Note: In case you're wondering, yes, Skytha is, in fact, Mega Scizor.

Only a few minutes remained until the big match began, the match between Machoke and Lucario. After Machamp and Riolu fought in the twenty-first Hero Olympics, people had wanted to see a match between their kids and they had finally gotten their wish. But would Machoke carry on the family legacy and claim the belt again or would Lucario take the championship title back?

Whatever the case, the crowd was getting restless, wanting to know more and more what the answer to this question would be. They just wanted Nori to hurry up and announce the heroes so the match could begin.

There were more seats than usual and as such, more fans had shown up for this event. Of course, most of Machoke's friends were in the crowd while Clauncher sat away from them feeling neutral right now. With the way Lucario had been acting, she was now contemplating whether or not she should cheer Machoke on. After all, she knew nothing about him but was friends with Lucario.

All the while, Aipom was still in her hospital bed, her legs still not fully recovered. Bisharp and Scrafty had agreed to stay with her while having the match play on the TV. After all, there was no way Aipom was going to miss this match, hospital or not.

Machamp and Riolu were seated next to each-other in the crowd as Riolu asked, "So, where's Kala?" Machamp remarking, "Where's Sarah?" the dog replying, "Touche."

All the while, Greninja, Blastoise, Combusken and Bouffalant were all seated around the ring, dressed in their finest attire with each sitting in front of a corner. After all, they were the special judges for the tournament. They were to make sure no rules were broken therefor it only made sense for one to watch each side like a hawk.

Blaziken smiled and waved to Combusken, her mother smiling and raising her hand to imply a wave. She could not keep it up longer, though, as it would have made her look unprofessional and unfocused. She took this job very seriously and was not going to let her own personal feelings ruin her chance at possibly getting it in the future.

"Well, folks, this is it!" Beedrill exclaimed, "The Olympics have been absolutely amazing so far! The events themselves were a great warmup, but this tournament has truly been the best yet, having the most intense matches ever seen before the finals! We've seen a villain exposed and defeated, we've seen a powerhouse lose the use of her arms."

Some members of the crowd winced at the sound of that second part as the wasp added, "We've seen a suit of armour shattered, a vampire defeated by water, a machine's forearms blown to bits and so much more! But I am willing to bet that none of these events can possibly compare to what is going to happen today as not only is this the final match, it's between Machoke and Lucario, the sons of Machamp and Riolu!"

Beedrill then directed everyone's attention to the two legends in question in the crowd as they looked around, their arms folded. The crowd went wild at the sight of them while the humans sitting close to them bowed their heads, Machamp's look of confusion turning to extreme happiness as he cupped his hands together and waved them over his head, Riolu rolling his eyes and simply keeping his serious look.

"But of course, they are not the only celebrities here," Beedrill stated, "as our special judges are also big-time legends. Combusken, for example, was Machamp's tag-team partner in the very first tag team tournament and has defeated many powerful enemies. She was also third place in the twenty-first Hero Olympics, having won the spot in the tie-breaker match against Greninja!" the crowd going wild as their attention was soon directed toward a jumbotron TV

On the screen was footage of that very match, Greninja using her Tongue Noose to strangle Combusken only for the chicken to grab hold of the tongue, pulling the frog close and using Fire Peck to strike her in the forehead, knocking her unconscious. The crowd cheered at the sight of this, Combusken grinning with pride.

"Speaking of which, Greninja's no pushover despite losing third place to Combusken," Beedrill added, "From the start, she displayed a great deal of power, having defeated many foes as well. Though the most memorable moment in the Hero Olympics to this day was her very first match when she hospitalized the mighty Skytha!"

Scizor, who was sitting in the middle row, gritted her teeth. Skytha was the name of her mother, and this match caused Scizor to develop an extreme grudge against Greninja, and the reason was very clear when everyone saw what was on screen.

Skytha had a look similar to Scizor's only her pincers were square-shaped and serrated, with the lower halves being white as opposed to red, the eye-like circles being blue. She also wore a black three-pointed crest on her face and had black shoulders and thighs.

In the footage shown, Greninja was sitting on the insect's back and pulling on her chin with a camel clutch. Skytha had tried her best to escape but could not as her backbone ended up breaking, the insect's eyes widening as she passed out.

