Kristine browsed through the extranet on the computer back in her and Jason's room that night. Source after source, she wasn't getting the answers she wanted about Scarlet. Jason had told her the pokemon the Valor Gym Leader had used, Swellow, Hitmonlee, and Flareon, but there was little to no consistency in pokemon Scarlet had used consecutively. It appeared she had more than six pokemon, which made it more of a head-scratcher for Kristine.

"All I can see is she very much likes fighting and flying type pokemon," Kristine mentioned, Jason laying down on the bed behind her. "And has a couple fire types."

"Well, Pikachu and Espeon seem no-brainers," Jason sat up.

"Which leaves one more," Kristine turned around to face her brother. "Machoke is a maybe, Snorunt is weak to fire and fighting types, Fletchinder is a maybe with no actual weaknesses, and even Dratini is a maybe."

"Kristine, go with your gut," Jason advised. "It's gonna be a battle where you're gonna have to with your gut the entire time. Yes, type advantage will help, but Scarlet won't care. She lives for the disadvantages because she believes it makes her stronger for it."

"I just can't think of a right strategy against her," Kristine was ready to pout.

"That's the thing," Jason stretched his arms. "Don't think. Just do."

"Don't think…" Kristine muttered under her breath. She didn't quite understand what Jason meant. But as she thought about her brother's statement, she caught herself. The cogs in her brain worked tirelessly over just about every aspect in life. It would be a habit extremely difficult, if not impossible, to break.

"Sleep on it, sis," Jason laid back down. "The stress isn't going to make it better for you."

"Right," Kristine gave a sigh before getting up and proceeding to her bed. "Night, bro."

Jason went to turn off the lamp on the nightstand in between the two twin beds, rendering the room in total darkness thanks to the thick red window cover that blocked the outside neon lights from seeping in. Kristine was on her back, staring at the ceiling. She knew she had a successful start to her trainer career up to this point, winning three badges and a dual tournament, so why was this impending battle with Scarlet any different?

She figured it was perhaps a fear, or at least an uncertainty, of something she could not readily prepare for. But that shouldn't be a problem, she thought, as she usually thought of plans on the fly to get herself out of tough situations.

Which raised the previous question once more: why is Scarlet any different? She couldn't figure out the answer, but gained some comfort in knowing that her pokemon were more than capable of handling anything that would come their way. Eventually, she was able to roll to her side and fall asleep, getting the much needed rest for her battle the next morning.


Kristine was the first to get up this time. With the room still in darkness, she pulled the cover to the right, briefly shielding her eyes from the piercing daylight.

She looked over at the clock on the nightstand to see it was just half past seven. She had plenty of time to get dressed, have a full breakfast, and brief her team before battling Scarlet.

"But Wobbuffet," Jason mumbled in his sleep, well enough for Kristine to clearly hear, as he turned away from the light. "Why are you blocking that buffet?"

Oh great, he's dreaming about food too? Kristine refrained from laughing out loud. What's next, an eating contest with Snorlax?

Kristine gathered fresh clothes before placing them neatly next to the bathroom sink and used the shower. After drying off and getting dressed, she tied her ponytail and put on her visor. She looked at herself in the mirror, seeing that confident girl she always admired.

"You got this," she reassured herself before exiting the bathroom.

She found that Jason was still sound asleep. She quietly left the room, going downstairs to the first floor, with the intention of returning the favor from yesterday morning when Jason practically brought back a feast.

Kristine proceeded to the breakfast table upon reaching the lobby. Several other trainers were present, and the news channel on the television screen nearby had no significant developments to report. The day seemed to go slow and easy so far.

She got a large plate and took a more modest approach than her brother, grabbing enough for two twelve year olds without risking the possibility of excessive food waste. After she got what she needed, which was four muffins, two bagels, an assortment of fruit, and two glasses of lemonade, she began to proceed back upstairs.

She spotted Liz walking down. As the fiery redhead noticed her, she began to laugh, noticing the tray Kristine was carrying.

"Bringing that up for the bro, huh?" Liz pointed out.

