Chapter 40
*** Flashback ***
Silver stood atop the Bell Tower in Ecruteak City. He had driven all of Team Rocket out of the famous landmark, thwarting another of their nefarious schemes. Upon reaching the top of the tower, the legendary pokémon Ho-Oh had finally come back to rest and the pokémon trainer was the only one fortunate enough to witness the event.
Awe struck, Silver stood in silence as the mighty bird pokémon sat perched on the roof of the beautiful building. The two shared a deep eye contact, then Ho-Oh screeched out loud, flexing it's impressive wingspan and flying off, leaving a glittering rainbow trail behind it.
Silver remained silent, in amazement at what had just transpired. A sparkling object floated down in front of him. Silver held his hands out as the light object landed delicately into his palms. A single feather shimmering of multiple colours.
A Rainbow Wing. And it was Silvers.
Ho-Oh had chosen him.
*** End ***
Amber fell to one knee. She was out of pokémon …
Ash and Misty clutched hands. Ash looked to Lt. Surge, his face said it all. "Surge … was that her final pokémon?" Surge gritted his teeth and clenched his jaw. He hesitantly nodded. Misty gasped and looked at her fallen daughter. What would this mean?
Janine, battling in the stands alongside her father Koga, and the other pokémon masters, looked down at her friend on the battlefield below. "Wh … why has Amber stopped battling?"
Koga's Venomoth released a powerful Spore attack over opposing Rocket Grunts, putting them down to sleep. The poison master looked at the scene below and shook his head, he had no answers for his daughter. This didn't look good.
"Like, what's with the pause?" Daisy commented on Amber's battle, prompting Brock, Violet, Lily and Cole to also look at the situation.
Brock frowned … "If I didn't know better … I'd say Amber's out of pokémon …"
"Out of pokémon?" Lily looked at Brock in alarm. "But if like she's out then …?" Violet added. Brock turned his head avoiding eye contact. He had no words.
Cole looked at his aunties and Brock in alarm, then back down to where his fiancé and family were standing. "I have to go down there."
"What?! Cole no way it's too dangerous!" Brock warned the Ketchum sibling.
"Yeah, like, do you know what your mom would, like, do to us if she found out we let you go?" Violet added.
"Sorry, but I can't just do nothing!" With that the movie star vaulted over the stands. "The people I love most need me!"
"Oh! Come back Cole!" Daisy called out after her nephew. "We're, like, so dead." Lily added.
Freddie frowned from his ice prison. What is she doing? He eyes widened and face paled. No … Is … is she … done?!
The stop in play below caused Gary to pause his onslaught on the Rocket officers, getting him and his Umbreon knocked backwards into Elaine by a powerful Focus Blast. The group fell to the floor, Gary and Umbreon into Elaine's lap, as they looked up on their assailants closing in. This didn't look good.
"Send out your next pokémon. Girl!" Silver barked out from the other side of the battlefield.
Amber gritted her teeth and clawed the ground with her fingers. She couldn't lose this battle, not here, not now, not ever. Everything she knew was depending on her to win this battle. But she had no more usable pokémon … did she?
She felt something tickle her gloveless finger and looked down at her utility belt.
Silver tilted his chin up and sneered. "Is … this it? Is it over, Girl? After all your big talk, is this how it ends for you? I must say I'm disappointed. After all the bravado, I expected more, much more. But well, I suppose it was always going to end this way ... why delay the inevitable?"
Lance's heart sunk. No Amber … you can't stop now. You may not realise it but you're winning! He looked at Silver. His resolve is melting, you're so close, please don't give up on him!
"With your defeat, Child, you concede yourself, the Kanto Pokémon League." Silver smirked cruelly at Ash. "And your family to me."
Surge gritted his teeth.
Ash dipped down into a starting position, his faithful electric pokémon at his side. "Ok Pikachu, get ready we're jumping in!" "Pika!"
Silver turned his head and glared. "I see. It's OK to change the rules when it suits you. Hypocrite."
"Because Team Rocket always play so fair!" Misty retorted.
"And you dare propaganda yourselves as the "good guys"?!" Silver spat back, eyes gleaming with rage.
"Yes we do!" A young black-haired man jumped in front of Amber, executing a perfect hero landing.
"Cole?!" Everyone chorused in surprise.
"No Cole … what are you doing?!" Amber called out to her big brother but was completely ignored.
The movie star pointed directly at Silver. "You may have made a deal here, sir, but you said nothing about me. To defend my family, and the one I love, the League and everyone here. I, Cole Ketchum, am taking up this fight! And I will win."
