Part LXX: End of a Friendship
Misty walked down the hallway to the stage as she got into the mindset she needed for the final of the Grand Festival. However, there was something she had to do first and that something was walking towards her down the corridor.
Misty smiled at Mollie but she knew it was hollow despite her attempt to be comforting. The younger girl was clearly upset at her loss despite her brave face. Losing was hard and Misty had been there before in heartbreaking fashion, twice, so rather than say anything, as soon as she reached her friend she just pulled Mollie into a hug in the hallway. The girl didn't cry but she did hold Misty tightly for a moment before finally letting go and stepping back, wiping her now moist eyes.
"Th, thanks Misty." Mollie said with a small smile. "I tried to keep a brave face on out there but it wasn't easy."
"Losing is tough, especially this late in the Grand Festival." Misty said kindly to her friend. "I'll speak to Emily at some point about it as well just to make sure she's ok."
"I know, the loss I can handle even if it hurts because I made it this far on my first attempt so I'm proud of that." Mollie said. "It's the losing to Kenny and his attitude that really got me. He's been like that all season, aggressive and not really how a coordinator should act even if he at least tries to make them look good. All three of our matches have ended in Battle Offs because I had to go for one to beat him."
"Believe it or not he wasn't always like this." Misty said sadly. "He was my best friend growing up for a reason but, well, love and hate are two sides of the same coin. Kenny let his feelings for me morph from love to obsession and that seems to be fueling everything he does. I have a friend who this could have happened to but she realized her mistake and got the help she needed, though her unrequited love was a lot purer. Now we're close and I'm really happy for it."
"Yeah I get that." Mollie said before looking hard at Misty. "Beat him Misty, not just for you or the Ribbon Cup but for all of us who have had to deal with him. Don't let Kenny take the title of Top Coordinator, not this year at least."
"I will do everything in my power to avoid that." Misty said firmly. "I promise that. I have my team for this match, Kenny won't know what hit him until it's over."
"Good." Mollie said smiling now. "Go win that Ribbon Cup Misty, I'll be with the others cheering you on as loud as I can. Bring home that Ribbon Cup so we can all celebrate a new Top Coordinator who truly deserves the title tonight."
"You have my word Mollie." Misty said smiling back. "I will win it or I will go out in style."
"Then good luck." Mollie said before giving Misty another, brief, hug and walking off.
Misty smiled at her friend. Mollie was one of those friends like Emily, Zoey, Nando and many others she had made from her journeys and Contests who she wouldn't trade for the world. Mollie was going join all the others, including Piplup who was with Ash and Pikachu for as he wasn't being used today but dressed in his best outfit to date, and she was going to cheer for Misty.
Turning and setting her jaw, Misty continued walking to the stage. She had her love, her mother and her friends both here and around the world watching her, she was going to make them all proud. She was going to win. Only one person stood in her way of that victory. It was fitting that it would be Kenny who she was going to face for the Ribbon Cup. It was time to end this.
Soon Misty was in position knowing that Kenny was in the other wing as she waited for the crowd to take their seats after a lunch break and then for the final to begin. All Misty could do while she waited was go over her strategy for the final. It wasn't the usual team she would use but it was the one she had reserved for if she had to Kenny and his style. They were a perfect pair and she intended to show just how far she had come with them.
At last, at long last, Misty heard the crowd quiet down and she knew that the final was upon them. A few seconds later she heard Lilian begin speaking and waited for the cue to walk out tall and proud as she entered her third Grand Festival Final.
"It's here folks." Lilian said enthusiastically to the cheering crowds. "After three and a half days of the best coordinators in Kanto competing for the Ribbon Cup we are down to are final two. So give a cheer for our finalists as they walk out for the final of the Kanto Grand Festival!"
That was their cue. Misty strode out, head held high, as she walked calmly and purposefully to her spot to begin the final. Kenny was doing the same opposite her, a smirk on his face as Misty met his gaze with a steely one of her own. This was it; this was their match; this was for the Ribbon Cup and so, so, much more.
"This is what I wanted Dee Dee." Kenny taunted as they reached their starting positions. "You and me in the final where we belong. I will prove to you here and now that I am the best and the one who you are meant to be with."
"Keep dreaming Kenny because that's the only way you'll get that." Misty said icily as she focused on the impending match. "We know what this really is. This is the end of it all. Regardless of outcome, we are done. I gave you a chance and you proved to me you can't move on so I'm sorry but even if you win, we're through."
