When she refused to throw the match against her rival, Weldon, his half-brother Stanley interfered and injured Summer and Blaze. Summer had to unfortunately decide if her strongest Pokémon would battle as the match got to the end. During their awaited battle, Summer had the advantage with Rocky, but that was quickly destroyed by Weldon's Gyarados. With both Trainers tied at 4 Pokémon apiece, who will gain the advantage and win?

Chapter 54: The Outcome

"Go, Lightning!" I shouted, throwing her Pokéball the best I could. She jumped and landed on the field, ready to take on the Gyarados she faced on the S.S. Anne. I readjusted my sitting position, as my ankle started to twinge slightly.

When the referee saw I was ready, he waved his red and green flags. "Battle begin!"

I pointed at the much larger Pokémon. "Lightning, Quick Attack!"

She effortlessly dashed around the rocks in a burst of white energy and made her way closer to her opponent. Weldon remained calm, as he knew how fast Lightning was.

"Gyarados, cut off the field with Surf!"

The Water type roared and another wave of water towered over us. This time, I knew my Pokémon could handle it.

"Lightning, jump and use Iron Tail on the wave!"

She nodded and leaped towards the tidal wave. With her silver tail, she sliced through it and caused the water to part in half. Gyarados was stunned at her strength, causing him to take damage from the Iron Tail. He slid back but roared defiantly.

"Good, Gyarados!" Weldon shouted with relief. "Ice Beam!"

The Water type shot a beam of cold, ice blue energy from his mouth at the Pikachu. She was unfazed and stood on all fours.

"Lightning, Thunderbolt!"

The two attacks collided above the center of the field and caused sparks and shards of ice to rain over us. Lightning took some damage from the ice, but Gyarados winced in pain as the sparks touched his body.

Weldon knew Gyarados had enough strength for a final attack. "All right, Gyarados. Let's go head on! Bite!"

He roared and lunged at Lightning with his fangs bared. Lightning and I however smirked, slightly unnerving him.

I made a fist with my right hand and excitedly exclaimed, "Thunder Punch!"

Lightning happily jumped up with her glowing yellow fist and smacked Gyarados' chin. The larger Pokémon reeled back and gave a weak cry before collapsing onto the rocks.

"Gyarados is unable to battle! Lightning wins!"

Weldon returned his fallen Pokémon and chuckled. "Who knew Lightning was able to use Thunder Punch. You may think you have the advantage, Summer, but I have the perfect counter. Go Graveler!"

The large gray boulder like Pokémon appeared, shaking the ground when he landed. Four arms extended from his body, making him look more formidable.

[Graveler, the Rock Pokémon and the evolved form of Geodude. They descend from mountains by tumbling down steep slopes. They are so brutal, they smash aside obstructing trees and massive boulders with thunderous tackles.]

Oh great, only Iron Tail's effective. Guess we have to make do.

"Battle begin!"

"Lightning, Iron Tail!" I yelled with a wave of my right arm.

She nodded and lunged at the Rock type with her tail.

Weldon sighed disappointedly. "Sorry, Summer. Graveler, dodge with Rollout!"

With unusual speed, the Rock type sped out of harm's way. As Lightning landed back on the field and tried to follow her opponent's movements, she was struck several times and began to pant. Graveler returned to his original spot and confidently crossed his two upper gray arms.

"Lightning! Can you keep going?"

She determinedly nodded. "Don't worry, Summer. I just need to land one attack!"

"You're right. Charge again with Iron Tail!"

Weldon shook his head and sighed. "Really? Graveler, use Rock Slide!"

His Pokémon summoned boulders from the sky and caused them to drop to the ground with a simple wave of his arms.

I watched the falling boulders and remembered a certain training session. "Lightning, dodge the boulders like they were Toxic attacks!"

She smiled and glanced upwards. Once she saw a pattern, she dashed around the boulders as they crashed into the field. When she got past them, she slammed Graveler with her tail, causing him to slide back. Weldon saw his Pokémon wasn't looking well and became silent.

"Great job, Lightning!" I shouted, unaware of my rival's strategy. "Use Iron Tail once more!"

As she charged towards him again, Weldon sighed and solemnly said, "I wish I didn't have to do this. But I have no choice. Graveler, Self Destruct!"

Oh no! "Lightning, dodge with Quick Attack!"

"I don't think so! Catch up to Lightning with Rollout!"

Lightning skidded to a stop and ran away from the incoming rolling Pokémon. However, she tripped over a broken piece of rock and once he approached her, Graveler grabbed her and began to glow orange. In a few seconds, the Rock Pokémon exploded right in front of us, creating a large dust cloud that caused my ankle to be irritated. I clutched onto it and tried to prevent the dirt from entering the wrap. Once I made sure it was okay, the cloud disappeared, and both Pokémon were collapsed on the ground.