"Oh Cole! Honey!" Elesa couldn't help but swoon, along with all the spectators in the crowds.
"You?! … You're going to battle me?" Silver couldn't help but laugh out loud. "Fair enough." He smirked over at Ash and Misty. "Prepare yourselves parents. I'm about to take out both your progeny."
Cole frowned. "Don't you DARE write me off like that! Do you know who I am?!" With that he threw out a pokéball, releasing his poliwhirl.
"I do. And I'm not intimidated boy." Silver grinned, showing his canines. "Feraligatr. No mercy."
Cole gritted his teeth. What had they gotten themselves into this time?
With Cole buying her some much-needed time, Amber pulled the item out and inspected it. A single spiked bright yellow feather. Her feather from Zapdos. Her eyes went wide with the realisation, she then closed them and held the feather to her chest. I'd never normally ask this of you, but this is no ordinary battle.
Amber looked up at the cowering spectators in stands that hadn't yet been freed of the Rocket Grunts intimidating them.
People are counting on me.
She turned her head to see Elaine and Gary in the stands on the floor, backing into a corner as the Rockets ganged up on them. Janine battling alongside her father and the other pokémon masters. She then looked the other way at Freddie and his Typhlosion trapped in ice against the side of the arena.
My friends are counting on me.
She looked to her parents, Elesa and Surge on the side-lines. Cole desperately outmatched as his poliwhirl barely clung on after a ferocious onslaught from Feraligatr.
My family are counting on me.
She looked at Silver and Feraligatr. No person or pokémon should have so much hate locked in their eyes …
I can't lose this. Please. They need you. I need you.
"With trust and love in my heart, I call on you." Amber lifted the feather high into the air. "ZAPDOS!"
"Huh?" A fatigued Cole and Poliwhirl stopped mid battle and looked upwards.
Silver's eyes went wide, as within seconds the sky above the stadium darkened with huge looming thunder clouds. "Can … it … be? … She's partnered with a legendary pokémon …?"
The whole stadium fell silent and tense. Trainers, Rockets, and spectators alike all momentarily paused to witness the event.
Lightning bolts streaked through the sky, before the dark clouds moved apart creating a gap of sunlight that seeped down illuminating Amber in the now darkened arena. Down from the sky appeared the legendary pokémon Zapdos.
"Are you seeing this?" Surge turned to the others, who nodded silently in disbelief. Elesa ran out to aid her fiancé as the two stood completely star struck by the legendary appearance.
"… No way …" Freddie gawped the scene in the sky before him.
"P…pinch me I'm dreaming …" Elaine spoke softly, not taking her eyes off the awesome sight. Gary also transfixed in awe, lifted his hand and pinched Elaine's cheek hard. "OW!" She clutched the side of her stinging face and glared angrily at the man.
It hovered above Amber's head, awaiting its partner's command.
Silver took a step back in disbelief. "… … Zapdos?!"
"You wrote us off too quickly, Silver. Zapdos. I choose you." Amber called out, putting the legendary into the battle.
Ash couldn't help the smile on his face. His eyes danced with pride.
Cole recalled his tired poliwhirl and ambled off the field quickly with Elesa holding him around the waist for support. He looked back over at his sister.
This was Ambers show, he was merely an extra.
"This will change nothing! Feraligatr! Ice Beam."
"Zapdos. Air Cutter."
The ice attack was launched but blown back by the powerful flying type move, not even touching the mighty bird.
Silver gritted his teeth. "Retaliate with Ice Beam again!"
Despite Silver's aggressive offensive, Amber and Zapdos remained unphased and in complete control. Totally in sync with each other.
"Feraligatr! Stop trying to hit it, and hit it! You're allowing yourself to become intimidated by a flying electric pin cushion! Weak! Worthless!"
Feraligatr found himself getting pent up and frustrated being on the back foot, but it only made his attacks sloppier.
"This is the power of love and trust between people and pokémon Silver. This is what the league stands for. This is why we can't let hate win."
Silver stared. Love and trust. I used to believe in such things … before …
Silver put a hand into his side pocket and pulled out a dull grey lifeless feather. His heart sunk remembering it's former bright and vibrant colour and shimmer …
*** Flashback 10 Years Ago ***
Silver and his dark-haired rival stood across from each other. The area surrounding them was deep in flames from their battle as the two stood opposed in the depths of Mt Silver, focused only on each other, sweat dripping from their faces. Their pokémon Typhlosion and Feraligatr painting heavily, as once again they were facing off, but the stakes of this battle were much higher and darker than previously.
