Part CXXX: The Championship Bout
"Folks, this is it, the moment we've all been waiting for, it's finally upon us!" The announcer said excitedly to the cheering crowd. "After 4 days of competition, of epic battles between many spectacular fighting types, we have finally reached the 5th day and at last we are at it. Folks, it is time for the Championship Bout!"
Ash stood in the wings on his side as he waited for the moment that he would walk out for the final. It was Lucario verses Poliwrath in the fight to decide the winner of the tournament and who would be deemed the best fighting type in Kalos this year.
The fight itself would take place in the morning session at the same time that Ash and Misty's semifinal had occurred the day before with a long, special lunch for the remaining competitors and their Pokémon afterwards while the presentation of the medals and special prize would take place in the afternoon. Ash didn't care about all that right now though. Right now, he was focused on the fight.
The night before, Ash, Lucario and the rest of his team had isolated themselves, as had Adam with his team, to prepare for the final alone. Hawlucha had been a big help in preparing Lucario for the final as he'd faced Poliwrath before and after the way Lucario handled Machamp the day before, he was ready for this and eager to win it all for all of them as his teammates and friends looked on and supported him. The others had even prepared something special for him.
Personally, Ash wasn't sure why they'd done it, and it had been Serena who had led the charge beginning after Pancham lost and shifting her focus solely to Lucario when he was the only one of Ash's Pokémon to reach the semifinal, but the others had joined in as they lost. However, Lucario loved it and apparently there was a bit of a tradition, started by a shiny Hawlucha who'd won the tournament a record 6 times, to be a bit showy for the final and as such the girls had made sure that Lucario would be able to join that tradition.
There had been one prepared for Machamp as well should he be in the final, but it was halted to focus on Lucario's the night before. Now it was done, and Ash had to admit, it was impressive and Lucario certainly looked the part.
The girls had made Lucario a Pokémon version of what human boxers would wear to enter the ring. It was a silken robe that hung down to his knees and had a hood that covered his head leaving only his snout exposed though there were special holes for his ears, and they stuck out of the hood comically. The robe itself was a burnt red color, the color often associated with fighting types, with a dark gray trim and belt that looked almost metallic, so it represented both of Lucario's types. He hadn't done the robe up and let it hand loose as he waited to show off in his entrance. That came a second or so later.
"So, let's see who will be competing for the title of best fighting type in Kalos this year and bring themselves eternal glory in our Hall of Champions!" The announcer said really hyping up the final and giving the cue for Ash and Lucario, as well as Adam and Poliwrath on the other side, to step out and into the arena so that they could be seen by the crowd. "This is a matchup between two dual types as both seek to take the title for themselves, their species, and their trainers. First up it is Lucario and his trainer Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town out in Kanto!"
The light fell on Ash and Lucario as the crowd cheered. Lucario was now really into the competition and raised his paws above his head under his robe and bounced a bit before bringing them down and tapping them together to show off a bit to the crowd. He was here to win it, but he'd also reached the final, so he was allowed to show off a bit.
"Lucario has bested Toxicroak, Hitmonlee, Mienshao and Machamp in that order on his way to the final and he went the distance against the last two." The announcer said. "For any wondering, that Hitmonlee who Lucario beat in the sweet sixteen belongs to Adam, the other trainer in this final, so he knows what he's up against in Lucario. Anyway, this is the 6th appearance of a Lucario in the final and Ash the 5th trainer of one. Of those Lucarios, 3 have won it with the most recent coming last year."
At this the crowd cheered and Ash wasn't surprised by that. He'd seen the Hall of Champions during his week in the town and had seen that 3 other Lucarios had won the tournament in the past, he fully intended on his Lucario being the 4th to win it.
"In the past, former Shalour City Gym Leader Gurkinn's Lucario has made the final twice in back-to-back years with a win in the 8th and a loss in the 9th tournaments marking this Pokémon's first appearances in the finals." The announcer continued apparently giving a history of the two finalist Pokémon species for the crowd. "Other Lucarios to reach the finals have been now Veilstone Gym Leader Mylene's in the 12th, now Sinnoh Champion Cynthia's in the 17th, and current Shalour Gym Leader Korrina's in the 22nd with Mylene and Korrina's winning it all. That means that if Ash's wins, Lucario will become the first Pokémon species to win the tournament in consecutive years and not be the same one of that species."
That was interesting but Ash didn't really care much about the past but rather the future. He was just focused on the final and coaching Lucario to winning it. The rest was just filler, but he understood the need to hype up the final and showing off the pedigree of the Pokémon in it was part of that.
"Facing Lucario is a Pokémon just as strong of a fighting type as Lucario but one our tournament has seen significantly less of, which after this tournament is a shame because this is a great fighting type." The announcer continued as the light moved to the other side to show Adam and Poliwrath though the ring was in Ash's way so he couldn't see them at the moment. "With knockout wins over Emboar, Hariyama, Hawlucha, and Chesnaught in that order on route to the final, and yes that is Ash's Hawlucha, so both these Pokémon have defeated one of their opponent's teammates in this tournament, which means that its seeking to become only the 3rd Pokémon in history to win without going the distance, it's Poliwrath and his trainer Adam from Dewford Town out in Hoenn."
Again, the crowd cheered at this, and Ash had to give it to Poliwrath, it had done well so far. He'd faced it in the elite eight and it had comfortably handled Hawlucha but now Ash knew what to expect and was ready for it. This time it wouldn't knock out his Pokémon.
"Unlike Lucarios, we have had little history with Poliwraths in this tournament." The announcer continued. "In fact, this is only the second appearance in the finals of a Poliwrath. The only other time one made the finals it was the 14th tournament under the command of now Kanto Elite Four member Bruno, but it was the first of 5 Pokémon to lose to the great Dark Hawlucha who would go on to win the tournament in an unprecedented 5 consecutive years. It's time to see if Adam's can become the first Poliwrath to win the tournament."
The crowd roared at this, and Ash was surprised at how little success Poliwraths had had in this tournament. He knew the Pokémon a bit and they were strong ones so they should have done well in this tournament but apparently few had been used over the years. Adam's had shown how strong Poliwraths were so far, but Ash fully intended on it not being the first one to win it all.
