A/N: Greetings and Salutations! Happy New Year! How wild is that? 2023 passed in a blur, right? Well, what better way to start the New Year than with a new post! You've waited patiently and now I am pleased to present the much anticipated battle. Please, dear reader, enjoy.

– Chapter 9 –

The Civilian, The Honest, The Pariah (Soldier, Poet, King)

I pace nervously in front of the Oreburgh Gym. A glance at my phone shows the time as fifteen til noon. Lucas leans against the rocks beside the door, seemingly deep in thought. I run my fingers across the three Pokeballs on my belt.

"It's going to be okay Sasha. Lucas has this!" Shaymin's words, while well intentioned, do little to ease the anxiety bubbling in my stomach. It's not that I'm worried about him losing, that's almost guaranteed. As smart as he is, you can't keep up with Champion level ability like that. I'm almost convinced that I beat Cynthia because she wasn't prepared for Shaymin's sheer strength.

Thick tendrils of alien psyche flow into my mind, heavy as liquid metal. "Will... be... Okay..." I wince at the fuzzy spiked words. "Nil... keep... Safe..." I let out a soft breath of relief as the eldritch essence recedes. No matter how familiar it gets, it's never going to be comfortable.

"Thank you girls," I say with a warm smile pulling at my lips.

Lucas and I both look towards the gym as the door slides open. Instead of seeing Silver, though, I'm left face-to-face with Ash and his company. Pikachu looks exhausted and beat up in his arms. I wonder if I look as surprised as they do.

"Oh hey!" Ash exclaims brightly. "I didn't expect to see you guys here. Are you coming to challenge the gym?"

"Not today. We actually have a different match that we're here for today," I explain with a nod towards Lucas. "Lucas is going up against a guy named Silver, you heard of him?"

Brock's mouth drops open and Ash's eyes widen. Brock clears his throat and asks, "You couldn't possibly mean the same Silver that beat Lance two years ago?"

I share a look with Lucas and he lowers his eyes behind the brim of his flat cap. "Yeah, we do," I chuckle nervously and tug on my bangs. "See, we didn't know who he was until after we challenged him."

"Oh man!" Ash exclaims, practically vibrating with excitement. "When is it happening?"

I check the time then reply, "About ten minutes or so from now."

"I'll be right back!" The dark haired boy shouts over his shoulder as he takes off towards the Pokemon Center. "Don't start without me!"

I share a moment of laughter with Dawn as we watch Ash kick up dust. "Alright then. Would you guys like to watch too?" I glance over towards Lucas. "If it's alright with Lucas that is? He'll be the one battling after all."

Lucas shrugs and crosses his arms. I narrow my eyes and flicks his cap up. His dark eyes lift to meet mine, seeming mildly annoyed. "Listen here, Lucas. I don't care if this guy beat every champion from Hoenn to Kanto, you can do this." He meets my words with skepticism. "You're smart enough and you're strong enough. I know you're worried, but no matter what happens in there..." I hold out my fist with a smirk. "You're still going to be my best bro."

The light returns to his eyes and he nods firmly. Our fists meet and I can't resist taking the chance to flick his cap back down. He makes a surprised noise before glaring at me with a hint of a smile crinkling the corners of his eyes. I look over to see Dawn watching us closely. Her dark blue eyes meet mine and I wink playfully. Her lips quirk up and I start to speak until movement draws my eye.

Silver appears from around the corner of the crystalline stones with hands in his pockets and laid back posture. Even with his relaxed demeanor, a natural scowl pulls at his lips. Dawn makes a squeaking noise as he stops in front of us. I glance over to see her hiding behind Brock with a hot flush on her cheeks. Huh... how about that?

"Hey dude. I hope you don't mind an audience?" I ask and motion towards the other two. "We've got one more who's gonna be showing up too."

"I don't mind," Silver shrugs as his eyes fall on Brock. "Though, I can't say I expected to see you here Brock. Did you give up your gym?"

"Actually my little brother Forrest has taken it over. I'm pursuing my dream to become the world's best Pokemon Breeder," Brock states with a proud smile. "I can't say I ever expected to see a Kanto Champion here either. What brings you to Sinnoh? Planning to conquer this League as well?"

