Well this one came out pretty quick. I actually had half of this written after the last chapter was finished. It's a bit shorter than usual, but only cause there isn't much setup for the battle this time.

Not much else to say aside from the usual disclaimer.

I do not own Pokemon or its content. All rights to Satoshi, Game Freak, Nintendo, and 4Kids entertainment.

Beyond that, read, review, enjoy.

Chapter 23:

One Who Hears the Hearts of All

The atmosphere was tense as all eyes, human, mermaid, and Pokémon, looked on at the battle about to take place. In this battle, if one such individual loses, they surrendered their life to the execution block. Rina and Yolanda seemed unable to breathe. Sora was fighting for his life, to prove how blind En, the Chieftain of the Isolated Kingdom, had become to the Pokémon around him. The others were just as tense, even Lucario. But that would have to be set aside once the battle began.

En stretched out his hand, and a black fox Pokémon with blue eyes and a red tuft on its head and tail landed on it. Sora recognized it as Zorua, the illusion Pokémon.

"We will only use two Pokémon to determine the winner," the prince informed.

"That's fine with me," Sora replied.

But then En added, "However, I will decide the Pokémon you call to battle me by hearing their hearts."

"Hey, no fair!" Sarah and Kari exclaimed.

Yet Sora assured, "It's alright guys. This is part of my trial, and a way to prove what I know about Pokémon."

"Very good," En regarded, then called, "now…" He closed his eyes as he concentrated on hearing the hearts of Sora's Pokémon. And one spoke loudest, though it was hard to tell with all the voices declaring themselves to battle for Sora.

So En decided, "Send out… Larvitar!" the group was stunned, and also worried. Larvitar was still a very young Pokémon, and hadn't battled much recently. For the Chieftain to call it out seemed like a low blow. Even so, Larvitar looked ready to accept the challenge, and waddled forward. Sora gave no comment on the matter, much to the other's concern. Anthes himself was equally intrigued by this decision, and hoped the guardian had a plan for this.

"And I send out Zorua," the prince called as the black fox leaped down to face the tyke. Despite being young, Larvitar looked eager for the battle. Thus, Sora knew this was not going be one-sided like his friends presumed. En made the first move, calling out, "Use Shadow Ball." Zorua gathered an orb of dark energy in its mouth, and shot it at its opponent. Without being told, Larvitar sidestepped the attack with ease.

"Counter with Hidden Power," Sora instructed. And Larvitar conjured orbs of energy around itself before launching them in a rapid volley at Zorua. Said illusion Pokémon leaped, flipped, and ducked to avoid the attack.

After it concluded, N ordered, "Use Night Daze." Much to the group's surprise, Zorua struck the ground and conjured a dome of crackling dark energy that expanded outward like an explosion. Larvitar was forced to endure it, but the might of the attack overtook it and sent it back a few feet.

"How does Zorua know Night Daze?" Yolanda demanded, "that's a move only Zoraork can learn. So how does its pre-evolved form know it?"

"En's family are a strange bunch," Anthes spoke up, "they somehow know attacks they normally wouldn't, and know how to use them. Sora's gonna have to be careful from this point onward."

"That's an understatement," Sarah commented. And while she and Kari cheered for Sora's victory, Rina could not help the growing dread inside her. If Sora lost, she would lose him forever. What was she going do when that happened?

Back in the battle, Larvitar had managed to recover. When it tried to find where Zorua was, it couldn't find it. Instead it spotted Pikachu on the other side of the field. Larvitar was confused why its friend would be in the battle, and on the opposing side no less. But before it could comprehend what was going on, Pikachu gave a wicked grin and struck Larvitar. The rock tyke was unable to make sense in why Pikachu would attack it. It kept coming under attack, and could only curl in on itself to mitigate the damage. Larvitar didn't understand what was happening.

Larvitar, that's not Pikachu, it heard Sora's voice call out, it's Zorua. Then Larvitar felt it: Sora's heart. It was warm and safe, like its mother. It always cherished this feeling around the guardian, and always knew the sanctuary it provided. You can do it Larvitar, Sora cheered, you can win. With that, Larvitar let out a loud and proud Screech. The noise helped dissolve the illusion around itself, and around Zorua pretending to be Pikachu. With the illusion gone, Larvitar stopped and steeled itself to battle further.

