CHAPTER SEVENTY FIVE
Following the outcome of her match, Amy and Arcanine hurried after Liam, who had departed the stadium through a connecting passageway which allowed tournament contenders safety from the mob of crowds as they ascended to their podiums to battle. Charizard was now safely in its Pokeball, while Amy had also fetched the Pokeballs containing Machoke and Sandslash atop Liam's abandoned podium.
Arcanine had been badly injured from its bout with Charizard, but when Amy insisted for him to get back in his Pokeball, the Fire-type Pokemon had shaken his head in defiance. Striding urgently, Amy heard loud voices reverberate down the metal passage which connected at the other end to an elevator which took contenders back to their private apartments without the impediment of pedestrian traffic.
"I can't believe he'd do something like this," Amy muttered to herself, wiping her brow. Her clothes were soaked through, made all the worse by the frosty air-conditioning from the vents above.
Arcanine sneezed in the cold, ears pricking up at the shouts and stern admonitions that could be heard from afar. They rounded the corner, immediately coming upon the elevator and smack dab into Liam, paler than usual and cowering at the sight of his mother, who was stiff-backed and imperious in her rage.
"Mother!" Amy cried in surprise. "What are you - "
Ignoring Amy, Mrs. K was resplendent in a twin set and pearls with her lacquered brown hair in an elegant bob, continuing without pause.
" - to say I am ashamed is an absolute understatement. You have embarrassed me, your father and most importantly, everyone we have invited from Celadon on our behalf to watch your battles - "
Liam was miserable. "But - "
Seemingly unable to draw breath, Mrs. K continued, "As of this moment, you are cut off from - "
"What?" Liam screeched.
Amy gasped in surprise. As though noticing her for the first time, Liam marched towards her, blame rampant in his expression -
"Get off me!" Amy lunged out wildly, shoving him away as he relented. They had never come to blows before.
Mrs. K eyed Amy beadily, sniffing and turning to Liam. "If she can manage to defeat you by traipsing through forests, living in mud huts and eating berries, clearly there is some merit to - "
"That's not precisely how it works, M - " Amy interrupted, but Mrs. K continued regardless.
Liam looked to be in pain, he was so angry.
"We have provided you with five-star hotels, restaurant dinners and every luxury the Pokemon merchandise market has to offer to ensure you will beat this girl," Mrs. K pointed at Amy. "I can't pretend to understand how Pokemon become stronger, but clearly your laissez-faire attitude is to blame. The next time - "
"Next time?" Liam yelled at his mother. "There is no next time! I'm not coming back - "
Amy gasped as Mrs. K slapped her son across the face. It was only in warning, but Liam buckled.
"Don't cry," Mrs. K snapped, in a twist of irony Amy found cruel. "You are a boy. Boys do not cry if they are to become men."
The silence was so frigid, not at all helped by the air conditioning. Amy thought to herself if anyone could see them now: a family pampered and superior on the outside, utterly dysfunctional and screwed up on the inside.
Summoning confidence to break the ice, Amy walked up to Liam and handed him his three Pokeballs.
"You left these," she said, bitterly.
He glanced at her, not understanding. His rage was palpable, like the fire in his Charizard's eyes.
Impatient, Amy replied, "You left your Pokemon behin - "
Liam snatched the Pokeballs from her hands and marched off towards the elevator. Mrs. K made no move to follow him as he slammed the doors closed, leaving them in air conditioned silence.
Slowly, Amy made the fateful decision to look her mother in the eye. Simultaneously holding herself tall and always seeming to inhale rather than exhale, Mrs. K looked down upon Amy, her expression resolute.
"Why did you change your hair?" Mrs. K despaired. "You fit in so well with - "
Worried, Amy replied, "I wanted to go back to - "
"Don't interrupt me," Mrs. K remained imperious, eyes roving upon Amy's sweat-soaked frame, draped with inferior fabrics and little makeup. "It was foolhardy of you to defeat Liam on live television."
"Oh, why?" Amy's sarcasm rose to the surface, as it always did when confronting her mother. "Because it'll hurt the family name? Unlike him, I need the money - "
Mrs. K made a moue of distaste. "You know he'll only come back stronger than before."
"But you're not going to help him," Amy pointed out. "Liam's nothing without his money."
"Don't be absurd, Amy. He's used to slumming it as a form of indulgent therapy. If you can make it this far without any serious motivations, think what he'll do to get his trust fund back."
