AN: Please enjoy the chapter.
Ch 41 The Dragon Master Pt 1
"Maya," Steven blinks, not expecting the teal-haired girl to be here.
"What are you doing here, Maya? I thought you were back at Sootoplis City, studying under Juan." Steven asked his Rival's Sister as she approached him.
Maya giggles, acting cute to impress the soon-to-be Champion. "Well, I manage to get a break from my studies, and I got some free time." She raised her finger with a smile. "I saw you Battling in the Evergrande Conference and decided to come and support you."
"A-And to tell you that, I'd always admired you since we met." Maya blushed, fluttering her eyes at the Steel-blue haired boy.
Steven was taken aback when Maya got closer to him. "M-Maya, what are you-" He steps back, his back touching the lockers.
The teal-haired girl looks up at Steven, approaching him closer. "I figured a reward should be given for defeating three Elite Four members." She leans in, puckering her lips.
"M-Maya," Steven held her shoulders, attempting to distance themselves. "I'm sorry, but I don't share the same feelings as you do." He explains respectfully, declining her feelings towards him.
"B-But, we're meant to be together," Maya stated, getting a bit pushy with this subject. "I'd always liked you since we met, you smiled at me, and you were kind to me! It was love at first sight!"
Steven sighs, always having a feeling that this might happen with Maya. "Look, Maya, there is no such thing as love at first sight." He stated, "Love takes time to develop and grow, I'm sorry but I can return your feelings to you."
"But I do hope we can still be friends." Steven smiles, hopeful that his rejection does ruin their friendship.
Maya frowns, not liking how he just placed her in the friend zone. The teal-haired girl was about to respond when the locker room doors opened.
"Oh, I'm sorry I didn't realize you have a Gus-Maya?" Steven looks up and sees Helena standing at the door with Kirlia.
"Ellie, I knew you were coming," Steven walks over to the former Witch, passing Maya.
Helena looks at Steven, smiling at him. "I would've come sooner, but Kirlia just needed to use the bathroom." She explains why she was a bit late; she placed her hand over her Partner's head. "She had a bit much to drink,"
Steven chuckles, noticing that Kirlia was a bit embarrassed by it. "Well, do you feel better now, Kirlia?" The Steel-blue haired boy asked the Duel-type Pokemon.
Kirlia looks at Steven, smiling at him. "Kirlia!" She raised her hands in response to Steven's question.
The two laugh at the Emotion Pokemon's response.
Maya gritted her teeth, seeing that Steven was paying more attention to this nobody than her.
Steven and Helena look over to Maya, "Maya, care to join us?" Helena asked respectfully to the teal-haired girl.
"No, it's okay. I'm sure you two have many things to catch up on." Maya responded, hiding her hatred for Helena. "I should go back to my seat, good luck, Stevie." She walks past the duo, ignoring the former Witch in the process.
'Damn you, Steven should've been mine.' Maya growls mentally, returning to the audience to wait for the start of the final match.
Helena looks at Steven, curious about what was that about. "Did something happen between you and Maya?" She asked the Steel-haired boy,
Steven scratches his cheeks, not wanting to make the black-haired trainer worried. "It's not a big deal, Helena." He answered her, "Maya was just confessing her feelings for me, but I didn't feel the same way as she does for me." He explains.
"Oh," Helena blinks, always having a feeling that Maya harbors a crush on Steven. "Well, as long as you're honest with your feelings, then I think things will be all right." She commented,
"Kirlia!" The Duel-type agreed with her trainer,
Steven smiles, happy that Helena understands what was happening with Maya before she got her. Having said enough, he proceeded to talk to her like before. "So, anything you want to say before my next match?"
Helena smiles, "I'm actually curious about your strategy, the final Elite Four Member is Drake, a Dragon-type trainer." The former Witch asked, knowing that Type is the strongest there is.
"I'm aware of Drake's Dragon-type team, after all, you have Dratini with you," Steven commented, pointing out that she has a Dragon-type Pokemon in her team.
"Yeah, Dratini and the rest of my Pokemon are getting stronger. Ain't that right, Kirlia?" Helena smiles down at her Partner, receiving a smile from her.
"Kirlia!"
Steven chuckles, hearing the Fairy/Psychic-type respond to Helena's question. He then stops when she looks at him. "Seriously, be careful with Drake's Dragon-types. After all, they were trained by the Dragon master." She commented.