"Both Pokémon are unable to battle! This round is a draw. Trainers, choose your next Pokémon!"

"Thanks, Lightning." I returned the tired Pikachu and gave Weldon a weak smile. He must've learned that tactic from Lt. Surge…

"That was a good strategy, Weldon," I complimented.

"Well, you know me Summer. I've always been good with battle strategies. Just like this one. Go, Venusaur!"

What? Already?

The final evolution of the Kanto Grass starter slammed onto the field and respectfully nodded to me.

[Venusaur, the Seed Pokémon and the evolved form of Ivysaur. Venusaur's flower is said to take on vivid colors if it gets plenty of nutrition and sunlight. The flower's aroma soothes the emotions of people.]

"We may have the type disadvantage, but at least we can attack. Go, Swirls!"

The Poliwhirl happily jumped out her Pokéball and shouted, "Let's take on this heavy!"

I nodded awkwardly, not really sure what she said, but I hope it meant taking on a powerful opponent.

"Battle begin!"

"Swirls, Hypnosis!"

As she formed three purple rings, Weldon chuckled. "Venusaur, break the rings with Vine Whip!"

The Grass type expertly caught the rings with five vines as they floated towards him and smashed them into the rocks, causing them to dissipate.

Venusaur's gotten much better. But let's try this.

"Ice Punch!"

Swirls nodded and ran towards her opponent, who could no longer dodge attacks due to his weight.

"Grab Swirls with Vine Whip!"

"Dodge them!" I countered.

Thanks to Swirls' mucus, she slipped out of any potential wraps from the vines, but still felt the impact of the super effective attack. This stunned Weldon, but only slightly.

"Chill out, dude!" she shouted as she punched Venusaur in the face. After he roared in pain, she ran back to our side of the field.

"Now, use Water Pulse!"

The orb of water shot out of her hands and flew towards the slightly weakened Pokémon.

"Sludge Bomb!" Weldon quickly countered.

The blue and purple balls slammed into each other and exploded, creating an acid-like rain. Although Swirls' ability should have nullified the rain, the poisonous chemicals in it damaged her instead.

That was really clever, countering Water Pulse like that…

"If you thought that was good, look at this. Venusaur, Body Slam!"

To my surprise, the heavy Pokémon jumped off the ground and extended his legs to reduce self-imposed damage.

As he fell closer above Swirls, I knew I had to make take a risk. "Swirls, jump up and use Ice Punch!"

"You got it! Time to brave the wave!" With her fist glowing light blue, she leapt up and hit Venusaur in the stomach.

Despite the attack, gravity allowed the Grass type to prevail, and he smashed Swirls into the ground. For a while, I couldn't see her, but I knew it wasn't good. As Venusaur got up and walked back to his Trainer, Swirls was face up, unable to move.

"Swirls is unable to battle! Venusaur wins!"

"W-Wipeout…" she mumbled.

"It's okay, Swirls. You did your best," I said in a comforting tone.

After I returned her, my decision about Blaze was coming closer. But one Pokémon stood in between that choice.

"Go, Errol!"

The Noctowl flew into the air and shouted, "Finally, Ms. Summer! I shall take out the rest of Mr. Weldon's Pokémon with one fell swoop!"

"Let's not get too far ahead of ourselves, Errol," I cautioned.

He scoffed, but I knew he was acting rasher than usual because of his friend.

"Battle begin!"

"Errol, use Psychic!"

The Flying type shot several blasts of pink energy at Venusaur, who took all the attacks surprisingly well.

I thought it was part of Weldon's strategy until I heard him mumble, "Well, that's new…"

Taking advantage, I shouted, "Use Peck!"

Knowing Errol's average speed, Weldon commanded, "Grab Errol with Vine Whip!"

Venusaur shot five vines at the approaching Pokémon, but Errol skillfully evaded each one and landed a direct hit on top of his opponent's head. The Grass type winced in pain and tried to bat Errol away.

"Confusion!"

Errol stopped the long-shooting vines with the blue psychic energy and smacked Venusaur with them, annoying both Trainer and Pokémon. The Owl Pokémon then flew back, satisfied with how the battle was going.

Weldon growled, "Not only did your Noctowl become stronger, he became more annoying…"

"That is right!" my Pokémon responded with a hint of pride. "Now to finish them, Ms. Summer!"

"But the battle's not over yet…"

"You know what I mean!"

"I didn't want to have to use this, but you leave me with no choice!" Weldon yelled. "Venusaur, SolarBeam!"