"Great," Sora shouted, proud of Larvitar's accomplishment, "now use Rock Tomb!" And Larvitar summoned massive boulders that it launched at Zorua. The attack forced the illusion Pokémon back, damaging it greatly thanks to Screech.

But En would not be outdone, and commanded, "Zorua, Faint Attack!" As Zorua rushed in, Larvitar curled into itself, before unfurling and launching wind and sand whistling about the area. Sora looked on with a smile, and knew it had learned Sandstorm. This environment stopped Zorua dead in its tracks, as it had to endure the change in weather.

"Great Larvitar," Sora cheered, "let's keep it up with Hidden Power!" Once more, Larvitar summoned mystical orbs that it launched at Zorua. Unable to properly defend itself, the illusion Pokémon took the full brunt of the attack. "Now, Rock Tomb!" Larvitar launched huge boulders at Zorua, which trapped it under rubble.

"Zorua!" En cried out. When the dust settled, it became apparent that En's Pokémon had fainted.

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Once it was concluded En lost the first round, Sora and Pikachu cheered as they rushed to congratulate Larvitar. The sandstorm had died down by then, and the guardian scooped up the tyke in his arms and spun it around in glee.

"You did it Larvitar. That was amazing," he praised. Said Pokémon was giggling at the praise, its smile making it even more endearing. Sarah and Kari cheered at the win, and Yolanda breathed a sigh of relief. Lucario simply smiled at the win, while Anthes could not help but laugh at the change in atmosphere surrounding the guardian.

But Rina, while Azurill hopped up and down in her arms, took a moment to steady her heart. The situation still rocked her to her core, though her concern diminished a bit thanks to Sora's victory. She reminded herself that this was Sora, someone who knew the hearts of Pokémon and brought out the best in them. It was what drew her to him in the first place.

Excited, Sora carried Larvitar over to the others with Pikachu following close behind. Everyone complemented him on the win, and Yolanda even gave him a peck on the cheek. The guardian took this all in before looking at the red-haired mermaid.

He went over and bent down to her level, and told her, "Larvitar won that battle. Isn't it great?"

"Y-Yes. Yes, it was great," Rina replied with a slight stutter.

Noticing this, Sora inquired, "Something wrong?"

But before she could provide an answer, En called out, "This battle is far from over guardian." Looking back, the group could see the prince had a dark expression on his face. Zorua had been rescued by Thea and Cordia, and they were tending to it off to the side. "You were fortunate to battle against Zorua, but not against this next opponent." Throwing his arm out, he summoned his second Pokémon: a large, red, almost ape-like creature with massive arms, and what looked like fire trails for eyebrows.

"Darmanitan, approach!" the prince ordered. Sora replaced his cheerful demeanor with a serious one, facing his new opponent. Once Pikachu hopped onto his shoulder, he walked back towards the battle. Rina, feeling the immense dread returning, tried to reach out and grab his wrist. Unfortunately, she fell short, and he slipped from her grasp. As he did, Rina could almost see the premonitions she had on this journey appearing before her, and she felt powerless to save him. She began to cry, prompting her sisters to console her and ask what was wrong.

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Once Sora was back on the field, En called out, "For your next Pokémon…" He began to concentrate to select Sora's next combatant, but a beam of light escaped Sora's Pokéstone, and took the form of Froakie.

"Froakie!" said Pokémon cried out fiercely. This appearance startled En and his sisters, but Sora smiled at the action.

"It seems the decision has been made for us," he commented.

"Indeed, it has," En returned in reply, "very well. Froakie shall battle for you."

"Kie Fro Fro." Froakie declared. Just then, a light shot out of Yolanda's Pokéstone, and manifested as Braixen. Said vixen Pokémon's appearance gave the princess a start, but she quickly understood why when she saw how her partner was watching the frog Pokémon. So, she returned her attention to the battle as it began.

"Froakie, start with a Bubble attack!" Sora commanded. At once, Froakie leaped into the air, and spewed bubbles down at Darmanitan. The large, ape-like Pokémon swatted these away with one swing of its arm.

