Pokémon Police Force Chapter 39: All is Fair in Love and War

The rest of the preliminaries were rather uneventful. After my run-in with the Wartortle brothers and utterly satisfying con on Zarude, leader of Team PWNK, everything else was kind of lackluster in comparison. Everyone in our group made it through the prelims, as well as two of the officers.

As of now, we were all in the contenders' green room, recuperating from our fatigue from the prelims. Emerald and Meloetta were talking about girl stuff, Snow, Sal and even Keldeo were filling their faces and Sheriashuu… well, heaven knows what she was doing.

She kept touching me and squeezing my arms and legs. It made me really uncomfortable.

"Do you mind, Sherry?" I asked, not hiding my annoyance.

"Am I making you uncomfortable?"

"Yes!"

"You've developed some fine muscles," she said, "if Emerald doesn't work out for you, I'm available."

"You do remember that I killed you, right?"

"Yeah. That makes it even sexier."

"Seriously, what is wrong with you women?"

"Hello!"

The new voice made us both jump. It was Weavile. How did she sneak in?

"Weavile? What are you doing here?" I asked.

"They let me in because I helped you before," she explained, "I wanted to- what are you doing?"

"Feeling his muscles," said Sheriashuu like it was the most normal thing in the world.

"Why?"

"Why not?"

"…Ok...?"

Weavile then turned back to me.

"I have Drapion and Arbok running security in the infirmary," said Weavile, "good thing too, Zarude tried another attempt on their lives. What gave you that seed idea anyway?"

"I've been doing this for some time. I've picked up a few things here and there."

"Also, I've spotted Team Raider in the crowd."

"Team Raider!?" Asked Sheriashuu, letting go of me, "what are they doing here?"

"No clue. Be extra careful from here on out. The law may not have ground here, but the same does not apply for Exploration Teams, especially so for one of Team Raider's fame."

Weavile turned to leave, but I stopped her by grabbing her arm.

"Weavile, before you leave, could you take a look at this?"

I flashed her the Razor Claw hanging about my neck.

"I think I may have gotten a fake Razor Claw."

Weavile swiped the Razor Claw from about my neck. She began studying it real closely, looking over every single face and facet. Every curve and corner and held it to her breast for a bit. Finally, Weavile handed it back to me.

"No doubt about it. I can feel the power emanating from it. It's real," said Weavile.

"But I must have gained at least seven levels from that horde we fought," I said, "why didn't I evolve?"

"You mean, you haven't heard?"

"Heard what?"

"No one can evolve right now. Been that way for several years now."

"What? Why not?"

"None are quite sure," answered Sheriashuu, "the most popular theory right now is the Mystery Dungeons."

"Some believe that the mass emergence of Mystery Dungeons in such a short time is responsible," explained Weavile, "my theory is the Time Gears."

"What was that about the Time Gears?" I asked, unable to contain my surprise.

"Have… you seen one before? You sound like it," said Weavile.

"I gather you've seen one too."

"Wait, where was I during this?" Asked Sheriashuu.

"You don't want to know," I said, brushing her aside, "now, Weavile. What did you say about the Time Gears?"

"I assume the Time Gear you found had a guard," said Weavile.

"Woah boy, did it."

"That guard probably told you about the time distortions, right?"

"Yeah."

"Well, the distortions have kind of… spread. They reach as far as Treasure Town now."

"So, how do you recommend that Argyle evolves?" Asked Sheriashuu.

"No idea. Until this time problem gets taken care of, I'm afraid that Razor Claw is useless to you."

Weavile left shortly after, leaving me and Sheriashuu alone.

"Thank Arceus Team Raider survived Jessie," said Sheriashuu.

"Maybe they didn't."

"What do you mean?"

"Remember, Team PWNK was nearby that whole time."

"So, they might be controlled?"

"Be ready for any possibility. My main concern, though is the Time Gears."

"Because you can't evolve?"

"No, it's not that."

(Those two kids from before. One of them was a human. Maybe I should've gone with them.)

"Everyone, may I have your attention?"

The green room went quiet as the same Liepard from before spake. She was there with two of the Obstagoons from before, but now there was a Thievul with them.

"We are almost ready to begin the tournament proper. We need everyone to line up and draw from this bag here. Inside you will get either a green paper or an orange one. I shall explain what they're for after everyone has one."

We all did as instructed. Most of our group got green slips of paper while Meloetta, Snow and Sal got orange.

