AN: Please enjoy the chapter.
Ch 30 The Final Badge and a Farewell
(Insert Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gym Leader Battle Music (HQ)
"Baltoy! Use Gyro Ball to deflect the combo!" Steven cried out to the Clay Doll Pokemon.
Baltoy started to spin as a metallic aura covered the Duel-type. Three barriers appeared as the Water Pulse-powered Blizzard hurled at him.
"Baltoy," The Clay Doll Pokemon used Gyro Ball and was able to deflect the Combo Attack.
Juan was intrigued, never he seen Gyro Ball used like a shield before. "Interesting, I've never seen Gyro Ball used like that before," The Gym Leader commented,
Steven smirks confidently, "That's not the only thing I got!" He held out his hand to his Pokemon, ready to make the next move.
"Armaldo, Fury Cutter on Sealeo!" Steven ordered the Plate Pokemon.
"Armaldo!" The Duel-type's claws took on the same light green hue and rushed at the Ball Roll Pokemon.
The Gym Leader smirks, "Rollout, Sealeo!" Juan raised his hand,
Sealeo raised his head back before ultimately starting to roll at the Fossil Pokemon.
Both Pokemon's attacks clashed with each other causing a small explosion.
Armaldo leaps back onto the same patch of land on the Battlefield, he shook off the damage he took. "Armaldo,"
Steven clicked his tongue, seeing that Armaldo's Furry Cutter was blocked.
Back in the audience, everyone was watching the Battle closely. Juan's Pokemon was really tough, the most impressive is how Steven's Pokemon was able to keep up with his.
"Juan's Pokemon is on a different level than the previous Gyms," Roxanne observes the differences between Juan's Pokemon and the other Gym Leaders.
Wallace leans back in his seat, crossing his arms. "This is the final Gym in the Hoenn Gym run." The teal-haired Champion answered his friend's comment. "Of course, Sensei is the strongest Gym Leader in the Hoenn Region."
"Though a Double Battle? That's something you don't see every day." Helena commented, only seen a few times during those simulations back in school.
Brawly nodded, "Being the last Gym Leader means that Juan has to challenge to Challengers." The Fighting-type trainer explains to his friends. "He's testing us on how we can adapt to different situations during Battle."
"That's why his Battles are known to be the hardest throughout Hoenn," Wallace added to Brawly's comment. "He uses what he knows from the Pokemon Contest and put it in his Battle Style."
Flannery agreed with what the two were saying. "A tough nut to crack if you catch my drift."
"I see," Helena understood what they meant. With every moment she
"Kirlia," Kirlia commented, watching the Battle unfold.
"Let's mix it up a bit, Seaking use Scald on Baltoy and Sealeo, Blizzard on Armaldo!" Juan ordered his Pokemon.
Seaking leaps in the air, pulling back his head and opening his mouth. "Seaking!" Boiling water hurls over the Clay Doll Pokemon.
"Sea…leo!" The Duel-type opened his mouth, releasing a powerful cold wind at Armaldo.
Steven quickly thought of something and held out his hand to his Pokemon. "Baltoy, Gyro ball once more, and Armaldo Iron Tail on Baltoy!" The Steel-blue haired trainer cried out.
Juan smirks, seeing the strategy Steven came up with.
"Baltoy," The Duel-type leaps in the air, beginning to spin rapidly and taking a metallic color.
The Fossil Pokemon leaps in the air as well, his tail took on a metallic color too. "Armal…do!" He swung his tail at Baltoy, launching him at the two Water-types.
Baltoy was shot at super speed by the Iron Tail boosting him. The Gyro Ball broke through the Blizzard and Scald and impacted Sealeo.
"Sealeo!" The Roll Ball Pokemon cried, dealing a lot of damage from the powered Steel-type move.
"Keep up the momentum, Armaldo, X-Scissor on Seaking!" Steven ordered his Fossil Pokemon.
Following his trainer's orders, Armaldo dashed forward. The claws took on a light green color and raised them against the Goldfish Pokemon.
"Too hasty," Juan smirks,
Steven was startled by Juan's sudden comment. "Seaking, Mudshot,"
"Seaking," A brown substance was shot from the Water-type's mouth, hitting Armaldo on the abdomen. Even though the damage was cut in half, the Duel-type landed in the water, causing him to panic.
Steven steps forward, worried for his Pokemon. "Armaldo!" He knew that Armaldo can't be in water due to the typing.
"Now, finish it off with a Horn Drill!" The Gym Leader acted quickly on the opening.
Seaking was fast in the water, his horn began to spin rapidly and rushed at Armaldo.