"That means that it is time folks." The announcer said his excitement palpable in his words. "We've met the final two fighting types in this tournament and now it is time to see them fight it out for the title of best fighting type in Kalos. Pokémon it is time for you to enter the ring as we begin the final soon."
That was the final cue and Ash and Lucario walked the rest of the distance to the ring, Lucario fully getting into the zone for the final as he prepared to win his final fight. Three rounds of three minutes with a minute beak between them stood between Lucario and the title.
As he and Ash climbed up and onto the platform he was fully ready for the final. Lucario turned his back to his trainer and friend and Ash took off his robe and folded it to put it safely on the platform behind him before helping Lucario through the ropes and into the ring where he bounced and patted his paws together to get ready for what was to come.
As Lucario did his thing, Ash looked over and saw Poliwrath entering the ring with Adam setting up behind him. That was normal but there was one new difference to it. Lucario wasn't the only one putting on a bit of a show to start the final.
Around Poliwrath's midsection, similar to the one that beat Ash's Charizard several years ago, was a championship belt, the kind given to the winner of a special fighting type championship. This one was however had a blue band with a smaller gold Poke Ball designed center that had red squares around the outer ring and two gold ones on either side of center on the band. It was a very familiar looking belt.
"What belt is that?" Ash called out across the ring. "The one Poliwrath is wearing? I think I've seen it before."
"Oh this, this is the one given to the Pokémon who wins the P1 Grand Prix out in Kanto." Adam said with a grin. "I think I told you last week, but I met some strange and intense dude called Anthony last year when I was training in the dojo in Saffron and he suggested I enter Poliwrath in the tournament, told me all about this Primeape he was training who'd won it several years in a row but was just returned to its trainer so a new champion could be crowned. He felt that my Poliwrath could do it which he did."
"I thought it was familiar." Ash said with a grin, he did recall Adam telling him this during their training battle the week prior and felt like reminding Adam about it as well. "Yes, that Primeape is mine, he won that competition shortly after I caught him and then Anthony trained him for me for years until I ran into him by accident last year on my way to Celadon. After that Primeape was returned to me."
"I remember you telling me, I want to meet that Primeape someday." Adam said as Poliwrath took off his belt and held it high to the cheering crown before handing it to his trainer and sitting as Lucario did the same. "And now it is time for Poliwrath to win another one."
"Not if I have anything to say about it." Ash said before he turned to Lucario and focused on his Pokémon and how they would win this. "Ok Lucario, it is time to get ready."
Lucario just barked in agreement as he locked gazes with Poliwrath. It was time for them to do battle and he drew on what little of Ash's passive aura he could currently sense to give him a little boost before going into the bout as he'd done in all the rounds prior.
"Alright Lucario this one is going to be tough, possible our toughest of the whole tournament though Machamp wasn't a pushover." Ash said. "Poliwrath beat Hawlucha in the sweet sixteen and has a lot of raw strength. I've tangled with a few in the past and this one is up there with some dude's Poliwrath out in the Orange Islands one that beat Charizard."
Lucario just nodded as he listed and got into it. If a Poliwrath could best the ace of their team then the species must be good, though Charizard and Poliwrath were balanced with a strength and weakness each when one looked at their types. This one though was strong and powerful for sure. Hawlucha had drilled it into him what to expect just as Conkeldurr had with Machamp, so Lucario was ready for it. He'd avenge Hawlucha's loss now just as he'd done for Conkeldurr the day before.
"The biggest advantage of Poliwrath is that it has stamina for days." Ash said. "It's almost pure muscle just like Machamp and it doesn't tire. It will hit as hard and just keep coming. However, unlike Machamp, Poliwrath only has two arms, and it is smaller. Expect more punches and likely no grapples or grabs but he careful as it could surprise us."
Lucario barked in agreement as Poliwrath was getting his own pep talk from his human as they too got ready. This was going to be different from his other battles, but he was just as ready if not more so for it than the others.
"Just go out there, be lose, and do what your do best." Ash said as the bell rang to begin the final. "I know you can win it."
Lucario grinned as he rose and took in Ash's words, his trust and friendship with his trainer was high and he drew on that as he made his way out into the ring but didn't charge Poliwrath. Instead, he gaged him just as Poliwrath did to him. It was time for the championship bout and Lucario was ready to throw down and win it.
They kept this up for a few seconds before finally the moment was broken by Poliwrath charging. Lucario had his aura sense active though not full as he could only fully embrace it for a round at most, but he could still sense intent and knew that Poliwrath was going to come hard and fast to overwhelm his with speed and strength. He wasn't going to fall for that.
Lucario charged as well and closed the gap on Poliwrath. However, at the last moment, as he sensed the punch coming, he leapt up into the air with his strong leg muscles and over the punch. He'd timed the jump such that he wasn't going to clear Poliwrath but rather only his upper body would do. As he did that, he bent his right knee so that once he was clear of Poliwrath's missed punch he could slam it into his opponent's face, right between Poliwrath's eyes.
It wasn't a hard hit and Lucario felt the solid muscles of Poliwrath's body easily take the blow, but it was a hit and it startled Poliwrath and staggered him a step back a step. Lucario used that to flip his lower body over Poliwrath's head, spin 180 degrees in the air as he landed behind Poliwrath's back just where he wanted to be.
With a bark, Lucario kneed Poliwrath in the lower back to stagger him forward and put him off balance for a second. He then followed it up with a series of rapid palm strikes to Poliwrath's back, landing 4 more blows to the Pokémon's muscular back as he pushed Poliwrath forward a little. The only problem was that Poliwrath was a strong Pokémon, so the blows didn't move him that much and was already preparing to spin to counter Lucario.
Lucario sensed this and got ready for it and a quick leap back. However, that wasn't what happened. Instead Poliwrath only spun halfway and landed an elbow to Lucario's side just under the arm that had most recently struck Poliwrath's back, so it was still extended and couldn't block the attack. The blow winded Lucario and was unexpected as he staggered back. That was exactly what Poliwrath was going for.
The Tadpole Pokémon spun fully and used the spin to add more power to his punch as he slammed his fist as hard as he could into Lucario's face. The force of the blow blasted Lucario back hard and he saw stars from it. Still, even with the blow, Lucario could sense that Poliwrath was going to press him and did his best to prepare for it.