"You will see the truth by the end of the day." Kenny snarled. "And if not, then I agree, it's the end but I will never give up on you and will wait for you to come to your senses."
"Then that will be for all eternity and beyond." Misty said. "My heart belongs to Ash and always will. It was never yours to begin with and never will be. So let's get this over with."
"Have it your way." Kenny said sneering now. "I will not hold back. I will come for you in this final. I will win and I'm going for a Battle Off just as I have in all my finals this season."
"I may not go for it but I have also done that." Misty said realizing that she had won all her finals by Battle Off which surprised her a little, she hadn't gone for it any of them, well except maybe against May, but she'd somehow achieved that. "However, if you want this to be more traditional and seek that Battle Off directly then so be it, I will indulge you while looking great in the process. This Grand Festival will be decided by a Battle Off."
"Alright that is enough of that, I don't think the crowd can take anymore." Lilian said smiling as the crowd was now almost at a fever pitch after the trash talking and clear air of animosity between the coordinators. "So if everyone is ready let's get to the intros and then the main event that we have all come here to watch."
Both Misty and Kenny just nodded in agreement, as did the judges who were ready to score the final. The crowd roared their approval cheering for their chosen coordinator to win the final.
"For the first time in Grand Festival history we have a final between two people from the same town and neither of them are from the Kanto region." Lilian said loudly so that she could be heard over the crowd. "Both of our coordinators are from Twinleaf Town out in the Sinnoh region so let's start with the one who's been overlooked all season because of the other."
With this Lilian swept an arm towards Kenny who just continued to sneer at everything. Misty grinned at him knowing it would get under his skin. She was the top favorite and the one most fans associated with Twinleaf Town not him and it clearly didn't sit well with Kenny.
"He's had a chip on his shoulder that has fueled him to one of the best records of the years and recognition as one of the four favorites before the Grand Festival." Lilian continued. "Known for a more aggressive style that has resulted in a record setting 20 Battle Off victories this year in 24 battles and competing in his first Grand Festival final, give it up for Kenny!"
The crowd both cheered and booed for Kenny at his introduction. Misty noticed that Kenny was pissed at his reception but seemed to use it to fuel his rage as he glared at Misty and pulled out his two Poke Ball, an act that Misty matched in preparation for a quick start.
"And facing him is the coordinator who has been seen from the very first Contest in Cerulean City as the one to beat making her the top favorite." Lilian said sweeping an arm to Misty's side. "She's a two-time Grand Festival runner-up first in Sinnoh and then in Johto, a three-time straight Wallace Cup Champion, and she now has another record as she is competing in her 17th straight Contest final. She may have the same record as Kenny but she's considered the better of the two but as proven twice this year, she can be beaten. You know her as the Prodigy of Sinnoh. Give it up for Misty!"
The cheers were louder for Misty and Kenny was starting to look really angry. Misty just smiled at him, she was more accomplished than he was and that couldn't be denied even by Kenny. She'd also been more graceful in defeats this year and in her battles in general, despite that swearing warning for HopHopHop Town, so Misty knew she had more support. If it got into Kenny's head then so be it but she had a feeling it would only make it tougher to beat him though. He was going to come out swinging and she had to be ready for that.
"That concludes the introductions." Lilian said as the crowd began to roar. "So you know what that means, let the Grand Festival Final, begin!"
"Empoleon, Machoke, diamond dandruff." Kenny said throwing out his Poke Balls as soon as he could.
"Banette, Spiritomb, spotlight!" Misty said tossing her own balls high in the air as the timer began to count down and the final started.
Misty grinned at Kenny's choice; she'd guess right who he would use. After that little display in the full appeal she knew he would use strength against her and that meant his starter and Machoke. What a shame she had ghost types to counter that Machoke with ease, especially after she saw its move set in the appeals when Kenny wanted to show off for, or to, her.
"There are Misty's ghosts, we've been waiting all Festival for them to appear." Lilian said as the four Pokémon appeared on the stage. "What a time to bring them out am I right?"
"Those aren't Pokémon I would expect from you Misty." Kenny admitted a brief flash of fear in his eyes, his reaction such that he didn't use her hated nickname for the first time all Festival, though that didn't last long. "Not the sweet and cute Dee Dee I'm used to seeing."
"I've grown a lot since you last saw me, especially this year with Ash." Misty said making sure that Kenny knew who was responsible for her growth as both a coordinator and person. "I've become the coordinator I knew I could be because of him. He showed me that I could do anything, use any Pokémon no matter the type, and broaden my horizons beyond what I thought possible. So let me show you how good I truly am. Let's make sure this stays even, Banette, use Destiny Bond on Empoleon. Spiritomb, Phantom Force on Machoke."
