Sonia walked down the corridor she was becoming familiar with. As she reached the end, the door opened for her and she entered Champion's office to see the Pokémon Master waiting for her. He raised an eyebrow slightly as he took in her change of clothing. Gone were the plain, normal clothes that she usually wore. Instead she was dressed in close fitting combat trousers, with a dark green, slightly baggy shirt. A jacket was worn over the top, with one of the sleeves partially pushed up. As Sonia took her seat opposite him, she saw his eye flicker to her waist where six Pokéballs were on show.
"It had been my initial intention to head straight to the Wilds." Ash said. "But there is something you might be interested in seeing first."
"What?" Sonia asked.
"I received a message from Lance last night." Ash said. "He will be battling in an exhibition match against Mellanie at the Viridian tournament."
Sonia nodded slowly. "You think I'd want to watch one of your students against one of the best. To see what they are capable of."
"Not just one of my students. She is my first, and I believe my best. Sam comes close, but in terms of pure battling ability Mellanie has outstripped him recently. He is a more rounded trainer however."
"Then I'd be happy to go and watch." Sonia said. "I assume we will be heading out afterwards?"
Ash nodded. "As soon as the battle is finished. We need to get information from Gliscor. But the threat is no longer immediate, so it is worth taking the time to show you what you could learn."
"Fair enough." Sonia said. "Is there a car coming to get us?"
Ash smiled. "I think we'll try a different method of travel."
"And Dewgong takes the battle, winning Misty Waterflower her semi-final! The final will be fought this afternoon, in a 3 vs 3 battle, but there are plans in place for an extra exhibition match first. That match will be starting in fifteen minutes."
As the announcer's voice died down, Mellanie rose from her seat in the executive box.
"I had best head off to prepare. Wish me luck."
"Good luck." Sam said, a sentiment quickly echoed by Gary and Jonathan. Mellanie exited the box and headed down towards the trainer's at the bottom of the arena. As those in the box settled down for what was likely to be the best match of the tournament, they didn't see the two figures arrive, standing in the shadows at the back of the box. Ash and Sonia stood there, happy to remain hidden as they watched the battle.
"A battle that was only organised very late, but one that should still be a superb display of talent. Lance Waturu, Regional leader of both Kanto and Johto has agreed to participate in a 2 on 2 battle against a trainer who, whilst young, is already famous as a top battler. She recently broke the record for most consecutive wins in the Johto League. There is nothing riding on this battle, it merely being an exhibition. It is the Dragon Master vs the Queen of Johto!"
As the two trainers walked out onto the field, there was loud applause around the arena, louder than at any other point in the tournament. Neither trainer seemed to acknowledge the noise, both having looks of intense concentration. They reached the centre of the field, shook hands and headed for their respective boxes.
Lance was the first to reach for a Pokéball. "I'll kick us off. Gyarados, you're up."
As the Pokémon appeared there was a ripple of extra noise through the already loud crowd. Lance's Gyarados was one of his more famous Pokémon, for a fairly obvious reason. Unlike every other Gyarados, this one was red. Across the stadium Mellanie reached for her own Pokéball.
"This will be a big test for her." Gary said to Sam. "The first time she has gone up against an elite trainer, and she gets to face a Pokémon that is so famous it is almost legend."
"She'll do well." Sam answered, not taking his eyes from the field. "I know it."
Mellanie released her Pokémon wordlessly. A humanoid figure started to materialize. The sun glinted off the armoured figure as Scizor raised his arms, sizing up his opponent. There was no fear in the face of the Pincer Pokémon, despite the reputation of his opponent.
The referee stepped forwards. "This will be a two vs two exhibition battle, between Lance Waturu and Mellanie Rigger. Both sides may make changes at any point." He raised his flags. "The first round is between Gyarados and Scizor." He snapped the flags down. "Begin!"
"Gyarados, Flamethrower." Lance barked instantly. As the flames shot forwards, Mellanie didn't even bother to respond, Scizor merely twisting to the side and allowing the attack to race past him. As it died out, the two Pokémon stared at each other, analysing.
"Gyarados, Hydro Pump." Lance ordered, but Scizor slipped to the side of the second attack with just as much ease. Lance clenched his fist slightly. He knew it was a weakness of his, dealing with opponents who battled evasively. He had to keep his temper, regardless of what Mellanie threw at him. "Gyarados, Rain Dance." Lance barked, ignoring the groan that came from the stands. As Gyarados started to flick his tail, Mellanie made her first move.