"Oh well... I didn't exactly care to take over for Lance. Just because I beat him, doesn't mean I want to do his job," He pauses and thinks a moment before adding, "I'm not really sure what I want to do here in Sinnoh though. I've already become a champion once and I think I'm pretty happy with that number right now."

"W-well," Dawn begins with a shaky voice, her face turning darker as with every word. "You could um... try the Contest circuit? It's what um... it's what I'm doing. You might enjoy it?"

Silver's eyebrow quirks up and Dawn squeaks again, hiding herself behind Brock once more. "I see. I hadn't really considered that... I'll look into it. Thanks for the idea."

"N-No problem!" Dawn sputters out quickly. "The next one is going to be in Floroama Town, just so you know."

Lucas rolls his eyes and shakes his head. I can't help but let out a small laugh at Dawn's predicament. I can see the smallest quirk of Silver's lips as he tries to keep his own amusement under control. "Well, let's see about getting this match underway," Silver states before strolling past us into the gym.

The others file in after him and I bring up the rear, pausing at the sound of feet pounding on hard dirt. I glance back to see Ash skid around the corner. Pikachu looks much better and waves at me with a bright smile. "I'm back!" Ash exclaims and follows the rest of the group in. Pikachu hops into my arms and I giggle.

"Hey there cutie pie. Want a poffin?" I ask as I scratch at the top of his head.

"Pika," He purrs out as happy little sparks flare from his cheeks. "Chu."

I let him get perch on my shoulder and fish a pink poffin out of my bag. I hold it up for him and the yellow pokemon happily snatches it away before hoping down and returning to Ash. Finally, I stroll back into the familiar lounge where Roark and Ian are talking with Silver. After a moment, Roark nods and motions towards the group, "Alright! Looks like you guys are in luck. A real pro is about to show off how it's done. Let's head to the arena and get settled in."

I follow at the back of the group as we're led through a short series of hallways before entering a large arena space. It's bigger than it seems in the battle videos. As Lucas, Ian, and Silver take their places on the battlefield, the rest of us take seats on the bleachers. Ash takes a seat between Brock and Dawn as their Pokemon all spread out across the seats. Roark takes a seat beside me a couple of rows higher. I let Petite and Nil out to sit on my other side.

Instead of sitting quietly though, the pair start arguing over who gets to sit closer to me. I watch with mild amusement for a moment before pulling Petite into my lap and letting Nil lay her tentacle in my hand and sit next to me. "There. Argument over. Next time, you can sit in my lap Nil."

I glance over to see Roark watching us with plain curiosity. "Quite the interesting bunch you have there," He muses with a raised eyebrow.

"Usually, their big sister gets claim to my lap, so this is a rare opportunity for the girls," I explain even as I gently pet Petite's head. "I swear, nobody told me that Pokemon were so lively. Ah, it's like wrangling children sometimes."

"Huh. How about that?" He says as if to himself. "Petilil is pretty rare in these parts. As for that other one... I've never heard of it before?"

"Her. She's a Nihilego," I clear my throat and search for a good explanation. Lucas and Silver are in the middle of the arena and sharing quiet words. "They're a fairly common species where she comes from. Though her home is really obscure, so that's probably why you haven't heard of them before."

"I see... Well, Ian was telling me that I have a couple of interesting challengers coming up. I can only assume that your one of them?"

"I wouldn't say that I'm all that interesting. A bit of a trouble magnet, maybe," I chuckle to hide my irritation. Understatement of the year. "But yes, I'll be facing you the day after Lucas plans to."

"Oh, it seems that they're about to start," Roark says as the pair split towards opposite ends of the arena. "This will be quite the treat. Perhaps we can pick this conversation up later? I would like the chance to pick your brain about that intriguing Pokemon of yours."

"We'll see how it goes," I reply easily, hoping to deflect the question. Most definitely not going to happen.

"The official battle between Silver of Johto and the challenger Lucas of Twinleaf is about to get under way," Ian begins in a loud voice. Probably for the recording's benefit as much as ours. "The battle will be three on three. As soon as all three pokemon on either side are unable to continue, the battle is over. Additionally, no substitutions are allowed on either side. Once a pokemon is recalled, it is considered forfeit from the match."

