Author's Note:
Ok...so...this chapter kind of went in it's own direction after a bit. I don't know what happened, but...I think it works? I don't know...it was fun. We'll see what you think. Hope you enjoy.
Chapter 8: The Race is On
Given the distractions on everyone's minds from the night before, Serena was surprised at how well Shauna and her opponent, Kathy, performed. It was a fairly typical Theme Performance, with the two performers tasked with identifying the specific berries needed to cure certain illnesses in Pokemon and then give them to a Pokemon pretending to have said illness. With Shauna having been taught well in Pokemon Health and Pokemon Nurtrition so far, it was a breeze for her to identify what the Pokemon was meant to be suffering from, and which berry to use. Her opponent did well, too, only missing one and falling just short due to that.
As the crowd applauded the performers and their efforts, and with Lumiose earning their first, and much needed, point of the weekend, Serena prepared for her own event that was coming. It would be her, Absol and Braixen taking on Shalour's chosen member. She remembered her name was Desiree and that she had a Medicham. Serena was sure Absol would manage, though. He was ready.
As long as last night didn't scare him too much. Serena couldn't help but be worried about that. She knew that the hunters would probably be gone now, likely knowing the area had been found with the now heavy police presence there. It had everyone a little on edge, though. She had talked to Fantina about not using Absol, but the Disaster Pokemon seemed determined to participate as though he wanted to prove the hunters couldn't hurt him anymore.
Serena knew she needed to have faith in her Pokemon, though. They would get through this, and whatever those hunters were up to, together. And if he felt he could continue to get stronger by participating in this performance, then she would give him the chance. As Fantina announced the Freestyle Performance from the stage, Serena took one last look in the mirror to ensure her performing dress was ready, and then set out, Shauna wishing her luck as she stepped into the spotlight.
As she prepared herself for the performance, barely paying attention to Fantina's words and the crowd yelling, Serena looked for her friends. She could see them sitting near the front row, Ash and Riolu looking the most enthusiastic, with Popplio next to them with wide eyes. It gave her the extra push she needed, and she smiled as she called out her two Pokemon, seeing Desiree call out a Bellossom and Roserade. She was relieved the other girl hadn't opted for her Medicham.
It was decided that Desiree would start first, before Serena and her team took the stage. Then, the main part of the show would have them competing for the judges' attention. That was where Serena was most worried, knowing she needed to keep Absol at his best for that. She was sure Braixen would do well with leading the way, though. And, it sure was helpful knowing Shauna had earned them a point already.
"And now, ladies and gentlemen!" Fantina called out once Desiree was ready. "Let ze performance begin!"
Serena could see that Desiree had improved greatly since the last match between Shalour and Lumiose. She moved gracefully with her two grass types, fully taking advantage of their typing, and making use of their graceful natures and dancing abilities. As they used a combination of Sunny Day, Synthesis and Magical Leaf, they almost seemed to appear like plants dancing in a flowery field. They finished off with a stunning Petal Blizzard from Bellossom, and Serena knew it would be tough to follow.
"Sol!" Absol growled in determination, looking up at her with a smirk.
"You're right, Absol," Serena said to him, smiling brightly at him. "We can do this!"
Serena closed her eyes as she stood at the centre of the stage with Absol on her left and Braixen to her right. She could hear the crowd cheering, and felt a boost of confidence inside. She was excited to finally have a chance to show what she could do with Absol, and she was happy that Braixen would be alongside them to help him show how far he'd come.
"Serena...you may begin!"
"Braixen, Hidden Power! Absol, Psycho Cut!"
As she called out her orders, Serena and her Pokemon began moving immediately. Braixen was first, spinning out front of her trainer and firing up the blue orb. As she twirled back, Absol leaped out front, stretching out and spinning his head to send the pink, crescent-shaped attack up to slice the Hidden Power in two. As the split orb crashed back to the stage, Absol darting back to curl back behind Serena while Braixen pulled her forward, there was a shower of blue light.
"Fire Blast!" Serena then ordered, thrusting her palm forward, released from Braixen's spin as she aimed out towards the crowd.
"Braiii!" the Fox Pokemon cried out, jumping up and aiming her wand high up. She sent the five-pronged fire attack out over the crowd, making some people gasp, but Serena was ready to act.
Absol had shot forward, catching Braixen on his back as she descended back to the ground, and Serena spun back so she could stand behind him as she made her next order. "Psycho Cut, one more time!"
"Sol!" he growled, sending the psychic attack out once more. It curved around the Fire Blast, breaking off each end, causing it to explode into fireworks.
"Finish with Icy Wind!" Serena shouted, noticing her friends in the crowd looking surprised. The move hadn't been perfectly executed yet in front of them, but Serena had a gut feeling that Absol had worked too hard on it for it not to work now.
