Chapter 83: Lucas vs. The Hoenn Champion
The time had finally arrived. No amount of stalling, self-reflection or doubt could allow Lucas to put this off now. Months ago he had come to Hoenn for this single purpose, to face the Elite Four. He had gathered the eight League badges, faced challenges he never could have imagined, and found the love of his life, but now he was here, and everything was one the line.
After this challenge Lucas and Skyler would be separated, and the older teen would return to his home in Blackthorn City. So the tattooed boy found fresh motivation to show his skill, that their final goodbye would be with him being the Hoenn League Champion. And he was on his way.
His first opponent was Sidney, not only a master of dark type Pokemon, but the lead singer of Lucas' favorite band and his idol. For a moment he had forgotten the high stakes of the battle, and simply allowed himself to enjoy going head to head with his hero. With that victory he was now about to face the second member of the Elite Four, the familiar face of Wallace.
Wallace had greeted the Trainer warmly, but Lucas couldn't even begin to hide his confusion, "What are you doing here?!"
"Isn't it obvious? I'm one of the Elite Four," the flamboyant Trainer replied cordially.
"You told me you were a Coordinator! That that's why you weren't the Gym Leader in Sootopolis anymore!"
Wallace gave a gentile laugh and flipped his shoulder-length blue hair, "That's true. My first and truest love is the Contest Circuit, where Ashley and I rival for Pokemon perfection, but it's also correct that I'm one of the Elite Four,"
"Why didn't you mention it?"
"Oh, that seemed like pointless boasting. After all, we did promise to battle one day, and aren't we keeping that? Does it matter that I'm Elite Four?"
Lucas thought a moment and sighed with a defeated smile, "I suppose not. But I'm afraid I can't give you that friendly fight anymore. I'm going to have to beat you,"
"Oh dear, I truly hate being cruel, but I'm afraid that is quite impossible," Wallace pursed his lips sadly and gave a small shake of his head, and with an elegant flick of his fingers, summoned his first Pokemon, "Go! Milotic!"
For all of Wallace's gentile ways and delicate mannerisms, the effeminate Trainer showed his Sootopolis roots and the legacy of Juan's tutelage. The Milotic was just the beginning of Wallace's might as Lucas faced off against the Trainer's Whiscash, Crawdaunt and finally his Kingdra, the part dragon type being the most difficult.
Lucas felt a squeeze in his chest when Wallace's seahorse Pokemon appeared on the field of battle, the teen knowing what to expect after months of being on the road with Skyler, and seeing the Trainer use his own Kingdra in battle. Dragon types were amongst the most difficult of Pokemon to fight, only weak against other dragon moves and ice moves, though Skyler had mentioned there were rumors of another typing that could survive against dragons with no difficulty whatsoever. But whatever that type was, it wouldn't help Lucas much in this moment. The Crawdaunt had taken out Diablo and Genghis Khan, and his Steelix was in terrible shape from the Whiscash's earlier Earthquake attack. While none of his Pokemon had any true advantage, something told him Kazza was the way to win this fight.
Powerful as a Kadabra, Kazza had become an Alakazam due to Team Cosmic's horrifying experimentation on him, and the sickening research had yielded surprising results if under unfortunate circumstances. Lucas had no idea how surprising until he called for his Pokemon to use its 'Psychic' attack. The Alakazam closed its eyes and an aura of pure telekinetic power formed around him. The Kingdra darted and swerved in the shallow water that made up the arena, but no area was immune. The power blasted forward and filled the room, pushing back the Kingdra, and even causing Lucas' and Wallace's hair to stand on end and their clothes to flap from the energy. The Pokemon was not knocked out, but the damage was critical. The Kingdra responded in kind with a Dragon Pulse that sent the psychic Pokemon flying, but when Lucas called for his Pokemon to Recover, it was like the Alakazam hadn't been harmed at all. With a second Psychic attack, even the powerful Wallace knew the fight was over.
Wallace swept over to Lucas graciously, carrying himself with the same poise and decorum that Juan had instilled in him, even if his hips swayed more. He smiled genuinely, and tutted his tongue slightly as he addressed his opponent, "See, I assured you you'd be wrong Lucas. That battle was absolutely fun, and I'm so grateful I got to face you like this. It truly is a shame you don't do Contests. Your Pokemon are a revelation. Perhaps someday I can get Ashley to convince you to join us in the Circuit, and I can face you again in the manner I prefer and truly excel at,"
"Sorry Wallace, that's just not my thing. But if you're better in Contests than you are in battle, then I can see why you and Ashley have such a healthy rivalry," Lucas responded with his hand extended.
