Chapter 13: Ultra Cup I
"Ladies and Gentlemen, boy and girls, and pokemon of all kinds! Welcome to the annual Ultra Cup tournament hosted here in Wyndon stadium. Today the most promising trainers and experienced trainers from across the world will compete for glory and an invitation to the Master Cup hosted in Kalos! Let us introduce our star participants for the tournament!" Announced Chairman Rose.
I feel nervous. Some of these trainers in this tournament are going to be way stronger than the one's from the past. I can only rely now on the team I have and the instincts to overcome all odds against us. Move sets as optimized as I could make it, unorthodox strategies, and that item Piers gave me. Here we go, then team. Let's win this!
"Introducing the protégé of the Kalos League Champion Luce! Debuting last year in the Kalos cup as their champion! Looking to make her mark as a successful successor to her teacher Diantha!" Shouted Chairman Rose as an elegant woman approaches the center of the stadium.
I remember Sally talking about Movies being extremely popular in Kalos alongside their fashion scene. Luce fits the description well with the way she presents herself. Soft brown hair reaching down to her lower back, perfect teal eyes, average height, slim body, and an unyielding smile. Her outfit befits that of a casual trainer.
"Next up, the rising star of Unova and looking to make a storm here in the Ultra Cup today! Please welcome, Gale!" Said Chairman Rose as a young child runs towards the center of the stadium filled with energy and excited.
Gale, the storm of Unova was the recent winner of the Unova cup and was considered a prodigy for his effortless journey to collect the badges. He may be talented but, I can assume here that those who train hard will suppress him. He looks like he's ready for a jog with a whole track suit going on and that spikey yellow hair, yellow eyes, and rather built individual. Gale grabs the mic and prepares to make a speech probably.
"Thank you, Chairman, for hosting an event like none other! I want to apologize in advance to the trainers here as they will all taste defeat at the end of the day. So don't get any hard feelings when the storm crushes you!" Said Gale dropping the mic.
What a cocky trainer. Then again, I felt cocky once and felt the punishment for doing so.
"Up next coming from Alola region, hailing from the Aether Foundation and yearning for a chance to become strong enough to stop all obstacles. Here comes Gladion!" Shouted Chairman Rose as a kid with rather fancy clothing.
Gladion and Aether foundation? I do remember reading about that in the prison newspaper. They had some controversies about some of the pokemon they rescued being cryogenically frozen and dissected them. Gladion was one of the three trainers who helped restore Aether Foundation to being a building to support and protect pokemon. He will be interesting to fight.
"Our last star participant before introducing Galar's representatives. From the Johto region, an icy maiden who has overwhelmed over 300 challengers since taking over the Mahogany gym. No one has yet to tame her cold heart in battle. Here comes Yukiya, the freezing death." Announced Chairman Rose as a small girl wearing a Kimono approaches the center of the stadium.
Another Kimono girl? Based off her Kimono pattern I can tell what her signature pokemon will be. A soft icy blue pattern infused with navy blue. A Glaceon should be her ace. I still wonder though why she would carry a quieter and jollier pokemon over a chilling one befitting her epitaph.
"Now Introducing our representatives from the Galar region. First, the Iron clad young lady with unyielding determination! The Shield, Aurea!" Announced Chairman Rose.
"I'm up, good luck Liam." Said Aurea heading to the center of the stadium.
I haven't seen Aurea for a long period of time recently. Even seeing her today she doesn't seem like her usual self. She seems depressed recently.
"Up next, debuting last year to a massive success and ready to prove to the world who's the strongest. Please Welcome Bea!" Announced Chairman Rose as Bea makes her way to the Stadium.
I can feel the intimidating air around her; she's gotten way stronger than the last time I fought her. I have got to watch out if our rematch happens here.
"Finally. Our last star participant. The spirit that refuses to be snuffed out by the flames of the past. The Rebel of the Unova Region! Introducing Liam!" Announced Chairman Rose as I make my way to the center of the Stadium.
I can tell already from the cold stares of the foreign crowd and even resident Galarians that they don't like me at all or rather want me to get "Humbled". I'll just have to prove to them that the image the world has given me is a mere illusion. Even the star participants look cold at me. Expected, I guess. All participants were informed ahead of time what the system for this tournament will be. The First round is 1 v 1, Second round is 4v4 in a double battle, Semi Finals is 3 v 3, and the finals i for the title. For anyone to qualify to the masters cup this year, you would have to be a minimum a semi-finalist. There are two matches in round 1 and round 2. Semi Finals and finals are one round.