A forceful hydropump attack met an equally powerful fire blast, creating a giant steam cloud engulfing the area. As it subsided the two rivals remained in eye contact.
"I don't get it Silver. Ever since I've known you all you've wanted to be is the world greatest pokémon trainer. Now you're giving it all up for Team Rocket? Something you hated?"
Silver narrowed his eyes in response. "You speak of things you know nothing about."
"Maybe I do, but I can't let you go through with this. I'm stopping you here and now."
"You can't stop me, Jimmy."
Typhlosion and Feraligatr collided once more, fire meeting water, a wave of fresh stream rolled across the trainers.
"It doesn't have to be like this Silver!"
"We both know it does."
"That's not true. This isn't you. What about everything we've done, everything we've been through? Your training at the Dragon's Den, Master Lance's teachings? Your pokémon?" Jimmy paused. "What about Lyra?"
Silvers pupils shrank slightly on hearing this, but his stance didn't change, his face remained stoic. "I care nothing for them. For my pokémon. For her. I care only for my life's purpose. Revenge and power."
Jimmy winced slightly at his rival's stance but kept his composure. He'd hoped after all they'd been through together; he would get through to the man before him. But it became clear that wasn't happening. "Then you really do leave me with no other choice."
"There's never really been a choice, Jimmy. Not for me. Feraligatr Hydropump!"
The fully evolved water starter launched the powerful water attack, which Typhlosion dodged in time. The water cut through the flames offering only a temporary relief before the flames once again engulfed the area.
"You're wrong. You've always had a choice, Silver. But to justify your ends, you choose to ignore it. … Well, it's my choice that this ends here!" Jimmy pulled out his Silver Wing feather. "One way or another …"
"Finally, we agree on something." Silver smirked baring his canine teeth. He pulled out his Rainbow Wing, but as he looked at the feather something was very wrong. The young man's eyes widened, "No … NO! … what is this?!" His pupils shrank with a slow horrifying realisation.
The feather was dull and grey. It had completely lost it's shimmer.
A large shadow loomed over the pair, as the mighty Lugia flew up behind Jimmy, the Johto trainer from New Bark Town standing tall and firm as the legendary pokémon, guardian of the seas came to the aid of his bonded partner.
Silver looked around and despaired. "Ho-Oh, where are you?" He looked up to the sky and screamed. "HO-OH! You have abandoned me in my time of need!"
"No Silver. You have abandoned it. You forgot what Dragon Master Lance told you all those years ago. Your heart has closed to the pokémon that love and trust you and in return you have lost the ties that bonded you with Ho-Oh. It won't come for you."
"No … no … NO!" Silver dropped to his knees and smashed the ground with his fist. "It's just a pokémon and should obey me like a pokémon! Like all pokémon should! Like all pokémon WILL!"
"No." Jimmy pointed towards Silver. "It's over Silver."
Lugia charged up an Aeroblast attack and let out the powerful flying move.
Engulfed in the attack, Silver and Feraligatr whited out.
It was over.
*** End ***
Is what Jimmy said true? Is what this girl says … true? Could they both be right …? Have I become so embroiled in my father's legacy, I have lost sight of my own? … Of who I am? ... is that why I've lost you ... Ho Oh?
Silver clenched his eyes shut. "It is my birth right to be world's best pokémon trainer! ALL POKÉMON BELONG TO ME! Feraligatr Hydro Pump!"
Amber steeled her eyes. This match was hers. "Zapdos. Thunder."
Flashes ran through Silver's mind as the attack hit his Feraligatr.
The red headed girl who'd challenged his perception. Amber. Standing tall on the other side of the Indigo Stadium Arena to him. "Silver, it doesn't have to be like this."
The caped Dragon Master who'd tried to mentor him as a child. Lance. In the company of the Dragon's Den. "Silver, it doesn't have to be like this."
The young man with the backwards cap, dark protruding hair, grey eyes and red jacket, surrounded by fire. His rival. Jimmy. "Silver, it doesn't have to be like this."
The woman he loved. Her pleading soft brown eyes. Lyra. "Silver, it doesn't have to be like this."
The two Team Rocket agents Cassidy and Butch recruiting a young lost man in mourning. "Silver, it doesn't have to be like this."
A figure cast in shadow, likened to Giovanni's silhouette stepped forwards ending the visions. "Silver, you know it has to be like this."
Father … Silver closed his eyes. Maybe it does … … but maybe it doesn't …
He felt his pokémon's pain, as the electric attack ripped through Feraligatr knocking the water type out.