Once more, Wallace embraced Lucas' hand with both of his own and added, "And I must also say this, you and Skyler make an absolutely lovely couple and wish you nothing but happiness. Seeing you together reminds me of the happiness I feel with my own girlfriend,"
Girlfriend? That I didn't see coming, Lucas thought to himself as he continued to shake his opponent's hands in victory. But he decided the world needed all kinds and bid Wallace goodbye, the third Elite Four member no doubt waiting for him. Wallace's final remarks also reminded Lucas even more what he was fighting for and once more steeled himself for the next battle.
The next dimly lit corridor gave way to the next room. At first, Lucas thought he may have gone outside, thick trees and tall grasses and a brilliant blue sky appeared in front of him as he opened the third door, but soon he realized that this too was one of the small rooms of the Elite Four. And once more Lucas recognized his opponent. Having met in Fallarbor Town during the Cosmic assault of Mirage Tower, stood Professor Birch's son, Brendan.
"Been a while, Lucas," Brendan's wide smile was just like his father's.
"Good to see you again Brendan,"
The Elite Four member crossed his arms and addressed his opponent, "While my dad has every Trainer he meets say hi to me for him, me and my dad are extremely close. He told me about you and everything you've done, as has my friend May from Petalburg, and I've been following your adventure in our Region just like the rest of the Leaders and high-leveled Trainers. I've been looking forward to this for some time Lucas, so please don't disappoint me,"
"I don't intend to," Lucas' tone was friendly, but his meaning was genuine. With the pleasantries out of the way, the battle began. Brendan's specialty was grass types, and Lucas was reminded of his very first Gym Battle against Gardenia in Eterna City. Then he was just a total rookie who won with dumb luck, his Rotom Sparky scaring the Leader into defeat. Brendan would be nowhere near that easy to defeat. His first Pokemon was a Roselia, a part poison Pokemon with a venomous touch. Even with her rock weakness, Lucas summoned his Steelix first. The rose Pokemon attempted to confound and paralyze the Steelix, but the snake-like creature stood its ground. Next came a Ludicolo. Lucas had faced the Pokemon a few times before, the last being in the Sootopolis Gym. The teen Trainer recalled his Steelix for his Tentacruel, the powerhouse jellyfish making short work of the cheery kappa-like Pokemon.
The battle was not easy, but Lucas felt like it hadn't gotten too challenging yet, that he was missing something as this match went more and more his way. Brendan's third Pokemon was a Tropius, a flying and grass Pokemon that looked like a dinosaur mixed with a palm tree. Against this Pokemon Lucas used Gizmo, the smaller, faster Pokemon able to dodge most of the more awkward Pokemon's attacks. Sweet Scent diminished the Eevee's evasion, but in the end, several Shadow Ball attacks put the sauropod creature into defeat. Now came Brendan's final Pokemon and Lucas' concerns were realized.
"This has been an amazing fight Lucas. I can see why you've made it this far, not just in Hoenn, but against the previous two Elite Four members. But this is where your challenge ends. My final Pokemon will actually be my first one. The starter that my dad gave me when I started my journey six years ago. Go! Sceptile!" Brendan summoned the Pokemon with sheer determination. Unlike the rest of Brendan's team, Sceptile was a pure grass type and was an example of speed, efficiency and skill. Even before the first attack Lucas could see this Pokemon would be one of the most difficult opponents he had ever faced, not just against the Elite Four, but in his entire short career as a Trainer. In the Sceptile's eyes were a love and determination that could only exist from being so long by his Trainer's side. It only seemed right if Lucas would respond in kind, keeping Gizmo, his own first Pokemon, on the field.
Bite attacks, Shadow Balls clashed against Leaf Blades, Slashes and Night Slashes, Lucas' Gizmo parrying against Brendan's Sceptile. A few times Lucas had Gizmo Dig under the ground, knowing that the attack wouldn't do much harm to the grass type, but just to escape his opponent's honed claws. But Lucas couldn't recall his Pokemon, it only seemed right that this battle continued. Gizmo stood behind his Trainer's decision, not giving an inch of ground in spite of the size difference with his opponent. The Eevee had faced bigger and won. Brendan's Sceptile fought back just as hard, too many years of loyalty and too many memories to let his Trainer down now. The battle of wills was almost at a stalemate, but as much as the Sceptile wanted victory for his Trainer, Gizmo needed it for Lucas. Lucas couldn't lose now, not when he was so close, already past the halfway point of this Elite Four challenge.
With a final 'vii' Gizmo summoned his Return attack, while the Sceptile prepared a final X-Scissor. The two fields of energy clashed in a brilliant, blinding explosion. Both Trainers covered their eyes against the light, and when the room finally dimmed, the Eevee stood on top of the collapsed Sceptile. The third Elite Four victory was Lucas'.