It only took a second for Lucario to hit the ropes and they stretched back pretty far thanks to the speed he hit them at before his momentum was stopped by them, and he was sent flying back at Poliwrath. By this point Lucario had recovered enough to see that Poliwrath was there waiting for him in a strong position. It was going to be a punch and Lucario was going to be ready for it as he approached Poliwrath.
As he sensed the punch coming, Lucario pitched his body up and over Poliwrath, his opponent's height helping him avoid the punch and clear him with ease though the speed he was traveling at meant that he didn't get a hit in. Instead, Lucario's move had arced him, so he landed on the ring floor behind Poliwrath and rolled. At the same time, he turned and got up as he slid on his paws on the ground and into the ropes with enough momentum to push them back slightly as they stopped him. Lucario used this to fling him off them and increase his speed as he charged at Poliwrath.
Of course, Poliwrath was far from idle this entire time. He'd turned and was now closing on Lucario and reading another punch. Lucario saw this and opted to do something risky but that will really pay off if it worked.
Before the punch happened, Lucario dove forward and rolled on the ground as the punch came but the dodge was only a bonus. As Lucario was on his back from the roll, rather than pop up from it, he'd timed it such that he'd be right in front of Poliwrath, so he was able to slam both his feet into Poliwrath's chest, right in the center of the swirl that was there in a double kick.
The blow was hard and staggered Poliwrath back a pace as it ended Lucario's momentum, but he wasn't done yet. His legs came down to the ground as he slammed his fists into it and used a mix of his strength and the springy floor of the ring to flip up as his feet landed. Lucario then used that to keep going forward and slam his head into Poliwrath between his eyes where he'd kneed him at the start of the bout with a solid headbutt.
This too staggered Poliwrath and Lucario pressed his advantage with a knee to the gut that surprisingly doubled over Poliwrath. As the water and fighting type doubled over, Lucario raised his hands, fists together, and slammed them down onto Poliwrath's head. The blow downed Poliwrath to the ring floor and Lucario backed up as a count began but only got the 3 before Poliwrath was up and ready to fight some more.
Lucario expected this and was ready to close in again but just then the bell rang to end the first round of the final. Instantly, Lucario and Poliwrath backed up and went to their corners to take a break, get some water, and listen to their trainers.
"What a start to this final." The announcer said as Lucario sat in his stool and panted from the exertion he'd used against Poliwrath. "Lucario really took it to Poliwrath there and for the first time all tournament it looks like Poliwrath is on the back foot in a bout. However, will this last? Time will tell as we have two more rounds to determine a winner of the tournament."
"Ok Lucario that was really good." Ash said giving Lucario some water as he sat there and Lucario drank it as he needed the hydration. "You landed some solid hits just as we planned. As expected, this is going to be like facing Machamp, you don't have the strength to overcome Poliwrath's muscles and stamina, so you won't win this bout by knockout. That's why we have to win by points so keep it up as we should already be leading on that front."
Lucario nodded in agreement at that. He'd taken only a few hits, but they were harder then he'd dished out and he'd felt what he was hitting, there was no way that he could break past that and do enough damage to Poliwrath to ensure a 10 count. Only Machamp or Conkeldurr would have the raw strength to do that. This was going to be a win like the ones against Machamp and Mienshao. As if to prove it, Lucario noticed that though Poliwrath had taken plenty of hits, it looked relatively fine so far.
"Do the same thing in the next round." Ash said and Lucario felt the trust Ash had for him in his words through their bond. "I trust you to be sensible in it. Keep getting those hits, limit what you take, and put this away so that we can use your big strength in the final round."
Lucario barked in agreement at that, best to secure the points and then give in to the aura to win it like with Mienshao and Machamp though hopefully the former and not the latter. Before Ash could say anymore, the bell rang, and the second round began with Lucario getting up and bouncing out to get away from the corner as Poliwrath too came out, but he came out hard and fast having already gotten a feel for Lucario. The second round was going to start faster than the first one.
Lucario wasn't fully ready for this, but he adapted as he sensed the punch coming from his left, so he dove directly to the right to avoid it, rolling on landing and popping up to see Poliwrath already turning to face him, ready for the next attack. It looked like Poliwrath was going to press him and try to force him into a corner or against the ropes where he'd have less time to sense his opponent's intent and block or dodge Poliwrath's attacks. Well, Lucario wasn't going to let that happen to him.
Instead, he took the fight to Poliwrath as the other Pokémon charged and sensed a blow coming from his right this time and got his arm up. That was when he realized his mistake a fraction to late to do anything about it.
Somehow, likely due to its human, Poliwrath had a sense for how Lucario's aura ability worked and was able to trick it with a feint of sorts by thinking of a left hook, so Lucario was going to block it and step in for some knee and elbow blows. However, his opponent was actually planning a right jab and because Lucario wasn't fully open to it he didn't see it until it was too late, and the punch landed squarely in his chest.
The force of the blow blasted him back and into the ropes and again Poliwrath pressed his advantage and closed the distance this time ready to give him as little space as possible to recover like he'd done to Hawlucha that had ended up defeating the Wrestling Pokémon. Lucario sensed this as the ropes stretched and tucked himself into a ball. He wasn't fully sure if this would work but he had to try it as it would give him an advantage in this round if it did.
Almost as soon as the stretch began it ended and Lucario was shot out and at a still moving Poliwrath. Instantly, Lucario pitched himself forward to spin as he gave himself fully to his aura to sense Poliwrath and his intentions. He'd planned on saving this for the final round, but he'd been forced to use it now. It was the only way he felt that he could recover from what had happened and gain a big boost if done right.
Lucario sensed Poliwrath stop a little closer than he should have and prepare a punch. That was just Lucario needed as he unfurled his body at the right moment to arc over the punch before his feet slammed into Poliwrath's face near the top of his swirl.
The force of the blow, enhanced by the speed from the rope fling, and the height that it was on Poliwrath's body carried Lucario forward and Poliwrath back so that the Tadpole Pokémon fell down and onto his back on the ring. The floor bounced as Lucario rode Poliwrath down so that he was now standing up straight and on top of Poliwrath as he did so.