"Use Bullet Punch." Mellanie called. Before Gyarados could complete his move, Scizor shot forwards, his claw smashing into Gyarados. The Atrocious Pokémon roared as Scizor backed away quickly, avoiding Gyarados' tail as it lashed around as a retaliation.
"Gyarados, get closer to Scizor." Lance called. His Pokémon started to advance, growling at his silent opponent.
"Scizor, Swords Dance."
"Gyarados, Rain Dance." Lance countered. Both Pokémon started a complex dance, coming out of it glaring at each other. The first drops of rain started to land as Scizor clicked his claws which seemed slightly sharper.
"Now use Hydro Pump." Lance called. This time the attack came faster and was much stronger, and Scizor dropped, flattening himself against the floor to avoid the hit. It was the fastest dodge around and Lance nodded in appreciation as Scizor surged back to his feet before Gyarados could fire another attack.
"Again." Lance barked.
"Agility." Mellanie ordered Scizor vanished as the next torrent of water shot past where he had been. There were gasps around the stadium as the crowd looked around for where Scizor had gone. Gyarados roared in fury as his trainer scanned the field.
"Metal Claw." Mellanie barked. Scizor surged forwards from where he had flattened himself against the wall, using a shadow cast by the clouds from the Rain Dance to hide himself. Lance blinked in surprise as Gyarados roared in pain from the power of the attack. It was proving very difficult to trap Scizor. He realized that he might have chosen the wrong Pokémon; whilst famous, Gyarados was one of his powerhouses. If he wanted to trap Scizor he would need a more agile Pokémon. But before he changed Pokémon, there was something he wanted to try.
"Gyarados, use Twister."
Gyarados sent a twister racing across the field towards Scizor who cast a glance back at his trainer. Mellanie waited for a moment, before her command. "Iron Defense." Scizor's armour glinted as he tucked his body into a ball that was picked up by the twister. In the middle of the field Scizor was spun around again and again as the twister gained in strength. Lance suddenly realised what Mellanie's plan was, but before he could give another order, Scizor was thrown out by the power of the wind. He flashed across the field still tucked into a ball and smashed into Gyarados. The Atrocious Pokémon roared in pain and swung his tail around again but this time Scizor's claws closed on it, causing the roar to grow in intensity.
"Hydro Pump." Lance barked. Gyarados twisted and fired the attack down at his tail, dislodging Scizor and sending him skidding back across the field. Scizor climbed back to his feet, his body showing the impact of the hits he had taken, but a glance at Gyarados also showed him struggling. Lance held out his hand.
"Gyarados, return."
Jonathan whistled softly in admiration. "That was impressive from Scizor. Turning Gyarados' attacks back at him."
"It is what Mel does." Sam said, a touch of pride in his voice. "You should try fighting her, it is very hard to get to grips with."
"Clearly." Gary said. "Lance doesn't change Pokémon often, especially when he only has two. He's clearly decided that he needs a different Pokémon to gain more semblance of control against Scizor."
"It won't work." Sam said confidently. "Mel can counter anything."
"Even if she can, Scizor looks battered." Jonathan noted. "Even if she can think fast and counter all of Lance's moves, it won't take many hits for his Pokémon to outlast hers."
"Got to hit them first." Sam argued.
Gary chuckled. "Sam I'm not sure anybody is expecting her to win this. Lance is an absolutely superb trainer, possibly even better than Cynthia. He didn't get to the top of two regions by chance. Even if he doesn't use his strongest Pokémon it will still be a huge challenge for Mellanie."
"You don't know Mel like I do." Sam said confidently. "Even if she loses, this will be one of the hardest fights Lance has fought for a long time."
"Dragonair, come on out." Lance called as the last drops of the rain fell and the clouds started to clear. Dragonair appeared with a shrill cry, her long body flexing as she settled on the ground. Scizor adopted a defensive position as they locked eyes across the field.
"Dragonair, Ice Beam." Lance said. "Cover the field."