"AaabSOL!" He straightened out in front of Braixen once more, fur rising on his body, the air cooling all around him. Then, suddenly, a gust of wind burst out and up towards the the fiery sparks from Braixen's Fire Blast. Ice and snow were carried out, and seemed to freeze the remains of the fire attack, almost making it appear to snow over the crowd.
The audience went wild with applause, Fantina having to wait quite awhile before explaining the next stage of the performance, which would have Serena and Desiree competing for the judges' attention. Serena couldn't have felt more confident, now. She embraced Absol and Braixen, amazed by how each of them had performed so far.
"You did it, Absol! I knew you could!" She said, noticing the pride in the Disaster Pokemon's eyes. He still looked determined to fight, though, knowing there was still a little more to do.
They took their positions as the applause finally died down, and Serena took a deep breath, excited for the chance to take another step with Absol. It would be tougher to shock the crowd as much as they had so far, especially with Desiree likely more inspired to step up with something big. Having the judges attention to start would be an advantage, though, and Serena knew she just needed to focus on her Pokemon and herself. They would be fine if she just did that.
"Let us now continue!" Fantina called out, the crowd cheering with excitement. "Performers, show ze audience, and ze judges, everything you have!"
Serena heard Desiree quickly call for a Magical Leaf from one of her Pokemon and was quick to counter with calling her own. "Braixen, surround us with a ring of fire! Flamethrower!"
"Braixen brai!" Braixen nodded, holding her branch-wand up high, the tip already glowing with the beginnings of a flame. The Fox Pokemon ran forward, flames starting to spill out of her wand. As she ran to circle Serena and Absol, Serena could see that Desiree had already pulled off an impressive combination of Magical Leaf and Petal Blizzard, and knew they needed to act fast.
"Absol, use Detect and go in and out of the flames!" she ordered, stepping towards the front of the ring of fire herself, ready to meet Braixen as she finished.
"Sol!" The Disaster Pokemon nodded, looking almost excited to do the daring task. His eyes glowed as he ran, and then suddenly, he was leaping through a hole in the wall of flames surrounding them, and as the ring of fire rose up in front of Serena, she could hear the crowd gasping at Absol's bravery.
"Now, Braixen use Hidden Power!" Serena commanded, joining a hand with her Fox Pokemon, who aimed the attack straight up, before the two of them danced back to the centre, a gap in the flames revealing them the the crowd as Absol darted through.
The blue orb shot straight above them, and as before, Serena ordered Absol to break it with Psycho Cut. He did just that, but this time, two crescent-shaped attacks shot up, splitting the orb into four, the pieces falling perfectly around the ring of fire Braixen had created. As they hit the ground, blue sparks shot up, beginning to turn the flames blue where they landed.
"Icy Wind, Absol!" Serena ordered, aiming straight out as she and Braixen went to either side of the Disaster Pokemon.
"Sol!" he roared out, the fur rising on his body before a cold wind blew ice and snow out in front of him. This time, as it met the flames, it extinguished them, steam blowing out as ice and snow met fire. However, with the blue flames, from the Hidden Power attack, a blue smoke began to rise into the air.
"Absol, aim up and use Psycho Cut!" Serena shouted, eyes shining as she twirled back with Braixen.
Absol fired off the pink crescent-shaped attacks, and they seemed to spin like disks in the air. Serena noticed that Desiree was in the middle of a Sunny Day and Petal Blizzard combination, and she knew that her opponent was about to pull off a stunning display, so she knew this had to be done perfectly.
"Braixen, on Absol's back. Absol, use Double Edge to get in the air and Braixen, use Scratch on Psycho Cut!" Serena spun back as Braixen ran forward, Absol collecting her before bracing himself and launching himself upwards.
"Brai!" Braixen cried out, leaping off Absol once high enough. As he descended, she slashed out, shattering the Psycho Cut attacks that spun in the blue mist that the previous combination had created. As she struck them, they shattered. Then, as Braixen finished off, beginning to descend, the crowd cheered in delight, watching as the pink dust created from the broken Psycho Cuts appeared like stars in the blue mist.
"Braixen, now aim down with Flamethrower, and Absol, up with Icy Wind!" Serena then commanded, watching as Braixen descended to the ground. She ran forward as the two Pokemon unleashed their attacks, coming to a stop underneath them, the ice colliding with the flames and creating a shower of water, while Braixen's descent was slowed and she landed softly next to Serena. Serena then ordered another Icy Wind from Absol, before joining hands with Braixen.
"Sol!" Absol did as asked, and as the water descended on them, he froze it all around them, creating what appeared to be an arch of ice, before he went to Serena's side.
