INT. OPELUCID CITY GYM - NIGHT
Iris steps forward. A large battlefield lies ahead of her. On the other side stands Hilbert.
In the stands are Drayden and Hilbert's RAICHU. Who seemed to have insisted to watch...
DEINO is sent out by Iris. It gives a taunting growl. Hilbert smirks. Not intimidated, but he finds it cute. Especially as he sends out -
KROOKODILE.
Who gives a tiny beat on his chest. Hilbert does the same with excited laughter. The giant red crocodile gives a serious nod then focuses on his opponent - Deino isn't fazed.
IRIS
Deino, use Dragon Rage!
HILBERT
Krookodile, use Fire Fang...
SPLIT-SCREEN:
-Deino curling into a ball. Charging up to get good speed and power as purple flames surround him.
-Krookodile glows red in the face, and its fangs ignite with a bright red flame.
END SPLIT-SCREEN:
Deino suddenly takes off. Rolling at immense speeds right for Krookodile...
HILBERT (CONT'D)
NOW!
Perfect timing. Krookodile CHOMPS its massive jaws right down on Deino, burning it. Then, Krookodile swings and lets go of Deino, sending the baby Dragon flying across the gym. Deino doesn't hit the wall and hurt himself, it instead BOUNCES OFF AND REBOUNDS RIGHT BACK AT KROOKODILE -
NAILING the crocodile right in the face with its powerful Rollout.
Iris laughs - Hilbert winces.
Heaving forward before Deino can move, KROOKODILE slams both of his enormous arms at him. Recoiling, he fires back with a -
IRIS
HEADBUTT!
- Powerful jab in Krookodile's face.
HILBERT
Stone Edge, Krookodile!
Jagged rocks form and are clustered in front of Krookodile, and then thrown forward. They all hit Deino. The tiny creature bounces away. Tired and worn out. Iris swallows -
IRIS
Destiny Bond.
Deino looks back at her trainer, worriedly. But Iris is adamant.
IRIS (CONT'D)
You heard me, Deino!
Deino closes his eyes - nothing seems to happen. Hilbert looks confused.
HILBERT
(to himself)
Destiny Bond? Never heard of that one...
AT THE STANDS
Drayden watches, compelled by his granddaughter's decision.
DRAYDEN
The boy seems clueless.
BACK TO THE BATTLE
HILBERT
(yells)
Heh. That was pretty. Pretty damn useless.
IRIS
You gonna make a move or what, kid?
HILBERT
Krookodile, use Dig!
Krookodile suddenly disappears into the floor of the gym. Iris and Deino look around, confused to where Krookodile is.
IRIS
Deino, hold your ground.
Krookodile suddenly surfaces underneath Deino's feet, lifting him into the air with his bare hands.
IRIS (CONT'D)
It's time for the big finale.
HILBERT
Get up, Krookodile! Dragon Claw!
LIKE A COMPLETE BADASS, KROOKODILE'S CLAWS GLOW PURPLE AND HE SWINGS FORWARD-
- SCRATCHING the hell out of Deino. And then Krookodile grabs the tiny dragon, throws it hard into the ground and scratches some more as dust surrounds them...
Hilbert's beaming as the dust clears and Deino is FAINTED.
Iris returns Deino - without a flinch -
Hilbert notices this.
HILBERT (V.O.)
She just lost one of her three Pokémon and she didn't blink an eye. I knew I could trust my gut when it told me there was something up here -
SUDDENLY, the echoing of a haunting ANGELIC CHOIR emnates throughout the gym. Hilbert and Krookodile are completely entranced by it - until the song SUDDENLY STOPS and Krookodile FALLS. FAINTED.
HILBERT
WHAT?!
DRAYDEN
Destiny Bond connects the user and the opponent for life - Deino fainted, so Krookodile did too. If you had known that, you could have switched out and saved your Krookodile from fainting.
Hilbert is completely stunned. He retracts Krookodile into his Poké Ball and he and Iris lock eyes - Each waiting for the other to send out their next choice of Pokémon.
Drayden seems UNAMUSED.
Finally, the both pull out a Ball - AND THROW IT AT THE SAME TIME -
SHELDON the DEWOTT stands against Iris's FRAXURE.
HILBERT
This should be good...
Iris smiles.
IRIS
This is the match-up you were hoping for, Fraxure.
Fraxure gives a confident grunt.
HILBERT
Let's start things off with Razor Shell!
Dewott leaps into a full-body tackle and SWINGS its twin scalchops right at the mid-section of the dragon. It's a quick swipe, and Fraxure falls over. The attack did a lot of damage, so Fraxure has a minor limp as he gets back on his feet.
IRIS
Fraxure, use Dragon Claw!
Fraxure leaps forward and slashes Dewott across the face with growing blue claws. Quickly, Hilbert counters -
HILBERT
Prepare an Ice Beam. Aiming for a K-O here!