"Battlers, present your chosen Pokemon!" Silver and Lucas lift a single pokeball each. "On my mark..." There's a breathless pause. "... Go!"

– Battle 4 –

(Champion Silver) OOO***

vs

***OOO (Challenger Lucas)

The pokeballs fly through the air with precise skill, before popping open and releasing their pokemon. On Lucas's side, Ralts appears. His face set with a determined frown. A Shinx appears on Silver's side of the field. The blue and yellow pokemon lands in a crouching battle stance. It's teeth bared and yowling. Ralts takes a slight step back, intimidated by the electric type.

"Shinx, start off strong with Spark!" Shinx lets out another challenging yowl as it's body begins to spark and crackle with blue electricity.

"Ralts, Double Team!" A white glow settles over Ralts's form as Shinx launches itself forward at a quick sprint.

Multiple facsimiles of Ralts begin to appear, crackling like static, into existence as Shinx makes one last leap towards the Feeling Pokemon. Just as it would connect, the other three images solidify and Shinx passes through the image harmlessly.

"Now Ralts! Use Hypnosis!" Each of the Ralts hair lifts as if on its own and their eyes begin to shine with an eerie purple energy.

"Quick Shinx, hit all of them with Thunder Shock!" Silver cries out and Shinx's tail begins to shine blue as sparks of electricity climb from its paws towards it's tail.

It's eyes start to droop but the electricity fires from the tips of it's pointed tail. Each one arcing towards a different Ralts. The images are blown away and Ralts cries out as the arc of energy flows through its body. Despite it's best attempt to ruin Ralts concentration, the Hypnosis takes effect as Shinx collapses to the ground snoozing away.

"Ralts, set up another Double Team." His body glows white and once more, three images begin to phase into existence.

"This is looking bad for Silver right now," Dawn says and Ash nods his head in agreement. I look at Silver and he's still watching with a stoic calmness. I don't know if it's that simple.

"It's true that Shinx is in a disadvantageous position right now," Brock admits and I can hear the but coming a mile away. "But, so far Ralts is the only one damaged. Unless he can knock Shinx out quickly, things could still get pretty hairy."

"Shinx! Nap time's over!" Silver's shout is terrifyingly loud. The sleeping pokemon jerks at the sudden noise and its eyes flutter open.

"Ralts, use Confusion!" White hands lift as the horns on Ralts's head begin to glow with a sinister violet.

Shinx jumps to its feet, only to be caught midair. It glares daggers at Ralts as it struggles against the psychic bonds. Ralts brings its hands down and Shinx is slammed painfully into the rocky ground. There's a lull as Shinx struggles to rise to its feet.

"Come on Shinx! We've trained hard for this moment! You can do it! You're on my team for a reason!" As Silver's words reach its ears, Shinx seems to draw on a well of inner strength.

It shakily climbs to its feet and lets out another cry. A bright white glow begins to obscure its form and I lean forward with wide eyes.

"It looks like Shinx is evolving!" Ash cries out.

Dawn gasps and Brock nods as if he saw it coming a mile away. The lack of surprise on Silver's face speaks volumes. He really does know his Pokemon well. Looking at Lucas, his teeth are gritted and his fists are clenched.

"Great job Luxio!" Silver shouts as the glow fades. "Now, take out that Double Team with another Thunder Shock!"

"Ralts, get out of there! Use Teleport!" Oh no, he's panicking.

Ralts begins to focus and prepare Teleport, but... it's not going to happen fast enough. The energy that gathers in Luxio's tail is much more intense than as a Shinx. Four powerful arcs of lighting slam into the surrounding Ralts. The real one lets out a sharp cry of pain and loses its concentration on Teleport. He manages to remain standing, but it looks like its a close thing.

"Ralts! Ergh... Use Confusion!" Ralts, panting and exhausted, begins to charge up the attack with a glowing horn.

"Luxio, end it now with Bite!" Luxio eagerly bares it's teeth and launches forward.

I'm leaning off the edge of my seat and clutching Petite tightly to my stomach while Nil's tentacle squeezes my hand. Ralts seems to realize that he won't make the Confusion and instead braces for the impact. As Luxio snaps down on his shoulder, Ralts presses his face against its head. A bright red aura flashes and drains into the psychic type. Both pokemon begin to stagger and then fall over.