"So you're doing this to teach him a lesson?" Amy was aghast. "You're going to force him out just like you did me!"
"I didn't force you out!" Mrs. K snapped. "You ran away! Liam has to be taught the same lesson - "
"You didn't have to cut off all contact," Amy shrieked, mixed emotions bubbling to the surface. "You made it clear you didn't want me. Now Liam will go his own way, too."
"It's best for him," Mrs. K sniffed. "I can't indulge him any further. The best thing for all parties concerned is to have him travel Kanto like you did, make a name for himself and come back strong enough to take the tournament. You did it, for heaven's sake."
"I did it because I had no other choice!" Amy blurted, struggling to regain her composure. "But I suppose, I have you to thank in some small measure. If I hadn't undertaken this journey, in full view that you would not help me out of trouble, I wouldn't have learned to cope with isolation and relative poverty. I have become an independent woman - "
Frowning, Mrs. K replied, "You have no idea what is involved - "
"No!" Amy interrupted. "Don't presume to understand me! You have no idea - "
"You're becoming hysterical," Mrs. K hitched her handbag higher on her arm, preparing to leave. "I won't talk with you when you're like this."
"Mum - Mum - " Amy repeated, desperately grabbing for the woman whose rejection hurt her so. "Don't - "
Pressing the button for the elevator, Mrs. K jutted her chin high and turned to Amy. "I know what is best for you, Amy! My actions may be harsh, but up until the day you left, I was responsible for your well-being! It is my duty as your mother to ensure you - "
"I have proven I can do just fine by myself!" Amy felt pangs of regret needling insistently like a knife. "I don't need you any more!"
Mrs. K stepped inside the elevator, smoothing the linen of her dress. They stared at each other until the elevator doors closed.
Overcome, Amy leant against the wall and buried her face in her hands.
Meanwhile, Daniel and Natalie made their way through the thinning stands in the stadium, footsteps crunching on scattered popcorn and discarded drink lids as they headed for the exit. Following the queue, they eventually made it back to the stadium entrance, where the Pokemon Center and Mart counters catered to all.
"She has to come past here," Natalie said, retying her red hair into a ponytail.
"Maybe she's already been?" Daniel asked, surrounded by surging crowds who endlessly replayed the battle's action. "Should we go to her room?"
"Yeah, that's a good idea," Natalie said vaguely. "Let's go."
Together they took the elevator up to their floor, late afternoon sunlight streaming in through the floor-to-ceiling glass windows. They saw one of the apartment doors ajar, scuffles and bangs from within.
"This is Liam's room," Natalie added in a whisper, tiptoeing by. "Let's not disturb - "
Daniel gasped as Liam burst through the door and out into the corridor, paying neither of them no mind as he strode towards the elevator. Pulling his hoodie over his face and dark shades upon his red eyes, Liam impatiently slammed the button for the elevator, three Pokeballs visible on his belt.
"He got his Pokemon back," Daniel whispered, unable to avert his eyes as Liam slipped into the vestibule. "Where do you think he's headed?"
"Far away, I hope," Natalie wiped her brow. "He's a horrible Trainer. He doesn't deserve to have Pokemon."
Daniel followed Natalie as they continued down the hallway, knocking on Amy's door. Waiting patiently, there was the scrape of a chain unlocking and the door opened, revealing a puffy-eyed Amy.
"Hi," Amy motioned them inside. "Sorry, I was just cleaning up."
Closing the door behind her, Natalie replied, "That's OK. Is there anything we can do to help?"
Shaking her head, Amy blew her nose. "I'm a bit of a mess right now - "
"We don't mind, do we, Daniel?" Natalie turned to Daniel, who nodded, discomfited. "Let's look on the positive. You're in the semi finals!"
Nodding, Amy joined them on the couch. Bed springs creaked from another room and Daniel leapt from his seat, alert.
"It's just Arcanine," Amy bristled, regaining some of her former civility. "I let him sleep on my bed after today's battle."
Heart still beating, Daniel settled on the couch. Natalie giggled.
"Look at you!" Natalie said to Daniel. "You'd think you were the one who battled today!"
"I've still got my battle," Daniel rubbed his eyes. "I - "
Turning to Amy, Natalie began, "Are you sure you don't need to talk? We saw Liam - "
Daniel exhaled and tried to listen. Amy shrugged, in between both of their gazes.