Dewott's mouth begins to emnate a icy blue light and chilly cold air emerges from inside the open crevices. Reactionary, Fraxure prepares for impact -
IRIS
No, Fraxure, don't give up!
Fraxure, however, ISN'T. Far from it.
A violent blueish-white light surrounds Fraxure, until the light disappears and a massive Dragon replaces its spot - the mighty HAXORUS, a bipedal Pokémon with a darkish yellow-green color covering its back and most of the front, black skin covering its torso, tail tip, and thighs, as well as red talons and claws. It has large black and red scythe like tusks coming out of its upper jaw on the side of its mouth. Although its arms and hands are tiny, it has a formidable pair of legs armed with three red, taloned toes on each foot.
The same happens to Dewott as these two creatures SIMULTANEOUSLY evolve - Dewott becomes a massive, quadrupedal sea lion like creature, a SAMUROTT. He gives a mighty roar.
Looking proud of himself. And Hilbert cannot help but smile at his friend's victory. He is finally able to call himself a Samurott and not pretend to be one! SHELDON IS ONE!
As the Ice Beam FIRES from Samurott's mouth, Iris instantly reacts after her moment of immense AWE.
IRIS (CONT'D)
Use Double Chop!
Haxorus charges forward -
Sheldon releases the Ice Beam -
But Haxorus leaps in the air, DODGING the attack, and SWINGS its head, hitting Sheldon with one of the axe tusks on its face, and then again with the other as the mighty Samurott falls.
Once Sheldon hits the ground, Haxorus gives a triumphant ROAR.
IN THE STANDS
Raichu's cheeks start to crackle. He's growing PISSED. Electricity spurts out and he falls over. Gets back up, but he's GLOWERING.
DRAYDEN
This battle agitating you? Making you anxious?
Raichu gives a sullen nod.
BACK ON THE FIELD
Sheldon gets back up. Hilbert BITES his LIP. He's getting NERVOUS -
HILBERT
Razor Shell, Sheldon, find the gap in Fraxure's armor!
Samurott's massive head gear is used to slash right in an opening between Haxorus's armored plates. Haxorus tumbles and hits the ground.
But as Hilbert and Sheldon both give a happy smirk, Haxorus rises -
IRIS
HAXORUS, USE GUILLOTINE!
The AXES on Haxorus's face GLOW and he pins Sheldon in the gut. With a mighty effort, Haxorus LIFTS the Samurott into the air using just his cheek and then TOSSES him away like a ragdoll.
Sheldon hits the wall and slides down, landing on his chest. UNCONSCIOUS.
DOWN.
AND.
OUT.
Hilbert recalls Sheldon and sighs -
He stands in his place on the field. Puts a hand under his chin and DELIBERATES.
IRIS (CONT'D)
Hilbert?
HILBERT
Wait, just a sec.
Iris puts a hand on her hip and shakes her head...
IRIS
What's with the sudden need for a strategy?
HILBERT
(to himself)
I don't have any Pokémon that are super effective toward Dragon types. Haxorus is too strong. Archeops has DragonBreath, but I don't think that'll do much.
(under his breath)
This one is like that and that one is like that, so... Oh, I dunno...!
Raichu suddenly LEAPS from the STANDS - electricity CRACKLING from his cheeks - and UNLEASHES a Thunderbolt on Hilbert (surprise, surprise), SHOCKING THE SHIT OUTTA THE KID.
An explosion of SMOKE occurs after a few seconds of the shock, clouding Hilbert. Once it clears, Hilbert sits criss-crossed on the ground. His clothes have a charred, blackened tint to them, as does his skin.
And he looks dazed. Raichu's just taking deep, heavy breaths.
And then totally SCREAMS right in Hilbert's face, knocking him out of his dizzied trance.
HILBERT (CONT'D)
Aghhh- What was THAT for?!
Raichu grumbles a bit. Hilbert seems to understand. He sighs, patting the electric rat's head...
IRIS
What's going on? Tough love? Well it's interrupting our gym battle. Choose your next Pokémon or I'll have to disqualify you.
HILBERT
I thought I had to use my head and think of a proper strategy.
(diving into "heartfelt speech" moment)
But I'd forgotten that...
(ruining it immediately)
...my mom dropped me as a baby, so strategies aren't really my thing.
Raichu, not satisfied, SHOCKS Hilbert with another SHARP JOLT.
HILBERT (CONT'D)
Alright, alright. I forgot that battles need to be one with the Pokémon and you have to work together and love each other and blah blah blah. All that good old mushy cliche stuff. Satisfied?
Raichu shrugs. Good enough.
IRIS
He might be but I'm not. Hurry up!
HILBERT
Let's do our best together, okay, Raichu?
