Disclaimer: I do not own Pokémon, or any other property in this work that I did not make myself.
Pokémon: Sinnoh no Isekai
Chapter Two-hundred and seventy-nine: The Masters Eight tournament, part one
The moment that everyone was waiting for, the Masters Eight tournament of the current season of the World Coronation Series, had at last come. The entire event would be held in Wyndon, capital of the Galar region, and in Wyndon Stadium. Whoever wins the tournament will end the World Coronation Series as the reigning Monarch, the strongest trainer in the world. Naturally, everyone who was in the tournament was excited for such a prospect.
Among the many persons taking in the sights of Wyndon were the reborn trainers. Dawn, Kenny, Trip, and Mina were all in awe with what they saw set up for the Masters Eight tournament, a grand contest that Dawn herself was going to be taking part in. "This is the most festive that Wyndon has ever been for a Masters Eight tournament," Mina remarked, "At least that's the word that I got on the matter from some of the locals living here in Wyndon."
"Well this season of the World Coronation Series is the most hyped in recorded history," Dawn said, "No doubt due to all of the exciting battles that had taken place." The prior season of the World Coronation Series was, according to the people running the show, one of the least viewed on record. Wanting to get ratings up as high as possible, the Committee encouraged those who had awesome Pokémon to use them if possible.
Hence why so many legendary and mythical Pokémon had been seen fighting in the current season of the World Coronation Series; Pokémon commonly thought to exist only in lore are big draws for crowds and viewers. In fact, the last Ultra Class battle before the Masters Eight tournament, which saw Kenny claim a very close win against Trip, saw nothing BUT legendary Pokémon be used in a full six on six single battle. Kenny and Trip have since rotated their respective parties.
Dawn later got it from sources that said battle had scored all time record high ratings, which was the main goal of the Committee as the World Coronation Series IS supposed to be a televised event. It makes sense the folks running it want to up ratings as much as possible, thus they'd do what all it took to get the ratings up. And thanks to the legendary battle that Kenny had with Trip, the Masters Eight tournament of this season is expected to draw in record breaking rates of viewers.
As the reborn trainers looked around, they spotted a poster advertising the Masters Eight tournament; it showed everyone in the Masters Eight, that being Dawn, Ash, Ideku, Nina, Rimu, Leon, Lance, and Steven. It also showed each of them with a different Pokémon, each trainer with a Pokémon they're known to own.
Dawn was shown with her named Palkia Tsukune, Ash with his Melmetal, Ideku with his named Zekrom Schwarz, Nina with her beloved Cinderace, Rimu with his Skeledirge, Leon with his Charizard, Lance with his shiny Gyarados, and Steven with his shiny Metagross. As the heroes all looked at the poster, Dawn said, "Wait, was Ideku even seen using his Zekrom at any point in the World Coronation Series?"
"I did once in a battle in the Great Class," Ideku spoke up, making the reborn trainers turn to see him come walking up. Ideku looked at the poster, a mildly unamused scowl on his face. "Why is it that I was paired in this poster with Schwarz? I would have much preferred it if I had been shown with Meganie instead."
"My guess is that the Pokémon featured in this poster are meant to hype people up as much as possible," Kenny said, "Hence why legendary and mythical Pokémon are used if possible. There's also two shiny Pokémon featured in the poster."
Ideku looked at the poster again. "Knowing Ash, if he saw this poster then he'd question why he wasn't shown with his Pikachu."
"I would be willing to bet good money on Ash doing exactly that, Ideku," Trip remarked casually. Gently shaking his head, Trip said, "So Ideku, you nervous?"
Shrugging, Ideku asked, "Why would I not be nervous? I'm about to take part in a tournament where the person who wins in the end will be cemented as the number one strongest trainer in the world. I'm certain that Dawn likewise feels nervous same as me."
Dawn nodded in agreement. "I won't deny that." A look of concern appeared on Ideku's face and it didn't escape Dawn's notice. "Is something wrong?"