He then used that to jump off, pushing Poliwrath down at the same time, and flipped and spun so that he landed safely away from Poliwrath and facing him though he could have easily sensed Poliwrath even if he wasn't facing him. With Poliwrath on the ground a count began but it was again not going to do anything as it reached 5 before he was up and facing Lucario once again.
However now Lucario had his eyes closed as he fully gave into his aura and drew on the little of Ash's passive aura that he could sense from his own drive to win and his love for Lucario, to fully open himself up to Poliwrath's intentions. It was time to see how this worked in a more offensive capacity.
Well, offensive wasn't the best term for it. It was more a counter attack style that he was using as Poliwrath got to his feet and charged at Lucario where his stood. The biggest difference to this battle compared to the day before though was that Lucario didn't have to worry about the potential 6 limbs that he couldn't match hitting him, all he had to worry about was 4 and even then, Poliwrath relied on his punches almost exclusively it seemed and that was good for Lucario.
What followed was an interesting series of events. Lucario didn't move as Poliwrath charged him but stood his ground as the right hook came in before backing up with a hop for it to miss as he knew it was coming and to counter with a left leg side kick to Poliwrath's exposed side.
Poliwrath grunted and swung an arm at Lucario's leg, but Lucario had already lowered it and stepped forward to slam his palm into Poliwrath's face to force him back a pace. He followed it up with a knee to the gut, well body as the Pokémon didn't seem to have anything but a body, with arms, legs and eyes, before backing up again to avoid another punch.
It was easy for Lucario to keep this up as he almost danced around Poliwrath for the rest of the round, eyes closed as he avoided hits and counted whenever he had an opening to do so. It wasn't a fancy battle, nothing much happened but he held his own all the way to the bell having landed a half dozen more shots and only taking 3 in return, all surprise kicks that made him more defensive for a bit in their wake.
"Well, that was different but no less entertaining as we got to see Lucario's aura sense earlier than expected and in an offensive capacity as he and Poliwrath traded a more attack and counter style for the second round." The announcer said as the crowd cheered and Lucario returned to his stool panting hard as he dropped his aura sense. "For the first time all competition Poliwrath will enter the third and final round of a bout. Can Lucario hold this and go the distance or will Poliwrath be able to capitalize on what Lucario had to do in the last round to win by knockout as it has all competition? Only one more round to decide it folks as we've come down to the wire in the 23rd Kalos Fighting Type Tournament."
"Can you do that again Lucario?" Ash asked and Lucario reluctantly shook his head as he took on water, he only had the stamina to fully embrace his aura for a round and he'd been forced to use it early in the bout and it had seriously drained him. "Ok I didn't think so but no matter, you did amazing there. You've put us in position to win this, I know it."
Lucario barked in happiness at the complement and felt Ash's drive to win flare up in his passive aura and fighting spirit that he had connected to when he was still inside his egg, and which had allowed him to hatch. Lucario drew on that to restore a little energy as he got ready for the final round of the final bout. As with Machamp, he was more exhausted then his opponent, but he was not going to give up on this, he was going to go to the end and win this for himself, his team and his human.
"We are leading on points just like with Machamp, that much is clear." Ash continued. "So, we are going to go out there and win this. Play it smart, play it defensive, and bring it home Lucario. We have 3 minutes. Survive and we've won this tournament, I am sure of it."
Lucario barked again as the bell rang and he got up and left his corner pulling on all of Ash's passive aura that he didn't know he produced to fuel him for this last fight as he and Poliwrath came to blows one more time. 3 minutes left to decide the winner and it was clear that Poliwrath knew what was at stake as well as he came out hard again.
The only way for Poliwrath to win this was by knockout at this point. The points differential were too high and Poliwrath wouldn't land than many hits before Lucario's body gave out anyway so that was how Poliwrath could still win it despite Lucario's lead.
It was a clever system when you looked more into it. It gave fighting types who were more about mobility than raw strength the ability to counter those who relied on overwhelming power and bulging muscles. Providing they survived, they could win it with ease as their speed and mobility gave them more hits then their opponent and that was exactly what Lucario was going to do. He didn't have the raw strength to beat Poliwrath the way Poliwrath could beat him, so he countered with his own all-around strength and greater mobility.
Of course, Poliwrath was not going to make that easy and he showed that strength by coming out hard and fast at Lucario determined to end him before the bell rang to end the match. All Lucario did was slide to the side to force Poliwrath to change direction and so that he was midway between the nearest two corners. He had a plan and hopefully it worked.
Lucario was barely in position when Poliwrath was on him and unleashing a series of heavy punches as fast as he could, which wasn't too fast compared to Machamp or Mienshao but fast enough to keep Lucario on his toes. He couldn't go full aura, but he had enough passive sense and experience to see where the blows were coming from, and he hopped back to avoid the first few. However, he could tell what Poliwrath was going to do and wasn't going to let him do it.
Poliwrath wanted to force Lucario back and into the ropes where he could unleash a more intense flurry to take down Lucario, it was why he was doing wide punches from either side to keep Lucario backing up. Lucario didn't want that and when he felt the time was right he didn't hop back from the next punch. Instead, he raised his arms and took it on his forearms in the form of a block.
Some Pokémon might be able to just block it but with Poliwrath's strength and Lucario's lighter build, he was thrown back and into the ropes hard. Not as hard as he'd been when he'd taken a full punch to the body or face in the earlier rounds, but it was still hard, and he bent the ropes a fair bit. Poliwrath kept his position and waited for Lucario to be shot back which was just what Lucario had expected and was prepared for.
As he was shot back, Lucario sensed the punch coming and instead of going over it, he lent back and the punch, that was aimed at his head, went over him. As he did this he tucked his legs under him so that he was going in knees first and he lent back as far as he could, twisting his head to the side to protect his snout as he avoided the punch and slammed knee first into Poliwrath's chest at almost the same time.
The force of the blow staggered Poliwrath back a few paces and Lucario increased that by moving his knees up to his chest and then kicking out to land a double kick to Poliwrath's upper chest and flip back it the process as more distance was put between them. Lucario then landed in a crouch and leapt forward and up at Poliwrath as he recovered.
