Track 49 - Speedom (Wwc2)
Three Years Prior
"So, you're my students now. You have to learn how to get along with one another," Uhuli, the gym leader of Malie City said. "Everyone who trains at my gym is family, got it?"
His newest trainees slowly nodded. One was a girl with slightly curled black hair and tanned skin. The other was a boy with messy black hair and tanned skin. They almost looked like they could have been related, and the way that they fought with one another made them look like siblings.
The boy held an icepack against his cheek. "Leinani started it. She punched me."
"You don't start a fight by punching someone," Uhuli muttered. "You must have said something."
Little did Uhuli know, Leinani had punched Enoka without reason multiple times over the past couple of years. She had a hot temper, and even though Enoka knew what he was risking when he talked to her, he always tried to be her friend.
"Enoka started it," Leinani said. "He started talking, and the next thing I know, he has an icepack on his cheek."
Uhuli was taken aback. "You do remember hitting him, right?"
Leinani shrugged. "I feel like that's something that I would remember, but I don't! He must of tripped and fell."
"You hit me!"
"Did not!"
"Did to!"
"How about I really hit you and show you what it's like?!"
Uhuli stepped in between them. He was only fifteen years old, but he had to act like their teacher and parent at times. He wasn't entirely sure if he was fully prepared for all of the responsibilities that came with being a gym leader. His first group of students were angels compared to the group he had now. Leinani and Enoka in particular always fought, and if they weren't fighting one another, then they'd fight the other students.
But, in a sense, he liked that they always fought. Leinani and Enoka had more fire to their personalities than any of his other students combined. They worked, trained, and studied at an Ice-type gym, and their presence brought some genuine heat. They were competitive, and if there was going to be a champion born in the Malie City gym, it was going to be either Leinani or Enoka.
"We have a lot of work to do," Uhuli muttered. "As your punishment, the both of you will be on cleaning duty for a week. You'll be cleaning the same rooms together at all times, got it?"
Enoka nodded. "Got it."
Leinani sighed and then crossed her arms. "A'ight."
"This battle will now resume!" the referee declared once Enoka and Leinani returned to their trainer's boxes.
"With three Pokémon left, Enoka has a small hill to climb! But, as we've seen from our Alolan competitors, we can't count them out until the battle is finished!" the announcer said.
Enoka slowly selected his Poké Ball. He raised it and then smiled at Leinani. "You know, you have me in a tough spot. It reminds me of when we were kids."
"What are you talking about?" Leinani said with an exasperated look on her face.
"Well, you'd beat me down. And, you'd beat me down. And, you'd beat me down. And, you'd-"
"I get it. I beat you up a lot."
Enoka ran his tongue across the inside of his cheek. "But, I never gave up on you! I never gave up on being your rival and your friend! And, look at where we're at now! At the very least, we're rivals! Would you say we're friends?"
Leinani shifted her eyes and looked at where a few of the gym leaders sat, including her old mentor, Uhuli. She shrugged. "I wouldn't say friends."
Enoka threw his Poké Ball to the field, and a pile of different colored oils materialized. The pile of sludge then started to stir before it revealed its eyes and large, gaping mouth.
"Well, even if you have me beaten down right now, I won't give up! And when we've finished this battle, you'll admit that we're friends!"
Leinani quickly pulled her ball from her belt and then threw it into the air. It exploded open, and the large Tyrantrum appeared.
"I don't think so," she barked.
"Begin!"
"Rex, use Head Smash!" Leinani ordered.
"Keep them back with Gunk Shot!"
Tyrantrum's large head started to glow white. He then bounded forward, shaking the field with every stomp. Muk then reached within himself, pulling out a pile of sludge from his body. He rounded backward and then tossed the sludge into the air. With Tyrantrum's head down, he couldn't see the oncoming attack. The sludge connected, but he simply continued on his rampage. He rammed his head into Muk, lifting the Poison-type into the air. Muk panicked and struggled. He fell to the ground and slinked slightly forward, finding safety under the enraged Tyrantrum.
"Flamethrower!" Enoka shouted.
"Fire Fang!"
Muk gaped open his mouth and took in a deep breath. Tyrantrum roared, and flames exploded from his jaw. Once Muk blasted his attack upward, Tyrantrum took a step back. He caught the flames with his mouth. Muk refused to relent, and the two Pokémon used their attacks to push against one another.