"With all the star participants announced. The pairings will now be displayed. May you all have the best of luck. The first round will start in 20 minutes." Said Chairman Rose as the pairing gets get revealed on the larger monitor.
As expected, I have the first match of round 1 against a star participant no less. Yukiya can be a very challenging opponent since she casually overwhelms the average trainer with little effort if what is stated is true. She shouldn't prove as severe as a challenge compared to Raihan's weather teams or as brutal as clashing with Hilbert's balanced team.
"Ladies and Gentlemen. Get ready for the first match of Round 1! In corner Blue, Yukiya; the freezing death! Will her opponent find their fate frozen shut or will the challenger break through absolute zero." Said the announcer as Yukiya approaches her side of the stadium with an umbrella designed with the color scheme of an Suicune.
Here we go. Something feels off about her... is it her red eyes or her cold glare. I feel that I want to know more about what I'm fighting.
"On corner red, Challenger, Liam. Will his streak continue on here or will he fall here on the grand stage of Galar! Former member of the sinister team plasma group now looking towards the path of redemption." Said the Announcer as I take position on my side of the field.
The referee looks at both sides before giving a signal to the announcer. Here we go then. The first round begins.
"Trainers. Please select what pokemon you will choose to battle?" Asked the Announcer.
I take Illuminates pokeball and smile. It's time for the biggest stage we've hit so far Illuminate. Let's take her down!
"Illuminate, Time to shine!" I shout summoning Illuminate out of his pokeball.
Yukiya seems disappointed as her glare now becomes an ice cold stare.
"I came here to battle honorable trainers not a clown. Please be serious and use your strongest pokemon." Said Yukiya taking a dive ball from her bag.
"Illuminate is my strongest pokemon. If you are going to underestimate the opponent this quick, then you have lost the battle already." I spoke.
Yukiya takes a deep breath before summoning out a Glaceon.
"We know your trump card is Sylveon. Summon it or you will regret it." Said Yukiya still looking disappointed.
I can only laugh. I was serious that Illuminate would be my strongest pokemon in terms of combat experience outside of Moon. I'm sure he's now fired up for his biggest match so far.
"Sunlight is indeed the pokemon that started this journey but, Illuminate for the longest time was the vanguard that led the charge in all our battles. I'm sticking with him this match." I spoke.
The referee blows into his whistle signaling the beginning of the match. Illuminate just plops himself on the floor sitting happily. Her Glaceon is channeling a form of energy to prepare a blast.
"Glaceon, show this foolish pokemon what it means to be the strongest. Hidden Power." Yukiya responds as the energy forms into smaller orbs and is launched towards Illuminate.
Illuminate slams his tail down on the ground to lift himself up into the air to dodge the attack. Illuminate is a rather prideful pokemon in general who doesn't appreciate anyone making fun of him especially if it involves battling.
"Illuminate, Thunderbolt!" I commanded as Illuminate charges up.
Illuminate fires off a massive bolt of lightning towards the Glaceon leaving the Glaceon vulnerable for the attack. At least that was what I thought until the Glaceon slapped away the bolt of lightning with its tail. I see now what this pokemon's style it gonna be like.
"It's sad that you thought Thunderbolt would lead you to victory. It's time to put an end to this nonsense. Glaceon, Blizzard." Commanded Yukiya as Glaceon unleashes a deadly storm of ice!
Illuminate without a chance to recover from being in the air, is struck by shards of ice repeatedly and falls to the ground hurt. Illuminate gets up now with motivation in his eyes. Alright I have got a plan.
"Illuminate, Thunderbolt." I shout as Illuminate charges a second time.
"Predictable." Said Yukiya as her Glaceon prepares for the impact.
Illuminate charged up slams his tail to the ground causing sparks to erupt from the ground, the Glaceon while not affected has expressed concern about the field of sparks. They said when I started this new journey that defeating the stronger trainers you have to get creative for victory. This is one of my tricks I've practiced many times with Aurea when challenging Illuminate, a makeshift Electric Terrian. Yukiya gives a small smile.
"A makeshift Electric Terrian. I seem to have found doubt in judgement. Allow us to go even further beyond the limits that your pokemon shall not endure! Glaceon Hyper Beam!" Commanded Yukiya as her Glaceon inhales the air around the area to form a big ball of energy.
A hyper beam? She's going for a finishing blow here and fast! Illuminate has to get out of the way! Illuminate stands his ground as the energy keeps getting bigger and bigger. Finally, Yukiya's Glaceon unleashes the burst of destructive energy landing a direct hit on Illuminate. It's too dusty...