There's a long moment of confused, stunned silence. What... just happened? "Neither pokemon are able to continue, the round is a draw!" At Ian's declaration both opponents return their pokemon.

A thick, weighty silence settles over the arena. Lucas and Silver both mutter to their fainted pokemon before selecting different team members. I lean back with an anxious breath. That last attack... did... Ralts use Draining Kiss? That's the only other move that I know he has.

"Are the challengers prepared?" Both lift their pokeballs. "On my mark... Go!"

"Lucas..." I breathe out his name. "You can do it buddy."

"Turtwig, you've got this partner!" Lucas exclaims as a pokeball flies from his fingers. "Bring us in to the home stretch."

"It's time to put our effort to use Shellos!"

Turtwig appears on the field, staring down a blue and green Shellos. "A Shellos what is that?" Dawn wonders as she lifts her pokedex. "It's kinda icky looking."

"Icky or not, I have a feeling that Silver chose it for a reason," Brock states and crosses his arms. "Turtwig has the type advantage here, but as we saw just a minute ago with Paul, that might not be enough."

"No way," Ash leans over the edge of the railing and shouts, "You can do this Lucas! Show that guy up!" Lucas looks our way for a long moment before nodding and returning to his stand off with Silver.

"Are you just jealous that Silver beat the Kanto league?" I tease playfully and Ash falls backwards dramatically. "Too soon?"

"Definitely," Ash groans in reply. Pikachu points and laughs at him. "I don't know what you're laughing at? You lost too." Pikachu's laughter cuts off and he joins Ash in his gloomy mopping.

"Chin up," I throw out and put on a lopsided smirk. "At least you have another chance to make it this year. I'm sure you'll make it to the Lily of the Valley conference in time to see me win it all."

"Is that a challenge?" Ash whirls around excitedly, a spark dancing in his eyes. "Pikachu and I are going to come out on top this time around. Isn't that right pal? Pikachu?" He looks back at me to see Pikachu perched on the chair in front of me. I wave a pink poffin that I had slipped out of my bag. Pikachu happily takes the snack and stuffs it in his mouth. The gloomy aura settles back over the veteran trainer. "Betrayed for snacks..." I hide my laughter behind my hand.

"Turtwig, push the attack with Razor Leaf!" Lucas shouts and silence settles in the stands. Turtwig is quick to obey, summing forth multiple powerful leaves.

" Shellos, Harden!" The pokemon's body seems to lose some of its sheen and a blue aura flares around its form for a moment before disappearing as the explosive grass attack slams against it. One, two, four leaves. "Now counterattack with Water Pulse!"

From the smoke cloud, a bright blue light shines, before launching out. The force of the launch clears the debris from the air to reveal Shellos looking not too much worse for wear. The ball of energy turns into water as it connects with Turtwig, sending the grass pokemon tumbling head over tail.

"It looks like Turtwig's dizzy from that blow," Dawn muses as he manages to climb to his feet, but does so shakily and stumbling.

"Water Pulse is good at causing confusion when it hits," Roark explains, contributing for the first time. "It doesn't always, but sometimes a pokemon just isn't prepared for it."

"Turtwig, snap out if it! Use Absorb!" Turtwig shakes its head and opens its mouth to use Absorb, but ends up stumbling again, losing focus and causing the energy to blow up in his face. "Agh! Hang in there Turtwig!"

"Shellos, hit hard with Ancient Power!" Shellos's body takes on a white light and an after-image appears. Turtwig rises once more to his feet, looking exhausted. A subtle green glow begins to surround his body.

"Yes! Turtwig, use Absorb!" Turtwig opens his mouth wide and fires out a red beam of energy.

Shellos's after-image spins into a glowing ball of white energy. The red beam connects with the blue water type as the Ancient Power launches towards the tortoise pokemon. Shellos lets out a cry as it's energy is drained by the Overgrowth boosted attack. Turtwig seems to look much more revitalized, just as the Ancient Power sends him flying once more.

"Good job Shellos! Now, use Recover!" Shellos, panting and exhausted, starts to glow a golden color.

