear it stood no chance in comparison to Lyra's Marill.

"Now Marill, bubble beam!" Lyra commanded.

Marill's bubble beam launched into Hoothoot making it crash back to the ground.

She's good, Ethan couldn't help but note.

"Now's the time you throw your Pokéball. We could damage it more, but this is good enough." Lyra made clear.

Hoothoot struggled to get back on its feet, it was clear Lyra had won this battle.

Lyra threw her Pokéball, it hit the Hoothoot on the head, and with that, the bird Pokémon was transferred inside the Pokéball.

"Woah, alright, hopefully it's not a dud." Ethan said.

"It's not, watch." Lyra said. Her eyes sparkling with excitement.

The Pokéball shook, filling the two kids with suspense.

"Come on, come on, come on." Ethan said,

The Pokéball stopped shaking; the ball had successfully caught the Hoothoot.

….

"Why are you holding that egg? And why is your face all scuffed up." She said, catching up to him.

"Why do you care." Ethan muttered under his breath.

"Alright, I get it if you want to be left alone, but you don't even want to challenge me to a Pokémon battle?" She asked, putting away her badge case.

"Not really." Ethan said, which surprised Chikorita.

"What are you scared? I promise I won't beat you as badly as last time." Lyra said, boasting.

"Whose being arrogant now?" Ethan said, snapping back at her.

"Come on, if I win you tell me what's up with egg! Just let me show you how effective that Sprout tower training can be!" She said, smiling.

Ethan faced Chikorita, she looked like she was ready for battle.

Ethan turned to face his rival. "Fine, let's do this then." Ethan said, ready to send in Chikorita.

Lyra chuckled, she pulled out a Pokéball, sending in a Noctowl.

Ethan was surprised, he was expecting her to send in Marill, and he also didn't expect her to already have evolved her Hoothoot.

"Noctowl!" Noctowl yelled, as it flapped its wings.

"N-Noctowl, let's check this thing out," he said, scanning it with his Pokédex.

"Noctowl, the Owl Pokémon. Its eyes are specially adapted. They concentrate even faint light and enable it to see in the dark."

"It evolved during my time in that tower. Now you're at an even bigger disadvantage." Lyra said.

Damn, this is bad, on top of having a type advantage, but Chikorita looks raring to go, I can't switch her out now. Ethan just knew.

"Alright, I'll begin, Noctowl, use Air Slash!" Lyra yelled.

Noctowl moved its wing at an extremely fast speed, sending a strike of air directly at Chikorita.

"Chikorita, dodge it, then weaken it with growl." Ethan said, not really sure of what to do.

Even though Chikorita had weakened Noctowl, it was still too much, it striked and hit Chikorita with quick attack.

"You okay Chikorita? Now quick return to me!" Ethan yelled. Chikorita wasn't expecting that command, but she obliged.

"Giving up?" Lyra asked, with the biggest grin on her face.

"Not a chance." Ethan said, reading a Pokéball.

He threw the Pokéball, unleashing his newly caught Mareep.

"Mareep!" Mareep said softly.

"An electric type, that would be better idea than fighting with Chikorita, but I don't think it'll do you any good here." Lyra announced, confident.

"Oh yeah, let's see then. Mareep use static!" Ethan said, gaining his old energy back.

Mareep simply looked at Ethan in confusion, Lyra began to laugh.

"Ethan, static is a hidden ability silly, it activates mid battle at random points." Lyra said. "But thanks for revealing it to me."

"Oh crap! I messed up!" Ethan said, face palming, almost dropping the egg before he caught it.

"Now Noctowl! We can't get close to that Mareep, so Air Slash! Let's go!" Lyra commanded.

Noctowl again threw another Air Slash, which crashed into Mareep sending it flying back.

"Mareep, no!" Ethan said. He gently put the egg on the ground next to Chikorita, and caught Mareep in midair, causing him to fall on his butt.

"Mareeeep!" Mareep said in his arms. "I know little guy, I know, you did great out there, now take a long rest." Ethan said, returning Mareep in its Pokéball.

"So hurry up and send in that Chikorita of yours already and get this over with!" Lyra said, while petting her Noctowl.

Ethan looked at Chikorita, she looked ready to continue, making Ethan smile.

"No thanks Lyra, you win." Ethan said, surprising Chikorita.

….

Ethan stopped thinking as he realized he was spacing out as the battle between Lyra and Leviathan continued.

"Noctowl, Aerial Ace!" Lyra yelled.

From the sky Noctowl's wing feathers sharpened as the Pokémon dived down with a trail of white light behind it just like when Togetic did it.

The sheer speed of it was fast, but nothing Machamp couldn't avoid. Machamp side stepped the attack just barely dodging it.

It felt like slow motion to Noctowl. As it passed Machamp its eyes were caught by its opponent's glare.

It hadn't even realized an attack had already been called. Machamp raised its arm in the air with its hand in the shape of a chop. It was suddenly enveloped in the energy of a dragon type before swinging its arm down.

Noctowl was struck in the face with Dual Chop; the attack sent Noctowl flying off nearly off the ring before it caught itself midair right in front of Lyra.

So strong...!? Lyra thought almost shocked.

"Now, Thunder Punch!" Leviathan yelled.

Machamp snickered with electricity covering its fist. The sparks of lightning so potent and bright it lit up the ring.

Noctowl could just feel the energy radiating it. If even hit once by the attack it was over for it.

Lyra didn't like it not one bit. It was then when Machamp began charging for Noctowl with the streak of lightning still gaining more and more power.

She was nearly speechless before screaming. "Go into the air with Aerial Ace!"

Noctowl was scared but listened to Lyra's order. It skyrocketed into the air with Machamp a second too late to land the blow.

The electricity dispelled as Machamp glanced into the air with Noctowl remaining in the view of the sun causing Machamp to loom away.

This was their chance. "Yes! Noctowl, Hypnosis!"

With its sharp glare from all the way in the sky, the nearly invisible beam hit Machamp from all the way down the hill with the Pokémon instantly feeling drowsy.

"Ma... Champ..." It cried beginning to stumble on its feet. It tried to remain awake it really did but the Hypnosis really did take its toll.

"Resist it!" Leviathan yelled but to no avail.

Machamp continued to try but its eyes were already closed. With a loud thud the Pokémon fell to the ground snoring loudly.

Lyra grinned. "Air Slash, now!"

Noctowl with swift speed waved one wing causing a shock wave which boomed down towards the ring. Machamp now asleep had zero chance of dodging and so was struck with the super effective damage causing the fighting type to scream out in pain now awake.

"Follow up with Aerial Ace once more!" Lyra cried.

Noctowl spread its wings as wide as it could once again lowering towards the ring at full speed with an aura of white light trailing behind it.

Machamp now standing had no time to move or dodge, only at best time to attack.

Leviathan recognized this. "Don't just stand there, Thunder Punch!"

The electricity which had just earlier covered Machamp's fist now covered it once again. Machamp raised its arm preparing to swing and take out Noctowl in one attack.

"Dodge!" Lyra shouted.

Noctowl listened moving a bit more upwards, avoiding the attack by lunging over Machamp's head with the Thunder Punch missing.

With a loop-d-loop, Noctowl came back and struck into the fighting type's back.

Machamp began to fall to the ground, the Thunder Punch attack still not put out. Falling to the ring the electricity emitting from the fist connected to the ground with it dispelling in many different directions.

One such strand of electricity managed to reach Noctowl's leg. It wasn't much but was able to cause the flying type to scream out before it began falling towards the ring.

What bad luck. Noctowl getting electrocuted was not part of the plan even in the slightest. "O-oh no, you've got to get up Noctowl, please!"

Noctowl was lying down just a few meters away from Machamp. It knew it had to get out of there and fast, its Trainer's plea only emphasized the need.

The flying type got back up using its wings to push itself off the ground, but as it tried to soar back into the sky it was caught.

It looked down to see one of Machamp's muscular arm grabbing it by a single talon. The fighting type was still lying on the ground but slowly getting back up.

"N-Noctowl...!?" It squealed frantically. The poor thing tried to shake Machamp off of it but to no avail.

Machamp was completely off of the floor still holding Noctowl and refusing to let go, now was the perfect opportunity to strike.

"Humph, Seismic Toss!" Leviathan said with an eager grin.

Upon hearing the command his Pokémon shared the same sentiment as him. With a great throw Machamp tossed Noctowl into the air as far as it could.

"...Holy, crap...!" Lyra screamed. Never before had she seen a Pokémon throw with such force. She could feel the intensity from the other side of the ring.

As Noctowl was thrown the Pokémon took it as its opportunity to leap into the air following it. The flying type was dropping from its flight when it felt the fighting type's presence right behind it.

Noctowl didn't dare turn its head around, even though it already knew what was behind it. Painfully enough, Machamp using its four arms grabbed Noctowl's body entirely, the normal type not having a chance to escape its grasp.

Both Pokémon were heading for the ground, smashing their heads into the ring with enough force could definitely mean a knockout for either side, and that was when Machamp pulled back from the upside down Noctowl to avoid the crash.

With a loud eruption of smoke, Noctowl crashed while Machamp landed to its feet.

"Thunder Punch and finish it!" Leviathan continued. Machamp listened, lunging once more for its opponent with electricity enveloping its fist.

Lyra couldn't see past the thick smoke, but she could hear her Pokémon's cry and the sound of crackling electricity, it was then when the smoke cleared.

Noctowl was down for the count. Machamp stood over it while flexing all four arms.

"Oof, what a knockout, well there you have it, there goes Noctowl!" The announcer exclaimed. "Contestant Lyra, you're fourth Pokémon."

As she recalled her Pokémon she couldn't help but feel her stress come back to her. She was on her fourth Pokémon while she hadn't even seen Leviathan's third. There needed to be a turn around and fast.

She reached into her bag, three Pokéballs, three Pokémon. She tried defeating Machamp with type advantage but perhaps it was time for a turnaround.

Lyra took out her next Pokéball before turning around looking towards the audience. She couldn't see him, but she wanted Ethan to see her, for what she was about to do next.

She turned back to her opponent and threw her Pokéball towards him. "You're up next boy!"

Out from the Pokéball with a loud howl along with flames came her Houndoom who was growling towards its much larger opponent.

"Purposely using a Pokémon with a disadvantage again I see." Leviathan commented.

"That's right." Lyra answered; She had to take this round. Machamp was damaged and she could tell it couldn't take very much more of this.

Besides, the fighting albeit trying to hide it was panting quite a bit. Plus, the sweat dripping down its face was quite noticeable.

"Houndoom, Flamethrower!" She began. Houndoom listened and widened its mouth sending out a stream of flames.

"Dodge it quick!" Leviathan yelled.