"Illuminate!" I cry out.
"Hmph, in the end you and your Raichu were all talk." Said Yukiya looking at the referee.
Illuminate! If you are in there, please, be safe... get up. Don't fall. Wake up!
"The match... er..." Stopped the referee.
"What about the match?" asked Yukiya.
Its him... standing proudly. I can see now what you did. The Glaceon looked shocked that Illuminate still stands. Sparks surround Illuminate as he is ready to perform his strongest move yet.
"Illuminate! Glaceon is worn out! Thunderbolt!" I command.
Illuminate grins as he slams his tail to the ground to unleash a massive bolt of electricity to strike down Glaceon! The won out Glaceon tries to look for a way to avoid damage but the makeshift electric terrain makes it difficult to avoid significant damage. The huge shock landed right on the back of Glaceon! Leaving the pokemon slightly shaking from the damage. Not enough still which means this next attack could settle everything.
"Everything was set up. The Makeshift electric terrain, using his tail as a conductor to make lightning traverse through the ground. Such an ineffective strategy yet in the end manages to use a divergent to damage Glaceon. It reminds me..." She stopped biting her lip.
Huh? Why would she stop?
"Illuminate stand down for now." I command as Illuminate happily sits on the ground.
"Why did you command your pokemon to stand by? So gullible like..." She stopped once again as her Glaceon looked back at her with concern.
She looked sad.
"It's like a tale of a trainer who struggled to be themselves because of legacy and what family desires. The expectations that push a child too far and in return became shunned and rebellious. You are afraid of the true you and hide it behind a colder personality. Don't be the fool you see in front of you, be the person you truly want to be." I explain.
It was the very first thing I heard from Sally before being taken under her wing. I never really thought much about it until I met some kind people recently. Even when far away she still lecturing me in my mind.
"Clown. You can't just judge someone with a few minutes. I now only want to shut you up." Said Yukiya clearly enraged.
"Let's make a deal then. If I win here, you will tell me your story. I just need one thing to be done first." I said as Illuminate stands up once more.
She looks annoyed. As expected, her signature pokemon is not the Glaceon. She is hiding the pokemon she cherishes the most. I'm not going to let her feel bad for what pokemon she chooses to use.
"Ref. Can she switch pokemon? I wish to face her fighting alongside the partner she held on to since the beginning." I request with the audience confused.
The referee even looks dumbfounded by the request. He takes out his walkie from his belt to talk to the commissioner to give the okay. Come on, let her use it. I really want to see what pokemon she adores so much.
"What are you doing? Are you trying to mock your opponent?" Said Yukiya frustrated.
"No, I want to do what you asked of me, to fight your strongest pokemon. Illuminate is my strongest in battle and I want you to go all out with the pokemon you began with. Don't run away and fight together." I respond as the crowd starts to boo.
Theres the critical moment she's looking back at her Glaceon and to the ref. The ref grabs his mic.
"Challenger Yukiya will be granted a switch in." Said the Referee.
Yes! Thank you referee. I can put the pieces of the puzzle together. My goal now is to crack the truth behind her mysteries. Let's go now Yukiya, let this battle prove that you are more than what you present!
"You want a fight? Was it me you wanted? Well then, you got what you wished. In the end you will come to regret fighting us both with mere weak pokemon." Said Yukiya as the battleground becomes engulfed in shadows.
Oh no pokeball on this pokemon and a field of shadows? Didn't know pokemon were capable of distorting vision. Illuminate is nowhere to be seen but, I can still hear his footsteps and sparks. With the shadows I feel that her ace must be...
"Illuminate, keep your guard up. It's going to be a battle of minds." I state.
That aren't a good situation for Illuminate. We are not sure if what we are facing is accurate to my assumption. We can now only rely on instinct to defeat this pokemon.
"Instinct won't save you or your Raichu. The grudges you both carry will drag you both down in chains." Said Yukiya as her voice grows darker and darker.
"Grudges huh? Then tell me, what grudges do you possess?" I asked.
"They hurt her. They hurt her for the pokemon she chooses to use. They hurt a child for simply using pokemon she loved. She grew distant and as such I held a grudge against the world. If she lives, I will destroy all those I bear a grudge on. You will fall here." Yelled Yukiya as her eyes started to dilute.
This isn't right. Her pokemon is taking her grudge too far or rather has been for a long time. It has to end here before it genuinely hurts Yukiya.
"Let's settle this with a battle then. If I win you must let go of her grudge and let her find peace with you. With that out of the way let's finish this here and now!" I yell as Illuminate voice is still present within the shadows.