"What was he doing?" Amy asked, in a strangled voice.
"Packing to leave," Daniel took up the thread of conversation, trying hard not to speak over anyone. "He seemed really angry."
"Yeah," Natalie nodded at Daniel, turning to Amy. "He even had his Pokemon back!"
"I gave them to him," Amy replied, her throat dry. She took a sip of water from the glass she had brought over, clearing her throat. "Just after I ran into my mother."
"Your mother?" Daniel and Natalie asked in surprise. From what Amy had described, they pictured Mrs. K as stern and disapproving. "What did she say?"
Amy replied, "She's cutting Liam off, just like she did with me. She thinks it's good for him, seeing as it did wonders for me."
Her sarcasm was bone-deep. Nervously, Daniel fidgeted while Natalie gazed at Amy with concern.
"She can be a tough woman, your mother?" Natalie asked, to which Amy nodded sourly. "If she's cutting off contact with both her children - "
"She hates that I beat Liam, especially since she gave him everything and I had to start from scratch," Amy said, miserable. "She thinks the only way for Liam to regain any standing is to prove himself as a man."
Daniel was glad his mother was not so severe. Natalie could empathise with Amy more than Daniel could, patting her on the shoulder.
"I know what will cheer you up. Let's get some dinner," Natalie got to her feet, stretching and rifling through her backpack. "Our treat. I just need to grab some more Poketreats on the way - "
Amy scrambled to negate Natalie's words but with a groan of bed springs, Arcanine ran into the lounge, panting alongside Nidorina and Marowak, all going crazy as Natalie held her backpack out of reach.
"Sorry," Natalie winced, as Daniel couldn't help but laugh.
As the day drew to a close, Natalie bid goodnight to her friends and retired to her room, glad to have a space to herself at last. She did not mind sharing with other people, enjoyed listening to their issues and helping where she could, but she needed a good night's sleep after the rigors of watching the battle between Amy and Liam.
Pulling the curtains closed on the evening sky, Natalie changed into light blue pajamas and curled up in bed, pulling the sheets to her neck. Squirtle got comfortable at the edge of her bed, murmuring as he hid inside his shell for comfort. Natalie remembered the terror that had gripped her when Liam had sent out his Charizard, when the crowd had gone wild.
Natalie tried to sleep, trying to dispel her thoughts of the problems of others. She reminded herself she had plenty of her own, especially tomorrow's battle.
"Welcome to the Indigo League quarter finals!" boomed the announcer, to the tumult of roaring crowds, fresh from a good night's sleep. "After the stunning victory yesterday by Trainer Amy, we are on day two of our quarter finals!"
Cameras panned to show the announcer, broadly grinning for the televised audience as the tournament bracket was shown on the screen. Where Amy and Liam's names were connected by a single line, Liam's name was grayed out and Amy's name had moved into the semi finals.
"Our second of four battles in the quarter finals is Trainer Natalie vs. Trainer Alesha!"
Crowds shown live cheered and applauded, while televised viewers watched as cameras zoomed up close on the two Trainers, showing their faces split-screen. Natalie was pale and glum, managing a brief smile and wave while Alesha looked not the least perturbed, fantastically confident and hamming it up for the cameras.
"Each Trainer will use three Pokemon! The first Trainer to defeat the other Trainer's Pokemon will advance to the semi finals! Are you ready?"
"I'm ready!" Alesha's voice rang out through her microphone, amplified so all could hear. "Let's give the crowd a show, Natalie!"
Faintly, Natalie could barely reply for the crowds went wild at Alesha's words, eating up her satisfied smirk and self-assured posture. Taking a deep breath, Natalie smiled as wide as her cheekbones would allow, forcing positivity into her soul. She could do this. Her Pokemon were ready.
Alesha waved to the crowd, complacent while Natalie felt her self-control shudder.
Oh god, I can't do this, Natalie's words echoed in her head. I can't pretend to be a better Trainer, not when Alesha holds the crowd in her fist.
"Good luck to both of you!" cried the announcer. "Let us begin the match!"
Staring down at her podium, Natalie felt nauseous as she selected her first Pokeball of three.
"I can do this," she muttered, jumping back in surprise as her words were amplified for all to hear. She blushed furiously.
"That's the spirit!" Alesha grinned, supercilious when her cruelty took a back seat. "You keep telling yourself that!"