CUE CLICHE MUSHY MOMENT as Hilbert takes Raichu's hand, Raichu smiles, and the two stand up and prepare to fight.
Iris smiles.
IRIS
Aw. Adorable.
And then, as if a demon just exploded out of her:
IRIS (CONT'D)
NOW KICK THEIR ASSES, HAXORUS. USE DRACO METEOR!
Haxorus's mouth emnates with blue, misty light. A giant ball of twisting energy shoots forward towards Raichu.
HILBERT
Raichu, use Thunderbolt to blow up that Draco Meteor!
Raichu shocks a massive Thunderbolt attack right into the core of the Draco Meteor. The Draco Meteor EXPLODES - right in Haxorus's face.
Haxorus gives a mighty cry and tumbles over.
HILBERT (CONT'D)
Let's take advantage of this and use ThunderPunch while he's down!
Raichu's fists glow with an electric charge, and he rushes forward and repeatedly punches Haxorus.
HILBERT (V.O.)
Haxorus fainted, and we had one more to go.
Iris sends out her LARVESTA. We watch as Raichu and Larvesta exchange a few blows - An electric attack here, a Fire attack there.
And then we cut to Raichu giving a MEGA KICK attack right into the little fire moth's face.
IRIS
Larvesta, use Inferno!
The entire gym is alight with flames. Hilbert blocks his eyes with his arm, screaming out:
HILBERT
Brick Break, Raichu!
Raichu looks around for the fire bug, can't find it anywhere. Larvesta intercepts Raichu with a Silver Wind, beating the flames away and right into the rats face. Raichu tumbles back, but gets up quickly as the flames disappear and Larvesta is visible again. Raichu has its fist glow a brick red color. He rushes forward and PUNCHES Larvesta, knocking it OUT.
The dust clears. Raichu is pulled in for a hug by Hilbert, and this time, even though Hilbert expects it, Raichu DOESN'T ELECTROCUTE HIM.
IT'S A FRIGGING MIRACLE.
Hilbert smiles as they break the hug and he returns Raichu into his Poké Ball.
Drayden gets down from the stands and hands Iris the BADGE. She walks over to Hilbert and presents him with it.
IRIS
Hilbert... Great battle. As usual.
HILBERT
(awkwardly)
Yeah. You too. And, uh, tell Haxorus I said congratulations. I know he always wanted to fully evolve, so... Yeah.
They don't know quite what to say - So Hilbert gives her an awkward wave. She awkwardly waves back. And then he heads for the door. Drayden looks at Iris, puzzled.
DRAYDEN
You - Don't even say goodbye?
Iris looks at the door that Hilbert just left through - and follows him out.
EXT. OPELUCID CITY GYM - STEPS - NIGHT
Hilbert stands on the steps outside the gym. Staring up at the starry sky reflectively...
HILBERT (V.O.)
I wanted to say goodbye. But I honestly didn't know how...
EXT. OPEN FIELD - DAY (FLASHBACK)
Green leaves spin around Iris's SERVINE as she does a sort of rhythmic dance.
HILBERT (V.O.)
...I always had this sort of indifference around her.
Hilbert's LEAVANNY propels into the air, crosses her arms and gives a powerful cross-shaped cut - called X-SCISSOR - across Servine's chest. Just then, the sharpened leaves hit Leavanny and sent her flying back.
HILBERT
Leavanny, use Shadow Claw!
Leavanny rushes forward, her arms glowing with a dark purple aura. She slashes at Servine, with Servine using PROTECT to make a barrier around herself, SENDING Leavanny backwards...
HILBERT (V.O.)
I always tried to be strictly platonic. Or a dick. Depended on my mood. But that's not really how I felt. I was grateful she was there for me. As a mentor. As a friend.
EXT. WATERFALL - DAY (FLASHBACK)
HILBERT sits in his swim trunks at the edge of a pool. A waterfall pours down. IRIS strips out of her clothes, revealing a bikini. Hilbert just stares.
She peers at him - recognizing his eyes on her - he just turns away and whistles. Very slick.
She just smirks. She heard him, but she doesn't care. Honestly, she's flattered.
HILBERT (V.O.)
And ya know, eye candy was just an added bonus.
EXT. CAMPFIRE - NIGHT (FLASHBACK)
Hilbert stands by a portable stove, trying to cook. The whole thing lights on fire, their food completely toasted.
HILBERT
Ohmygod, I burnt dinner.
Panicking, Hilbert and Sheldon (as a tiny Oshawott) run around the stove in circles, freaking out.
Iris arrives. She sighs - sends out her DUCKLETT - who proceeds to use Ice Beam and freeze Hilbert, Sheldon, and the oven in a giant ice cube. Iris beams, satisfied.
IRIS
Fixed!
HILBERT (V.O.)