"Okay, we have to cover some ground rules. Like before, it will be 1v1 matchups with no time limit, but now you will no longer be able to watch your opponents' matches. Those with green papers are in the south division and those with orange are in the north."

"Everyone in the north division follow me," said Thievul, "we're going up a floor."

"What's the point of dividing us anyway?" Asked a Machamp, "if we can't watch the fights to begin with?"

"It's so we can have two fights at the same time," explained Thievul, "now, if there are no further questions…"

Thievul and a single Obstagoon led the north division through a door in the back of the green room, probably to stairs.

"We shall remain here," said Liepard to everyone else.

There were eight Pokémon remaining in the room, Keldeo, Sheriashuu, Emerald, a Pikachu in a weird wrestler costume, a Dusk Lycanroc, a Stunfisk, a Tyranitar and myself.

"Now Obstagoon here has a box," said Liepard, "in the box, there are balls with numbers printed on them. You all will draw one and whatever number you get presents the order in which you will fight."

"First off, contestant Zappy," said Obstagoon.

"That is Zappy, the Luchador Extraordinaire!" Replied the Pikachu Libre.

"Oh, just shut up and pick a ball, meat," said Obstagoon.

Zappy huffed at this. Then, she walked over to Obstagoon.

"Zappy, the greatest Luchador ever requests that you lower the box to where she can reach it."

"Oh, is this too high for you? Maybe if you beg me I will- Graagh!"

Zappy delivered an uppercut to Obstagoon's gut, causing him to drop the box.

"Zappy thanks you," she said before grabbing a ball and showing it to Liepard.

"Eight. That means you will be fighting in the last bracket. Obstagoon, get up. You're embarrassing yourself."

Obstagoon struggled back to his feet and collected the box once more.

"Well, excuse me princess."

"Next up, contestant Keldeo."

Keldeo wordlessly walked to Obstagoon. He shoved his mouth into the box and picked out a ball. Finally, he spat the ball into Obstagoon's hand.

"Ew," said Obstagoon, "Looks like a 5."

A Nuzleaf and a Shiftry chose this moment to walk in holding a whiteboard.

"Took you long enough," said Liepard.

"That crazy Arbok downstairs attacked us," said Shiftry.

"But we've got the brackets right here," said Nuzleaf.

"Good, so that's Zappy in 8 and Keldeo in 5," said Liepard.

Nuzleaf and Shiftry wrote down the information on the board. They then tacked the board up behind Liepard. The board displayed an empty bracket system with numbers 1-8 beside the brackets and only two names written in.

"Continuing on, contestant Argyle," said Liepard.

Argyle took a deep breath and approached Obstagoon. Obstagoon didn't bother trying to mess with him, lowering the box to where he could reach. After he got a ball, Argyle examined it closely.

"Lucky number 1," he said.

Liepard actually smirked at that.

"Well, well, looks like this will be an enjoyable first match."

"Yeah, a match we can't watch!" Said Stunfisk.

"You can watch a recording later," said Obstagoon, "your turn next."

Stunfisk got 3, Tyranitar got 7 and the Dusk Lycanroc got 6.

"So, our third and last fights will be between Keldeo and Lycos, and Tyranitar and Zappy," said Liepard, "that leaves Sheriashuu and Emerald to select the last spot. The last one to choose will be determined by coin toss."

"Heads!" Said Sheriashuu at once.

Nuzleaf walked forward with a single coin of Poké. The coin toss came up as heads.

(This is it. Either Sheriashuu or I will be fighting Argyle first round. I'm so nervous.)

Sheriashuu approached Obstagoon and gave him a sharp kick to the gut.

"Sherry!" Yelled Argyle.

"What was that for!?" Asked Obstagoon.

"I felt like it," replied Sheriashuu with a smirk, "yoink!"

The Mienshao swiped a ball and got a huge grin as she looked at the number. She almost shoved it in Argyle's face in triumph.

"Number 2," she said, "I finally get a chance to pound your face in."

My heart nearly stopped once more. The first round of the tournament. Argyle versus Sheriashuu.

About half an hour later, and they were ready to begin the tournament. I was taken, alone, into a locker room at one end of the arena and Sheriashuu, the other end.

The room was a small room made of stone bricks. There were four lockers on one wall and a padded bench in the middle of the room. I'd placed the Treasure Bag in a locker since items were forbidden. I decided to do some pre-match stretches while I waited for the match to begin.