"Machoke, Bulk Up." Kenny ordered realizing the totality of his mistake of going with Machoke as Spiritomb vanished, he'd not paid attention to Misty's season other than her record to avoid getting angry at the inbred hick of a boyfriend she inexplicable had so he'd not realized she had ghost types. "We only have one move you can use them so I want you as strong for that, Empoleon, Flash Canon at Banette. If it wants to take you with it then I say we indulge and see if it really wants that."
"Dodge that Banette." Misty said as Machoke began to use the stat boosting move. "You're fate may be tied to Empoleon's so if you go down it will as well but I don't want that, I want it out on with you still floating. Hit back with Feint Attack."
Banette smirked as he flew forward and spun gracefully out of the way of the Flash Cannon before punching Empoleon in the gut with the attack that never missed unless facing a certain kind of attack that put the opponent out of the area briefly. Empoleon doubled over but Kenny wasn't a favorite for nothing and he was ready for this.
"Send it back with Metal Claw." Kenny ordered.
Instantly the tips of Empoleon's wings flashed and turned to steel. It swiped at Banette who was too close to dodge the steel type move. The attack slammed into Banette's chest and sent him spinning back with a wail as Misty grimaced at the hit.
At the same time, Spiritomb appeared in front of Machoke and slammed into its chest. Machoke staggered back but stayed standing despite the attack.
"Machoke, Rock Slide." Kenny ordered as Spiritomb flew back a bit to create space between them. "Hit both of them if possible. Empoleon, Hydro Canon at Spiritomb."
"Spiritomb quick use Toxic on Machoke and brace yourself for a hit, trust me it will be worth it." Misty said knowing that Spiritomb would do that to set up what she needed. "Banette, dodge the rocks and use Feint Attack again on Empoleon."
Spiritomb instantly understood what Misty wanted and trusted her to pull it off so he braced himself as he prepared his Toxic attack. He knew that he was strong and skilled, he could take the shot coming his way and still land his move to set up his friend and rival Banette for a devastating combo on whatever the Pokémon was that he was fighting.
It had taken a few weeks to get the Pokémon to trust each other and work together as a doubly battle team this. However, once Misty spent a whole night with them working hard and promised to never use Dazzling Gleam when they were paired unless it was an emergency, they had begun to work together.
Banette and Spiritomb both loved Misty in their own specially ways. Banette because she had been so kind to him back when he was a Shuppet in the Tower. She played with him, given him really tasty treats and shown him the beauty of Contest when he decided to follow her.
Spiritomb loved her for freeing him from that cursed place that had forged him and letting him truly be himself without any malice or hate. He had also learned that it had been because of Banette, still Shuppet then, that he had been caught and freed so he did owe Banette. Once all that was sorted out between the two ghost types, they had truly bonded and formed Misty's power duo for certain battles. Plus each had a move that, so long as it was done in the right order, created a powerful combo attack
That was what they were doing now. Spiritomb had a move that poisoned a foe, though the penguin thing with the weird facial grill was almost certainly part steel type it seemed so it wouldn't work. However the roided out Pokémon that Spiritomb was up against was one of the most obvious fighting types he'd ever seen and those had no such immunity. So bracing himself as a blast of powerful water to hit him in the side, Spiritomb created a toxic puddle around Machoke, poisoning it.
The water slammed into Spiritomb just as he got the Toxic off and Machoke roared in pain as the poison too hold, but not enough to prevent the creation of several rocks that materialized in thin air and began to gall. Spiritomb was thrown spinning to the side by the powerful water type move and took a glancing blow from a rock in the process that sent him crashing into the ground but it wasn't enough to take him down.
Certainly it was the most damage Spiritomb taken since facing Shuppet, but he wasn't going to go down that easily. He slowly floated up, cackling as he did to show that he was still able to fight, and waited for Misty's next order.
Meanwhile, Banette had flown again at Empoleon as it was attacking Spiritomb, dodging artfully through the rocks, though one did clip him causing some damage in the process. Banette just rolled with it and cocked his fist back for a quick punch to the side of Empoleon's head as he passed it staggering it and continuing on knowing that he had to head towards the other Pokémon on the battlefield.
"Switch." Misty said as Empoleon steadied itself but looked to be breathing heavily and Misty realized that Hydro Canon was a move that must have a recovery time which coupled with Machoke's poisoning worked great for her. "Banette, hit Machoke with Hex, Spiritomb, Empoleon can't move so hit it with Dark Pulse."