"Dragon Claw!" Leinani ordered.
Tyrantrum broke from the fiery struggle, and he held up his tiny arm. His claw became absorbed with arcane energy before it doubled in size. He moved in close and swiped, but Muk used his malleable body to duck and avoid the powerful strike.
"Now, Gunk Shot!" Enoka yelled.
Muk used both of his hands to scoop up sludge from his body. He threw the gunk upward, hitting Tyrantrum in the lower jaw. The Dragon-type roared as he began to stumble backward.
"Use Stone Edge!" Leinani instructed.
Up close, there appeared like there wasn't a lot that Muk could do. Tyrantrum stomped the ground, and five pillars of stone erupted around him. He roared, launching the five pillar toward Muk.
"Dodge! Dodge! Dodge!" Enoka shouted.
Muk duck, dove, and weaved through all of the pillars. One by one, they crashed into the ground, sending dirt and debris into the air. However, Muk managed to move through all five of them, seemingly only enraging Tyrantrum and Leinani.
"Keep it up!" Enoka exclaimed. "Use Gunk Shot!"
"Slice through it with Dragon Claw!" Leinani shouted.
Muk quickly collected the sludge required for his attack. He took aim and then threw it forward. However, Tyrantrum slashed through the attack with his arcane claws. Tyrantrum huffed and then looked at Muk, ready to tear the Pokémon apart at close-range.
"Keep going! Strike!" Leinani instructed.
Tyrantrum stomped forward and lifted his arm. He slashed downward, hitting Muk. Then, with one more slash, he violented batted Muk to the side. Muk landed in a pile of himself while Tyrantrum roared angrily, shaking the stadium.
But then, a purple aura appeared around Tyrantrum. His arcane claw faded away, and he stumbled from side to side.
"No!" Leinani shouted.
"We have another status condition in this battle, as Rexillius finds himself poisoned!" the announcer exclaimed.
Enoka eyed Muk and then Tyrantrum. His Pokémon remained slumped down while Tyrantrum thrashed around angrily. He knew, even with Tyrantrum's status, he was at the disadvantage.
"Venom Drench! Let's do this!" Enoka ordered while dramatically throwing one hand into the air.
"Fight through it! Let's use Head Smash!" Leinani instructed.
Tyrantrum shook his head and then looked forward. He roared and then started to stomp his way down the field. Muk looked at him and then clapped his hands together. A thin layer of liquid ooze sprayed from his hands, raining down on Tyrantrum. The maneuver did not stop the Dragon-type though, as he continued forward. He crashed his head down onto Muk once, immediately feeling some recoil.
Enoka lowered his hand. "Muk, you've done well. Memento!"
"Muk!" his Pokémon cried while flailing about. He released an orb of dark energy from his body. The orb exploded against Tyrantrum, who was surprised by the maneuver. Tyrantrum backed up and checked himself for damage, but nothing had happened. Then, the poison aura came over his body, and he let out a pained groan.
Leinani thrust her finger forward, prepared to make a command, but she was suddenly interrupted by the referee.
"Muk is unable to battle! Tyrantrum is the winner!" the referee said while holding up his orange flag.
"Tyrantrum is determined the winner of this battle, but with a poisonous status and a multitude of power reduction moves, I'm not sure if you could really say that Muk lost that battle," the announcer said.
"You only have two more Pokémon left. What kind of game are you playing?" Leinani asked.
Enoka quickly withdrew Muk and then revealed his next Poké Ball. "We're doing everything that we can! Go, Dhelmise!"
Enoka's ghostly Pokémon emerged onto the field and eyed Tyrantrum.
Charlotte folded her arms. "Kaiko, what is Enoka's final Pokémon?"
"Well, I can't be sure, but it is probably going to be Incineroar, right?" Kaiko answered.
"I see. I think that Rexillius is probably the biggest threat to Enoka's team. He had to make the risky call with his Muk to weaken Rexillius. He might look desperate, but he knows what he's doing," Charlotte said.
"Dhelmise, use Anchor Shot!" Enoka ordered.
Dhelmise pointed its anchor forward. Phantom energy surrounded its seaweed-like body, and it launched the anchor into the air. It connected directly with Tyrantrum, and the phantom energy created a dark aura around the Dragon-type.
"Fire Fang! Let's go!" Leinani ordered.