Turtwig lands on his feet, still surrounded by the green aura. "Now Turtwig! Give it your all with Razor Leaf!"

Two, four, eight leaves appear and launch towards the slug-like pokemon. Just as the Recover aura fades, the leaves explode against the Shellos.

"Shellos! Come on, pull through!" Silver steps forward with worry in his eyes. There's no movement as the dust slowly clears, revealing a fainted Shellos.

"Yes! Good job Turtwig! You're doing great buddy!" Lucas exclaims with an excited fist pump. Did... he just steal my move?

"Shellos is unable to battle. This round goes to the challenger, Lucas. Silver, select your final pokemon." Silver recalls Shellos and says some quiet words to it.

"That was an interesting round," Brock says while stroking his chin. "Lucas made use of the same strategy we saw from Paul but with Overgrow instead of Blaze. The boost mixed with his type advantage was enough to take out the freshly healed up Shellos in one blow."

"He respects his pokemon more than Paul too," Ash huffs with petulantly crossed arms. "That already makes him a way better Trainer. Silver's gonna lose for sure now."

"I wouldn't be so sure Ash," Roark says with sharp eyes trained on the crimson haired trainer. "Turtwig has to be pretty beat up to still be in Overgrow. Not to mention, I think Silver's saved his best for last. If this was a battle with substitutions, I would say that the advantage would definitely go to Lucas. As it is, it really could swing either way."

As Roark finishes, Silver tosses out his last pokeball. "Your foe's weak Bronzor. You've got this!" In a flash, a floating Bronzor appears with a twirl and begins floating side to side. Dawn lifts her pokedex once more. I suppose I should be doing the same. Ah, it's fine. Even if Lucas wins, I'm sure I'll be seeing Silver again.

"Round three begins on my mark," Ian raises his hands. "Get set... go!" As he brings them down Silver is already shouting.

"Bronzor use Confusion and finish this!" The disc pokemon begins to glow with a familiar purple aura.

"Turtwig, get in one more Razor Leaf buddy!" Another six leaves are summoned forth.

As they launch forward, the psychic aura appears around Turtwig. Bronzor dodges the first two leaves with his constant movement, but the others all connect with explosive power. Turtwig lets out a cry of pain as the confusion aura intensifies. Once Bronzor releases its focus, Turtwig's legs shake and give out. He's out of the battle. Meanwhile, Bronzor looks like he's barely been scratched. Due to his typing, even the Overgrow boosted attack barely had an effect. It's all down to this then.

"Turtwig is unable to battle. This round goes to Silver. Lucas, present your final pokemon."

Lucas recalls Turtwig and mutters to his ball.

Nil's tentacle squeezes my hand firmly. "Atlas win?" Nil's question makes me smile.

"He'll give it everything he's got. It doesn't look good though. Atlas is at a big disadvantage here," I pat Petite gently as she makes a concerned noise. "We just have to be sure to cheer him on. Make sure he knows we believe in him."

Atlas's ball leaves Lucas's hand and flies out. As my boy appears in a red flash, I hold Petite carefully as I stand and shout, "That's my baby boy! Atlas you can do it!"

"Atlas win!" Nil's voice echoes loudly as she floats beside me.

"Petilil!" Petite agrees with a high pitched yell.

Atlas looks over at us and I can see the determination in his eyes as he responds with a smart salute. I lower back to my seat and look down to see the others watching us. "What?"

"Is Lucas using your pokemon for this fight?" Ash asks while scratching his head. "Isn't that going to make it difficult for them to win, since they don't have the same bond?"

"Oh. I see what you're asking. Normally, I would agree with you," I look out at the field where Atlas's eyes burn. "But Lucas and Atlas have known each other for a while, so there's already some trust right? Not to mention, Atlas wanted this. He's determined to prove himself and this battle is big for all of us. It only seemed right to let him have this chance."

Brock nods his head and says, "Sometimes, you just have to let a pokemon, or a person, do what they need to. Atlas has something to prove and it wouldn't be right to deny him the chance."

"Exactly," I state with a nod. "Win or lose, Atlas is going to give it his all and make Silver work for every inch. Just wait and see."

