Okay, so I needed a full party of six to battle against Sophia. This should be a no brainer. Pidgeot is my oldest companion and one of my fastest Pokémon, so she'll be great to use in the battle. Charizard has awesome strength and endurance, as well as a mean Flamethrower, so he's in as well. When it comes to strategy, I think sending Pokémon to sleep with Jigglypuff just about tops is all off. For extra speed and also evasiveness, I choose Scyther, and lastly, of course, it's Dragonair and Vaporeon for a variety of types. I can't go wrong.

Plus, since Professor Oak arrived yesterday with Delia and brought Ivysaur along with him, I have extra people to cheer for me. Ivysaur was so happy to see me that he'd wrapped his vines around my waist and wouldn't let go all day, keeping close to my side so I simply let him stick to me. Hey, I'd missed him too.

Now with all this in consideration, there was no way I could lose! I just wish my parents were here, but they were stuck in another region for a work conference and they couldn't get away, though they'd sent me loads of good luck gifts to try and make up for it, but it just wasn't the same.

"Ivysaur?" My green friend questioned as he noticed my sudden drop in mood so I chuckled and smiled.

"It's nothing, I was just thinking about my parents, that's all. I haven't seen them in a long time and they're always so busy ever since dad got that promotion." I told him as I sat by the lake, just the two of us together. "We were always a close family, but now it feels like we're all being pulled apart."

"Ivysaur, Saur." Ivysaur told me then tickled my cheek with one of his vines, making me giggle and hug him closer.

"Thanks buddy, I needed that."

"You're going to need a lot more than that overgrown weed to defeat me." Sophia announced her presence and I instantly groaned. What does she want now? More trash talk? "But of course, what else can I expect from someone who has no chance in a prestigious competition like this?"

"Go fix your hair or something. I can see a strand out of place." I snipped at her and she instantly patted her hair, making sure it was all neat and tidy before rolling her eyes at me.

"Very funny."

"Yes, I thought so too." I put in before she could continue, standing up straight to turn and look at her. "And for the record, I don't care what you say to me. I am not going to let a kid like you, spoiled from birth, treat me like I'm worth nothing more than the dirt on your shoe."

"Suar." Ivysaur nodded his head in agreement, standing at my side but Sophia merely flicked out a lazy hand.

"Whatever. I just came to tell you that Gary and I are now official. Isn't that great? I knew it was meant to be." Oh she is so asking for it.

"Ivysaur, let's go. I think Brock said something about waffles for when we got home." I turned and began to walk away, but Sophia wasn't done yet.

"There's no chance you'll win, I'm going to knock you out of the competition before you can even say 'boo'! You might as well give up now. Apparently that's all you've ever done, like when you gave up your badges, and the time you let your Charizard go because it didn't want you, and now with this competition. And one day, in the future, you're going to look at your pathetic, washed out dream of saving the Pokémon, or whatever, and just give up on that too."

"Stop it!" I yelled, clapping my hands over my ears. "Just stop it! I'm not listening to you!" I began to run, keeping my eyes closed but in doing so, lost my footing and slipped over the side of a ridge and fell into a surprisingly deep part of the lake.

I gasped and almost swallowed a mouthful of water but I clamped my lips tightly together then kicked for the surface, breaking free and quickly scrambled for the edge, shivering from the cold but then Sophia's cold and malicious laughter rang in my ears.

Staring up at her my eyes began to water, burning hot in contrast with the cold of the lake water. All my walls crumbled and I turned my head away, trying to pull myself out of the lake but gentle vines wrapped around my waist and lifted me out, turning me to face a worried looking Ivysaur who nuzzled up against me.

Unable to hold it back, I began to cry quietly, holding him close as Sophia continued to laugh and I ran away from it, not wanting to hear anymore. I can't do it. I can't face her now, not after that! That was the most embarrassing thing I've ever done. How can I ever face her in a battle after she's seen me so humiliated?

"Ivysaur! Saur Saur!" Sniffing as I sat down on a park bench I wiped my tears away though it did little use to get rid of all the water.