"Brace Empoleon, you can easily hold that off." Kenny said clearly pissed that the battle wasn't going his way and trying to get back into it. "Machoke, hang in there and use Rock Slide again, focus on Banette."
Machoke roared in pain from a wave of poison but forced himself through it as he slapped his hands together and the rocks began to form and fall once more. That was all it could do before Banette was on him with the relentless attack that was Hex, avoiding the rocks in the process. Thanks to the poisoning, the Hex attack was twice as strong and Machoke clearly didn't have much left in the tank.
At the same time Spiritomb sent out a blast of black of horrible aura filled with dark thoughts that slammed into Empoleon's chest as it couldn't move and causing it to stagger back in pain, thankfully too far away to be hit by any of the falling rocks. As hardy as Empoleon was, it couldn't take much more damage and Misty knew it.
There was a split-second pause as Kenny and Misty glared at each other before Machoke let out another wail as the poison rocked its body again before it collapsed back and hit the ground with swirls for eyes. Misty grinned as Kenny's expression faltered for a moment and Misty knew she had it. Kenny had tried to be aggressive with her and Misty had not only met him every step of the way but had bested him at it.
"It's over Kenny." Misty said simply. "I've won this. Spiritomb, Phantom Force, go high."
"It's not over until I say it is." Kenny snapped back as Spiritomb vanished. "You will not beat me Dee Dee, not now and not ever."
"Yes I will and I will tell you why." Misty said as it all hit her why she was finally on the cusp of her dreams. "I'm stronger then you Kenny, it's as simple as that. I'm more driven then you and I have not let my feelings fester and destroy who I once was."
"You will never be stronger than me." Kenny roared at her. "You may have some fancy ghost types now but that isn't anything on my power."
"Strength doesn't come from the power of your Pokémon." Misty said shaking her head. "Strength comes from your bonds with your Pokémon, from their love for you and your love for them. It also comes from your friends, your family, those who care for you and love you. That is what I have come to realize over the last year but there's more. Do you want to know my greatest source of strength?"
"What." Kenny spat.
"Ash." Misty said simply, not as a way to rile Kenny up but as the simple truth. "Even if he wasn't my boyfriend, he has always been my strength ever since I started out as a trainer. He's my rock, my inspiration to always push on no matter what challenges I may face along the way or setbacks I encounter and to overcome them in the end."
"So what." Kenny snarled. "That doesn't mean anything."
"To me it means the world but there's more." Misty said shaking her head. "Ash was there when I was at my worst in Sinnoh. He was there when I couldn't advance past the appeals. He was there when I lost to Zoey in the Grand Festival. He was with me in spirit when I was alone in Johto. He came for me in that Grand Festival and was there when I needed him the most after I lost a year ago to Ursula. He's been there all year for me through thick and thin, through my victories and my painful defeats. Just as he is there for me, I will always be there for him. Ash has helped me finally achieve my dreams. Banette, Feint Attack."
"Empoleon, Flash Cannon." Kenny yelled back suddenly realizing that Misty had been setting it all up for her final attack.
"Dodge." Misty said as Banette flew towards. "Set Empoleon into the air Banette."
Banette twisted and corkscrewed around the Flash Cannon that was sent at him before going low to skim the ground and then shooting up at full speed to catch Empoleon under the chin with the sucker punch nature of Feint Attack with all the strength he could muster. The force of the blow sent Empoleon into the air as Banette back flipped away and returned to Misty's side.
As Empoleon soared up Spiritomb suddenly appeared behind it looking down at its target as they had practiced for a finishing combo. Cackling Spiritomb flew down at the incoming Emperor Pokémon's. Misty had kept Kenny talking long enough to set this up and watched as Spiritomb hit Empoleon squarely in the back and drove it down and into the ground with enough force to crack the battlefield and shroud it in dust.
After that Spiritomb also flew back to hover in front and to one side of Misty as Banette took his spot to the other side, all three of them glaring at Kenny. They all watched as the dust settled to show Empoleon in a small crater, head to one side, wings splayed and eyes swirls. Instantly the Xs went off, as did the first wave of confetti and streamers, exploding and raining down on the stage as the crowd roared.
Misty just blinked at the sight before het as she fell to her knees, overcome by everything as it hit her causing her to collapse. She had won. Misty had won the Grand Festival at last. She was a Top Coordinator.