"I know and thank you for your concern." Steven smiles,
A League Staff entered the locker room, searching for Steven. His eyes shifted to the left and saw the person he was looking for. "Mr. Stone, it's almost time for the final match," He informed the Challenger before looking at Helena,
"Hello, young Miss," The League Staff spoke to the black-haired trainer, trusting that she knew what he meant.
The black-haired girl looks back at Steven and smiled, "Well, until the next break I guess." Helena jokes with the Steel-blue haired boy. "Good luck out there, Steven. I know you can defeat Drake." Helena said, wishing him the best.
Steven smiles, still appreciating her effort to come all the way from the stands to the locker room just to wish him luck. "I won't disappoint, Ellie. Thanks,"
"We'll be cheering for you," Helena and Kirlia left the locker room, heading back to their seats.
"I know,"
"Mr. Stone, are you ready?" The League Staff asked the Challenger, waiting for his response.
Steven nodded, following him to the Battlefield door, "Yeah, let's do this."
Back at the Stadium, everyone was excited about the Battle between Steven and the final Elite Four member.
"This is way too exciting! I can hardly contain myself!" Flannery bounced in her seat, feeling a sort of emotion for this Final Match,
"You got that right, Flans! Dude's got this Battle in the bag!" Brawly commented, sharing the same feelings with the red-haired girl.
Jackie, Roxanne, and Helena smile at each other, watching the two rambunctious trainers of their group.
On the Battlefield, it was like the one in Sootoplis City. A Battlefield filled with water and medium-sized islands that Pokemon use as footing.
Blanche made her appearance causing the crowd's cheers louder. "Welcome, to the final Match of the Champion League." She announced, "Here is where the turning point for the Challenger's Journey to become Champion. If the Challenger defeats our final Elite Four member, then he can challenge our current reigning Champion." She announced to the crowds,
"Without further ado, please welcome our Challenger, Steven Stone!" Blanche raised her hand to the Challenger's side of the Battlefield,
Coming out of the locker room was Steven, his face filled with confidence in his and Pokemon's ability to defeat the final Elite Four.
The crowd cheered loudly, having confidence that he'll be able to overcome this Match like the others.
"YOU CAN DO IT STEVEN!" Roxanne exclaims, cheering for his victory.
"SHOW THEM WHO THE NEXT CHAMPION IS!" Jackie added to the cheering around him.
"WE BELIEVE IN YOU!" Helena continued, cheering for Steven.
Steven laughs softly with a smile, waving at the crowd who was giving their support.
"Now, please welcome the Strongest member of the Elite Four, the master of both the Seas and Dragons, Drake!" The Rotom Drones turned and faced the rotating dark blue Tower,
Like the previous Towers, stairs appeared leading up to the windows of the Dragon Tower. The windows opened, revealing a nearly shirtless forty-year-old man wearing a black trench coat, a Captain's hat, jeans, and black boots.
The crowd cheered at the Dragon master walking down from a blue and red-lit stairwell.
Drake now stood before Steven at his side of the Battlefield. He chuckles, looking at the Steel-blue haired boy, "It's been a while since a Challenger has made it this far." The oldest member of the Elite Four commented.
He looks up, taking a good look at the Challenger. "Mmm, you have proven you're strong, Mr. Stone by defeating the Gyms and the last three Elite Four," Drake added, impressed that he was able to make it to this point with his own strength.
"This point in your Journey is where your final test as a trainer will take place," Drake stated, announcing that he won't go easy on him. "If you want to become Champion then defeat me and claim victory!" He crossed his arms, projecting his voice at Steven.
Steven took out his first Pokeball, gripping it tight, signifying he was ready. "I won't lose, I worked hard to make it to this point," He stated, his eyes sparking a flame. A flame that Drake was searching for.
"Now that is a flame of a Champion," The Dragon master looks at Blanche, indicating to her to officially begin the match.
Blanche raised her hands, seeing both sides were ready to proceed with the match, "Both sides, please bring out your Pokemon!" She announced.
The Elite Four member took out his first Pokeball, pulling back his arm and ready to release.
"Altaria! Bring the Storm!" Drake tossed his Pokeball onto the field, releasing a blue swan-like Pokemon with cotton as feathers.
The Dragon/Flying-type flew into the air, spreading her wings. "Altaria!" Altaria cried out, ready to battle.
"A Flying-type, then my Pokemon is perfect for this!" Steven held his Pokeball to his chest, "Skarmory, let's go!" He extends his arms, releasing his Pokeball.
Skarmory was released from her Pokeball, hovering above the Battlefield. She screeched, indicating she is prepared to Battle for her trainer.