His mind went to 10-year-old him stood opposite his rival Jimmy, after again losing a battle to him.
"…I don't understand. Is what that Lance guy said true? That I don't treat Pokémon properly? Love… Trust… Are they really what I lack? Are they keeping me from winning? I… I just don't understand. But it's not going to end here. Not now. Not because of this. I won't give up my dream of becoming the world's best Pokémon Trainer!"
The Rocket Leader smirked to himself as the memory faded. The words best Pokémon Trainer … Somewhere I lost sight of that … He opened his eyes and looked squarely at Amber, a triumphant Zapdos hovering above her. "… I'm calling this in." He recalled his fallen pokémon, spoke into his pokétch and half smiled. "Like Father like child. I concede to you, young Ketchum. This day is yours."
A team of black helicopters flew overhead, throwing down ladders, ready to vacate the stadium.
Amber looked up at the flight and then back to the retreating man grabbing hold of the rope ladder thrown in front of him. "Wait! Silver, you did all this, just to get to me, and now you're just … leaving? Just like that?"
"A temporary retreat." Silver stepped up on the ladder rung. "There are things in motion much bigger than you or I, Girl. Team Rocket is a spectrum. I myself only head S in Johto. Rest assured this was never about you personally."
Amber's eyes dropped she wasn't sure how to take that … was she not even the main character in her own story?
Noting her expression Silver felt compelled to say one last parting to the girl. "Hey Amber." Amber raised her head hearing the man call her by her first name. "We will meet again. Me and you. When we do, I'll beat you down with all my power. You keep at it until then." He gave the girl a wink.
Amber stood dumbstruck as the conscious and able-bodied Rocket grunts and officers left from the onslaught vacated to the aircrafts around her.
"SILVER!" Ash and Pikachu made a run to intercept the fleeing Rocket.
The red headed man smirked and saluted. "This isn't over between us Master Ketchum. I still very much have a personal score to settle with you. Till next time." With that he flung a smoke bomb and disappeared with his mob into the sky above.
Zapdos squawked loudly, creating clashes of lightning through the sky, but it did little to detain the flight of Team Rocket helicopters, manoeuvring expertly through the localised storm. It was about to take off after them, but Amber shook her head. She looked up at the legendary pokémon. "Don't go after them Zapdos. You're worn out from battling, I can't risk you getting hurt again."
The bird settled and stood next to Amber watching them leave.
As the ladders ascended Silver and Lance caught eye contact if only for a fleeting moment.
Are you disappointed old man? Disappointed in your greatest failure?
You can't fool me, my young apprentice … after your battle with Amber, something has awoken in you again, and I for one can't wait to see where it takes you ...
Ash and Pikachu skidded to a halt before hitting the dense toxic smoke. "He got away …" The master growled softly.
"Pika chuuuuu."
"Pikachu … no matter what, we can't ever let this happen again …"
Amber was still struggling to take all this in. "Did .. did we win?"
Ash gave his daughter his best smile. "No Amber. You won. You and Zapdos."
"Pi Ka chuuu" Pikachu beamed at Amber and Zapdos with pride.
Zapdos once again let out a mighty squawk. Amber smiled and looked up at her friend. She stroked it's beak and planted a light kiss. "Thank you Zapdos."
Zapdos began to flap it's mighty wings and ascend into the sky. It looked down to Amber, it's dark piercing eyes meeting her soft chocolate brown ones before taking off into a clap of thunder. The sky returning to normal as it flew away.
"Till we meet again, friend."
A roaring applause ripped through the arena.
Misty, Pikachu, Surge, Elesa and Cole looked up into the cheering stands, seeing the crowds and trainers had all been saved.
Unconscious and defeated Rockets left behind were being rounded up ready to be arrested and questioned by the entering police.
Surge walked over and lifted his young protégé a bone crushing hug. "Kid you keeps going like dis, ya gonna put me in an early grave, ya know that?!"
Amber giggled. "Not if you crush me to death first!"
He held his embrace a moment longer before taking the hint and releasing her.
Misty charged up to her daughter, eyes lit, and nostrils flared. "Amber Ketchum! What was our agreement?!" She instantly softened and cuddled her daughter in, stroking her hair. "That you keep on being you and doing your best! All these times saving the world … I couldn't be prouder. But just don't forget you're my whole world too okay?"
"Thanks Mama."
The rest of the pokémon masters and gym trainers came onto the arena to congratulate the young trainer.