Tyrantrum roared and flames emerged from his mouth. He swiftly bit down onto the anchor, sending flames up its chain. The flames rapidly spread until they connected with Dhelmise's body, sending it into a frenzy of screaming.
"Keep it up, Rex! Use Stone Edge!" Leinani instructed.
Tyrantrum stuttered momentarily, fighting through the poison. But, he slowly lifted his leg and stomped it against the ground. Five more pillars of stone erupted from the field. With another roar, Tyrantrum sent them to the other side of the field.
"Power Whip! Break through them!" Enoka commanded.
As Dhelmise retracted its anchor, it extended out some of its seaweed-like body. Two massive vines came out from under its cloak, and they snapped forward, destroying the stone pillars with ease.
"Continue!" Enoka shouted.
Then, Dhelmise whipped them forward, grabbing ahold of Tyrantrum. The vines lifted the large Pokémon into the air. The Dragon-type didn't make it easy though, as he struggled to get free. But then, Dhelmise slammed the large Pokémon into the ground, sending dust and dirt into the air.
"Rex!" Leinani exclaimed.
The referee raised his purple flag. "Tyrantrum is unable to battle! Dhelmise is the winner!"
Leinani withdrew Tyrantrum and then held her Poké Ball tightly. She looked up and scowled at Enoka.
The two scrubbed the flooring around the battlefield. As punishment, Uhuli wouldn't allow them to use the regular mops, so they had to use old rags. To save on bills, Uhuli asked that they not use hot water. They would repeatedly have to get down on their knees, scrub until the rags were dirty, and then go and wash them with icy cold water.
Leinani had her earphones plugged into a clunky walkman that she attached to her belt. She blasted her music, drowning out any of the sounds from the outside world. Enoka was simply left with his thoughts.
On one of her many trips to the sink, Leinani was disappointed to see Enoka join her. She had tried to time it out so that they wouldn't interact. She put her rag in the water and started to rub it between her fingers. She looked up and saw that Enoka said something, but she couldn't hear a word. He repeated what he said, and she lamented, removing her earphones.
"What are you listening to?" he asked.
Leinani sighed. "Rap."
"Can I listen?"
Leinani frowned. "I don't think you'd like it. The rappers speak so fast that you can't really understand what they say."
"That sounds like it takes a lot of talent!" Enoka exclaimed.
"It does," Leinani said while she finished cleaning her rag. She then tried to put her earphone back in, but Enoka stopped her.
"Why don't we play your music over the speakers?" he suggested with a smile on his face.
Leinani put her hands on her hips. "A'ight. We can try, but I promise you won't like this."
"Try me!"
Enoka had often worked with the sound system in the gym, doing announcements during some of the battles. He was able to quickly attach Leinani's old-fashioned walkman to the speaker system and then play her rap.
"Louder!" Leinani shouted from below.
Enoka nodded and then turned the lever, making the volume increase. "This good?"
"Sure!"
Enoka stood up straight and walked down the steel steps to get to the field. Leinani was correct; he couldn't understand a single word from the song, as the rappers were too quick. He could make out a few words here and there, but full sentences and phrases were impossible. He enjoyed the rhythm of the song, which he bobbed his head to while he rubbed the rag against the ground.
Then, he heard a single word, a bad word. It was a word his mom told him to never use. His eyes widened, and he paused. He looked over at Leinani who didn't react to the word at all. He quickly stood up and ran to the bottom of the steel steps. If Uhuli heard the music that they were listening to, they were sure to get into more trouble.
"If you touch that volume, I'll break your face!" Leinani screamed, stopping Enoka in his tracks.
"We can't fight anymore!" Enoka exclaimed. He reeled back once he saw Leinani stand up straight. "And there are bad words on this song! If Uhuli hears it, he'll get mad!"
Leinani stomped in close. She grabbed Enoka by the collar and then slightly pushed him back. "There is no such thing as a bad word! There are bad people and bad intentions, but there are no bad words!"
"I'm-I'm sorry!" Enoka exclaimed. He held up his hands.
Leinani let him go. "Anyways, if Uhuli has a problem with us playing this music, then I'll take the blame. You're too soft to listen to this kind of music as it is."
"I'm not soft!"
"Then, why are you trying to turn down the music?"
"Because of the b-"
Leinani scowled.
"I'm not trying to do anything!"
Leinani looked at Enoka one more time. She cracked her neck, turned around, and returned back to where she was cleaning before.