Drake chuckles, seeing that Steven was wise to bring out a Flying-type Pokemon. "It seems you are prepared for any type of Battle, even aerial." The Dragon master commented.
"Of course, one must be ready for anything," Steven responded to Drake's comment.
"Battle begin!"
Steven/Skarmory vs Drake/ Altaria
(Insert Battle! Hoenn Elite Four: Drake - Pokémon Masters EX)
Steven took the first attack, "Skarmory, start off with a Steel Wing!" He ordered his Pokemon,
The Armor Bird Pokemon screeched, as her wings took on a metallic color. She flips over in the air before rushing towards the Humming Pokemon.
Drake crosses his arms, glaring at his Partner on the field. "Cotton Guard, Altaria." He calmly ordered the Duel-type.
"Altaria!" The Humming Pokemon obliges her trainer as her cotton feathers puff into a protective cotton ball.
Skarmory slashed through Altaira, however, the large, inflated cotton softened the blow. She flew upwards, glaring down at the Duel-type, taking little damage by her attack.
The Steel-blue haired boy wanted to test something on the Humming Pokemon. "Skarmory, attack with Drill Peck!" Steven ordered his Partner.
Once more Skarmory screeched as her beak developed a light blue aura. She charges for Altaria like before, but this time the aura was spinning rapidly.
"Cotton Guard, once more!" Drake shouted, still crossing his arms against his chest.
Altaria cried and her cotton puffed up once more, acting as a barrier like before.
Skarmory dove in, her Drill Beak drills into the fluffy shielding. The cotton was shielding the Duel-type, still taking little damage from the Armor Bird Pokemon's attack. She flew back, seeing it was not working.
Drake scoffs, glaring up at his Partner. "Altaria, Dragon Dance then Dragon Rush!" He commanded his Pokemon.
"Altaria!" A navy blue aura mixed with purple covered Altaria as she spun upwards. The aura then took a light blueish aura in the shape of a Dragon and dove down.
"Dodge it, Skarmory!" Steven steps forward, crying out to his Pokemon.
The Dragon Rush slams into Skarmory who was trying to evade it. She screeched in pain, taking on the damage.
Skarmory recovered after the attack but left its mark. She flinched at how powerful that Dragon Rush was.
Steven clicked his tongue, seeing that Altaria has a strong defense. 'That Cotton Guard softens Skarmory's Steel Wing, I have to get rid of that.' He thought before taking out Skarmory's Pokeball,
"Skarmory, return!" Steven called back the Armor Bird Pokemon,
Skarmory returns to her Pokeball, allowing Steven to take out another one.
"Smart move," Brawly commented, seeing Steven was using his brain. "If Steven sticks with Skarmory, then this Battle is over by the next turn."
Roxanne agreed with the Sky-blue haired trainer, "Dragon-types aren't one to mess with, they're one of the strongest types out there." She added,
"Armaldo! It's your turn!" Steven tosses his next Pokeball onto the field, releasing his next Pokemon onto the Battlefield.
"Armaldo!" The Plate Pokemon roars, ready to take over Skarmory's place.
Steven/ Armaldo vs Drake/ Altaria
Drake tilts his head, finding this switch interesting. "Now that was unexpected, interesting switch, Steven." He smiles before his face got serious. "But that won't do any good, Altaria, attack with Brave Bird!"
"Altaria!" Alaria flew up toward the sky, taking on a light blue aura. She spun back around and dove towards the Bug/Rock-type Pokemon.
Steven held out his hand, wanting the Fossil Pokemon to defend against the Strongest Flying-type move. "Armaldo, use Rock Tomb as a shield to protect yourself!" He ordered,
Armaldo cried out, slamming his tail on the ground as rocks came out. He motions his claws at his front as a barrier from Brave Bird,
"Fly up, Altaria!" The oldest Elite Four member ordered his Partner.
Altaria dodged the rocks and flew upwards.
Steven smirks, seeing an opening just revealed itself. "Armaldo, X-Scissor now!"
"Armaldo!" The Plate Pokemon's claws glowed a light greenish hue then they extended. He rushed forward, leaping on the rocks to get in close to Altaria.
"Cotton Guard!" Drake ordered,
Altaria's body puffs up again, acting as a defensive barrier from the X-Scissor.
Armaldo slashed Altaria only she took little damage from it. However, that was the moment Steven was waiting for. "Water Pulse!" He smiled.
"Arma…" Armaldo opened his mouth as a ball of water formed. The water was glowing brightly before the Duel-type released it at Altaria.
The Water Pulse burst once it hit Altaria's body. "Altaria!" The Humming Pokemon was pushed back onto the Battlefield and hit the ground hard.