Machamp tried to move out of the way but the flames were too fast. The Superpower Pokémon had no other choice but to cover its face as it was engulfed by the attack.

"Follow up with Dark Pulse!" Lyra continued. Houndoom once more open its mouth firing the shadow-like beam of energy which smashed into the fighting type causing an explosion.

But from the very smoke it burst out leaping into the air with a Dynamic Punch prepared.

"Champ!" It was yelling.

Lyra couldn't believe it. How much stamina does this thing have...!?

"Dynamic Punch!" Leviathan continued.

Machamp gave a stern shout before leaping off the ground destroying the piece of tile below it. It leaped in the air forth for Houndoom.

"DODGE!" Lyra screamed petrified.

Houndoom was fast, but Machamp was too despite its fatigue. Remarkably the fighting type was able to smash the fire type in the face knocking it across the ring.

It must have rolled over all the way to the end of the ring before stopping, Lyra watched in horror as Houndoom only just got in the ring but was already hit with such a devasting attack.

Leviathan had a sad gleam in hie eye. "Not to sound too cocky, but you see how bad this for you. I'm only on my second Pokémon, and you're about to be on your fourth, no, fifth."

I expected more from you... He thought disappointingly.

"Who said Houndoom was out for the count?" She said with surprising confidence; she returned her focus to her Pokémon, who just now got up.

"Doom, Houndoom!" Houndoom yelled with a piercing cry. Machamp was shocked, after a hit like that how could it just get back up.

"Now, Rest!" Lyra cried.

With her shout, suddenly the dark fire type began to trip and stumble around, its eyes beginning to close.

"Ma-Machamp...?" It said confused as its opponent fell on its face asleep.

The announcer was at a loss for words. "Well, would you look at that, Houndoom's uh, asleep, wha, what kind of strategy could Contestant Lyra be utilizing...?"

Leviathan however was pleased to see this. "Rest huh, I see. You must be trying to restore all of Houndoom's lingering damage, well it won't work. You must be forgetting how long it takes for a Pokémon to awake after using it!"

"Oh really, then why don't you hurry up and attack if you don't want Houndoom to wake up?" Lyra asked.

"But of course, now Machamp, end Houndoom with one last Dynamic Punch!" He yelled.

Machamp cracked his knuckles before beginning to charge forth. Each step breaking the ground below, it sounded like a truck with how fast and heavy each step was.

It leaped into the air, Houndoom was still asleep, it was over, at least it seemed over until... Houndoom opened its eyes.

Steam came from its mouth and nostrils, it stood up with its posture showed no signs of fatigue or damage whatsoever. Machamp who was lunging forth was shocked to see how fast it had awaken.

"Now, Flamethrower!" Lyra exclaimed. Houndoom listened preparing a mouthful of flames which was hot enough to light up the ring.

Leviathan could hardly believe it, this round was supposed to be his yet he had to watch as Houndoom awoke fully healed landing another vicious Flamethrower which engulfed Machamp entirely in the air.

"CHAMP!" He could hear, the cry from his Pokémon.

"What a devastating hit, could that be the end for Machamp who's nearly beaten nearly all of Contestant Lyra's Pokémon so far!?" The announcer said with wonder.

Machamp, the Pokémon who had done so well during the battle being almost unbeatable was finally done for. From the sky the Superpower Pokémon fell on its back knocked unconscious.

"Houndooooooom!" The dog howled into the sky along with his victory.

"And there we have it, Contestant Leviathan, your third Pokémon if you will." The announcer told him as he recalled his Machamp.

Before he put the Great Ball he gave it one glance and smiled. "Not bad Machamp, in fact, you did very well, thank you."

He finally gave Lyra his gaze. "Houndoom awoke faster than I expected, it appears I underestimated it."

"Don't take it too hard." Lyra said trying not to sound too excited. In her mind however she had already planned for this to happen.

This is good, looks like he doesn't know about Houndoom's ability, Early Bird, it wakes up much faster from the move Rest than any ordinary Pokémon would... She thought.

Meanwhile in the audience, it was definitely a moment to celebrate for Professor Elm and the rest.

He sighed in relief and wiped some sweat off his face with his sleeve. "Thank goodness, I was almost starting to worry there for a second."

Eliza turned to Elm. "Settle down will you, Lyra's got this." As she said that though her husband to the right of her winced.

"I don't hon, she only has two Pokémon left after Houndoom, and we still can't count that Zapdos out." Allen said with all his pessimism.

"Well you don't know Lyra then, the only person who's going to beat her is Ethan." Eliza replied.

"Let's hope..." Allen muttered.

Far away from them, showing much more enthusiasm was Lance sitting by both Sullivan and Professor Oak.

He couldn't help but shed some praise after she took down Machamp who had given her so much trouble. "That's one Houndoom, with recovery time like that, it's practically invincible, it'll needed to be taken down in one shot before it can heal itself."

"You seem to be enjoying this." Professor Oak commented.

"Hah, of course, after all, there's a chance I'm going to be meeting with one of those fine Trainers on the ring sometime soon." Lance explained. "And judging from how the two battle, I may be in for a run for my money."

Sullivan looked over to the Champion with a dumbfound look. "Please, if you don't mind me saying, that girl doesn't have a chance against Leviathan, at least not when he pulls out you know what."

"Everyone thought that at first, hell, maybe even I did too." Lance admitted. "But every Trainer in this round has proven themselves, just because one Trainer has a Legendary doesn't mean we should count everyone out. Those who are strong can overcome anything, even Legendary Pokémon."

"Really, you actually believe that?" Sullivan asked.

"Hmph, why of course." Lance said. He then turned his attention back to the ring before getting an idea. "Sully, I've got an idea."

"Let me hear it." He replied.

"You seem to be so dead set that Leviathan's going to be the Trainer who battles me in the final round, so how about a bet." Lance said. "If Leviathan wins this battle like you so believe, then you know that spot in the Elite four you want, it's yours."

Sullivan nearly fell out of his seat. He couldn't believe it. "Y-YOU MEAN IT!?" He said standing up grabbing the Champion by both his shoulders.

Lance chuckled. "Sure, I'll do it, as long as you get your hands off of me." He said and so Sully instantly moved back sitting in his chair.

Professor Oak was amazed. "You'd actually bet something like that!?"

"Why not!? After all it is the champion who gets to appoint Elite four!" He laughed. "Plus, after Lorelai, we're in need of a new Elite fou-" Before he finished his sentence, he felt the presence of a mean stare.

He turned his head; standing way over to the left to the wall was the redhead in question with her arms crossed. Lance could just feel her intense hatred radiating from her.

Lance turned his head back not uttering a word. Sullivan on the other hand ignored her and gave a smug smile.

He chuckled softly. Looks like that spot in the Elite four is mine, ALL MINE! Sully thought rubbing his hands together.

Sullivan returned his attention back to the battle; Leviathan had just then thrown his next Pokéball which opened giving off a red light.

From said light came the silhouette of what looked like to Lyra a majestic being to say the least. It was when it was released from this light when she realized what it was.

The Pokémon in question was a fox-like, quadrupedal Pokémon covered in thick, luxurious golden-white fur. It had a small mane of thicker fur around its neck and a long, fluffy crest atop its head. More importantly, behind it was a set of long slender nine tails which resembled calm flames.

Its design was much calmer and more dignified compared to Houndoom's rough appearance.

"W-what Pokémon, is that?" Lyra asked not recognizing it. "I don't think I've ever seen nine tails quite like that."

"Ninetales." Leviathan answered. "The evolved form of the fire type, Vulpix."

The Ninetales eye's juxtaposed to its slender and sleek look. Lyra could see the fury just from looking in its eyes.

"What a clean-looking and well-groomed Ninetales, let's hope it can battle as well as it looks!" The announcer declared to the audience. "Well, it's one of Contestant Leviathan's Pokémon, so let's be real here, it definitely can fight."

"It won't be able to fight again once I'm done with it." Lyra claimed. "Alright then, Houndoom, use Dark Pulse!"

Houndoom snarled before widening its mouth. Deep inside Ninetales could see the dark energy which was beginning to form in a ball's shape.

Leviathan scoffed. "Flamethrower!"

Ninetales also opened its mouth, firing a set of flames which easily looked like they could've rivaled what Houndoom had fired earlier. Lyra could feel the intense heat radiating from it as it collided with the Dark Pulse causing both to implode on each other.

While Houndoom was waiting for the smoke to lessen, Ninetales was already in the air to which it hadn't even seen.

"Now, Iron Tail!" Leviathan screamed. Ninetales upon hearing this obliged. The Pokémon sped down to right in front of its opponent and with a swing struck the Pokémon with nine Iron Tails to the face.

"Houndoom!" Lyra screamed as Houndoom was sent flying back to her.

The hit was clearly a powerful one, but it didn't stop the dark type from recovering midair and landing back to its feet. It slid on the ring floor for a bit before stopping though.

"Err, that Iron Tail was strong!" Lyra remarked. "But that Flamethrower was pathetic, Houndoom, show Ninetales a real Flamethrower!"

"Please, by all means." Leviathan said with a snicker.

"Do it Houndoom!" She cried.

Houndoom followed, widening its mouth shooting out another wide array of flames which shined brighter than the one Ninetales had just used.

Ninetales simply stood there, and Leviathan didn't give any commands. They both just stood there as the fire engulfed the Fox Pokémon entirely.

The announcer couldn't believe his eyes at the intensity of the flames. "W-wow, what power-" Before he could finish he felt a warm feeling, he looked down, a small flame was on his pant leg.

"Gahhh, aieeeeee!" He screamed jumping back and forth as he patted his pants putting out the flames. This of course Lyra ignored.

Something was off here, in the midst of the aftermath of the flames, stood the Fox Pokémon. Almost as if nothing had happened. And to make matters worse it even looked stronger somehow.

"Tales... Tales..." It growled.

Both Lyra and Houndoom couldn't believe it. Sure fire type moves shouldn't be effective on Pokémon of the same attack but that still should've done a lot of damage.

Leviathan gave a snicker. "Why don't you try that again, perhaps a second time would do the trick."

Lyra could tell just by the way he said it something wasn't just off. It was then when she gained the realization.

I see, that was flash fire wasn't, tricky. She almost thought beginning to stress. That means Flamethrower's never going to work, I'm going to need to use some other moves.

"Fine then, Houndoom, let's show Ninetales OUR Iron Tail!" She yelled, finally revealing Houndoom's fourth and final move.

Houndoom leaped forth, its' skinny tail gave off a shiny glow of course being from the property of steel.

"That's nothing, Ninetales, show it just how much stronger are Iron Tail really is." Leviathan commanded. As he spoke the Fox Pokémon listened and brang forth four of its tails. It looked into the air for the approaching dark type who was coming in close.