"Boombox, you're back up!" Leinani shouted. Her Pokémon emerged in the air, and slowly lost some of her hair. She was still worn down from the battles with Crabominable and Forretress. "You don't gotta do much! Just do your best! Use Zap Cannon!"
Vikavolt screeched and tried to start up her electric attack. However, no electricity gathered at the end of her mandibles.
"Nothing is happening," Kaiko muttered.
Charlotte nodded. "Leinani has relied too much on Zap Cannon during this battle. She won't be able to use it anymore."
Enoka clapped his hands together. "You may have won the first half of this battle, but we've been setting up for the second half! Dhelmise, use Phantom Force!"
A violent portal of purple energy ripped open in the air before Dhelmise. The Pokémon slowly backed away into it, disappearing from the field.
Leinani crouched slightly. "Boombox, he can come out from anywhere. Use your speed, and get out of the way."
They waited for a few more moments. Nothing happened.
"Get ready," Leinani muttered, knowing that as soon as she became impatient, Dhelmise would reappear.
The air behind Vikavolt suddenly ripped open. Dhelmise reached out its seaweed-like appendages, but Vikavolt was prepared. She rocketed into the air, narrowly avoiding Dehlmise's grasp.
"Dhelmise, bring them down! Use Anchor Shot!" Enoka shouted.
Dhelmise came through the portal and pointed his anchor upward. He launched it, but Vikavolt was too fast and too high. Dhelmise's anchor came crashing back to the ground, landing on the other side of the field.
"Ah, how disappointing!" Leinani exclaimed. "Bug Buzz and make it good!"
Vikavolt turned her body around and flapped her wings rapidly. She generated dark green energy around her body and then started a wild descent. She crashed into Dhelmise, who let out a pained groan.
"Retract!" Enoka instructed.
Dhelmise grunted and then heaved. It pulled onto its anchor, rapidly bringing it back to its body. However, it stopped once it hit Vikavolt, dragging her to the ground. The Bug-type was then trapped, unable to get out from under the weight of the anchor.
Enoka sighed with relief and then examined the field. "As long as she's trapped, there's nowhere for her to go! Use Earthquake!"
Dhelmise started to spin its helm. With one quick dive, it crashed into the ground, causing fissures to spread out from its crater. The fissures worked their way over to Vikavolt and the anchor. Vikavolt let out a cry as the ground shook and erupted under her. Bits of the earth flew up in the air, and when the shaking stopped, everything went quiet.
"Vikavolt is unable to battle! Dhelmise is the winner!" the referee exclaimed.
"Enoka is making quite the quick comeback! This officially leaves both of our trainers with two Pokémon!" the announcer screamed.
Leinani withdrew Vikavolt and tucked away her Poké Ball. She looked at Dhelmise as it retracted its anchor and then peered down to her side where Rowlet stood. She closed her eyes and considered her options.
"Come back, Dhelmise!" Enoka exclaimed, breaking Leinani's train of thought. He lifted his Poké Ball and let the red light absorb his Pokémon.
"It looks like Enoka is making a quick substitution! What kind of play is this?" the announcer wondered.
"Go, Incineroar!"
In a flash, Enoka's signature Pokémon emerged. He flexed his muscles and roared before looking down the field at Leinani and Rowlet.
"Looks like you'll have to wait a little bit longer," Leinani said. "Go, Mixtape!"
Enoka sneered.
Wishiwashi appeared in the air before he slowly dropped into the water with a light plop. His body then surged with energy as he became filled with the power of his school. He took his giant form and roared, shaking the stadium from under the water.
"Go, Mr. Mix!" Kaiko cheered.
"You forced my hand! Use Hydro Pump!" Leinani ordered.
"Dodge it!"
Wishiwashi emerged from the water and gaped open his mouth. He unleashed a powerful stream of water from his mouth, tearing up some of the field. But, Incineroar was prepared. He side-stepped the attack and then started a forward dash.
"Go under! Use Earthquake!" Leinani yelled.
Wishiwashi quickly withdrew his head back into the water. He swam forward and then rammed his body into the underside of the field. The battlefield began to shake, but before the fissures could track down Incineroar, he leaped into the air.
"Incineroar is too fast. We'll have to take a different approach," Leinani thought.
"Bring it on, Leilei!" Enoka shouted. "Thunder Punch!"
"Show no fear! Double-Edge!"