"I'm okay." I assured him, giving a weak smile. "I'm just clumsy. Remember?" I said and he jumped up onto the bench with me, sidling closer until he was standing on my lap and licking my face, drying to help me dry off but when I curled my arms around him and held him tight, he just rubbed his head against mine and I drew all the comfort I could from him. I'm going to need it now.


Facing Sophia as she smirked, wearing her hair down with only one pink ribbon at the back of her head so that her blonde waves rippled on the light breeze and her new dress was even prettier than the last one, mainly white with a pink sash around her waist and more pink frills along every hem. It certainly looked expensive.

"Welcome folks, to this final battle on a bright and sunny day such as this. Our challengers are Sophia Winthrop from Fuchsia City in Kanto, and Ruby Bates from Pallet Town, also in Kanto! Quite a standoff here, with the honour of their region riding on their shoulders, let's see how these lovely young ladies battle together. First we'll see what battlefield they'll be working with. There's a chance of either a rock, ice, grass or water field, which one will it be?" I turned and watched the dial spin, but what was unnerving was the fact that Sophia never took her eyes off me for one second. "It's a water field! And who gets the first move?" After a few moments the dial spun again, landing on my colour, meaning I had to choose my Pokémon first.

The field split apart, rolling back several levels to then lift up the water field, a large tank with a couple of platforms which floated unsteadily on the rippling water. I'll have to do something about that for Scyther and Jigglypuff, seeing as they rely on a sturdy ground to move. In that case, it's a clear choice who I need first.

"Jigglypuff, it's show time!" I called and she appeared with a twirl, giving a bright smile for the crowds who all instantly cheered. Jigglypuff's eyes widened as she looked around at the number of people who had come to watch her battle.

"Puff? Jiggly…puff…" She gasped and I allowed myself a little smile and chuckle. I need to be tough like Jigglypuff. She wouldn't have let anything that spoiled brat said hurt her feelings. I'm just being stupid. Get a grip Ruby, this battle is important!

"A Jigglypuff, how wonderfully boring. In that case, I'll use my dear Alakazam. Sweetie, it's time to battle!" Sophia called and her Alakazam appeared with a battle pose, striking it fearlessly but Jigglypuff merely growled under her breath.

"Puff Jigglypuff Puff." Yeah you tell 'em Jigglypuff. We're not scared of them!

"Begin!" The ref called so I pointed to the battlefield.

"Jigglypuff, use Ice Beam to make a sturdier battleground!" I directed so Jigglypuff inflated her body and floated up into the air, aiming at the water then blasted it with Ice Beam, glazing over the water's surface, circled around the floats and even left some holes free in a clever quick escape for any of my other Pokémon. Good girl!

"Jiggly!" She called then landed on one of the floats which was now anchored securely in place.

"Typical. What a waste of a move. Alakazam, use Psychic!" Sophia ordered with a clap of her hands and Alakazam instantly began its attack. With glowing eyes it lifted Jigglypuff off the ground, making her blink in surprise.

"Jiggly?" Then she began to kick and struggle in anger. "Jigglypuff Puff! Puff Puff Jigglypuff!"

"Stay calm Jigglypuff, it's alright." I called up to her.

"Bring that fluff ball in closer Alakazam, then use Hyper Beam." Sophia sighed with a bored tone, looking at her nails to inspect them, not even looking at the battle. The nerve of that girl! She's not even paying attention! Fine, I'll give her something to maul over.

"Jigglypuff, Ice Beam let's go!" I called and Jigglypuff instantly blasted Alakazam full in the face with her attack, breaking the Psychic hold over her body and she dropped down towards the part of the water field uncovered with ice. "Inflate!" She sucked in a deep breath and floated backwards, back to the safety of the ice.

"Alakazam, did I not tell you to use Hyper Beam? Do it already!" I heard Sophia snap and stomp her foot impatiently on the ground. "Now!" Alakazam flinched then quickly held out his two spoons, gathering energy between them.

"Jigglypuff, use Sing!" I quickly countered so Jigglypuff inhaled, closed her eyes and began to Sing for everybody. My eyes widened in horror as Alakazam continued its attack, blasting the Hyper Beam directly for Jigglypuff who stopped singing to see it coming for her then cried out in fear.

"Jiggly!"