"I got it that my parents tried to come to Wyndon to see me," Ideku said, drawing surprised looks out of the reborn trainers, "But security knows of my displeasure with my parents, so they're being barred from entering Wyndon. At least until the Masters Eight tournament is over."
"Did you hear why exactly your parents wanted to see you?" Mina asked.
"Obviously it's because I'm set to take part in the Masters Eight tournament," Ideku said, "Not to mention how regardless of the outcome, I'll still be regarded as one of the officially ranked eight strongest trainers in the world. No doubt my parents wanna ride coattails like that. They tried to get coattails to ride by setting up my late older brother Katsuku to become a great and famous trainer, but that ultimately didn't take off."
Gesturing to Ideku, Kenny went on, "Now they wanna stake a claim to you as you're not only already one of the officially ranked eight strongest trainers in the world, but you have a shot at ending up as the number one. Imagine if you end the World Coronation Series as the Monarch. No doubt your mom and dad will be regretting having made you out into the family's black Mareep solely because you were born."
"Given how they're trying to get into contact with me," Ideku said, "I'm betting that they're regretting not having been better parents to me, regretting letting their pride override pretty much everything else in life." Turning around, Ideku said, "I know the hotel where all of the Masters Eight trainers will be staying. I can lead you all over if you wish." Dawn and the others all nodded in agreement, and then proceeded to follow Ideku to the hotel.
It wasn't hard to find the hotel, given fans of the World Coronation Series, as well as the media, were all clamoring to get a scoop with any of the trainers in the Masters Eight tournament. The reborn trainers and Ideku had to sneak around and enter via a side door with hardly any notice posted there in order to get into the hotel. But soon the reborn trainers and Ideku were able to enter the hotel, and took pause as they stood in the main lobby on the ground floor.
When they arrived in the lobby, they were met up by Ash, who was in the company of Goh and Chloe. "Yeah, I saw that poster," Ash said, "And what I would like to know about it is why I was shown with Melmetal. I'd of preferred that I was shown with Pikachu."
"Again, it's a ratings thing," Dawn replied. Gently shaking her head to dismiss the subject of the posters, Dawn asked, "So Ash, how's Serena doing on her diet and exercise regimen so far?"
Smiling a bit, Ash said, "She's down ten pounds so far since we started. Mind you, she's still a bit on the plump side, but she's dedicated to getting back into shape."
"Your Gardevoir was once in a similar spot," Kenny said, "But is a success story now. Maybe you can use the story of your Gardevoir to help further inspire Serena? Maybe even swap Gardevoir into your on hand team to help with whipping Serena back into shape?"
Smacking himself in the forehead, Ash said, "D'oh! I can't believe that I didn't think of that!" Settling down a bit, Ash remarked, "I'll make a note of that and look into doing so after the Masters Eight tournament is done and over with." Smirking a bit, Ash said, "Wouldn't it be something if Serena's coach came back as the strongest trainer in the world? I bet that'd help to inspire her even more than what she already is."
"Ah, so you plan to take Dawn's seat to hype yourself up as something of an ultimate fitness coach," Mina said, "Interesting."
"Well there's also how being regarded as the strongest trainer in the world will bring in all sorts of people interested in wanting to battle me," Ash said, "All of the potential battles I could have, who'd want to turn down such a thing?"
"There's also how having a reputation of being the strongest trainer in the world ought to do good in helping to put the scare into Team Scorn," Trip pointed out, "After all, what villain would willingly want to try to mess with the strongest trainer in the world?"
Ash nodded once in understanding agreement. "Yeah. The more edges that can be scored against Team Scorn, the better."
Ideku gave a single agreeing nod. "They do need to be stopped, those evil villains of Team Scorn." Ideku was about to say something else, but stopped short when a World Coronation Series official referee came over to the group.
"Ah, three of the members of the Masters Eight are right here," the referee said, "Good, that'll save me some time."
"What's up?" Dawn asked, it being obvious that the referee was here for her, Ash, and Ideku.