Houndoom landed right before the Ninetales, both their tails containing within it the power of steel as they threw them towards the other causing a mini shockwave from the combined intensities.

"What power!" The announcer cried.

Despite Houndoom's powerful Iron Tail which was easily stronger than the one Ninetales had used earlier it was different now. With only five of its' nine tails the fox was able to overpower Houndoom sending it flying backwards once more to Lyra.

"Houndooooom...!" Lyra's fire type whimpered as it landed on the floor almost utterly defeated. Lyra could hardly believe it, how could Houndoom be so out of its league here.

"Oh no! Boy, are you okay!?" Lyra said as she went on her knees to her Pokémon. Houndoom was still awake and still breathing albeit while dangerously fatigued and hurt. The Pokémon couldn't stop breathing so heavily and had scuff marks everywhere.

She looked back up to Ninetales who was in almost flawless condition. At the moment it was scratching its head with its leg as well as licking its tail clean.

This isn't making any sense, how did Ninetales get so much stronger all of a sudden? Its earlier attacks weren't anything like this; especially that Iron Tail, earlier it used all nine tails compared to the five just now, and the earlier usage wasn't anything like this one...? She wondered before she gained a newfound realization.

Ninetale's ability Flash Fire. It was the only explanation. Perhaps not only did Ninetales resist fire type attacks but it also it empowered him. That explained why the Iron Tail was so powerful.

"I figured it out." Lyra spoke aloud.

"Did you now, well, then you must know that your Houndoom is in trouble, it can't possibly win this." Leviathan said smugly.

"Heh, that so?" Lyra said. She looked down once more, Houndoom was slowly getting up from the floor which was the opposite of what she needed. "Don't boy, Rest!"

With her command Houndoom fell to the floor back to sleep once again. With the ability of Early Bird all Leviathan could do was watch as the dark type recovered from the damage almost instantaneously.

"Hound... DOOOOOM!" The Pokémon howled with a stern shout, all of a sudden awaking with a fire ranging within it along with another stream of steam from its nostrils.

"Amazing! Once again Houndoom is fully healed in no time thanks to Rest, truly with recovery-time like that, Houndoom is practically undefeatable!" The announcer cried.

Lyra smiled as she shook her head. I wish that were true, Houndoom, undefeatable. But he can't use Rest that many times within a battle, and if hit hard enough he could be taken out in one hit, but that doesn't matter now, we've got to win this.

"I'm getting fed up with that move, Ninetales, Disable!" Leviathan demanded of his Pokémon.

From within Ninetale's eye, an almost intangible beam fired, one although painless would have drastic consequences if the hit landed. And unfortunately so was the case, Houndoom was hit by the beam.

But something was... off, to Houndoom, it did zero damage, and yet something was still wrong.

"H-Houndoom?" It asked turning to its Trainer who knew what just happened. She hadn't looked to her Pokémon as he glare was locked with her opponent's.

Leviathan gave a smile. "That's right, Disable, your Houndoom won't be able to heal itself for a while, and in that time, Ninetales will be able to take it out." He claimed.

Even with the bad news Lyra didn't feel any distress whatsoever, she simply returned his cocky smile. "Good. We weren't going to be needing it anyways."

"Oh yeah?" Leviathan said. "Alright Ninetales, use Dig!"

Ninetales nodded before leaping into the air only so giving multiple swipes of its paws towards the tiles of the ring. Despite being made from steel itself the tiles quickly gave in breaking into rubble under its swipes.

"Hey, what does it think it's doing!?" The announcer cried to the needless destruction to which both opposing Trainer's ignored.

Ninetales had dug completely into the ground kicking up a bit of dust and rubble before where it previously stood. But right now most importantly the Pokémon was completely underground.

A ground type move. If it landed it would surely do a number on Houndoom which Lyra couldn't afford.

"Houndoom, don't let Ninetales touch you, try and stay alert!" She pleaded to her Pokémon who looked around, trying its best to track the movements of the opponent Pokémon. It looked from side to side towards the ring ground. Not only that, but Houndoom also tried to hear. After all most Pokémon's hearing was much more advanced than any human could dream of, but still, Ninetales was proficient enough to be almost completely silent.

It only gave away its presence when it needed to. When the ground below Houndoom began to shake, Houndoom knew.

The dark type leaped back only by a meter or two but it was enough to put some distance between it and Ninetales as the Fox Pokémon erupted through the ground kicking up lots of rubble.

The two fire types felt still in time as for a brief moment before either of their Trainer's could call out a move; before either of their Trainers could. And before even a second passed. Time stood still. Utterly still as the two gazed at each other with shock on Ninetale's face and determination on the others.

Without their Trainer's permission the two fired off their finest attacks. Houndoom widening its mouth firing a grand Dark Pulse with Ninetales returning the favor with its own powered-up Flamethrower. The two attacks collided engulfing both Pokémon in a shroud of smoke along with a dust cloud.

Lyra and Leviathan both looked away from it from afar. And once they looked back, two unconscious Pokémon.

Both Ninetales and Houndoom were out for the count to no surprise.

The announcer took one good look before raising the microphone to his mouth. "And there we have it, Houndoom and Ninetales are no more! Both Contestants, your next Pokémon!"

"That was incredible." Leviathan said raising his Pokéball as he recalled his fallen.

"You too Houndoom, that goes for you to." Lyra said doing the same.

Leviathan then pulled out his next Pokéball, or rather a Great Ball. He looked up towards Lyra. "Two Pokémon left, meanwhile I have three."

"Yes, I can read the scoreboard you know, it's on the monitor." Lyra said ending his boast.

"Oh my, sorry, I didn't mean to sound so domineering. You know, not so long ago I was almost beginning to believe you had no chance of defeating me." Leviathan said before facepalming. "Okay, maybe now I sound domineering."

"Just get to the point, Leviathan." Lyra replied with one hand on her hip.

Leviathan lowered his hand. "You've proven that you've still got a shot at winning this when I otherwise thought it was impossible, but then again... I also have got a chance, and I don't intend on losing when I've came so far."

"Same here, so what now?" Lyra replied.

"So... we both know our next Pokémon, do you want to reveal your first, or myself?" Leviathan asked.

"Ooh, what a gentleman." Lyra laughed. "Well, we could go at the same time, but since you're offering, go ahead."

Leviathan smirked and tossed his Great Ball from one hand to the next. "Absolutely, I hope you have another fire or dark type." He dropped his smirk and threw the ball.

The Great Ball open and released and revealed a Pokémon Lyra had never seen before. It was... a palm tree, at least it was upon the first look. It was a tall, bipedal creature resembling a tree, its body and legs were a light brown with thin black rings and its legs were thick with two-toed feet. It had thin, green leaves sprouting from the top of its body. Along with three round, light yellow heads that resembled something akin to coconuts, each with different facial expressions.

The one in the middle though, was clear the one in control, the only one doing the talking. "Exeggutor, Exeggutor!" It cried dancing from one foot to the other.

Lyra was almost dumbfounded by such a silly-looking and derpy Pokémon. Why are the Kanto Pokémon so much lamer than the Johto ones... she thought.

"Would you look at that, an Exeggutor!" The announcer cried. "Contestant Leviathan's fourth Pokémon, an Exeggutor!"

"Um, okay, that thing's definitely... a grass type?" Lyra asked. "Come to think of it, you said I'd better have a fire or dark type... then could it also be..."

She took another good look at Exeggutor trying her best to get a good read of it.

"Hmm... definitely not a ghost type, is that thing a psychic type?" She asked.

"I guess you'll just have to find out." Leviathan told her with a nod.

Lyra smiled. Two Pokémon left. One of which, her best, a dark type. She reached into her bag and hovered her hand over the two Pokéballs before looking back up towards Exeggutor.

The tree was staring into her eyes, one of its faces was. The other two were almost in their own little world.

A fire type would be perfect right now, but I don't have another one... Lyra thought "I've got one dark type left but... no, not now..."

She touched one Pokéball and pulled it out from her bag with all her resolve evident on her face. "Go on, you're next!"

Out from the Pokéball came her one and only water type, the first Pokémon she was ever given. Her Mouse Pokémon landed to the ring ground before forming its battle stance, well, the best battle stance a little rodent could muster.

Azumarill it is. Lyra thought before speaking up to her Pokémon. "Azumarill, you've been with me since the beginning, we've got this! We're going to end this in one hit!"

"Azu Azu!" Azumarill said with a smile and a nod before turning to face the much larger Exeggutor. The grass and psychic type began to laugh, well, one of the faces did, from just seeing Lyra's latest choice in Pokémon.

"...That was the first-ever Pokémon of Lyra's I've ever witnessed battle, the one that enthralled me so." Leviathan said quietly only for himself to hear. "Not a laughing matter, Exeggutor, even with a type advantage."

As Lyra had thrown her Pokémon, Leviathan wasn't the only one enthralled. From afar Ethan watched completely glued to the battle at hand.

"Using Azumarill against an Exeggutor, hmm... she hasn't really been caring about type advantage this whole time." Kenneth said looking to Ethan beside him. "Kind of reminds me of another Johto Trainer."

Ethan looked to Kenneth losing his focus on the ring. "What, me? I mean, she doesn't usually battle like this."

"I'm thinking you've really done a number on her, as far as inspiration goes, maybe she likes you more than I thought." Kenneth said elbowing Ethan who didn't take it too seriously.

"I wouldn't say all that, Azumarill's really strong, well, you'll see anyway." Ethan told him.

He turned his eyes back to the ring focusing his attention back to the water type. And come to think of it, Azumarill was the first Pokémon me and Meganium ever fought, back as a Marill and Chikorita.

….

"Good job, Marill, you're amazing." Lyra said, kneeling to pet her Pokémon.

"Hey, so what do you say we have that battle you were talking about earlier." Ethan suggested.

"Chika Chika!" Chikorita jolly fully remarked.

"No way, you only just got it. Don't forget, I've had this Marill ever since I was a little kid. Type advantage alone won't be enough for you to pull a win here." Lyra explained to Ethan.

"It's not just type advantage, me and Chikorita are partners, this is the next step to becoming a Pokémon Master," Ethan replied.

"Well fine, you're on, maybe humbling you wouldn't be so bad, would it now?" Lyra said, Marill once again got ready to battle.

"Marill huh," Ethan said, preparing his Pokéball to scan Marill down.

"Marill, the Aqua Mouse Pokémon. The tip of its tail, which contains oil that is lighter than water, lets it swim without drowning." Scanned Ethan's Pokédex.

"Cool, what is that thing?" Lyra asked, in awe.

"Don't worry about it, you should be concerned over what nearest Pokémon center is there." Ethan said, confident in his Chikorita's abilities.