Then, the three line up together, and bowed, the crowd going wild. Serena noticed Desiree's routine finishing up as well, and while she managed to pull off another impressive combination with a couple more grass attacks, it was clear who the crowd and the judges were watching.
Her friends cheered even louder as she was announced the winnner.
"Vivillon, finish with Gust! Quilava, Flamethrower!"
Dawn narrowed her eyes, glancing quickly at the clock to see that only a few seconds remained, the scores nearly identical between her and Dusk. Fortunately, the opposing Coordinator had little room, his Pokemon panting from the exhaustion of his last combination, which he'd clearly hoped would end the match in his favour. Fortunately, Vivillon's Friend Guard ability had been enough to protect them.
The flames from Quilava's Flamethrower burned hot, almost covering the whole stage, before Vivillon's Gust had propelled it forward with full force. Dusk's Gengar and Drifblim were sent flying back, landing hard on the ground in front of their trainer, bodies smoking as the buzzer signalled the end of the match.
BZZZ!
"And ze winner of the double contest battle is..." Fantina called out excitedly, as the points were shown side by side. "Dawn! Lumiose University collects it's fourth point of ze day!"
The crowd went wild, ecstatic to see the Performance Team take the four points. Dawn simply sighed in relief, knowing that the hole the team had put themselves in with the first two matches of the season had made these points extremely crucial. Now, they were right back in the race.
Dusk came over as the crowd continued to cheer, congratulating her on her win, before setting off. She decided to go back and get changed as well, knowing that they would be starting the battles up after about an hour break. She was excited to see how Ash and the others did, wanting both teams to be ready to take on the next two matches fully in the race.
When she was ready, she stepped out to find Tierno waiting for her. He seemed quite pleased, his Chimchar with him, looking excited as well. It was only his second true win as a coordinator, so she couldn't blame him, and winning with a Pokemon without as much experience like Chimchar made the feat all the more impressive.
"Nice job out there," he said, turning as the two began to walk out. "You and Vivillon have turned into quite the team. You've got some real rhythm!"
Dawn laughed, looking at Chimchar. "Thanks, you and Chimchar have come a long way, too, though. I wasn't able to beat coordinators this strong with that much experience."
"I've got lots of experience dancing and battling with my Pokemon," Tierno said proudly. "We just needed to make it work on the stage instead of a battlefield."
Dawn shrugged, supposing that made sense. She wondered if she needed to try working on some of the routines Tierno did in his training. Of course, her own style seemed to work well enough for her. She just needed to make sure she remained focused, and that her Pokemon trusted her.
When they stepped out into the hallway, their other friends were waiting for them. It was good to see their spirits so high, given what they'd seen the night before. Dawn supposed that despite the unease in the back of their minds, it was nice to have the IPL match as a distraction. It was better to let Officer Jenny figure out what to do for now anyway.
"All four points!" Ash said excitedly, leading the group down the hall towards the exit. "As long as you guys do well in the next couple of matches, the Performance Team will make it to the playoffs!"
"Oh look!" Shauna said, pointing to a screen in the lobby as they arrived in it, a few students gathering around it. "They've updated the standings!"
Dawn looked up, hoping that they were in much better shape now, with two sweeps in their favour now, despite the two against. She was pleased to see that it looked much better. In fact, mainly due to a surprising result from the match between Laverre and Coumarine. It seemed Laverre University wasn't as unbeatable as they had seemed.
1st Place: Laverre University (12pts)
2nd Place: Lumiose University (8pts)
3rd Place: Coumarine College (7pts)
4th Place: Shalour College (5pts)
"That means Coumarine only lost one event against Laverre!" Trevor said in surprise.
"It might've been better if Laverre had won, though," Tierno pointed out. "Coumarine's pretty close to us."
"It doesn't matter either way!" Ash said, smiling as he looked up at the points. "Second place gets you in the playoffs, and that's where you are now. Just keep winning!"
"And it's good to know that Laverre isn't totally invulnerable," Shauna said, looking more confident. A couple of wins had done her some good. "We beat Coumarine, and Coumarine beat them. Why not us, too?"
That seemed to be an extra little boost to the team as they left. As they headed towards the battlefield, Dawn remembered how low they had all felt after losing to Laverre so badly in the opening match of the IPL. For her, it had followed after a rough stretch of official contest battles as well, so it hadn't been easy bouncing back. And Laverre's students had seemed so polished. This really seemed to even the playing field.
As they walked, Dawn noticed Clemont fidgeting with his glasses a few times, glancing around as though thinking someone was there that wasn't. She supposed it was probably Korrina he was thinking about. She didn't know whether it was because of his upcoming battle, or because of whatever it was that was going on between the two of them.
"You okay, Clemont?" she asked, walking alongside him.