"Let's then. Your grudge will consume you whole. If you could not endure Reshiram or even let the scars heal then you will not survive this battle." Said Yukiya as I can hear Slashes from within the Shadows.
I can hear Illuminate scream out in pain. This ghost is taking advantage of the situation with this shadow arena. What makes it difficult is that the makeshift terrian has not taken effect to this pokemon.
"Illuminate, Thunderbolt!" I command.
Illuminate screams out as bolts of electricity fly all over the shadow arena and for a brief moment I could see horrifying red eyes looking back at me. A Froslass. No other Ice type can do such a thing other than a Froslass.
"Worthless move. You're defeat will be slow." Warned Yukiya as the eyes shift towards the sparks.
Illuminate I need you to hang in there. Despite the lack of sight we carry we just need to use our ears to win. Once more I can hear Illuminate scream from the impact of an unknown attack. With this scream he unleashes another Thunderbolt which this time I can hear the soft whimpering of another pokemon.
"Illuminate! Are you okay?" I shouted.
No response. I can see the eyes getting closer to me, those horrifying red eyes. The shape of a Froslass getting closer to my face. Holy Arceus... I think this is more frienghting then staring down Reshiram.
"Good, quiver in fear child. Your pokemon has probably already fainted, I want to see the grudge you carry bury you com-" Stopped Yukiya as the shape of the Froslass is swept aside by a silver tail.
Illuminate! You're okay. Illuminate though seems to have one large dark claw mark on his back. I'm going to give him a trip to the pokemon center after this. I can hear him shivering as well... that Froslass was looking to maim.
"Ugh, you won't come out the winner. I swear on it." Said Yukiya as the red eyes emerge again.
"Then come and get us. Our instinct hasn't faltered yet." I respond.
Once more the eyes advance towards me and Illuminate as Illuminate tries to swing his silver tail once more. However, he was grabbed by the tail and then struck by shards of ice forcing Illuminate to quiver further in pain. He was thrown to the side shaking from the cold.
"How much longer will you let him suffer before you finally give up? Give in to your grudge and I'll stop hurting him. Sounds fair?" Said Yukiya as the figure of the Froslass is now right in front of my face.
I start shivering... but, I must trust my instinct... Illuminate is still kicking and I know him. Those shards of ice won't take him down. Illuminate. I... will keep fighting. I can see the Froslass smiling now with a grin like none other.
"It's time to give in. No more stalling." Said Yukiya as the Froslass's hands reach for my head.
Holy Arceus... No! No! No! No!
"It will all be over soon." Said Yukiya as the Froslass's hands are on each side of my head.
I can only close my eyes. I can hear his voice one last time. The sounds of sparks flying all about. Should I open my eyes? After all I said to trust my instincts. I open my eyes and the shadow arena is gone. In front of me is Illuminate breathing heavily with the Froslass halfway across the arena out cold with sparks surrounding the pokemon. Yukiya is on her knee's regaining life in her eyes. The crowd looks shocked and at are likely trying to figure out what even happened.
"Y... Yukiya's Froslass is unable to battle. The Winner of this bout is challenger Liam." The referee shouted looking shocked.
I return Illuminate to his pokeball before walking towards Yukiya.
"Yukiya... are you okay?" I asked.
She looks up at me with slight tears in her eyes.
"What happened?" Asked Yukiya
Take a deep breath Liam, she's going through a similar situation to the past. Here goes then.
"Your Froslass... it's held a grudge for far too long. I feel that she used you as her mouth piece to continue the goal of completing what couldn't be done." I responded weakly.
Yukiya holds up her Froslass and gives her a max revive. Yukiya's tears have yet to fade as her Froslass's eyes open up.
"Froslass. It's time to move on together. There is no need to hold a grudge if it hurts the both of us." Said Yukiya.
The Froslass looks at her trainer and puts her hands around her embracing her. At least it can be a touching conclusion for them. Before I can leave the stadium I feel weight holding me back. I look back to see Yukiya with her face as pale as well... a ghost.
"Thank you. I do apologize for badly hurting your Raichu or rather Illuminate as you call him. She isn't a bad pokemon she's just having problems trusting humans." Said Yukiya.
"Ah, all is forgiven. Let's just move on from this contest. Whenever you are ready for a rematch I'll be waiting anytime." I spoke happily.
I take my leave from the arena and to the nearest healing center in the stadium. The nurse waiting there smiling.
"Hello, would you like to heal up your pokemon?" Said the nurse in response.
I nod holding Illuminate's pokeball and handing it to the Nurse.