"Just drop that stupid smirk from your face Ethan. You always acted like you were the best in class, that you were the upcoming champion. But then you go and flunk the graduation." Lyra said, cracking down on him. "You act like you're Mr. Big Shot, when you're really nothing, nothing compared to that dad of yours."

Ethan didn't expect her to go that far, even Chikorita was angered now.

"You shouldn't have said that." Ethan said, not playing around. "Alright Chikorita! Let's win this, start with tackle!"

Chikorita charged with all her might towards Marill, it was enough to surprise both Marill and even Lyra.

"Marill! Use quick attack and strike first!" Lyra commanded.

In a quick blitz, Marill out sped Chikorita, striking the Leaf Pokémon first, causing her to be knocked back.

"Chikorita, use razor leaf and strike Marill down!" Ethan yelled.

Chikorita swung its long leaf, sending tons of miniature blades of leaves towards Marill. Fortunately, Marill was able to dodge it, even without Lyra's command.

"Now, Marill, bubble beam, quick!" Lyra said.

Although it wasn't very effective, the level gap between Chikorita and Marill was clear, and Chikorita was easily strike with the bubbles. It took a while for Chikorita to recover after that last hit, but it was still prepared to continue.

"You okay, Chikorita? If you are, use tackle once again." Ethan told it.

Chikorita charged once again, trying to land a hit on the foe's Marill.

"Alright, I don't want to hurt your Chikorita too badly after all, it is on its last legs. So, we'll end this gently. Marill, time for attract!"

Marill blushed and winked towards Chikorita, sending real sized pink hearts towards it. However, the hearts barely even scuffed dirt on the charging Chikorita. Chikorita, ran past this, and slammed Marill down with a tackle.

"Oh man! I had no clue Chikorita was a girl!?" Lyra said surprised.

Wow, Chikorita's really a girl, and I had no idea? Ethan realized.

"Chikorita! Now use Solar Beam, t-that is a move you know right." Ethan asked hoping for the best.

Chikorita stopped in motion, she had no clue what kind of move her trainer was talking about, so instead she randomly used Poison Powder, which sent a gas that almost hit Marill, but Marill managed to dodge in time.

"Marill, now finish her with quick attack, once again. Marill used her swift speed to dance around the Chikorita, who couldn't keep up, although Marill was much less of a heavy hitter, she was much faster.

And boom, Marill dashed once again into Chikorita, sending her flying back. And just like that, Chikorita was defeated.

….

Ethan stopped his reminiscing as he realized the battle was just now beginning with Leviathan calling for the first attack.

It was just like Meganium's Ethan noticed. A large beam of solar energy blasting across the ring towards the water type who managed to dodge.

"Azumarill's movements are quick, she's got this." Ethan said under his breath.

But then was what surprised Ethan most, Azumarill leaped into the air reaching insane heights. So high he could hardly believe what he had seen.

"Incredible..." He mumbled.

From what he could see Exeggutor was charging another Solar Beam, he took his eyes off the ring and onto the big monitor, and yup, indeed in front of the grass type was another ball of solar energy.

Before the beam could fire into the sky however Azumarill landed in front of Exeggutor and Exeggutor had stopped charging the beam, for almost too long. Both the Pokémon stood in the ring with neither even moving.

"Hey, what happened...?" Kenneth asked to Ethan. "Why are neither Pokémon doing anything, why'd Exeggutor stop using the Solar Beam."

"Yeah... that's?" Ethan said before getting the sudden recollection.

…. "Alright, I don't want to hurt your Chikorita too badly after all, it is on its last legs. So, we'll end this gently. Marill, time for attract!"

Marill blushed and winked towards Chikorita, sending real sized pink hearts towards it. However, the hearts barely even scuffed dirt on the charging Chikorita. Chikorita, ran past this, and slammed Marill down with a tackle.

"Oh man! I had no clue Chikorita was a girl!?" Lyra said surprised.

….

Along with this memory he couldn't get the Gym leader Whitney out of his mind. Whenever he thought of the very move, he always thought about her.

"Attract!" Ethan exclaimed happily. "That's right, it's Attract!"

Indeed he was right, Exeggutor was completely heads over heels for the little mouse Pokémon. Hearts could practically be seen on its front facing face as the Pokémon jumped back and forth saying its name all sing-song like.

"Exegg...utor...!" The Pokémon sang aloud, almost as if it was trying to serenade Azumarill who wasn't having any of it.

Leviathan couldn't believe what he was seeing before he got the realization. "Great, Attract I see. So, Azumarill's a girl."

"Yeah, Attract, guess you didn't realize when Azumarill used it." Lyra commented. She took one good look at Exeggutor and it was completely infatuated with Azumarill. Well at least one of its faces were.

"We're safe for a knockout!" Lyra yelled. "Azumarill, Ice Punch now!"

Azumarill raised its fist which began to surround itself with sub-zero temperatures. With a great leap off the floor the water type lunged forward.

Exeggutor's frontmost face was still infatuated, without even a doubt, but the other faces... no, Attract only worked on the primary head.

"Solar Beam now!" Leviathan yelled.

What...!? Lyra, shocked.

Suddenly, the left and right faces, the one Lyra felt looked rather silly turned towards Azumarill completely uninterested in the Pokémon unlike the middle face.

"Exegg..." The left face groaned.

"Tor..." The right face finished.

Both Pokémon open their mouths and quickly a ball from the sun formed quickly firing. After all Exeggutor had already been charged by its middle face.

The beam was disconnected before the two Solar Beam's met aiming straight for Azumarill who shocked midair was.

"AZUMARILL!" Lyra screamed.

What happened next amazed both Trainers watching. Maybe it was the green light from the Solar Beam shining on Azumarill's face but the little water type knew she couldn't afford to get hit. Azumarill flipped midair with the frost from the Ice Punch somehow freezing parts of the beam before it instantaneously melted.

"Exeggutor!?" The left face cried.

"...Tor!?" The right face muttered scared.

Azumarill rolled its body now front facing Exeggutor just barely above the Solar Beam which dissipated. Her right fist still surrounded by frost.

Juxtaposed to the right and the left, the middle face embraced with Azumarill with a kiss, or at least a kiss to Azumarill's fist as it was punched in its' face with a direct hit from Ice Punch.

Exeggutor fell on its back; that was it. The Coconut Pokémon's three faces were all knocked out along with tiny broken icicles.

"Exegg..." The left face groaned unconsciously.

"Uuu..." The right one also.

"Torrr..." The middle face lastly finished.

Leviathan gave a soft chuckle and raised his Great Ball as he recalled his Pokémon. "That certainly was a... interesting way to lose."

Lyra smiled as Azumarill came back to her. The girl kneeled down and gave her Pokémon a kiss on the forehead. "M...wa! That was amazing, just two more Pokémon left, now me and him are on an even playing field!"

"Azu, Azumarill!" Azumarill cried happily as Lyra got up from her knees.

"Well... we're still not on an even playing field. Cause although we have the same amount of Pokémon... Azumarill, you're stronger than any Pokémon he has!"

Leviathan smiled as he grabbed his next Pokéball from his belt. Lyra took notice that this next one wasn't just another Great Ball or Pokéball it was an Ultra Ball.

She tensed up, dropping her enthusiasm, could Leviathan be using his ace in the hole already? After all Zapdos did have a type advantage over Azumarill as well as its legendary status.

"Using it already?" Lyra asked.

"Using what?" Leviathan asked acting ignorant. He brang his arm back and tossed the Ultra Ball. And what came out next Lyra hadn't expected.

If Exeggutor was a tree in size compared to Azumarill then this next one was a tower. Just its first step onto the stage alone was enough to bounce Azumarill slightly above off her feat. Azumarill looked up to her opponent. While she had fought many Pokémon bigger than her very rarely were opponents of this size.

The Pokémon was large, bipedal and blue with somewhat distinct reptilian features. Its body was encased with extremely hard scales that were clearly for the sake of protection. It had a blunt snout, narrow brown eyes, and large ears with brown insides. There was a small horn on its forehead, a single spine on each ear, and a line of clearly toxic spikes running down the length of its back.

Lyra could have sworn she'd seen the Pokémon before. With its rugged and towering appearance. "That's a Nidoking, isn't it?"

Leviathan raised one finger and shook it. "Not quite, this right here is Nidoqueen, and as the name implies, thanks to her gender Azumarill's Attract will be useless here."

The Nidoqueen opened its mouth and gave a loud shriek, one so loud it was able to push back Azumarill before she stopped herself from going any further.

Azumarill looked back towards her Trainer who gave her a reassuring smile. "Your strong girl, I promise you are, we can do this."

The announcer couldn't help but comment on the difference between the two Pokémon. "This is it, both Trainer's second to last Pokémon, let's see how this will play out, especially considering the... sizes, in both Trainer's choices of Pokémon."

"Let's finish this in one blow, Nidoqueen, Poison Sting." Leviathan said.

The big horn on Nidoking's glew with a venomous tint as the Nidoking leaped and lunged forth, each step enough to shake the ring below.

"Bounce!" Lyra yelled. Azumarill quickly followed by jumping from the ground way into the sky dodging the attack. Nidoqueen before it could run off the stage and turned its head up into the sky watching its opponent from afar.

"Toxic!" Leviathan continued. Nidoking obliged and from its mouth fired the two doses of the attack from its mouth at high speeds. The poison boomed through the air almost like two bullets.

"Dodge it!" Lyra screamed.

From midair the bullet-like Toxic was getting in close. Azumarill watched from above as the attack got closer before she spin flipped dodging the first and rolled midair dodging the second. After that she began to speed down towards the ring, towards her opponent.

"Aqua Tail!" Lyra yelled.

Azumarill was about five meters above Nidoqueen before she spun revealing her tail which had a veil of water forming around it.

A direct hit, Azumarill smashed Nidoqueen over her head landing the Super effective attacking causing the Drill Pokémon to give a loud shriek of pain.

"Follow up with Ice Punch!" Lyra continued.

"Oh no you won't, not another Super effective attack!" Leviathan declared. "Nidoqueen, Thunderbolt!"

As the Aqua Rabit Pokémon was getting in close with the fistful of frost, Nidoqueen's blood began to boil along with the sudden surge of electricity.

The strike from Ice Punch failed to land before Azumarill was blasted with the direct hit from Thunderbolt. From that Azumarill fell to the ground before Nidoqueen.

"Azumarill no!" Lyra screamed. Her precious Pokémon was lying in front of the monster that was Nidoqueen, being hit with an attack such as that.

"A direct-hit from Thunderbolt!" The announcer cried. "That's means just about defeat for any water type, will it be different for Azumarill!?"

The Aqua Rabit was hurt bad, lying down on the floor with burns everywhere, her eyes barely open.

Lyra couldn't bear to see Azumarill get hit from an attack like that, after all she had the advantage here, she had to win this. "Azumarill, please get up, remember what I said, we can win this, you and me together girl!"