An icy-blue beam shot out of Dragonair's mouth, missing Scizor as he shot to one side, but hitting the field and causing the water on the ground from the Rain Dance to freeze. The beam tracked across, chasing Scizor as he tried to work his way around to get a clear shot. As the attack died down, Mellanie glanced at the field before focusing her attention back on Dragonair. A decent portion of her side was frozen. She knew it would cause Scizor problems with his dodging if she left it that way. Thankfully she knew how to get rid of it.
"Again Dragonair."
"Agility into Sunny Day." Mellanie ordered instantly. Scizor vanished from where the Ice Beam was heading, reappearing on the other side of the field. Before Dragonair could adjust, he threw a bright orb into the sky, causing the temperature to shoot up. Lance blinked, Scizor had moved fast.
"Dragonair, Thunder Wave." Lance called as the ice on the field started to melt. Dragonair's eyes glowed yellow and waves of electricity shot towards Scizor.
"Scizor, Agility once more." Mellanie said. Scizor surged forwards, leaping into the air and twisting into a roll to dodge the waves of electricity before landing on his feet. "Metal Claw."
As Scizor's claws closed around Dragonair, Lance's eyes flashed. "Hyper Beam."
Dragonair ignored the pain from Scizor's attack, curling her head around to fire a golden beam at Scizor who was still clasped around her tail. Just before it hit, Scizor's grip relaxed and he glowed a golden colour. The Hyper Beam connected in an explosion that covered the field in dust and smoke although there was an audible thud from the field. As the smoke cleared, Lance whitened slightly. Scizor was out cold, knocked out by the power of the attacks from Dragonair and Gyarados. However, in front of him, Dragonair was panting heavily, covered in battle damage. She was clearly near the end of her ability to keep on fighting. Lance groaned inwardly. He knew what had happened. As the Hyper Beam hit, Scizor had used Giga Impact. The explosion from two such powerful attacks would have badly hurt Dragonair. The battle just got a lot harder. As Mellanie recalled her fallen Pokémon, Lance smiled. He hadn't been in a fight like this for a long time. A close battle against a powerful opponent who was capable of pulling surprises out. He suspected when Sam finally got around to challenging him it would be a similar standard of battle.
As Mellanie picked another Pokéball off her belt, Lance bared his teeth slightly. It wasn't often he got a chance to showcase just how good a battler he was. This exhibition match might just help him to remind Kanto how powerful their leader was. It was a thought that he rather enjoyed.
"Totodile, I think you deserve the chance to fight this one." Mellanie said, releasing her starter. Lance blinked. He knew this Pokémon well. It was a formidable battler, and had been the Pokémon that wrapped her victory in each of her three Johto victories. For a small Pokémon it had exceptional endurance, and Lance knew from watching it just how hard it was to hit. Totodile had an unusual approach to battling, but it was one that was extremely effective.
"Dragonair, Dragon Rage." Lance ordered. The orb on Dragonair's throat glowed and a cyclone of energy shot towards Totodile. The Big Jaw Pokémon danced away from the centre, merely being clipped by the edge of the attack. Lance gritted his teeth; he had hoped that an attack that powerful would at least make solid contact.
"Totodile, Hydro Pump." Mellanie said. The torrent of water that shot from Totodile came fast, and Dragonair barely dodged. As she came around, Totodile leapt forwads.
"Crunch."
"Use Outrage." Lance countered.
As Totodile clenched his jaws onto Dragonair's tail, she started to thrash around, her body jerking wildly. As the crowd looked on, Totodile was shaken around like a rag doll, but his teeth never let their grip on Dragonair go. The thrashing continued, out of control as Dragonair lurched towards a wall. Lance watched, his face emotionless as his Pokémon smashed into a wall, her body still raging about. Totodile was still clinging on as Dragonair repeatedly crashed her body into the wall.
"Totodile, Hydro Pump." Mellanie called as Dragonair fell away from the wall once again. Totodile took advantage of the pause in the thrashing and relaxed his jaws before unleashing a torrent of water that fired him away from Dragonair. He landed in front of Mellanie and shook his head, slightly disorientated from being shaken around so aggressively. Across the field Dragonair was knocked out, the combination of attacks proving too much. Lance was stood with a big smile on his face. He knew he had chosen a strategy that would lose him the round, but by disorientating Totodile he was making it easier for Gyarados to land hits. Totodile was an accomplished dodger, but he looked somewhat dizzy after being shaken around like a rag-doll.