As Incineroar came back down from the air, Wishiwashi leaped out of one of the pools. He slammed his body into Incineroar, who tried to punch, but the sheer size of his opponent overwhelmed him. Both of the Pokémon came crashing back down to the field, causing an explosion of smoke.
Enoka looked at both of the Pokémon. Incineroar slowly pushed himself back up while Wishiwashi struggled to move around on the land. He raised his Poké Ball. "Incineroar, return!"
"Wait, what?" Leinani wondered.
Without wasting a single second, Enoka pulled out Dhelmise's Poké Ball and then threw it forward. "Anchor Shot!"
Dhelmise materialized once again. It pointed its anchor straight at Wishiwashi, and with a heave, it launched its anchor down the field. It was carried by Dhelmise's phantom energy, and once it connected, the energy made its way onto Wishiwashi's body.
"What is he doing?" Leinani wondered out loud. She lifted her Poké Ball to withdraw Wishiwashi, but the red light seemingly refused to take the Water-type back. "No way! Wishiwashi, roll back into one of the pools!"
Wishiwashi groaned and then started to roll. It didn't take long, and eventually, he submerged himself back into some water.
Charlotte unfolded her arms and then sat forward. "So, he baited her into using Wishiwashi."
"Mr. Mixtape," Kaiko said, correcting her.
"No matter. It looks like Enoka has Leinani figured out. She has to do something drastic if she wants to make this comeback," Charlotte said.
On the other side of the stadium, Guzma looked down at Uhuli. The Ice-type gym leader sat with his arms crossed. He hadn't reacted the entirety of the match.
"Yo, Uhuli, who do you got?" Guzma shouted.
Uhuli looked back and shrugged. "I don't know, but I'm invested, so be quiet."
"The worst thing you could do is trap me in with you!" Leinani exclaimed. "Ice Beam!"
"Dhelmise, fight back with Anchor Shot!" Enoka shouted.
Wishiwashi's head came up from under the water. He took in air and then unleashed a jagged beam of ice. Dhelmise responded by reeling backward. It pulled on its anchor and swung it around. The anchor met with the jagged beam of ice, deflecting Wishiwashi's attack on contact.
Enoka cocked his head. "Show them that you're not afraid of water! Go under!"
Dhelmise moved its body back and then let itself drop into the water. The eye on its helm shifted around, looking for Wishiwashi.
"An underwater battle?" Leinani wondered. "You're dumb."
"Power Whip!" Enoka ordered.
"We won't lose! Ice Beam!"
Dhelmise extended out its seaweed. It thrust them forward, whipping out large vines from its body. Wishiwashi responded by releasing one more jagged beam of ice. The water that surrounded the ice instantly froze, and when it connected with Dhelmise's appendages, the Ghost-type let out a pained shriek. The vines were completely frozen, and the beam continued down the pool. Dhelmise was struck, and it began to sink even further below.
"Double-Edge!" Leinani commanded with a grin on her face.
"You're not going to trick me again!" Enoka snapped. "Phantom Force!"
Wishiwashi barreled down the pool, destroying the ice as he swam through it. But once he reached Enoka's side of the field, Dhelmise had already disappeared into its portal. Wishiwashi didn't have to wait long though.
"Anchor Shot!"
Dhelmise emerged from the side with its anchor pointed upward. It shot it forward, hitting the large Pokémon in the gut. Wishiwashi was forced down a few feet, but he quickly turned his body and looked up at Dhelmise.
Leinani snapped her fingers. "Oh yeah! Hydro Pump!"
Wishiwashi used the water around him to quickly gather the energy necessary for his attack. He blasted a concentrated stream of water from his mouth, sending Dhelmise out of the pool and back into the air.
Enoka stuck out his hand. "End this! Use Earthquake!"
Leinani glared and took in a deep breath. "Use your own Earthquake!"
Dhelmise came back to the ground, and it drove its anchor into the field. Below, Wishiwashi rammed his body into the underbelly of the field. What followed was shaking more violently than the Aether Foundation had been prepared for. Not only the field, but the entire stadium shook.
"Hold on!" Kaiko exclaimed.
Everything went silent. Dhelmise looked around with its singular eye, unsure of what to make of the attacks.
Suddenly, water erupted from all of the pools. A tsunami of energy formed, and it came crashing down onto the field. Enoka and Leilani were able to escape, but Dhelmise was not as lucky. The waves engulfed the Pokémon, and as the water level slowly decreased the trainers made their way back to their positions.