Laughs erupted from the crowd as Natalie felt the ground give way, dizzy. Steadying herself atop the podium, Natalie snapped back to attention and focused on the unsightly visage of her haughty, older sister.
"Let's do this!" Natalie shouted, with a surge of confidence. She pictured her friends, Daniel and Amy, keeping them close in her mind as she tossed her Pokeball into the fray. "Go, Poliwhirl!"
The crowd cheered as Poliwhirl entered the fray, stretching its arms and readying itself for the battle ahead. Grimly, Natalie watched as Alesha selected her first Pokeball of three, tossing it into the battlefield.
"Parasect, you're up!"
Parasect scuttled into the battlefield, glad to have fresh grass under its pincers as it faced Poliwhirl, who stared back dubiously.
"I'll play nice if you will, Natalie," Alesha smirked. "Let's keep this a fair fight!"
"I've always played fair, Alesha," Natalie tightened her grip on the podium. "Let's get on with this!"
"Parasect, Stun Spore!"
"Poliwhirl, Hypnosis!"
Parasect released glittering powder from underneath the large mushroom on its back, while Poliwhirl blasted a hypnotic wave from its chest towards Parasect. Parasect leapt out of the way just in time, though Poliwhirl fell victim to the powder which paralysed it still.
Acknowledging the crowd's cheers with a wave, Alesha smirked and shouted,
"Parasect, Solarbeam!"
Natalie fetched a Full Heal out of her bag, almost dropping it in her haste as Parasect crouched low, absorbing the rays of sunlight above.
"This is one crafty Grass-type, folks!" the announcer shouted.
Natalie sprayed her Full Heal onto Poliwhirl, snoring in slumber, as Parasect's eyes glowed green and directed a bright beam of energy towards Poliwhirl.
"No!" Natalie gasped, along with the crowd at the bright illumination.
At the last second, Poliwhirl leapt out of the way to fresh cheers and applause, sprinting towards Parasect who scuttled, pincers clicking in annoyance. Frowning, Alesha folded her arms.
"Take that swirly sea creature out!" Alesha barked. "Mega Drain!"
"Ice Beam, Poliwhirl!" Natalie shouted.
Poliwhirl directed an icy cold beam towards Parasect before the Grass-type could fully complete its action. Covered with icicles, Parasect shivered in great injury, although it was not frozen solid. Parasect completed its Mega Drain attack, as Poliwhirl was blasted backwards, sapped of its energy which healed Parasect accordingly.
The crowd cheered and whooped for Alesha, paying no mind to Natalie's Water-type who had a type disadvantage. Smirking broadly, Alesha shouted,
"Parasect, Slash!"
"Poliwhirl!" Natalie cried. "Body Slam!"
Injured, Poliwhirl leapt for Parasect, who scuttled out of the way and savagely lunged forward with its sharp pincers cutting into Poliwhirl's body. The crowd winced as Poliwhirl cried out in agony, slumping to the grass as Parasect scuttled in circles, victorious.
"Poliwhirl, return!" Natalie shrieked, holding out her Pokeball. Cheers rose for Alesha to a deafening crescendo, easily playing favorites with the tough, older sister.
Red light flashing to return Poliwhirl inside, Natalie placed the Pokeball upon its holder and consulted the two left remaining.
"You alright there, sis?" Alesha taunted. "Not willing to give up yet?"
"You just keep your mouth shut!" Natalie shouted, to shocked laughs from the crowd. "I'll handle this just fine!"
Reddening and close to tears, Natalie selected her second of three Pokeballs. She was off her game, losing Poliwhirl to Parasect. If she had focused more, Poliwhirl's Ice Beam could've balanced the scales.
"Come on, already!" Alesha shouted, turning to the crowd at large. "We don't have all day, do we?"
Tossing her second Pokeball into the battlefield, Natalie choked back tears and shouted, "Let's go, Butterfree!"
Immediately, the crowd became besotted with the majestic flight of Butterfree, twittering and bobbing above the field, out of reach for Parasect. Alesha looked grim, but only for a second. Butterfree was especially resistant to Grass-type attacks as a dual Bug/Flying-type Pokemon.
"You brought a Butterfree to Indigo Plateau?" Alesha openly scorned. "This isn't a beauty contest, y'know!"
Natalie wanted to retort, even if it was, bug-eyed Parasect wasn't likely to win it, but she didn't want to hurt Parasect's feelings... perhaps Alesha was right. She was too concerned with Pokemon's feelings, than battling them against each other. But she had made it this far, and she had a responsibility to win the prize money.