Lance recalled his Pokémon before releasing Gyarados once again. The Atrocious Pokémon stared down at his much smaller opponent with a menacing glare. Totodile matched it with a grin.
"Dragon Rage." Lance ordered.
This time the attack was a ball of fire that raced towards Totodile, almost too fast to dodge. Totodile pirouetted away before firing a Water Gun that hit the chest of Gyarados. However the attack strayed off target slightly as Totodile stumbled.
"Rain Dance." Lance ordered. Mellanie tilted her head slightly as Gyarados caused it to start raining again. Totodile shook his head again to clear it, his gaze becoming more focused as the first drops of water landed once more. This time there were no groans from spectators getting wet, they were utterly engrossed in the battle in front of them.
"Hydro Pump." Lance called. Once again, Gyarados unleashed a huge torrent of water at Totodile, but the smaller Pokémon was ready for it. He leapt above the attack, giving him a clear shot to retaliate.
"Aqua Tail." Mellanie barked. Totodile shot forwards, propelled by a burst of water coming from his tail. He shot above the Hydro Pump before crashing into the same spot his Water Gun had initially hit. Gyarados reeled back, knocked off balance by the power of Totodile's attack.
"Hydro Pump." Mellanie said, pressing the advantage. As Totodile dropped away from Gyarados and before the Atrocious Pokémon could recover from the last hit, Totodile unleashed his own torrent of water, once again hitting the same spot on Gyarados.
Mellanie glanced at Lance, and saw a flash of triumph come across his face. She gasped as she realised her mistake.
"Totodile, Aqua Tail away." She barked, but it was a moment too late.
"Gyarados, Thunderbolt." Lance ordered. His Pokémon reared up despite the injuries inflicted by Totodile and the air started to crackle with electricity. As Totodile shot away, a bolt of electricity followed him. As the Aqua Tail rain out, Totodile twisted in the air and fired another Hydro Pump over the Thunderbolt. As the Thunderbolt hit Totodile he dropped back to the floor, panting. The strain of such complex attacks, coupled with the damage sustained was starting to take its toll. On the other end of the field, Gyarados was sent crashing to the ground by the power of Totodile's attack. There was a hush over the stadium, before Gyarados slowly raised himself up again, roaring defiantly. Totodile grinned back as he clambered back to his feet.
"Gyarados, Hydro Pump." Lance called. As the attack raced forwards Totodile rolled underneath it, before coming up and firing another Water Gun at the same point as all the other attacks. Gyarados reeled backwards from the hit, but instead of recovering, kept going. Gyarados' head crashed to the floor as his tail snaked out and wrapped around Totodile, holding him in the air as Gyarados recovered. Lance breathed out as he saw his Pokémon finally get into a position to win.
"Gyarados, end it." He said. "Hyper Beam."
"Superpower." Mellanie ordered from the other end of the field. As the golden beam shot at Totodile, he glowed blue and broke free from Gyarados' tail. Realising that he had no chance of dodging the Hyper Beam, Totodile smashed his entire weight into Gyarados' before being catapulted across the field by the powerful attack. Totodile crashed into the wall, and fell to the floor, clearly knocked out. On the other side of the field, Gyarados was also down, but still moving. Mellanie looked across the field to meet Lance's eye. The Dragon Master was smiling at her.
The referee stepped forwards, with one flag raised but before he could say anything Lance shook his head slightly. There was a loud roar from Gyarados as he rose back up, the damage of the battle clearly evident on his body. Gyarados saw his opponent out cold at the foot of the wall and he bowed his head as he finally permitted himself to drop back down. The referee met Lance's eye and the Dragon Master nodded.
"Neither Totodile, nor Gyarados are able to battle." The referee announced, both flags up in the air. "This match is a draw."
As the two trainers recalled their Pokémon, the applause started around the arena. Within moments they were being given a standing ovation. Both Mellanie and Lance met in the middle of the field to shake the referee's hand and thank him. They then shook hands with each other and headed for the trainers rooms.
Ash and Sonia slipped back out of the executive box.
"Impressed?" Ash asked. Sonia nodded.
"She handled her two Pokémon superbly. Can she use all of them like that?"
"Yes."
Sonia shook her head in wonderment. "She's been a trainer for how long?"