"Armaldo!" Seaking landed a critical hit as the Light Screen broke and struck Armaldo on his chest.
The Fossil Pokemon was sent flying back to the patch of land in front of Steven. "Armaldo!" Steven cried, seeing the spirals in his Pokemon's eyes.
Milford raised his flag at Steven's side, "Armaldo is unable to Battle, please send in your third Pokemon." He announced.
Steven took out his Pokeball and aims it at his partner. "Good job Armaldo, get some rest." He called back the Plate Pokemon.
Once Armaldo returned to his Pokeball, Steven looks back at the Battlefield. Baltoy was still waiting for instructions. 'The Sunny Day is still out so I still have the chance to have an upper hand in this.' He mentally thought.
Steven took out his third Pokeball, "Cradily, it's your turn!" He tosses his Pokeball in the air.
The Pokeball released a lime-green plant-like Pokemon with pink tendrils that appeared on the Battlefield. "Cray," Cradily cried out.
"Cradily, now that's a good choice," Sebastian commented, seeing the young master's strategy.
Lydia nodded, seeing what her Butler sees. "Armaldo using Sunny Day and sending out Cradily is a smart move." She added, proud that her Son is thinking straight.
Steven/ Cradily and Baltoy vs Juan/ Sealeo and Seaking
"Now things are going as planned, Baltoy take in the Sunlight for a Solar Beam!" Steven ordered his newest Pokemon.
The Duel-type raises his head to the sky, using the Sunny Day to his advantage. "Bal…" Baltoy took in the Sunlight, prepping for a Solar Beam.
Juan held out his hand to Sealeo. "Nice try, but a Solar Beam needs time to charge. Sealeo Ice Beam on Baltoy!" He ordered the Water/Ice-type Pokemon, "And Seaking, Scald on Baltoy too!"
"Seaking!" Seaking released boiling water, hurling for Baltoy.
"Sealeo!" Sealeo opened his mouth, releasing light blue lighting at Baltoy,
Steven smirks, anticipating that move. "Cradily, Power Whip!"
Cradily leaps in front of Baltoy as her tendrils glowed a green hue. "Cray!" The tendrils extend forward at the Water-types. The tendrils blocked the Ice Beam and froze them in place.
However, Cradily can still go on the attack. "Cray!"
Juan saw the attack and acted accordingly. "Both of you, dive into the water!" He ordered his two Pokemon on the field but was too late.
The frozen tendrils slammed into both Sealeo and Seaking took the hit, earning a critical hit in the process. "What!?" Juan was taken aback, as did everyone watching the battle.
Both Sealeo and Seaking were together on a small patch of land by Cradily's Power Whip, making them a bigger target.
"Now, Solar Beam Baltoy!" Steven cried out to his newest Pokemon.
Baltoy leaps in the air, aiming the white light at the two opponents before him. "Toy!"
The Clay Doll Pokemon released a beam of solar energy and hurled straight for the two.
"Dive i-" The Solar Beam hit the two Water-types on land, giving another Critical hit on them.
In the audience, everyone shielded their eyes from the bright light of the Solar Beam.
"T-That's one powerful Solar Beam," Flannery commented on the bright light on the Battlefield.
"Baltoy must've done massive damage to Seaking and Sealeo." Brawly tried to look at the Battlefield but placed his hands over his eyes.
Soon the light faded, revealing two fainted Pokemon. Both Sealeo and Seaking have spirals in their eyes, indicating they have been defeated.
"Wow, a Double knockout." Wallace froze, shocked by the outcome. He let out a small chuckle at how unexpected the first round of the Gym Battle was.
Helena and Kirlia were also surprised by the Double knockout, "Steven was setting up for that attack, Solar Beam is a powerful Grass-type move." She turns to Lydia and her friends. "Isn't that what he was going for?"
Lydia nodded, seeing her Son's strategy. "He was but, having Armaldo taken out like that isn't what he intended." The white-haired woman stated. "It just so happens that Cradily filled that role."
"So Steven was meant to return Armaldo back but wasn't quick enough…" Helena nodded, understanding what his plan was supposed to be.
Back on the Battlefield Milford raised his flag to Juan's side of the field. "Both Sealeo and Seaking are unable to battle," Milford announced.
Juan blinks a few times, a bit surprised by the sudden turn. He lets out a small chuckle, taking out two of his Pokeballs. "Well, that was very cunning. Having Baltoy leap in the air to distract me and Cradily stepping in to protect him…very cunning indeed."