He nodded, sighing as he looked up to where Ash had called out Rockruff to walk with the group. He'd called Professor Kukui the night before about the Puppy Pokemon sneaking onto the plane, but the Alolan researcher had been unsurprised. He'd immediately suggested Ash let Rockruff join his team, and the little rock type had seemed insistent about it as well. When Ash had happily agreed, it had made everyone feel a lot better after their rough night, and Rockruff's happy barks had filled them all with joy. It looked just as excited about watching Ash battle as Ash was about battling. Dawn supposed that was part of what was making Clemont think about his own battle.
"I just hope we'll do as well as the Performance Team did. It would be nice for both teams to improve our position in the standings." The Lumiose Gym Leader hesitated, and then continued. "I want to give Korrina a good battle. I want to win, of course, but just like Ash, she really loves to battle. I want to make it a true battle of gym leaders. I can't be the leader that leaves a robot in charge of his gym. I need to be the leader that makes his opponent fight to their greatest ability."
Dawn could tell he'd been thinking about this a lot. Her eyes then went to Marie, who was excitedly listening to Ash as he started telling a couple of stories about some of his old battles. She had her Chikortia out, and Dawn remembered how excited her roommate had been the last few weeks after training sessions with the team.
"Clemont, if you're not a true Gym Leader, nobody is. Do you even know how much Marie has learned from you with the training you've done with her?" Dawn laughed as Clemont looked at Marie in surprise. "She wants to try out for the IPL team next year, you know?"
Clemont looked too surprised to talk for a moment, and then smiled. "I'll have to watch out that she doesn't get my spot." He then took a deep breath, smiling and looking more sure of himself. "I hope she makes it."
Dawn smiled at that, although she couldn't help but wonder what that would mean for the three trainers currently on the team. One of them wouldn't be on if Marie made it. Of course, everyone had their own journeys to take. Maybe a new adventure awaited them.
She decided not to think about that, her focus moving to the match ahead. Ash was picking up the pace now, the battlefield in sight, and before Dawn knew it, the group was running along behind him. Fortunately, it wasn't too far ahead, and when they reached it, Clemont hadn't fallen too far behind.
As they made their way towards their seats, Dawn could see that the Shalour team was already assembled, Korrina talking to her fellow Battle Team members. She and Clemont did lock eyes as the Lumiose team took their seats, though, and Dawn could see the excitement in the Shalour Gym Leader's eyes. It was sure to be quite the battle. Bonnie and her father had also arrived, and Dawn could see Clemont's sister smirking at the exchange of glances, before rushing up to whisper with Shauna.
As they waited for the students to arrive, knowing it would likely take awhile longer, Ash started to do a little bit of last minute training with Pikachu. He had Rockruff and Riolu watch closely, wanting the two of them to watch how Pikachu managed to use his small frame and speed to take advantage of opponents quickly at the beginning of a battle. Fortunately, his opponent from Shalour, Sumato, seemed to be too busy with whatever Korrina was saying in their team's meeting to figure out any of what Ash was planning.
Once things had started to fill up a little more, Professor Sycamore arrived with the Lumiose coaches, asking who would be battling first. "It sounds as though Sumato will be starting for Shalour," he said, looking at Ash expectantly.
"It'll be me and Pikachu then," Ash answered, looking excitedly at the battlefield, which was empty except for the referee, who had now arrived.
"Don't forget how clever this boy was the last time," Agatha warned Ash."Pikachu's speed gives you an advantage, but you'll need to think two steps ahead to avoid falling into his traps."
Ash nodded, locking eyes with Pikachu. "He won't have any time to set traps, right buddy?"
It was a typical confident Ash thing to say, but Dawn was still a little surprised at how sure he was of himself in saying it. He seemed to really know what he planned to do, and he was clearly sure it was going to work.
Finally, after another few minutes of waiting, Professor Sycamore announced to the waiting crowd that the battles would now begin. He announced Sumato first, the Shalour battler making his way to the battlefield to polite applause before Sycamore then looked to the Lumiose team. "And representing our own Lumiose University, is Ash Ketchum and Pikachu!"
Dawn and her friends cheered loudly as Ash ran out with Pikachu at his side. When he reached his position, Pikachu darted out in front of him. At the other end, Sumato called out his Magnezone, the same Pokemon he'd used in the last match. Dawn could see it in the other boy's eyes that he knew this was going to be a more difficult match. Ash was more than ready for this one.
As Professor Sycamore announced the rules, and the crowd waited in anticipation, Dawn in her seat, watching intently. Once he was done, the referee stepped forward, looking to both trainers, waiting to ensure they were both ready. When they nodded to signal that they were, he waved his arm to signal them. "Let the battle begin!"