Janine was the first to embrace her friend. "You did it Ambs. Now the whole world will see you for you and not just your father."
"You reckon?" Amber beamed at her friend. Ash overheard the conversation, a feeling reared back up in his chest.
"Absolutely! And I'm going to take a page out of your book and go on my own journey, from scratch. No short cuts."
"That's great Janine."
"And then I'll be stronger! We will face off again my friend."
"Can't wait! But remember I'll be stronger too." The two clasped hands on their promise, their famous fathers in the background.
Lance approached the young red head. "Congratulation on your victory young Amber. It was a job well done stopping Silver like that. Not a feat many … if any … could achieve. Even me."
"I haven't stopped him. He got away …"
"Only physically." Lance smirked to himself.
Amber tilted her head.
The Dragon Master gave a small bow and stepped away to allow the other trainers some face time with the girl. He may have still left with Team Rocket, but I wonder how long for? Amber, you may not realise it, but you've gotten into his head. What you achieved here today, not me, not his closest rivals could achieve. Truly you are something very special indeed and I look forward to seeing what comes next.
Brock, Daisy, Violet, and Lily all took turns giving their niece a hug. "Oh Amber you really are something." Daisy complemented her. "Totally awesome!" Violet added. "But all this battling really does not work for you hair." Lily gently tugged on one of the girls sticking out locks, her hair matted and frizzed out from the battle.
Amber sweat dropped.
"You did it squirt. Good job." Gary and Elaine descended upon Amber, also ruffling her hair.
"Thanks, hey how did you guys break free up in the stands anyway? You were all locked down by Team Rocket."
"Yeah, I'm curious to know that too." Ash walked over.
"I'd like to say it was all me … but." Gary pushed Elaine forwards. "We owe it all to Elaine here. She's the one who saved all our arses."
Ash turned his attention to the younger brunette. "Really? Well Elaine, the League and my family are in your debt. Thank you."
Elaine blushed in front of Ash and mumbled out her words. "It was a team effort."
"Wow Elaine, speak up a little? Bit awe struck around Ashy Boy are we? How cute."
She quickly regained her composure. "So what if I am? Bit jealous, are we? Gary Kins."
"Ugh enough with the name!"
The two walked away continuing their back-and-forth banter.
Ash laughed. "I don't think I've ever seen anyone get the better of Gary like that before! That girl is something." His face dropped and became serious. "Amber … did you mean what you said back there?"
"Hm?"
"To Silver … you know about being invisible … resenting me?"
Amber took a deep breath in. "I did."
Ash's heart broke. "… Am I a … bad guy? … A bad … father?"
Amber smiled softly and shook her head. "No Dad. You're not a bad guy. You're the best. The best there ever was. Sometimes it's hard not to resent that … but only because I want to be better. I've spent so much time trying to escape you, that I lost sight of how great it is … to be your daughter."
"It's great being your father."
The two hugged.
"I'm so sorry I made you feel like that, I only told you all those stories to entertain you and relate to you. I didn't know I was invalidating you and pushing you away."
"I know …"
"I love you so much Kiddo."
"I love you too, Daddy."
Amber smiled looking around seeing all her friends were safe and well. Wait! Not all of them!
Realising someone was missing, the teen ran over to Freddie as fast as she could, still trapped in his shackles of ice against the stadium wall. "Freddie! Are you ok?"
"Beaten by ice … I'll never live it down." The teenage boy despaired.
"Well, I won't tell anyone." Amber giggled. She looked at the thick frozen water binds. "Now then … how do I get you out of here?"
"My pokémon are belted just under my hoodie, pull out any ball, you know they're all fire types, they can melt the ice."
Amber lifted up his top, exposing the pokéballs and his toned abs. Both teens blushed slightly at the boys exposed skin. Shaking off the embarrassment, Amber pulled a ball off and released it, quickly pulling his hoodie top back down. Ninetails emerged.
"Arwwww, hello Ninetails, you're so pretty!" Amber couldn't resist petting her gorgeous fur.
"Um any day now?" Freddie narked back.
"Yeah yeah, chill out." Amber giggled at her little joke as Freddie rolled his eyes. "Hil-arious."
"Ninetails use flamethrower, melt the ice."
Ninetails looked at the stranger girl and then to her trainer. She cried out and melted the binds on him and her fellow pokémon teammate. Freddie sat up and petted Ninetails thanking her for freeing them.
Typhlosion began to get up, but then collapsed back down. Totally exhausted.
"Typhlosion …" Amber knelt down to the fire pokémon. "Poor guy, he's totally wiped out. I thought you'd traded him out?"