"Just under six years." Ash said. "In fact, I believe her sixteenth birthday is coming up soon."
"And all of her Pokémon are…"
"Capable of dodging and striking back, yes." Ash said. "She has taken my lessons to heart. In a full battle she isn't far off Lance. His Dragonite is a fearsome opponent however, and would most likely be the difference."
"Even more than his Gyarados?" Sonia asked as they headed down the corridor through the arena.
"If that had been a full battle, Gyarados would have lost." Ash said. "It is a quirk of many elites Pokémon, they hate to lose. Gyarados wouldn't have gotten back up after the Thunderbolt if he knew that Lance had more Pokémon left. You could see it at the end, with the way that he finally allowed himself to go once he was sure his trainer hadn't lost."
Sonia considered this for a moment as Ash released Alakazam.
"A pride thing I guess." She said.
"Indeed." Ash agreed. "Now, are you ready?"
Sonia nodded and the two of them vanished in a flash of light.
They reappeared in a clearing that Ash knew well. He immediately recalled Alakazam before releasing Pikachu and Espeon. As Pikachu appeared he shook himself. He really hated his Pokéball. He knew that Ash was right though, for him to ever be able to accompany Ash's team, he would need to be able to travel in a ball like the rest of them.
Sonia reached for her own Pokéballs, but Ash held out an arm and she froze.
"Espeon and Pikachu are out because they are my closest partners." Ash murmured, just loud enough to be heard. "Any other Pokémon may give Gliscor the wrong impression."
There was silence around them as they waited. As the minutes dragged on, Espeon stretched before curling up at Ash's feet. Ash stood utterly motionless while Sonia fidgeted slightly. Eventually there was a flash of purple as Gliscor arrived, landing in front of the two humans. He bowed slightly to them, an action that they both mirrored, although their bows were much deeper.
"Old friend." Ash started. "I apologise for coming to you again. We are still investigating the disappearance of Samuel Oak."
Gliscor tilted his head slightly to one side but otherwise didn't react.
"I know that you said you knew nothing, but he vanished in your territory. If there is anything you could tell us that could help us track him down, it would mean a lot."
Gliscor leapt up and hovered in the air between Ash and Sonia.
"I know nothing," he hissed before twisting in the air.
"Wait." Sonia said, her voice stopping Gliscor as he started to shoot away. Gliscor flipped in the air, flapping his wings to stay in front of her. He cocked his head and waited.
"You don't know me" Sonia said, her eyes never moving from Gliscors. "But you may know of me. I have good relations with many of your kind."
Gliscor nodded his head slightly.
"If there is anything you know about his vanishing, it could be what helps us find him." Sonia said. "If you know the exact date, or exact location. Or who's territory he could have been in if not yours."
Gliscor hesitated, before moving forwards to land on Sonia's shoulder. She took the weight of the Pokémon well, barely even rocking backwards. Gliscor started to mutter into Sonia's ear. Ash remained motionless, listening intently.
"I know he was in my territory. I promised you that I would watch him, but not that I would protect him. I know he tangled with some Pokémon." Suddenly Gliscor's tail snaked out and gently touched Sonia on her forehead. "You now know where."
Before either Sonia or Ash could say anything, Gliscor leapt into the air and shot off at high speed. Sonia took a deep breath and turned to Ash.
"Oak was…"
"Here. I know." Ash said, his voice strangely distant. Sonia looked at him with a slightly worried expression on her face.
"Are you alright Champion?"
"Yes." Ash said, his voice back to normal. "Shall we investigate where he was?"
Without waiting for an answer from Sonia, Ash strode away, leaving her to follow after him.
Mellanie stepped back into the executive box, Lance by her side. Those in the box turned to see them.
"Well done Mel!" Sam said, rising to give his friend a hug. "You nearly beat Lance!"
Mellanie flushed with embarrassment, but didn't say anything.
"Indeed." Lance said from her side. "I was very impressed. Although I'm not sure you would have been able to defeat Dragonite, he is a fearsome Pokémon."
"Gyarados wasn't exactly half bad either." Jonathan noted. "He just kept coming back up to match Totodile."
Lance smiled. "Gyarados hates losing to other water Pokémon. Well, he hates losing as well. But the fact that it was Totodile he was facing meant he refused to lose."
"She could probably take your Johto title at the same time I take your Kanto one." Sam said, grinning at Lance who scowled slightly.