Ash was ordering his first attack in an instant. "Pikachu, use Quick Attack!" he shouted, thrusting his arm forward with the order. As Pikachu took off like a yellow bullet, Ash was already calling for the follow-up. "Follow it up with Iron Tail!"
"Pika!" Pikachu yelled in answer, leaping up towards the big steel and electric type hovering in the air in front of him. He crashed hard into Magnezone, causing it to cry out in a robotic voice. However, it wasn't done there, with Pikachu spinning around swiftly, his tail glowing brightly and his eyes narrowed in focus. "Chuuu PIKA!"
"Zone!" Magnezone cried out as the Iron Tail struck it head on. The force sent the Magnet Area Pokemon crashing to the ground, dust shooting up around it once it hit.
"Electro-Ball!"
"Pika pika pika pika pika pika CHUPI!" Pikachu roared, spinning again as he descended, his tail now glowing with the light of the electric sphere forming at its tip. He sent it flying down just as the smoke and dust around Magnezone was disappearing, and as it started to rise up from the previous attack, it was struck hard again.
The crowd was ecstatic with how the battle was going so far, and Dawn couldn't blame them. Ash had complete control. It was no secret that he had done well in the Kalos League, and that he hadn't been at his peak for a couple of the IPL matches so far, but he was proving that he was back and better than ever.
There wasn't much that could stop him if he continued to battle like this.
It had seemed like never ending cheering today, and Clemont was glad to hear it, watching with a smile as Trevor commanded his Aerodactyl to land the finishing blow on his opponent's Donphan. While Trevor hadn't displayed the dominance and control that Ash had, he'd certainly impressed, his Aerodactyl taking full advantage of its flying ability to avoid most of Donphan's attacks and land some effective ones of his own.
As the referee declared Trevor the winner, Clemont knew much of the pressure had been taken off of him in terms of their positioning in the standings. However, he couldn't help but feel his heart pounding as he exchanged a look with Korrina, who was among her teammates. They looked disappointed, knowing they'd be going home without much in the way of points, but she looked excited to battle, and at least give them something to cheer for.
I'll give you the best battle I can, Clemont thought, his hand going to Luxray's pokeball.
His friends wished him luck as he headed out to his place on the battlefield, Bonnie and Meyer joining in and voicing their support the loudest. He congratulated Trevor on his win as they passed one another, the other boy looking quite pleased. As Clemont reached his place, he looked across to where Korrina was positioning herself, noticing her looking to her grandfather. He saw her nodding to him, before she looked out across to Clemont.
"I'm not going to use Mega Evolution in this battle, Clemont!" she called out, sounding eager to get going. "I want this to be a truly even battle. Whoever has trained their Pokemon better and whoever can get the most out of them will win. Okay?"
Clemont was surprised to hear that. He supposed he would've liked to beat Lucario in its mega evolved state, but it did change things if one Pokemon was given that power while the other wasn't. But are we really battling if we're not using our best skills. If Korrina felt this was the best way for them to battle, he supposed he was happy to agree, though. I guess that's just how it has to be. "I'm ready when you are!" he said, seeing her smile immediately.
At that, both trainers called out their Pokemon, Lucario and Luxray staring one another down as soon as they emerged. Even without Mega Evolution, Lucario was a fearsome looking Pokemon. Clemont knew that they needed to be extremely careful. In some ways, it was almost more dangerous, not knowing exactly what to expect.
He didn't have time to think about that, though, the referee checking to make sure the two trainers were ready. When they both nodded, he immediately raised his arm. Clemont tensed as he waved it down, and a moment later, the battle was on.
"Bone Rush, Lucario!" Korrina ordered quickly, wanting to get the first attack in, just as Ash had in his battle.
Clemont was fairly quick as well, though. "Wild Charge!"
The two Pokemon rushed towards each other, and unlike in their last meeting, Luxray and Clemont had been ready. As Lucario swung out, a bone of light in his grasp, Luxray was surrounded by crackling electricity. As the attacks collided, sparks flew out in all directions and a shock wave of energy shook the field, making the crowd gasp. The two Pokemon strained against one another, each desperate to overpower the other, but eventually, both backed down, leaping back and glaring at each other.
Clemont smiled, seeing Korrina narrowing her eyes in focus. He decided to act next. "Luxray, use Thunder Fang!"
"Metal Sound!" Korrina countered.
Clemont winced. It was too late to get Luxray out of the way, the Gleam Eyes Pokemon leaping at Lucario with his jaws crackling with electricity. He landed the attack well, but not before Lucario struck with the high pitched sound attack. Clemont could see the discomfort in both Pokemon as the separated once more, Lucario holding the arm that Luxray had hit, and Luxray shaking his head, ears ringing.
"Bone Rush, again!" Korrina then commanded, not giving Clemont a chance to think on his next move.