Poliwrath was pissed now and tried to punch him, but it was wild and Lucario was already over it as he placed his forepaws between Poliwrath's eyes and atop his head right in the center of it and did the splits to leapfrog over the water and fighting type. As soon as he was over Poliwrath, Lucario spun in the air and kicked him in the back for good measure before he landed and rolled backwards to once again put some distance between him and Poliwrath as the latter turned to face him.
There was still time in the final and Poliwrath was not going to give it up as he charged Lucario again. This time however, he didn't go for a punch and Lucario didn't realize until it was too late that he was going for a shoulder charge until he leapt back from the expect punch only to suddenly have 120 pounds of pissed of blue muscle with a whit and black swirl slam into his chest at full speed.
Lucario was thrown back and into the roped again and they stretched the furthest they had all final. However, this time he was too dazed and couldn't do anything as he was shot back at Poliwrath who had stopped after the hit and cocked his right fist back. All Lucario could do was brace as best he could before his flight was stopped by a powerful fist slamming right into his face and spinning him around Poliwrath's arm before he slammed into the ground of the ring hard on his back dazed from the blows.
Instantly the count started and Lucario wasn't sure he could get up as he could barely hear it after the punch he'd just taken. However, he felt something fill him as he lay there and knew what it was. It was Ash's fighting spirit, his passive aura as he willed Lucario to keep going. Lucario drew on that and with a bark he slammed his arms into the ring floor and bounced up to land on his feet in a fighting stance as he grinned at a surprised looking Poliwrath who thought that Lucario was finally down, but he'd beaten the count by 2 seconds to stand tall and continue the fight.
Lucario used that brief surprise to leap at Poliwrath and slam a flying kick into Poliwrath's nostrils that staggered him. Lucario flipped back from the hit and then pushed forward as he drove the crown of his head into the same spot before popping up and kneeing Poliwrath right below the center of his swirl. He then stepped back to deliver a palm thrust before Poliwrath could fully process what was hitting him when the bell suddenly rang and the final, the whole tournament for that matter, ended.
"And that is it folks, the final bell has rung, and the championship has gone the distance." The ref announced to the cheering crowd and the 4 judges began conferring as it was all the judges for the final. "And what a final that was. It had everything we could have wanted and more, especially with that last second recovery and counter by Lucario right at the end. I thought he was down for the count, but he wasn't and now we will see if that all paid off as the judges have a score. Folks, it is time for our champion to be announced."
"Pokémon to the center." The head judge for the final said and both stood where they were expected to be as the crowd quieted down for the announcement. "That was a tough match, but it again showed that if a Pokémon has less raw strength but more mobility and striking skills it can overcome that sheer power barrier, though we did see that power near the end. However, by a final score of 25 to 7, the winner of the 23rd annual Kalos Fighting Type Tournament is… Lucario!"
"And there it is, confirmation that we expected when it went to the final bell." The announcer yelled as the crowd exploded at the declaration of the winner. "Lucario has won the tournament and taken the title of best fighting type in Kalos for the year. The winning trainer is Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town. Now there will be a special lunch for all the competitors remaining and the Pokémon who competed with them where Lucario will be added to the Hall of Champions here and the main arena set up for the medal presentation. Please stay for that as the special prize will also be revealed at the very end of the presentation. Until then though, it is lunch."
With that the announcer signed off and people began heading out chatting about the match that had concluded the tournament. The competitors and their Pokémon, Misty, May, and Serena making sure that Conkeldurr and Hawlucha were with them as Ash needed a moment in the ring, left while others stayed to eat packed lunches, making sure that the remaining Pokémon were fed, and wait for the medal presentation after the special luncheon.
In the ring however, Lucario had offered his fist to Poliwrath who bumped it with his own in acknowledgement of a good match and mutual respect between the Pokémon as Ash and Adam entered the ring. It was the only time all tournament that a trainer could enter the ring, only after the final and only the finalists were allowed to do so.
"Well done Ash." Adam said as they met and shook hands in the center of the ring. "You showed that mobility and tactical attacks could win so long as you stayed in it. I won't forget what I saw today, and I'll use it to get better."
"And you showed how raw strength can overcome those with the right moves and unorthodox changes." Ash said as they broke apart. "Poliwrath almost had it in the end."
"True but once Lucario got up before the count ended we knew it was over as I wasn't going to win this one on points." Adam admitted. "You won this one, but I like this tournament, I'll be back and win it someday. I promise that."
"As will I, I have many other fighting types that will want to try their hands at this, and I want them all to experience it at least once." Ash said. "But for now, let us enjoy the lunch and medal ceremony."
"True, we can even though I lost." Adam said turning to Poliwrath. "Come on Poliwrath, let's not get down and head to lunch."
Poliwrath nodded his body and they left. As they did Ash turned to Lucario who barked, and they embraced at their win.
"I can't believe you won Lucario." Ash said smiling as they broke apart. "I thought Poliwrath had you at the end."
Lucario just barked in agreement at that. He was almost beaten there but Ash's emotions and friendship helped give him that last boost to get up and hold on to the end and win the championship. Now they were champions and he'd be the envy of his team when he saw them at lunch. His standing here and back home would really improve after today's victory.
"Let's go and get your robe and head to lunch." Ash said as they went to their corner. "You will be the guest of honor at lunch Lucario. Let's enjoy it."
Lucario barked in agreement as they went to get his robe and then headed out to join Misty, May, Serena, Adam, Max, Owen, and all the other competitors who'd stayed, and their Pokémon of course, for the special lunch as Lucario was honored and inducted into the Hall of Champions. Lucario had more than earned that honor.
It had been an epic final but there was still one more thing left to do, the presentation and that would come after lunch. Ash's stomach roared at that, and he laughed as Lucario barked before they left to join the others and celebrate the end of the tournament.
"You're really good at that."
Bonnie heard the voice as she was finishing giving out the food that Owen had provided for all the Pokémon present, all tailored to types and genders that were known, and turned to see that it was the slightly older brunette, Emily who'd spoken. This was the first time that Bonnie, Max, and Owen had actually met the Kanto girl who'd been Misty's student of sorts on the Kanto Contest Circuit the year before and the boy that she was traveling with, Adam.
