"What do you mean you're not gonna compete?!"
"E-Easy there!"
Despite being held up by the collar of his shirt by Raihan, Leon was unfazed by the Hammerlocke Gym Leader's wrath, managing a careless grin despite his seeming precarious position. Even more impressive was that they were surrounded by the others in the lower level locker rooms in front of the tournament brackets listing out all competing teams.
According to Raihan and as verified by the tournament listings on the wall, the former Champion's name was nowhere found under the registered Galarian Star Tournament participants. Starting from the top left to bottom was as followed:
Victor & Marnie
Milo & Nessa
Gordie & Bea
Opal & Hop
On the other side of the tournament table from top to bottom were these pairings in order:
Klara & Bede
Peony & Kabu
Piers & Raihan
And shockingly enough, the pair to face off against Piers and Raihan in the first round were listed as question marks, their identities unknown for whatever reason. At first, Raihan guessed that Leon chose to obscure his name for kicks and giggles until realizing that it wasn't his style at all. And then, when they all found Leon upon reuniting at the locker rooms, things had quickly escalated before more pleasantries could be exchanged, like Victor being surprised that Peony had also been invited to participate and remembering from his League Card and other details mentioned in passing that he was a former Steel Gym Leader and powerful Trainer back in the day.
In any case, Raihan still had Leon held up by the shirt collar. The likes of Kabu, Peony, Gordie, Milo, and Piers were ready to step in and break them apart if things got too heated. Although, for Piers, he had a hand on his face as his head continuously shook side to side in disappointment.
"Maybe I shouldn't 'ave teamed up with him if this was gonna happen," Piers sighed. "I knew Raihan was gonna be this intense with Leon involved. I just knew it."
"You better start talking, Leon," Raihan managed to calm his temper, which somehow made his visage even more terrifying. His lips parted, showing a menacing scowl with that distinctive fang of his. "Now."
Not wanting to take any risk of a rising physical altercation, Victor was also prepared to step in with the authority of Champion, but he then was pulled to a halt by Marnie grabbing an arm of his with both hands. She shook her head. It was not exactly necessary for him to step in, but compared to the others, he was still by all means a child. He would be slaughtered if a fist fight among these blokes broke out, and Marnie, being the clever and attentive young girl she was, was not about to let him get hurt for the sake of making a stand just because he was the Champion.
"Oi, isn't this a bit much?" Hop asked, only to be in the receiving end of Raihan's glare.
"This is between me and your brother, so stick it," Raihan growled.
"That's enough," Leon finally responded, calmly grabbing one of Raihan's wrists. Though it appeared that he barely touched him, Leon pulled Raihan's hand away with a quick flick. "I'd rather not you take out your anger on Hop. Friendly rivals we are, I won't tolerate such treatment to my brother."
"Tch, 'rivals'?" Raihan backed off, folding his arms. "Wasn't that the point you made when you declared this Galarian Star Tournament? That because Victor and Hop had each other, they're where they are now in strength? What about me, mate? Don't tell me you got lost in registering for your own tourney!"
"I honestly find it believable," Gordie shrugged.
"Is it bad to say I concur?" Nessa asked.
"Same," Bea nodded.
"Ha ha ha, easy there, all," Leon laughed, returning to his jovial mood at the expense of his known reputation with directions. "That's… part of the story, but after I made my big announcement, my presence was requested by the tournament's benefactors."
"… Benefactors?" Bede repeated skeptically.
"Well, the tourney itself couldn't have happened without their generous donations to the cause," Leon explained. "Without their sponsorship, I wouldn't have been able to promote the Galarian Star Tournament as well as I hoped it'd turn out. You all remember listening to the crowd out there, yeah? They are beyond super hyped to witness all the exciting battles from the greatest of Pokémon Trainers ever to come out of Galar!" He then glanced over towards Victor. "And besides, we already have the star of the main event ready to show how much stronger he's gotten since the last Champion Cup."
"Pardon?" Victor blinked.
"Now, now, no need to be coy, sweet lil' Victor," Klara giggled. "Have you already forgotten that everyone here, including your Spikemuth partner, witnessed you running wild back at the Isle of Armor? You practically went native while you were staying in the Master Dojo! I couldn't believe my own eyes! I thought I'd go blind with all that exposure! But!" She began to wag a finger about. "It was also quite exciting to see. Even I couldn't help but feel something about it!"
"…Wha… Uh…," Victor couldn't process what Klara was trying to go into this time, but he had a feeling that she was trying to get everyone to throw dirty looks at him.
"This ol' song 'n dance again?" Marnie intervened with a sigh, stepping up next to her partner. "If you're tryin' to throw off Victor's game, you're gonna have t' do better than that. Your words may be sweet on the outside, but the damage on the inside'll be too late to do somethin'. Isn't that right, Klara?"
"That accusation is just as wild, Marnie!" Klara teased. "I'm merely stating my honed observations. Another such being you also running wild with our dear Champion a few times back at the Isle of Armor. I know I've heard rumours, but care to dish about it, sweetie?"
"… Mm," Marnie merely grunted, her face slowly lighting red despite her expression remaining neutral.
Despite his established stance of staying out of senseless conflicts, Piers was about to mobilize and retaliate against the toxic apprentice turned Gym Leader, but Klara's designated tag partner had decided to speak up.
"How about you save the pettiness, which seems to correlate to your energy, for when we are actually battling?" Bede suggested dryly. "I only teamed up with you because of our aligned goals, but it's been becoming clear to me how disquieting you really are."
"Oh, come now, Bede!" Klara suddenly pouted. "I know you can recognize my newly developed assets and that together, we can poison the Champion up nice and proper once we greet him on the field!"