He acted on instinct, though, ordering his counter right away. "Defend with Swift! Then use Thunder Fang again!"
"Ray!" Luxray roared, bracing himself as Lucario ran towards him, the bone formed once again. The Aura Pokemon ran at full speed, but he had to be sharp, golden stars rushing towards him the entire time. He swung his bone at each that neared him, shattering each into golden dust. The crowd grew silent as the impact between the two Pokemon neared.
"Now!" Clemont yelled, punching the air, surprised himself by how into the battle he was getting.
Luxray roared as once again his jaws filled with electrical energy. As Lucario swung his bone outwards, the Gleam Eyes Pokemon caught it, electricity travelling along it and sending a powerful jolt through the Aura Pokemon.
Clemont heard Korrina gasp in surprise, and saw her hand twitch towards her Key Stone. A look to her grandfather made her stop, however. He couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed. He wanted to fight her at her best, and he wanted to prove she needed to. "Throw Lucario and use Wild Charge!"
"Rayyy!" Luxray roared through his bite on Lucario's bone. He swung his head, and Lucario's eyes widened as he was lifted off of his feet. With another swing, Lucario went flying into the air, and Luxray's body was engulfed in electricity. He ran forward, roaring again, before leaping high and driving his body hard into Lucario.
"Ru!" the Aura Pokemon grunted, his a massive burst of electricity shooting up from the colliding Pokemon, before he was sent crashing to the ground. He cried out on impact, and Clemont could see him wincing as he tried to stand.
"Korrina!" Clemont called out, ignoring the cheering crowd. He wasn't sure where it was coming from, but he was a bit frustrated. If he and Korrina were going to have the best battle they could, they both needed to be at their strongest. "Luxray and I can handle Mega Lucario. You know we can. Show us everything you have!"
Korrina hesitated, looking like she wasn't sure how to react to that. Her eyes drifted over to where her team was watching, and she seemed to lock eyes with her grandfather. A moment later, Gurkinn looked to Clemont, eyes searching him. When he smiled, Clemont couldn't help but do the same.
Korrina then spoke up. "We'll Mega Evolve if we earn it, Clemont. I have to show everything I can do with Lucario first, though." With that, she was on the offensive. "Aura Sphere!"
"Swift!" Clemont countered, narrowing his eyes curiously. If Korrina wanted to earn it, he would make her do so.
Lucario cried out loudly as he formed the blue sphere in front of him, Lucario responding with a roar of his own. A moment later, the Aura Sphere rocketed towards Luxray, bursting through the golden stars of Swift. Fortunately for Clemont, Luxray's attack was enough to slow down the Aura Sphere, before he needed to jump out of the way as it reached him. However, Korrina was quick with the follow up attack.
"Bone Rush!"
"Ru!" Lucario was off like lightning, bursting through the dust clouds the previous colliding attacks had created. Before Luxray could react, he was struck hard in the side by the bone of light, his body lifted off the ground and sent sideways. He barely managed to land on his feet, gritting his teeth from the pain of the attack.
Clemont knew they needed a boost, and fortunately, they had just the attack for it. "Luxray, let's add a spark to this battle! Use Electric Terrain!"
"Luxray!" Luxray roared in answer, Lucario bracing himself as the Gleam Eyes Pokemon cried out. A moment later, the field seemed to shake as sparks began to shoot up everywhere. It was almost like the grass had turned to electricity. Even Clemont was surprised at the burst of strength from his Pokemon.
"YEAHHH GO CLEMONT!" the crowd cheered loudly, seemingly led by Bonnie, who was standing up in her seat. "Go big brother!"
He smiled, looking ahead as Korrina seemed to tense up. The next stage of the battle was now beginning, and both of them knew it. A moment later, both ordered their next attacks.
"Swift!"
"Aura Sphere!"
Once more, golden stars rushed towards the glowing blue sphere. The latter crashed through the stars, but this time, Luxray kept up the assault even further, his focus intensified by the Electric Terrain. Lucario was panting, having put as much effort into the Aura Sphere as he could, and Clemont could see it plainly, watching as Luxray seemed to strain to hold the attack back.
"Lucario, get in there with Bone Rush!"
"Wild Charge!" Clemont countered, knowing that he needed to be extra quick when Korrina ordered her attacks.
Luxray roared in answer, and he rushed forward, forgetting Swift as his body was surrounded in electricity, boosted further by the Electric Terrain. He didn't hesitate as the Aura Sphere approached him now, crashing through the weakened attack and heading to meet Lucario who ran full force with his bone in hand.
Just as before, the Pokemon collided with a shock wave of energy, shaking the field. This time, with Electric Terrain having electrified the field, sparks flew up everywhere, many nearly into the crowd, who gasped in awe and fear. Meanwhile, the two Pokemon clashing refused to budge, growling as they strained against one another.