The referee, who was now soaked from the water, slowly raised his orange flag. "Dhelmise is unable to battle! Wishiwashi is the winner!"
"Amazing!" the announcer excitedly exclaimed, unable to find any other words at the time. "I've never seen anything like that! Wishiwashi and Dhelmise clash with their earth-shaking attack, which ultimately leads to a tidal wave! Unfortunately for Dhelmise, it's not a great swimmer!"
The red light of Enoka's Poké Ball gathered Dhelmise. He put the ball back on his belt and then sighed. "Dhelmise fought hard. We're on our last Pokémon, but don't think that we're behind!"
Leinani folded her arms. "But, you are behind?"
Enoka gripped his final Poké Ball tightly. "We won't lose! Go, Incineroar!"
Incineroar returned to the field and flexed his muscles. His appeal to the crowd quickly came to an end once he looked down and realized that his feet were wet.
"Incine?" the Pokémon wondered.
"How are you gonna beat us if you can't touch us?" Leinani asked.
Enoka touched his forefinger to his temple. "Like this! Thunder Punch!"
"Incineroar!" his Pokémon called. He flexed, and electricity exploded from his right fist. He jabbed at the puddle, electrifying every inch of the field. Below, Wishiwashi started to screech. He couldn't escape, and within a matter of moments, his body took on a white glow. He rapidly started to shrink, and he returned to his solo form.
Enoka crossed his arms and ran his tongue through the inside of his bottom lip. "Gonna call it quits for Mix?"
"No," Leinani snapped. "Hydro Pump!"
Although Wishiwashi now lacked the power, he still had the speed. He quickly dashed down the field, leaped out of one of the pools and released the biggest spout of concentrated water he could. The blast connected with Incineroar, taking him by surprise and making him do a backroll.
"Recover and use Darkest Lariat!"
Incineroar continued his roll until he was back on his feet. His arms instantly became engulfed in black energy, and he bounded forward. He reeled his body backward and then twisted, ramming his forearm into Wishiwashi. The small Pokémon flew backward, but before he could fly past Leinani and hit the wall, he was withdrawn by the red light of his Dive Ball.
Leinani sighed and then exchanged looks with the referee.
"Wishiwashi is unable to battle! Incineroar is the winner!"
"Here it is, folks! We're at the final stretch of this battle!" the announcer said.
Leinani looked down at Rowlet. She then looked back to the field, watching as all of the water finally drained back into the pools. "You're up."
"Row!" the Pokémon trilled as she flew out to the field.
One Year Prior
"It is with great pride that I bestow upon you your trainer's license!" Uhuli said. He held out a certificate with black lettering and a golden stamp of authenticity.
Enoka took it with both hands. "Th-thank you, Uhuli! I'll do my best!"
"Enoka, you're one of the smartest students that I've ever had. Trust your head as you continue on your journey. If I could give you any advice, it'd be to keep your chin up even when faced with adversity. Hold your ground."
Enoka sighed and then weakly smiled. He looked to the side at his friend, rival, and schoolyard bully, Leinani. She tried to stifle her laughter.
"You're a scaredy-cat," Leinani whispered.
Uhuli simply rolled his eyes and then continued. "Leinani, you've done a good job over the past few years. Sometimes, I believed that I couldn't teach you. You're too hard-headed. Try to be open to more possibilities. Try to be nicer to people. You'll be a great trainer, but you'll earn no respect with a bad attitude. Here is your license."
Leinani took it with one hand and then examined it. "It's just a paper? This is all that we need to go out and catch Pokémon?"
Uhuli closed his eyes and backed away. He looked at the faces of all his students. "You worked hard, for many years, to earn this right. Most of you will be going out, traveling, and having intense battles with new friends and rivals. Some of you will be getting your first Pokémon and then will go back to school. No matter what path you've decided on, I'm proud of you. I look forward to seeing what kind of trainers and people you all become."
"We did it, Leilei," Enoka exclaimed in a hushed tone.
"You thought that we wouldn't?" Leinani asked.
"I thought you'd get us in trouble," Enoka responded.
"We've divided you into different groups. It's a tradition that we give out starter Pokémon in groups of three. As some of you know, we're partnered with Po Town's gym. Some of you will be grouped with a trainer or two from there. Please be kind to them, but never be afraid to show them how powerful our trainers are!" Uhuli exclaimed. He continued, "Some of you have decided to keep our Alolan tradition alive and will be doing the Island Challenge. I wish you luck. It was what I did. Others will be challenging the gyms."