"Huh, excuse us, but we're the ones facing Victor in the first round," Nessa announced, flourishing an arm to indicate herself and Milo. "You two are on the other side, meaning for you to have a chance to battle the Champion, you'll have to make it to the finals first. That said…" She narrowed her eyes at the young Champion and his Spikemuth partner. "I don't plan on losing, especially with Milo by my side. You haven't been the only one training hard, Victor."
"Ha ha, I don't have anything new to add," Milo chuckled, scratching the back of his head. "It'll be invigorating facing the Champion at the first round. I'll certainly do my best, Nessa!"
"You aren't the only ones that matter in this tourney, you know," Bea announced, the padding sounds of her bare feet echoing on the floor as she took up everyone's attention. "We're testing each other's strength as esteemed colleagues and rivals, just as Leon wanted. Regardless of who gets to face Victor." She closed her eyes, and a small smile graced her youthful face. "But I'd be lying if I said I wasn't interested in testing myself against him again."
"I aim to win with the power of Rock-types," Gordie, Bea's tag partner, declared with a raised tightened fist. "Doesn't matter how the tournament matchups are arranged, I'll crush the competition regardless! That'll also show her how Rock-types are better than Ice-types!"
"Mate, you've got everyone gunning for your head," Hop laughed as he approached Victor. "Sorry I went scarce after Lee sent us on our way to find tag partners! I forgot you were available in the rush, and then I was lost within a sea of fans at the lobby! Although, it was then I found my partner in Ms. Opal, who I was surprised to find without a partner, because… you know, I thought she'd be with Bede and all."
"I would've still considered it a pleasure to team up with Ms. Opal, but she was the one who sent me away and finally test me on how much I've grown as her apprentice," Bede explained, eyes glaring at Hop. "Although seeing her team up with you, maybe I should've stayed with her. She needs a partner she can rely on, not a wannabe Pokémon Professor for her to carry through the battles."
"Oi, enough with the bad attitude already!" Hop frowned. "My nose may be found in a book more than outside training my Pokémon, but I swear on my honour that my skills have not rusted! I'll lift more burden off Ms. Opal's shoulders more than you could've!"
"Oh, Hoppy-kins~!" Klara giggled. "Such a strong considerate boy~!"
"I'm surrounded by dolts," Bede shook his head.
"Now, now, behave yourselves, children," Opal tutted, tapping her parasol tip on the floor to produce quite the resonate echo. "Young Hop, I do appreciate you becoming my partner, even if your lack of pink is disturbing. But you have answered my questions, boy, and that is good enough."
"Y-Yes, ma'am," Hop bowed.
"And you, Bede, bear in mind that the power of pink is not to be taken lightly," Opal cleared her throat. "You now represent the Ballonlea Gym. I trust you'll best exemplify Fairy-types to the rest of Galar in this tournament better than I? If I find your pink not up to standard, you'll know what happens next."
"U-Understood, Ms. Opal!" Bede shivered, reminding himself mentally not to think about the consequences of disobeying the former Ballonlea Leader.
"We're seein' sides of the others we'd normally never see," Marnie whispered to Victor. "I mean, this lot always had their quirks, but we're like seein' this firsthand. A behind-the-scenes sorta thing, yeah? It's makin' me wanna jump into the fray already."
"Cheers to that," Victor nodded, eyes currently observing Peony, who was now in a rather animated conversation with Kabu. "There are some more than others that I'm kind of surprised to see invited here, but not unwarranted either."
"You're referrin' to Kabu's partner, yeah?" Marnie asked. "The one once called 'Steel Peony', at least accordin' to my bro. Almost hard to believe he's Chairman Rose's younger bro."
"He's actually pretty stand-up," Victor explained. "He… tries his best, even when it gets on his daughter's nerves."
"Everyone, it is almost time to begin!" Leon clapped twice for everyone's attention. "Time to spread out to your assigned places. Remember that all of you are allowed to use up to three Pokémon per round. The commentators have kept the audience's appetites whet with excitement with anticipated battles. Don't let them down! Those battling in the first round, prepare yourselves!"
"This isn't over, hear me, Leon?" Raihan warned, turning his back to leave. "If this Galarian Star Tournament is gonna be recurring, you'd better be actually registered for the next one. I don't care if I have to make you my partner to get you participating, I'm gonna have you battle, got it?!"
With that, Raihan stormed away with a long-suffering Piers trailing behind. Though before he left the room, Piers carefully eyed the other combatants about to go about their proper business. His eyes landed on Marnie, who stayed close to Victor's side, before noticing her first round opponents bidding them adieu and heading to the other end of the stadium to make their battle entrance.
He couldn't help but notice how they were more interested in Victor.
With a disavowed grunt, he turned and followed Raihan on the way out.
"So… just us now," Marnie commented once she was sure she and Victor were alone in the locker room.
"Indeed," Victor replied. He was at least aware that Marnie seemed pensive as he could tell past her neutral look that there was something on mind. "A Pokédollar for your thoughts?"
It didn't surprise Marnie that he could tell that something was up. Even she was sure that she was rather transparent, though she had been working on expressing herself and speaking her mind out more. There was something bothering her since the whole Galarian Star Tournament began. But in retrospect, this issue existed since their positions were defined for all of Galar to witness.
"I know… we're on the same side and all, but we're still rivals, too!" Marnie declared firmly. She could be very passionate when she had to be. "I'm not gonna let you outshine me in front of everyone!"
It took Victor blinking a few times to register Marnie's thoughts. There were times he forgot that she had quite the competitive streak belying her reserved nature. And then it also occurred to him that because he was the Champion, of course he was on top of every Trainer's hit list as the current undefeatable Pokémon Trainer of Galar.