"There's going to be an opening ceremony later this evening in Wyndon Stadium," the referee said, "As well as announcing the match ups for round one of the Masters Eight tournament. The round one battles will be started first thing tomorrow."
Ideku nodded once, saying, "It is a bit late to try and fit in the first round of a tournament today." Dawn, Ash, and Ideku were then given the time to arrive, which gave them a few hours to get on over to Wyndon Stadium. They also got it that those in the lobby who WEREN'T in the Masters Eight would be able to come and watch the opening ceremony in a special VIP viewing booth. The heroes got it that certain top trainers who were knocked out of the Masters Eight before the tournament, mostly league Champions of other regions, would be among those in there.
The heroes were surprised to hear Iris would be watching things live at Wyndon Stadium, although Ideku was not entirely amused to hear that the girl who has harassed him quite a lot, not to mention how said girl also took the seat he was booted from via newly set in place xenophobic laws, would be there. Former Sinnoh Champion Cynthia was also coming to watch, as well as former Unova Champion Alder, current Kalos Champion Diantha, and even Rimu's fellow Champion ranked trainer from Paldea, Nemona, was able to get a seat.
Speaking of Rimu, his girlfriend Penny would also be in the VIP room, as will Nina's friend Marnie, who sort of keeps an eye on her. As Kenny realized that Nemona may be familiar with Penny and wondered how those two would interact, Dawn told him that the group ought to head on over to Wyndon Stadium to get a feel for the place as well as re-familiarize themselves with how to even get over to Wyndon Stadium.
"I heard rumor that Galar Champion Leon needs such a refresher on how to get to Wyndon Stadium literally every time he comes to Wyndon," Ideku spoke up as the group made their way over, "I mean you'd figure a Galar region native who's lived in the region all his life would know how to get around."
"There's talk of how Leon's ability to get lost is legendary," Kenny said, "Hell, I wouldn't be surprised if he had to put up signs in his own home so that he won't get lost trying to find the bathroom." The look on Ideku's face, with the single nod of his head that he gave, said without speaking that Ideku wasn't going to argue with Kenny's assessment of the Champion of Galar.
As the group of the reborn trainers plus Ash and Ideku made their way over to Wyndon Stadium, Kenny thought about who would win in a getting lost competition between Galar Champion Leon and Roronoa Zoro. Kenny figured that said getting lost competition wouldn't happen mainly because both Leon and Zoro would get lost trying to find their way to it. Now THAT would be an interesting twist, not to mention funny as hell on some level.
Later that evening over at Wyndon Stadium, the seats were packed to the brim in the bleachers for standard viewers, and even the VIP room was a bit packed as there were a number of special guests. But then again, this current season of the World Coronation Series is the most viewed to date, with the highest overall rate of ratings per battle to date, although certain battles this season were so fantastical that the crowds couldn't be kept away.
And there were even more fantastical battles yet to come, as right now the opening ceremony for the Masters Eight tournament this season was being held. Each trainer stood together on a special podium, all of them standing in a circle while facing the crowds, and the podium even rotated so that everyone in the audience would be able to see all of the top eight strongest Pokémon trainers in the world. And what a selection it was.
Many were expecting the Masters Eight tournament this season to consist of nothing but reigning Champions from the various regions all over. However, only Leon, Lance, Steven, Ash, and Dawn were the reigning Champions of their respective Leagues; Leon presides over Galar which is the region hosting the Masters Eight tournament, Lance presides over the Indigo League which covers the Kanto and Johto regions, Steven presides over Hoenn, Ash presides over Alola which had very recently gotten its League set up and established, and Dawn presides over Sinnoh.
Ideku is the former Champion of Unova, losing his long sought after and rightfully earned Champion's seat solely due to all of the xenophobic laws passed by the bigwigs who run Unova's government. Rimu, although a Champion ranked trainer of Paldea, was NOT Paldea's official League Champion, as that title belongs to Paldea's Top Champion. And Nina hadn't ever competed in any manner of League Tournament period; the current season of the World Coronation Series is Nina's first go in a Pokémon trainer tournament.