"Use Hammer Arm!" En ordered. Darmanitan rushed towards the frog Pokémon with its fist glowing with energy. But Froakie was a slippery one, flipping over the attack and onto its arm.

"Cut attack." Drawing a glowing balde from its frubbles, Froakie rushed along the arm and landed the first blow, causing Darmanitan to stagger. With its attack having succeeded, Froakie flipped back and away before Darmanitan could retaliate.

"Darmanitan, Fire Blast!" The large ape shot out a flame that took the shape of what could be best described as a person making a star shape using their arms and legs.

Not missing a beat, Sora instructed, "Use Double Team, then run around!" Before it was hit, several copies of the frog Pokémon appeared around it. When the attack hit, they dispersed and ran in circles around Darmanitan. Both En and his Pokémon looked back and forth to spot the fakes, but they moved so erratically it was hard to pin them down. "Now use Water Pulse!" One of the copies created two water orbs that it then flung towards the fire Pokémon at incredible speed.

Feeling the flow of battle, En retaliated, "Counter with Fire Punch!" Fists engulfed in flames, Darmanitan struck both orbs, and the steam that resulted obscured the field. En tried to find where Froakie was, but he was beginning to struggle and he knew it. And it frustrated him to no end.

It was then that Darmanitan was struck by a Bubble attack. The constant stream of bubbles battered the fire Pokémon, but En could now find the source.

"Darmanitan, strike over there with Fire Blast!" he instructed, pointing to where the bubbles were coming from. Raising an arm to shield its face, Darmanitan belched another Fire Blast at where Froakei could be. The attack cleared the steam as it went, but Froakie stopped attacking and leaped out of the way. With the field clear, the two Pokémonstared each other down as they anticipated each other's next move. For the most part, Froakie looked uninjured, as it had avoided any and all attacks Darmanitan threw at it. And it was clear Darmanitan was not doing as well as it could from all the attacks it received. To Sora's company, this match seemed to favor the guardian. But it was what happened next that changed the whole battle dynamic.

Darmanitan drew into itself, bringing its arms and legs against its body. Then, its coloring changed from deep-red to dark, pale-blue. The flame eyelashes receded, and its eyes became milky-white. Sora and Froakie didn't seem perturbed by this change, but everyone else was.

"Okay, what did Darmanitan just do?" Sarah asked, slightly creeped out by the sudden shift in appearance.

"Darmanitan's Ability: Zen Mode," Anthes answered, "it only happens when Darmanitan is on its last legs."

With this in mind, Yolanda called out, "This means Sora just needs to land one more attack, and he'll win. Finish it Sora!"

To which Sora commanded, "Use Water Pulse!" With a mighty leap into the air, Froakie conjured two orbs that it launched at Darmanitan. Said Pokémon's eyes suddenly glowed, and the two orbs shot into the air before exploding. Then, as it descended, Froakie was surrounded by a blue light and was stopped in the air. Next it rocketed to the side and crashed head-first into a tree, to everyone's shock. Following that, Froakie went flying into another tree, and another, and another, and several more.

"What the heck is going on?!" Sarah exclaimed.

To which Anthes explained calmly, "In Zen Mode, Darmanitan's psychic ability is at its peak. It's able to use psychic moves with relative ease."

Outraged, all the girls shouted at him, "And you waited till just now to tell us?!" Bouffalant shook its head, already knowing how its trainer tended to neglect important info like this quite often.

"It won't matter either way," Anthes replied, unfazed, "this is where the real challenge begins."

After being thrown around like a ragdoll, Froakie was finally shoved to the ground before Darmanitan, beaten and unable to lift itself up. When it glanced up, Froakie saw Darmanitan use its Psychic to draw several Sitrus Berries to consume. Immediately, its color returned to normal and it appeared restored. Sora could not tell Froakie to fight, only urging it to keep going. Pikachu and Larvitar pleaded for Froakie to rise, but the frog Pokémon could not find the strength to answer.

"This battle is decided," En declared, raising his arm over his head. Darmanitan slowly approached, antagonizing the helpless Pokémon as it raised its arm to deal the final blow. Froakie began to close it eyes, accepting its fate.