"She'd have to get past the Elite Four first." Lance said. "And you couldn't manage that."
Sam's grin didn't falter. "Hey Mel, do you want to train together after this tournament is over? You could probably beat the Elite Four."
Mellanie shook her head. "I'm good." She said quietly.
Lance sat next to Sam as the voice of the commentator came over the speakers, announcing the start of the final. Mellanie started to tune out the conversation around her as Sam, Lance and Jonathan kept discussing the battle. Almost unnoticed in their excitement, she slipped into a seat at the end of the row. It was strange for her, she loved being on the field and battling, but she hated being the centre of attention away from it. If you could catch her one on one she would happily discuss the battle all day, but otherwise she preferred to be away from the attention. The only time that didn't seem to be true was around Ash. Mellanie didn't mind bringing attention to herself because Ash was there to help her out. As Misty walked onto the field below, Mellanie sat quietly. It was true, the battle against Lance had been superb. Although she had been surprised at how quickly he was able to adjust to her. While Scizor gave him problems at first, his change of Pokémon meant that he had been able to outlast Scizor. But when Gyarados had faced Totodile, Lance had adjusted and was much better at getting hits in. It wasn't surprising to find out that the leader of two regions was an expert battler.
Mellanie looked up as Lance slipped into the chair next to her. She looked around and found Sam and Jonathan pointedly in their own conversation whilst Gary was utterly focused on the arena below, watching his fiancé battle in the final.
"That was a good battle." Lance said quietly.
"Thanks." Mellanie said.
"You are a superb trainer." Lance pressed on. "I know part of it comes from the fact that Champion trained you. But he has a good eye for talent to pick you out so young."
Mellanie smiled up into the face of the Dragon Master.
"He's been good to me." She said. "He gave me a home again."
Lance nodded knowingly. "I heard about that. About your family situation. It is good to hear that Champion has helped."
Lance rose slightly from his seat. "Sam told me you don't like being the focus of attention away from the battlefield." He said. "But if you want to discuss the battle later, I'll still be around. I'd be interested to hear your take on it."
"I'd like that." Mellanie said. Lance smiled back at her, before heading back towards the others in the box. Mellanie hesitated for a moment before following.
"This is the place." Sonia said. Ash immediately dropped three Pokéballs at his feet, with Alakazam, Ninetales and Beautifly appearing. They turned to their trainer and waited for instructions.
"Oak had a problem with Pokémon here." Ash said. "Find out what happened."
Alakazam nodded, and the scouts fanned out. Sonia turned to Ash.
"Didn't you say that he went missing nearly three months ago?" She asked. "Won't the trail be long gone?"
Ash shook his head slightly as he focused on his surroundings. By his side, Espeon and Pikachu were just as focused. Sonia watched in silence, unsure of what she could do. Despite the confidence of her companion she didn't believe that he would find anything. She didn't believe that he could find anything. Whatever the problem was happened so long ago, any marks would be gone.
"We've got something." Espeon said suddenly after a few minutes. Ash turned to look at his Pokémon.
"What?"
"Oak was here." Espeon said. "Alakazam recognizes the energy of some of the attacks fired. He fought a battle here, or at least his Dragonite did. It is very weak though, and covered by something else. Somebody tried to cover up whatever happened here."
"You can still detect that?" Sonia said. Ash turned to see her face covered in shock.
"Alakazam can." He said, before turning back to Espeon. "What else can you tell me?"
"Nintetales has found a very faint scent. Again, distorted by the cover up. But it doesn't belong here, so is easier to pick out."
"What scent?"
"Human."
Sonia froze. Out of the corner of his eye Ash thought he saw something flicker across her face, but when he glanced up it still shock etched into a mask over her face.
"Can you tell me who?" Ash asked.
Ninetales shook her head as she padded back towards her trainer, but Espeon was the one who spoke.
"No. Whoever tried to cover it up didn't manage to erase it, but it would be very hard to recognize the person from this. It is definitely human though, not a Pokémon's scent."
"Could it be Oak's smell?" Sonia asked.
Espeon fixed her gaze on the ex-Ranger. "There are two. One is almost certainly Oaks, whilst the other will belong to whoever is behind him vanishing."
"Can you find Oak?" Ash asked. "Any hint as to where they might have gone?"
