Episode 35: The Second Round! Battle With Familiar Faces!
Another day, another battle, another round of the World Tournament to go… and the stadium seemed even more abuzz than it had prior. Thankfully for everyone involved, Ashton was not running on energy drinks and sheer willpower, but had actually gotten herself to bed at a reasonable hour, not that it helped much in the 'something being off' category. Her match was set to start soon and as she hung around under the bleachers near her entryway, she still giggled wildly and paced back and forth restlessly, occasionally stopping to punch the air and jump up and down. Some of the officials cast her a funny glance, not quite sure what to make of her (or perhaps anticipating that she'd run across the field and put her opponent in a headlock), but compared to her antics from the day prior, it was tame. Some of her Poké Balls wiggled, and she stopped to pat them, assuaging them that they would get their time to shine soon.
Soon enough, one of the officials called, "Ashton, you're up!"
The blonde woman perked right up and practically sprinted through the tunnel.
And much like her, the audience was abuzz too.
"Well, we know she's at the top of her game this time," Dylan noted, watching the field below.
"I sure hope she is," Kris remarked. "You know, did the officials know she didn't actually fight Rayquaza last time? I think they just saw Zinnia's badge and figured that's how she got it, but she didn't even bother correcting them when that got announced like she did about punching dragons."
"Maybe saying what actually happened would get her branded a liar," Aurora noted.
"Everyone knows what Rayquaza is; hardly anyone would know what the dragon she actually faced is," Dylan mused. "She probably didn't contest it to sound cooler."
"She would do that, wouldn't she?" Kris haplessly chuckled.
They all shut up when the announcer's voice boomed out over the stadium. "Hope you're all ready for another match, folks! In the east end, it's our triumphant dragon-puncher, Ashton, back to show her fangs! Can she keep her crazed win streak going?! Does anyone have the courage to stand up to her?!"
The drones zoomed in on their friend as she bolted out onto the field, both her fists balled up and a wide-eyed, toothy grin on her face. Her gait wasn't haphazard as it had been before, but the way she sprinted at the cameras like a screamer scene from a horror movie might have still made a few onlookers flinch. Once she took her spot, she pumped one fist in the air with her other hand on her hip, looking giddy as could be.
"Not a chance!" she hollered in response to the announcer's question.
The scene on the big screens switched to the other side, where her opponent was making an entrance next. "And in the west end, we've got the king of funk, Miror B himself, dancing his way to victory! Can anything rain on his parade?! Can anyone crimp his style?!"
With swaggering, lighthearted steps, out strode a very loud character with flashy sunglasses and a split-colored afro so big it likely made walking through doors difficult without ducking down- none other than the over-the-top RedHot admin himself. He chuckled, snapping his fingers to an imaginary beat only he could tell the rhythm of. "There's no way, darling.~"
Ashton's mouth fell open at seeing her opponent. "You're kidding!" she said in disbelief. "You?! I have to face you?!"
Miror B laughed. "Good to see you too, darling!"
"You know how many times we've beaten you and your buddies before?! Sheesh, I thought this was supposed to be a challenge!" Ashton fussed haplessly. "I could've pulled another all-nighter last night and been totally fine! I really am just gonna have to wait to face Dylan for a real fight!" She looked out at the crowd, her gaze darting around seeing as she couldn't pick her friend out. "You hear that?! You better not let me down after this, Dylan!"
"Him?!" Kris exclaimed in disbelief. "He was doing gym challenges this whole time, too?! Since when?!"
"Wow," Dylan remarked, likewise taken aback. "Oh, Ashton's gonna have fun with this one…"
"I hope for his sake he's at the top of his game," Aurora mused, looking the combatants over.
The RedHot admin, however, only laughed some more at his opponent, smiling amusedly at her ranting. "Oh, I can assure you- you won't be winning this one.~ Have your little rant while you can.~"
"I freakin' will!" Ashton shot back, grabbing a ball and getting ready to throw it. "C'mon, Azrael! Let's get this over with!"
"Let's dance!" Miror B too exclaimed, following suit. "Show your stuff, Oricorio!"
Two avian creatures made their entrance on the field- the armored, sharp form of a Skarmory and the gently swaying pink form of a Pa'u Oricorio. The former certainly looked more intimidating with his glinting feathers and narrowed yellow eyes, but the latter wasn't fazed at all, looking completely relaxed while she swayed and danced in place. Azrael himself eyed the other bird and how small and unassuming she was, but the Oricorio eyed him back, completely apathetic.
"Looks like we've got a match underway!" the announcer called. "Ashton chooses a flying metallic steed in Skarmory, and Miror B sends out a dainty dancer in Oricorio!"
"Alright, Azrael, make the other side a mess! Lay down Spikes!" Ashton called.
"Calm Mind, Oricorio! Let's elevate that dance with some focus!" Miror B likewise called.
A screech of affirmation came from the Skarmory as he took to the air and circled the other side of the field, dropping little metallic shards with sharp, pointed edges as he flapped his wings. From Ashton's end and from the audience's views as well, Miror B's side looked like it was sparkling with silver glitter, but to anyone close enough to see, it was not a pretty thing. Even so, Oricorio still swayed, albeit with narrowing eyes and more deliberate, focused movements.
The booming voice of the announcer rang out over the crowd. "Ashton is setting traps left and right for her foes! Can Miror B hope to overcome this advantage?!"
"Of course, darling!" the spiffy man called up at the press box.
"Get 'er with Night Slash!" Ashton hollered, smirking.
Azrael's eyes glinted as he went to do just that, the edges of his wings getting cloaked in blackness as he dive-bombed down at the smaller bird.
"Not so fast!" Miror B said, playfully holding up a single finger. "Oricorio, Revelation Dance!"
As Azrael went to strike, the Oricorio made a flashy move and struck back with one of her own wings, cloaked in an intense pink glow. It was certainly not a perfect counter, but with a Calm Mind boost behind it, Oricorio lessened the blow while making Azrael's eyes wince a bit at the hit he too took. Nonetheless, she squawked in discomfort and Azrael flew off, the smallish pink bird stumbling a bit as she regained her footing.
"Icy Wind, Oricorio!" Miror B called, striking a pose as he too swayed nonchalantly. "Slow their groove to a halt!"