Leinani and Enoka couldn't help but grin.
"I'll be waiting for you," Uhuli exclaimed. He slyly peered at his two top students.
"Dibs on Litten," Leinani muttered.
"You can't call dibs!" Enoka shouted.
"I just did! What are you gonna do about it?"
"It's not fair! How about rock-paper-scissors?"
"Rock-paper-scissors? What are you, five?"
"Uhuli, Leinani called me five!"
"Uhuli, Enoka's acting five!"
Uhuli pinched the bridge of his nose. "May Tapu Bulu watch over the both of you."
"This is interesting," Enoka said as he examined the two Pokémon. "The Rowlet who refuses to evolve versus my mighty Incineroar. If you are able to pull this off, Leinani, then you'll be a worthy champion."
"DJ, we'll show no fear!" Leinani yelled. She began to stomp her feet rhythmically. "Let's go!"
"Row!"
"Incineroar!"
"It's the final battle of the day, and we're about to see who will be moving on to face Naomi Morgan in the finals! These two trainers from Malie City are giving it everything they got, and from the looks of it, this battle is just getting started!" the announcer yelled into the microphone. The crowd started to cheer louder than at any other time in the conference.
"Incineroar, Thunder Punch!" Enoka commanded.
Incineroar let out a battle cry. He extended his arm, and electric sparks began to shoot off of his massive fist. He bounded down the field and held his arm back, preparing to jab at Rowlet.
"DJ, dodge!"
Rowlet swooped low, ducking under Incineroar's attempt at a jab.
"And Leaf Blade!"
Rowlet's wings became absorbed with a green color. They extended, and she struck, hitting Incineroar in the midsection. The Fire-type tried to strike once more, but although his body was larger, his reach wasn't as long.
"Darkest Lariat! Hit 'em hard!" Enoka shouted.
Incineroar's arm was then engulfed in black. He brought the entirety of his body forward, but Rowlet quickly rocketed into the air, avoiding the maneuver.
"Shadow Claw!" Leinani ordered.
Rowlet flipped forward. Her talons became entrapped with purple phantasmic powers. She then quickly descended, driving her talons into Incineroar's shoulder.
Incineroar roared and then glanced up at Rowlet. He tried to move his arm, but Rowlet had put so much pressure on his shoulder, he found it impossible to move.
"Cross Chop!" Enoka yelled.
Incineroar lifted his right arm and focused his chi. He quickly recoiled, tearing himself away from Rowlet. He jabbed with his left palm, but Rowlet descended and dodged.
"Yeah!" Leinani cheered. She punched the air, but her smile quickly faded.
Incineroar went low, and he jabbed forward with only his right arm. He punched Rowlet in the beak, and chi exploded off of his fist. The Flying-type was tossed back, and she flapped her wings furiously as she tried to find some sort of balance.
Enoka punched forward. "Keep up the pressure! Use Thunder Punch!"
"Defend with Steel Wing!"
Incineroar dove forward and lifted his arm. He quickly struck, but his momentum was suddenly stopped. Rowlet had got both of her wings up in time, shielding herself from the electrified strike.
"And Leaf Blade!" Leinani yelled.
Rowlet broke off from Incineroar and then flew upward. She extended her wing and then drove it into Incineroar's cheek. The Fire-type winced but didn't move from his position. Once he opened his eyes, he started to laugh to himself.
"Use Darkest Lariat!" Enoka commanded.
Incineroar shifted his body, letting Rowlet fly to the side slightly. He then raised both of his arms, clasping his paws together. With one swift motion, he hammered down onto Rowlet, throwing her into the ground. Dust and dirt flew up into the air, cloaking the Pokémon momentarily.
"DJ is tired from all of the battles," Charlotte commented. "I'm not sure if she can keep up with Incineroar."
"But, Incineroar has fought just as much as DJ, right?" Kaiko wondered.
"Maybe she's fought as much, but her battles have been much more intense. Even if she wins this fight, she won't be able to battle tomorrow," Charlotte said. "Be careful!"
Leinani looked at the dirt cloud and then glared at Incineroar. "DJ, use Brave Bird!"