"Wouldn't that be nice." Leviathan said before yelling. "Alright, it's down, now end it with Superpower!"

"Superpower!?" Lyra repeated. Not good. She thought.

Nidoqueen took one quick look at Azumarill. Still down, still with no chance of winning this, Nidoqueen raised her fist, all the power stored in their for one, swift, yet powerful punch.

It swung its fist down, the intensity could be felt in the heavy passage of air which passed through like a shock wave. Azumarill was still down... until.

The rabbit's eyes open before she brang up her feet smacking it to the ground. Using just the slightest momentum the Pokémon sprang through the air horizontally only before falling back down from the sheer impact of Nidoqueen's fist landing upon the ground, it felt like the whole ring shook along with that punch.

Everyone in the ring, Lyra, Leviathan, the announcer, everyone felt that punch. Thankfully, Azumarill managed to avoid the attack, but there was no doubt an attack like that would have meant more than just a knockout.

"Whew..." Lyra said as she wiped some sweat off her face. Not wanting to take her eyes off the ring for too long she retuned her focus to the battle. Azumarill stood on the opposite side of the ring twenty feet apart from her much larger adversary.

She managed to get up from that Thunderbolt!? Well, attacks are at their strongest when they're used by Pokémon of the very type, but still... this' got to end quickly. Lyra assessed.

Azumarill was panting and shaking and it was clear she couldn't take much more of this but even then Lyra knew she could still win this one.

Something caught her eye, the small pools of poison on the ground from the toxin from earlier. It was clearly frozen, both of them in fact. Perhaps from just the presence of Ice Punch from earlier?

That's it!? Lyra thought. Before she could finish her trail of thought she had to get her act together as Leviathan called an attack.

"Toxic once more!" He cried. And there it was, the mix of venom and saliva which came hurling from the Drill Pokémon's mouth.

"Ice Punch!" Lyra screamed just in time.

Azumarill listened, leaping forth like the acrobatic rabbit she was. Quickly dodging under the Toxic, the poison instantaneously freezing from the cold of her fist.

"What!?" Leviathan shouted.

"Nido!" Nidoqueen cried being smashed across the face with the attack. Chunks of ice came from Azumarill's fist after she landed the blow. Azumarill fell back to the ring ground as she watched Nidoqueen stagger.

The ground type however showed no signs of giving in. The same determination she walked in with had returned full front as she tried to plunge her horn into Azumarill, that of course being Poison Sting.

"DODGE!" Lyra screamed.

Azumarill ducked her head and fell to her knees, the venomous horn just barely passing above her head.

"HYDRO PUMP!" Lyra screamed.

For Nidoqueen it almost felt unreal. Azumarill widened her mouth and from it came a stream of pressurized water like a broken fire hydrant which landed a direct hit on Nidoqueen forcing her to fall on her back completely drenched.

Azumarill stood over her knocked out foe victorious. The announcer came by her side and took one good look at Nidoqueen.

"T-that was, a knockout..." He said to himself before raising the mic to his mouth. "And in a stunning turn of events, Azumarill managed to pull out the victory! Meaning Contestant Leviathan!" He said pointing towards the man. "This means you're on your final Pokémon!"

Not only for Nidoqueen but for the rest of the audience, and perhaps even Lyra herself, it felt unreal. She went into the battle not having any belief in herself, to being the one with two Pokémon to her opponent's one.

But now was different. She already knew the man's final Pokémon was. Everyone in the audience knew. And she knew on paper from this point on victory was impossible. But someone's words were stuck in her mind.

….

"I just wanted to say... good luck out there, and remember, Leviathan isn't the guy I want to battle, you are. So, you'd better win, okay?"

….

I've got just the same chance as winning this as him, thanks, Ethan, for telling me that. Lyra thought turning her head back. She couldn't see him but wherever he was, she was thankful for him.

She returned her focus to Leviathan who recalled his Nidoqueen without so much as looking at the Ultra Ball. "A fine job you did, now rest." He said as he placed it back on his holster.

The man slowly reached to the only other Ultra Ball he had in his belt. Lyra truly felt every second of anticipation as he pulled it out and raised it.

Before he could throw the ball he focused his leer on her. Giving a slight smile before dropping it. "So, here we are."

"Yeah, here we are." Lyra replied with a slight laugh.

"I thank you, this is probably one of the most engaging battles I've had... not just since my time here in the Indigo league began, but perhaps in years, and years to come for that matter as well I'm sure." Leviathan praised. "When I came into the ring, I fully expected this battle would be one I had to put my all in if I wanted to win, and surely enough, I was right."

"Thanks Leviathan, and, if I'm to be honest... I didn't know how well I'd do, and, I even maybe doubted myself." Lyra admitted. "But, now I can stand here and say, no matter who wins this, I'll have no regrets, and neither will you I assume, right?"

"Right." Leviathan agreed. "So, if you don't mind, I'm going to reveal my final Pokémon now." He joked.

Lyra giggled. "Sure, go ahead."

"Hmph, alright, Zapdos! Guide me across the rest of this battle!" Leviathan expressed as he pressed the button on the ball. With that simple touch, the light began to emit from it like a bright UV light.

The light was of course as bright and nearly blinding as ever. Mostly every sane person in the audience looked away as staring at that light for too long could definitely put someone's eyes out.

Lyra, Leviathan, and the announcer all had to look away, but upon looking back, the silhouette of the Pokémon of legend sprang with both wings spread soaring into the air along with a coat of seamless electricity, its true body unable to be seen along with that and its mystical golden aura.

The girl in the ring looked into the sky. To her surprise black clouds had formed with in the center most of the electricity emanating from it. That being where Zapdos was residing. In a sudden thunder cloud in the sky.

Both Leviathan, and Lyra looked up into the deep black cloud. Electricity crackling, thunder booming. Until finally, with a bolt of lightning that managed to reach the middle of the ring, Zapdos appeared, standing in the middle of the ring outside of its silhouettes and coat of aura.

Lyra could see what appeared to be anger, or intensity, or ferocity on its face. The Legendary was breathing heavily before it opened its mouth and gave a haunting cry.

"KYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" The Legendary shrieked. The scream being so powerful Azumarill found herself off the ring floor and into Lyra's arms. The girl fell out of the ring along with her Pokémon who she held.

She fell on her bottom before looking to Azumarill who sat on top of her legs. Azumarill wasn't damaged but clearly terrified and who could blame her.

"Azu, Azumarill!" She uttered turning to her Trainer and hugging her.

The announcer looked at the sight, it wasn't a knockout, but Lyra would have to want for her water type to die if she threw it against that thing. He turned his attention back to Zapdos who in turn didn't take its gaze off anyone but its opponent. "Once more another amazing entrance from the Legendary itself! Not so long ago, Contestant Leviathan originally dazzled us with its first showing of the mighty Zapdos, and even so many rounds, it never fails to amaze us!"

The audience while excited didn't turn to screams and chants like before. Although it was undeniable seeing a Legendary Pokémon so front and center was amazing, Lyra was the only person ever to take Leviathan to this length, she had to do something to win this somehow.

In particular, of the audience, the group of Elm, Eliza, had their full faith in Lyra... as for some others.

"Nope." Allen muttered getting the attention of both his wife and the professor.

"What do you mean, haven't you grown some faith in Lyra since she managed to take the guy so far?" Eliza asked grabbing her husband's arm.

He looked at her and smirked. "That may be true, but it wasn't like the other five in Leviathan's Pokéballs were Legendary! Now that Zapdos is here, Lyra's done for, I'm sorry but that's just how I feel."

"Then how will you feel when Ethan will have to battle him?" Eliza asked letting go of his arm.

"I guess we'll just have to see when the time comes." Allen answered. "I mean, I have more faith in my son of course, maybe that's why but..."

Elm looked at him. "Enough about Ethan, this is Lyra's battle, and she's made it so far, Allen, you didn't get to see her battle with Ethan before, now you're going to see what she's really capable of."

"Whatever you say, remember, just cause I know Leviathan's going to win doesn't mean I don't want Lyra winning." Allen explained.

"Heh, know..." Elm repeated before taking his eyes off him and back to the battle.

Eliza raised the megaphone to her mouth and gave cheer. "LYRA! YOU'VE GOT THIS HONEY!"

Elm after was handed it and cheered as well. "WE KNOW YOU CAN DO IT, BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!"

And not just them, Lance, Sullivan, and Oak were also conversating.

"There it is, the one we've all been waiting for, Zapdos." Sullivan said before looking over to the Champion beside him. The only Pokémon in the entire league that could possibly best Lance.

Lance felt Sulivan looking at him and returned his gaze. "What's the matter?"

"Nothing it's just, the moment we've all been waiting for." Sullivan said. "The grand finale."

"Yes, I'm aware." Lance answered.

"You remember our deal, right?" Sullivan asked. The excitement underneath his calm demeanor was as clear as day.

Lance nodded his head. "Of course, I would never tell a lie."

Oak chimed in. "Then that means you'll have to let ol' Sullivan be an Elite four, you think the Indigo plateau is ready for that?"

"If Leviathan wins, then absolutely. Besides, I've watched some recordings of Sully's battles back during the Battle Frontier, oh what was it... five, maybe six years ago, he's strong, you're strong." Lance said looking back to Sully who could no longer hide his smile.

"Then looks like the Indigo league will have to make way for me!" Sully said sitting back in his chair with both hands behind his head relaxingly.

Lance snickered. "Don't make me repeat myself; those who are strong can overcome any challenge, Lyra's got just the same chance of winning this as he does."

"You say that and yet, we still haven't seen her final Pokémon left!" Sullivan laughed. "Or don't tell me you think that sorry Azumarill has a ghost of a chance at defeating ZAPDOS, that'd be the day!"

Lance sighed and took his eyes back to the battle. He returned his gaze towards Zapdos and Leviathan, but more importantly Lyra who grasped a Pokéball in her hand.

From not so far from them, Ethan and Kenneth. Kenneth watched in awe of Zapdos who never ceased to amaze him.

Kenneth pat Ethan on the shoulder getting his attention. "Hey, what're you thinking, does Lyra have a shot here?"

"You know what I think." Ethan answered. "Sure, Zapdos is tough but, I'm tired of everyone... and I'm tired of you overhyping him."

"Oh come on, sure you said she's beaten you a million times and all, and you're strong but, Leviathan is a different animal."

Ethan chuckled. "A different animal, you haven't seen Lyra's final Pokémon yet."

"Please, and what could it be?" Kenneth replied sarcastically.

Ethan's smile dropped as he thought back to it. His last battle with Lyra. "The strongest Pokémon, I've ever had the misfortune of battling."

"Really?" Kenneth remarked. "Even stronger than... what was it, that Typhlosion from that Silver guy?"