"Hit 'er again!" Ashton hollered, balling her fists up and bouncing a bit in place.
The Skarmory's metal outside wasn't too bothered by the cold, but as Oricorio breathed an Icy Wind at him, he could feel the icy crystals sticking to his body and weighing him down. Nonetheless, it didn't stop him as he rammed a black-cloaked wing into the smallish bird again, getting another squawk that promptly cut itself off as he knocked out his opponent. He tried to flap his wings and shake them off, but it wasn't much use- a good chunk of his body was rather frosted over. Ashton's eye twitched a bit at seeing her Pokémon at a disadvantage with his speed cut, but that was fine, she figured- he was good at taking hits and brushing them off, after all, annoying though it was.
"What a hit!" the announcer cried. "Oricorio goes down, and with Spikes laid down on Miror B's side, how will the funky king pull through?!"
"He's not!" Ashton hollered, laughing. "You know, Miror B, you can forfeit too! Save yourself the embarrassment!"
Miror B, however, chuckled as he recalled the little pink one. "Fwohoho, my tempo isn't off at all and I will do no such thing! Dance, my pretty, dance!"
He grabbed another ball and tossed it out, the form of a bipedal creature wearing a skull to conceal its real face with a flaming bone in its hand entering the field- a ghostly flame-twirling Marowak, specifically the Kai variety from Hawaii. Though his face was obscured as a Marowak's usually was, his eyes were narrowed threateningly and a slight growl escaped from under the skull, but even so, he winced a bit at landing on some of the metallic shards Azrael had sprinkled about Miror B's side. Maybe having a Fire-type on the field as her opponent wold've made Ashton think twice, but she wasn't too concerned, and judging by Azrael swaying back and forth as if just waiting to attack, her Skarmory wasn't either.
"Oooh, and Miror B picks Kai Marowak, but Ashton's confidence is still unshakeable!" the announcer's voice boomed.
Ashton chuckled. "Well, seeing as that's a Ghost-type too, I'll win this the same way I did the last! Azrael, Night Slash again!"
"Flare Blitz, Marowak! Make him see stars!" Miror B called.
The icy crystals still covering Azrael's wings made him slower to move, but he nonetheless did exactly as Ashton said, his sharp feathers once again becoming cloaked in blackness as he flew at his foe. Marowak, though, didn't seem to care that much despite the blatant advantage such a hit would have, and twirled his bone around his body with fast, snappy movements that scattered embers through the air. Some of those embers stuck to his form, growing larger along with the flames on his bone, until the bone-shrouded one was cloaked in ethereal fire. He didn't even bother to move as Azrael sailed through the air at him, instead getting into position with eyes like smoldering coals and springing at the metallic bird. Maybe the heat melted the icy crystals slowing the Skarmory down, but that came too late- the altered movements of the metallic avian made him easier to pivot around, and Marowak's skull-shrouded head bashed into his chest while his bone smashed against his head. With a screech, Azrael slumped down with his wings still flicking as he tried to get up, but another quick thwack of the bone to the side of his head finished the job and he was down.
"That's how it's done!" Miror B called, striking a pose and busting a few moves. "Whoa yeah, I'm in the groove!"
"What a hit!" the announcer called. "Marowak delivers a strong Flare Blitz with apparently not a shred of damage taken in recoil! What will Ashton do?!"
Ashton, much like the skull-clad one had, growled under her breath too, but not so much because she felt backed into a corner by losing one of her team- no, the way Miror B was victory dancing just irritated her. She studied Marowak for a second while recalling her downed armored avian, taking note that indeed, a hit like that ordinarily would've damaged the user- it must've had a Rock Head keeping it safe from that possibility, letting it use reckless recoil moves with no repercussions.
"Alright, my good luck charm, let's do it," she said, grabbing another ball as she stowed Azrael away. "C'mon, Halley!"
A Clefable entered the field shortly, wearing an oblivious grin while Marowak sized her up. She giggled, giving a playful wave even while her foe pointed his bone at her threateningly, clearly not fazed.
"Can we get some music?!" Miror B called up at the press box. "This groove is too strong to go without it!"
"No can do, Miror B!" the announcer called. "That would be an unfair interference from tournament officials-!"
However, at that moment, some fans in the crowd positioned closer to the field, all of them dressed in flashy, horrifically gaudy outfits, hoisted a stereo over their heads and turned it up to max volume as they blasted an over-the-top pop number out of its speakers. It didn't have the volume that the announcer's voice did, but it was certainly audible to the ones on the field, much to Miror B's delight and Ashton's frustration.
"Ooooh, yes, yes!" Miror B exclaimed, immediately bursting into moves.
It was an utterly ridiculous dance if Ashton had ever seen one- her opponent held his hands over his head to imitate ears akin to a Buneary's and flexed his fingers up and down while bouncing in place with his hips swinging from side to side. The flashy fans in the crowd started doing it too, followed by both Pokémon on the field, while Ashton's eyes twitched and her expression became that of someone thinking of smashing another individual's head into the wall.
"Come on, darling!" Miror B called. "Join in!"
"No!" Ashton shouted in sheer disbelief. "What the-!"
The audience didn't get the words coming out of her mouth, for tournament officials had the very wise idea to cut the audio and video feed for a moment while she had a moment of very unsportsmanlike behavior. Halley blushed, quitting the dance, and Miror B giggled mischievously like a child stealing the last cookie from the jar.
"Oh, wow," Aurora mused flatly.
"What's she saying?" Kris wondered. "Why'd they cut it off?"
Dylan sighed, burying his head in his hands. "She is gonna get herself banned. She is absolutely gonna get herself banned."
They only got the tail end when the feed came back. "-With an old scarf and a butter knife, at the bottom of a dank cave in the god-forsaken wilderness! You are scum!"
Miror B could only laugh and Halley's cheeks were bright red, while some of the crowd sitting rather close to the field had wide-eyed looks. Some of them were on their phones, shooting each other stunned yet amused look, and when Kris had the idea to check the web for social media posts about the ongoing match, her eyes bulged out of their sockets and her cheeks immediately flushed bright red, and she closed her Poké Gear in a hurry.
"Well, I'm glad you got that out of your system," Miror B chuckled, still grinning.
Ashton looked like her head was about to explode, but she let out a deep breath and deflated. "Yeah, me too," she declared simply, then balling up her fists and focusing again, "Moonblast, Halley!"