They'd all hung out this week as they all knew Ash in some way and Bonnie felt that she had a good sense for the girl though this was the first time she'd actually been alone with her. Neither were able to be at the special luncheon for the competitors, which made sense given that it was primarily for the Pokémon not the trainers, so this was a good time to really chat with the girl.
"Thanks, I've always enjoyed caring for Pokémon." Bonnie said as she rejoined Emily and took out her own lunch that Owen had prepared for her this morning, as he'd done for Emily as well as they couldn't attend the luncheon. "I helped Serena last year with the grooming and care for all the Pokémon when we traveled with May and my brother Clemont. This year I've been learning even more from Owen and a different kind of care as he's a breeder. Now I really know how to look after Pokémon."
"That's good." Emily said as Bonnie sat down next to her while the staff began dismantling the ring and setting up the medal podium during the break. "So, are you going to be one as well?"
"One what?" Bonnie asked as she tucked into the sweet curry that Owen had made though he still found off due to his blander tastes from Galar, but it was really good to Bonnie's Kalos tastes.
"A breeder." Emily said. "You clearly have a talent for it and Pokémon care in general. I bet you could make a good breeder if you put your mind to it."
"I don't know if breeder is for me." Bonnie said thinking on it, she was still very much undecided on her future though, so it was a potential career but not one she thought a lot about pursuing. "I love the care and grooming side but the more, um, technical stuff is beyond me and I'm a little too young to learn about it."
"I see." Emily said and Bonnie was glad that the girl didn't question that part as she felt she already knew too much about it for her age. "Do you know what you want to be then?"
"Honestly no." Bonnie admitted. "I've been trying a few things, done a Showcase and two Contests with one advancement to the battles this year but they weren't for me. I'm not big on the battle front and the pageantry of the Showcases, while fun, is also a bit much for my tastes as I don't have the grace that Serena has. I am still finding myself and will travel with Max again next year, likely in Kanto, and continue my own person quest to find my calling. He's told me about his friend Brock who took several years to find his, so I have time."
"That is a good strategy." Emily said. "I didn't start my own journey until I was 12 so 2 years late and even then I wasn't sure if Contests would be a full-time thing for me or just something I did to start out and earn some money."
"What do you mean?" Bonnie asked as she finished her food and put the box away and took a drink from a water bottle she'd brought with her.
"I got into Contests when I saw how fun they looked, and it was actually watching Misty face May in their first Wallace Cup final that did it for me." Emily said. "But I had to wait a years for my debut as I was helping my parents at the time with their construction company. When I did debut, I faced Misty in the final of the Cerulean Contest."
"That sounds like a tough debut." Bonnie said. "I watched Misty beat May in their third Wallace Cup final. We watched it because of May, and we watched her win the Kanto Grand Festival, so I know that Misty is really good."
"That she is, and she bulldozed me in out first match." Emily said. "Literally, she used her Mamoswine against my Clefairy, she hadn't evolved yet, and it was a complete mismatch. We met twice more, and I lost the next one by Battle Off before losing in the semifinal of the Grand Festival on points, but I know first hand how great she is. She's even better now that she's broadened her Pokémon rotation."
"Yeah when I met Misty I wouldn't have guessed that she'd have a Mamoswine, let alone some of her other Pokémon that I know she has." Bonnie said. "I've met her Spiritomb and Banette once when I was last home in Lumiose, and they are something else. It's no wonder she won with them. Then there's her Machamp and Malamar that she always has with her, she's really broadened her Pokémon and it shows in her skill."
"I don't think she intended it, but it just happened." Emily said. "And she's told me the same thing. When we met for the second time I only had Clefairy and Snubull at the time and they are small, cute, pink Pokémon that I believed to be normal types as the whole fairy type discovery hadn't happened yet. Misty told me to branch out and I did with Mawile, Azumarill, and Cottonee last year to add steel, water, and grass to my rotation, though I did catch an Eevee as well which gave me a legitimate normal type."
"Wait, but aren't all those fairy types?" Bonnie asked confused. "Well except Eevee that is."
"That they are." Emily said with a nod. "Turns out the only Pokémon I caught last year that hadn't gone from normal to fairy or added fairy was Eevee but of course this was before anyone knew of the type and we all know that Eevee can evolve into a fairy type Pokémon now. In fact, my Granbull was part of the discovery as he was taken down by Ash's Gengar's Venoshock when he shouldn't have been and withstood Nando's Lopunny's fighting type attack when it should have knocked him out both of which helped in the classification. Since then, Professor Oak has spoken to me and believes I have an affinity for the type as I kept catching them without realizing it, so I've been helping him out while here."
"That does seem to be the case." Bonnie said as Dedenne and Flabébé returned to her, Litwick and Fennekin were busy hanging out with some of Emily's Pokémon and were apparently having a good time so stayed there. "And I take it your new Pokémon this year are also fairy types? I know that Klefki added it to its steel type, that was one of the more recent discoveries after the initial paper I heard, and Spritzee turned from normal to fairy but what about that Vulpix you have. I've never seen an ice type one but when I heard about it being a regional variant from Alola I understood."
"That's right, your friend Owen has a regional Pokémon though the Galarian ones are even more different than the Alolan ones." Emily said. "And Vulpix is a pure ice type, but she will add a fairy type whenever she evolves, I just need something called an Ice Stone and for her to be ready for that."
"I see, that does make sense." Bonnie said as both Dedenne and Flabébé surprised her by going to say high to Emily who looked shocked but petted Dedenne softly and let Flabébé land on her head. "Huh, I see they like you too."
"I get Flabébé, it's a fairy type isn't it?" Emily asked and Bonnie nodded. "Yeah fairy types are sometimes drawn to me, which is why I can't wait to hit Laverre and maybe the Contest there to learn more from Valerie. It will be tough for Adam though as fairy types are strong against fighting types and he doesn't have a Lucario, Croagunk or Toxicroak which have a type that can resist them and thus balance their fighting types."
"Laverre is the place for fairy types." Bonnie said recalling her visit and subsequent banning from the city fondly. "Valerie loved my Flabébé though I am surprised that Dedenne likes you so much. He's friendly but he's a pure electric type as far as I know."
"Well, if he is like this with me without really knowing me then maybe you should test it." Emily said. "I don't have this effect on non-fairy types. Have you ever used Dedenne in battle?"