"I was going to … but I just couldn't face battling without him … and knowing I had to face Team Rocket, there wasn't a pokémon I trusted more. Pretty stupid of me in hindsight huh?" Freddie replied sadly as he gave his partner a gentle pet on the head before recalling the tired pokémon back into his ball for a well-deserved rest. Amber smiled sweetly and shook her head. She understood his feelings perfectly.
"Freddie what you did back there … running in like that."
"Was asinine and pointless?"
"I was going to say brave." Amber blushed slightly. "Thank you."
Freddie blushed back. "… We had to stop Team Rocket. For everyone."
As the two sat on the floor exhausted from the day's events, a moment of silence hung between the two, before it was broken by Freddie.
"Sooo. You have a Zapdos huh? Didn't bust that out in our battle …"
Amber shook her head. "Zapdos is my friend. I would never abuse it's trust or power that way."
Freddie gave a soft smile. "Then I can see why it picked you."
"I didn't hold anything back in our match Freddie. I lost to you fair and square."
"Actually, you didn't." A familiar voice called out.
Ash, Pikachu, Elaine and the other 13 Pokémon League participants walked over to the pair.
"With the referees not being official pokémon league standing members, the match and tournament are nil and void."
Amber looked at her father. "Nil …"
Freddie finished her sentence. "And void …"
Amber looked from Freddie to Elaine, to Ash and back to the others. Now the adrenaline was wearing off she could feel the soreness through her body from Victreebel's vines. She was spent. It made her think how her pokémon must feel after batting ... "Actually … Daddy. I'm done battling."
"What?!" "Pika?!" Ash and all the trainers stepped back in shock.
"Not forever" Amber sweat dropped and giggled. "But I'm finished here. Me and my pokémon need a break for a bit to fully recover." Amber looked at Freddie. "I don't need a referee to tell me when I'm beat."
Freddie and Amber held eye contact for a moment. The boy didn't know what to make of his new rival's confession.
Ash spoke up once more. "But Amber … are you sure? It was vey close, a few different calls and maybe …"
Amber shook her head. "If I need a technicality to win, then I didn't win."
"Ok … if you're sure?"
The teenager nodded.
Ash put his hand to his chin. "Ok guess we can figure out how to do this with 15 finalists …"
The other 13 trainers all looked amongst each other and smiled knowingly, taking a big step back leaving Freddie and Elaine front a centre.
"Huh?" The pair looked around.
One of the trainers spoke up. "Elaine is the one that really saved us all. She rallied us together and came up with the plan to defeat Team Rocket, and Freddie played a pivotal role in that. Team Rocket would have won here today without them."
Another trainer spoke up. "We don't know how much Team Rocket influenced the tournament, but we all agree the outcome would likely be the same. Elaine and Freddie should remain in the final. They earned this. Sir."
"There's always next year" Another trainer nodded in agreement.
"Well, if that's how you all feel?" Amber and the 13 trainers all nodded in agreement. Ash smiled and looked to Freddie and Elaine. "Then it looks like it's you two in the final, just as intended." The Champion declared.
"I do have one request Master Ketchum." Elaine looked at Ash. "Postpone the match until all Freddie's pokémon are fully healed. I want to battle him at his best." She turned to look at Freddie. "Like a true champion."
Freddie nodded as the two smiled at each other. A new rivalry formed.
"Of course. I wouldn't have it any other way." Ash nodded. A low rumble broke the atmosphere. The Master held his stomach and sweat dropped "Now let's all get some food, it's been one heck of a long day!"
Amber and Pikachu deadpanned in embarrassment.
The group made their way out the stadium.
"And where were you lot when the action all kicked off huh?! What do we even pay you for?!"
Walking back Amber, Ash and Pikachu winced as they heard Misty on the warpath. Cole's plethora of bodyguards all stood in shame, hands crossed over, heads bowed as they took the ear chewing.
Cole stood to the side, sunglasses on, not making eye contact out of embarrassment. Elesa hanging off his arm.
As Ash walked outside the stadium with his daughter, a mass of reporters turned to see them emerging.
"Over there the hero of Kanto!"
"Ketchum, Ketchum over there!" The media swarm began to rush over.
"Looks like you'll be giving interviews the rest of the night." Amber sighed.
The pokémon Master looked at his daughter and half smiled. "No, not this time. This is all for you, kiddo."
Amber looked up to her father and then back out at the media mob, she beamed and took a deep breath to address them when she found herself trampled under the stampede of reporters.