"Double-Edge, Marowak!"
The Clefable reached into the air and waggled her fingers a bit in a playful gesture, a pinkish glow condensing around them much like something one would expect to see in the night sky, and Marowak rushed as quick as he could, eyes narrowing. The bone and his strong head rammed into Halley, but while taking the hit certainly wasn't pleasant, it gave Halley an easy opportunity to score a direct hit. Some heavy discomforted groans came from both of them as they jumped back from each other, Marowak still looking determined and Halley's eyes narrowing a bit for a devilish smile.
"Shadow Bone!"
"Metronome!"
Again Halley reached into the air, waggling only a single finger… her middle finger, to be exact, and as she did, she was Protected by a convenient shield that Marowak could only flail aimlessly against. She giggled, resuming dancing for just a moment while her foe let out a frustrated cry. It wouldn't stay up forever, though, and Marowak looked perfectly happy to spring whenever it faded.
"Life Dew!" Ashton called. "Don't let him get you down!"
"Bonemerang!" Miror B called. "Don't let her heal!"
As the effects of Protect faded, Halley's dainty little hands wiggled, some dew condensing out of the air around them, but before she could make use of them, a certain flaming bone circled around her, hitting one hand on its way forward and the other hand on its way back to its sender. The Clefable let out a distressed cry as the dew fell onto the ground, completely useless to her as it absorbed into it. Ashton too let out a groan, while Miror B chuckled, still dancing stupidly to the music.
"Double-Edge again! Knock her off her groove!"
"Metronome!" Ashton cried, hoping she'd get something good.
She got something interesting, alright- the Clefable started making giggling sounds as she became cloaked in a dark aura, running at her opponent likewise to Foul Play with him. The Marowak bashed her, but she too bashed him with her cutesy pink head in turn, using his own strength as her ammo. A loud thud came from the two simultaneous hits, and both of them stumbled backwards, looking absolutely dazed before falling over in an unmoving heap.
"Halley?!" Ashton cried to no avail.
"Oh, my pretty, she threw your tempo off!" Miror B exclaimed.
"Would you look at that, folks- that last hit was something else! Halley and Marowak took each other out!" the announcer called.
With no other option left, the two of them recalled their downed Pokémon, Ashton gritting her teeth as she fetched her next one.
"Maybe this guy isn't such a pushover after all," she muttered to herself. "But no matter! Get 'em, Phantasm! Give them nightmares!"
Miror B chuckled, tossing a ball himself. "You're up, Ludicolo!"
A devilishly grinning Gengar with a certain Mega Stone on a cord hung over his shoulders (or at least, the closest thing he had to them) floated down onto the field with glinting eyes and a giggling mouth, and a happy-go-lucky creature with a smiling bill plopped down onto the other side without a care. The Ludicolo looked like it wanted to start dancing, but feeling the metal shards prick its feet delayed such as it tried to kick them off and out of its territory. The absurd pop music faded to a halt, much to Ashton's relief… then started back up with another even cutesier tune. The blonde woman's body twitched, but not because she was about to start dancing.
"Ashton's not looking so happy despite having the advantage!" the announcer noted. "Has the king of funk already broken her fighting spirit?!"
"NO!" Ashton thundered. "I'm pissed! Hypnosis, Phantasm! Let's get this done!"
"Rain Dance, Ludicolo!"
The dancing creature immediately set to dancing even more so than it already was trying to, while Phantasm's eyes started to glow… but it was apparently to no avail. Ludicolo didn't even pay attention to Phantasm like Miror B's other team members had, laughing and dancing happily as clouds began to roll in over the stadium and burst with raindrops. He couldn't be hypnotized- he simply didn't care enough for the ghost's attempts to get under his skin, and Phantasm seemed to realize that at around the same time Ashton did. Some of the figures in the audience reached for umbrellas or pulled hoods over their heads if they had them, and some of the flashy fans gathered around the ones holding the stereo to shield it from the elements as well. Ashton didn't care- she'd trekked through a snowy mountainside with virtually no cover before, after all- and neither did Phantasm, but Ludicolo and Miror B seemed utterly giddy. Ludicolo's movements became swifter, and Miror B was still grooving along, albeit being more careful with his steps so as to not slip in the damp conditions.
"Looks like Phantasm's attempts to hypnotize his foe isn't working! Ludicolo is just too carefree to notice!" the announcer called.
"Do you have to announce that?!" Ashton fussed.
However, Phantasm wasn't going to give up, instead phasing into the ground and jumping out right in front of Ludicolo, eyes still aglow. Surely that would get the dancing creature's attention… and it did, just not in the way he or his trainer expected. Ludicolo, without missing a beat, grabbed one of Phantasm's hands and held it up over his head, nudging the Gengar with the other to get him to spin. Phantasm was confused at the gesture, and even more confused that apparently Ludicolo just couldn't be swayed, but the Water-type was none the wiser and grabbed Phantasm's other hand. It was yet another ridiculous dance, Ludicolo trying to get the ghost to dance along or spin some more, and Phantasm's disjointed movements of clear discomfort only seeming to make Ludicolo think he was playing along.
Miror B cackled, and Ashton shook her head in stupor. "Give him a nice toss, Ludicolo!" Miror B called, striking a pose for a moment.
Had it been an actual dance, maybe Ludicolo would've spun Phantasm around, gracefully tossed him into the air, and caught him on an elegant embrace as he floated back down… but no, it was not an actual dance, and the 'toss' in question was a Seismic Toss. Ludicolo, still holding Phantasm's hands, gave a jump and practically suplexed the Gengar backwards, still grinning. A cry of dismay escaped Phantasm, and he phased into the ground after hitting it.
"Phantasm!" Ashton hollered. "Screw it, let's end this quick!"
The Gengar knew exactly what she was getting at when she busted out her Key Stone, and he phased back out of the ground close to his foe with his Gengarite glowing. Shortly, his form was even more menacing, part of it sinking into the ground and taking an ominous reddish hue… and Ludicolo quickly becoming unable to move away as he was caught by Shadow Tag.
Miror B paused for just a moment, his smile only slightly faltering. "… A bad note every once in a while is inevitable.~ Hydro Pump, my pretty!"
"Sludge Bomb!" Ashton hollered.