"Well, half of it," Kristine snickered. "You should've seen what Jason brought up yesterday."

"Did he beat Scarlet?"

"He did."

"Tell him I said grats."

"Will do. I battle Scarlet in a little bit myself."

"Yeah? Good luck. I've heard she's a tough one."

"Thanks," Kristine smiled.

The two began to go on their separate ways.

"Hey Liz?" Kristine turned around, her curiosity getting the best of her.

"'Sup?" Liz faced her.

"How'd you do in the competition the other day?"

"Well," Liz briefly rubbed her own back. "It came down to Charmeleon versus the world. I picked the wrong ring, apparently. I could've sworn there were ten pokemon in there at one point. Can't be mad though. Charmeleon went to work and took out about a dozen opponents before going down himself. That, I can be proud of."

"Just wait until Charmeleon evolves," Kristine smiled.

Liz chuckled. "I'm looking forward to it."

Kristine went on her way, heading back upstairs with a plate full of food. Jason was up, still in his pajamas, as he browsed through the channels on the television with the remote.

"Anything new?" Kristine asked.

"Not really," Jason turned the television off, gently tossing the remote on his bed.

"I got us food," Kristine smiled, presenting a plate full of confidential breakfast items.

"Thanks sis," Jason walked over.

Kristine was happy Jason didn't make a comment about bringing less food. Maybe he just didn't care as long as she brought back food.

"So, how do you feel about today's battle?" Jason asked, grabbing a muffin from the plate.

"I'll let you know once it's done," Kristine bluntly replied.

Jason could tell she was still nervous about her battle with Scarlet. He didn't respond, and instead scarfed down his muffin.


The twins soon walked outside, making the same trip to the Raley City Gym as the day before. Kristine had already chosen the three pokemon she would use for the battle, with those pokemon in full mental preparation mode. Both Jason and Kristine were silent for the most part; Kristine wanted to mentally prepare herself for the impending battle against Scarlet. Jason could sense the pressure his sister was feeling. She was confident going into every single battle up to this point, yet she was letting the uncertainties go to her head.

The two walked into the Raley City Gym. Just like yesterday, there was a man standing before the double doors leading to the field, permitting only Kristine to enter.

"Hey," Jason said to Kristine. "Keep your smile up. Keep your guard up. You got this."

"Thanks," Kristine gave a nod towards her brother before walking to the battle floor.

There, she saw Scarlet standing at the center of the field that was covered in red dirt, wearing the open white coat, black shirt and pants. At least a dozen spectators were scattered around the stands, likely using the battle as an excuse to take a break.

"Ten minutes early," Scarlet glanced at the time on the digital scoreboard that was above Kristine. "I do like the early risers."

Kristine approached Scarlet.

"Yeah, you look like a bright one," Scarlet observed. "Tell me, and speak honestly, how did you feel about the result from our little competition the other day?"

Kristine shrugged. "It is what it is."

"Hmm," Scarlet rubbed her chin. "I don't think that's what your gut is telling you. Your brain might be telling you to move on, but I believe there's something else here. There's a beast inside of you that has remained dormant this entire time, and you have kept it locked up. I think it came out very briefly. The moment you saw that your brother won and not you, that must have stung a little, right?"

Kristine remained silent, not sure how to respond and not sure what Scarlet was getting at.

"My goal is to unleash that beast within you," Scarlet continued. "You will not be getting the Valor Badge until that happens, trust me on that," she then walked to her side of the field.

The referee walked to his platform as it ascended, overlooking the field. This surprised Kristine at first, as Jason made no mention of it.

"Today's battle consists of the Raley City Gym Leader, Scarlet, and the challenger Kristine Kyar," the referee announced. "This is a standard three versus three battle, where the Gym Leader makes the first summon and the challenger makes the first move. Are you ready?"

"Ready!" both contestants shouted.

"Oh yeah," Scarlet mentioned. "Check your box, Kristine."

And it was another detail Jason forgot to mention, the slim but long extension of the trainer's box.

"Let the battle begin!" the referee declared.

"Fight with Valor, Heracross!" Scarlet threw out her first pokeball.