The Grass type charged up sunlight in his flower, signaling the start of one of the strongest Grass type moves.

"Quick, Errol! Psychic!"

The Noctowl sensed the panic in my voice and hastily shot several more blasts of pink energy. Venusaur, however, withstood the super effective attacks once more and continued to charge the SolarBeam.

If that hits, I don't think Errol can survive it. Unless…

"Errol, how strong is your Confusion now?" I hurriedly asked my Pokémon.

He turned his head around. "I believe I have enough mental capacity. Why do you ask, Ms. Summer?"

I looked at Weldon and Venusaur. "We need to prolong the match more for Blaze. And what I'm thinking of is a huge risk. Can you throw back the SolarBeam?"

Errol's eyes grew wider than normal, shocked at the question, but he determinedly looked at the Grass type, who was almost done charging. "I believe I can."

"Alright then. Confusion!"

"Fire!" Weldon shouted while punching the air.

As the strong beam of sunlight approached the Flying type, Errol's eyes glowed blue. Slowly, the SolarBeam became surrounded in blue light, shocking our opponents.

"Now throw it back!" I shouted.

Errol flapped his wings with one strong stroke, causing the controlled move to bend and shoot back at its user. Venusaur watched in surprise and roared in pain as the combined attack hit his flower. The Seed Pokémon then fell forward and slammed into the ground, unable to move.

"Venusaur is unable to battle! Errol wins!"

Errol descended and landed on the field, panting from exhaustion. He saw my worried face and reassured, "I am fine, Ms. Summer. Just...just a little headache…"

After Weldon returned his starter, he replied, "That was a really gutsy move, Summer. I didn't think you'd had it in you."

"Thanks, I think?"

But his slowly widened smile started to scare me. "But Errol looks too tired. Did he use up all of his psychic energy to control that SolarBeam?"

"H-How can you know that?!"

"I never told you, did I? My family and I have an ability that allows us to see a Pokémon's strengths and weaknesses during battles. I try to use it sparingly unless during emergencies. He's been helping me with my ability during our training sessions. But he's right… I think I have to use it now if I want to win!"

I didn't think Weldon had that kind of power! I guess that comes with being born in a battling family… But who's this 'he'? Is that Stanley?

Weldon ignored my thoughtful face and took out his final Pokéball. "Go Fearow!"

His Flying type soared over us and cackled at the resting Noctowl.

[Fearow, the Beak Pokémon and the evolved form of Spearow. Its long neck and elongated beak are ideal for catching prey in soil or water. It deftly moves this extended and skinny beak to pluck prey.]

"What's wrong, Errol? Tired already?" He mocked, angering his opponent.

"Ms. Summer… Let me destroy him!"

That Fearow's much cockier than when he was a Spearow… "Okay, but be careful…"

"Battle begin!"

"Errol, use Peck!"

As he took off and charged at Fearow, Weldon commanded, "Aerial Ace!"

The Beak Pokémon dove at Errol in a white aura and smashed his body into the Noctowl's face. Errol tumbled backwards but straightened out before he hit the blue shield. He glared at his faster opponent, who only smirked back.

"Hypnosis!"

Errol tried to form the rings, but he was still mentally tired.

Weldon, however, took advantage of my Pokémon's exhaustion. "Fearow, Drill Peck!"

The Pokémon began to spin like a top, then flew at Errol, who barely dodged the attack. Fearow laughed at his rival's decreasing stamina while I gritted my teeth.

"Errol, use Peck, full power!" I shouted, knowing needed to hit Fearow once.

"Fearow, Steel Wing!"

The two Flying types charged at each other, with Fearow gaining more speed at he dove down. As he lifted up his right wing, Errol took advantage and pecked his opponent's body forcefully. Fearow sharply cried in pain but continued his attack. The silver colored wing struck Errol's head, and the Noctowl tumbled to the ground. As Fearow landed, he gave a boastful cry, knowing his rival could no longer continue.

"Errol is unable to battle! Fearow wins!"

"Thank you Errol," I praised. After I returned him, I clutched Blaze's Pokéball. Okay, Blaze. We'll battle as hard as we can. I can't see you get hurt anymore.

"Go, Blaze!"

The Blaziken winced in pain when he stood on the field, but his bruise was clearing up. Weldon stared at Blaze more intently than usual, as if he was observing my strongest Pokémon's physical condition. "Something's not right…" I heard him mutter.

The referee announced for the last time, "Battle begin!"

"Blaze, Flamethrower!"

Blaze tried to inhale deeply, but he could only release a Flamethrower three fourths of its usual power.

Weldon noticed this as well and shouted, "Fearow, fly up and use Drill Peck!"

The Flying type effortlessly dodged the Fire type attack and spun towards Blaze.