"Normally trainers who don't possess a trainer card would be charged for healing pokemon. As a participant of the Ultra Cup tournament, you will be granted access to healing for free." Said the nurse happily as she healed up Illuminate.
Heck yes! I was handed back Illuminates pokeball and put it back on my belt. I can feel something tugging at the back of my sweater.
"Er... could we talk for a moment Liam?" Said a familiar voice.
Yukiya?
"Sure. What do you need to talk about." I asked as I was getting pulled away to a table.
Yukiya takes a seat as I take mine as she looks around before speaking.
"First of all, I want to deeply apologize for the behavior of my Froslass. She did not mean to injure Illuminate intentionally. She deeply regrets the actions she has taken on You and Your pokemon. Second, I would like to have you watch over me for the duration of the tournament." Said Yukiya.
HUH!?
"W... Why though? Wouldn't it better to have security?" I respond.
"You were a member of Team Plasma. That is a fact. You proved enough to not be a bad person to me. I feel safer around someone who cares than someone who is getting payed to do so." Said Yukiya.
This is a rather odd request. I guess I don't mind having a friend who isn't tied to rehabilitation.
"I don't mind." I respond.
She gives a smile.
"Then it's settled." Said Yukiya.
Well, this was certainly something I didn't see coming. It would be nice to get to know more people this time around.
"You may want to sit down for a little bit. You won our battle so I'll tell you what story between my Froslass and myself. Long ago when I was a little girl, I encountered a rather lost Snorunt outside the family Teather. My family of Eevee exclusive trainers wouldn't likely allow me to keep Snorunt so I decided to keep meeting her in secret. As time went on, we became good friends and one day I requested her to become my partner pokemon. She accepted and I captured her. My mother wanted me to follow in line of being a Kimono girl since my older sister was scouted to be a gym trainer by another Kimono girl. She found the Snorunt ugly and unfit to be a pokemon of a Kimono girl. Argument after argument I couldn't take her insulting my dear friend any further. I ran away from home to pursuit the path of a trainer. It wasn't easy at first with nothing but the clothes on my back, pocket change, and Snorunt of course. Overtime, we just became stronger and stronger, winning almost every battle we participated in that we felt unstoppable. It all changed when we met a cold-hearted trainer who not only insulted Snorunt but physically attacked Her with their hands. Snorunt refused to fight back against the trainer and kept getting hurt and hurt until she were nearly unresponsive. I tried to fight the trainer off but they were simply too strong. After I woke up from the beating, I took she evolved into a Froslass and the sweet Snorunt I knew became colder and more filled with anger." Explained Yukiya.
Jeez even in Johto trainers are cold and cruel. It's... heartbreaking.
"I didn't know though it was Froslass was possessing me, I believed that it was my heart just becoming cold and my emotions being dull. I once again want to sincerely apologize for any harm Froslass and I have done to Illuminate." Said Yukiya bowing.
Well, there's only one way to answer that. I sent Illuminate out of his pokeball. He looks back at me confused.
"Our opponent wanted to apologize to you. What do you say Illuminate?" I asked.
Illuminate's expression went from confusion to pure joy and laughter. Yep, he's likely happy to have fought a strong opponent who pushed his fighting spirit further.
"He doesn't care about the injuries. He is thankful for fighting Froslass and Glaceon." I responded.
"Oh? I see." She responds bluntly.
"Liam! Congratulations on winning the first round." Shouts Sharlene from far away.
I feel embarrassed... Sharlene, did you have to shout.
"Not bad. It seems you two patched things up. and Oleana are feeling uneasy after what they witnessed in the match. That Froslass is rather unique to create such a field of shadows." Remarked Alfred from behind us.
"Oh? Are these your friends?" Asked Yukiya as the two approached us.
"I'm... not sure to be honest. Most of the people who talk to me are either my rehabilitation program staff or those who want me dead." I respond.
Sharlene puffs her face checks up reaching towards my face. What are you planning? No, ow!
"Don't be silly. Of course, we are friends." Said Sharlene smiling.
"Hmph, I guess I can call you a friend." Said Alfred looking annoyed.
Yukiya gives a blank expression before tilting her head back and forth.
"Wonderful. We should stick together. I... really didn't have friends in my life. I was rather lonely. So, if it is possible." Said Yukiya as her face turns red.
Sharlene's eyes light up with glee of the idea. Alfred appears to be shrugging his shoulders looking at me. Well, that's one more person I met and one more friend I have now. Nice to befriend someone for a change instead of ticking them off. Who knows, this may be the beginning of a positive change.