"Hera!" Heracross greeted, anticipating his opponent.

Okay, totally not expected, Kristine thought. She had to mull through her options before deciding to stick with her current lineup.

"Here we go," she primed her first pokeball. "Let's go, Pikachu!"

"Pika!" Pikachu ran forward.

"Use Electro Ball on Heracross!" Kristine commanded.

"Pika-chu!" Pikachu conducted a front flip, using his tail to fire a powerful electric sphere at Heracross.

"Dodge it!" Scarlet responded.

"Heracross!" Heracross used his wings to leap away from Electro Ball.

The electric sphere fizzled seconds later.

"Fire off another one!" Kristine followed up.

Pikachu ran to the right before conducting another flip, firing a curved Electro Ball.

"Run forward!" Scarlet yelled. "Close In with Arm Thrust!"

Heracross rushed at Pikachu, Electro Ball flying just behind him. With his left arm, Heracross unleashed a flurry of jabs at Pikachu, making contact after contact.

"Get him off with Spark!" Kristine yelled.

"Pika!" Pikachu, taking jabs from Arm Thrust, channeled electric energy before unleashing it on Heracross from such a short distance.

"Hera!" Heracross grunted from the direct hit.

"Night Slash!" Scarlet quickly called.

Heracross' arm glowed purple as he prepared to strike at Pikachu.

"Double Team! Now!" Kristine issued.

Pikachu projected more than a dozen false images of himself, all surrounding Heracross.

"Pin Missile all of them!" Scarlet yelled.

Heracross fired off Pin Missile from his horn, aiming and striking Pikachu's projections.

"Electro Ball!" Kristine shouted.

"Chu!" Pikachu emerged from behind Heracross among a trio of images that were not yet targeted. He hurled a third Electro Ball right at Heracross from roughly fifteen feet away.

"Brace!" Scarlet ordered.

Heracross turned around and crossed his arms before his chest in an effort to withstand the attack. Electro Ball made a direct impact, causing an explosion that covered Heracross. The ensuing smoke soon dissipated. Heracross looked a little weary but stood strong nonetheless.

"Hop in and use Arm Thrust one more time!" Scarlet commanded.

"Hera!" Heracross used his wings to lunge at Pikachu.

"Double Team!" Kristine responded.

Pikachu projected more images around Heracross. Heracross remained focused, knocking out Pikachu's projections one by one.

"Use Spark!" Kristine followed up.

Pikachu emerged from Heracross' left flank, using his tail to propel forward for the shocking attack.

"Night Slash!" Scarlet yelled.

Heracross quickly turned to Pikachu, swiping gracefully with a purple glow in his claws. His Night Slash knocked Pikachu straight to the ground.

"Pikachu!" Kristine yelled in concern.

Pikachu was slow to get up, having suffered several hits from Arm Thrust and a direct attack from Night Slash.

"Do not relent!" Scarlet yelled. "Use Arm Thrust to finish him off!"

"Double Team! You can do it!" Kristine tried to encourage Pikachu.

"Pika…" Pikachu got up, and projected more copies of himself. However, there were fewer than before, numbering at eight as opposed to more than a dozen.

"Enough of these games!" Scarlet wanted to press the attack. "Use Aerial Ace and snuff him out!"

"Hera!" Heracross' claws glowed white, conducting a 360 degree sweep of all projections. Pikachu's images vanished, leaving himself exposed and suffering another hit from Heracross.

"Pikachu! Spark!" Kristine yelled, desperate to change the tide of this confrontation.

"Pika…" Pikachu had trouble mustering electric energy in a quick manner.

"Arm Thrust!" Scarlet yelled.

Heracross lunged at Pikachu, landing several quick jabs. Pikachu tumbled backwards twice, unable to continue any further.

"Pikachu is unable to battle!" The referee declared. "Heracross wins!"

Suddenly, Heracross became enveloped by electric currents, causing him to be paralyzed thanks to Pikachu's ability, Static.

"About time it went off," Scarlet said. "We can get Guts going for you, Heracross."