Ludicolo certainly tried to blast Phantasm away, but the Mega Gengar was simply too powerful, and at such close range, it was an easy hit. The dancing creature's water cannon was overtaken by a burst of poison that ended up drenching him completely. It didn't take long at all before Ludicolo was a shivering mess that fell unconscious, his whole body coated in a thick purple sludge. Phantasm couldn't help but to giggle, phasing into the ground and coming back out closer to Ashton's side.
"And Phantasm goes Mega, folks!" the announcer's voice boomed out. "Ludicolo is no match for him!"
"When this over, he better hope I never meet him in a dark alley," Ashton mused to herself, looking unamused at her opponent.
Miror B, however, grinned even more as he readied his next ball, shouting, "Blast them into orbit, my lovely! Make them cry!"
Ashton could feel one of her Poké Balls wiggling on her belt, which she quickly glanced down at to give a pat- it belonged to Regulus. "Hold on, Regulus, hold on," she said softly. "You'll get your turn."
You're gonna need me really soon, came the Deoxys' telepathic voice. This one is trouble.
Hearing such come from a legendary space alien was… certainly surprising, but Ashton, and everyone else, figured out why fairly quickly. A creature that hardly even resembled a Pokémon entered the field, its towering body made up of five thick black cables with copper elements on its hands, feet, and tail and a glowing spiked ball for a head. Judging from the heavy sparks coursing up and down its form and the static-laden, borderline screeching sounds that came from it, it wasn't particularly friendly. The members of the audience weren't quite sure what to think, and Ashton's wasn't either.
"Is… that…?" Dylan stammered, squinting one eye and looking uncertain.
"I can barely make out a word that thing is saying," Aurora noted. "Something about a void and… w-world domination…?"
"Seriously?" Dylan asked in disbelief, casting a concerned glance down to the field. "Jeez, Team RedHot getting ahold of something like that is… not good."
Kris, however, was studying the creature and glancing between her Poké Gear, piping up, "That's an Ultra Beast- y'know, the extradimensional creatures that come out of wormholes?"
Dylan and Aurora both perked up at the mention, but on the field, Ashton was more perked up than anyone.
"What is that?!" the blonde woman exclaimed. "I've seen some stuff, but this is new!"
"This is Xurkitree, darling!" Miror B called back. "Such a dazzling specimen, no~? I should thank you- it came to me after one of your gym challenges! Remember your escapades with the gym challenge in Teotihuacan~?"
She certainly did- fighting Ultra Beasts in a boss rush when they were most certainly not supposed to be there, and apparently Team RedHot had snagged one while she was earning her badge. But as for his description… 'dazzling,' perhaps not, but it was certainly… striking. Ashton wasn't sure exactly what the source was, but she could feel the air buzzing and static coursing over her as well which, if she had to guess, was a product of Xurkitree's overpowering currents. She saw why Miror B had sent out Ludicolo beforehand too- Rain Dance had made it easier to channel bolts, which surely the creature before her was about to do. Clearly, Regulus' concern hadn't come from nowhere.
… It almost made her forget the blasting stereo that she wished with every fiber of her being would stop playing music. Almost.
"… Ooooookay," Ashton said flatly, taking it all in. "This is fine! I don't care what you are or what you are bringing to the field, Miror B- I am going to win this! Phantasm, Shadow Ball!"
"Thunderbolt, my pretty!"
The Mega Gengar didn't hesitate, but when Xurkitree fired a bolt, Ashton couldn't help but to flinch. The air buzzed again, her hair standing on end for a moment, and a loud BOOM echoed throughout the stadium that made some folks in the crowd recoil in fright too. Phantasm was strong, but this creature was apparently stronger, for the Thunderbolt cut right through his Shadow Ball (albeit losing a chunk of its strength in the process) and struck, eliciting a pained cry and a pointed look from its target. Ashton had to pause for a second to process such, seeing as a Mega Gengar was supposed to hit hard, but clearly, Phantasm's opponent was not messing around.
She couldn't help but to chuckle uncertainly for a second, then broke into a big grin. "Now this is what I'm talking about," she laughed to herself, her own eyes glinting mischievously.
"Keep it up, my pretty! You're just frightfully supercharged, aren't you~?"
"Shadow Ball again, Phantasm! Give it all you got!"
The air buzzed again as Xurkitree fired another bolt, and Phantasm's eyes narrowed as he fired another Shadow Ball, clearly straining himself a bit for how huge and dark it was. It was like a black void, something the onlookers would've expected Darkrai to drag its hapless victims into if it so chose to act malevolently, but Xurkitree's bolt still cut through some of its darkness and flickered within it as the two of them tried to overpower the other. Phantasm opened his mouth and let out something of a war cry, and Xurkitree screeched in what was presumably wrath, but when the rainclouds overhead sparked, the outcome was decided. A bolt of natural lightning came crashing down onto the wired creature, and just like that, Phantasm was out. The Gengar's Mega form broke, and instead the form of a sparking, hapless ghost was left limp in the middle of the field.
"What a shock, folks!" the announcer cried. "Phantasm couldn't stand up to this new foe! Does Ashton have a suitable counter, or is this the end?!"
Ashton chuckled a bit, recalling Phantasm. "Oh, you bet I do.~"
She didn't have to send out Regulus; his ball burst open and he was out on his own. It's gonna take a legendary to take this one down, he relayed to Ashton. Nothing can match an alien life form better than another alien life form.
She certainly didn't disagree.
"And it looks like she does!" the announcer kept on. "The legendary Deoxys has graced the tournament! Keep a close eye on the field, folks- things might get a little out of hand!"
Ashton laughed, for it was certainly going to get out of hand if she had anything to do with it. "Let's go for a Night Shade, Regulus!" she called.
Way ahead of you, Regulus responded, his form changing.
"Signal Beam, Xurkitree! Legendary or not, I've seen your groove, and it's unstoppable!" Miror B hollered, striking another pose before going right back to grooving.
Regulus had seen such coming and flew overhead, changing to his defensive form above the center of the field, but Xurkitree still aimed up, shooting a blinding Signal Beam into the air. Thankfully the Deoxys, even if it wasn't his fastest form, could still maneuver well in the air, and instead one of the grey clouds got split in half instead of his body. The crystal in the Deoxys' chest took on a blackish hue and he let a sinister black beam go downwards at his opponent below, who quickly slinked out of the way while screeching something that likely wasn't very kind.