But those three, by virtue of making it to this grandest of stages, can stand shoulder to shoulder with the regional Champions of various regions. Many all over the world were chomping at the bit to see what all spectacular battles awaited for them to watch, with those getting to watch it live there at Wyndon Stadium being truly blessed for the chance to see history be made in what is bound to go down as the greatest World Coronation Series yet.
Ending the opening ceremony was the announcement of the first round of the Masters Eight tournament, which would kick off first thing in the morning. All of the battles in the Masters Eight tournament would be single style battles, but the round one matches would see each trainer use three Pokémon each, then the second round and final battles will be full battles. After that bit was covered, the match ups were announced.
The first battle of round one would see Leon, Champion of Galar, battle fellow Galar native Nina. The second battle of round one would see Rimu, the Champion ranked trainer of Paldea, duke it out against Ideku, the former Champion of Unova. The third battle of round one would see Lance, who due to presiding over the Indigo League was able to get around the one Champion one region rule, face off against Dawn, the Champion of Sinnoh who has reportedly never lost a battle.
And all of those match ups meant that the last battle of round one would see Steven, the Champion of Hoenn, pit his efforts against Ash, a native of Kanto but the Champion of Alola. Everyone was as excited as possible, but the battles would have to wait until tomorrow. For now, the Masters Eight members had to retire for the night to rest up for their contests in the morning. This saw all of them being escorted out by security so they wouldn't get rushed by fans.
A few people did approach the Masters Eight members, but they were only friends who the top eight strongest trainers in the world vouched for. Dawn and Ash, and to a lesser extent Ideku, were met up by Kenny, Trip, Mina, Goh, and Chloe. Rimu was met up by his girlfriend Penny. And Nina more or less ran right to Marnie upon spotting her, as if seeking security. Leon perked up when he saw that Marnie was escorted by her older brother Piers, the Spikemuth gym leader.
"Nina is a minor, and one who qualifies as special needs no less," Piers said, "Her mum asked me to look out for her while she's here, given she and Marnie are thick as thieves."
"Yeah, I've heard one or two things about Nina being special needs," Leon said, "But that certainly hasn't done anything to stop her from being a strong trainer. I mean, she's now one of the officially ranked top eight strongest trainers in the world. Makes me wonder why such talent living in Galar hasn't made a showing in the Galar Gym Challenge." Giving an amused smirk, Leon went on, "I'd bet a girl like Nina in the Galar Gym Challenge would help to give everyone a champion time!"
"You and I... can discuss that while Marnie escorts Nina to the hotel so she can simmer down," Piers said, "All the excitement from the opening ceremony is bound to have taxed Nina. She'll need the rest, mark my words." Leon nodded in understanding as he and Piers went to grab a late dinner together so that they'd have an excuse to talk, with Piers promising to lead Leon back to the hotel everyone was staying at when they were done.
Considering the fact that Leon would probably get lost in his own home trying to find the bathroom, the promise of being escorted back was much appreciated. As such, the festivities of the evening came to a close, but starting in the morning, the greatest tournament in the world was going to be held, giving fans all over a chance to see the greatest trainers in the world duke it out to see who in the end will stand at the top as the Monarch, the strongest in the world.
The next morning was when things really kicked off, as the Masters Eight tournament was at long last finally starting. Everyone was back to their seats, which saw the people in the VIP room back there as well. The other members of the Masters Eight were all waiting in a locker room with a TV monitor, so that they were able to watch the first battle of round one, which would see two Galar natives battle one another on home soil.
Out on the pitch, Leon and Nina stood before one another as they exchanged good sportsman wishes to one another. "I got the full story from Piers last night," Leon said, getting a surprised look out of Nina, "I have to say, I'm disgusted with how you were kept from shining. A trainer with talent, skill, and strength like you deserves to take part in the Galar Gym Challenge."
Nina had a worried look on her face. "But the people who runs the Gym Challenge won't let me. And it's not like I can get someone to endorse me to compete."