"Sealeo, Seaking, return. You two performed well." Juan smiles, appreciating his Pokemon's hard work. He took out two more Pokeball from his belt. "Now, Steven let's see how you fare with my strongest Pokemon." He tossed up his Pokeball,
"Milotic, Kingdra! It's your turn to shine!" The Pokeball released two Water-type Pokemon.
An elegant Milotic with her scales glinting from the light.
The next one is a large Seahorse with a coral-like structure on its head and back.
Both Pokemon cried out, ready to Battle for their trainer.
'Those must be Juan's aces; from the cry they are powerful.' Steven thought, observing how they cried with confidence.
"Steven?" The Steel-blue haired boy looked up at Juan, hearing him call his name. "Are you ready?" The Gym Leader asked the Challenger.
Steven looks at his Cradily and Baltoy, having faith in them. "All right, I'm ready."
Milford raised his flags, "Battle Begin!"
Steven/ Cradily and Baltoy vs Juan/ Kingdra and Milotic
"Cradily, use Ingrain and Baltoy use Light Screen once more!" Steven ordered his Pokemon at the Battlefield.
Cradily raised her head, "Cray," Light green translucent roots dug themselves into the patch of land that the Fossil Pokemon was on.
"Baltoy!" Baltoy took on a pinkish hue as three Barriers appeared before both him and Cradily.
"This again, then we'll just have to break through it." Juan held out his hand to his Pokemon. "Milotic use Aqua Tail on Baltoy, Kingdra, Dragon Breath!" The Gym Leader ordered his Pokemon.
Milotic leaps from the water, gathering the splash into her tail. A large spiraling water funnel was at the tail of the Tender Pokemon.
"Baltoy, Gyro Ball for protection!" Steven knew Cradily will take little damage from the Water Move, but Baltoy was a different story. "Cradily, Ancient Power on Kingdra!"
"Cray!" Cradily raised her head, as rocks with Fossil appeared. She launched them at Kingdra, about to release his Dragon Breath.
"Nice try, jump!" Juan smirks.
Kingdra leaps in the air, bouncing on the rocks that Cradily launched.
Baltoy quickly spun around, taking a metallic color at the incoming attack.
The Dragon Pokemon released green smoke at Baltoy, covering him in a dense fog.
"B-Baltoy…" Though the Light Screen was still in effect; Baltoy stopped spinning, losing the metallic coloration.
Steven was shocked, Dragon Breath has paralyzed his Partner. "What? He's paralyzed!?" He exclaims at the sudden outcome.
Soon Milotic swung her Aqua Tail into Baltoy, causing him to fly back. "Baltoy!" Steven swiftly turned his head to the Clay Doll Pokemon, flinching when he slams into the wall.
Both Milotic and Kingdra landed back in the water, waiting for more orders from their trainer.
The smoke cleared, revealing Baltoy unable to continue.
Milford rushed over, raising his flag at Steven's side. "Baltoy is unable, please bring out your next Pokemon." The Butler asked Steven.
"Wait, doesn't this mean that both Juan and Steven are at their final two Pokemon?" Roxanne asked her friends.
Helena nodded, confirming the brunette's question. "That's right, it's a two-on-two Battle. Steven's Pokemon is probably-"
"His Metang, the strongest Pokemon he got in his team." Wallace folded his hands together, smirking behind them. "I'm curious who'll win."
"Kirlia," Kirlia agreed with the Champion.
"Bra, it's going to be Steven. He got it in the bag." The sky-blue-haired trainer stated, having full confidence in their friend.
Flannery nodded, hoping that he would claim victory. "Yeah, Steven's been training for this. This is the final hurdle before entering the Pokemon League." The red-haired girl stated,
Lydia remained quiet, watching her Son closely. 'Come on Son, you can do it.' She grips her fist together, praying to Arceus.
Steven took out his final Pokemon, being the last one he can bring out. "Metang! It's up to you!" He tosses his Partner's Pokeball, releasing the Shiny Pokemon floating above the Battlefield.
Milford steps back on the Referee's side, raising his flags. "This is the final round in this Double Battle, whoever gets the opponent's Pokemon out will claim victory." He announced, looking at both sides of the Battlefield.
"Battle begin!"
Steven/ Metang and Cradily vs Juan/ Milotic and Kingdra
"Metang, Bullet Punch! Cradily, Power Whip!" Steven points to Juan's Pokemon,
"Cray!" The Barnacle Pokemon's tendrils glowed a green hue before hurling them at the opponent.
Metang's arms took on a metallic color, "Metang!" He charged forward, aiming for Milotic.
Juan smiles, pointing to Metang. "Kingdra, stop Metang with Hydro Pump then Milotic, Dragon Dance, and leap forward at Cradily!" He ordered his Pokemon,
Kingdra released a powerful burst of water from his snout,
The Hydro Pump rushed towards Metang, but he dodged it and appeared in front of the Dragon Pokemon.