Armaldo landed before his trainer, keeping a close eye on her. "Armaldo,"
"I know, just wait my friend," Steven said, seeing the dust cloud clear. He saw Altaria's silhouette standing on the Battlefield,
However, this time instead of being fluffy, Altaria's cotton feathers were soaked and soggy.
Everyone was impressed that Steven had Armaldo disable the Humming Pokemon's ability to fly in the air. Drake was especially impressed by Steven's creativity.
Back in the audience, many people were talking about how creatively the young trainer used Water Pulse on Altaria.
"So that's why Steven switched Skarmory with Armaldo like that," Helena commented, surprised just as everyone else by what he did. "Since Altaria's feathers are cotton-like that they could soften any attack Steven throws at her. He must've realized he needs to get rid of that ability."
"Kirlia, Kirl…" Kirlia was impressed that Steven has thought of it, and she agreed with her Partner on that sentiment.
Roxane smiles, "Not only that, but it renders Altaria grounded since her wings are soaking wet." The brunette commented,
"GET HER STEVEN!" Flannery cheered, standing from her seat.
"Now's our chance," Steven held out his hand, taking this moment to strike. "Armaldo, use Stone Edge!" He quickly ordered.
"Armaldo!" The Plate Pokemon cried out, his body glowed as stones circled around him. He motions his body and launches the stones at the Humming Pokemon.
Drake responded to Armaldo's attack, "Altaria, defend by using Dragon Rush!" He ordered his Pokemon.
Altaria responded, her body taking on a light blue hue. She ran forward, however, her speed on land decreased unlike when she was in the air. "Altaria!" She cried out.
The Dragon Rush was able to deflect the Stone Edge while still charging at Armaldo.
Steven kept a close eye on how close Altaria was, it wasn't until she was at the right distance that he acted. "Armaldo, leap in the air!" He shouted to the Fossil Pokemon.
Armaldo nodded, leaping in the air, and made a close call when the Duel-type almost charged into him. He leaps over Altaria's Dragon Rush and turned around, "Now use Rock Tomb!"
"Armaldo!" The Plate Pokemon cried out as the rocks beside him lifts into the air. He motions his claws at the Flying/Dragon-type causing them to hurl toward her.
"Altaria, watch out!" Drake cried out, seeing that Altaria was trapped.
The two rocks plummet into Altaria, causing her to cry. "Altaria!" The rocks exploded, creating another dust cloud.
Armaldo landed behind Altaria, turning around to see the results of his and Steven's attack.
The dust cleared, revealing Altaria laying on the Battlefield with swirls in her eyes.
Blanche raised her hand to Steven's side of the field. "Altaria is unable to Battle, the victor goes to Armaldo!" She announced to the Stadium, causing an uproar.
Drake wasn't expecting that Altaria would go down easily. Even if she was his first Pokemon; trainers before usually took her down within two Pokemon in,
The Elite Four member chuckles, finding this match both interesting and fun. "Good job, Altaria, get some rest." He aims his Pokeball at his Partner, calling her back inside.
"Gotta admit, Kid, this is getting interesting," The Dragon master compliments their Battle. "Never have Altaria been taken out this soon. You have some talent,"
"Thanks, Armaldo should have the credit. He's the one who did the attacks," Steven gave the credit to his Pokemon on the Battlefield.
Drake nodded, seeing that Steven is modest enough to add his Pokemon's hard work into a compliment. "That's modest of you, sharing your victories with your Pokemon."
"Now, I believe I've said enough." Drake took out his next Pokeball, ready to continue with the match. He tosses his Pokeball into the air before catching it, "Kingdra! It's your turn to shine!"
The Elite Four member tossed his Pokeball into the Battlefield, releasing a large blue seahorse Pokemon.
Kingdra fell into the water before bursting out and cried out. The Water/Dragon-type Pokemon glared at Armaldo, ready to Battle him.
"Alright, Armaldo ready?" The Steel-blue haired boy asked his Pokemon on the Battlefield.
"Armaldo!" The Plate Pokemon nodded, ready to Battle for his trainer.
Blanche lowers her arms, "Battle begin!"
Drake raised his hands, "Aqua Jet, let's go!" He ordered the Dragon Pokemon was covered in a jet of water before launching himself at Armaldo.
"X-Scissor!" Steven cried as Armaldo took on a light green hue on his claws. He then launched himself at the Duel-type, both attacks collided, and the Battle went on.
AN: How do you like it? Please leave a comment or review.