That is until. "Braixen!" The cry made Froakie's eyes shoot open. On the sidelines, Braixen cried out, "Braixen Brai. Brai Xen Braixen. Braixen… Braixen!" Those words that only it understood flooded Froakie's body with strength. Slowly but determinately, to Darmanitan and En's surprise, Froakie lifted itself off the ground. It staggered a couple times as it rose, but rise it did. And at its full height, Froakie called out, "Froakie!" And then, it was bathed in a magnificent light, surprising all those present.

Its body grew, lean and limber, its hands and feet webbed between its fingers. It's frubble scarf elongated with a tail, its eyes adjusted to the sides of its head that flattened into a disk shape. When the light burst from its body, its head was a darker blue color along with its arm. It had become Frogadier.

With the tone of the battle shifting again, Sora smirked and told it, "Way to go Frogadier. Now let's do this!"

"Froga," Frogadier cried out in agreement.

Recovering his bearings, En responded, "Evolution will not save you. This battle is at an end. Darmanitan, Hammer Arm!" But as Darmanitan brought its arm down, the newly evolved frog Pokémon skidded out of the way, wearing a knowing smirk on its face. The sight of Frogadier regaining control of the battle enamored Braixen, and it cheered passionately for it. Darmanitan kept trying to hammer its opponent, but Frogadier was now too slippery for it to hit.

After one more dodge, Sora called out, "Use Water Pulse!" Up close, Frogadier thrusted a much larger orb right into Darmanitan's abdomen. The impact forced the ape Pokémon back a considerable distance, causing significant damage in the process. Darmanitan began to shift back to its Zen Mode, but Sora proclaimed, "Oh no. We're not having that again. Use Aerial Ace!"

"Aerial Ace?" Everyone else questioned. It was then that dagger-like protrusions manifested on Frogadier's hands and feet, and it dashed over to Darmanitan. After impact, it skidded to a halt behind, poised in the aftermath of the strike. Finally, after some time, it stood up as Darmanitan fell on its back, having fainted. The battle was over.

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A great cheer arose from Sora's side at his victory. The group elated at Sora achieving yet another win. In the midst of it, Braixen rushed over to the victorious Frogadier, calling out to it with great joy. Said frog Pokémon turned to greet it as Braixen congratulated it on its win. Frogadier interrupted the vixen Pokémon as it pulled some frubbles from its scarf. It then bent down and applied the frubbles to its tail, smoothing it out and adding a nice sheen to it. Braixen was practically on Cloud 9, twirling at its tail being tended to. It looked down sweetly with a mad blush as it thanked Frogadier, while Frogadier rubbed the back of its head while trying not to blush and failing miserably.

"Isn't that so sweet?" Yolanda cooed as she came to Sora's side, "like two friends becoming childhood sweethearts."

With a knowing smile, Sora told he, "I had already known about Frogadier's crush. After Lucario taught me about aura, I found out Froakie harbored feelings for Fennekin since its time in Aurora. Though I never thought Braixen had a crush on Frogadier."

"Love sure is strange," Rina commented, watching the scene. Yet while everyone thought it was cute, this only worried her. What would this mean for Sora? Would Frogadier's affections for Braixen translate to him and Yolanda?

It was then En approached along with his sisters. But he didn't seem infuriated at Sora. Rather, he appeared contemplative. And this was reflected in what he said to the guardian.

"What did their hearts tell you in that last moment?" he asked.

Sora, retaining his soft smile, as he looked over to Frogadier and Braixen and answered, "There was no need to hear it this time." Before En or his sisters could ask what he meant, he continued, "Frogadier's heart and actions all said the same thing. They said, 'for her.'" Turning to face En, he addressed, "Even if a Pokémon is tied to a human, they still have their own dreams and desires they want to fulfill. When they find those, they can find the power to fight even when the odds are stacked against them. Like Frogadier did." It was then En finally understood why Sora could hear what he could not. The guardian truly listened to his Pokémon, and that patience bore a power few could ever muster. He truly had been deaf to what was truly said to him and his family.

At that realization, En smiled and said, "It appears I still have much to learn about the world. And I have you to thank for opening my eyes and my heart." Anthes smiled as he heard the prince utter his gratitude. Then, to the group's surprise, En held out a badge that looked like a small linked chain.