Brendan said nothing, rushing to his Pokemon's side and patting his head gently. He thanked the creature for all it had done, letting him know the Sceptile could never disappoint his Trainer. Lucas gave a small bow of respect as he picked up his Eevee. Both Trainers smiled and nodded at each other silently, there was nothing either needed to say. And so Lucas made his way to the final door, and the last Elite Four member.
The first three Trainers were surprises to him. Though he had met all of them at some point in his Journey or knew them by reputation, their appearance as Elite Four and their strategies were unexpected, but not the final Elite Four member. He knew exactly who he would face, and with what. More than anything he prepared for this fight, expecting anything and everything from this last Trainer.
"Lucas! About time you showed up. I was beginning to get a little bored waiting for you," the room was plainer than the first three, moderately lit with only a few twisted metal statues for decoration. Sparse but tasteful, with only a bit of humor just like the Trainer that waited for him. Standing with his hands leisurely placed in the pockets of his sports coat, hiding his stainless steel rings, was Steven Stone, CEO of Silph/Devon and Trainer of steel types.
"Good thing I'm here now, considering what kind of twisted things you come up with when you're bored," Lucas greeted the Trainer fondly. Though Steven's slightly conniving personality often got Lucas into things he didn't want, fundamentally, he liked the Trainer. But no amount of fondness would allow Lucas to hold back, not now, not when only Steven stood between him and the Champion. Between him and the final time he'd be able to see Skyler.
"The whole world is watching us, Lucas. The CEO of Silph/Devon Inc and the spokesman for the Pokevice. Let's give them a show worth watching. And give me a battle worth remembering," with that Steven's impish smile faded, replaced with a look of sheer determination. The look of a ruthless businessman who built upon his father's legacy to create the most powerful Pokemon product company in the world. Lucas was about to face the real Steven, and he was prepared.
Steven's first Pokemon was an Agron, but compared to the giant beast Lucas faced in Granite Cave, this monster installed no fear and Lucas responded with his Tentacruel. Steven called out his attacks mechanically, in a tone like he were dictating a letter or ordering a subordinate. No amount of damage or surprise attack seemed to affect his composure. Genghis Khan defeated the Agron, but the Tentacruel was badly damaged for its trouble.
Next Steven summoned a Magnezone, the supreme evolved form of Magneton when exposed to high voltage. Far more powerful than any other member of its evolution, a water type stood no chance. Lucas recalled his injured Pokemon in favor of his Torterra. The Pokemon would have a duel advantage over the Pokemon, or at least he thought. Steven's Magnezone's defense was sky high, and even Earthquake attack after Earthquake attack barely dented the spaceship-like steel type. Lucas was stunned to see the massive land tortoise fall, but kept his composure against the CEO. Next he summoned his Alakazam, figuring that the Magnezone's special defense couldn't be anywhere near as massive. Kazza fared far better than the Torterra, his overpowered Psychic attack weakened his opponent significantly, but it still wasn't enough.
Lucas was now down two Pokemon and he still wasn't even halfway through Steven's team. The teen brought out his Steelix next. With a final rock attack the Trainer was finally able to knock out the businessman's second Pokemon, but Lucas knew the next two Pokemon were going to be a real challenge. Steven's composure didn't waver even slightly, a man used to tearing down companies as easily as his opponents, and summoned a Skarmory next. Under other circumstances, Lucas would have thought he finally caught a break, his Steelix the perfect mix of types to face the metal bird Pokemon before him, but after seeing how fierce Steven could be, he knew better. But Lucas wouldn't be fazed any more than his opponent was. This battle wasn't personal, but his stakes were. Outside of battle he could consider the two friends, but in this moment, friendship didn't matter. Lucas called rock attack after rock attack at the Skarmory, while Steven responded with a fighting attack the bird knew. However, the Steelix would not relent, taking every turn to hit her opponent even harder than before.
The tide turned back to Lucas, the Skarmory defeated though his Steelix was nowhere near full health, and the teen knew what exactly he was in for with Steven's final Pokemon. He had seen this Pokemon in battle, the chariot Steven had used as he led the Hoenn League's attack on Team Cosmic after Lucas would clear the way. The Pokemon Steven himself had warned him of during their friendly encounter in Mossdeep City. His Metagross.