So where did that leave Marnie?
"Er, right," Victor rubbed the back of his head. As much as he also wanted to placate Marnie's worries, for him to try and not perform as well in comparison to her in battle would probably anger her even more. "Then, let us do our best. I won't hold back if you won't."
"That's exactly what I wanted to hear!" Marnie nodded. "Get ready, Victor, 'cause you'll definitely see firsthand how much stronger my Pokémon and I 'ave become!"
"Ladies and gentlemen, it's time for the first match!" the commentator bellowed amidst the loud cheers. "This first battle will be… Victor and Marnie versus Milo and Nessa!"
The two pairs have reached the end of their respective hallways to emerge out to the field. The four of them were greeted by quite the enthusiastic reception. It was a nearly equal mix of voices cheering for one of the four, though based on volume, it was become clear that the new Champion was a favourite to win. Many of them were already begging for the Champion to send out his ace Inteleon as soon as possible just to see their flawless coordination and powerful moves.
Both battling pairs proceeded to walk synchronously towards the circular center for the customary pre-battle greet. Even though they've shared what they've already wanted to share back at the locker rooms, this was a different place and time.
"Déjà vu!" Milo chuckled, folding his arms. "Just our luck to be matched up against the Champion's team in round one, eh?"
"We've been over this, Milo," Nessa sighed, hands on hips. "You better not be throwing in the towel already! Or have you already forgotten what's gonna happen when we combine our skills? Together, we'll sweep aside any opponent, even if it's the Champion!"
"You can say that again!" Milo beamed. "In that case, guess I'd better really put my back into it and show off a little."
"You're not the only one showin' off," Marnie interrupted. "I'll show you all the true strength of Spikemuth Gym!"
This is becoming more than wanting to outshine me, Victor thought before he and Marnie split off from the center and went to their side while Milo and Nessa did the same. There was a reasonable distance between them for their Pokémon to tussle it out. Her pride as Gym Leader is also on the line.
"We're gonna win this… together!" Marnie had her eyes line up with Victor's, reassuring him of his trust in her, just as she seems to trust him.
Milo and Nessa were ready to battle, holding an Ultra Ball and a Dive Ball respectively to throw into the fray. At the same time, they tossed their Balls and called out a Shiftry and a Golisopod to stand at the center.
Victor had a regular Poké Ball on hand while Marnie prepared a Dusk Ball. The fact that they were able to coordinate the timing of their throws as well seemed to have served as an augury of incredible battles to come in this tournament.
Out of Marnie's Dusk Ball came Morpeko.
Out of Victor's Poké Ball came a Pokémon that Galarians recognized to be not native to the mainlands.
"We have on one corner, Milo and Nessa starting things out with Shiftry and Golisopod!" the commentator recounted. "And on the other side, Victor and Marnie sent out Sceptile and Morpeko! A real treat from our Champion to see a Pokémon rare to the Galar region!"
"Where and when did you catch a Sceptile?" Marnie had to ask genuinely. "I thought you usually started battles with Sirfetch'd?"
"Sceptile is one of my more recent captures from the Crown Tundra," Victor explained. "I met him going through the Max Lair. The sharp leaves on Sceptile's wrists fascinated me. You remember me talking about past hobbies, yeah?"
"'Bout takin' an interest in Pokémon weapons and blacksmithin' when you were smaller?" Marnie stated.
"Brilliant memory, as always," Victor complimented. "Those traits in Sceptile were what inspired me to start training one to be a regular on my team. I'm working on rotating out Pokémon except for Inteleon, but please understand that Sirfetch'd will make appearances here and there."
"So this whole tourney's gonna be one glorified trainin' session for your new Pokémon, if I were to haggard a guess," Marnie commented. "That's… kinda brilliant, if not downright condescendin' on the lot of us."
"Depends on how strong the others are," Victor replied. "Nearly all the new captures on my team now are fresh. Victory can go either way, but doesn't mean we won't stop trying for the win, right?"
"Doesn't matter what Pokémon you decide to send out," Marnie nodded. "It's 'cause I'll be the one to clench victory for the both of us!"
"Hope you can read the tides, Milo, because as unpredictable as this battle will be, as long as we can ride along, the Champion and Marnie will be washed away!" Nessa declared.
"Your water's got my Pokémon all energized and happy, Nessa!" Milo grinned.
"I'll be sure to extinguish any flame that threatens your greenery, partner," Nessa winked.
"Both sides seem to be raring to go!" the commentator gave his first thoughts. "Who will make the first move?!"
"Strike first 'n strike hard, Victor!" Marnie commanded. "Morpeko, use Aura Wheel on Golisopod!"
"Sceptile, use Dragon Pulse on Shiftry!" Victor followed.
Milo's and Nessa's eyes connected to each other at the tightest corner. They were both very well aware of the other's strengths and expected each other to press with the advantages they have.
"Shiftry, use Fake Out on Sceptile!" Milo ordered
"Golisopod, leave a big First Impression on Morpeko!" Nessa followed.
Their Pokémon leapt off into action, shuffling side by side before diving towards their respective targets. Shiftry appeared before Sceptile in a burst of wind, clapping his broad leaves to disrupt Sceptile's concentration and causing him to flinch. Golisopod, on the other hand, displayed no form of elegance as he went for a straightforward collision into Morpeko, just before she could fully form her Aura Wheel.
Marnie held back a gasp as Morpeko was sent tumbling back and laying on the grass, unable to get up and continue battling after that brutal super effective one-shot.
"And after one hit, the first loss falls on Team Victor and Marnie!" the commentator relayed. "That was quite the First Impression indeed! It goes to show how these Gym Leaders of Turffield and Hulbury are determined to take down the Champion's team!"