"Butterfree, Gust!" Natalie cried.
"Parasect, Stun Spore!" Alesha shouted.
Parasect released glittering powder into the air once more, as Butterfree flapped its wings furiously, buffeting the Stun Spore within the cyclone she created and dispersing it to the edges of the stadium and out of harm's way. Trapped in the cyclone, Parasect was quite injured, clicking its pincers angrily.
Alesha was no fool. Her Parasect was a sitting target for Butterfree who flew overhead. Holding out her Pokeball with some reluctance, Alesha cried,
"Parasect, return!"
Natalie was quick to shout, "Butterfree, Swift!"
Butterfree tossed shining stars towards Parasect, who scuttled backwards towards its Trainer's podium, dematerialising into red light and returning inside Alesha's held Pokeball as the shining stars collided harmlessly with empty red light.
"Nice try, sis!" Alesha goaded, placing the Pokeball in her holder and selecting another. "I think I'll save Parasect for later. Give the crowd something to look forward to!"
Natalie rolled her eyes as the crowd laughed appreciatively. Alesha threw her chosen Pokeball onto the battlefield.
"Go, Dodrio!"
The crowd cheered for Alesha's newest addition to the field, as Dodrio's three heads clicked their beaks at Butterfree who soared overhead. While Butterfree was pretty and worth cheering for, Alesha's Pokemon held a type advantage against Natalie's.
Worried, Natalie shouted, "Butterfree, Sleep Powder!"
"Dodrio, Drill Peck!" Alesha yelled.
Spreading shining powder throughout the stadium, Butterfree rose high in the air as Dodrio crouched, leaping higher to gasps from the crowd who hadn't expected such height from a Pokemon without wings. Face-to-face with Butterfree, Dodrio's three beaks whizzed like drills, pecking Butterfree who cried out in pain, plummeting to the ground with a great shock and awe from the crowd.
"Butterfree!" Natalie shrieked, as Alesha watched contentedly.
Dodrio landed cleanly on the ground, swaying slightly as the sleeping powder took effect. Butterfree panted, trying to get up as Dodrio slid sideways, succumbing to sleep as all three heads snored in tandem.
"Butterfree!" Natalie cried. "This is our chance! Gust!"
Irked, Alesha reached for a Full Heal as Butterfree soared into the air, flapping her wings furiously. Alesha reached out to spray the Full Heal upon her sleeping Dodrio, but the liquid dissipated and swirled within Butterfree's Gust cyclone to no avail.
"Are you freakin' kidding me?" Alesha shouted, snapping out of her confident reverie which had so pleased the fans.
The crowd watched as Butterfree's Gust slightly harmed Dodrio, while it continued to snore. Natalie could've easily continued in this pattern, but there was no telling when Dodrio would wake of its own volition, so she had to be prepared.
"Butterfree, Psychic!" Natalie shouted.
Thinking Natalie was stupid, Alesha grinned and took advantage of this shift in tactics to spray the Full Heal upon sleeping Dodrio. Meanwhile, Butterfree glowed with a bright light, directing a psychic blast towards Dodrio which blasted the Flying-type back several paces.
"Butterfree's holding its own, folks!" cried the announcer. "What a comeback for Trainer Natalie!"
Dodrio stirred in its sleep, cawing loudly as it stood on two feet and glanced skyward to where Butterfree flew overhead. Merciless, Dodrio tensed to jump as Natalie realised she was in trouble.
"Butterfree, Psychic!" Natalie shrieked.
"Dodrio, Sky Attack!" Alesha commanded.
Leaping into the air, Dodrio was a blur as it evaded the psychic blast shot forth by Butterfree. Shielding her eyes from the sunlight, Natalie glanced up to where Dodrio had jumped so high that it was above even Butterfree, impossible to chart where it would land.
"Watch out, Butterfree!" Natalie cried, eyes watering and having to glance away from the sun. Butterfree twittered about, flying in sporadic movements to confuse Dodrio -
With a great caw, Dodrio plummeted without a moment's notice and it was over before the crowd could gasp in horror. Striking out at Butterfree with the sharp talons from its feet, Dodrio landed cleanly while Butterfree screamed and crashed to the ground, unconscious. Alesha pumped the air with her fist in victory, to a shocked and stunned crowd who applauded lightly at Dodrio's savagery.