"Hera!" Heracross anticipated his second opponent, despite being weary and paralyzed.

"Return, Pikachu," Kristine recalled her pokemon. "You did good. We got this."

"You were doing well for a minute there," Scarlet remarked. "Defense won't win you the day. Not in my gym."

Kristine didn't respond to that statement. She readied her second pokeball. "Showtime, Espeon!"

"Espeon!" Espeon greeted, sitting gracefully.

"The advantage belongs to you, Kristine," Scarlet mentioned. "You have a fresh special attacker against a worn out and paralyzed physical attacker. Let's see how well you can utilize your edge."

"Calm Mind, Espeon," Kristine issued.

Espeon's eyes glowed white, increasing her special attack and defense, though Kristine suspected the special defense wouldn't be useful in this battle.

"Pin Missile! Get her moving!" Scarlet commanded.

"Heracross!" Heracross fired off a volley of pins towards Espeon.

"Use Reflect! Now!" Kristine responded.

Espeon projected a reflective barrier that would stop the initial wave of pins. But the super effective attack kept coming, and combined with Heracross' bug typing and Guts being active, Reflect could just be futile against an onslaught of pins.

"Swift!" Kristine ordered. "Stop the pins!"

"Espeon!" Espeon fired a swift of stars, exploding on impact against Heracross' Pin Missile.

"Night Slash! Let's Go!" Scarlet made her next move.

While Kristine focused on the defensive even more, Heracross moved to Espeon's left flank, enabling him to strike on command from a close range.

"Shift left and Psybeam!" Kristine yelled.

Espeon turned to Heracross. As he was getting ready to strike, his paralysis kicked in, forcing him still and completely open to Espeon. Espeon fired a powerful, colorful beam at Heracross, sending Heracross flying across the floor. He fell to the ground, unable to continue.

"Heracross is unable to continue! Espeon wins!" the referee announced.

"Good job, Espeon!" Kristine praised.

Scarlet recalled her pokemon. "You did well, Heracross."

She then pulled out her second pokeball. "Let's go, Rapidash!"

Rapidash neighed, greeting Kristine and Espeon.

Now Rapidash? Kristine could see the uncertainties unfold first hand. She wanted to believe the last pokemon would be Swellow, but she wasn't sure what to expect anymore. She decided to keep Espeon in play.

"Use Agility! Get your blood rolling!" Scarlet yelled before running to the extension of her box.

Rapidash began galloping and soon sprinted across the field around Espeon.

"Calm Mind one more time!" Kristine figured if Scarlet called for a non offensive move, so would she.

Espeon's eyes glowed bright white once more.

"Here we go! Use Swift!" Kristine followed up.

"Espeon!" Espeon fired the star shaped rays at Rapidash.

"Use Fire Spin and stop Swift!" Scarlet yelled.

Rapidash unleashed flames that dissipated Swift. She continued to stream those flames in efforts to trap Espeon within them.

"Get out of There, Espeon!" Kristine commanded.

"Espeon!" Espeon jumped out of the way just as the fiery tornado took shape.

"Use Double Kick to knock her back in!" Scarlet followed up.

Rapidash used her unparalleled speed to run by Espeon, using her hind legs to kick her opponent into Fire Spin.

"Atta girl!" Scarlet commended.

"Espeon!" Kristine yelled. "We need to break out! Quick, use Swift!"

"Esp…" Espeon regained her focus, suffering from Fire Spin.

"Keep up Fire Spin!" Scarlet ordered.

Rapidash neighed in compliance, firing a continuous stream of flames to keep Espeon contained.

Suddenly, stars shot out of the fiery tornado, with each one that hit Rapidash exploding upon impact. Rapidash lowered her head, embracing the attack.

"Use Psybeam!" Kristine continued her counter attack.

Rapidash looked up only to see the colorful beam coming right at her, striking her head on. She tumbled over, landing on her side just several feet shy of Scarlet, who remained unfazed.

"You got this, girl!" Scarlet cheered her pokemon on.

