Chapter 49 – Digging Brimstone

Flint like what he had done with his battle room within the tower. It was a simple room, somewhat reminiscent of the champions battlefield. When battles were occurring however, Flint had fires burning around the edges. The crowd seating was above the walls, giving the impression of a fight down in a volcanic pit with the spectators the judges from above. Between the heat and the intimidation, Flint was the Elite most people were stumped on. Aaron was new, and his bugs, while strong, just didn't have the defenses to take on challengers. Bertha's canyons were impressive, but ground types were slow. Flint smiled as the doors opened across from him.

There was something in the set of Jill's shoulders, the Elite could tell that purpose was back. And the look in the young woman's eyes, it was confident, as if her destiny was before her. The Elite figured the battle with Volkner had shown Jill that she was meant for something incredible. If only Flint had been in the room when Cynthia had called upon Jill when the young woman had arrived at the tower. Still smiling, Flint gave a small shake of his head, dispelling such thoughts. It didn't matter what was said, what mattered now was the battle before him. He had watched Jill's match against Aaron with the other Elites. It had been quicker than anyone thought, her Rapidash being rather amazing. And that Garchomp looked like something out of a nightmare. But it hadn't been out there long enough for Flint to get a read on it.

The match against Bertha had shown some more strategy, but Flint had a suspicion that he wouldn't be seeing Jill's ace this match. The massive Torterra had taken a big hit with that avalanche attack and Flint doubted she would risk a slow moving target against a type it was weak against.

"You kept me waiting Jill!" Flint yelled over the crowd who had managed to get seats this far in. Jill smiled in response. "Watching that battle against Volkner, you relit that fire in his heart again. After seeing that, I couldn't wait to face you! Now, lets see how hot your spirit burns!"

Jill laughed to herself, as Flint reminded her a bit of Barry. Barely had he finished his sentence and his first Pokemon, a Houndoom, was out on the battlefield. She took a deep breath, noting that the heat of the room didn't seem to be affecting her as much as it first had when the doors had opened to her. But this temperature would be exactly something Sphyrna would love, and it was the dragon who Jill was hoping to utilize to win.

Nostrils flared, the smell of brimstone filling them. The air seemed to be trying to push down with its heat. But this feeling, this temperature, it was something Sphyrna thrived on. She thumped her tail on the floor roaring out in pleasure. Before her stood a canine sheathed in bone. Its fangs and claws looked dangerous to others the dragon was sure. But she too came equipped with dangerous weapons.

"Sphyrna" the voice reached out. The dragon looked back slightly at her trainer, keeping an eye trained on the canine. "We're getting close to our goal, but we still need to be in control here." Sphyrna understood. This wasn't the real fight just yet.

"Dark pulse!" Flint called out. The Houndoom unleashed a stream of pure darkness.

"Dive!" Jill called out. Sphyrna was moving as the command was called out. She was underground, the dark attack passing harmlessly overhead. She could sense the fire types presence and quickly erupted from the ground dealing out a hit that knocked out the Houndoom.

Flint grit his teeth. He knew of course that Jill shared a couple of Pokemon which were the same as the champions. However, he had thought that he would be fast enough to deal with the potential of facing the dragon. This Garchomp seemed to be just as strong as Cynthia's though, which did not bode well for the fire type Elite. He released his second Pokemon.

"It's underground Mag, but as soon as you sense it, use Flamethrower!" Flint's magnified voice called out. The crowd was yelling like crazy, loving seeing a Garchomp in action. It had been a long time since Cynthia had unleashed her dragon. And here was another dragon doing the same thing Cynthia's had done all those years ago. Flint winced as his second Pokemon was defeated without landing an attack. And still the dragon was underground. Almost as if it was hunting, which was a scary thought. Jill was still staring with that confidence, which led Flint to believe she was still in control her Pokemon. That unnerved the Elite even more.

Sphyrna moved unseen. She was the master of the underground. She had surfaced three times, and three times a new opponent had been there. This was her purpose, the hunt, the thrill of battle. She was still chasing that true feeling was this was a good warm up. This next opponent was to be no different. She felt the hooves, so similar to Epona. This must be a horse as well then, but then the hooves were gone. Bounce Sphyrna thought, and pushed a surge of power through her muscular body. She launched out as the Rapidash was descending. It wasn't a fair fight, with Sphyrna avoiding the strike, while sending the equine crashing down. Once more, Sphyrna dove underground.

Flint was stunned. Jill's Garchomp was ripping right through his team, every attempted strategy defeated by the sheer speed and power of the dragon. Infernape was the only one able to land a hit with earthquake but that barely seemed to do anything to the indigo dragon. Jill had strode forward as the battle ended, laying a hand on the dragons side, returning the Pokemon. Flint was breathing heavily in the hot air, unsure of what to say.

"I can't believe it!" The Elite finally exclaimed. "I didn't take you for granted, but I thought I would be the one to truly put up a fight! You and your Pokemon are something else!" Jill could only smile at the compliment, shaking the Elite's hand.

"I hope you'll excuse the rudeness Lucian, but I won't be staying to watch your match." The psychic type Elite looked at the Champion.

"You believe she will defeat me?" he asked quietly. There were already a few people in the crowd, as the doors had been opened just recently to allow access into the last Elite battlefield. Cynthia for her part, gave a small sad smile towards her friend.

"It's not a lack of faith in you my friend, but rather the belief I have in her. I believe she may defeat even me."

"You need to work on your pep talks my dear." Cynthia laughed as more people wound their way in to watch this next battle. It had been so long since someone had gone this far against the Elites, Cynthia had all but forgotten the anticipation that comes with waiting for a worthy challenger. Cynthia put her hand on the Elite's shoulder.

"Good luck Lucian" the Champion said as she walked to the elevator. Lucian watched her go, turning as the doors on the far side dinged open.

Flint was the last to arrive. Lucian was still talking to Jill, but the Elite was looking for someone else. Aaron raised an eyebrow at the fire type expert.

"She has decided to wait above" Bertha said in a calm quiet voice. Flint noticed he was sweating and still breathing heavily.

"I need to talk to her."

"You need to sit." Flint looked at the older woman in bewilderment. Bertha finally looked up at her colleague. "Flint, I don't mean to be rude, but what could you say that she doesn't already know? Each of us has attempted to thwart that young woman on the field down there in our own way, and every time, she has come out triumphant. In Jill, Cynthia may have found her match, and both women are aware of it. I am curious to see what Lucian will be able to do, but I fear he too will be overwhelmed."

"But…"

"Hush dear, the battle is beginning."