"You leave worrying about you entering the next Galar Gym Challenge to me," Leon said, "And as for getting an endorsement, no doubt all sorts of high end persons, both on Galarian soil and outside, will wanna endorse you to enter the Galar Gym Challenge. I mean, you by virtue of being here have established yourself as one of the strongest trainers in the world. Only an idiot would have no faith in your ability to excel in the Galar Gym Challenge."
Smirking in amusement, Leon went on, "And I'm the Champion of Galar. Depending on how well you do in the battle we're about to have, even the naysayers working to keep you from entering the Gym Challenge will be chomping at the bit to roll out the red carpet for you to enter." Leon gave Nina a thumbs up, his smirk still there. "Now come on! Let's have a champion time!" Nina's confidence was buffed back up a bit, and she gave Leon an affirmative nod before both of them turned around to go to their places on the battlefield.
After they got to their places on the battlefield, the referee, on his flying Aegislash ride, came in to officiate the match. "This round one battle in this Masters Eight tournament for the current season's World Coronation Series will see Leon, the Champion of Galar, face off against Nina Bloomingwood of Spikemuth, Galar! This will be a single style battle where each trainer may use up to three Pokémon! Substitutions are allowed at any time, and the last trainer with any of their Pokémon still able to battle will be declared the winner and move onto the semifinals! Additionally, each trainer may only use one of either Mega Evolution, Z-Moves, or Dynamax slash Gigantimax during this battle! Now then!"
Throwing his hand up into the air, the referee announced, "BEGIN!"
"Go, Dragapult!" Leon said as he sent out his Dragapult.
"Go on, Stonjourner," Nina said as she sent out her Stonjourner, "I know you can do it!"
Seeing Nina's first Pokémon, Leon said, "Ah, so you have a Stonjourner. Gordie who is a gym leader in Circhester also has one. Let's see how yours does in battle, Nina!" Gesturing forward, Leon called out, "Dragapult, use Dragon Rush!"
"Stonjourner, dodge and use Stealth Rock!" Nina ordered.
Dragapult rushed right at Stonjourner while cloaked in a harsh blue light in the form of a dragonic maw. But Stonjourner did a pirouette to dodge the strong but somewhat clumsy attack while at the same time sending out Stealth Rocks to boobytrap Leon's side of the battlefield. When Dragapult came back to Leon's side, Leon said, "Your Pokémon are well trained. A less clumsy attack might be the way to go here." Gesturing forward, Leon ordered, "Dragapult, use Shadow Ball!"
"Stonjourner that's enough, come back!" Nina said as she swapped her Pokémon around, "Go on, Obstagoon! I know you can do it!" After Stonjourner was called back, Nina sent out an Obstagoon who, as a partial normal type, sponged the Shadow Ball from Dragapult no problem.
"Good call," Leon said, "And an Obstagoon! No doubt Piers who's something of a mentor to you had influenced you in the direction of getting an Obstagoon."
Nodding once, Nina said, "Obstagoon is strong."
"Let's see how strong it really is, then!" Leon called out, "Dragapult, use Dragon Rush!"
"Obstagoon," Nina called out, "Use Obstruct!"
Obstagoon crossed its arms in front of its chest as it roared menacingly at the opposition, creating a barrier shield that blocked the Dragon Rush from Dragapult, who looked rattled and a bit flushed as it fell back. Gesturing forward, Nina called out, "Obstagoon, use Night Slash!"
"Dragapult, get out of there!" Leon called out. But his Dragapult, rattled due to making contact with Obstruct, couldn't get away in time before it was struck by a Night Slash that not only took advantage of Dragapult's harshly lowered physical defense, but it scored a critical hit, and it was super effective, AND Obstagoon got same type attack bonus for using it. As a result, Dragapult was thrown back onto the pitch and skidded for a bit, before coming to a stop where everyone saw that it had been defeated.