Banette and Spiritomb turned to her and mobbed her, and help keep her upright, Banette embracing her his zipper opening so that he could smile while Spiritomb did the best he could to smile as well given his odd mouth thing. It was an odd look as Spiritomb's projection appeared through her, bisecting her face and upper chest but Misty didn't care.
She just hugged them close to her as she quietly thanking them and all her Pokémon, both present and at the ranch or in training, for helping her get to this point. They all deserved it because without them she wouldn't be here today. She couldn't wait to take the trophy back to Pallet Town and have all of them with her as she showed them it and took copious amounts of pictures.
For now though she needed to compose herself. Slowly, Misty got up and looked at Kenny. He had returned his Pokémon and glared at her one last time before turning and leaving without another word or even an attempt to congratulate her the way she had done so with Ursula the year before.
Misty just sighed at that; she knew that their friendship was now over. It was damaged beyond repair but she knew that she hadn't seen the last of Kenny. He would be back, if for nothing else to try and beat Ash in some attempt to win her over but they would be ready. That was for later though, for now Misty embraced the moment. It was, after all, her and her Pokémon's moment.
She returned Banette and Spiritomb to celebrate with them more later, she couldn't have them with her for the presentation, as she looked out to see that the crowd was now on its feet as it cheered for her. She looked and found Ash standing there cheering the loudest, well second behind her mom who was behind her jumping up and down in joy.
Piplup and Pikachu were in front of Ash also going wild at the win knowing how much it had meant to Misty, as well as Piplup who would be first to see the trophy as he was her starter, he'd earned that right. Well along with Banette and Spiritomb but all 3 of them would be out when she showed it off to them.
Misty just smiled at them as she took in all her friends who were there for her and knew many more were watching wherever they were. May was clearly the loudest, next to Ash of course, but she wasn't the only one. Mollie, who had true to her word joined them, was going just as wild while Yuma applauded politely by her side. Dawn, Iris, a clearly recently unbound Cilan, Lyra, Khoury and her newest friend in Serena were all there as well getting fully into it. Even Erika was clapping behind them but unlike Dawn showing much more composure as a gym leader.
The only one not present was Emily who had likely gone to find her new friend but Misty would see her later as well. She was here and that was all that mattered to Misty, that all her friends were here or watching her.
At last ready, she did have to wait for the podium with the Ribbon Cup on it to be set up, Misty walked out and onto battlefield to receive it. The cup was at the center with Mr. Contesta standing to the side, a pair of white gloves on ready for the presentation so that only she touched it with bare hands.
Misty slowly reached him and the moment she had been dreaming about as long as she could remember was finally upon her. At last, after so many failures and two losses at this very stage of the Grand Festival, that moment was finally here for Misty.
"Congratulations Misty." Mr. Contesta said with a nod to her. "I know it has been a long road to get here and how close you have been in the past but all your hard work and dedication has now paid off. It is an honor to present to you the Ribbon Cup and bestow upon you the title of Top Coordinator as the latest winner of the Kanto Grand Festival."
"Th, thank you." Was all Misty could stutter out as Mr. Contesta picked up the Ribbon Cup and handed it to her.
Her hands shaking slightly, Misty took the handles of the cup, holding it firmly, and turned to the crowd that was still cheering. Making sure that her grip was tight and secure, Misty knew what she had to do. Standing tall and proud, Misty raised the Ribbon Cup high above her head as the crowd exploded and even more streamers and confetti went off to end the Grand Festival.
Misty held the pose for a moment so that pictures could be taken and that her friends, both here and around the world, could see her beaming as she held the Ribbon Cup aloft at last. It had been a long year but she wouldn't trade it for anything.
The loss to Ursula had been one of the lowest points in her life but it had been followed by one the highest. Ash had come to see her, she had confessed her feelings to him, found out that he shared them, and started dating him only to fall even deeper in love with him.
From there it was a fun year in Kanto to challenge Contests and get to this point. She caught many new Pokémon, a few she'd never have expect to before the start of the year, made new friends and did what she loved. To top it off, it had all culminated with this.
Pulling the trophy down and hugging it close to her chest at last, Misty closed her eyes, smiled, and embraced the moment she'd dreamed about almost her entire life. She knew that tears of joy were streaming down her face but she didn't care. After 3 years and many trials, Misty had finally achieved her dream.
She was the winner of the Kanto Grand Festival. She was a Top Coordinator at last. Sound faded from her as she fully gave herself over to her win and let it consume her. it was over, Misty had won.