"Dodge it!" But it was too late. "No! Jigglypuff!" I cried out then leaped up, stretching my hands high and caught her before she could hit the ground but it was all over. With one hit she had been completely eliminated. "Jigglypuff…"

"Jigglypuff is unable to battle. The round goes to Alakazam!" Thud. I blinked and looked up to see Alakazam fast asleep. Well, I've always said no one can ignore Jigglypuff's voice when she starts to sing.

"What are you doing you great lump? Get up! This is no time to be resting on the job! I said get up!" Once again Sophia stomped her foot, pouting angrily then returned Alakazam to its Pokéball. "Useless." I gave Sophia a hard glare as I also returned Jigglypuff to her ball.

"Thank you Jigglypuff." I told her simply before choosing my next Pokémon. "Pidgeot, I need you!" She flew out with a flourish, flapping her wings then glided over the battlefield, ready for my instruction.

"A flying type, in that case I choose my darling Jolteon!" Sophia called and with that, her angry looking Jolteon was next on the scene. Not good. Maybe I should switch out for a better type matchup? But what would be good against an electric type? "Jolteon, use Pin Missile!"

"Dodge it and use Air Slash!" I countered swiftly and Pidgeot instantly disappeared, spiralling around the attack then flapped her wings hard, the slashes through the air cutting through the water too and flew towards Jolteon.

"Jump my sweetie, then use Thunder!" Electricity crackled in Jolteon's spiked fur as it leaped up into the air with incredible power, making my jaw drop and my eyes widen as it avoided Pidgeot's attack and before I could recall her, struck with the most intense Thunder attack I had ever seen.

I turned my face away, unable to watch as the electricity pounded into Pidgeot and knocked her out with a single hit. Snap out of it Ruby, you're getting creamed! I returned Pidgeot with an apology at my awful timing then sent out my next Pokémon, Scyther. Maybe that'll even the odds.

"Jolteon sweetie pie, return! Go Scizor my treasure!" Sophia changed things up a little. Now if I'm right in thinking that both Scyther and Scizor are equally matched in power, speed and agility, this could be very interesting.

"Scyther, use Fury Attack!" I called and Scyther instantly flew forwards.

"Scizor, use Fury Attack as well!" Sophia retaliated and the two of them flew forwards. They both jabbed out with their attacks and avoided the other's, exchanging parries and counters until Scizor landed a powerful hit with its hammer like hands into Scyther.

"Scyther!" He cried out and I quickly spurred myself into motion.

"Scyther, use Double Team!" Instantly Scyther shook itself awake and surrounded Scizor with numerous copies of himself, making Scizor stop in its place and glance around.

"Don't be fooled my sweetie, use Metal Claw on them all!" Sophia told her Pokémon with a slightly angry edge to her tone. Without warning Scizor darted around with blinding speed, hitting all the fake Scyther's out of sight before finally landing a blow on the real Scyther.

"No! Scyther quick, use Slash!" I tried but Scyther was already knocked out of the battle. "What?! This can't be!" What is going on? That's three Pokémon already knocked out before I could even get things going. How can that be?

"And that is half time! Trainers may now take a short break before we resume this rather one sided battle." I shot the commentator a dark look. One sided? I'm trying my best out here!

"Ruby! You've got to stay focused." Ash said to me from the coach's box as I walked over. "You're letting Sophia get to you, just stay calm."

"Ash is right Ruby, you have to be fast." Brock added as he handed me a drink and I took it gratefully, downing it all in one gulp.

"You can do it Ruby." Misty finished with a confident smile and all the Pokémon began to cheer, making me blink before nodding my head. Fast. Okay. I can be fast. Once the break was over I returned to my box and after the flags gave the go for resuming the battle, I spurred into motion.

"Dragonair go! Fly out and knock Scizor into the water then use Thunderbolt!" I called and Dragonair instantly appeared with a mystical call. She flew towards Scizor as fast as she could and as it tried to dart away, whipped out her tail and slammed it against the Pokémon, stopping it from escaping then plunged it into the water. "Alright! Go Dragonair, give it all you got!"

Electricity filled the entire pool, crackling brightly until a bright burst of light exploded from beneath, making everyone gasp. Smoke poured over the water and Dragonair suddenly shot out from its depths, eyes narrowed in complete concentration as she looked down.