Scizor took a deep breath, trying not to feel angered by this moment anymore. Though it was difficult as not only was the scene painful enough to watch but Skytha had actually died shortly after being escorted to the hospital. She saw Greninja as an enemy after that before losing to her in the quarter-finals of the twenty-second Hero Olympics in which the frog apologized, admitting that she never had any intention of killing her mother.

"And Greninja's partner, Bouffalant, is also here," Beedrill stated, "and needless to say, he is certainly one worth talking about. Once a former villain, but changed when Machoke was the first to ever defeat him, Bouffalant has a stellar reputation, having defeated many with his amazing strength."

The crowd cheered as the wasp added, "And Blastoise here may not have a great track record, but her matches are still legendary for how close they were. The world still hasn't forgotten her first win when she defeated the ferocious Grovyle in a very intense match."

Everyone was rather impressed while watching footage of the tortoise shooting a burst of water from the guns on her shoulders into the face of a lizard. After that, she proceeded to run over to Grovyle, wrapping her arms around him and finishing him off with a fierce powerbomb.

"Anyway, that's enough about the legends," Beedrill said, "You're all here to see the final match, and it will begin as soon as Nori introduces our fighters!" Nori nodding with a big grin on her face, the crowd getting even more restless now.

"Without further ado, let's get this started!" Nori exclaimed as the crowd went wild, Reika gulping and hoping that Machoke's entrance would not be too stupid.

"In the red corner is Japan's representative!" Nori stated, "He has an incredible track record and has defeated some of the mightiest of villains thrown at him! He even prevented one villain from tarnishing the Olympics! Despite odds constantly being stacked against him, he always finds a way to come out on top! Introducing Machoke!"

The crowd was silent as, like Reika, they were expecting a dumb entrance. However, everyone soon stared in shock when the boy approached the ring wearing the bands that Machamp had given him. He had a serious look on his face, no big set-ups or floats or anything along those lines. The only thing that did stand out was a girl no one had ever seen before joining him in walking toward the ring.

"I can't believe what I'm seeing," Nori uttered, her eyes wide with shock, "Not only is Machoke actually looking serious, but he's wearing the exact same outfit his father wore when he defeated Groudon many years ago!" Machamp grinning as Riolu sighed, "You gave those to him before the match, didn't you?" the man nodding and replying, "I can't believe it, but he looks better with that stuff than I did back in the day."

Aipom's eyes sparkled as she thought, 'Wow, he's really taking this seriously!' Scrafty saying, "Wow, that headband is awesome," Bisharp nodding and adding, "Yes, he looks quite dignified today."

Gardevoir squealed before exclaiming, "MACHOKE, YOU LOOK SO COOL!" the boy smiling and giving a light wave before turning his attention back to the ring, Meisai saying, "Good, a little acknowledgement is fine, but don't let it distract you."

"Wow, he really means business," Blaziken said, Gallade shouting, "You rule, Machoke!" Hitmonchan exclaiming, "You'll wipe the floor with Lucario for sure!"

And of course everyone else was equally impressed, the Japanese fans going wild while Lopunny had a pair of pom-poms out, giving Machoke a motivational cheer while Scyther and Heracross simply gave him thumbs up. Needless to say, the boy had made quite the impression, but would this really be enough?

"Say, who's that with him, anyway?" Weedle asked as Beedrill held up the microphone, announcing, "For those wondering, Machoke has found a substitute for Aipom who will act as his adviser for this match. Her name is Meisai," the audience nodding in understanding as Clauncher had an odd look on her face, thinking, 'That Meisai's hair looks familiar.'

"Have you ever met someone named Meisai?" Reika asked as Blaziken shrugged, replying, "Never seen her before in my life."

Gardevoir smiled softly and replied, "It doesn't matter. I get the feeling we can trust her," Gallade nodding and saying, "Well, that settles that."

Once the applause for Machoke had died down, Nori cleared her throat and exclaimed, "And in the blue corner is the hero representing England! A former villain, he now fights for the side of good, and thank God for that, because he is a nightmare in the ring! When the odds are stacked against him, he surprises everyone with one incredible comeback after another. He has stopped at nothing to make sure this match would happen, even going so far as to almost cripple his last opponent! Introducing Lucario!"