"Metang's faster!" Brawly noticed the sudden blur from Steven's Partner.
"Met…ang!" Metang hits Kingdra with his Bullet Punch, causing him to be thrown in the air.
During that timeframe, Milotic leaps from the water, and her body began to take a purple aura. She hurls right to the Power Whip.
"What is Juan doing?" Flannery asked, unsure what Milotic was doing. "Isn't that risky to do with a Grass-type move?"
Sebastian smiles, "I think he does, he's purposely-"
Milotic was caught in Cradily's Power Whip, taking little damage thanks to the Dragon Dance acting as a barrier.
Juan looks at Kingdra, splashing nearby. "Kingdra, are you alright?"
Kingdra shook his head before nodding to his Partner's question.
"Good, Milotic! Spin and use Twister!" Juan shouted to his Pokemon.
Milotic cried out as her body began to twist and turn. Soon air gathered around the Tender Pokemon and created a vacuum.
"C-C-Cray…" Cradily was being dragged by the Twister. The Ingrain she did is healing her in the meantime but was failing as she was inches away from the ground.
Steven saw this and acted accordingly. "Metang, help Cradily with Zen Headbutt!" He said quickly.
The Iron Claw Pokemon rushed forward as a barrier appeared on his head. "Metang!"
Before Metang could reach his friend, Cradily was dragged into the Twister.
"What!?" Steven was shocked, he saw the Fossil Pokemon spinning around from Milotic's Twister. "How is that possible?"
"Nothing is impossible when you're a former Coordinator!" Juan laughs, before moving to the next step. "Now, Milotic slam Cradily into the water!"
Milotic ceased her Twister and moved her slender body for Cradily into the water.
"Cray!" Cradily splashes into the water, struggling to get out.
"Now, Kingdra Iron Head!" Kingdra propels the water, his head taking a metallic color.
Steven saw the opportunity given, "Now, Thunder Punch!" He cried out.
Metang appeared in front of Cradily as his fist sparks electricity. "Met…" He propels his fist at Kingdra, shocking him in the process, and flipped him back.
"Right! Now help Cradily then Power Whip!" Steven took advantage of the chaos.
Metang took the Barnacle Pokemon by the head and toss her in the air. "Cray!" Cradily propels her tendrils, doing Power Whip again.
"Milotic, dive into the-"
"Not so fast, Psychic, Metang!" Steven quickly acted,
Metang's eyes glowed blue as Milotic was lifted in the air. Soon Cradily's Power Whip slams into the Water-type, causing massive damage.
"Cray!" The Duel-type moves her tendrils upward and slams them on top of Milotic.
Milotic plumets from the sky,
Kingdra shook off the Electric move only for him to look up. Before Juan could give out commands, Milotic had already landed on top of him.
A big splash was the result of two Pokemon colliding with each other.
Milford approached Juan's side of the Battlefield. He saw both Milotic and Kingdra's eyes spiraling after the collision. "Both Milotic and Kingdra are unable to Battle." He points his flag to Steven's side of the Battlefield. "The victor goes to the Challenger, Steven Stone!"
Everyone was shocked by the outcome, "STEVEN WON!" Helena and the others stood up, excited about his victory.
"HE DID IT! HE DID IT!" Roxanne hugged Helena, both bouncing together.
Kirlia held onto the railings, smiling brightly at another successful victory of the future Champion. "Kirlia! Kirlia!"
Brawly slaps Flannery's raised hands, knowing that he'll be facing him at the Ever Grand Festival. "I knew my Dude can make it!" The young Surfer stated, not having any doubts about his capabilities.
"Seems like you and Steven are going to face each other at the Pokemon League," Flannery grins, knowing both are strong. "If you're feeling bad that I didn't get my Gym Badge, don't because I'm going to catch up to you both." She smirks.
The sky-blue-haired trainer chuckles at Flannery's fiery spirit. "Then we'll be waiting for you, Flans." Brawly chuckles.
Wallace smiles, impressed by Steven's ability to adapt to his Mentor's difficult Gym Battle. 'Steven, I hope you got your A-game for the League. Because I won't be pulling any punches, my friend.' He stood up, giving applause for his Rival's victory.
Lydia cheers loudly, extremely proud of her Son and the Pokemon he trained and raised. "That's my Boy! I'm very proud of you!" The white-haired woman cheered, showing her pride as a Mother.
"Well done, young master!" Sebastian shouted, giving praise to the young master.