When the smoke cleared, Scizor floated in the pool, groaning but not moving. "And with a stunning comeback with Dragonair, Scizor is knocked out of the battle! Looks like Ruby might finally be back in this game considering the rocky start she had." I get the feeling that this commentator seems to have this battle already written out. I'll show him.

"Dragonair, now it's your turn!" Sophia trilled prettily. "Show them your gorgeous face!" Her Dragonair appeared and rose up into the sky, twisting and writhing in lucid movements, its body powerful looking and beautiful as everyone oohed in awe.

"You're way prettier." I said grumpily to Dragonair who turned a cute smile on me. "Okay, let's hit them with Ice Beam!"

"Dragonair my darling, Agility! And then Dragon Rage!" Sophia answered with a pretty flourish of her hand then began to check her face in the mirror, adding some powder to her cheeks and ignored the battle. That little brat!

"Dive under water Dragonair!" I countered and Dragonair dove down to escape but Sophia's Dragonair whipped out its tail and smacked Dragonair back, winding her as she cried out then with a red and bright yellow orb gathering at its mouth, fired its attack against Dragonair who took it full on.

"No! Dragonair!" I called as she began to fall but then she shook herself off then rose up again, angrily glaring at her opponent. "Awesome, that's the spirit! Now use Twister!" I called and she instantly whipped up the whirlwind, shooting it towards Sophia as she yawned and fluttered a hand in front of her mouth in mock modesty.

"Twister." She sighed, tapping a foot on the ground. "And hurry up with it." Her Dragonair launched its counterattack and the two of them collided, just like back in Blackthorn City, only this time my rival had much more power.

"Protect Dragonair!" I decided and Dragonair instantly shielded herself from the attack, forming a bubble around her which didn't shift until the Twister was gone.

"Dragonair, use…huh?" Sophia blinked, looking to her Pokémon as it began to glow. No. No please, not now! You can't evolve now! That's totally unfair! However no matter how much I pleaded, Dragonair still evolved into a Dragonite. A very mean looking Dragonite. "Oh how delightful! A stunning Dragonite! Much better than a boring old Dragonair. Now my new darling, use Hyper Beam!" Sophia called and I blinked before shaking my head.

"Protect!" I yelled but as Dragonair tried to form the bubble, it cracked and disappeared, leaving her at the full blast of Dragonite's powerful attack and she was knocked out of the sky with a cry, landing heavily on the ground outside of the battlefield. "What happened? I don't understand." I blinked, beginning to tremble as the fear began to rise. What should I do?

"Go Ruby! You can do it!" Ash yelled as I returned Dragonair, holding back my shock.

"I'm sorry Dragonair, it was all my fault. I promise I'll make it up to you." I told her then looked to Dragonite. Alright. They want a show? I'll give them a show. "Charizard, I choose you!" With my powerhouse Pokémon now in play, things are going to be different. "Charizard, use Flamethrower!"

"Counter with Thunderbolt!" Sophia ordered, suddenly paying close attention, glaring heatedly at the battle. The two attacks collided and exploded at the centre so I moved quickly.

"Charizard, Fire Blast through the smoke!" Charizard instantly formed his most powerful attack, blasting a huge symbol at Dragonite who didn't have time to move and took the attack head on.

"Move it you useless Pokémon!" Sophia screeched. "Use Thunderbolt again!" Dragonite growled and struck out but Charizard flew up into the sky and dodged it but tin quick succession Dragonite charged up a Hyper Beam and struck Charizard out of the sky, making him roar as he fell.

"Charizard!" I gasped, clutching my hat tightly but at the last second, Charizard opened his wings and landed lightly on the ice, digging in his claws so that the ice began to crack a little. We both glared at our opponents who glared back, our rivalry starting to grow intolerably intense. "Charizard, I've made mistake after mistake today." I told him quietly, losing all tenseness as I simply looked at him and he turned to look at me. "I've let down our team and I'm so sorry. It's all my fault."

In answer Charizard turned and lowered his head down to me, gently rubbing his head into me, letting me hug him tightly as the crowd all awed at our affectionate embrace. "Well folks, when things hit rock bottom, you turn to your Pokémon." The commentator mused almost pityingly but I ignored him, feeling a tear rise to my eyes.