The British fans went wild, Meisai folding her arms as the dog walked toward the ring sporting a leather jacket and a ripped pair of jeans. The crowd stared as he looked so intimidating right now, a murderous look in his eyes. One could only imagine how he would start things off.

However, Machoke simply folded his arms and looked at the dog with confidence, Meisai saying, "Wow, you're not freaking out or anything. I'm impressed," the girl then noticing his legs trembling as she face-palmed, the boy groaning, "I can't help it! He looks so frightening!"

After entering the ring, Lucario proceeded to hurl his jacket out of the ring along with his jeans. Sure, he had no special clothing on himself, but he still looked more than ready for business. Needless to say, this would not be an easy fight.

Beedrill noticed both seemed ready as he said, "I will give each fighter a minute to warm up, then we can begin," Meisai signalling Machoke to bring his head closer to her as he did so, the girl whispering, "As you know, Lucario has great speed and strength, so for the first little while, try to get him to tire himself out. No matter what happens, you will avoid every single move he throws at you. No counterattacks, just dodge."

Machoke nodded as Blaziken blinked, saying, "He's putting all of his faith in her. She must really be something to match up to Aipom."

And on that note, Beedrill exclaimed, "Without further ado, let the match begin!" the crowd getting pumped up as he rang the bell.

Lucario wasted no time heading toward Machoke, but something was off. Lucario was not moving quickly but rather slowly. But why?

Whatever the case, Machoke had to remember Meisai's advice. As such, he waited for the dog to get close before running to the right, keeping his distance. Lucario turned to him with a scowl as the audience stared in silence.

"What was that?" Gallade asked, "Lucario left himself wide open. Machoke should have hit him instead," Blaziken shrugging and replying, "He may have just been intimidated. Lucario is a scary opponent."

Lucario picked up the pace a bit, sending his palm toward the boy as he once again dodged to the right just in time to avoid the move. The dog remained calm and simply headed toward Machoke again, the same thing happening.

At that moment, most of the crowd started booing as one member spat, "WHAT IS THIS!?" another barking, "THIS IS A RIPOFF! SOMEBODY DO SOMETHING!" Meisai gritted her teeth under her mask and thinking, 'Please, for the love of God, don't let them get to you.'

However, it seemed her fears were uncalled for as Machoke remarked, "I don't care what you say! I'm taking Meisai's advice!" when suddenly, he noticed the Japanese fans were also booing him.

Now the girl was even more worried than before as one of them spat, "They're right! God, this is so lame!" another adding, "This is the clown representing us!?"

Machoke gritted his teeth thinking, 'Dammit, they might be right. If this was Aipom, she would tell me to at least counterattack. I thought Meisai would make for a legitimate substitute, but she seems too timid and scared.'

Noticing Lucario closing in on him, Machoke took a deep breath and said, "I'm sorry, Meisai, but they're right. If I don't attack, I'll never win this match!" Meisai's eyes widening as she snapped, "NO, MACHOKE, DON'T!" the boy lifting up his leg and sending a hard kick into Lucario's face, the dog's eyes widening as Machoke sent another kick to his midsection, sending him back, the dog stumbling along the mat.

The Japanese fans went wild as Nori exclaimed, "And with that, Machoke gets an early lead with two impressive kicks!" Machoke taking a deep breath and saying, "I don't know why you thought that wouldn't work. It seems to have had a descent effect."

Meisai shook her head and remarked, "Don't be so sure," the boy then noticing Lucario quickly rise back to his feet, a serious look in his eyes as he said, "Don't expect that to work a second time."

However, Machoke noticed Lucario starting to falter as he smirked, rushing at him as Meisai gritted her teeth, barking, "NO, HE'S FAKING IT!" but it was too late as the boy sent a roundhouse toward Lucario's cheek.

Unfortunately, Meisai's words were correct as the dog proceeded to lift his right arm up with the wrist spike pointed outward, Machoke's ankle running hard into it. As the spike pierced his flesh, the boy cried out in pain, Lucario taking full advantage of this and lifting him up above his head, slamming his back hard against the mat before removing his spike.

The crowd gasped as Nori said, "And as soon as that advantage came, it seems to have left Machoke as Lucario has already managed to draw blood."