"So, my first match is against Sherry. This is not going to be easy."

"I hope everyone is ready for this year's Platinum Tournament!"

I ceased my stretches at once and approached the door to the ring. An Umbreon stood guard at the door. She was about my size, but she had quite the dangerous look to her eye.

"Hope you enjoyed the preliminaries, because we've got you a real treat for our first match!"

"Let's go," said Umbreon.

Umbreon led me through the door and down a long hallway. She stopped just short of the arena.

"Wait here for now."

"Before we begin, this tournament is brought to you by Goober Pharmaceuticals, the world's leading provider of Max Elixirs."

"Goober?"

"Yeah… not the best name, is it?" Asked Umbreon.

"Well, with the shameless ad done, may I introduce our combatants?"

There was a loud cheer from the crowd.

"First up, the thief extraordinaire! The Sneasel who just can't quit! Check your wallets, because he probably already stole them! Argyle!"

"Break a leg," said Umbreon, stepping aside, "really."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence," I said sarcastically.

I stepped out of the corridor and into the cheers from the crowd. Surprisingly, there wasn't a ring at all. The corridor opened into a dome made of glass. Apparently, there was no out-of-bounds in this match.

The crowd sat on stone bleachers around the dome. I noticed Terrakion, Cobalion and Virizion on the far side, but no sign of Team Raider. As I continued to scan the crowd, I noticed Zarude watching the fight, with Weavile hovering close to him.

"I've got money on you! Don't lose!"

"You're gonna die, Diamond!"

"It's Argyle, you dolt!"

Absol's voice became loud as he spoke.

"Now, his opponent! She strikes like a Seviper! She flows like a river! Don't get fooled by her looks, because there's a beast behind that beauty! Sheriashuu!"

Sheriashuu walked into the arena and into the applause of the crowd.

"A fighting type? Argyle is dead!"

"Looking good, babe!"

"She's out of your league. Don't even try it."

The look on Sheriashuu's face was a smirk. Not the same smirk I grew to expect from her, but the smirk of a hunter.

"How fitting that we get to be the two to start off this tournament," said Sheriashuu.

"Sherry, I am not going to lose. Least of all to you!"

"That's my line. Consider this payback for three years ago."

"Do your worst."

"Oh, I intend to…"

"Before we begin the first match, a word from our proprietor, Zarude," said Absol.

Zarude stood up. He glared at me as he spake.

"I want no more surprises," Zarude said, "any debacles like what happened in the prelims will be met with dire consequences. Do I make myself clear, Sneasel?"

I flipped him off.

"Begin the match," Zarude growled.

"Now, fire up the holoimagers!" Said Absol.

"Holo-what?"

The glass panels forming the dome lit up all at once, blinding me. When I was finally able to open my eyes, Sheriashuu and I stood alone in a dark, damp cave. The only light came from a small hole in the ceiling.

"What is this?" I asked.

"Oh, you were asleep during the orientation," said Sheriashuu, "as we are in the tournament proper, they give us a holographic environment to fight in."

I grabbed a nearby stalagmite. It held firm, like it was completely solid.

"Impressive."

"Now, let's give the crowd a good show."

"After you."

Sheriashuu took a combat stance. Her stance kept her arms poised like vipers, ready to strike. I took my favored combat stance, ready to both take an attack and dart away at a moment's notice.

Sheriashuu began moving to her left. I responded by moving to my left. We continued skirting around each other for quite some time.

Without warning, Sheriashuu unleashed a quick jab. Her hand stopped short, but her long arm fur struck true, sharply whipping my arm, right where it was bound.

"Yeeaow!" I yelled, grabbing my arm, "what was that for!?"

"I told you I was going to hurt you. Luckily for me, you have a couple of soft spots."

"And here I thought I was the underhanded one."

"All is fair."

"True. Agility!"

I used the boost in speed to evade further attacks while I waited for my arm to stop stinging.

"Oh, no you don't! Aura Sphere!"

I just barely managed to duck out of the way of the blue energy sphere. After the attack breezed by, I took cover behind a stalagmite.

(This is bad. I won't be able to take her head-on. If one of those Aura Spheres hit me-)

"That's not going to work this time! Rock Slide!"

(Wait? Rock Slide!?)

I looked up, to the cave ceiling. To my horror, I seen fingers of light spreading.

"Oh, shi-!"