"Not only my Litwick really likes to battle." Bonnie said. "So, we haven't tried it but maybe. None of my group has a dragon type or one that knows a dragon type move, but Ash has a Sliggoo which is a pure dragon type. He's sparring with Owen and Max tomorrow before they leave for that nearby Fire Festival that we're regrouping at so maybe we can test Dedenne there."
"Let me know if its confirmed so I can tell Professor Oak as it is my job." Emily said and Bonnie nodded at that, she would tell the brunette if it turned out to be true that Dedenne had added a fairy type. "But that is for later. I have to ask. How did you get a Flabébé? I really want to find one, but this is the first one I've ever seen."
"Oh, this one was by accident." Bonnie said with a grin. "We were in a field near a village to the east of Lumiose early in our journey to Cyllage City and this Flabébé landed on the flower clip I wear because it looks a lot like the same as the flower she'd chosen for herself but had lost. Flabébés need the flower for strength and like Pangoros with their leaves, once a Flabébé chose a species of flower it's for life. It's a rare flower but I nursed and cared for Flabébé while we went to find it and managed to find the last one in the area. Afterwards I asked her to join me, and she agreed. That's how I got one."
"Somehow that sounds fitting." Emily said as both Dedenne and Flabébé returned to their trainer. "I am always looking for new fairy types, especially dual fairy types to broaden my rotation and because I like the type."
"Well, you should go to Galar sometime." Bonnie said recalling the stories Owen had told them on their journey with him. "Owen's told us all about the Glimwood Tangle near his place, you can find a male only, dark and fairy type there that's pretty freaky apparently. There's also a chance to find a Milcery out there and the wild areas have other fairy types that aren't normally found in Galar, or so I've heard."
"Yeah Adam was saying the other day that we should head to Galar next." Emily said and Bonnie clearly heard it in her voice and grinned at her suspicions being confirmed. "Owen and he were chatting a few nights ago apparently about it, and he suggested we visit if we can. I think it's a good idea and if neither of us win our competitions this year, or if only one of us does, we'll go there for the Contest circuit next year and gyms. I hear there's a fighting type gym there so Adam has a place and that the Ballonlea gym will become a fairy type gym next year so I will definitely want to check that out."
"Owen did say that his hometown gym will change to fairy next year when Opal fully retires." Bonnie said. "But the fighting type one is one of the strange ones out in Galar."
"What do you mean?" Emily asked. "There is a fighting type gym in a place called Stow-on-Side run by a woman called Bea who is about Ash's age, right?"
"There is and I think Owen has a bit of a soft spot for Bea just as you do for Adam and all the other girls except me here have for Ash." Bonnie said giving Emily a sly grin as she blushed deeply, and Bonnie continued. "But more on that later. Bea is one of the two Stow-on-Side Gym Leaders. For some strange reason Stow-on-Side and Circhester have two leaders with different types that change depending on the day. Allister is the other leader there and he's a ghost type specialist."
"Huh that is strange." Emily said. "But I am sure we can see her when we are there if we're patient."
"Probably, now onto the Adam thing." Bonnie said enjoying the change in topic and grinning broadly at Emily. "You like him don't you."
"What, no, I mean he's just my friend, my best friend and traveling companion but that's it, honest." Emily said quickly but Bonnie could hear the denial in her voice clear as day and knew she was right. "Honestly, we're just friends and nothing more."
"But you want it to be more." Bonnie said simply. "Don't you?"
"I'm only 13, I'm too young for that." Emily said still on the defensive.
"But in the future." Bonnie said. "You might."
"I…" Emily began but Bonnie decided to just cut it off there.
"Don't deny it, I know these things, I see these things better than most do." Bonnie said. "I may be 10 and way to young for them myself but I know what to look for. I've been trying to find a woman for Clemont for a while, it is why I'm currently banned from being within 10 miles of Laverre City but that was totally worth it, and in that process I've learned what a girl with a crush is like and you have one and it's bad. Don't deny it to me."
"I, fine but only Misty knows that I like him like that so please keep it just between us." Emily said. "But yes, I do have feelings for Adam, deep feelings that will only continue to grow deeper."
"As I thought and don't worry I won't say a thing." Bonnie said. "They guys here are all far too dense to realize anything, Serena's got her own unrequited crush to deal with and May probably wouldn't say a thing if she noticed. You're secret is safe with me."
"Thank you." Emily said with a sigh of relief.
"Now what are you going to do about it?" Bonnie asked still pressing. "Admitting your feelings is but the first stage."
"Right now, nothing." Emily said. "I've decided to lock these feelings away as we both chase our dreams and get a bit older. Only then will I decide what to do about them."
"I think that's dumb." Bonnie said bluntly. "The heart should be free to chase what it wants but it's your choice, do as you see fit but don't let him get away. I see how not getting Ash has affected Serena and May, you don't want to be like that."
"I won't." Emily said as May, Serena, Owen, and their Pokémon all made their way back to them showing that lunch was over.
"Won't what?" May asked curious at what she'd walked in on.
"Nothing." Bonnie said innocently. "Just some idle chat. How was the lunch?"
"Good, informative." Owen said showing his denseness as he didn't pick anything up at all. "I learned a lot about fighting type care."
"That is good." Bonnie said. "It is a type that both you and Max have so knowing more will help us as we move through Kalos."
"Precisely and speaking of Max, let's sit back and enjoy the medal ceremony." May said. "I want to see my baby brother get his reward for doing so well with Chesnaught."
Bonnie just nodded as they all settled back to watch the medal ceremony that would begin soon. The arena was ready for it, the spectators were returning to their seats for it, which meant that it was time for Lucario to receive his medal and close out the 23rd annual Kalos Fighting Type Tournament.
"Well folks, it's time to wrap this up once and for all." The announcer said as those who were staying to watch the presentation of the medals, mainly friends and Pokémon of the medalists, took their seats. "It is time for the medals and for those wondering, we don't hold a third-place playoff so both our semifinalists get bronze medals for reaching that point on the competition."