Cole stepped out, who'd been following behind his father and sister. Finding himself immediately swarmed by flash photography and microphones.
"Cole Ketchum the world saw you stand up to the head of Team Rocket out there, we had no idea you such a talented trainer, and hero, like your father." "Does this mean we can expect to see you compete?" "Will you be adding pokémon master to your already impressive résumé? Are you in line for your fathers Championship title?"
"Please, please I just did what anyone else with pokémon battling know-how and expertise would do in such a situation." Cole played up perfectly to the cameras. His fans in the crowd swooning.
"But … but I'm the one who stopped Silver!" Tears streamed down the downtrodden girl as once again her brother got all the attention.
Elesa stepped upto to her future sister-in-law. "Don't sweat it." Amber looked up at her idol. Flawless as ever, Elesa looked at Amber and smiled. "Amber you were just awesome, everyone who matters knows this was your victory." The two looked at Cole lapping up the media attention. Stars appeared in the model's eyes, she clasped her cheeks and swooned over her fiancé. "Oh, he's just sooo dazzling isn't he?"
"That's my boy." Misty joined her future daughter-in-law with the same starry-eyed expression.
Amber narrowed her eyes and pouted.
"Um … well ya win some, ya lose some." Ash put his hand behind the back of his head and laughed as he and Pikachu sweat dropped.
As the other trainers and spectators all left the Indigo Stadium into the low setting sun, Brock walked up to Ash and Misty and looped his arms around the two, pulling them in close. "Whadda I tell you guys? When the three of us are together."
"Things always work out." Misty beamed finishing her friend's sentence.
The original trio smiled as they looked over the next generation of trainers before them.
The days past and the events of Team Rocket faded. Once again, the Pokémon League finals were underway with Elaine and Freddie facing off. The battle had been fiercely fought on both sides with both trainers down to their last pokémon in the all-out 6 on 6.
Amber and Raichu watched from the stands surrounded with her friends and family as Elaine's Espeon dealt the final blow knocking Freddies Magmar clean out.
"Freddie … he lost …" A feeling of disappointment came over her she couldn't explain. Of course, Elaine was her friend and she wanted her to win, but she didn't want Freddie to lose …
"Raiiiiii" Raichu also shared in the odd feeling. One only they could both share.
"And the winner of this year's Pokémon League Competition Final goes to Green Trainer Elaine of Pallet Town Kanto!"
The crowds went wild.
"Well … that's that." Ash smiled and applauded along with everyone else.
"Yeah. Guess so …" Amber quietly muttered. Why did she feel like she'd lost?
"I remember my first Championship win … way back in Alola … ahhh the adrenaline, the crowds. Nothing like your first … and." Ash stopped and looked at Amber. "Am I doing it again? Making it all about me?"
Amber shook her head. "I like hearing about it."
The two smiled at each other.
Ash looked to his ever faithful pokémon on his shoulder. "Well we better go crown the new Kanto Champion Pikachu."
"Pika!"
"And you need to take the third place mantel Kiddo. Come on let's go. Catch ya later everyone." Ash leaned in giving his wife a quick peck and exited the stands with Pikachu to perform their duty, his daughter and her raichu following behind.
Amber and Raichu walked down onto the arena and took their third-place spot on the podium.
The crowds cheered and bellowed loudly for them as they stepped up, louder than they had cheered for Elaine.
"Wow. I may be the League Champion, but I think you're the peoples Champ, Kid." Elaine looked at Amber and gave her a wink.
She looked up at Elaine and half smiled. A slight pang of jealousy at not being stood there in the first-place spot reared up but was soon dismissed. Elaine really did deserve this.
Amber leaned forwards as her father placed the third medal over her head. He gave his daughter his big toothy grin wink and moved onto Freddie gifting him the silver medal. Freddie looked at the medal and couldn't help but scowl. A slight bitterness at the irony of the colour.
Amber leaned forwards and watched Freddie accepting his medal, the look on his face … again the uneasy feeling returned.
Freddie losing … feels like … I lost …
Elaine accepted her gold medal and first place trophy from Ash. Elaine had finally won the Kanto Pokémon League Championship after many years of trying. Her eyes and smile beamed with pride and joy.
"That Elaine really is something special." Gary smiled softly and applauded from the stands. "I knew it from the moment I met her."
Misty gave Gary a sly look and grinned.
"What?" Gary raised an eyebrow.
"Oh Gary." Misty simply shook her head and smiled knowingly. "You're as clueless as Ash."
"Humph!" Gary side eyed Misty and continued clapping the victor.