Rapidash was slow to get up after taking the direct hit from a greatly enhanced Psybeam. Meanwhile, this gave Espeon time to escape Fire Spin.

"Espeon!" Espeon leapt forward.

"Fire another Psybeam!" Kristine kept at it.

"Fire Spin with everything you got!" Scarlet was quick to react.

Rapidash fired off flames against another powerful Psybeam. Espeon's attack was overwhelming, however, and Scarlet needed to respond quickly.

"Quick! Dodge right and use Stomp!" Scarlet yelled.

Rapidash jumped to her right, and to Kristine's horror, that left Scarlet in clear path of Espeon's Psybeam.

Scarlet was quick to run and avoid the hit, but Kristine didn't see that. Psybeam struck the wall behind Scarlet, causing an explosion.

"No! Scarlet!" Kristine yelled in despair, believing she harmed the Gym Leader.

The smoke cleared. Just then, Rapidash closed in on Espeon, using her front hooves to knock her away.

"What the," Kristine seemed surprised the battle was still going, the referee making no effort to stop it.

Scarlet smirked, emerging unharmed. "Relax, kid."

Kristine noticed that the wall behind Scarlet remained intact. In fact, it looked like it didn't even get hit in the first place.

"I'm a professional," Scarlet continued, walking back to her side of the field. "Besides, if I got hit, the worst that would've happened was I got knocked down on my butt and I got dazed for a minute. No big deal. And the wall? Reinforced steel. Gyms are built to take hits, girl."

"Right," Kristine breathed a sigh of relief.

"Rapidash, Fire Spin one more time! Let's go!" Scarlet wanted to regain control of the match.

Rapidash fired another stream of flames at Espeon, this time enveloping her once more.

"Esp!" Espeon yelped, the flames taking a huge toll on her.

"Use Swift! Stop her!" Kristine commanded, her forehead and arms sweating from the flames coming from Rapidash.

Star shaped rays pierced through the fiery wall, striking Rapidash head on.

"Brace it! Move Forward! Keep up Fire Spin!" Scarlet wanted to capitalize on her attack, and had the confidence that Rapidash was able to take another hit or two.

"Keep using Swift! Defend yourself!" Kristine yelled.

Espeon fired off an unrelenting volley of stars. Star after star struck Rapidash as the fire horse began losing steam. The last star that exploded on her knocked her on her side. She was unable to continue any further.

The flames soon cleared. Kristine was concerned that Espeon was knocked out as well, because she stopped using Swift. Her concerns were confirmed; Espeon was also down and out.

"Both Espeon and Rapidash are unable to continue!" the referee declared.

"Return, Espeon," Kristine recalled her pokemon. "You did great out there."

"You as well, Rapidash," Scarlet recalled her.

The two contestants primed their final pokeballs.

"You better get ready, Kristine!" Scarlet tossed her pokeball. "Let's finish this, Braviary!"

"Bra!" the valiant pokemon cawed.

Oh no, a flying type, Kristine was nervous about this encounter as she primed her last pokeball. Choosing Machoke was a risk that she knew she took, but it wasn't a match up she expected to use. Given Heracross' fighting and bug typing, she would have gone with Fletchinder instead and used Pikachu for this moment. If only she knew.

Yet there was a reason why Machoke was chosen, other than his cover move, Thunder Punch. Kristine believed he would be able to play an important role in today's battle, and with it on the line, Kristine needed him more than ever. She knew she couldn't afford to think about what if's, or could haves, would haves, and should haves. What she did or didn't do was in the past, and there was still a battle to fight.

"All right Machoke! Let's go!" she threw out her last pokeball.

"Machoke!" Machoke assumed his fighting stance, preparing himself against Braviary.

"One direct attack from Brave Bird and it could mean the end," Scarlet warned. "I will come at you, Kristine. And I will keep coming at you until you come out of your shell and defeat me! Or you'll be finding yourself stuck in Raley City until you figure it out."

Kristine wondered why Scarlet had it out for her. She started to take it personally.

"Machoke! Get ready! Run towards Braviary!" she called.

"Machoke!" Machoke charged at Braviary.