"Oh, you want to play like that, huh?!" Miror B exclaimed. "Fine! Thunderbolt, Xurkitree!"
With a move like that, it didn't matter how the Ultra Beast aimed, and indeed, the bolt it fired didn't hit Regulus, but instead got absorbed into one of the storm clouds which promptly released it straight back down at the Deoxys with wicked speed. He braced himself, tanking the hit just fine with his bulky form, but Ashton still couldn't help but to clench her fists a bit.
I can't say I'm not impressed, Regulus mused to Ashton. This one is strong.
"Well, so are you!" Ashton mused back. "C'mon, let's try a Hyper Beam!"
I was thinking the same thing.
"Signal Beam, Xurkitree! You've got them upset!" Miror B called.
"'Upset?!'" Ashton hollered, shaking her fist in the air. "Oh, you can just shut up, y'know that?!"
Oh, he most certainly knew it, but he just didn't care.
Regulus, however, rather than use his attacking form, switched to his sleek, speedy one to dart around the field for a bit in an attempt to throw Xurkitree off. The Ultra Beast, even if it did lack facial features to convey things, looked flustered at the fellow alien darting around too fast to track for the way it twitched and made sudden movements with a ball of energy coalescing in its copper-plated hands.
"The drones can't keep up with Regulus' speed!" the announcer's voice came again. "Just how is Xurkitree ever hoping to hit?!"
Apparently Xurkitree itself wasn't too sure, until Regulus himself darted directly in front of it, his form shifting again to a more pointed, threatening one built for attacking. The Xurkitree screeched again, letting its attack go, but Regulus too let his fly, the beams stalling each other in the air for a second until the Hyper Beam overtook the other. The Signal Beam had weakened it, sure, but it was still a hard hit, and the Ultra Beast stumbled backwards with flickering fixtures for a second until it got ahold of itself and twitched wildly. Regulus, however, needed to regain his composure after his last attack and switched to his defensive form, slumping and touching the ground.
"Hit him while he's down, my pretty! Another Signal Beam!"
"Well, I can't say I didn't see that coming," Ashton remarked, mostly to herself.
Thankfully Regulus' form was bulky enough to take it, but he still slumped over a bit, clearly down a chunk of his vitality. I'm fine, he conveyed to Ashton. But I can't take another. Let's end it, shall we?
"Go right ahead," Ashton said, grinning.
"Finish him!" Miror B called. "Give him your best shot!"
Xurkitree had no qualms about doing just that. One of its hand reached into the air, where a could overhead sparked and dropped another bolt, giving the Ultra Beast a supercharged state. Regulus, though, switched forms again to his attacking one, focusing on Xurkitree and creating a ball of energy between his tendrils that looked like a miniature supernova- a Psycho Boost.
"Oh, they are really going for it!" Kris exclaimed in the crowd, looking slightly hesitant.
"They're gonna blow this place up if they're not careful," Dylan said, likewise eyeing the field cautiously.
A gigantic superbolt fired from Xurkitree's hands, and Regulus let his attack go too, the two of them yet again stalling in the air against each other. Ashton could feel her hair standing on end again as well as the air seemingly getting heavy from Regulus' force, and Miror B actually stopped dancing for a moment. Had anyone or anything gotten in the center of those two attacks, they would've been on a fast track to the afterlife, that was for sure. Xurkitree's bolt overtook Regulus' Psycho Boost for a moment, then Regulus' attack overtook Xurkitree's, but neither one of them was backing down for a moment.
"C'mon, my pretty! Blast 'em into the next dimension!" Miror B called.
"Show 'em who's boss, Regulus!" Ashton called. "You're better than them!"
The crowd was dead silent, watching with wide eyes as they tried to overpower each other, and the Rotom drones certainly didn't feel like getting close. Xurkitree's arms shivered a bit and the Ultra Beast planted its tail into the ground, apparently absorbing even more energy from the earth for the way it sparked slightly. Regulus' form shook too, but he was holding up, even if clearly pushing himself.
"When this is over, my pretty, no one will stand in our way!" Miror B called. "Teach that brat a lesson!"
Regulus couldn't see the flashy one on the other side of the field on account of the giant supernova and superbolt in the way, but his words got across just fine. Your team is called RedHot, right? I bet you'd glow red hot if I took you into space and let you re-enter the atmosphere like an asteroid. Wouldn't be the first time you've blasted off, I'm sure.
That was certainly enough to knock the funk master off his groove, and he stopped dead, his eyes carefully glancing around under his glasses to see if maybe, just maybe, the voice in his head had been a hallucination and not a less-than-amused Deoxys.
Xurkitree screeched some more, its body shaking and slumping a bit, and with one last mustering of force, Regulus overtook its attack. The Psycho Boost flew through the bolt, slamming into the wired creature and in turn eliciting a cry of dismay as it slammed into Miror B, the two of them getting well acquainted with the wall behind them before falling in a slump. The Ultra Beast gave one more faint screech, its light flickering, before going dark and going limp.
"One of these days, I'll take great pleasure in kicking you around with my elegant dance steps…!" Miror B lamented before he too was seeing stars.
Regulus drooped in the air a bit, going back to his normal form before Ashton called him back, grinning as she stowed his ball away.
"What a match, folks!" the announcer called with glee. "Regulus' unbending psychic force just took out Xurkitree's out-of-this-world firepower! Can you believe it?! Another win goes to Ashton!"
Ashton herself cheered a bit, pumping both fists in the air and letting out a spirited whoop, not sticking around on the field at all thereafter. The blasting boombox faded rather quickly, but even so, she didn't want to be around in case it started back up with even more annoying tunes. Instead, she ran just outside the tunnel's exit and collapsed onto her knees, yelling at the top of her lungs while banging her fists against the ground to get the frustration out of her system.
"They played cutesy dance pop!" she shrieked. "At the World Tournament! What kind of person does that?! Uwaaaaaaaagh!"
Vulcan certainly noticed the uproar and jumped out of his ball, patting his trainer on the back. She didn't hesitate to bury her head in his belly and screech into that too, getting several tournament officials to give her bizarre looks.
Nonetheless, she'd claimed another victory, and Miror B was likely going to be recuperating in bed himself for at least a day or two, but the events were far from over.