"Humph, I guess you'll just have to find out." Ethan said not giving away any more hints.

He returned his attention to the ring and not to anyone's surprise Lyra had recalled Azumarill to her Pokéball. After all it'd be murder if she tried to let her damaged water type fight a Legendary electric type.

"Azumarill..." Lyra said still holding the Pokéball in her palm. "You did fantastic, you took down both his Exeggutor and Nidoqueen, I can't ask anymore from you. Thank you."

"So, that's a forfeit on Azumarill's behalf." The announcer told her before speaking into his mic. "A wise decision, Contestant Lyra will be recalling Azumarill, so that means she's only got one Pokémon left."

Leviathan walked from behind to the side of his ace Pokémon. "Interesting, of course Azumarill was clearly out of its league, but I would've guessed you'd take a chance and dice with it chipping away at Zapdos' stamina, well... a good idea you didn't try it, I respect that."

"Thanks, and don't get me wrong, I'm sure Azumarill could give Zapdos a run for its money!" Lyra lied. "But I don't need her, after all, I've still got one last Pokémon."

"Then let's see it." Leviathan told her. Zapdos at the same time leered over her just waiting to see its opponent.

Lyra had placed her water type's Pokéball back in the bag. Just one Pokémon left. The Pokémon who she had known all along would be her ace for when she fought against Leviathan and also the Pokémon she had kept hidden specifically for this moment.

Unlike Leviathan who only used his strongest Pokémon until now, Lyra reserved hers, and now was the time to show everyone what she was truly capable of. She reached into her bag shuffling through the six or so Pokéballs until she grabbed the one in particular.

She placed her bag on the ground and held it, taking in the full view of the Legendary Pokémon before her who's eyes did not once meet with her. Zapdos' full attention was set on the ball in her palm.

The girl closed her eyes and took a deep breath. It was now or never and once she opened her eyes and tossed the ball the course of her life could change for better or worse, but she tried not to lament on that now.

"Okay! Tyranitar, I choose... YOU!" Lyra yelled as she went and tossed the Pokéball in the air.

Few moments in time felt as still to her than it had now. She watched as her best of the best released upon the battlefield in what felt like minutes.

Upon being released the Armor Pokémon caused the ring to shake much like Leviathan's previous Pokémon had just by landing in the ring. Everyone in and out of it could just feel the Pokémon's might, from its appearance to the heavy breathing which came from it.

The dinosaur-like Pokémon remained still in a crouch, not moving a muscle before it leered its eyes towards its opponent. Both Zapdos and the rock type met each other at their gaze and immediately more tension could be felt across the stage.

Lyra's ace, seemingly angered as it usually was got up from its crouch, letting loose its temper with a proud roar. "GRAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" It shouted as loud as it could. The sound of which sounded like the piercing sound of a knife against a chalkboard but times a hundred.

By the end of its cry, indeed, perspective was put back to the situation at hand. This seemingly unwinnable battle seemed a bit more winnable in Lyra's case to everyone watching.

Leviathan still had trouble taking it all in. From the Pokémon's many sharp teeth to its towering size an all the way to the armor which was clearly it's skin. But what shocked him the most, was a Pokémon he was not at all familiar with.

"I've got to say... what an amazing surprise, I can say for sure this isn't a Pokémon I'm at all familiar with, what is that thing?" Leviathan asked now standing behind his Zapdos.

"He's called Tyranitar, belonging to one of the rarest species of Pokémon known to Johto." Lyra answered. "Remember my answer I told you about on the day of the second round? This is what I meant."

"W-what did you say it was called, Tyrananium?" The announcer asked as he walked over and put the mic to her phone.

"It's Tyranitar, a Pokémon that's rare even in its home region, Johto." Lyra answered speaking to everyone in the audience. "I first caught it two stages ago, back when it was a Pokémon known as Larvitar."

The audience was still in awe. Mostly silent but there was the sounds of few conversations here and there. But the most talkative of such had to have been...

"WHAT!?" Sullivan yelled losing all his composure. "How, how the hell did she catch something like that, I don't even know what the hell that thing is!?"

Lance laughed. "Well neither did I, but here we are. I Guess that's what you get for looking down on her oh so much."

"I-I never looked down on anyone that didn't deserve it!" Sully cried grabbing both sides of his head still in shock.

"What's the matter Sullivan, I thought you said Leviathan's winning this no matter what?" Oak asked making him realize he was losing his cool.

Hearing this he tried to calm down and sat leaned back down in his seat. "I mean, so what, Leviathan's still got a Legendary Pokémon. Sure, whatever this thing is it looks tough, but can't no one, absolutely NO ONE, can beat a Legendary Pokémon."

"...No one?" Lance repeated looking insulted.

"Augh, ugh, I mean I mean, no one, of course... other than you, I mean you're the Champion." Sully corrected himself tripping over his words.

"Not what I meant." Lance muttered.

"Well, it doesn't quite matter what Sullivan thinks, no?" Oak said to Lance. "After all, not so long from know one of you will be proven right."

"Yeah." Lance said before he stopped talking.

And not so far from them Ethan and Kenneth watched. Specifically Kenneth's jaw had dropped.

"T-that's, what, what the hell, why, how did she, what the hell even is that thing?" He asked turning to Ethan for answers.

"Tyranitar, the strongest Pokémon Lyra has. And also the Pokémon I fret fighting the most." Ethan admitted.

"I-I can see why, well as far as appearances go at least, but you sure it can hold a candle to Zapdos?" Kenneth questioned.

"Guess there's only one way to find out." Ethan answered returning his gaze to the Tyranitar. It looked just like he remembered. All of a sudden all that stress, fear, and mix of emotions he had when he first battled it returned to him. And he wasn't even in the ring with it.

He couldn't help but recall how badly he had lost to it the first time. And although he wanted for Lyra to win it was a clear reminder he was in for a LOT if he wanted to face Lance for the championship.

Ethan clenched one fist as hard as he could. And with the other he began to bite at his nails.

Meanwhile standing opposed to each other in the ring both Trainers stood. Both Lyra and Leviathan who had learned a lot from each other and at the same time knew there was a lot they could learn from each other.

And at the same time, in front of them their two titans, one of legendary status and the other a complete oddity to everyone else there.

It was about damn time. Leviathan raised his arm and gave his first command. "Alright, light it up with Thunder!"

With that the Electric Pokémon lit up with a corresponding yellow light covering the entire stage. Along with this came the bolt of lightning which came forth towards Tyranitar who stood and watched carefully.

It was so fast there wasn't any time for the Armor Pokémon to dodge, the blast landed along with a cry of pain and a dirt cloud which erupted on the ring.

Lyra was forced to look away as the crackling electricity and dust were too much for her eyes. And the same could be said for the announcer who at the same time turned around.

In the middle of the ring lied what must've been a defeated Pokémon in the eyes of some. No Pokémon could survive a hit from a Pokémon of such caliber as Zapdos, but something was wrong.

Once the smoke cleared. Leviathan was amazed, standing perfectly still despite the scuffs and blood dripping from its nose was Tyranitar.

Flames had formed from the bolt of lightning as well which covered the Armor Pokémon who seemingly hadn't felt it. But with one shake it was gone, and then...

It opened its mouth and let out a large shriek, somehow having tanked what must've been one of Zapdos' most powerful moves.

Lyra too was amazed, not just from her Tyranitar but also that Zapdos' Thunder didn't seem as grand from standing up close.

"Funny, that Thunder looked stronger from farther away." She chuckled.

The announcer couldn't hide his excitement as he took to his microphone. "What an outstand feat of raw durability, that Zapdos' Thunder had previously taken out all other opponents in just one hit, this Tyranitar is the only and first Pokémon to take a hit from it head and be able to continue!"

The audience was astonished as well, especially one pessimist who had been doubting her the entire round.

Allen stood starstruck. No doubt was Zapdos one of the most powerful if not the most of any Pokémon he had even seen, and Tyranitar easily just tanked a blast from it.

Elm and Eliza couldn't help but notice his expression of awe and looked over to him giving sly smiles.

He looked over to them once he felt their eyes. "I-I, I was wrong about her... is this the Pokémon who you said took down all of Ethan's."

"Unfortunately for him, yes." Elm answered.

"It was a little upsetting, but it's been a long while since that happened, things have changed no doubt since." Eliza stated although her confidence in her son was clearly a front. After all she had seen through Ethan's training, and nothing any of his Pokémon had done since they prepared for the league was even near what they had just seen.

"Well, I was wrong, if Tyranitar can take more of those then who knows, maybe she'll be the one facing Ethan in the finals." Allen stated.

"Nice to see you finally routing for her." Eliza said happily.

"Hey, I was always routing for her, I was just being realistic." Allen made clear. "And I still am being realistic, now that I know what she's got I know her chances of winning are much higher than I could've ever anticipated."

"Wait wait wait, look, they're continuing the battle!" Elm said as he pointed to the ring below.

Leviathan now both amazed and curious gave another command. "Fine then, Drill Peck!"

Zapdos soared into midair with a twist and turn, the cool breeze from its stunning speed could be felt from the audience everywhere. After finding the right altitude the Pokémon came with all of its energy storing in its beak.

Tyranitar watched as the Pokémon came forth in what might've just been one of the fastest showings from any Pokémon in the league so far. And for that matter so did Lyra.

"Respond with Shadow Claw!" She yelled.

Tyranitar brang its' right arm back as it was coated in the ghoulish aura which was Shadow Claw, of course in the shape of said claw. Just anticipating as Zapdos got dangerously close with the attack.

Right when the flying type entered a close enough range, Tyranitar swung with its arm with an attack that had enough force to level a parking lot.

Zapdos seeing this veered back just barely avoiding the dastardly attack. The pressure from just the swing of Tyranitar's arm was nonetheless mighty in itself. Enough to slice through the air with a large shock wave which caused the legendary flying type to fly back before it caught itself midair.

There Zapdos hovered above Tyranitar while flapping its wings. It was clear for anyone to see the anger on the Pokémon's face as it knew this wouldn't be an easy win.

"Continue with Zap Canon!" Leviathan on with the full-frontal assault. Zapdos listened and once more surged with electricity which was radiating to all the way down under.

Tyranitar watched from above awaiting its' Trainers order.

Wow, I think he's realized it's not wise to get too close... Lyra judged. "Tyranitar, hit it with Fire Blast!"

Tyranitar open its mouth, inside could be seen what seemed to be fumes and what may have even looked like molten lava. With a burst of flames came the Fire Blast, a large blast with an even wider radius which looked ridiculously dangerous to even be around.

That has got to be the strongest fire type attack I have seen during this whole league... The announcer thought amazed. He turned over to Lyra and couldn't hide his smile. I believe in you, you've got to win this, I know you can.