"Dragapult is unable to battle," the referee announced, "The winner is Obstagoon!" The crowds went wild with cheering, which made the noise-sensitive Nina flinch a bit despite how she got special noise canceling headphones on, as the young Galar native scored the first knock out in the battle with her region's Champion. Leon, as he recalled his fainted Dragapult, smirked in amusement. "I'm seeing proof more and more that you'd be a shoo-in for the Galar Gym Challenge," Leon called out.
"Kind of wish things weren't so loud," Nina replied.
"Yeah, the cheering of the crowds takes some getting used to for newer persons in the Challenge," Leon said, "And speaking of, we got OUR challenge to continue! Go, Rillaboom!" Coming out into the battle was Leon's second Pokémon for the match, his Rillaboom who upon entering battle was struck by the Stealth Rocks that were set up by Nina's Stonjourner, dealing some degree of damage before Rillaboom was able to attack.
But this Rillaboom was raised and trained by the Champion of Galar, so mere Stealth Rocks damage wasn't going to trip it up easily. "Rillaboom," Leon called out, "Use High Horsepower!"
Pointing forward, Nina called out, "Obstagoon, use Obstruct!"
Once more, Obstagoon crossed its arms in front of its chest as it roared menacingly at the opposition, creating a barrier shield that blocked the High Horsepower from Rillaboom. When it made contact with the Obstruct, Rillaboom had a rattled, flushed look to it as it fell back to its place on the battlefield. After Rillaboom fell back, Nina called out, "Obstagoon, use Body Slam!"
"Rillaboom, use Drum Beating!" Leon called out. As Rillaboom scrambled to get its drum out to use to attack, Obstagoon ran up, jumped up, then slammed its body down hard into Rillaboom, not only tripping it up from getting its drum out, but also paralyzing it and keeping it from acting anyway. Only the bulk it got from being so strong of body kept it in the game, but the damage from both Body Slam and Stealth Rock, plus paralysis, meant that Rillaboom wouldn't be around for all that much longer if Leon wasn't careful.
Leon, knowing that, decided the best course of action was to go big or go home. "Rillaboom!" Leon called out, "Try fighting through the paralysis to land a High Horsepower!"
"Obstagoon," Nina said, "Use Brick Break!"
Rillaboom, due to paralysis and pain, was slow to move. This gave Obstagoon ample time to dash in and not only land a Brick Break, but it struck Rillaboom on a notable sore spot left behind when Rillaboom was hit by the Stealth Rocks upon entering battle. The shocked, pained look on the face of Rillaboom made it clear that Obstagoon's Brick Break scored a critical hit, especially as the hit had sent Rillaboom flying back until it hit the pitch and skidded for a bit.
When Rillaboom came to a stop, the dust had to settle for a bit before everyone saw it that Leon's second Pokémon used in the battle had just been defeated. "Rillaboom is unable to battle!" the referee announced, "The winner is Obstagoon!" Once more the crowds went wild with cheering as Leon's opponent scored another knock out against him. Leon, as he recalled his fainted Rillaboom, couldn't help but smirk.
"I have no idea what sort of training you do, but it's obvious you love and care for your Pokémon," Leon said, "Your Obstagoon is strong, stronger than Piers's Obstagoon I'd say. And I bet that all of your Pokémon boast similar levels of strength!"
Nodding once, Nina said, "Of course I care about and love my Pokémon. They are my only friends outside of Marnie and a few adults who are nice to me."
Leon was caught a bit off guard to hear that Nina had so few human friends, with only one being in Nina's general age group. The Champion of Galar figured that it had to do with the rough deal that Piers told Leon last night that Nina had growing up. But he perked right back up, confident that Nina's performance here today will help her make friends. Leon was fully assured of himself that he'll win this, but it'll be a close match.
And it would be Nina, a shy preteen autistic girl, who drove him to limits he'd not been driven to previously in his entire Pokémon trainer career! Quite the tale, if Leon were being honest. "I have to say, Nina," Leon began, "You've pushed me more than most. I think you may end up taking Raihan's place as my rival, to help keep me on my toes as a trainer!"
"Wouldn't your toes get tired if you keep on them for too long?" Nina asked.