"I've been trying to battle on my own without anyone's help when what I should have been doing is listening to you guys, letting you help me understand how best to battle in situations. So that's what we're now going to do. I'm going to let you take the lead and I'll help you. We'll battle together." I said and Charizard nodded his head determinedly, standing upright and turned to face Dragonite who sneered.

We both ignored them, closing our eyes and together, punched our fists together. A rush of energy flowed through me as my aura entwined with Charizard's, instantly replenishing all of my energy with a blazing passion for battling that only Charizard could have.

"Let the battle resume!" The ref called but I said nothing, remaining in position with Charizard as our thoughts and feelings became one.

"In that case, I'll go first. Dragonite, Hyper Beam!" Sophia called and Dragonite instantly began to charge up his attack. Without even opening my eyes I relied on Charizard's vision to see what was going on.

Spreading my arms out elegantly Charizard spread his wings in unison with me, taking off and then leaned as I guided him, avoiding the attack and dived for Dragonite as I sliced a hand forwards. I didn't even need to speak, he heard every thought I had.

"Amazing! Trainer and Pokémon are so in sync that they're not even verbally communicating! How is Sophia going to handle this new challenge?"

"Dragonite, use Thunderbolt!" She yelled with a growl, stamping her foot several times but together in unison, Charizard and I came up with a solution. I flung my arms out to the side then pulled in my elbows tightly, clenching my fists and Charizard's body lit up with fire in an Inferno attack. I began to turn around gracefully, taking deep, even breaths as Charizard spun around and around, deflecting the Thunderbolt then ploughed into Dragonite.

I felt the surge of power and almost gasped from the intensity but controlled it, keeping my focus as Charizard pulled back, watching Dragonite hit the water. "Get up! Get up you useless Pokémon!" Sophia screeched and Dragonite struggled to its feet before flying upwards again with blinding speed.

Turning around in a circle again, Charizard spun with me. "Amazing! Ruby is actually somehow managing to guide Charizard's movements without even looking! What is going on?! This is unbelievable!"

"Hyper Beam!" Taking a deep breath I pushed out my arms with my hands lying flat then pushed them to the side. Charizard instantly used Fire Blast, letting it connect in the middle with the Hyper Beam but then I thrust a hand forwards, telling Charizard to dive through the smoke before I punched upwards.

A Slash attack struck Dragonite without anyone seeing it coming, throwing the dragon type further up in the air so I spun around for a flourishing finish before locking my arms around me. Seismic Toss.

Charizard grabbed onto a weak Dragonite and began to spiral overhead, gaining speed and momentum before charging for the ground. Quickly I made a flourished movement of my hand from my mouth and Charizard blasted the water with Flamethrower, causing it to separate and expose the bottom, allowing for a more powerful finish.

"Amazing! With an incredible comeback, Dragonite is now out of the battle!" I smiled to myself, finally opening my eyes then looked to Charizard as he roared to the sky, blasting another Flamethrower upwards in display of his power.

"Thank you Charizard." I said to him softly, feeling a little better now that he'd reminded me what it really felt like to battle as one with your Pokémon, though we had now taken it to new extremes.

"This is not fair!" Sophia wailed before growling sharply. "Fine. Ninetales! You had better not let me down!"

"Charizard, return for now. We're going to show Sophia the power of a water advantage over fire." I said and Charizard nodded his head, letting me return him to his Pokéball. "Go Vaporeon! Into the water!"

"Ninetales, blast the water with Flamethrower!" Sophia ordered, her eyes narrowed into slits and Ninetales instantly began to fire its hot flames at the water, making it steam and the level began to drop.

"Vaporeon, Hydro Pump!" I countered easily and Vaporeon leaped out of the water with a powerful slap of her tail before shooting up into the air, taking a deep breath before hitting Ninetales with a direct and powerful hit. "That's great Vaporeon!" I called with a smile as she landed on the ice easily, not losing a single paw step.

"Ninetales, Fire Blast!"