"Round four begins on mark!" Ian lifts his hands. "Get set... Go!" His hands come down and Lucas takes the initiative this time around.

"Atlas, start the pressure with Wing Attack!" Atlas's wings take on a white glow and he zips forward.

"Bronzor defend with Gyro Ball!" The blue pokemon begins to spin with increasing speed.

Atlas closes the distance in a flash and his wings connect with the counterattack. The enemies push against each other in a vicious struggle. Bronzor spins faster and faster as Atlas holds it back with a glowing wing against it's axis. Just as it looks like Atlas is going to lose the back and forth, he brings his other wing in to slam against the side of the ball shaped image. Bronzor is knocked out of its spin and is launched into the floor, bouncing like a coin.

"Whoa!" Dawn exclaims leaning out of her chair. "What just happened? Bronzor looked like he was winning that!"

"Atlas is fast," I begin explaining drawing the surrounding eyes. "Very fast. It looks like he was using his Keen Eye to track Bronzor's spin and hit it at the right time to maximize the use of its momentum against it."

"Wow. I don't think I would have thought of that," Ash says as he turns back out towards the field.

I can't help the proud smile that pulls at my lips. "Atlas was born a fighter, even as an egg." I remember all the stories about how he would get so excited watching spars. He even knocked over his egg case once. I wish I hadn't been too sick to see it. "He's driven to be the best, to protect his family."

The others turn their attention back to the fight. "You're here now Sasha. We're all here." Shaymin's gentle voice tinkles through my head.

Oh, she heard that? I guess our practice is paying off. We'll double down this week.

"I'm getting bits and pieces. It's easier to hear you when you start thinking too hard... Which happens a lot by the way."

I let out a wry chuckle as I turn my attention back to the fight. Bronzor and Atlas are in a quiet stare off. Silver and Lucas both seem to be in a stare down of their own. Each daring the other to move first.

"This fight," Roark's voice is soft and low, barely audible. "It's like watching two legends collide. They're so intense... I haven't felt this energy in a long time." You have no idea Rocky.

Lucas is the one to break the stalemate. "Atlas, Wing Attack again!" Atlas's wings turn bright white and he launches forward.

"Bronzor, make him regret it! Payback!" Uh oh.

Atlas closes the distance as Bronzor begins to glow with a ominous red energy. It endures both strong blows from Atlas's wings, the aura darkening with each strike. Atlas makes to fly backwards, but Bronzor fires off the ring of black and crimson aura. It hits the bird pokemon and he's launched across the arena, bouncing across the rocky ground. Bronzor floats much more weakly, looking worn and scuffed.

There's a silence as we watch Atlas, the poor boy, struggle to his feet once more. He's definitely on his last legs. I'm honestly surprised that he's still standing. His black eyes flicker towards us for only a moment before he prepares for another attack. Lucas is dark eyed as his fists clench tightly. Silver watches them both with a small frown.

"Bronzor, end this. Use Confusion." Bronzor's eyes begin to glow purple.

"Evasive maneuvers with Quick Attack! Get in close and land another Wing Attack!" Lucas shouts and Atlas immediately blurs into motion.

To my eye his form appears to be little more than a streak of gray. Bronzor seems to be struggling to catch him in its psychic attack. It keeps turning and having to readjust its concentration.

"Drop Confusion! Use Confuse Ray!" Silver's taken a half step forward with a fierce grit to his teeth.

I'm on the edge of my seat, barely containing the desire to leap in after my baby boy. Bronzor's body glows with dark, ghostly energy and the arena is doused in a storm of beams. Atlas stops just in front of Bronzor, seeming to struggle to maintain his focus.

"Atlas, pull through! Wing Attack!" Atlas shakes his head as if to clear the confusion.

His dark eyes narrow with sudden focus and he slams his wings into the Bronzor. The steel type is thrown to the ground from the force of the blow. The arena falls silent as the exhausted bird lands, panting and eyeing the downed Bronzor. After a long moment, Bronzor begins to levitate once more. It's looking rough, but not down for the count yet.

Atlas lets out a frustrated cry and blurs into another Quick Attack. My heart takes a sharp stab of pain, watching him struggle. "Bronzor. It's time to end this," Silver doesn't seem to take any pleasure in his next command. "Use Confusion."