Zapdos seeing the eruption from its opponent's mouth knew it was time to send down the attack. A great stream of electricity came from every feather on its body aiming for the Fire Blast.

Unlike Thunder which was used earlier Zap Canon was a very attack. Instead of a much wider range for the attack the electricity was suppressed into a much thinner beam, meaning what was stored inside was much stronger than whatever Thunder had in store.

Despite appearing skin-deep the blast from the Zap Canon was enough to force its way through the Fire Blast upon contact. The electricity cutting through the flames like a knife going through butter.

Tyranitar felt a hint of shock as one of its strongest moves was easily overpowered. Needless to say, the lightning made its way and blasted Tyranitar in its gut.

It could feel the electricity from within itself from inside and out. The lightning seemingly affecting Tyranitar past the point of his armor. It could feel the bolt from every layer of its body as it was fried from the blast.

"So powerful..." Lyra said in awe from the result of the attack. Tyranitar fell on one knee. Some static electricity still poking at it even till the very moment.

Another opportunity to strike presented itself. It was clear for Leviathan to see and even harder for him to not take advantage of it. "Zapdos, now use Drill Peck while it's recovering!"

Zapdos gave a loud squawk from the sky before it began to dive down to its opponent once more with all it had stored in the beak.

The attack was too fast and the Pokémon was far too agile for the recovering Tyranitar to do anything about it. This time now successfully Zapdos managed to strike with its beak straight into Tyranitar's head.

No moment felt more grander than this. Leviathan watched as from the angle he stood in his Zapdos had just landed what must've been the finishing blow.

So imagine the surprise he felt when he found Zapdos soaring back towards the skies almost instantaneously. The Pokémon gave off a pained scream as its beak seemed almost chipped.

"WHAT!?" Leviathan screamed not able to believe it. How could one of his the electric type's strongest attacks not do a thing other than hurt his own Pokémon. And this was confirmed as he looked to Tyranitar who just know recovered seemingly not at all hurt at least from the latest attack.

Steam came from its mouth and the Pokémon wiped some dirt and dust off itself. Something about the simple notion managed to intimidate him further.

Lyra looked at her adversary with a smirk. "I hope you didn't forget, or did I not get to mention, Tyranitar is the 'Armor' Pokémon. Physical attacks like that won't do a thing. You know the move Iron Defense? Just imagine his skin is like that at all times."

"More and more you manage to surprise me. Lyra, even right now, I don't know if I should be scared or impressed!" Leviathan exclaimed.

"Easy, you should be scared." Lyra replied before yelling. "Tyranitar, while it's backing off use Stone Edge!"

Around Tyranitar's body in the shape of what seemed to be double bandoliers formed from what seemed to be rock. And from that the rocks spread out and spun around before being hurled towards the opponent.

"Not good, that'd be Super effective!" Leviathan cursed. "Zapdos, dodge it all!"

The rocks came and didn't fall back down despite how far they had been thrown. But it was of no consequence as the flying type easily managed to dodge it by swirling around all the rocks thrown.

"Continue the onslaught, keep it coming!" Lyra yelled.

Tyranitar followed her order. It formed more and more chunks of rock and kept hurling them towards Zapdos who instead of dodging with twirls and spins began to fly down like a jet trying to avoid the sheer mass of rocks being thrown.

Seeing as his Pokémon was just now barely above the ring ground Leviathan knew he should give an attack. "Thunder once more, blast Tyranitar with all you've got to smithereens!"

Zapdos lit up with lightning while gaining more height since all the chunks of rocks had stopped coming. Now coated with electricity Zapdos was about to send it back down when something unexpected happen.

Sand, or at least what appeared to be sand formed around Tyranitar. It was heavy as well, almost like a mini sandstorm in the ring.

It was so odd Zapdos nearly let go of its electric surge before it remembered what its Trainer commanded of it. Zapdos again continued his surge and fired the blast down.

But nothing. Somehow, this shroud of sand which Tyranitar had formed was enough to cause the electricity to dissipate.

Zapdos continued to flap its wings midair not at all understanding what had just happened.

And similarly, Leviathan too didn't know what was going on. "What did you do, what the hell did you do?"

The sand increased in size, himself, Lyra, and the announcer all had to cover their eyes for a second as sand was getting everywhere. In fact even those in the audience, at least those in the front row seats had to cover their eyes from the radius of the sand.

"I-it's Sand Stream, Tyranitar's ability." Lyra said while slowly uncovering her eyes. "As you can see, when Tyranitar feels like this shroud of sand can protect him."

Now that was noted, the sand dropped to the floor on Tyranitar's front. He stared directly into the sky at its' rage-filled opponent. But something else was off as well for Zapdos.

The bird looked up. All of a sudden the black thunder clouds which had accompanied it when it first came were long gone. Tyranitar's Sand Stream had managed to cause it to vanish it seemed.

Out of its element, Zapdos was further enraged. The Legendary Pokémon would not have this embarrassment continue any longer.

And neither would Leviathan. Once more he raised his dominant arm. "You're good. Lyra, you're good. You've managed to do good; you've proven you've got one of the strongest Pokémon in the histories of both Kanto and Johto, but it's time this battle ends, this will end in the next move."

"Really, that so?" Lyra said.

"Zapdos, let us end this!" Leviathan cried. "It's time for your Hyper Beam!"

"W-what, Hyper Beam!?" Lyra cried. One of the strongest moves in any Pokémon's arsenal but now it was also in the hands of Zapdos. As powerful and tanky as her Tyranitar was she'd be a fool to think it could take that and still get back up.

"G-get out of the way Tyranitar, you can't get hit by that move!" Lyra cried out to her Pokémon.

Tyranitar shared her same concern as he watched from above as Zapdos widened its' beak. From there at the center of its mouth a bright orange light of energy appeared. One which horrified Lyra even more.

The bright orb emitted black fumes of energy around it, unlike any other Hyper Beam she had even seen it seemed to be coated in another darker form of energy despite the Pokémon not being of said type to her shock.

The ball then began to increase in size, everyone in the audience watched fretting what that would do to their human skin. The announcer was so scared he jumped from the ring and off on it.

"I-it appears, is that supposed to be some sort of Hyper Beam?" He judged from the look of it. "It looks deadlier than anything else I've ever seen before!?"

Tyranitar knew know was the time to move. But as it ran forth much to its surprise, something occurred which it could have never expected.

Zapdos was now right in front of it with the Hyper Beam in its' mouth. The two locked eyes for a second in which Tyranitar felt no greater shock than at this very moment.

Lyra too. Such speed, it was able to soar down there without her even noticing until it was too late.

Leviathan gave a snicker. "Like I said, this ends now."

With a scorching shriek Zapdos finally let loose the blast which bursted much larger than anyone could've anticipated. The beam from the Legendary Pokémon definitely lived up to the name with the beam firing at a width which was easily over three times the size of its user.

Lyra herself too jumped out the stage not wanting to get caught in the blasts' radius. She wanted for Tyranitar to be spared from the attack but it was far too late. She watched from down on the ground as her Pokémon was caught in the blast despite trying its best to avoid it.

Everyone had made it out of the ring. Other than Tyranitar of course, but no one could see what happened. After all the ring was covered in a huge smoke cloud, the largest yet.

"T-Tyranitar, no..." Lyra said as she looked away and closed her eyes. She couldn't bear to see her defeated Pokémon.

Not a soul in the audience spoke. Everyone shared the same sentiment as those in the audience. It didn't take very long though as some whispers and conversation could be heard, including from the judge's corner.

"I-it's... over." Sullivan said amazed. He laughed and turned to Lance. "It's over! I won, I'm Elite four, I've become Elite four!"

He stood up and jumped with one arm in the air. "I'M ELITE FOUR, I'M ELITE FOUR, I'M ELITE FOUR!" He cried repeatedly as he jumped back and forth.

Both Lance and Oak hadn't even thought about that. Both had their full attention on the ring, both in awestruck of Zapdos' Hyper Beam.

Moreso, Ethan and Kenneth were also amazed. Kenneth looked over to Ethan to see his jaw had dropped as well.

"Hah, insane, so, how's it feel, you're going to have to be battling that thing soon." He said with a chuckle.

Ethan didn't even pay him mind until a second later. "Huh, what're you talking about?"

"Well, it's over. You're going to have to fight Leviathan and his Zapdos soon enough." Kenneth responded with.

Ethan turned back to the ring and shook his head. "It's not over till it's over, Tyranitar... it might've, it must've survived that!"

"Really, you actually believe that? Stop thinking with your other head and think with the one up here!" Kenneth said pointing at Ethan's head. "As strong as she and her Tyranitar is, it's over, come on man!"

Ethan shook his head once more. "Look, I'm not saying this because I like her, I... have faith in her, watch."

"Fine, I'll watch." Kenneth said returning his attention to the match. "Not that I'll be watching much from this point on, come on man."

Ethan was lost in thought. On one hand he knew he had to have faith in Lyra but on the other hand that was the strongest Hyper Beam he had ever seen before. He didn't know what to think at the moment even if he hated to admit it.

Back to the ring, the smoke was almost starting to clear. The silhouette of two opposing Pokémon could be seen, one of course being Zapdos, and the other...

Leviathan stood behind it. Behind the layers of smoke as confident as ever. He was even surprised himself but for majority of the battle he was feeling more fearful than assured of himself. But now that it was over he could take a breather again.

"So... that's the end then. My, what a battle." He muttered.

"Y-yeah, what a battle..." Lyra said turning her head to the announcer who she expected to call off the battle in Leviathan's victory.

But he wasn't. The man was staring into the smoke trying to get a better look at the two Pokémon.

Finally, the smoke cleared even more. Zapdos was finally revealed. The Pokémon was fine and still standing. Clearly not a scratch being landed on it while it flew so far down to land the attack.

It was then, the other silhouette among the smoke could be seen more clearly. And what made itself the most clear were the red eyes of the Pokémon still fuming with anger.

Leviathan noticed this prior to Zapdos and felt as if it was staring down his soul. It was almost so sudden he wanted to believe it couldn't be true. "Z-ZAPDOS, MOVE NOW!"

At the same time Zapdos had seen the vicious glare. It instantly tried to steer back but was caught by its wing.

Finally emerging from the smoke was Tyranitar who's entire body was scorched black. But even with all that it was still standing. Rage soothing on its face and steam coming from every pore on its body.

Tyranitar pen its mouth and let out a scream with Zapdos' right wing still in its clutch. Lyra who was watching from outside the ring still couldn't believe it. With that amount of power than Hyper Beam would've vaporized any human let alone Pokémon, and yet Tyranitar could continue.

Zapdos let out all the squawks and shrieks it could trying to shake Tyranitar off of him but it was all the more futile. Tyranitar was much more physically stronger and so trying to break free was useless.