"Use Aura Sphere close up!" Korrina ordered, watching the two Pokemon closely, looking for any weakness she could find.
"Counter with Thunder Fang!" Clemont shouted back, quickly fixing his glasses as they seemed to nearly shake off of his face with the wind blowing back from the two Pokemon.
"Ru!" Lucario grunted out, holding tight to the bone of light with one hand, straining against Luxray with it as he aimed the other arm out and began to form Aura Sphere.
"Ray!" Luxray growled back, electricity spreading along him and into his jaws, before he lunged forward, snapping the Bone Rush and biting into Lucario's arm.
The Aura Pokemon was hurt, and almost seemed to slip at that, but he kept his focus, driving his other arm out and sending the Aura Sphere he'd been forming into Luxray's side. The crowd gasped as Lucario staggered back from the initial pain, while Luxray was sent sliding along the ground, roaring from his own.
"Now use Metal Sound!" Korrina ordered quickly, Lucario straightening immediately and slapping his palms together. Once again, a piercing sound was heard, the crowd groaning as it reached them, while Luxray grunted in discomfort. Clemont knew this wasn't good, with Metal Sound already having been used once.
"Use Swift, quickly!" he called out, Luxray gritting his teeth and fighting through his discomfort. The Gleam Eyes Pokemon looked straight at Lucario and fired out the golden stars, striking the Aura Pokemon hard and sending him staggering back.
As both Pokemon took a pause in the action, along with their trainers, they smiled at one another, panting. Clemont couldn't help but smile as well, feeling invigorated by the challenge. This was why Ash could never wait for the next battle. Battles like this could drive both trainers to be their very best and give their Pokemon a chance to give it everything they had.
Korrina seemed to feel it as well, grinning across at Clemont, before exchanging a nod with her grandfather. "All right, Clemont, you asked for it!" She held her arm out, touching a finger to the Key Stone on her arm band. "Lucario! Mega Evolve!"
Clemont's eyes widened, watching as the transformation took place, the blinding lights extending out from trainer to Pokemon and vice versa. Lucario grew larger, his features more aggressive, his feet and arms tipped with red, while his yellow chest fur had ruffled up. This battle would have an intense finish.
"You can do this, Clemont!" Ash called out from the sidelines, the rest of the team echoing his words. "Don't give up!"
Clemont nodded, smiling and adjusting his glasses as he looked to Luxray. Of course he wouldn't give up. This was the ultimate challenge. This was what a battle with Korrina needed to be. "Luxray, Thunder Fang!"
"Aura Sphere!" Korrina ordered, moving in sync with Lucario as the Aura Pokemon straightened out in front of her, forming the blue sphere in his palm and bending his arms back.
"Ray!" Luxray roared, charging towards his opponent with no hesitation.
Clemont was surprised he wasn't nervous, watching with narrowed eyes as his Pokemon charged forward, jaws crackling with electricity. As he closed the gap between him and Lucario, the Aura Pokemon unleashed the Aura Sphere, the attack looking twice as fierce as before. It rushed towards Luxray, and the mighty electric type met it head on.
"LUX!" Luxray bit into the attack, exploding it into a shower of blue and yellow sparks, the crowd going wild in response. Even Clemont couldn't help but give a start in surprise at the force of the Thunder Fang. He smiled, though, knowing he couldn't hesitate as Luxray continued the charge.
"Now, use Swift!" he commanded, sweeping his arm out in front of him as Luxray ran.
"Ray!" Luxray roared again, continuing his charge, Lucario and Korrina looking slightly uneasy.
"Bone Rush! Knock 'em all back!" Korrina shouted, moving in sync with Lucario once more as this time the Aura Pokemon formed two bones of light. A moment later, he was batting aside the golden stars as they rocketed towards him. However, Luxray grew nearer with each one.
"Bring it into another Thunder Fang!" Clemont yelled, almost feeling like the electricity had charged him up as well, the crowd fueling his yell even further with it.
"Luxray!" Luxray roared, leaping up as Lucario did, the fighting type crossing the bones in front of him in a defensive position.
The Pokemon collided in midair, sparks shooting out from both. They plummeted to the ground a moment later, staggering back as their attacks faded. However, both trainers knew they couldn't let up, and neither did their Pokemon.
"Wild Charge!"
"Zen Headbutt!"
Clemont was surprised by the command, but he could see the grin on Korrina's face. It was a secret weapon, held until this final point of the battle. He couldn't help but feel excited to see how he and Luxray fared against it.
The Pokemon cried out as they charged forward, one bathed in a pink glow, eyes closed in focus, while the other was engulfed in electricity, eyes wide with power. They collided with the biggest impact yet, and this time, both trainers were knocked off their feet, along with the referee and any students in the crowd who had been standing. Clemont couldn't even see as he struggled to hold his glasses up, the wind and dust blowing in all directions, while the sparks of Electric Terrain rained down across the field.