It was after the special luncheon for the competitors and their Pokémon, which was mainly an honor meal for Lucario and Ash, and to congratulate all the Pokémon who'd taken part in the competition, as they all chatted, ate and Lucario got his picture taken for the Hall of champions. Other than that, all that happened was that they were told that Machamp and Chesnaught would get medals as well so they, along with Misty and Max, would have to go out for the ceremony as well.
While they'd been at lunch, Bonnie and Emily who couldn't attend had had a nice lunch in the stands and chatted a bit about various things. They'd held down their area so that when the meal was over, Owen, May, and Serena, along with all 5 of Adam's Pokémon that had all lost before the elite eight and Hawlucha and Conkeldurr could easily join them as they celebrated Ash's victory and finally learned what the mystery prize was.
During lunch, the arena had been converted for the medal ceremony with the ring removed and a podium set up in its place. The center and left-hand ones, as you looked at it from the stands, were pretty normal and large enough for a Pokémon and human to stand on, while the one on the right that was the lowest was twice as long for the two bronze medalists. That had confused Bonnie as she'd watched it be set up while talking to Emily but now she understood what it was for.
Right now, though, the 4 Pokémon who'd made it to the semifinals, along with their trainers, stood behind the podium as the judges, led by the founder of the tournament but missing Nurse Joy, stood before them, each with a tray in their hands. On the trays were the medals for each Pokémon, a small box, and something extra that was hard to make out on the founder's tray that he held for Lucario. It was all official looking and everyone couldn't wait for the presentation to start.
"And of course, we will begin with the shared bronze medals for our hard-fought semifinalists." The announcer said. "So, in third place, it's Machamp and Chesnaught, along with their trainers Misty and Max."
That was the cue and Machamp and Chesnaught stepped up onto the platform together as instructed followed by Misty and Max who stood to their sides as the crowd applauded them. Once they were on the platform, the judge with the larger tray that had the bronze medals on it stepped forward.
The medals themselves were simple bronze medals with the crest associated with fighting types embossed on it attached to a burnt reddish-brown ribbon to drape around the Pokémon's neck. Though they couldn't be seen yet, the back had the name of the Pokémon and its trainer engraved along with the tournament number they'd won it in to memorialize it. The silver and gold medals were the same just in their respective colors.
"Trainers, please take the medals and place them on your Pokémon." The judge said, this too had been explained to them at lunch. "Then take the boxes, they contain a matching medal for you but only the Pokémon will wear them for this ceremony."
"Of course." Misty said with a smile as she took the medal indicated for Machamp, they were prepared as such, and took it off the tray as Max did the same for Chesnaught. "Machamp, you earned this."
Machamp smiled as he lowered his head and Misty placed the medal around his neck so that it hung down on his muscular chest. Max did the same next to her with Chesnaught before they took their boxes and the judge stepped back. The crowd applauded and cheered a bit as Machamp and Chesnaught stood tall and proud with their medals.
"The runner up in today's hard fought final and our silver medalist, Poliwrath!" The announcer said once the bronze medal judge had stepped back, and the crowd cheered a bit more as Ash watched Poliwrath and Adam step up to their platform. "We had to slightly change the medal ribbon for Poliwrath's body type, but it should work."
Ash was a bit confused at that and watched as Adam took the silver medal off the tray. That's when he noticed that the ribbon was longer than it should be, and it all clicked for Ash thanks to the start of the final. Poliwrath didn't really have a neck, so the ribbon was designed to be like a belt and Adam sorted it out so that it was around Poliwrath's center, and the silver medal now glinted in the center of his swirl.
After that Adam took his own box and stepped back to the cheering crowd. The judge moved back as well, and Ash knew that it was time.
"And last but certainly not least." The announcer said. "Your 23rd Kalos Fighting Type Tournament champion, Lucario!"
Lucario had to hop up onto the platform as Ash climbed the small stairs in the back to reach the top and raised his arms as the crowd roared at their newest champion. Lucario was basking in this moment because this was his. He'd won the tournament and claimed the title of best fighting type in Kalos, he deserved this moment.
"Congratulations." The founder said as he approached. "Please take the medal and belt and put it on Lucario Ash. I know you weren't told about the belt, but it is a tradition for fighting tournaments like this to award the winner a belt and here is Lucario's, adjusted to fit him of course."
"Thank you, I have a Primeape that won one in Kanto many years ago, I know it well." Ash said as he first picked up the gold medal and turned to Lucario. "Lucario, you more than deserve this. Well done my friend."
Lucario barked, it was a team effort. He couldn't have won it without Ash or his teammates supporting him even after they had lost, and he'd honor them tonight. He knew that this was his moment though and he lowered his head so that Ash could put the gold medal around his neck, helping with his head tails to settle it there as it glinted on his chest.
After that Ash took the belt off the tray. It was similar to the one Primeape had won but there were no additional things to the golden Poke Ball in the center and the band was silver. It was also smaller to fit around Lucario's narrower waist and Ash easily tied it there so that Lucario now had his belt. He looked good in it and the crowd cheered as Ash turned back and took the box with his own medal in it and the founder stepped back.
"And now for the special prize to the winning trainer." The announcer said as the crowd continue to cheer, and Nurse Joy finally came out of one of the entrances carrying a rectangular box in her hands. "This was found a few weeks ago and Nurse Joy assures us that it is a day or two away from being ready. We don't know what it is, but it is the prize for the winning trainer who has earned it and we know that Ash will treat it well."
Ash was confused until Nurse Joy reached the founder who put the tray down and took the top 3/4ers of the box off to reveal a Pokémon egg in an incubator. The egg itself was a light purple color with dark purple, eye-like, designs on it in places. The crowd gasped at this as the founder picked up the egg and handed it to Ash who had to put his medal in a pocket to take it and cradle it in his arms to avoid dropping it.
"You have earned this Ash." The founder said as Ash took the egg. "Congratulations on winning it all, both of you. We hope to see you and your fighting types again soon."
"Thank you." Ash said with a small bow of his head.
"And there you have it folks." The announcer said as the founder stepped back. "The 23rd annual Kalos Fighting Type Tournament is officially over but let's take a moment to celebrate our medalists and our winner, Lucario!"
With that the crowd roared and Lucario embraced it and congratulated the others on the podium with him, Ash held his new egg close to him and wondered one thing. What Pokémon would it be?