"Hone Claws!" Scarlet commanded.

"Braviary!" Braviary's claws began to sharpen.

"Get in there and use Thunder Punch!" Kristine yelled.

"Choke!" Machoke leapt into the air, attempting to deliver a power Thunder Punch upon Braviary.

"Grab him and use Crush Claw!" Scarlet responded.

"Bra!" Braviary flapped his wings to hover off the ground, using his talons to grab Machoke's shoulders.

"Machoke!" Machoke wailed around.

"Now drive him to the ground!" Scarlet followed up.

Braviary attempted to finish his move with the intention of slamming Machoke to the ground through the force of his claws.

"Use Brick Break and get yourself out of there!" Kristine quickly issued.

"Ma!" Machoke used his right hand to strike at Braviary's torso, delivering a direct hit.

"Bra!" Braviary yelped, loosening his grip on Machoke.

"Now use Vital Throw!" Kristine yelled.

"Machoke!" Machoke managed to grab both of Braviary's talons. Machoke quickly touched ground with his feet, preparing to use his upper body strength to slam Braviary to the ground.

"Use Heat Wave! Now!" Scarlet quickly yelled.

"Bra!" Braviary's body heated up, unleashing a powerful fiery wave that knocked Machoke back, sending him tumbling several times over to the other side of the field.

"Machoke!" Kristine became concerned for her pokemon.

"Machoke…" Machoke was slow to get up, suffering from such a powerful attack.

I don't think Machoke could take another hit like that, Kristine thought. Man, Braviary can hit real hard.

"Gotta love Sheer Force!" Scarlet explained. "Braviary can hit harder, but moves like Heat Wave can't cause status effects. Worth the price, I think!"

She turned to Braviary. "Let's end this with Brave Bird!"

"Braviary!" Braviary took to the air, circling back to get a good angle on Machoke.

We can't dodge this, Kristine knew it. This can't be the end.

"Machoke!" Kristine had an idea. "Use Thunder Punch in the air. Keep using it to make a shield, and use both your fists to withstand the attack!"

"Choke!" Machoke began using electric energy to rapidly punch all around him.

Whatever crazy idea Kristine thought of seemed to be working in theory. Electric energy channeled from Machoke's fists. He was essentially creating a barrier to shield himself from a one-hit attack.

"Creative to say the least," Scarlet admired. "Braviary! Show the might and pride of Team Valor! Let's do this!"

"Braviary!" Braviary closed in on Machoke, picking up speed as he closed his wings and his body burst into flames.

"Machoke! Put your fists forward and hold him with every ounce of energy you have!" Kristine yelled.

"Machoke!" Machoke put his glowing fists forward, emanating electric energy from them.

Braviary honed in on Machoke, striking him with such force that any fully healthy fighting type pokemon would be knocked out in a single hit. Machoke had already taken a powerful hit from Heat Wave. Granted, Braviary was a physical attacker through and through, and Heat Wave could have been worse even with Sheer Force. Kristine wondered if this wasn't enough to hold the attack, if she had failed. The thoughts began to flood her mind once more.

"Choke!" Machoke slid back, likely from the kinetic force Braviary delivered. His electric shield held, Braviary struggling to break through to deliver the victory for Scarlet.

"Bra…" Braviary began to feel the electric currents zapping him.

"Break away and come in for another attack!" Scarlet issued. What a smart kid.

Braviary managed to fly away, his forceful exit knocking Machoke off balance. He tumbled over and over all the way to Kristine, colliding with her.

"Agh!" Kristine got body slammed to the ground, purely unintentionally, by Machoke. He was on top of her, rolling over and struggling immensely to get up.

The referee wanted to stop the battle. He was even tempted to declare Braviary the winner.

Scarlet anticipated this, however, and faced him. "Don't you dare call it."

"How about a time out?" the referee asked.

"No," Scarlet spoke firmly.

Braviary flew to the far side of the field, preparing for another run.

Kristine was slightly dazed from the impact. She was aware enough that she didn't lose just yet. She lost her visor somewhere. Her hair was coated with red dirt, as were her clothes.