Leon chuckled in sincere amusement, remembering what Piers told him about how Nina sometimes takes things literally. "A fair point," Leon replied, "But it's high time that I end things here, and have a champion time doing so! Go, Charizard!" Coming out into battle was Leon's Charizard, his last one for the battle, the strongest Pokémon that the Champion of Galar boasts. Those in the crowds who were Galar natives cheered excitedly as their Champion's ace Pokémon appeared at last.
There was, however, some concern in Leon's expression when he saw Charizard get struck by the Stealth Rocks that had been set up, making the dual fire flying Charizard take some serious pain before it was even able to fight. But Leon's brief worry faded, and he immediately Gigantimaxed his Charizard, to make things as much of a show as possible. To his surprise, Nina Dynamaxed her Obstagoon, putting it on as much of an even playing field as possible with Charizard.
"So you can use Dynamax!" Leon called out, "That's good! I would be concerned if I could use the power but you couldn't! It wouldn't make for a fair fight!" Punching the air before him, Leon went on, "And it wouldn't be a fun match if it weren't fair! Charizard, use G-Max Wildfire!"
"Obstagoon, use Max Guard!" Nina called out.
Charizard conjured up and cast its awesome G-Max move, but it was blocked by the ultimate guard that Obstagoon threw up. "Alright, something different," Leon said, "Charizard, use Max Lightning!"
"Obstagoon, use Max Strike!" Nina called out. The two titanic Pokémon exchanged solid blows, with Charizard's setting up an Electric Terrain and Obstagoon's lowering Charizard's speed by one stage.
Leon was glad to see he was able to do some damage at last. Leon wished that he had the foresight to figure having Charizard remember Brick Break going into this battle; he likes to switch up the moves Charizard knows, and Brick Break often crops up. But said move wasn't in Charizard's arsenal this time. If Leon had the foresight to think of having Charizard pick Brick Break back up, then the dual normal dark Obstagoon would have been far easier to deal with.
But Leon wasn't going to make excuses. He was better than that! And he would prove it by winning despite the great odds he now found himself with! Gesturing forward, Leon called out, "Charizard, use G-Max Wildfire!"
"Obstagoon, use Max Guard!" Nina cried out.
Once more, Obstagoon threw up the ultimate defense, blocking the mighty fiery assault Charizard tried to throw at it. After that exchange, the Dynamax and Gigantimax on Obstagoon and Charizard became undone, returning both Pokémon to normal. Leon realized that Nina was trying to stall out the Gigantimax of his Charizard by having her Obstagoon while Dynamaxed block as much as it was able to get away with.
Leon couldn't blame Nina for playing it safe; Charizard was awesome, after all. Gesturing forward, Leon ordered, "Charizard, use Air Slash!"
"Obstagoon, use Night Slash!" Nina commanded.
Charizard, by virtue of having distance while using a special attack, was able to get Air Slash off as Obstagoon ran for it. But Obstagoon, as it prepared Night Slash while running, was able to avoid the Air Slash, running around the attack whose aim was off a bit due to a mix of pain and exhaustion on part of Charizard. As such, Obstagoon closed the gap and struck Charizard with Night Slash, and on a sore spot from Charizard being hit by Stealth Rocks, no less.
Charizard, when it was struck, gave a pained, gasping, snarling roar of a cry as it stumbled backwards a bit, fighting tooth and nail to keep from passing out from the sheer pain. But even such tenacity wouldn't hold out forever; eventually, Charizard fell over onto its back after giving one more pained gasp, collapsing onto the battlefield where it laid there, clearly unable to continue as its foe stood before it, also roughed up. But Charizard's foe, unlike Charizard itself, was not defeated.
Holding up a hand, the referee announced, "Charizard is unable to battle! The winner is Obstagoon!" Gesturing to Nina, the referee went on, "Victory of this battle goes to Nina, who will move on to the semifinals of the Masters Eight tournament!"