Atlas slams into the battered disc and it flies backwards, but stays floating. It's eyes begin to glow once more, as Atlas blurs into it again. Petite hops out of my lap and seems ready to jump into the battle herself. "No baby girl. I know how you feel, but this is his fight." She makes a frustrated noise and Nil floats down to comfort her.

Lucas seems stunned by the display, his hand twitching towards the pokeball on his waist. Atlas seems to run out of steam and lands, staring at the Bronzor and panting. The other pokemon seems to hesitate.

"Starly!" Atlas screeches angrily. He straightens out and seems to prepare to attack once more. "Star! Starly!"

Petite growls angrily and struggles against Nil's confining tentacles. Just as Atlas begins to lift from the ground, the confusion aura surrounds him. He strains against the aura but is too weak to escape. The aura intensifies and with a single weak cry, Atlas faints.

"Atlas is unable to battle! Silver wins the match!" By the time the last word has left Ian's mouth, I'm already leaping the barrier.

– Battle End –

Bronzor's strength finally seems to fade and the pokemon floats gently towards the ground until Silver recalls it. I dash across the metal floor and into the rocky terrain. I come to sliding stop next to Atlas, before lowering onto my knees to scoop him into my arms.

"My sweet baby boy," I mutter softly as I cuddle the exhausted pokemon carefully to my chest. Shaymin appears from her ball and waddles up to touch her nose against him. Petite and Nil arrive and eye him with worry. "He's going to be okay girls. He's just exhausted."

"St... Star. Starly." The little one chirps out, tears in his eyes. I can almost feel the shame radiating off of him.

"No, Atlas, don't be ashamed," I say with a warm smile. "You fought with everything you had. Sometimes, our best isn't enough, but that's okay. Sure, you lost, but you did it on your terms, with dignity and honor. We're so proud of you."

"Proud, Atlas," Nil confirms with a gentle pat on his head.

Petite nods firmly, tears in her eyes as well. "Petilil. Lil. Peti."

"Shay. Shaymi," Shaymin adds, before a gentle glow envelopes the pair. The worst of his wounds and exhaustion fade and he rises to his feet. His talons press against my legs as he leans forward and nuzzles into my shoulder.

"Hey, Atlas," Silver's voice draws our attention and he's standing just a foot or two away. Atlas lifts his head and looks at the teen with curiosity. "You fought harder than anyone could have asked of you. One more hit, and this might have been your victory instead. If I had to lose, I would have happily lost to you."

"Maybe you'll get a chance to test that," Lucas's voice is heavy and tired. Looking at him, he looks as drained and exhausted as the pokemon who just battled. "Welcome to the party, Silver."

"Lucas," Silver steps forward and lays a hand on his shoulder. "That was a good fight. If you hadn't lost your cool early on, this could have been a loss for me. As it is, the only reason it played out as it did, was because your team had to fight with more skill than you were able to match." Lucas clenches his fists and lowers his eyes. "Don't mistake my words. The fact that your pokemon care enough to put in even more than their best speaks volumes about you as a trainer."

Lucas meets his eyes once more, gray orbs glistening with unshed tears. "I didn't form that kind of bond with my team until our second league circuit. Don't let losing to me deter you," Silver squeezes his shoulder and says, "By the end of this journey, you'll be one of the best trainers the world has ever seen. I can see it, by that familiar gleam in your eyes. I promise to do everything I can to help you realize that potential."

Lucas sniffles and wipes away the tears. The pair clasp arms and Lucas puts on a strong grin while saying, "The next time we battle, Silver. I'm coming out on top, with my own team and by our own strength."

"I look forward to it," Silver states then turns towards me. He offers down a hand as Atlas hops off my lap. I look to his hand for a moment before meeting his crimson eyes. After a long moment of silence I reach up and clasp his arm, mirroring Lucas. He pulls me to my feet as I hold his piercing gaze. "Well then, oh leader, what now?"

"Now?" I smirk and clap him on the shoulder. "Now, you get to pay for lunch. Ash, Dawn, Brock. You guys hungry over there?" A chorus of agreement sounds from the bench. I wink into exasperated red eyes. "I hope you brought your wallet Champ."