[***]
Dylan took a deep breath as he stood in the entryway to the stadium, waiting for his turn to go out onto the field. It was the second round, and he had to be honest with himself: nerves were a pain to deal with. "I've got this… I've got this…" he said to himself.
"Don't worry, darling. I know you'll win this- for me," Delphi giggled.
"You're not the one battling, Delphi," Gabriel pointed out. "But thanks for the encouragement… in your own strange way."
"I try," the Delphox said.
"Dylan, you're up now!" an official said.
Dylan nodded, taking another breath before stepping out onto the field where the stadium was cheering. He looked over to see Ashton and Nia cheering for him, but no sign of Kris. "I wonder where she is…" he mumbled to himelf.
"In the east end: the holder of the Ancient Mega Stone- Dylan!" the announcer called. "And from the west end: the girl with hair as blue as the sea and a heart just as wide- it's Kris!"
"What!?" Dylan and Ashton shouted in shock as their friend walked out onto the field, looking as confident as ever in her sygna suit.
"Surprised to see me here?" Kris guessed.
"You said you were just a researcher!" Dylan said.
Kris nodded. "I am, but at the same time, I need to understand all the bonds of Pokémon in order to achieve my dream of becoming a Pokémon Professor." She pulled out a ball and held it tight in her grip. "So then… come and battle me, not as a friend, but as your rival!"
"…Heh, so this is how it's going to be," Dylan said, pulling out his own ball and holding it forward. "You know that I support your dream, Kris… but I have my own to chase after as well! Let's unlock the secrets of Pokémon bonds, together!"
"So sappy, those two..." Ashton said, shaking her head but grinning all the same.
"It's a battle of friends! Who will come out victorious!?" the announcer said. "If both sides are ready, let the battle… begin!"
"Let's do this!" Dylan said, tossing out his ball as Aurora popped out.
"You can do it, Maui!" Kris said, calling on her Kommo-o as he clashed his arms together and gave a cry.
"So you evolved Maui to his final form…" Dylan noted. "I wish Poli'ahu was here to see how far her friend has come… but this is our time to shine!"
Maui and Aurora clashed, the Lucario dodging around punches thrown by the Scaly Pokémon as it went for Brick Breaks. Aurora gave a huff as she brought her paws together, hitting Maui with a barrage of Swift stars to push him away.
"I didn't know that Aurora knew Swift," Nia said. "Dylan must be using a new strategy this battle."
"…Yeah, something like that," Ashton said. 'Or are you using a different play entirely, Dylan…?"
"Go for Automize!" Kris called. Mai nodded and swiped at his scales, shedding them as his movements started to become faster and faster.
"Maui's using Automize to increase his speed, making it hard for Aurora to keep dodging!" the announcer said.
Aurora gave a grunt as she felt the pressure of being on the defense. She countered with more Swift stars, before taking a blocking stance as Maui used Clanging Scales to emit powerful soundwaves at her. The Lucario flinched as she took damage… before her eyes flashed red and her body disappated in a cloud of smoke.
"Wha- Was that substitute?" Kris wondered.
"Guess it's time to lose the charade," Dylan said. "Go for Sludge Bomb!"
The smoke started to thin as Maui was blindsided by a large blob of poisonous goo, the substance sinking between his scales as he was inflicted with poison. Inari stepped out of the smoke, his hair wisping in the wind as he gave a battle cry and launched a barrage of Dark Pulses at his enemy. "Taste my rage!"
"Incredible! Dylan was leading his opponent on with a Zoroark, and an Ancient Zoroark at that!" the announcer said.
"I knew something was up with Aurora," Ashton said.
"Inari, keep on the pressure while Maui's stunned!" Dylan said.
"With pleasure!" Inari grinned, before tackling Maui and tanking a Clanging Scales to inflict Bitter Malice on the Scaly Pokémon.
"You really had me going there… no wonder my Fighting moves weren't working," Kris said. "But we're not giving up either!"
Inari and Maui clashed with claws and fangs, but it was clear that the poison was doing a number on the Kommo-o even with his speed advantage. Inari launched another Dark Pulse, flinching Maui before screaming and sending out Bitter Malice, knocking the Kommo-o to the ground and out for the count.
"That makes the first victory mine!" Dylan said.
"You did well, Maui…" Kris said, recalling her Pokémon. "But now it's time for your master to battle. Come on out, Chi!"
"Madame!" Chi shouted, launching out with a First Impression that smacked Inari right in the snout, making the Zoroark cry out in pain as it was sent skidding across the battlefield.
"Another new Pokémon?" Nia gasped.
"That's a Madamefetch'd, a lost evolution of Farfetch'd," Ashton explained to her. "Kris caught Chi during a case of time travel we went on. If you've ever seen a Sirfetch'd before, think of that but more on feminine side."
"Hurts…" Inari growled, wiping spit from his mouth.
"You've taken a beating, Inari," Dylan said. "But hold on as long as you can! I know you can do it!"
Inari gave a cry as he raked his claws against Chi's reinforced leek, the Madamefetch'd using Air Slash to cut through any Dark Pulses that Inari sent her way. Chi gave a squawk as she twirled her leek around, hitting Inari two time before slamming down hard on his head, making the Zoroark dazed from the hit.
"That was Chi's signature move, Leek Bash!" Kris announced. "It hits three times, and with each hit the chance for a critical strike is raised each time!"
"This isn't going well…" Dylan grit his teeth, watching as Inari fell to his knees. "Inari, you did well today, but come on back! Vex, hit them with a Boomburst!"
The Zoroark was recalled as Vex came out in his place, screeching like a banshee as he fired off sonic waves that were powerful enough to push Chi backwards. Chi gave a huff as she used her leek to right herself, jumping up to trade Air Slashes with Vex.
"This battle is heating up with a clash of Flying types!" the announcer said.
"I didn't know Kris was this skilled in battle," Ashton mused. "Now I'm mad that she's been holding herself back all this time from fighting me!"
"Leek Bash!" Kris called.
"Counter with Heat Wave!" Dylan commanded.
Vex flapped his wings hard, superheating the air to the point of nullifying Chi's Leek Bash attack by catching the vegetable on fire. Chi gave a squawk of shock as she tried to put the fire out, but the distraction was enough for Vex to unleash another Boomburst, making Chi fall to the ground as the pressure of the soundwaves was too much for her to handle.