"Give us time." Espeon said. "We've found him here because there is a lot of energy built up from whatever happened. He was here for a while and the battle he fought was big."
Ash nodded. "Take all the time you need. This could be the breakthrough we've been looking for."
Espeon turned and bounded away, Ninetales by her side. Within a moment both of them were gone, vanishing into the trees that surrounded them.
"Do you think they can find anything else?" Sonia asked.
Ash turned his gaze onto her, but didn't say anything.
"I mean, it's been months." Sonia said. "If the trails from here where he spent time and fought a battle are faint, is there going to be anything else they can find?"
"If there is, they will find it." Ash said. "They are the best in the world at tracking somebody. You've given them the start-point that has eluded us for so long."
"How have you not known where it is?" Sonia asked. "Actually, no. Better question. How did you know he was missing?"
Ash smiled tightly. "Gliscor passed a message to us. It took a long time to reach us. He said that he didn't know where it happened, only that a man I'd asked him to watch whenever he came through his territory had vanished without warning."
"And he didn't tell you where?" Sonia said, her voice showing her disbelief.
"Apparently he didn't want to." Ash said. "But he told you. Why?"
Sonia shrugged. "I have no idea."
Ash took a step forwards, power radiating from him, making Sonia take a step backwards.
"Rhydon listened to you and not me as well. What are you hiding from me? How do these Pokémon listen to you?"
Sonia took another step back, overwhelmed by the power emanating from the Pokémon Master.
"I don't know why they aren't listening to you." She said, her voice slightly higher than normal. "All I know is that many of them owe me favours. In my time I have spent a long time working with Pokémon. I have a good reputation among them. They listen to me because of that."
Ash waited a long moment before sighing.
"I apologise." He said. "It is not your fault that the Pokémon who were once my friends are betraying me. At some point I will return here and show Gliscor why he was my friend for so long."
"Why was it?" Sonia asked.
"Because I was the one person who he could never touch." Ash said. "I beat him."
"Lickitung is unable to battle. Golduck is the winner. The Green Trainer has lost all three of their Pokémon. Therefore the Red Trainer, Misty Waterflower is victorious!"
The crowd cheered its approval at the referee's words as Misty recalled her Golduck and waved. It had been an easy fight for her, although her Poliwrath had been knocked out, her Gyarados and Golduck were easily strong enough to see her home. She met her opponent in the middle of the field to shake hands, before thanking the referee. She turned back to see a platform being erected to the side of the field. Within minutes it was finished and a figure strode across the field towards it, holding a trophy.
Sam climbed the steps to the platform, putting the trophy down on a table set up in the middle and sweeping up the microphone left for him. He stepped towards the edge of the platform and started to speak.
"I'm not one for long, drawn out victory ceremonies," he said. "I'm sure many of you will appreciate that." A few in the crowd chuckled. "So without further ado, I present to you the victor of this year's Viridian City Tournament. Misty Waterflower!"
There was loud applause as Misty approached the stage and climbed the steps. She accepted the trophy from Sam and took the microphone.
"Thank you!" She started as the crowd started to quieten once again. "It means a lot to be stood here, with this trophy in front of you all today. It is one of the reasons that I love this Viridian Tournament so much; the crowd. Every time I come here you are always superb. So on the behalf of every trainer who competed, thank you for your support."
Misty paused as the crowd cheered once more. She looked at the trophy in her hand before looking up once more.
"I'd also like to thank my Pokémon." She said as the crowed quietened once more. "Without them, I am not a trainer. While I often get the acclaim, they are the true winners."
Misty lifted the trophy above her head as she finished her speech.
"Thank you once again for your support, and I hope you will continue to support me at this year's Kanto League!"
The crowd cheered as she stepped off the stage and headed off, Sam following her away from the field.
As they stepped out the other arena, the familiar figure of Zane Zito was waiting for them, cameras at the ready next to him. Misty groaned slightly as she saw him.
"Misty!" Zane said enthusiastically. "Congratulations on your victory! Can you spare a few moments for your adoring fans?"
Misty grimaced slightly before remembering that she was on camera. "Of course Zane."
"Fantastic. Misty, there is one big question before all others. Your victory speech. It sounded like you intend to attend this year's Kanto League?"
"Yes." Misty said. "I have enough time to go after the badges and register."