The crowds roared with hyped up excitement; Leon, the Champion of Galar, and favored to at the very least make it past round one, was the FIRST trainer to be eliminated from the Masters Eight tournament. And by fellow Galar native Nina of all people. The only other person known to have ever bested Leon was Sinnoh Champion Dawn, and she used fantastical Pokémon straight from lore itself to do the deed.
Nina, using a Stonjourner for some setup and an Obstagoon, was able to win a three on three against Leon, and she never sent out her third Pokémon. There could not be any doubting of Nina's skill, power, and competency as a trainer in her native region now, not when she had just eliminated the Galar Champion from the running in the Masters Eight tournament. Leon, despite having lost, was nothing but smiles.
After all, Nina had just proven him right.
"So Nina is already getting endorsement offers for her to enter and compete in the next Galar Gym Challenge," Dawn said in between the Leon vs. Nina battle and the Ideku vs. Rimu battle. Dawn and the other reborn trainers, as there was time between battles, had the chance to talk to Leon.
Nodding once in the affirmative, Leon said, "It's kind of messed up that Nina was kept from entering before, and solely because the people running the Galar Pokémon League thought that Nina having autism would make her incompetent as a trainer. It really grinds my gears when a person who is an awesome trainer is kept from having a champion time."
"As Nina is a minor who is special needs," Mina began, "Her family will have to be notified of what endorsement offers she gets to enter the Galar Gym Challenge, in case they have to help manage anything for her."
"Oh yeah, that's a valid point," Leon said. Sighing, Leon went on, "The only thing I don't like about losing is that I can't take part in any more battles for the tournament. Ooh, the battles that will take place in the Masters Eight tournament, I wanted as much of that action as possible!"
"Well there's the Galar Gym Challenge after this current season of the World Coronation Series to look forward to," Kenny said.
Nodding once, Leon said, "True. And Nina's bound to enter it, so I have a powerful opponent to look forward to!" A dash of thought entered Leon's eyes. "...I should have Charizard pick back up how to use Brick Break before the next Galar Gym Challenge." The reborn trainers laughed in amusement at Leon's caution, before Leon laughed as well, showing that there was good cheer among trainers. The Masters Eight tournament was still going strong, and the rest of round one was bound to give everyone a champion time.
END, CHAPTER TWO-HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-NINE
Author's notes;
This chapter kicks off the Masters Eight tournament arc, which will help to bring the Galar saga of this story to a close. But there is still plenty of story and action to cover. After the opening ceremony, round one of the Masters Eight tournament sees the first battle, which is Leon vs. Nina, two Galar natives with Leon being the Galar Champion. Despite that, Leon is the first to be taken out of the Masters Eight tournament, losing to Nina who only uses two of her three allocated Pokémon for the battle, and neither of them went down.
After the Leon vs. Nina battle but before the Ideku vs. Rimu battle, the reborn trainers are able to meet up with Leon and get it that Nina already has endorsement offers for her to enter and compete in the next Galar Gym Challenge. Leon may have lost a few times in the World Coronation Series, but when it comes to the Galar Gym Challenge he is still undefeated. And he's looking forward to giving it his all as he defends the Galar Champion title. But that's not here nor there. The next chapter will continue things here, so until then take care.
Dawn's Pokémon: (on hand) Chi-Chi (female Infernape), Tsukune (Palkia), Odin (Arceus), Germany (male Garchomp), Leni (female Lucario), Khan (Mewtwo)
Kenny's Pokémon: (on hand) Roshi (male Torterra), Kermit (male Politoed), Zarbon (male Machamp), Shallot (male Glaceon), Cell (male Scizor; shiny), Black (Giratina; Origin Forme)
Trip's Pokémon: (on hand) Myde (male Empoleon), Veda (female Abomasnow), Mr. Popo (male Magmortar), Fourze (male Electivire), Todoroki (male Goodra; alpha; Hisuian), Deelia (Dialga)
Mina's Pokémon: (on hand) Scar (male Eevee; scared over one eye), Dragonite (male), Gardevoir (male), Espeon (male; shiny), Jolteon (male; shiny), Flareon (male; shiny)