"Congratulations on winning the Indigo Pokémon League tournament Elaine, and of course all your invaluable efforts against Team Rocket to protect Kanto, we couldn't have won without you and all that you did. Your title is more than well deserved." Ash shook Elaine's hand. "So, Champion. What's next for you?"
"I want the honour of challenging the Elite Four! And then, I want to battle you!" Elaine blurted out and nodded her head seriously. "I'm entering the world series and I'm going to be World Number 1 Pokémon Master!"
Ash smirked, not taken aback in the slightest. He enjoyed the woman's confidence that reminded him so much his own. "Of course. We'll get that sorted. I gotta say I wish you all the best against my friends, Elaine."
"You do?" The champions eyes widened slightly and cocked her head.
"Sure do. Because personally, I can't wait to battle you. It's going to be awesome." Ash beamed. The handshake between the two tightened as a new friendly rivalry formed.
Ash's pikachu, chirped from his master's shoulder, his face full of determination. "Pi ka chu!"
"Ladies and Gentlemen that concludes our Pokémon League competition for the year, and what a wild unorthodox ride it's been. But we're proud to present our new Kanto League Champion. Elaine of Pallet Town."
The seasoned trainer turned to face the crowds, who cheered and applauded their new Kanto Champion. Ash grabbed the woman's hand and lifted it high into the air.
Still clapping for her friend, something caught Amber's eye. Freddie had stepped off the podium and left. She spotted the boy leaving the Indigo Plateau in the distance. Recalling Raichu, she bowed down off the podium leaving the spotlight to Elaine and her father and ran after him.
"Freddie." Amber caught up to the fire trainer at the exit steps and caught her breath.
Freddie turned around and looked the girl up and down with surprise. "Oh it's you. What do you want?"
"I just wanted to tell you, I've battled alongside Elaine before, I know her pretty well. She's an amazing trainer with a lot of experience. It doesn't take anything away from you as a trainer. Your pokémon are awesome and every bit as deserving."
Freddie was taken aback. He wasn't really sure how to respond to that. "Are you trying to make me feel better or yourself?"
Amber looked up, puzzled. "What do you mean by that?"
"You lost to me in the semi's. Remember that. I don't need a pity talk from you."
Amber clenched her jaw. He could be a real jerk.
"Well. I'm outta here. See ya." With that the teenaged boy turned away and walked off.
"Wait. Where are you going?"
"Back home to Goldenrod City, then who knows." Freddie spoke out as he continued to walk away.
Amber frowned but called out after the boy. "Hey, where is Goldenrod City?"
"Johto." Freddie didn't even turn around as he continued walking off.
Amber watched him leave. Johto …
As night was setting in, Amber looked up to the darkening sky as celebratory fireworks were released in an impressive display to end the tournament. Her mind swirled with everything that had transpired over the league competition, Team Rocket, Silver, Elaine, Janine, Freddie, her father … flashbacks raced through her mind.
"You think Team Rocket are based solely in Kanto? You simple naïve child! Team Rocket is everywhere." Silver scoffed. "You couldn't possibly comprehend."
Silver grabbed onto the rung of the helicopter ladder. "There are things in motion much bigger than you or I, Girl. Team Rocket is a spectrum. I myself only head S in Johto." "We will meet again. Me and you. When we do, I'll beat you down with all my power. You keep at it until then."
"Absolutely! And I'm going to take a page out of your book and go on my own journey from scratch, and then we will face off again my friend." Janine clasped her hand in a promise.
"It isn't over. Not for you. This is just the beginning." Ash smiled.
Freddie turned around. "Johto." And continued walking off.
Amber smiled with determination, she pulled out Raichu's pokéball and look at it, clasping her hand tightly around the sphere she looked back up at the glittering sky.
A big presence loomed over her. It was Surge.
"So Kid. Now you've done da Kanto League, saved da world from Team Rocket, again, and partnered up with tha legendary bird ov Thunda. ... What's next for ya?
Amber looked to her mentor and then back out to the dark horizon.
You're right Dad, this isn't over for us ...
"We're going to Johto."
Authors note: AND THAT'S IT DEAR READERS! Ambers adventures in Kanto have come to an end, but rest assured this is not the end of this protagonist!
Thank you to all the readers, to the followers of story and reviewers. To PhantomZombie for giving me a kick up the bum to continue the story and all the great reviews provided.
This story is going to continue in a part 2, however it will be quite different and focus a lot on own characters and head canon with the return of a couple of favourites.
I hope to see a lot of you back again as the journey continues :-)