She was a trooper. I mean, she had to deal with me. Like the time I burnt dinner. Correction: one of the numerous times I burnt dinner...
INT. HILBERT'S TENT - NIGHT (FLASHBACK)
HILBERT lies on his air mattress inside the tent, fully-dressed in his usual outfit and his cap hanging on a post next to the bed, letting his messy hair hang over his eyes. IRIS lies on a mattress beside his, also in her usual clothes. Her long hair is out of its bows, letting it flow even longer than usual.
They're curled both up on the mattresses, no blankets, just a pillow plushing their heads.
HILBERT (V.O.)
...Or even worse, the one time we had to share a tent because she was too tired to put hers up and I just didn't feel like helping her.
Iris moves a bit on her air mattress... It makes a squishy, suspicious noise. Hilbert giggles, she rolls her eyes.
IRIS
That was just the mattress, weirdo...
Hilbert curls up on his mattress. As he moves his body into a more comfortable position, a suspicious ripping noise can be heard.
THAT was definitely NOT JUST THE MATTRESS.
CUT to Iris - her eyes widen a bit.
ON Hilbert - he winces in embarrassment...
ON Iris - who turns back at him, suspicious.
HILBERT
(LYING)
(deadpan)
...Just the mattress.
Iris shrugs. She buys it, and flips around, snuggling and shutting her eyes to go to sleep.
IRIS
Goodnight.
HILBERT
Nighterino.
FREEZE-FRAME on Hilbert as a victorious smirk crosses his face.
HILBERT (V.O.)
(duh)
...I was lying. She didn't say anything though, so she either bought it or didn't care.
(beat)
Good thing she didn't say anything, though... I mean, honestly, if you can't rip ass in your own humble abode, is there anything sacred left in this world? I bet she just respected that. That's how much of a trooper she was.
EXT. OPELUCID CITY GYM - STEPS - DAY
BACK to present-day. HILBERT and IRIS stood on the steps of OPELUCID CITY, together. Ready to say goodbye.
CUT to shots between CLOSE-UPS of their faces.
Their respective reactions to the goodbye...
HILBERT (V.O.)
Yeah, looking back, we had some good times together. It was weird having to say goodbye because it was so abrupt that it didn't feel real.
IRIS
G-Good luck. With everything.
HILBERT
Good luck leaving this town without getting barbecued by a giant legendary Dragon Pokémon, you mean?
IRIS
(smiles softly)
I did say 'everything' didn't I?
They chuckle - Hilbert grows suddenly serious.
HILBERT
Did you think of me as a friend? Or did you just see me as your excuse to leave your horrible, privileged life so you can follow your dreams?
His brutal honesty hits her hard. She sighs - Decides to return him the same courtesy with her honest answer...
IRIS
At first it was just an excuse. You were my ticket out of there, but... I do care about you Hilbert. I always thought it was you that didn't care.
HILBERT
Well, I do.
(beat)
I'm happy you got to live your dream, though. You're a gym leader now. Congratulations.
There's something dry in his voice, but there's a tinge of sincerity. He's happy for her, but not for himself. Not what he's losing.
She smiles softly.
IRIS
You're just trying to be macho, aren't you? I've seen you cry before, it's okay if you wanna let it out-
HILBERT
Oh, shut up.
Hilbert suddenly leans in and kisses her. It's very surprising - but very romantic and satisfying.
When they break, she seems taken aback. So much so that she smacks him across the cheek. And LAUGHS.
IRIS
You hopeless romantic.
Hilbert rubs his cheek, a cocky smirk on his face.
HILBERT
Hell, I might never see you again. Might never have another chance.
IRIS
Hilbert, we're friends. Of course we'll see each other again.
Hilbert sighs.
HILBERT (V.O.)
Awkward silence...
Yes. Very awkward. Hilbert breaks it with AN EVEN MORE AWKWARD-
HILBERT
Goodbye, I guess.
IRIS
Bye.
Hilbert goes to leave - going down the steps.
IRIS (CONT'D)
Oh, wait!
Hilbert turns around.
IRIS (CONT'D)
I'll give you my Cross-Transceiver number. We never did exchange since we've been together since we met. That way we can... keep in touch. I'm here for you whenever you need me.
Hilbert smiles. They prepare to exchange numbers.
EXT. ON THE ROAD - DAY - MONTAGE
HILBERT is on the road. Hilbert flicks his hood over his head and looks rather shady. Passing by numerous trainers and Pokémon...
HILBERT (V.O.)
And so that was that. We exchanged numbers and then I left... I had remain on the downlow, because Ghetsis had his men on the lookout for me...
I loved writing this battle. It was probably my favorite one to write in the entire film.
PS: I know Deino cannot legally learn Destiny Bond, but I thought it would give the battle a neat twist. Let's just say Iris has an Action Replay ^_^ lol