"for opening my heart once more, I declare that you have bested me, the Chieftain of the Isolated Kingdom," En declared, "and I award you with the Link Badge." Sora accepted the badge, then proclaimed,

"Alright! We got the Link Badge!"

"Pi Pikachu!"

"Larvitar!"

"Well done Sora," Anthes congratulated, "now ya gotta face your next trial at Warlord's Domain to the east."

"Warlord's Domain?" Yolanda inquired.

"Maybe Drake knows where it is," Kari brought up.

As if on cue, a Woobat came down and spoke to En, who then relayed, "Your friends have arrived at the shore. We'd best meet them."

On the coast, the group found the Aura docked with a few Ursaring and Mandibuzz eying Prince Pewter and Drake on the shore. When they spotted them, Sora presented his staff, now including the Link Badge.

Once they approached, the prince asked, "Sora… did you-"

"I have prevailed once more, my prince," Sora assured.

Then En stepped forward, and addressed, "Prince Pewter, forgive my actions on our first meeting. I was blind to the world, and was only saved by your admirable guardian's resolve and dedication." Prince Pewter was a little taken aback by his change in attitude. He almost didn't believe this was the same man who turned them away earlier.

But he returned, "All is well, Prince En. Let us let bygones be bygones." As the princes shook hands, Drake glared at Sora, who could only give a sheepish grin back.

Letting out a breath, Drake asked, "Where next?"

"Warlord's Domain," Kari answered atop Bouffalant alongside her sisters.

"Well that one is going to be a headache to manage," the captain said with a groan, "I'll get us prepped for departure." As everyone began to board, En pulled Sora aside with his sisters for some mysterious reason.

"What's the matter En?" Sora asked once they were away from privy ears.

"Pika?" Pikachu asked in kind.

To which En replied, "I wanted to ask something. The mermaid you are friends with, Rina, what is she to you?"

Confused by the question, Sora answered simply, "Rina's my friend. A very dear friend."

Not convinced, Thea inquired, "I'm not sure her actions justify being a dear friend. So what is she really to you?" At that, Sora could not answer.

To which En spoke with a knowing smile, "I think I understand. Mostly thanks to Pikachu." Said mouse Pokémon flinched at this, but the prince continued, "Whatever the case, know that you will have to make a choice very soon. Not for your Pokémon, but for yourself."

"But take heed," Cordia warned, "Rina's destiny is magnanimous, and it will be one she cannot avoid. At present, your fates are entwined deeply, and your choice shall shape her path forward."

"Therefore, we implore you to be aware how she feels towards you." En advised, "it could very well shape the future of the world." It was a very heavy thought to consider. Pikachu and Larvitar looked to Sora to see what his response would be.

He smiled and assured, "No need to worry. After all, Rina saved me before, so I owe her a great deal. And we made a promise, one I intend to keep."

"Pika," Pikachu said likewise.

For some reason, En trusted Sora's words, and replied, "Then follow the path you set out for yourself."

"By the way En," Sora asked suddenly, "what will you do now?"

"I shall return Chieftain duties to father," En answered, "and travel the world to see what I have missed."

With a grin, the guardian suggested, "When we next meet, let's battle again."

Not batting an eye, En returned, "I shall look forward to that day in earnest." The two shook hands, sealing their promise. Then Sora left to rejoin his crew, waving good-bye to everyone on the Isolated Kingdom. Next stop: Warlord's Domain.

Some time later, En was waving good-bye to his home as he and Zorua sailed away. He wore a brown travel cloak over his garb, and seemed to have some youthful optimism in his face once more. Cordia and Thea were crying as they waved farewell to their brother, and Anthes had a beaming smile as he gave his farewell. Once they were far enough away, En began to adjust the sail to take him south.

As Zorua hopped onto his shoulder, En spoke, "come old friend. Let us see what the world has to offer." Zorua yipped in agreement, and they began their own journey to the great beyond.

Sora: I've never seen a play before.

Rina: Me neither. What's it about?

Sora: It's about some prince and a mermaid who fell in love, then something happened.

Rina: Why does that sound familiar? Wait, could it be-?

Next time,

Behind the Lines

Rina: I… I know this story!