"As skillful as the Champion may be, not even he can handle two strong Gym Leaders at the same time," Nessa noted. "I don't enjoy employing this tactic in particular, but for us to have a chance, Milo, we'll have to eliminate Marnie posthaste. In any case, we should be wary not to underestimate her."
"She was a fine Gym Challenger and even stronger Gym Leader now," Milo concurred. "I'm curious on how much she's grown too!"
"I don't like that at all," Marnie fumed, recalling Morpeko. "I have a bad feelin' about this. They're huntin' me down first, Victor. To be the first to lose a Pokémon in this tournament is humiliatin' enough!"
"I'll protect you, Marnie," Victor promised. "We have to strike back harder. Leave this to me."
"'Protect' me," Marnie mumbled low enough for Victor not to hear as she pulled out her second Dusk Ball. "I'm not a load. I won't let it be like this!"
She sent out Scrafty next. Scrafty certainly wasn't as frail as Morpeko, but unfortunately, she was likely to be the slowest to move out of the four. It wasn't like she had a choice, but she had to trust that Victor was going to live up to standards. For them to win, they had to trust the other's abilities.
"Sceptile, use Energy Ball on Golisopod!"
Being the fastest of the four, Victor's Sceptile dash forward, hands cupped in front to conjure Energy Ball. Nessa's Golisopod critically observed Sceptile's movements and prepared to protect his more vulnerable underbelly with his plated forearms.
Only problem was that Sceptile proved too wily to follow any standard movement pattern as he sidestepped into a blind area and lobbed his Energy Ball past Golisopod's set defenses. The glimmering green orb struck and exploded, forcing Golisopod to drag along the ground before coming to a stop and leaning forward with both forearms on the ground to catch his breath.
"Sceptile is nearly as fast as his Inteleon," Nessa growled. "A model Water-type his Inteleon is, to be sure, but not if means my early defeat!"
Golisopod started to glow before completely converting into Poké Ball energy, retreating to Nessa by virtue of Emergency Exit, much to her shock. She didn't believe that Energy Ball was powerful enough to force Golisopod into such a state. She felt another Dive Ball in her uniform come to life, releasing a new Pokémon to take Golisopod's place.
"It looks like Sceptile was able to force the Ability of Golisopod to activate!" the commentator boomed. "Emergency Exit has costed Nessa's turn and now her Toxapex has been sent out!"
"Got you covered, Nessa!" Milo declared. "Shiftry, use Body Slam on Scrafty!"
"Scrafty, Ice Punch!"
Shiftry took to the air first, leaping high and maintaining altitude a few flaps from his leaves before diving towards Scrafty into a full Body Slam. Scrafty planted her feet firmly into the ground to absorb the blow. While Shiftry was still in collision against Scrafty, he couldn't back away quick enough as he felt the hard-icy force of Scrafty's Ice Punch sending him flying back.
After that hit, Shiftry was out of breath. One or two more hits like those would be game over.
"Sceptile, use Energy Ball again!"
"Toxapex, Baneful Bunker!"
Toxapex concealed his tiny body behind his lifted spiky appendages, forming a protective dome of poisonous spikes all around. It was further enhanced by a glow of purple energy, which formed additional spikes to protect himself. Sceptile tossed his Energy Ball, only to fruitless collide against the protective Poison barrier.
"Gotta stick to the plan," Milo muttered. "Shiftry, use Leaf Blade on Scrafty!"
"Ice Punch!"
Shiftry charged forward before leaping up. Scrafty decided to meet him halfway in the air, establishing contact with his sharpened leaves with an icy fist. Given the type advantages that went into play, the final result was clear the moment Scrafty was seen following through with her Ice Punch, sending Shiftry down with bits of ice shards clinging to his white fur.
Rotom cams hovered in, focusing on the fainted Shiftry to ensure the correct judgment.
"And now the score's been evened with Shiftry knocked out!" the commentator announced. "So far, Marnie and Milo are down to two Pokémon while Victor and Nessa both have a full party of three! The only advantage here for the Champion is that Sceptile has been hanging on while Nessa's Golisopod has been worn out."
"Gee, I hope I'm not losing steam already," Milo chuckled nervously, recalling Shiftry. "I think I've weakened Scrafty enough for you to finish, Nessa."
"I wouldn't have asked it any other way, Milo," Nessa smiled. "Only problem we have is Victor getting in the way. I'm open to any ideas to keep him occupied while we take down Marnie."
"My next Pokémon should shine for this round!" Milo held up a new Ultra Ball and heaved it forward, calling out a Cherrim currently covered in her Overcast Form.
"Joining the field next to Toxapex is Cherrim!" the commentator followed.
"Marnie, are you good in handling Milo on your own again?" Victor asked.
"I am, but let's overwhelm Nessa this time," Marnie suggested. "Let's put the hurtin' on Toxapex. Then she'll likely use Golisopod for whatever worth's left. Then we'll corner her, basically give her a taste of her own medicine!"
"On it," Victor nodded, his eyes darting to Cherrim, seemingly nonthreatening based on appearance. "We have to be careful with Milo, though. Who knows what his next Pokémon's hiding?"
"I must go back on the offensive and help Milo," Nessa muttered. "Toxapex, use Liquidation on Scrafty!"
"Sceptile, intercept with Leaf Blade!" Victor commanded.
"Scrafty, join Sceptile and use Thunder Punch!" Marnie followed.
Sceptile held up his large tail for Scrafty to use as a springboard, to which she immediately picked up and followed through with the assistance. He then flung her forward to boost her momentum before trailing behind with his superior speed, leaves on his wrists converging together and lengthening into brilliant green blades.