It was that moment she knew she couldn't lose. She wasn't going to lose, and Machoke wasn't going to let that happen. Her companion got up, and walked to her knowing very well Braviary was going to attack imminently. He offered his hand to help her up.

Kristine stood up and wiped the dirt off her face. Don't think, just do, echoed Jason's words through her mind. She figured it out. And all it took was Machoke nearly knocking her out cold.

"No," she resisted imminent defeat. "We will not lose!"

She faced Scarlet with sheer determination. Scarlet knew this was it. This was when Kristine unleashed the beast within.

Braviary swooped down for a second Brave Bird run.

"Go!" Kristine urged Machoke to run. "Just Run forward! Keep running!"

"Machoke!" Machoke ran towards Braviary.

For the first time in the battle, Kristine made use of the extension to her trainer's box. She ran down, parallel to Machoke.

Scarlet took off her coat, and ran down her extension of the box as well.

"Hit him with all you got!" Scarlet yelled.

Braviary was seconds away from striking Machoke.

"Slide and use Thunder Punch!" Kristine commanded.

Machoke slid with his legs forward, making himself as small a target as he possibly could. He charged electricity with his fist, taking a jab at Braviary above. Brave Bird had barely missed the mark, but Machoke was able to land a clean hit from Thunder Punch. Braviary tumbled to the ground at high velocity.

"Regain your balance!" Scarlet shouted.

Braviary managed to do just that, recovering from Machoke's attack and flying high in the air once more.

"Braviary, land on Machoke and use Crush Claw!" Scarlet ordered.

"Bra!" Braviary swooped down on Machoke once more, sharp claws at the ready.

"Machoke, grab onto Braviary's talons and use Vital Throw!" Kristine responded.

As Braviary tried to deliver another devastating blow, Machoke grabbed his talons. It became a showcase of strength, with both pokemon determined to pin one another to the ground. The struggle went on for a moment. At first, Braviary seemed to be gaining the edge, keeping Machoke slightly bent backwards.

"You got this, Machoke!" Kristine encouraged

him. "You can win this! We will win this!"

"Machoke!" Machoke used every ounce of strength he could muster to regain his footing and take control of Braviary.

"Quick! Use Heat Wave!" Scarlet issued before it was too late.

"Brick Break!" Kristine quickly called.

"Machoke!" Machoke made a lightning fast chop at Braviary's chest, with his left arm still holding onto a talon, dealing considerable damage and causing Braviary to fall and lose his strength. The sudden attack caught him off guard. Machoke then finished Vital Throw by using his left arm to slam Braviary to the ground.

"Braviary…" Braviary struggled to get back up.

"Now is our chance!" Kristine wanted to capitalize on the moment. "Thunder Punch with everything you have!"

"Machoke!" Machoke leapt towards Braviary, extending his left arm to guard against any sudden attack and priming his right arm to strike. Braviary did not resist, and took the full brunt of the super effective attack as Machoke descended on top of him.

"Braaaaaa!" Braviary had electric currents ripple throughout his body. And to Kristine's relief, he took too much damage. He was unable to continue.

Even the referee was astounded by the turn of events. "Wow. Braviary is unable to battle! Machoke wins, which means Kristine Kyar is the winner!"

The handful of people spectating the game stood up to give Kristine a round of applause, shocked by the turn of events.

"We won…" Kristine muttered.

"Machoke!" Machoke pounded his chest triumphantly. He then fell on one knee.

"Machoke!" Kristine ran over to him, getting on her knees. "Are you okay?"

"Choke!" Machoke nodded. "Machoke!"

Kristine pulled out his pokeball, and began to recall him. "You have no idea how awesome you were today. Get some rest."

Kristine got up, noticing that Scarlet had already recalled Braviary.

"The very end, that's what I wanted to see," Scarlet mentioned, approaching Kristine.

"That was intense," Kristine laughed.

"Yes it was," Scarlet agreed. "Your body language, your emotions, your way of thinking changed. You weren't thinking defensively anymore, but of ways to counter me and continue your attack. You became unrelenting. You no longer cared of type advantages. You wanted to win."