"Perfect, now Tyranitar!" Lyra exclaimed jumping back in the ring. "Use Fire Blast!"

Tyranitar didn't listen, it kept its clutch on the Pokémon still keeping hold and it used its other arm, grabbing Zapdos by the back of its head with the added force of Shadow Force and smashed its head into the ground breaking some piece of the ring floor.

Zapdos didn't let up trying to break free but it was useless as Tyranitar had pinned its foot standing on the Legendries' back with full force from that big step.

"T-Tyranitar, what are you doing!?" She asked shocked as she was.

The Electric Pokémon let out more and more screams of pain but it didn't matter. Leviathan watching couldn't take it anymore.

"THUNDER!" He screamed at the top of his lungs.

Zapdos listened and once more began to flow with an electrical surge which spread all the way to Tyranitar who let out a piercing scream before he used his arm again to strike Zapdos in the back of the head with Shadow Claw smashing the bird once more headfirst into the ground.

Following the grand scratch, Tyranitar looked at its claws, it could see the feathers from the bird stuck in its' claws along with blood.

It wasn't enough for the Armor Pokémon however, it placed both hands once more upon both of Zapdos' wings and tugged. Tugged so hard it pulled off what had to have been parts of its' wings along with few bones.

It was clear there was no possible coming back from that, at least in terms of this match. Right now all that was important was protecting his already defeated Zapdos from further harm. "Stop it! STOP IT!" Leviathan yelled.

Lyra too had seen enough. Once more Tyranitar was losing its' control. As it stepped over its' defeated Pokémon it gave a heaven-piercing battle cry with pieces of Zapdos' wings in its arms.

She grabbed her Pokéball and raised it behind the ever-strong beast she had with her and recalled it. "That's enough, this battle is over!"

Upon Tyranitar's exit Leviathan ran towards his fallen Pokémon and kneeled next to it. The so-called Legendary Pokémon didn't seem so legendary now, battered and beaten. Feathers lying around the ring as if the two had a pillow fight.

The announcer didn't know what to do; was this a fair victory or should Lyra be disqualified for her Pokémon's bloodlust. After some thinking he knew what had to be done.

He raised the microphone to his mouth. "That's the end, Zapdos is unable to battle, making Contestant Lyra the match's victor!"

The announcement of victory wasn't met with any cheers or praise. Instead fear and quiet from the stunned crowd watching.

Leviathan finally pulled out the Ultra Ball from his belt and returned his Pokémon. "Zapdos, you did a fine job... I thank you, as always."

Lyra looked up towards who turned and faced her. She didn't know what to say after what had just occurred. No way could she blame him if he hated her now.

"Look I..." She began but didn't know how to finish. "Leviathan, you know I'd never want... that, I'm, I'm sorry."

Leviathan looked at her and smiled. "It's fine, I know you wouldn't-." Before he could finish he felt himself nearly slip before he caught himself. He looked down; smears of Zapdos' blood could clearly be seen across the floor.

"I-I'm... I don't know how to apologize for that." Lyra said with a tear in her eye. Leviathan didn't respond but as he passed by her he pat her on the shoulder before taking his hand off her and leaving off the stage.

The announcer sighed and raised the mic to his mouth once more. "Contestant Lyra... she'll be continuing to the finals..."

Lyra watched as he walked off into the distance, passing through the doors of the exit.

From the audience, people began to speak again. Especially the trio of Elm, Eliza, and Allen.

"I-I guess that's it then." Allen said amazed. He turned to Eliza and Elm. "So, what'd you two think of that?"

Elm pushed up his glasses with his middle and index finger. "Like I said, I never lost faith in Lyra, I always felt she'd win this battle... but, not like that, I'd imagine she'd have more control on Tyranitar by now."

"You took the words right out of my mouth." Eliza agreed. "And now... Ethan's going to have to fight that beast."

"H-he'll manage, he always does." Allen said. After doubting him so much previously and then being bested by him, he knew he'd have to have faith in his son. But he couldn't deny it himself. Deep down he knew that his son was an amazing Pokémon battler, but what had occurred wasn't a battle between Pokémon, it was a battle between monsters.

The judges themselves were still awe-inspired from the bout.

Sullivan's excitement completely vanished. He still couldn't fathom what he had seen. He let out a sigh. "I guess, there goes my shot at Elite four... You hear me, I was wrong, you win."

Lance looked over to Sully, not happy that he won, but kind of dreading the violence he witnessed occur in that ring. He couldn't even gloat about being the one in the right. "Right, right, yeah, she did win... it's just, now how I expected it."

"Yeah..." Professor Oak said clearing his throat. "But, nonetheless, we can't take that victory away from her just because of how the fight ended. It wasn't like she ordered Tyranitar to utilize so much excessive force, I only hope she can find some way to get it to settle down. Some Pokémon undergo changed in their behavior after evolving, and Pokémon of that species are known to grow more rage-driven and hate-filled."

"I don't doubt that, but it there any way to get around that?" Lance asked.

"Nothing can, other than a strong bond between Trainer and Pokémon. My only hope is that the bond between Lyra and Tyranitar is strong enough for this, to never be repeated, ever again."

"Took the words right out of my mouth." Lance agreed nodding his head.

Clearly, there was much shock and horror from the audience who was still taking it in. One in particular took it the hardest.

Ethan stood there shaking ever-so-slightly. Never before had the difference in power he had with someone he wasn't even in the ring with feel so grandiose. He couldn't even believe how outmatched he was.

Kenneth noticed this and patted him twice on the back. "Ethan, Ethan you okay? Ethan!"

He didn't even hear him. All Ethan could feel was the horror which he had desperately not wanted for to be true. That no matter how hard he had trained since their big battle, no matter how hard he tried and no matter how hard he wished differently. It was useless, no matter what he could never beat Lyra who again had surpassed him.

….

Alone in the waiting room where some Trainer's had stayed in between battles was Leviathan. Cleaning out a locker which he had reserved, taking out from it a bag. As he slammed it and turned around, behind him, the girl he had just met in battle.

Lyra stood about five feet apart from him not looking him in the eye. "L-Leviathan."

"It's alright, please don't think I'm mad at you." He told her.

"Then why?" She asked looking into his eyes. "Then why're you leaving?"

"Lyra... I lost, didn't I?" Leviathan said placing his bag's strap on his shoulder. "You defeated me, and I battled as hard as I could, and I still lost. For that, I'm entirely satisfied, I have no regrets."

"Yes..." Lyra agreed. "So, this is really goodbye then."

Leviathan nodded his head. "I have to go, clearly my training wasn't enough, or perhaps I was fated to lose this battle of ours, either way, all that is clear to me now is that I need to get stronger, a sentiment I am sure you understand.

Lyra smiled and nodded her head as well. "You're right about that, but... before you go, don't you think I deserve to know something?"

"For you?" Leviathan said. "Anything, let me hear it, what would you like to know."

"The same question I asked you back then, how did you do it, catch a Legendary Pokémon?" Lyra queried. "Before you told me you didn't want to reveal all your secrets, but surely now you can tell me, right?"

Leviathan gave her a smile and placed the other strap on his back. "How else did you think I did, Zapdos first appeared at random in the sky, I saw it, chased it down, then after a bit of battle caught it after, I don't know, a million Ultra Balls."

"Please, be honest with me. I know that no Trainer could possibly defeat a Legendary Pokémon like that in battle and then catch it." Lyra countered.

Leviathan laughed and put his hand on her shoulder. "Funny you say that, and yet, you of all people should know differently. Don't ever forget, you're always going to be the spectacular Trainer who bested a Legendary while in the first-ever Indigo league."

Lyra noddled and then chuckled. "Yeah, I guess I am."

"Don't ever doubt yourself like that again Lyra, please, you're the most powerful Trainer I've ever fought. And I am proud to have lost to you. From the moment I had watched your first battle I knew you'd be a worthy opponent, and without a doubt I was right."

"Yeah!" Lyra repeated this time more cheerfully.

"Okay, I'm off now." Leviathan said taking his hand off her shoulder. "And I know I won't have to route for you, because I know you don't need any. You're going to battle the Champion, and I have zero doubt that you're going to win. So one day..." He said while walking away from her. "One day you'll be the Champion of the Indigo league, and one day... I'll return, and when that happens, I'll fight you in the finals, and that day, may the best Trainer win."

The girl agreed but then remembered something. "Wait, as pretty as that sounds, as much as I hope I can win and stuff, don't forget about Ethan, he's strong too, either one of us could move on to battle the Champion y'know."

"Lyra..." Leviathan said turning his head. "Ethan's a nice strong Trainer, but we both know he's of no consequence in the bigger picture here, you will beat him, that is assured, I have zero doubt."

Lyra smiled and nodded her head. "Right, whatever you say man, well, don't let me keep you too long, I guess this is it, you take care now. It's been a lot of fun!"

Leviathan returned her smile and turned back as he headed towards the door. But as he put his palm on the knob he turned back to her and looked at her for what would very well be the last he ever see her. After his lingering gaze he turned back once more and exited the room.

Lyra smiled. "I guess somethings are simpler than they seem." She told herself as she took a seat right by the lockers. Just like that, she'd be moving on herself into the finals.

Boom! Finally, after a huge delay it's finally finished, FINALLY! Let me explain why I haven't uploaded for so long which I obviously do a lot. Basically, I'm in college right now which I've explained time and time again, my last exams of the courses I was taking was coming up. On top of that, my mom who's also back in college needed a lot of help with assignments from me, even though I don't know anything about the subject, nursing. I decided until everything was done with, I had to stop writing, and for that, truly, I apologize. But now that everything's well and done, expect a chapter in a much sooner time, like, in the next two days soon. And also, yeah, crazy huh, Lyra actually defeated Leviathan! I'm sure a lot of you were expecting her to lose and Ethan would have to face Leviathan and his Zapdos in the finals but nope. To be honest, Leviathan was always supposed to lose this fight to Lyra in the semifinals, he was always intended to be a red herring as to who Ethan would be fighting right in the last round. It just wouldn't make sense narratively for Ethan to be fighting Leviathan instead of Lyra at least in my opinion, who he's never had an honest victory against unlike his other rivals like Silver or Eusine who he'd beaten before. And also on that subject, about the battle, before someone mentions it, yes, technically according to the rules of Flash Fire it really shouldn't up the power of Ninetale's Iron Tail, it should only power up the power of fire type attacks, and obviosuly, Iron Tail is a steel type attacks, and for that I have to say, I'm well aware, but to be honest, I didn't really care. So yeah, I'm done rambling on, honestly I'm only going on for so long because I'm trying to get the word count from twenty-two thousand words to twenty-three, and there! I just did it, so yeah, peace I'm out guys.