"Chi!" Kris called as her Pokémon fell. "Urgh… Time for you to shine, Queen!"
Kris sent out Suicune next after recalling Chi, the Legendary Pokémon wasting no time in putting Vex in his place with an Aurora Beam, making the dragon cry out as at the icy beam blasted him out of the sky, crashing into the ground.
"So, you've named your Suicune now," Dylan noted.
Kris gave a nod. "I did, and I found out why I felt a bond with Suicune this whole time… Back in Ancient Johto, we encountered those three Pokémon that left with Rei. As it turns out, Suicune here was one of those Pokémon, reborn in the fires of the Burned Tower by Ho-Oh's power. Now I'll show you the true power of my bonds!"
"Well, we're not giving up, even if you have the advantage!" Dylan shouted.
Vex shook off the ice and gave a defiant shout, sending out a Dragon Pulse that clashed with Queen's Hydro Pump. The two kept each other at a distance, with Vex being kept on the ground by Suicune's ice attacks as the Legendary met each attack with one of her own. Kris never lost her cool as the battle went on, Pushing forward with her onslaught of attacks.
"We need to end this, now! Use Boomburst!" Dylan commanded.
Across the field, Kris gave a smirk. "That's what I was hoping for," she said, before looking up and shouting to her partner. "Use Mirror Coat!"
Suicune's body flashed with magic as she tanked the soundwaves, the energy enveloping her body before being directed right back at Vex, the Noivern crying out as he took his own attack!
"Incredible! With that Mirror Coat, Suicune has knocked out their opponent with their own move!" the announcer said.
"I knew you'd use Boomburst again, so I waited to counter with Mirror Coat!" Kris explained. "You know I've been watching your battles, Dylan, so you should've seen that coming."
Dylan gave a nod as he called Vex back. "You're right. I got a bit cocky there with my strong start, but you've been keeping up the pace this whole time…" His gaze hardened as his visor flashed in the light. "That just means I have to fight in a way you're not expecting!"
"Oh, there's the fire in his eyes!" Ashton said, hopping in her seat.
"Dylan rarely gets this heated… Kris must be giving him a new challenge," Nia said.
With a flick of his wrist Dylan sent out his next Pokémon, that being Mercury as the Zeraora came out swinging with a Blaze Kick. Queen barely flinched from the Fire attack, but had to go on the defensive as Mercury charged up his body with electricity and started attacking with rapid Plasma Fists. "We've been sparring together for some time, Queen," Mercury said to his opponent. "Don't you dare hold back on me!"
The Suicune gave a howl as she called on Blizzard, masking her movements as Mercury blocked the ice pelting his fur. Queen ran around and used Aurora Beam to reduce Mercury's attack, but the Zeraora retaliated with a Drain Punch, revitalizing himself a bit before comboing with Blaze Kick and Dual Chop.
"It's a battle of Legendary Pokémon, and despite the type advantage, Zeraora is still on his toes around Suicune!" the announcer exclaimed.
"I know that I'm on the backfoot here, but that's why I play smarter, not harder," Kris said.
"But you know that if I land only a few good hits, then it's down to your last Pokémon," Dylan said.
Mercury and Queen kept up their battle, with the Suicune slowly weakening her opponent with Aurora Beam with the Zeraora chipped away at her health with Drain Punch and Plasma Fist. The stadium was alight with frigid cold energy and lightning flashes, an awe-inspiring display as two Legendary Pokémon duked it out. The master of lightning and the ruler of the waters, locked a battle as both Trainers put their effort into the battle.
"Plasma Fists!"
"Hydro Pump!"
Queen sent out a massive blast of water, with Mercury standing his ground as he charged up his fists with lightning. The Zeraora then started punching his way through the torrent stream, slowly moving forward until he finally got to where Suicune was and delivering a solid overhead swing, slamming Queen's head straight into the ground with enough force to leave a dent in the floor. The Suicune's eyes went wide as the electricity coursed over her form, taking super effective damage that was too much for her body to handle.
"There… it is done…" Mercury panted, taking a knee as the Hydro Pump had taken a toll on his body. "I leave the rest to you… Aurora…"
"It's a double knockout for our Legendary combatants! With a tied game, it all comes down to this!" the announcer said.
"You did good, Mercury," Dylan said.
"Queen, that was amazing," Kris said. She pulled out her last ball and looked at her opponent. "Dylan, I want to thank you for all the times you've help me on our journey together. I wouldn't have gotten to study strong bonds without you and Ashton…"
"You can thank me after you become a professor," Dylan chuckled. "But for now, it's time we end this!"
Kris nodded. "Right. Time to show the culmination of my research… Go on, Shedu!"
"Aurora, time for our battle!" Dylan shouted, sending out his final Pokémon for this match.
The Lucario took a fighting stance as she started down her opponent Absol, both of their Mega Stones shining in the light. "I can sense what you want to do, Shedu," Aurora said, closing her eyes. "Let's battle as my ancestors did, with all of our strength!"
"Go, Mega Evolution!" Dylan and Kris shouted as one, holding up their Keystones as their Pokémon Mega Evolved in Ancient Mega Lucario and Mega Absol, respectively. The audience was in awe at finally getting to see Aurora's full power, while Shedu flapped his new wings and gave a shout of power.
Both Pokémon stared each other down… before rushing forward to fight.
OK! Let's get moving on today
The two Mega Pokémon clashed, Meteor Mash meeting Pursuit in furious combat as they traded blows with each other.
OK! If we're together, we'll be all right
Aurora jumped back and fired off a Water Pulse, Shedu meeting it with their own Thunderbolt attack.
OK! I feel the winds as they're changing
"Future Sight!" Kris called, Shedu's eyes flashing as the attack was set.
"Be on your guard for an unexpected Psychic attack, Aurora!" Dylan warned.
"I will," the Lucario nodded, before charging up an Aura Sphere and firing it at her opponent.
OK! But I will never let my dream fade!
Shedu used their wings to glide over the attack, before using Pursuit to dive down at Aurora. She grunted and countered with a Shadow Claw, only to feel the attack herself by the Absol's Counter move.