"Butterfree!" Natalie called out, but her Bug/Flying-type had fainted. Holding out her Pokeball, she cried, "Return!"
Heart beating fast, Natalie tuned out her sister's caustic comments. Never had she felt so pent up with rage for the mishaps she had allowed to befall her Pokemon. Her self-control was slipping and accordingly, the welfare of her Pokemon. Alesha's confidence stirred her Pokemon to win. Natalie's doubt was clear for all to see.
I am scared for my Pokemon, for losing the tournament, Natalie admitted to herself. But as a Pokemon Trainer alone, I have won many battles to come this far! I can do this, not solely on the frontier of my ambitions, but because my Pokemon are strong and I am stronger with them by my side!
Stifling a yawn, Alesha glanced down to Dodrio. "Perhaps we should take a nap. Clearly Natalie has better things to do - "
Natalie threw her third and final Pokeball into the battlefield. "I believe in you, Squirtle!"
Red light flashing, the crowd applauded politely for the Water-type Pokemon who walked forward, confident against the slightly injured bulk of Dodrio, who stared back with beady eyes.
Sneering, Alesha shouted, "You've still got that blue turtle thing following you around?"
"Squirtle is my best friend," Natalie replied, trying to remain calm. "We will take you down, Alesha!"
Cheering ensued for Natalie's bold statement, as Alesha remained puzzled.
"Whatever," Alesha smirked. "Dodrio, Sky Attack!"
"Squirtle, Ice Beam!" Natalie shouted.
Squirtle shot a frigid beam of ice towards Dodrio, who leapt into the air on a moment's notice, disappearing out of sight amidst the bright sunlight like before. Icy beam leaving a frozen trail upon the grass, Squirtle glanced in the sky for Dodrio.
"Squirtle, Withdraw!" Natalie shouted.
Alesha laughed harshly as Squirtle withdrew within his shell. "You think a turtle shell will stop me?"
"Squirtle, trust me on this!" Natalie called to her Pokemon friend, hesitating only for a second. "Now! Propel yourself with Hydro Pump!"
From within its shell, Squirtle shot a powerful surge of water at the grass just as Dodrio landed from the sky, sharp talons missing by an inch. Propelled out of harm's way by the powerful surge of water Squirtle shot forth, the Water-type emerged from his shell and directed the remainder of the surge at Dodrio, knocking it over and injuring it further.
"What?" Alesha cried, not unlike her Dodrio's caw in anger. The crowd went wild for Squirtle's risky maneuver, as the turtle Pokemon got to its feet and sprinted towards Dodrio, who scrambled to get up. "Dodrio, Tri Attack!"
"Squirtle, Ice Beam!" Natalie screamed, gripping the podium.
Squirtle sprinted forth as Dodrio recovered, all three heads opening wide for simultaneous spheres of energy. Withdrawing into his shell, Squirtle skidded forward to narrowly avoid the powerful surge of energy shot over his head by Dodrio, harshly scorching the ground. Skidding towards Dodrio within its shell, Squirtle went into a spin and shot an Ice Beam from within, coating Dodrio several times over with the arctic blast and severely injuring Alesha's Flying-type Pokemon.
"Argh!" Alesha kicked the podium, watching Dodrio who had become frozen solid. "You stupid bird!"
Skidding to a halt, Squirtle emerged from its shell and glanced up at the glacial prison in which Dodrio could not move.
Natalie cried, "Finish Dodrio off, Squirtle! Skull Bash!"
Nodding, Squirtle lowered his head as Alesha grabbed her Full Heal in haste. Squirtle tackled Dodrio head-on, shattering the frigid prison and knocking Dodrio over several paces. Cawing shrilly, Dodrio's three heads collapsed upon one another and moved no more.
"We did it!" Natalie screamed, giving the thumbs up to Squirtle. "We did it - "
"Oh, get over yourself," Alesha's voice was steel, returning Dodrio to its Pokeball with a bright flash of red light. "It took you until your last Pokemon to defeat one of mine. Do you really think I'll let you get lucky again?"
Ardour fading, Natalie replied, "Every victory is a success, Alesha, however small! Pokemon are to be congratulated for pulling through!"
"You are a pathetic optimist," Alesha's mood had darkened, to where she no longer had the interest in pleasing the crowd. "I will crush you just to wipe that silly grin off your face."