Steven smiles, looking at his Partners who turned to face him. Both were ecstatic that they were able to overcome the toughest Gym Battle.
Later near the entrance of the Sootoplis Gym, Brawley and Steven stood before Juan and Milford.
"You two have proved to yourselves that you can adapt to a changing Pokemon Battle." Juan smiles, proud to talk to them. He motions Milford to come forward, and in his hands are two Rain Badges for the two trainers.
Juan turns to Steven and Brawly, "I'm proud to present the Rain Badge as proof that you defeated the last Gym in your Gym Challenge." The Gym Leader stated.
Steven and Brawly took the Rain Badges and placed them in their cases. "Thank you, Juan." The Steel-blue haired boy smiles, finally able to achieve his dream.
"This is rad, I can't believe we're at this point in our Journey," Brawly commented, looking at his Badge case. Each slot is filled with the Gym Badges he earned during his Journey.
"Congratulations you two," Flannery smiles, happy for the both of them.
"You all worked hard for those Badges, be sure to do your best at the Pokemon League," Helena commented, proud of her friends for their accomplishments.
Juan cleared his throat, looking at both trainers. "Know that beyond this point, you'll be heading to the Ever Grande Festival. It's going to be tough, facing many trainers who earn their place there." He stated. "But if you persevere and keep pushing, victory is inevitable."
Lydia clasps her hands together at her friend's words of wisdom. "What great advice you have, Juan." She turns to everyone who's not a Gym Challenger and the ones who lost their Battle. "Each one of you should take heed of Juan's words. It's great to have in your mind when you're doing something beyond your Journey."
"Thank you, Mrs. Stone," Roxanne smiles, appreciating her input to Juan's advice to them.
Wallace chuckles, stepping forward to gain his friends' attention. "Now that everyone is done departing wisdom onto us, let's celebrate by heading out to eat!" He spun on his heels and raised his finger. "And I know the perfect place,"
"You're sure cheerful, Wallace." Steven pointed out the sudden cheerfulness of his Rival.
The Champion just gave a smile before walking forward. "Oh, nothing,"
His friends looked at each other and waved it off. Soon they had a celebratory dinner at the restaurant that Wallace suggested before heading back to Juan's Mansion.
The next day…
"YOU'RE WHAT!?" Everyone exclaims at Wallace standing in front of everyone with a smile.
"Yep, I decided that I should stay back at Sootoplis City," Wallace said once more of his plan to his friends.
"B-But that's all of a sudden, Wallace. You should've told us something like that earlier!" Roxanne scolded the Champion of Hoenn.
Brawly crosses his arms, a bit peeved by this sudden news from his friend. "Dude, is there a reason why you're doing this?" He asked.
The teal-haired boy smiles, looking at the friends he made. "During my Performance at the Sootoplis City Contest, even if I won; I still felt like I was unprepared," Wallace explains to everyone. "I asked Juan to mentor me more, the classes at the School were fine but I feel like Juan still has so many things to teach."
Flannery sighs, hearing their friend's explanation of why he's staying. "Well, you are aiming for Top Coordinator of Hoenn." She said before looking up at her friend. "It's understandable that you want to expand your skills."
Roxanne took the moment to calm herself before answering. "Calm down, Roxanne?" Wallace asked.
"Yeah, what you just said caught me off guard." The brunette stated, she looks at him with stern eyes. "Wallace, I understand your dream of becoming Top Coordinator but please next time tell us ahead of time," Roxanne stated, not wanting to be off guard next time.
"I won't, I promise Roxy." Wallace smiles,
Brawly scratches the back of his head and looked at Steven and Helena. "So, what's your take on this, Ellie, Steven?" He asked the two.
Steven walks forward, standing before Wallace. He looks up with a grin, "If Wallace wants to get stronger in Contests, then he should use the opportunity to do so." The young trainer stated. "After all, we are rivals. Once we meet again, let's have a Battle to see who's stronger." He held his hand to his friend.
Wallace returns the gesture, grabbing his hand and both firmly grasp it. "That's something I can do, Steven." He promised his Rival a Battle next time.
Wallace then walks over to Helena, standing before her. Their eyes met and Helena instantly understood what was happening. "Ellie, take care of Steven for me. Okay?" HE asked, patting her head like an older Sibling.
"I will, and you better take care of yourself, Wally," Helena stated, receiving a simple nod from the Champion. "And…"
Soon, Wallace watched as his friends left for the port where a Ferry will take them back to the mainland.
Helena waves Wallace farewell from the Ferry with Steven next to her. 'Be prepared when you face Steven or Brawly at the Pokemon League, Champion.'
AN: How do you like it? Please leave a comment or review.