"Dodge!"

Blaze tried to leap out of the way, but the injuries lowered his speed. Luckily, he crossed his arms in front of his chest and blocked the attack in time.

That Slash really took a toll…

I formed a right fist. "Fire Punch!"

Blaze gritted his teeth as he formed the fiery fist and jumped at Fearow. This time, he was too fast for the Flying type, who was hit in the chest. Fearow cartwheeled from the impact, but he adjusted himself and flew back towards his Trainer. Blaze carefully landed, but he grabbed his left side and began to pant.

"Blaze! Are you okay?"

"Yeah…" he muttered. "Even an airborne attack's too much now. Don't worry, Summer. I can keep going…"

Whispers began to fill the arena, but I could only hear the spectators questioning Blaze's condition and my responsibility as a Trainer.

I gritted my teeth and tried to hold back tears. They're so ignorant! If only they knew what happened to Blaze…

Weldon became worried and tried to ask me what's going on, but I shouted, "Blaze, Flamethrower!"

He nodded and unleashed another stream of fire, trying to maintain its power.

Weldon returned to his battling senses and shouted, "Fearow, dodge and use Fury Attack!"

The Flying type once again soared over the flames and charged at Blaze with his beak poised to attack.

My starter and I nodded and we formed a clenched fist together. "Sky Uppercut!"

We made the uppercut motion as Fearow flew closer, but when my fist reached over my head, I flinched from the pain in my ankle. Similarly, Blaze flinched in pain as his bruise forced him to restrict his movement. I unfortunately watched him take five stabs from Fearow's beak and kneel on the field, his panting increasing.

Now I have no choice!

Weldon was about to issue another command when I shouted, "Wait!"

The arena became silent.

"Yes, Summer?" the referee asked, alert of Blaze's condition.

I couldn't control the sadness and frustration in my voice. "I…I forfeit the match…"

The official nodded at my decision. He waved his flags and pointed them at Weldon. "Summer has decided to forfeit the match. Therefore, the winner is Weldon from Pallet Town!"

The crowd was upset at the outcome of the match and booed me. I trembled as I returned Blaze, who was heartbroken at the turn of events, and limped out of the arena.

I heard footsteps run towards me. "Summer, wait!" Weldon called.

I ignored his voice and continued towards the locker room. When he grabbed my left arm, I swatted him away, only to fall on the floor. My ankle twinged again and I painfully gasped.

"Summer, please!" he pleaded. "What happened to you?"

He offered me his hand, but I got up on my own. "Don't pretend you didn't know!" I angrily roared.

Weldon was genuinely confused. "Wh-What are you talking about, Summer?"

I ranted, "Your brother! Or half-brother, I don't care! He attacked us and injured me and Blaze! Don't tell me you didn't know about this!"

He was shocked. "I-I didn't know! I was worried when I heard the date was changed, but I didn't think it was this serious. You have to believe me!"

I was too upset to listen to his side of the story. "Just go away, Weldon. I don't want to see you now, maybe ever. You got your wish to become the best, especially against a weakling from the Hoenn Region."

I limped away in tears while Weldon was stunned, forming tears of his own.

So that's what happened to her and Blaze… Red pondered as he hid near Summer and Weldon. I knew something was wrong, but not that severe… Once he heard the two young Trainers leave, both of them sobbing, he disappointedly left the stadium. Pika followed his Trainer close behind, though he was quieter than usual. Red noticed this and sighed. He must be upset at Lightning's loss. Summer was so close, but that kid…

He looked up and saw a teenager laughing at a highlight reel of the match on the stadium's outside screen. The Champion's eyes narrowed. Stanley Leland…what a disgrace to your family…

Pokémon: Blaze (Blaziken, male): Brave Nature, moves: Fire Punch, Double Kick, Flamethrower, Blaze Kick; Sky Uppercut- learning

Errol (Noctowl, male): Rash Nature, moves: Psychic, Confusion, Hypnosis, Peck

Swirls (Poliwhirl, female): Relaxed Nature, moves: Water Pulse, Hypnosis, Water Gun, Ice Punch

Lightning (Pikachu, female): Adamant Nature, moves: Thunderbolt, Quick Attack, Iron Tail, Thunder Punch

Flower (Ivysaur, female): Gentle Nature, moves: Sludge Bomb, Leech Seed, Razor Leaf, Sleep Powder

Rocky (Onix, male): Lonely Nature, moves: Rock Throw, Crunch, Dragonbreath, Iron Tail

Questions for the Chapter:

What did you think of the battle?

Did Summer make the right decision to let Blaze battle?

What will Summer do after the Indigo League's over?

How does Red know about Stanley?