Boos came from the crowd at Alesha's unsportsmanlike behaviour, where previously they had rather enjoyed watching her fiery confidence. Applause rang out for Natalie, as the crowd began to better appreciate her as the underdog gaining traction.
"You're doing great, Squirtle!" Natalie nodded to Squirtle, receiving a thumbs up in reply. Inside, she was worried. Squirtle was her last Pokemon left, but she couldn't let her exertions show. "Together, we can accomplish anything!"
Alesha was anything but pleased. "Ew. I think I'm going to barf."
Natalie pursed her lips in tight disapproval, as Alesha selected a Pokeball from her holder and tossed it into the field. Flashing with red light, Parasect scuttled onto the field, somewhat injured from its prior bouts with Butterfree.
"Trainer Alesha has chosen Parasect for her second Pokemon!" boomed the announcer.
"Parasect, Mega Drain!" Alesha shouted.
"Squirtle, watch out!" Natalie shrieked. "Skull Bash!"
Parasect glowed green as Squirtle sprinted forth. Parasect released its green blast of energy, just as Squirtle lowered its head and charged into Parasect, evading the life-sapping attack. Parasect rolled over several times in the dirt to cheers from the crowd, as Squirtle wiped its brow.
"Just because you have a type advantage, doesn't mean - " Natalie began.
"Parasect! Slash!" Alesha interrupted, as Parasect scrambled to stand.
"Squirtle, Ice Beam!" Natalie cried, in haste.
Greatly injured, Parasect scuttled to its feet and rushed for Squirtle, as Squirtle shot an icy beam towards Alesha's Grass-type. Blasted back and covered with icicles, Parasect was hurt beyond measure, pincers scuttling upside-down in the air.
"Well, would you look at that!" cried the announcer, as the crowd broke into applause, chanting Natalie's name. "Trainer Natalie's Squirtle is no pushover!"
Furious, Alesha returned Parasect to its Pokeball in a flash of red light. She seemed to have trouble comprehending how Squirtle had managed to best two of her three Pokemon. Snatching up her third and final Pokeball, Alesha shouted,
"That turtle's eliminating the leftovers from other fights! He's lucky I'm going easy on him!"
Natalie rolled her eyes. "You've never gone easy on anyone! Stop being a liar, Alesha!"
Alesha tossed her Pokeball into the air, catching it with ease. Smirking, she threw into the battlefield.
"Take out that Squirtle, Pikachu!" Alesha roared.
Surrounded by static electricity, Pikachu burst into the stadium amid a flash of red light. The crowd went wild for these two Pokemon combatants, alike in height and facing each other with determination. Natalie went pale.
"Nothing will stop my Pikachu!" Alesha shouted with glee. "Double Team!"
"Squirtle, Skull Bash!" Natalie shrieked.
Pikachu split into three copies as Squirtle ran forth, lowering his head and charging into the copy in the centre, which dissipated. Flanked on either side by Pikachu copies which charged with electricity -
"Squirtle, Bite!" Natalie shouted.
"Pikachu, Quick Attack!" Alesha yelled.
Both copies disappeared into thin air as Squirtle lunged for the copy on the left, glancing around as the two copies intermittently appeared at various points throughout the stadium. Both copies appeared on either side of Squirtle, pouncing upon him -
Coming upon an idea, Natalie shouted, "Squirtle! Withdraw!"
Hiding within his shell, Squirtle was tackled by both of the Pikachu copies, sent flying while spinning in his shell -
"Now! Ice Beam!" Natalie shouted.
"I'm not falling for that again!" Alesha raged. "Pikachu, use Thunder!"
Squirtle directed the icy beam at both Pikachu copies as the Water-type Pokemon continued to spin mid-air, hitting both copies in equal measure as one of them dissipated. Buffeted by the cold blast, the real Pikachu tensed and released a bolt of thunder into the sky, lightning ringing out as Pikachu was frozen solid.
"Your Thunder's missed!" Natalie gasped, relieved. Pikachu could not move within its frozen prison. "Pikachu's mine!"
Lightning rang out again, as Pikachu's Thunder which had shot into the clouds, came back in double measure to strike Pikachu, shattering its icy cage and rendering Alesha's Electric-type free to move again.
"Astounding, folks!" the announcer boomed, as the crowd cheered for Alesha. "Pikachu's Thunder seems to have been in anticipation of being frozen solid!"