"I don't know how, but Meisai knew exactly what was gonna happen," Blaziken said, Gallade nodding and sighing, "Machoke really should have listened to her. I know the crowd was egging him on, but even so," Hitmonchan laughing nervously and adding, "To be fair, we weren't exactly clear on what he was doing either."

"So, Machoke, will you listen to me?" Meisai asked as Machoke got up, grunting, "Not if your strategy involves me running away like a sissy! I'm sorry, Meisai, I'm grateful for all the training, but the best defence is a good offence! Everyone knows that!"

Meisai fumed and folded her arms, retorting, "Fine! Lose for all I care!" the girl sitting cross-legged on the grass and folding her arms.

She could not believe how stubborn Machoke was being. After all, he had a similar issue when facing Bisharp. He had started to lose badly when he stopped listening to Aipom, so why was he repeating that same mistake?

Whatever the case, the boy was not going to let up as he noticed Lucario charging at him now, the boy readying himself. Instead of dodging, he was going to counter this time. Lucario would not see that coming, right?

Just as the dog sent a palm punch toward Machoke, the boy threw his arms forward, grabbing onto his arm. However, Lucario provided additional force, keeping up his momentum and slamming his palm hard into the boy's face.

The British fans went wild as Machoke backed up a bit, still refusing to let this get him down. Meisai continued to sit with her arms folded, a look of spite under her mask. She wanted to give him advice to help him win, but Machoke was being so stubborn right now.

And to make matters worse, Lucario was now willing to take even more advantage of the boy as his paw had a blue aura around it, the dog shouting, "FORCE PALM!" sending his paw toward Machoke's gut.

Once again, the boy attempted to counter only to end up being hit hard in that very spot, his eyes widening as he coughed up blood, backing up toward the ropes and breathing heavily. Meisai glared at Lucario, thinking, 'Finish him off, Lucario. Have your sweet revenge. I don't even care anymore!' Clauncher watching this with concern. She did not know whether to be happy about this or not. Again, Lucario may have been her friend, but a part of her wanted Machoke to win.

Reika was also concerned as she gritted her teeth, barking, "HEY, MACHOKE, WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU!?" the boy turning to her, his eyes widening as she added, "MEISAI'S ADVICE HAS BEEN RIGHT! THE ONLY REASON YOU'VE BEEN TAKING IN A BEATING SO FAR IS BECAUSE YOU REFUSE TO FOLLOW IT!"

Meisai turned to her, trying to hold back tears of joy while thinking, 'Thank God. One of them actually gets it,' Machoke twitching as Gardevoir nodded, adding, "She's right, Machoke. I can tell when someone is really worth trusting, and Meisai is definitely someone you'll want to listen to, so don't ignore her."

Machoke blinked, turning toward the girl, Meisai going back to pouting and folding her arms, glaring at him while saying nothing. Machamp simply glanced at his son, hoping the boy would make the right decision. Even with the words of his friends, it was still his choice to make.

All the while, Lucario was about to take advantage of the fact that Machoke's back was now turned to him, but a part of him did not feel like moving in for the attack. It was something about this Meisai girl. He had no idea what it was, but just looking at her eyes gave him an awkward feeling.

Machoke's friends stared at him as Blaziken grumbled, "Come on, you're not this stupid," Machoke taking a deep breath and saying, "I'm sorry, Meisai," the boy bowing his head and adding, "I should have listened to you from the start. If you have any advice to give me, I will gladly take it."

No one could see it, but Meisai was smiling under her mask. With that, the girl put on a more serious look and got up, saying, "It's okay, I forgive you. You're just not used to having someone else as your adviser. But if you decide to go against my wishes again, I will not be so forgiving, so consider this your last chance."

The boy panicked, trembling for a few seconds before taking a deep breath and exclaiming, "Okay, okay, I'll follow you! Just please don't stop with the good advice!"

Meisai was resisting the urge to chuckle in response to this as she said, "Alright, luckily for you, it's still very early in the match. Best of all, that stab to your ankle doesn't seem to be taking too much of a toll on you. It is definitely possible to make up for your blunder."

Unfortunately, before she could continue, Lucario had finally snapped out of his trance, thinking, 'God, what came over me just now?' the dog racing toward Machoke as he spat, "WHAT DO I DO!?" Meisai snapping, "HUG YOURSELF, RIGHT NOW!" the boy retorting, "WHAT!?" before taking a hard karate chop to the face.