"Shadow Ball!" We began exchanging blows, the tension beginning to rise as both Pokémon sustained considerable damage, however Vaporeon more so as Ninetales began to go mad with power, blasting everything left right and centre, Vaporeon struggling to dodge it. "Okay Vaporeon, return!" I called, deciding it was too dangerous but before I could even reach for her Pokéball, Sophia had screamed aloud.

"Argh! Ninetales use Flamethrower!" Vaporeon was exhausted, too tired to even move and as she tried to move, her back legs gave out and she skidded on the ice, turning to stare in fear at the flames as they came roaring towards her. Without warning her aura rushed out and hit me, making me stumble back a step and I saw her bright aura surrounding her, however I saw something else. Two tiny specks of pure white light within her. No…that can't mean…

"No! Vaporeon!" I yelled in tight fear, my heart hammering wildly in my chest and without thinking, dove into the water after Vaporeon as she was knocked into the warm depths. I swam down, seeing her body settle on the bottom and she didn't move to get back up, so I grabbed her into my arms and kicked off the bottom, rising up to the surface with a gasp then pulled us both out as Vaporeon blinked up at me.

"Poreon?"

"Vaporeon…did you know?" I asked her and she shook her head, shivering slightly then licked my face, seeking my comfort so I hugged her tightly. "It's alright. It's over now." I told her softly. "We're finished here."

"Fire Blast, now!" Sophia suddenly screamed, stamping her foot one last time and Ninetales instantly attacked, making everyone in the stadium yell in fear as the attack went for me as well.

"Ruby look out!" Everyone yelled but my eyes only narrowed in rage. With a rush of speed I pushed Vaporeon behind me across the ice, letting her slide back and I rose to my feet with an angry roar. My hands thrust out and without even knowing how I did it, my aura burst forwards and formed a protective sphere before me, holding back the Fire Blast as it slammed against it.

I felt its power shake my shield as Vaporeon lifted her head, staring as I stood protectively in front of her. There's no way I'm going to let her get hurt any more now that I know. No, way. With a deep breath and burning hands I forced the Fire Blast to remain out of reach of us, keeping it at bay until finally it sizzled out and I dropped the shield, falling to my knees as my arms and hands burned from holding back such a powerful attack.

"Vaporeon!" My little friend cried then leaped over to me, jumping into my arms and I buried my face into her neck, taking a deep breath as everything around us remained silent. My head hurt and I felt exhausted, but it didn't matter.

Standing up I gave Sophia a hard glare, holding Vaporeon in my arms. She held my gaze, looking shocked for the first few seconds before she growled at me, clenching her fists tightly. I grabbed my necktie and unlashed it with sharp tug, flicking it out before tossing it up into the air.

"And the winner is Sophia Winthrop by TKO!" The ref called and I took a deep breath, suddenly feeling like a huge weight had been lifted from my shoulders. I reached out and caught my necktie as it floated back down to the ground then smiled softly at Vaporeon who continued to blink at me.

"Come on. Let's go get some rest." I murmured then tucked her head into my shoulder as I walked away, not caring how many people stared at me, or how the silence continued to echo in my ears even as I walked out of the stadium.

It was a couple of moments until the others caught up with me, running to catch up. "Hey Ruby! What happened out there?" Ash called, waving to me to get my attention.

"Yeah Ruby, you could have been seriously hurt." Misty said as I turned to them with a smile. "And you lost your battle with Sophia because you eliminated yourself, why'd you do that?"

"Because I wasn't myself." I answered simply, sitting down on a bench with Vaporeon in my lap as I secured the neckerchief back around my neck. "I'd let down my Pokémon miserably, so there was no point in putting Charizard and Vaporeon through anymore battling, and because Vaporeon is actually going to be having eggs of her own soon." Everyone gasped, turning to look at Vaporeon who blushed sweetly. "Just before she got hit with that last Flamethrower, she reached out to me in her desperation and I saw two more auras with her. She's going to have eggs." I hugged her. "And that's better than winning any tournament. I'm so excited, I can't wait!"

"You mean it? Is Vaporeon really going to have little Eevees' running around soon? Oh how cute!" Misty beamed. "That's so great, congratulations Vaporeon, who's the daddy?" Vaporeon gave a blushing smile so I winked at her.

"I think that's going to stay our little secret for now."