Breaking out in a cold sweat, Natalie glanced towards her Squirtle as Pikachu crackled with high amounts of electricity. The crowd began to cheer for Alesha, who grinned in response.
"OK, OK!" Alesha banged her fist on the podium. "Let's get this over with, Pikachu! Thunder!"
Hurriedly, Natalie cried, "Squirtle, Skull - "
But Squirtle dived for the ground, burrowing underneath just as Pikachu's bolt of thunder shot out and zapped bare grass.
"What is this, folks?" blared the announcer. "Squirtle has dug underground!"
"What?" Alesha yelled. "That turtle can dig?"
Natalie was taken aback, as the stadium held its breath for the sensitive rumblings underneath that not even she could predict when Squirtle would emerge. Suspicious, Pikachu glanced about, cheeks crackling with electricity.
Red-faced, Alesha shouted, "Pikachu, Double Team, now!"
Pikachu split into three copies just as Squirtle burrowed from underneath, tackling the copy on the left which dissipated into thin air. The crowd roared in cheers and applause at the sight of Squirtle, soaring mid-air and looking down upon the two Pikachu copies who glanced up in turn.
"Squirtle!" Natalie cried. "Hydro Pump!"
Reaching his apex, Squirtle began to plummet but immediately shot forth a powerful surge of water, spinning like a windmill, drenching the two Pikachu copies several times over as one of the copies dissipated, leaving the real Pikachu stunned and spluttering with water.
"Use Thunderbolt, you idiot mouse!" Alesha bellowed to her Pikachu.
Buffeted by the Hydro Pump and quite injured, Pikachu stumbled to its feet as Squirtle landed cleanly, not wasting a moment's hesitation as he rushed forward, head lowered -
"Squirtle, Skull Bash!" Natalie screamed. The crowd watched in terror.
Pikachu crackled with electricity, but just before it could discharge its thunderbolt, Squirtle charged Pikachu in the chest with his head, knocking the Electric-type several times over upon the field.
"Get up, get up!" Alesha swore profusely into the mic. "You're no Slowpoke! Electrify Squirtle!"
Squirtle was taking no chances. Inhaling deeply, he shot forth a powerful surge of bubbles which popped on impact, finishing the Electric-type off with his Bubblebeam attack. Cheeks crackling with electricity a final time, Pikachu sighed and fainted upon the grass. The crowd went silent, then suddenly wild in their uproar.
"Alesha's Pikachu has been defeated!" boomed the announcer. "Trainer Natalie has won the match!"
I did it, Natalie told herself, her head aching with a migraine. I defeated Alesha once and for all!
Alesha was not a good loser, but neither was she stupid enough to walk off stage without collecting her Pokemon the way Liam did. She understood that in order to strike back, you needed to keep your enemies close. Managing an awkward smile that pained her cheekbones, Alesha shrugged in hesitant admonition to the crowd's feeble applause of her showing humility.
Natalie was not fooled, but neither did she pay her sister no mind. In her eyes, Squirtle had done a terrific job of taking Alesha's Pokemon out. Alesha was savvy enough to trick the watching audience, but Natalie knew it was all a farce.
"Squirtle!" Natalie cried, disembarking her podium as Squirtle ran close. She tucked him into her arms and thought twice about tossing him around, clutching him in joy. "You did it! You defeated Pikachu!"
The stadium erupted with applause and cheers, chanting Natalie's name as they had done Amy's. Across the field, Alesha walked over to Natalie, returning Pikachu inside her Pokeball with a bright flash of red light. Cautiously, Natalie and Squirtle eyed Alesha as the cameras zoomed close to capture this moment.
"Well done, sister," Alesha smirked, in a conciliatory tone that fooled no one. She looked like an Arbok, too satiated to eat the Rattata before her. "You've done our mother proud."
Not wanting to appear spiteful for the watching millions, Natalie shook Alesha's hand. Alesha's grip was needlessly rough and firm.
"You may have beaten me," Alesha shrugged, as though she had lost a few paltry dollars in a round of poker. "But you'll never make it to the top."
"Careful, Alesha," Natalie warned, keeping the fake smile on her face for the sake of the cameras. "The whole of Kanto is watching."
Alesha smirked superciliously. "I don't deny the prize money would've been a great help, but the stakes are so much higher for you. I will be in the crowds when you lose, and I will laugh. I will laugh when you come home with nothing. You're right, Natalie. Kanto will be watching."