Machoke quickly sprinted away from Lucario before the dog could do more, Meisai sighing, "You promised you'd follow my advice," Machoke sighing, "Sorry, it's just, that sounded so weird," Lucario saying, "If you keep ignoring me, you're gonna take in far worse pain than you have so far."

With that, the dog raced toward him again, this time readying another Force Palm as Meisai said, "Hug yourself this time," Machoke blinking and asking, "You mean like this?" before wrapping his arms around himself like a person pretending to make out with someone.

"Yes, now hold that pose," Meisai stated as Machoke closed his eyes, Lucario sending his palm forward.

However, all went silent when Machoke slowly opened his eyes, noticing the palm pressed up against his arms. Yes strangely enough, the boy had felt no pain from it. Not even his arms had taken in pain, and this was one of Lucario's strongest techniques.

In the hospital, Aipom and the others had just witnessed this as Scrafty asked, "What just happened?" Bisharp replying, "Even I am feeling rather stumped by this sudden turn of events."

However, Aipom had a big smile on her face as she said, "I can't believe it. I've heard stories of this technique, but I've heard if takes a long time for someone in Machoke's family to learn it. Yet somehow, Meisai taught it to him in a matter of seconds."

"Are ya gonna tell us more than that?" Scrafty asked as Aipom nodded, replying, "That's not just any ordinary defensive tactic. That's called the Mach Cover, and only members of the Mach family can use it. They say it was developed by a warrior by the name of Mapunch who used it to survive against an army of five-hundred soldiers. He kept up the position for five days and five nights until they finally gave up. It's the greatest defence the family could ever have."

"But how do you supposed Miss Meisai knew about it?" Bisharp asked as Aipom shrugged, replying, "I have no idea. Even I don't completely understand how the technique works."

All the while, the audience was in shock as Nori said, "I don't know how a simple folding of arms managed to protect Machoke so well, but whatever the case, he has just taken in Force Palm without succumbing to any pain whatsoever!" Lucario fuming and sending a series of palm punches toward Machoke, the Mach Cover doing its job and cushioning the blows entirely.

'Not many remember this technique,' Meisai thought, 'however, when not training Machoke, I spent my time studying the Mach family history and came across this gem of a technique last night. It was a long shot to have him use it without any past experience, but it seems he was able to master it.'

Machamp all the while was cheering wildly, exclaiming, "That's my boy! I couldn't use that move until I was twenty-two!" Riolu nodding and saying, "Oh yes, you used that against Groudon. I remember."

Gallade simply blinked and said, "I've used defensive tactics like that before. What makes this one so different?" Gardevoir replying, "Machoke's muscles," the others turning as the girl added, "I saw all of the muscles in his body expand when he wrapped his arms around himself."

This seemed so as Lucario decided to change tactics and attack Machoke's face only to end up with the same results. This Mach Cover was proving to be a major nuisance for him and even kicks aimed at Machoke's shin seemed to have no effect.

After a while, Meisai noticed Lucario starting to breathe more heavily than before as she stated, "Machoke, he's getting tired. It's time to go on the offensive," Machoke smirking and replying, "That's more like it!"

Lucario sent another palm punch toward the boy as he threw his arms outward, smacking the incoming palm to the side. After that, he proceeded to send a palm punch of his own into Lucario's face before grabbing hold of the dog's arm, twisting it just enough to have Lucario fall on his back.

The crowd went wild as Lucario slowly rose to his feet only for Machoke to back up toward the ropes, pushing back and bouncing off of them, sending both his feet into the spot just above Lucario's chest spike. This cause the dog to fly into the turnbuckle while the crowd cheered even louder.

"WOW, WHAT AN AMAZING COMEBACK!" Nori exclaimed, "It seemed like Machoke was doomed, but thanks to that weird defensive technique earlier, he now has the upper hand!" Reika grinning and saying, "That Meisai is a miracle worker," Blaziken holding her fist forward and replying, "No kidding!"

Machoke still looked fully energized as he grinned, saying, "Come on, Lucario, I know you're not done yet," his confidence turning to fear when he noticed a look of rage in the dog's eyes.

This was definitely not the Lucario he knew, the dog shaking the pain off of his head and growling, "So you had something up your sleeve! Big deal! It'll take a lot more than that to take me down!"