This was the fight Lucas had prepared for more than any other when he chose this day to finally face the Elite Four. The one Pokemon he arranged almost his entire strategy around. And now he set his plan into motion. The Metagross was exactly as strong as Lucas remembered it, and knocked his wounded Steelix out in one hit. Next Lucas summoned his equally weak Tentacruel, getting one powerful Hydropump attack in before getting knocked out as well. As bad as he felt about his fallen Pokemon, this was all part of his plan. Finally, he summoned the Pokemon he prepared to face Steven's final obstacle, "Diablo, let's finish this,"
This made Steven's persona crack slightly, surprise and mild amusement registering just behind his steel blue eyes, "Really Lucas? Diablo of all Pokemon? Well, if you insist,"
Lucas remained unshaken from Steven's mild teasing, "Diablo, Snarl,"
Diablo began the final match by filling the room with dark energy, flooding all around the Metagross like a miasma. Through the darkness an unholy sound erupted and the Metagross convulsed in pain. Steven remained steely in his composure, but his eyes narrowed dangerously. The Metagross recovered from its pain and charged across the arena like a tank, using a steel move to throw Diablo into the air like a rag doll. "Diablo, Double-kick,"
As the Pokemon hurdled to the ground, it recovered its focus and in the last second slammed the Metagross with his legs, once more impacting the massive steel type powerfully. Steven crossed his arms and frowned. The Metagross picked up on its Trainer's disapproval and slammed the Mightyena again, pinning the dark type between its four legs. Lucas remained calm.
"Diablo, it's time to finish this. Fire fang." Diablo squirmed from his place beneath his opponent and his mouth glowed. With all his remaining strength he clamped onto one of the legs holding him and his teeth blazed. The massive Metagross was thrown into the air and skittered its legs in pain. Before it even hit the ground, Steven's most powerful Pokemon was knocked out. Lucas reached into his vest and showed a series of objects to his opponent, "I took what you told me in Mossdeep seriously. And in the hall before this room, where I also healed my Pokemon, I taught Diablo all these TMs. Just to deal with that Metagross,"
"Impressive," was all that Steven said in reply. His body language remained still and serious, even as he recalled his final fallen Pokemon and absorbed his defeat.
"I knew you'd be one of the hardest opponents I'd ever face. You deserve your place here in the Elite Four. I hope this defeat won't affect our friendship," Lucas said softly.
After a moment Steven's more friendly side returned in the form of his cheery, borderline malevolent smile. He looked up to a spot in the ceiling, "Win or lose, this was a battle between some of the highest skilled Trainers in the land. Power that could only be made possible by Silph/Devon. Silph/Devon, maker of the Pokeball, Technical Machine line of Pokemon Attack modifiers, and of course, the Pokevice. Now available everywhere,"
"GODDAMN IT STEVEN! NOT AGAIN!" Lucas roared as he realized he was conned, yet again, into doing a commercial for the cheerful businessman.
"Hey, I have to walk away with something if I was going to lose," Steven laughed. His smile became more genuine and he approached the younger Trainer, "It's been a very long time since I was beaten, but I'm glad it was by you. I do like you Lucas, you're a good kid, and for that reason more than any other, I've been investing in you. I'll miss you when you leave. Now go face the Champion. My fourth quarter earnings rest in your victory,"
Lucas sighed and shook his head before walking triumphantly past the last member of the Elite Four.
One final hallway lied between Lucas and this final, defining challenge. Once more he healed his team and prepared for the last fight. The quiet, barely lit hallway gave way to the main arena, a football field sized stadium packed to standing room only with spectators, all hoping to witness the battle between a challenger strong enough to defeat the Elite Four, and the Hoenn League Champion. The crowd roared as he entered, spotlights illuminated him and Gizmo on his shoulder. The last time he encountered this situation, it had almost overwhelmed him. The gravity. The stakes. The fact that many of those spectators had come to see him win. But his only interest was in one single person in these crowds. He couldn't see him in the throngs of people so far away up in the stands, but he knew he was there. And just like he promised, he would see him again in the Winner's Circle.
Lucas stepped forward, ignoring the crowds and filled with an inner calm as he waited to face his opponent, the Hoenn League Champion. As he took his place on one side of the arena, the Champion appeared. He had seen this boy briefly as he fought against Cosmic, the kid in the wheelchair Steven had pushed at the top of Mirage Tower, but now he would meet the mysterious boy he had seen before. On the opposite side shuffled a young man pushing a walker. He was painfully young, the same age as May and Brendan, just sixteen. But clearly his health was failing. In addition to the walker he pushed slowly, leaning on it for all that he was worth, a plastic tube appeared under his nose that connected to small tank slung over his shoulder. He had green hair and in spite of his health issues, he had bright eyes and a kind smile, and the certain majesty that only the Champion could carry. As he got to his place, in a voice amplified by a microphone over his ear, to save the boy from having to shout, he addressed Lucas, "So it's finally time for us to meet, Lucas. I had hoped to have seen you sooner, especially since our paths have crossed a few times before, but it looks like fate waited until now for us to finally see each other. My name is Wally, and I'm the Champion of the Hoenn League,"