As he stumbled to his feet, squinting as the dust began to settle, he laughed, seeing that both Pokemon were still standing, even if both were panting. Those in the crowd who had recovered as well were now cheering, amazed by the battle they were witnessing. Clemont almost wanted to yell, feeling completely invigorated by it as well. This was more than he could've hoped for, and he could see it in Korrina's eyes as well.
But now, it was time to end it.
"Aura Sphere!" she yelled, getting to her feet and thrusting her palm forward with the command.
Clemont's command came at the same time. "Thunder Fang!"
"RU!"
Lucario cried out, his yell heard loud and clear throughout. He formed the attack as quickly as he could, narrowing his eyes as Luxray gave a cry of equal passion. A moment later, the Aura Sphere was rushing towards the Gleam Eyes Pokemon, and it looked nearly impossible to beat.
However, Clemont knew it would be beaten. He clenched his fists, watching intently as Luxray charged into the powerful attack once more, meeting it with his electrified jaws again. This time, he couldn't shatter it as before, but this time, he didn't need to. With a muffled roar, he continued the charge, and before Lucario and Korrina could realize what was happening, it was too late.
"NOW!" Clemont yelled, while Luxray picked his speed up in the last few paces.
"RAY!" the Gleam Eyes Pokemon roared, releasing the Aura Sphere back in Lucario's direction, the blue sphere now engulfed in electricity from Luxray's fangs.
Lucario and Korrina could only watch with wide eyes as the attack exploded against the former, sending him soaring back, and crashing hard to the ground in front of his trainer. His body glowed a moment, before he lay still, once more in his regular form, just as the electricity seemed to die out across the field.
"Lucario is unable to battle!" the referee called out, waving his arm to Luxray and Clemont. "Clemont and Luxray are the winners! Lumiose University collects the point!"
It was almost all a blur to Clemont after that, the Lumiose Gym Leader rushing to ensure his Pokemon was all right, hearing the screams of his supporters only faintly. When he reached Luxray, the Gleam Eyes Pokemon looked more exhausted than he'd ever been before, but he looked extremely proud as well. The victory had been hard fought, and Clemont couldn't have been more grateful to him.
"You did a great job, Luxray. Thank you," he said, hugging his fierce fighter, before looking up to see Korrina comforting her Lucario not too far away.
He waited patiently, knowing she needed to make sure Lucario would be all right, but he was glad when she finally stood, helping the Aura Pokemon to his feet. Clemont did the same with Luxray. They slowly made their way towards each other, and when they reached one another, Korrina sighed, smiling.
"Thank you for the best battle I've ever had, Clemont. That was amazing!" He was stunned by her words, but he could see it in her eyes that she meant them. He felt proud about that, but that didn't stop his cheeks heating up.
"You did great as well," he told her. "I don't think I've ever gotten that invested in a battle."
"That's why us gym leaders are around, right?" Korrina asked, chuckling lightly. Clemont could hear the exhaustion in her voice, and was sure he probably sounded the same. "We push our opponents to be better than they ever thought they could be."
Clemont didn't know what else to say, but he could feel all the eyes on him, especially Bonnie's and Shauna's. He wanted to say something, regardless. He knew he should, and he could see Korrina looking at him somewhat hopefully. "I...um..."
Korrina frowned then, looking over to her team, who were now waiting to meet her. When she glanced back, Clemont could almost feel the fog in his brain. "Yes?" she asked. "You okay?"
Clemont then took a deep breath, words suddenly coming out he didn't even think of. "I'd really like to go out with you later!" He almost yelled it, and both of them widened their eyes at the sudden question. He tried to recover. "You know...to make up for the...interruption last night. If...that's okay?"
Korrina smiled then, her own cheeks reddening. "I think we deserve that." She then stepped forward and gave his cheek a quick kiss, before darting off. "See you later!" she squeaked.
Clemont nearly fainted then. But of course, it was probably because of the battle.
Author's Note:
So Clemont will get a real date I suppose. Now, this Clemont vs Korrina battle was not originally gonna be the biggest battle besides Ash vs Anton but...here we are. I don't know what happened, but it happened. Clemont obviously has more to do, but I guess I just kind of felt this was where his biggest moment needed to be. His biggest move forward in both battling and his relationship with Korrina. Again, he still has key moments ahead, but this just felt right.
Anyway, LU has taken charge in the IPL now. They're in the race, and even Laverre has been knocked down a peg. Of course, if Coumarine's on a roll after that, they'll be a dangerous next opponent.
Hope you enjoyed, and see you next week.