I ran from the scene as huge boulders threatened to squish me.

"Ice Beam!"

The attack was blocked by Sheriashuu's arm fur. Her fur got frozen upon impact.

"Nice try."

Sheriashuu whipped her fur against the ground, breaking the ice.

(Wait. This gives me an idea!)

"Agility!"

The move gave me an extra speed boost, but the Mienshao, unfortunately, was ready for it.

"Brutal Swing!"

Sheriashuu spun on the spot, turning her fur into a deadly pinwheel. I ducked and dove to avoid the attack and then aimed another Ice Beam at her feet.

"What? Can't move!"

The Ice Beam froze her to the ground mid-attack.

"This changes nothing! Poison Jab!"

"I don't think so! Ice Beam!"

I froze her sleeve-like arm fur to her feet, leaving her in a most compromising position.

"You can't move anymore! Give up!"

"Never! I still have one hand!"

"Sherry, sorry. Brick Break!"

I aimed the attack at her exposed neck. The resulting chop knocked her out cold.

All at once, the illusion faded and light returned to my world. I emerged from that cave to the cheers of the crowd.

"The first round goes to the thief of the north! Argyle!" Announced Absol.

"Thief of the north? Hmm… maybe."

I used a few more Brick Breaks and freed Sheriashuu from her icy prison. Finally, I drug her out of the arena.

"Sheriashuu!"

Argyle had drug an unconscious Mienshao into the green room.

"What happened?" Asked Keldeo.

"I had to knock her out," replied Argyle, "she left me no choice."

"Contestants Emerald and Stunfisk! If you would," said Liepard.

"I thought I would have more time," I said, "Keldeo, watch those two."

"I don't need babysat!"

"Can't have you two trying to kill each other again."

With those words, I left to fight my match. All in all, it was rather disappointing. Stunfisk didn't put up much of a fight. I just tossed him around with Psychic for a while. When I came back to the room, I noticed Argyle sitting on a padded chair by himself, Sheriashuu filling her face and Keldeo eyeing her suspiciously.

"Hey, did… something happen?"

"Oddly, nothing happened," replied Keldeo, "she woke up, as you can see, and just began eating."

Keldeo stood up and began walking towards the door I just left.

"My match is coming up."

As Keldeo passed by, he whispered, "hope you don't miss your boyfriend. I plan on destroying him out there."

The rest of the tournament ended predictably… well… except for that last match. Keldeo dominated in his fight and Zappy the Pikachu Libre somehow won against Tyranitar.

The brackets for the next match was me versus Emerald and Keldeo versus Zappy. For this round, I was allowed to use the same locker room from the previous round.

"Not a fan of conventional fighting, are you?" Asked Umbreon.

"If I were to tackle a Fighting Type head-on, I'd die."

"Trust me, I get you. In fact, I've decided to bet on you winning this whole thing."

"Wow, made you a believer, huh?"

"Don't get so cocky. You may be a fellow Dark Type, but your next opponent is a Fire Type, and she looks like she deals with Pokémon like us on a daily basis."

(You have no idea.)

"Hope you enjoyed the first round, because sparks are bound to fly in this round!"

The roar of the crowd could be heard clearly from here.

"In this corner, we have the thief of the north!"

Umbreon wordlessly let me through.

"The Sneasel that stings like a Scorupi! Warm up your seats, else you'll be frozen to them! Argyle!"

I stepped into the arena and to the cheers of the crowd.

"Give us a great show!"

"Love the mask!"

"I'll need a few extra blankets."

"And now, in this corner! The punishing pyromancer! The witch with attitude! The seer with the name as beautiful as a gem! Emerald!" Announced Absol.

Emerald walked into the arena, stick already in hand and burning hot.

"Yeah! Emerald!"

"I'm liking this match already!"

"HOT!"

"I told you not to eat that Tamato Berry."

"Emerald. Never thought I would actually have to fight you."

Emerald popped her neck before responding.

"Argyle. Today, we are not… involved. I want you to think of me as an enemy."

"What is this? Lovers forced to fight?" Asked Absol.

"We are not lovers!" Emerald piped up defensively.

"Emerald, just stop. You're only making yourself look guilty."

"You're right. Must remember my training. Guard your emotions, then guard the people."

Emerald took a deep breath.

"Ready?" I asked.

"Yeah. Shall we dance?"