Toxapex was barely shuffling forward when he least expected Scrafty barreling in with an extended electrified fist pounding squarely his tiny body past his appendages. Sceptile leapt in after, swiping in with Leaf Blade. A clacking sensation emanated from the strike, indicating a critical hit.
Right as Sceptile and Scrafty backed off, Toxapex collapsed in upon himself, unable to hold himself up with his appendages. Nessa released a heavy sigh while holding back her raging disappointment.
"Toxapex is down!" the commentator announced. "What a brilliant unspoken play performed by Sceptile and Scrafty! What remarkable teamwork they're capable of!"
"I haven't gone yet!" Milo interrupted. "Cherrim, Sunny Day!"
Her body slightly angled towards the sky, Cherrim caused the already bright rays of the sun overhead to light up even more. The intense sunshine and rising heat caused a change in Cherrim, activating her Flower Gift Ability and transforming her into her more jovial Sunshine Form. Cherry blossom petals danced about her body following the change.
"And Milo ends his turn with Sunny Day, setting his Cherrim up for more options with the sun out and about!" the commentator narrated. "We're about to see the Flower Gift his Cherrim has given to their side!"
"I'm gonna need that gift if I'm to survive," Nessa quipped, recalling Toxapex and swapping for Golisopod's Dive Ball. "I need to hold off sending out Drednaw. Rrgh!"
With a mighty pitch, Golisopod was sent back out, bearing his battle worn appearance from earlier. He still had plenty of health left. It just so happened that Sceptile's last attack managed to push past the Emergency Exit threshold and forced the retreat from battle.
"Victor, let me handle Cherrim," Marnie suggested. "Sceptile's been done proper from all that battlin' against three Pokémon in a row. My Pokémon are still innit for the long-haul."
"I've got this, Marnie," Victor promised. "Don't forget that we're also allowed substitutions at any time. Sceptile will leave the field if he has to."
Marnie frowned, but didn't say anymore. She had no doubt that Victor could pull through. He's the reigning Champion for a reason. So then, what was the point for partnership he was going to be the main takeaway from the Galarian Star Tournament? What was she to be but some Trainer who got lucky to be the Champion's partner?
"Milo, listen, let's shift our strategy a smidge," Nessa proposed. "Even Pokémon of a Champion have their limits."
"Understood," Milo smiled. "I'll follow your lead, Nessa. Your water keeps us strong!"
"I'm afraid water's not going to do much here, considering your control over the weather," Nessa laughed, glancing slightly up as her eyes faltered from the sun's harsh rays. "In any case, let's press on any advantage that comes our way. Golisopod, now that you're back out, use First Impression on Sceptile!"
"Cherrim, use Weather Ball on Sceptile!"
"Sceptile, Energy Ball!"
Sceptile proceeded to form the Energy Ball, but not before being on the receiving end of a head-on collision from Golisopod, knocking him back on his feet. He managed to hang on long enough to throw the Energy Ball towards Golisopod.
What Victor did not expect was Milo's Cherrim intercepting his own attack with a flame-attuned Weather Ball, much to his and his Sceptile's shock. Both orbs collided in the air with the Weather Ball incinerating Energy Ball before crashing into the ground, causing an aftershock of scorching wind to blow throughout the field. Sceptile was leaning over, holding up his upper body with an arm against the grass while weathering through Weather Ball's aftermath.
"Almost there, Nessa!" Milo cheered. "Nothing personal, Victor! But victory is a must!"
"Funny you didn't afford me the same courtesy," Marnie quipped. "Thunder Punch on Golisopod!"
In amidst the chaos regarding the all-out assault on Sceptile, Scrafty snuck through the mess and positioned herself right as Golisopod lowered his guard after First Impression. She slipped in and struck Golisopod's vulnerable underbelly before sparking his entire body with electricity. To say that the hit was super effective where it struck was an understatement.
Scrafty soon pulled back, allowing Golisopod to crash down from his own weight, collapsing upon his knees before falling face forward and fainting.
"And now Golisopod is out! Leaving Leader Nessa down to one Pokémon!" the commentator remarked with flair. "Her partner, Leader Milo, still has two Pokémon, the same with Leader Marnie, for those trying to keep track! Champion Victor still has all three Pokémon left, but his first may finally be reaching the limit!"
"Victor, even the noisy bloke has a point if he's pointin' out how tired Sceptile is," Marnie advised. "And you clearly couldn't handle that since I hadta' step in. You're welcome, by th' way!"
"Appreciated it, Marnie," Victor laughed. "Maybe it is time for a switch. But know that it's thanks to you that we made it this far."
"Huh?" Marnie blinked. "… For real?"
"Course," Victor nodded. "You have a more practical feel for the battle more than I do. You're the brain while I'm the blade. I may be powerful as a weapon, but for the weapon to reach its true potential, it needs a prudent wielder to claim it."
"Mm," Marnie pondered, closing her eyes briefly before a small smile graced her face. "A confusin' sayin' at a time like this? You must be settin' me up as the big hero of this tourney."
"Think what you want, but you're brilliant, Marnie," Victor replied, holding up a Poké Ball to pull back Sceptile. "But remember, I am your partner and we'll be aiming for the top together."
Rather than try to make sense of Victor's attempt to sound cool and wise, Marnie nodded along and followed his implicit advice to play to her own strengths to shine in this tournament. In this case, her ability to stay calm under pressure and devise pragmatic strategies that bring out the full power of Dark-types were her strengths.
"What's this?" the commentator voiced. "Victor has withdrawn Sceptile! If nothing else, he cares enough for his Pokémon to pull them out before they faint! Who is his next Pokémon to be?!"