We'll fight on through it all, just to feel the thrill
Even if we don't quite know it yet
"This is it… the power of Mega Evolution," Kris said to herself. "Shedu was trained to fight against Mega Pokémon, so we're never backing down!"
Shedu gave a shout and used Pursuit again, only for Aurora to flinch for a second and duck low, letting the Mega Absol fly over her as she grabbed his horn and slammed him into the ground with Meteor Mash, a pink glow in the air dissipating with the hit.
"Incredible! Aurora just negated Future Sight by channeling the psychic energy into Shedu, nullifying the attack!" the announcer shouted.
Ashton shook her head. "Only Dylan could come up with a crazy idea as redirecting Future Sight like that."
"It just goes to show how much control Aurora has over her aura abilities," Nia said, proud of her student in how far he'd come.
The key we have will unlock the door, to a brand new world
Getting us to somewhere we don't know!
"Come on! Give it all you've got!" Dylan shouted. "This battle isn't over yet!"
Aurora tossed Shedu away, letting the Mega Absol recover for a moment before the battle began again.
Golden Sun and Silver Moon
Lady of Day and the Lord of Night
Thunderbolt collided with Water Pulse as both combatants kept their distance, with Aurora charging up an Aura Sphere before jumping up and tossing it down on Shedu.
Always changing are their faces
And protecting every one of us!
Shedu roared and sped forward with Pursuit, before blocking with Counter as it predicted Aurora's Shadow Claw once more.
And… then… so…
"I won't…" Dylan said.
"Give up…" Kris said.
"Til I win!" they shouted at the same time as their Pokémon charged their most powerful attacks.
OK! Now's the time to swallow all our fear!
OK! I'll battle on with all my bravado
Shedu's eyes flashed as they charged with Dark energy, before rushing forward in brilliant wings to crash into Aurora. The Lucario stood her ground as she calmly brought her hands together, charging her aura until Shedu was just about to hit her.
OK! Though I don't know all their names and faces yet
I know they're waiting for me!
So let's go and catch 'em all!
Once Shedu was close enough, Aurora thrust her paws forward, meeting his attack head-on with a burst of Fighting energy. The Mega Absol was helpless to avoid the hit, letting out a cry as its dark energy was consumed by the aura. There was an explosion of dust, and in the aftermath of it all, Aurora stood tall over a knocked-out Shedu, giving a sigh as she brushed dust off of her arms and reverted back to her normal state.
"The winner of this battle is clear now…" the announcer said. "Dylan advances on to the final round!"
"Heck yeah!" Ashton shouted, her voice the loudest in a cheering crowd. "I'm gonna kick your butt in the finals, Dylan!"
Dylan shook his head at his friends antics, before turning his gaze back over to Kris. "You did well, Kris. We should battle again sometime."
"Yes… Clearly, I still have a lot to learn," Kris nodded. "But I won't give up either! Let's see how well you do when we can use all of our Pokémon to fight. I'll show you the true bonds then!"
"Heh, counting on it," Dylan nodded, shaking his friend's hand as they departed from the arena together.
[***]
"I can't believe that Miror B. turned on us like that!" Tabitha wined.
"I was starting to wonder what he was doing every time he wandered off during a mission…" Aliana muttered to herself.
"Let him have his moment to make a fool of himself," the third person in the room said, turning around in his chair. He was a man with long blue hair and a matching visor, wearing robes that were form-fitting and colored grey and blue. "He is not needed for our final plans anyway. We have all we need to declare our victory now."
"Really? And how are we going to do that?" Tabitha questioned. "I case you didn't notice, all of the World Champions are watching us here and now, so taking them on would be foolish."
"Yes, our probability for winning is not even about ten percent," Aliana added.
Their team leader chuckled darkly. "Who said we would be playing fair? I have it arranged that the Champions aren't going to be an issue. As for those kids you've been dealing with, they too will fall to the power that I've been working on."
A machine in the center of the room opened up, steam coming out as it produced two stones, one a diamond with the Team Flare symbol on it, and the other an orb with the Team Magma logo on it. "All the data you've been collecting for me has allowed for our scientists to recreate various battle stones that are… not natural to this world. With these, your partner Pokémon will be able to use powers that have never been seen before."
"You hacked Mega Evolution?" Aliana gasped.
"Something to that effect," the man laughed. "I've also studied all the previous World Champion teams to create the ultimate, undefeatable team ever. And if all else fails… We have the Shadow Sky Protocol to fall back on. Now then, take your stones and get ready for the true rebirth of Team Cipher!"
"Yes, Grandmaster Ardos!" Tabitha and Aliana said together, giving a salute before stepping out of the room.
Author's note
Azakael: I couldn't resist the mental imagery of Miror B breaking into the Caramelldansen dance, make of it what you will. I imagine "Caramelldansen" by Caramella Girls starting to play on the stereo when Halley enters the field, and the track cycles to "Twinkle Dance" by Foreground Eclipse and "Elevator Girl" by BABYMETAL (the Japanese version, specifically, which is A LOT more direct about its meaning) afterwards- the tunes I was listening to while writing this scene. (I could totally see "Twinkle Dance" playing sans the screaming and the screams in the track that kick in around the minute mark is really just Ashton having a breakdown, and "Elevator Girl" being a song about a girl stuck in an elevator that's going to hell is just… something I myself am probably going to hell for since I find it so amusing.
Also, Xurkitree talking about voids and world domination is something of a reference to my own story, as TheDragonSaver has referenced my works before and I have referenced his, this one particularly referencing the Nihilego overlord named Void and her army of poisoned Ultra Beasts bent on dominating the galaxy in her name. We've had this fight a long time in the making, and writing it was quite fun :)
The Dragon Saver: You didn't think I gave Kris a bunch of Pokémon just for her to barely battle, did you? Azakael and I both agree that Kris is one of the coolest protagonists in Pokémon, and she's had plenty of moments to shine in the spin-off game Pokémon Masters as well. Dylan needed a rival fight, so letting our blue-haired researcher battle in the final tournament was worth it. The song that played during the Mega battle was "OK!" the Japanese theme for the Johto arc of the anime. As was also seen in the chapter, we find out that Team RedHot were working for Team Cipher, with their new leader being Ardos! In Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness he did vow to reform Cipher one day, and today is that day! Next time will be the conclusion for the villain story, so be ready for some major battles with high stakes!