The holoimagers lit up at once. A sky was forming, the crowd was disappearing, grass was growing and the sun was growing brighter. When all was said and done, we were standing in the middle of a grassy field that led into a sandy beach. You could hear the Wingull in the air.

"That air smells so good!" Said Emerald.

"It does," I replied, "but remember what we're here for. It isn't a vacation."

"I know. Do you think that…?"

"After this Yveltal thing, sure."

"Right. Now, shall we begin?"

Emerald and I walked an equal distance away from each other. I stood on the grass and Emerald, the sand.

(Okay, Emerald has Flamethrower, Psychic and Psyshock if I remember correctly. I won't have to worry about the Psychic Type moves being a Dark Type, but knowing her, the fourth move is something she picked out just for me.)

"Flamethrower!"

Emerald did something I never expected from her. She ate the fire from her stick and then breathed it out in a mighty plume of fire. I had to use Agility to avoid getting singed.

"Gotcha! Grass Knot!"

As I ran, my foot got caught on something and I tripped, tumbling on the ground. Then, another Flamethrower caught me.

"Ice Beam!"

The move collided with the Flamethrower. Really, all it accomplished was covering me with water, but I was spared from the majority of the damage. After shaking myself off, I stood back up.

"Grass Knot? How long have you been hiding that from me?"

"Wouldn't you like to know? I've turned your entire strategy into your greatest weakness."

"Nice job revealing your entire hand from the start," I mocked, "Shadow Claw!"

My claws became filled with paranormal energy and extended several times past their usual length.

"Psychic!"

"That won't work on me!" I yelled as I ran forward.

Then, a boulder rose from the ground right in front of me.

"Uh…"

"Psychic won't work on you? I beg to differ."

I could practically feel Emerald smirk as she launched the rock at me.

The scene continued as such for a long time. Emerald used a combination of Flamethrowers, Grass Knots and giant rocks to get me down. Fortunately, I was quick to adapt, using those very boulders to avoid her Grass Knots and get closer to her until I was right in her face.

Emerald was deadly long range, but next to useless in melee. Once I was in close, there was nothing she could do to fend me off. The battle ended soon afterward.

I should've been disappointed by my loss, but I was actually quite happy.

"So, no hard feelings?" Asked Argyle.

"Are you kidding? That was the most fun I've had in ages," I said, "and you pointed out a few places I need to improve in."

"Even more fun than the date?" Asked Sheriashuu.

Keldeo had already started his match.

"Marginally," I replied, "guess you'll have to take me on another date to make up for it."

"So, does that mean that-?" Began Argyle.

"Yeah. I think I'm ready to begin this dating thing for real."

"Hey, Emerald. Let's go to the stands," said Sheriashuu, "we can watch Argyle and Keldeo's fight ourselves."

"Argyle. Don't lose."

"Don't worry."

Just then, the elevator doors opened and Sal stumbled out of it, broken and battered.

"SAL!" We all yelled.

Everybody in the room, including Liepard, went over to check on her.

"This is bad," said Liepard, "she needs medical attention."

"Go get the medical team!" Said Sheriashuu.

"I'll go get them!" Said Argyle.

Argyle ran into the elevator and hurriedly pressed the button to go down.

"Sal? Who did this to you?" I asked.

I wish I hadn't.

Fortunately, I had gotten the medical team to the green room in time. Just in time for Keldeo and I to get called to fight. Keldeo. This next fight wasn't going to be easy. I'd considered smuggling another Blast Seed into the ring, but Keldeo would never let it lie if I did.

"Ready for your next match?" Asked Umbreon.

"Ready as I'll ever be," I replied.

"Watch yourself out there. Keldeo's a regular combatant in these tournaments."

"Huh? Why the fascination?"

"Well, he is a Fighting Type. So maybe he likes the challenge?"

"Maybe."

I waited in the ring for my match to be called.

"Sorry for the wait. We had a bit of drama behind the scenes to take care of. Now, we're ready to fight!"

I walked through the corridor to the ring.

"In this corner! The Sneasel of destruction! The terror of melee! The guy who stole my wife! Wait, who wrote this?"

"Just start the match already!"

"Fine! Argyle!"

I stepped into the arena, to even more cheers and applause than usual.

"Argyle! Give them Voidlands!"

"Looking hot! I mean, cool!"

"Argyle! Marry me!"

I turned and found who said that last comment. A Slowking with bright blue lipstick on.