"Leon said I needed to work on being a crowd pleaser," Victor commented to himself, holding up his next Poké Ball. "Apologies ahead of time, Marnie, but as Champion, I still got to leave my mark. Go!"
Taking Sceptile's place was the Pokémon the population of Galar had been hoping to see, though the surprise factor was that he was sending that Pokémon out already. Out of his Poké Ball, Inteleon glided out and landed with a stylish crouch.
"I cannot believe my eyes, ladies and gentlemen!" the commentator blared. "The Champion has sent out his first Pokémon into the fray! The same Inteleon that sealed victory against the previously undefeated Leon and his Charizard! Though personally, I hoped to see Victor send out the legendary Zacian to battle, Inteleon is just as thrilling to watch!"
"You're not playin' around," Marnie nodded, processing this turn of events. "I respect it. But you're not leavin' me in the dust!"
"Don't underestimate my force, Champion," Nessa warned, calmly pulling out her last Dive Ball. "Even my last drop is enough to submerge you!"
With that said, her second wave was about to rise as she sent out Drednaw to join Milo's Cherrim. Drednaw let out a ferocious growl into the air, signaling that she was raring to go.
"Nessa's last Pokémon is her Drednaw!" the commentator narrated. "I hope you all have been paying attention! Since this is a tag battle, the power of Dynamax alternates between the two partners until someone decides to use it! In this case…!"
"The tides wash in my favour!" Nessa filled in, brandishing her arm to show her active Dynamax Band.
Conversely, Marnie felt the power of Dynamax fill her Band around the same time. This sensation happened every other turn, in which Victor would gain the power to Dynamax at the same time Milo would. If her Grimmsnarl was currently on the field, she'd immediately seize the opportunity to Gigantamax him. But if she were to try to swap out Scrafty now, she'd lose the chance to Gigantamax to Victor next turn.
As far as she's noted, Victor was using his second Pokémon in the form of his strongest Pokémon. Was he hoping to have the next chance to use the power of Dynamax? Then again, Inteleon didn't need to Dynamax to show off his incredible skills in battle, so then what was Victor up to?
Marnie wasn't sure what he had planned for himself, but like he said before, he was her partner now. His strength was hers just as her strength became his. She didn't know why, but she could tell something big was going to happen.
"Get ready to be marooned in the wildest of seas!" Nessa declared. "Drednaw, it's time to Gigantamax!"
There was a bit of an ironic humour in the act as Nessa had just sent out Drednaw for her to be declared as her remaining active Pokémon, only to be recalled back into her Dive Ball as the power of her Dynamax Band proceeded to transfer upon the Ball. She then flung the enlarged Ball behind as it burst open and revealed the growing form of Gigantamax Drednaw.
Drednaw gave off a more fearsome roar as red clouds swirled about her head.
"There it is, ladies and gentlemen!" the commentator tittered. "The first Gigantamax Pokémon to appear in the Galarian Star Tournament! Leader Nessa is not fooling around! She will flood the stadium with her titanic power!"
"Temptin', but the Pokémon I'd Gigantamax isn't on the field now," Marnie glanced at her Band. Her eyes darted to Cherrim, who was still dancing about without a care. "That said, I'd rather pick on someone my own size. Scrafty, use Ice Punch on Cherrim!"
"Inteleon, use Focus Energy!"
Scrafty proceeded to run towards Cherrim, all while keep Inteleon at the corner of her eye as she charged forward. Inteleon closed his eyes to take a relaxing breath as to pump himself up and focus his already keen senses.
"Nessa, there's an advantage I've got to press on!" Milo exclaimed.
"I understand, so help me wash away the opposition then," Nessa nodded.
"Spot on!" Milo grinned. "Cherrim, use Solar Beam on Inteleon!"
What is he thinkin' leavin' Inteleon defenseless?! Marnie thought. Victor seemed unphased over the fact that a powerful Grass-type move that normally would take time to charge would be barreling its way to blow away Inteleon thanks to Sunny Day. Is… Is he confident that I'll help him? Then… I gotta live up to that trust too! Following his Inteleon's example, Marnie took a quick calming breath to help her focus on her surroundings. "There's still time. Scrafty, hurry towards Cherrim! Knock her out!"
Feeling the full confidence of her Trainer well up inside, Scrafty felt herself going slightly faster as she charged towards Cherrim, who was already reaching full capacity with Solar Beam. Time was of the essence as Cherrim took aim towards the defenseless Inteleon.
To protect her teammate, Scrafty placed her remaining strength in her legs to leap forward and slam her icy fist into Cherrim's face while narrowly avoiding being in Solar Beam's destined path. Cherrim reacted as well as a Grass-type Pokémon would against a super effective Ice-type attack.
Her face twisted at a different degree as she fired her Solar Beam.
The difference from the previous angle was so slight that the Solar Beam nearly grazed Inteleon's side before exploding the ground behind him.
"That was a close call!" the commentator remarked. "Had the Solar Beam stayed on track, we might not get to see Inteleon perform!"
"The audience wouldn't be the only ones disappointment if Inteleon was taken out early," Victor added. "I owe you big, Marnie."
"Huh, I was only doin' what I'd know you'd do for me," Marnie smiled.
"Impressive as your teamwork was, I'm afraid it's now my turn," Nessa intervened, folding her arms. "How long do you think you can stay dry up against our tidal might? Drednaw, G-Max Stonesurge!"
The stadium trembled as Drednaw mobilized to action. She leaned forward and prepped a powerful blast of water from her maw, unleashing the sheer power of her move against the ground before tearing its way towards Marnie's Scrafty.
A mixture of water and stone shards scattered upon impact. On top of knocking her out of the battle, pointed stones were floating about the space occupied by Victor and Marnie, simulating the Stealth Rock effect.