"And I wanted to win that very badly," Kristine smirked.

"What you displayed towards the end, never forget that," Scarlet continued. "Never forget the valor and honor you have displayed, fighting like it's your last battle without fear. That forges the heart of a champion. There's knowing how to battle and how to win. Many trainers know how to battle. Few know how to win. Master that art, because you have a good head on your shoulders to begin with. Be unrelenting. Be hungry. Win those competitions. And let no one, not even your brother, get in the way of victory anymore."

"I see why you were so hard on me," Kristine replied.

"I saw the potential, just like I saw it in Jason. Only you needed more help in bringing it out. No shame in it. You're the diplomatic, think-it-through type, and trust me, that will take you very far in life. Your brother wears his heart on his sleeve. It's time you do the same."

"I wanted to win the Rings of Valor so badly," Kristine groaned.

Scarlet laughed. "Get him in the next competition you two come across. Nothing like some good old fashioned sibling rivalry."

She pulled out a box from her pocket and opened it, presenting the Valor Badge. "Here you go. You've earned this one."

Kristine happily took the badge. The first three were nothing short of major accomplishments, but this felt different. She felt as if she and her Pokémon fought tooth and nail for this one, and it simply came down to how badly she wanted this.

"You look a little banged up," Scarlet observed Kristine. "I'll have one of my guys get you a couple water bottles on the way out. Head back to the pokemon center, take a shower, throw those clothes in the wash, and get some rest. You've earned it."

"Thank you, Scarlet," Kristine sniffled, her eyes starting to water from the joy of accomplishment. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be sorry," Scarlet smiled. "It's okay to show emotion. You should express it. Let that energy out. You've got eight badges to go. Show those knuckleheads what you're made of!"

"Speaking of knuckleheads," Kristine snickered, facing the exit of the field.

"Time to show him," Scarlet began to proceed towards that exit.

"Right," Kristine took two steps forward, but stumbled. Perhaps the hit from Machoke finally sunk in, or she was just completely fatigued.

Scarlet took notice, and approached Kristine, placing her right arm over her shoulder. "Come on."

As Scarlet helped Kristine to the exit, the handful of spectators gave one more round of applause, commending Kristine's efforts, before dispersing. The referee touched solid ground after lowering his platform. Noticing Kristine's visor nearby, he picked it up. Scarlet signaled for him to toss it. He threw it like a frisbee with precision as Scarlet caught it with one hand without making much effort.

Scarlet and Kristine walked through the exit. As the doors opened, a concerned knucklehead in particular stood at the center of the atrium.

"Kristine?" Jason approached the two, noticing his sister was covered in red dirt, likely soaked in sweat, and just look exhausted. "What happened out there?"

Kristine showed off the Valor Badge to Jason with a gleaming smile. "That's what happened."

Scarlet took Kristine's arm off her shoulders. Kristine then ran over to give Jason one big hug.

"I get it now," she told him, in tears. "The just winning thing. That's what we had to do. You should have seen my pokemon out there."

"You're an amazing trainer, Kristine," Jason hugged his sister back.

"And I'm even stronger now," Kristine stated.

That comment sent chills down Jason's spine. He believed Kristine was a formidable trainer to begin with. Scarlet managed to unleash her potential, and combined with commandeering a very good pokemon team, she could be unstoppable.

Scarlet approached the two, handing Jason Kristine's visor. A Team Valor representative also approached them and handed Jason two bottles of water.

Scarlet gave a smirk and looked at Jason in the eyes. "You're welcome," she began to depart back into the field.

Jason knew what that meant. Kristine had the strategic mind, and now the winning spirit. And he knew she was not going to live this down. She was going to truly be a force to be reckoned with, and while Jason was lucky to have her as a traveling companion, he knew he had to be on alert in the future, because in the next competition, she's coming for him.


Four down, eight to go! Hope you all enjoyed that battle. A special shout out to those who follow my fanfic. Thanks for reading, I do truly appreciate you taking the time to read this giant fanfic. More big things to come!