(Don't say anything. Just turn back and don't think about Slowbro.)

"And his opponent! A veteran of the Octagon! The colt who has ended countless dreams! The guy that stole my husband! SERIOUSLY WHO'S WRITING THESE THINGS!?"

"JUST GET ON WITH IT!"

"Keldeo! I'm going to kill whoever wrote this."

Keldeo stepped into the arena with even more applause and cheering than me.

"Argyle versus Keldeo? What a match!"

"I'm already sweating!"

"No kidding, dude! I can smell you from here!"

"Argyle! Kiss him!"

(Please tell me that wasn't that Slowking again.)

Keldeo seemed unfazed by this. On the other hand, the cheers and comments only seemed to make him all the more focused.

"Keldeo?"

"Just ignore them."

I breathed a deep breath and began blocking whatever noise I could from my ears. That is when I heard something I didn't expect.

"L, G, M, in position. It's showtime, girls."

(No mistaking it. That was Lopunny. In position for what?)

"Keldeo! Argyle!"

Our eyes instantly found Emerald and Sheriashuu in the stands. They had Meloetta with them.

"Sal is safe!" Said Emerald, "best of luck to both of you!"

"Keldeo!"

It was Cobalion that spake this time.

"I look forward to an honorable fight from the both of you."

"Argyle," said Keldeo, "no matter who wins, good luck."

"Same to you."

"I won't be holding back."

Keldeo was enveloped in a burst of light. Suddenly, he was transformed into his Resolute Form.

"My pride as a warrior won't allow it."

"I'd be disappointed if you did go easy on me."

"What's this? It sounds like Keldeo and Argyle actually know each other!" Announced Absol, "let's see if they are friends or bitter rivals!"

The holoimagers fired up, generating another holographic battlefield. When the light faded, I was treated to a sight I didn't expect. A solitary grassy hill ringed on all sides by mountains.

"Is this-!?"

"Yeah, Pledge Hill. It appears Cobalion pulled some strings. Money does talk."

"Tis quite fitting. Shall we?"

"We shall. Scald!"

Keldeo blasted out a geyser of boiling hot water from his mouth.

"Agility!"

Using the speed boost, I dodged the attack and sped towards Keldeo.

"Aqua Jet! Secret Sword!"

Keldeo almost cut off my head with that combo move.

"You almost killed me!"

"I've been studying your combat techniques since we met. I know all your little tricks."

"What about this? Agility!"

"Seen it."

Keldeo tried to attack me once more with Secret Sword, but I caught his horn between my claws, which I enhanced with Shadow Claw.

"This is your big plan? Wrestling with me?"

"No. Ice Beam!"

I shot an Ice Beam directly at Keldeo's eyes, freezing them shut and blinding him. Needless to say, Keldeo gave up the assault.

"You underhanded snake!"

"Thief."

"This changes nothing."

Keldeo stopped moving and stood up straight.

(He's listening for me.)

I cautiously moved to Keldeo's left. Each agonizingly slow step was made with the utmost care… until I stepped on a twig.

"X-Scissor!"

Keldeo landed a one-two slash combo on my vulnerable side. On my back, Keldeo stood over me.

"Scald!"

"Ice Beam!"

The two attacks collided, covering all in a thick cloud of steam. This caught Keldeo off-guard and he inhaled some of the steam.

Keldeo got off and began hacking and coughing.

(Keldeo's on the defensive now, but I won't be able to beat him. Unless…)

I turned left and right taking in the sights of the steam. Everything was totally concealed on all sides.

(That should be enough cover. I guess I'm breaking my promise.)

I willed the familiar power to come to me. It filled my entire being.

"Brick Break!"

With a Zygarde-powered attack, Keldeo was launched out of the steam and into one of the holoimagers. It broke and ended the simulation entirely.

"Hold!" Yelled Absol, "the holoimager was destroyed, so the match is off!"

"Wait!" Yelled Keldeo, standing back up, "I concede. There is no way I can continue to fight in this condition for long."

"There it is!" I said, "could someone get Keldeo an Aspear Berry?"

Someone from the audience chucked the requested fruit through the hole. I caught it and fed it to Keldeo. Before our eyes, the ice melted away and Keldeo shook the excess water away.

"We have our winner!" Yelled Absol, "Argyle will be moving onto the finals!"

"Oh no," I said.

"What?" Asked Meloetta.

"The finals match. It will be between Argyle and-"