/-/

Connecting...

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Connection Successful

Transmitting Data...

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Transmission Successful

Initiate Playback?

Y

Initiating Playback of Call Log #1

Unknown: Hello?

Silver: Hey Lou.

'Lou': Hey there. It looks like it's going to be a nice night for stargazing.

Silver: Hmm... I prefer blue skies and sunlight, myself.

'Lou': It's good to hear from you old friend. How are things going?

Silver: Pretty good, I'd say. Met with that friend of yours.

'Lou': Oh? What'd you think?

Silver: They're pretty interesting. About as interesting as the company they keep. Though, I'm not too sure what your other friends are raising a stink about.

'Lou': Oh you know how they can get. What's your plan for the next while?

Silver: Well, I think that I'll be spending some time with our mutual friend. They liked me enough to keep me around it seems. They're pretty interested in coal at the moment. Though, I hear the city is full of life this time of year. We might be passing through in a couple weeks.

'Lou': Maybe I'll buy us lunch. It'd be good to catch up.

Silver: I think I'd like that. Maybe our mutual friend would too. They had a lot to say about you, old friend.

'Lou': Did they? Well, now you've caught my attention.

Silver: I thought that I might... By the way, how's your new hobby been working out?

'Lou': Ah, not as much luck as I'd like. The sky's been cloudy so it's been tough to get a good view. Though, the constellations really feel like they're starting to pick up speed. Maybe it's just the new year getting to me though.

Silver: I wonder if our friend has anything to say. They seem like an extraordinarily well informed individual.

'Lou': Hmm... That might be a good idea. They have had good advice in the past. Alright, you sold me. Next time you're in town, give me a call. I'll even pay the tab.

Silver: Ha. I'll hold you to it. Oh, looks like my time's up here. I'll catch you later Lou. Stay safe.

'Lou': You too old friend. The world's turning into a madhouse.

Silver: Don't I know it.

– End Transmission –

In the dim office, a man drums his fingers atop a mahogany desk. He lifts a glass of whiskey, stones clicking against the crystal. He looks out the window of his office, towards the north. He takes a slow sip, and swirls the liquid idly. Without a sound, he turns in his leather office chair, eyes falling on the computer screen. The transcript of the previous call standing stark white against the black background.

The man sets down the glass and presses a button on his desk phone. After a short moment, a feminine voice sounds into the silence of the room, "Sir?"

"Hold my calls," The man speaks in a deep, gravely voice. "Clear my schedule for the rest of the day as well." He ends the call without waiting for confirmation. He doesn't need it.

The man turns his eyes back to the north, as the midday sun shines down upon the city, his city. "It seems that the time has finally come..." He lifts the dark liquid once more. A solemn toast, or maybe... a promise. "So it goes... There's no rest for the wicked, after all." After draining the last of the glass, he turns once more to look at the transcript. The lines on his forehead darken as his brow draws down. A long, tired sigh escapes his chest and he closes the program.

A/N: I truly hope that the fight lived up to the wait. Writing this one fight took days. I'm so unused to filling out combat, and really wanted to make it feel... alive? I'm probably not going to but in the same amount of effort in most fights. It was exhausting and slow. But I really think the payoff came through.

Also, new party member means new logs! In this case, Silver will have call logs during certain parts of the story. If you didn't pick up on it immediately, they're using code and talking in extreme vagaries for a reason. Secret spy stuff. It's fun. I thought it'd be a novel way to include him in the party. Sasha keeps track of what's happening with their party, Lucas keeps track of their Pokemon, and Silver keeps tabs on the rest of the world. I look forward to seeing this team in action and I hope you are too!

Also, also, to Pecan Crisps! It's a total coincidence on both accounts. But a cool one. As far as the Z crystal situation, I've based it off the transformation when Nihilego is fused with Lusamine. Those little diamonds aren't eyes, they're crystals. As far as I'm concerned, this is actual canon that nobody has seemed to notice. Though I didn't exactly scour the internet to see if anyone else came to the same conclusion.

Alright, that's all for this one. Farewell, until next we meet... then you can stub your toe or something. Just, not until we meet again. Okay? Okay... Bye.