"What made you decide to compete?" Zane asked.
"I've been in my comfort zone for too long." Misty said. "I needed a challenge, and the Kanto League is a good way to do it."
"What does your fiancé think of you running around the country?"
Misty glowered at him. "Gary is fully supportive."
Zane laughed. "And I'm sure he'd never be anything but. Now Misty, you swept this tournament with ease. Do you feel that was an indication of the fact that you might be ready for the big leagues?"
Misty shook her head. "Tournaments like this one are different from the regional leagues, as I explained to you beforhand. They require a different style due to the higher intensity of the workload on your Pokémon."
Zane nodded. "Well best of luck at Indigo Plateau." He said, before turning to Sam.
"Congratulations on a superbly run tournament, particularly since I believe it was the first tournament you've organized." Zane said.
"Thanks."
"I don't think I am alone in saying, the exhibition battle before the final today was superb." Zane carried on. "Lance vs Mellanie, two very high profile trainers. It must have been good for you to see them battle like that."
"Well as I'm sure you know we didn't have anybody for that exhibition battle slot." Sam said. "But when Lance confirmed he was available, it was a good chance for them to face each other."
"And Mellanie is a formidable opponent." Zane said. "Although I'm sure you knew that."
"I'm sorry?" Sam said, shaken slightly by the question.
"You knew that Mellanie was a formidable trainer." Zane said. "You must know her very well for her to have been invited into a very exclusive executive's box."
"We're friends." Sam said. "We've known each other for years, and initially travelled together."
"Just friends?" Zane asked slyly. "Nothing more?"
Sam glared at Zane, his composure slipping. "Enough Zane. This interview is over."
"Can you at least tell us if you were proud to watch your girlfriend battle the Dragon Master to a draw?" Zane asked, but Sam rounded on him.
"We are not dating." He hissed. "She is not my girlfriend. This interview is over."
And with that he stormed away, leaving a thoroughly entertained Zane behind him.
A/N
I would be willing to bet that nobody expected a chapter out today. I mean, I barely make my usual Friday update schedule, let alone chucking in an extra chapter. And please do not expect it to be a regular thing, I've not slept in two days so I could get this one out. But there is a reason.
Three years ago today, Hiroshi Yamauchi passed away after suffering pneumonia. His name is likely to be familiar to many reading this as he was president of Nintendo for a staggering 53 years. Under his tenure Nintendo turned initially into toy-making. Hiroshi was then the visionary that realised the future that was and is electronic gaming. His belief in the market that was just developing led to Nintendo being such a powerful force in it. It was Nintendo that created the GameBoy, the platform that hosted the first Pokémon games. Until he stepped down as the president of Nintendo in 2002 he was one of the most influential men in the video game business. While he did not have a direct connection to Pokémon it was his vision that led to Nintendo developing the hardware that is was played on. For anybody who has played games on a console manufactured by Nintendo, this would be the man to thank for the memories. Rest in peace Hiroshi.
To clarify, I will still be attempting to get a chapter out on Friday. This is an extra; consider it a tribute to a man who I have nothing but respect for. I firmly believe that he is one of the few people who without, Pokémon would not exist. (Another obviously being the creator, Satoshi Tajiri).
This is also a thank you to those who have been reading this story. I'm sure at times the story hasn't gone a way you expected (or sometimes even wanted!) but I read every single review and PM that I get about the stories. Without all of you readers there is little to encourage me to keep writing, so please do keep reading!
As a note, a few people have asked about how come Lance seems to know who Ash is. Ash revealed his name to Lance, Cynthia and Stephen at the end of The Lost Master.
Also, I wouldn't be surprised if a few people complain that Mellanie was able to match Lance. Totodile is Mellanie's strongest, whereas in the team I have laid out for Lance, Dragonair is one of his weakest. There is more power to come from Lance's battling yet!
A final thing, Zane is a character I've put in for a bit of fun. I've tried to turn the Pokémon world into something approaching the real world, and Zane is my token to the media, instead of just saying "The media" or generating random reporters each time. He has minimal impact on the story. I considered using Gabby and Ty (From Generation 3 if anybody remembers that far back) but I decided after literally years of them annoying me, I didn't want to use them.
Hope you enjoy the fruits of my sleep deprived labour,
Iama2p