The dust and dirt suddenly wafted away. Flame-like white energy exploded from Rowlet's body. She then rocketed forward, running her body into Incineroar. The Fire-type was lifted off of the ground, but he maneuvered his body so that he wasn't carried by Rowlet's momentum. Incineroar hit the ground while Rowlet continued into the air.
"Here's our chance!" Leinani exclaimed. She held her arm forward, and her Z-Ring started to glow white. As Rowlet ascended, Leinani began to strike the necessary poses to build up energy. "Supersonic Skystrike!"
White flames exploded from around Leinani, and they quickly found their way to the airborne Rowlet. She let out a powerful trill as she was engulfed. Then, she started to fall back down to the earth. Before Enoka could give a command, Rowlet swooped low. She slammed her body into Incineroar, causing a massive explosion of smoke.
Rowlet then turned her body, spun around, and returned to her side of the field. She landed on the ground, roughly ten feet away from Leinani, and she found it difficult to stay up on her own two feet.
Leinani and Rowlet gazed out at the smoke that hid Incineroar. They hoped that the wind would soon blow it away, and they found find Incineroar knocked out. Leinani would be declared the winner, and they could both sleep.
But then, the smoke quickly wafted away. Black energy encircled Incineroar, who looked at Rowlet with killer intent in his eyes. He gritted his teeth as he and Enoka began to perform their ritualistic dance.
"Our turn! Malicious Moonsault!" Enoka commanded.
"Brace yourself!" Leinani shouted.
"Incineroar!" the Pokémon cried out as he started his violent spin. He barreled down the field, ripping through the already torn-up stones and bits of earth. The black energy swallowed him, turning into a tornado of darkness. He crashed into Rowlet, and the Flying-type was engulfed momentarily. Everything suddenly went quiet for half a second, and the tornado imploded in on itself. Rowlet was left where she was attacked, but Incineroar quickly retreated, gaining some distance.
Incineroar fell to one leg while Rowlet stumbled forward.
"Oh no! Is it over?" the announcer wondered.
"Not yet!" both trainers exclaimed in unison.
The referee eyed them both.
"Brave Bird! End this!"
"Flare Blitz!"
The Pokémon were both surrounded by energy. They did everything that they could to gain speed. They dashed forward, Incineroar with a limp and Rowlet at a pace much slower than before. They collided in the middle of the field, and an explosion ensued. Enoka and Leinani both covered their faces to try to block any of the flying bits of dust and sand that blew their way.
"That's sure to be it!" Charlotte exclaimed. She stood up from her seat.
Kaiko remained seated. He held his hands together and prayed for DJ's health.
Ulani sat forward and bit the nail on her thumb. Guzma responded with a grin. He crossed his legs and enjoyed the suspense.
Uhuli tried to look relaxed, but his heart beat so rapidly he felt like it could have ripped out of his chest.
Then, the referee raised his purple flag.
Leinani's shoulders relaxed, and Enoka's eyes widened.
"Rowlet is unable to battle! Incineroar is the winner! The victory goes to Enoka!" the referee announced.
The crowd erupted into cheers, and the announcer started to do his usually excitedly ramblings. But, Leinani couldn't hear anything. It was as though, for the first time in her life, she was deaf. She ran onto the field to meet with her Rowlet, who was still conscious, if only barely. Had she continued to battle though, the effects of the battle would have been permanent.
Leinani knelt and scooped up DJ. "Don't feel bad. You did good. I'm proud of you, DJ. I love you so much." Leinani tried to fight back tears, but she couldn't help it. Her cheeks were doused with dirt and tears.
"Leilei," a voice called.
Leinani opened her eyes, finding Enoka in front of her. He also had tears running down his face.
"Stop crying," Leinani managed to say.
Enoka didn't snap back, as he was so used to doing. Instead, he held out his hand. "Good battle!"
Leinani nodded. She didn't shake Enoka's hand though. She reached out, making a fist. Enoka balled his hand into a fist, and they lightly punched one another, Leinani making sure to hit harder.
"Good battle," she muttered.
AUTHOR'S NOTES:
Another battle that I've wanted to write for years. I'm glad that it's finally over.
Next chapter, we'll wrap up the finals of the Manalo Conference!
REVIEWS:
iM 0bLiVi0uS - "Man it's been awhile. Just finished catching up on chapters. As always excellent work." - Thank you for the review! Keep an eye on Leinani's story, and I'm sure you'll be entertained!