"Marnie is down to her last Pokémon after this bout!" the commentator relayed. "Had it been the next turn, she too would probably want to go off with a bang by having her final Pokémon Dynamax or Gigantamax!"
"But it's not to be… for now," Marnie sighed, recalling Scrafty as she faced Victor. "Well, I did my part. You better live up to your word, Victor."
"We will win in a couple of turns," Victor promised.
"I'll be countin' on it," Marnie proceeded to call out her strongest Pokémon, Grimmsnarl, received quite the welcoming reception as the pointed stones bombarded him. "Just rub some dirt innit, Grimmsnarl! Hang on for a bit!"
"And Marnie's final Pokémon is Grimmsnarl!" the commentator narrated.
"I guess it's time for me to show you that your faith wasn't misplaced," Victor smiled, holding up Inteleon's Poké Ball as to call him back. "You haven't seen me enough back at the Isle of Armor to realize what we became capable of."
"Wait, you mean…?" Marnie started to catch on.
"Ever since the Champion Cup, we've proceed to augment our strengths with whatever came our way," Victor explained as the power of Dynamax flew from his Band into Inteleon's Poké Ball. "Now you'll see what we've gained from our latest adventures! Inteleon, Gigantamax!"
Not many people outside of the Master Dojo would've heard the word 'Gigantamax' associated with Inteleon, but here it was. Victor heaved the enlarged Poké Ball overhead until it arrived into the spacious area behind him, releasing Inteleon and the new form he seemed to have adopted.
His body shape appeared to retain its visage, but his tail on the other hand, proceeded to extend to well beyond forty meters. It made him to be very tall when the tail straightened out and formed a looming tower fit for a sniper with the smaller main body standing tall. Inteleon bellowed from above, fixating a harpoon-shaped barrel of concentrated water on his right index finger as the Dynamax red clouds swirled about just below his coiled platform.
"Wonder upon wonders, we are witnessing firsthand the Gigantamax form of Inteleon!" the commentator added to enhance the already excitable atmosphere. "How has this been kept a secret until now?!"
"When you avoid the public eye by going to far-off places like the Isle of Armor and the Crown Tundra, that's how," Victor couldn't help but quip, eliciting an amused snort from Marnie, much to her own surprise.
"You don't say things like that often, y'know," Marnie commented. "That's what makes it impactful."
"You're not the only one who seems impressed," Victor gestured to their current opponents.
"Really amazing, but that's expected from our new Champion!" Milo remarked. "Cheers!"
"Such a gorgeous Water-type form," Nessa couldn't help but be struck in awe. "I'm a master of the Water-type, but I've never seen this phenomenon before!"
"Nessa, focus!" Victor called out. "It won't do for you to be distracted." He watched Nessa shake her head as to place her attention back on the action. "Now then, are you ready to experience Gigantamax Inteleon? Let's show 'em up nice and proper with your signature weapon! G-Max Hydrosnipe!"
Upon hearing the command, Inteleon laid on his front atop his coiled tail platform and took aim. Using every tool and ability grafted into his body following Gigantamax, he isolated a critical weak spot on one of Drednaw's flanks, near her head.
He took aim with his water barrel.
He sniped.
Before anyone knew it, an explosion of water erupted from Gigantamax Drednaw's body. The sheer power of it blew throughout the field. If it hadn't been for the advanced barrier technology implemented throughout all stadiums built upon Power Spots, these battling events would seriously be perilous.
Fortunately, the Trainers and normal Pokémon braced themselves against the aftershocks of the G-Max move. They continued to hold their ground as they heard and felt multiple explosions erupting from Drednaw's direction. Nessa glanced back to see her Pokémon unable to maintain her Gigantamax form as bursts of Dynamax energy flared about her body as she slowly shrunk back to her normal size.
"How is that… possible?!" Nessa gaped, instinctively recalling her fallen Drednaw despite maintaining her shocked look.
"And Leader Nessa is out of the battle with her Drednaw taken down!" the commentator announced. "That leaves Leader Milo to fend for himself! How will he fend against two Pokémon at the same time?! Especially when one of them is still Gigantamaxed!"
"I get it," Marnie said. "Inteleon's strength's in crits. That Focus Energy earlier ensures frequent crits, yeah?"
"Not only that, but we came across a special item that helped changed Inteleon's natural Ability from Torrent to Sniper," Victor winked. "I'll just leave it at that, but as you saw firsthand, the investment is worth it, especially in Multi Battles."
"Meanin' this battle is already won," Marnie concluded, glancing over to her opponents, and watching Milo attempt to console Nessa.
"I know that it seems futile, but I'll fight on till the very end!" Milo promised.
"Milo, I'm sorry," Nessa shook her head.
"Shucks, this has been an invigorating battle!" Milo grinned. "Not only have we learned that the Champion had his own tricks up his sleeves, I've learned how much us Gym Leaders have grown. You, me, and Marnie!"
"Heh, right," Nessa responded. "The irony of it all… Well then, catch them in your vines and whip 'em good!"
"I'll do more than that!" Milo exclaimed. "Let's try again, Cherrim! Solar Beam on Inteleon!"
"That didn't work before, and it ain't gonna work now," Marnie interrupted. A closer look on the field revealed that Grimmsnarl snuck in close towards Cherrim during all the commotion regarding Gigantamax Inteleon's recent attack. "Grimmsnarl, Darkest Lariat!"
The hairs on Grimmsnarl's arms twirled about as Grimmsnarl himself proceeded to spin towards Cherrim. Seeing the spinning Grimmsnarl heading her way, Cherrim panicked in place and attempted to hurry her Solar Beam charging.
But due to Grimmsnarl's very close proximity, she only had time to fire instead of aiming as Grimmsnarl slammed an arm just below her head, right where her neck would be. She was thrown back before rolling to a stop and transforming back into her Overcast Form, all out of health.
"A rather sneaky ploy by Leader Marnie, to be sure!" the commentator voiced. "To all you green Trainers watching from the telly this day, beware the tactics employed by the Dark-type Spikemuth Gym!"
"Time to really dig my heels in for my friends!" Milo commented as he pulled back Cherrim and prepared to send out his final Pokémon. "If the Champion can grow this much, then so can we! We'll grow until we reach victory!"
As hopeless as the situation seemed for Milo's side, he wasn't going down without a fight. His Pokémon would still have a type advantage over Inteleon, but that would all depend if he could survive one attack.
In any case, an Ultra Ball thrown to release his Flapple into battle would determine that outcome.
"And Team Milo's final Pokémon is Flapple!" the commentator recounted. "One small Pokémon against two giants! Sounds like a classic tale from old to me! Will Milo pull a miraculous comeback from this?!"
"Victor, allow me to end this," Marnie requested. "Have Inteleon stand down."
"Wasn't expecting to hear those words from you," Victor remarked. "I can't just do nothing, you know."
"Tell you what," Marnie continued. "If I can't finish this in one go, then you can do cleanup. I just… need to validate myself with somethin'."
"But Marnie, you've done just as much as I have in this battle," Victor reasoned.
"It's… just somethin' I need to see for myself, got it?" Marnie responded.
"As you wish," Victor held his hands up.
"Thanks," Marnie nodded. "Now Grimmsnarl, use Spirit Break!"
"Flapple, use Grav Apple on Grimmsnarl!" Milo countered.
His Flapple darted about the field, conjuring an image of a vivid tree branch hanging over Grimmsnarl before an apple fell from it and conked Grimmsnarl hard on the noggin. Grimmsnarl would definitely be feeling that later on, but aside from recoiling from the falling apple, he proceeded to continue forward and slam his fist into Flapple as hard as he could as perhaps crushing his spirit would also equate to crushing his remaining will to fight.
Flapple was certainly sent careening into a stadium wall, not only due to Grimmsnarl's great physical strength, but also due to the virtue of the move being Fairy-type. He soon peeled off the wall and fell upon the soft grass. Flapple still showed signs of movement, looking up to see a gale of wind forming in front of Gigantamax Inteleon's tail with Inteleon directing it with his equipped finger.
"All yours, Victor," Marnie shrugged.
"Inteleon, finish it," Victor commanded. "Max Airstream!"
A potent tornado formed from the gales as it flew towards where Flapple was. At this point, it was overkill.
Soon after, the sun's rays died down and Inteleon shrunk down to his normal size.
"And this first round battle is now officially over!" the commentator announced, followed by the roars of applause and cheers. "Moving on to the next round is number two-twenty-seven, Champion Victor, and number nine-sixty, Spikemuth Leader Marnie!"
"That's that," Milo added, recalling Flapple. "That was such a fine showing of teamwork that I'm ready to take you both on as farmhands!"
"I still can't believe the pair of us got washed cleaned away!" Nessa fumed, gripping her hair as she couldn't hold back the gate of her flooding emotions. But as she had let her emotions out, she became tranquil seconds later. "… Whew. That felt good to get off my chest."
"All good over there?" Marnie asked as she approached them with Victor, Grimmsnarl, and Inteleon tailing after her.
"You know how Nessa gets," Milo explained. "She's actually pretty good in hiding her emotions with her secondary career as a model."
"That aside, you've cut off our flow before it even got going," Nessa sighed. "Our plan had been to wipe out Marnie from the start so that we'd go all out like an endless torrent on your remaining Pokémon, Victor. Yet you did your best to keep her from drowning from our combined tides. No wonder you're the Champion…"
"I think all those instances were a combination of both Marnie's skills and a bit of luck thrown my way," Victor scratched the back of his head.
"And remarkably humble too!" Milo beamed. "I don't mind having you be our Champion for a good while longer. Can't wait to see how much I can grow under you!"
"Victor, you must show me more of your Inteleon in action," Nessa pleaded. "You've discovered new wells of power together, right? I need to see them for myself for more Water inspiration."
As Victor attempted to hold Nessa off, Marnie silently watched their interactions and wondered if this was going to be the norm for the remaining rounds of the Galarian Star Tournament.
If he was the one to shine here and not her…
As you can guess, I'll be showcasing the Pokémon I did have in my Sword playthrough for these battles, though I do believe Victor would own a Sceptile if given a chance. Plus, I pretty much headcanoned Sceptile and Inteleon to be lizard bros, so yeah… They get along really well in Pokémon Camp, and I'm just fine with that.
And yes, Marnie was targeted a lot in my playthrough just because she happened to be the weakest, so I figured I should incorporate that into something real and relatable. Golisopod's First Impression really did her dirty back then and it still does whenever we face Nessa in later tournaments.
The weapons reference comes from Victor's manga counterpart, who came from a family of swordsmiths and whose interests are in Pokémon tools and weapons, with him having a Galarian Farfetch'd and Grookey, for example, because of those traits. So yeah, that's another quirk I'd have Victor have here so that he wouldn't simply be the English polite gentleman personality that the Internet decided to give him, much like how Gloria has been memed to be a violent Scottish girl by contrast.
And as for why I've been delayed, I'm also putting the blame on playing Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity on top of doing Dynamax Adventures. I loved Breath of the Wild, so I'm giving this game a shot. And wow, has it been quite the adventure! The premise and storyline also leaves a lot of fanfic fuel for the future, but one step at a time, of course.
Please review!