I don't own Pokémon or its characters, but I own Denise, her Pokémon group and my other OCs.

Enjoy!

Pokemon: Friends to the End

Chapter 163: A Grand Fight for Winning!

As Denise and Amy's impending Contest Battle in the finals of the Sinnoh Grand Festival is about to begin, Marian makes her announcement to the excited crowd.

Among the audience watching were Dawn, Prinplup, Ash, Pikachu, Brock, Nando, Ursula, Zoey and Team Rocket.

"Five minutes on the clock!"Marian declared."Begin!"

5:00

"Torterra, Flygon, Stage On!"Denise remarked.

Denise threw out her Capsule Balls causing popping stars in changing colours to burst out before revealing Torterra and Flygon.

"Torterra!"

"Flygon!"

Amy smiled smugly as she held out her own Capsule Balls.

"Infernape, Sparkle!"Amy sneered as she did a graceful twirl."Time to perform!"

Amy's Capsule Balls went up in the air before unleashing green bolts of electricity causing Infernape and Sparkle (Amy's female Pikachu) to appear.

"Infernape!"

"Pika!"

The crowd cheered at seeing the two rivals' Pokémon while Ash, Brock, Dawn, Zoey, Nando, Ursula and Team Rocket quietly look on.

Denise glanced at Torterra and Flygon.

"Torterra, Flygon, we're facing against Amy. Our most toughest Pokémon Contest opponent."Denise warned with a firm tone."Do not let your guard down."

Torterra nodded. "Terra."

"Flygon."Flygon answered with a nod.

Denise and Amy quietly glared at each other.

"I remember back in kindergarten, me and Amy were always at each other's throats since we never got along with one another. We even made a vow to face against each other in Pokémon Contests to the last battle of the Grand Festival."Denise thought and then smiled confidently."And here we are at this very moment that had become reality."

"I always bullied Denise and Dawn because they both were eager to become Top Coordinators like I do and had a stronger bond with each other. I have five older sisters, but everyone always focused on them and ignored me."Amy thought with a frown and then simply smirked."Now I have a chance to prove myself to my family. The title of Top Coordinator is on the line. I hope we give everything we got and give a battle for everyone to remember. Not just Coordinators."

Amy came out of her thoughts when she heard Denise give her Pokémon their orders.

"Torterra use Seed Bomb!"Denise ordered."Flygon use Dragon Pulse!"

Torterra unleashed Seed Bomb on the battle stage while Flygon used Dragon Pulse towards Infernape and Sparkle.

"Infernape, knock the attacks back with Mach Punch!"Amy ordered."Sparkle use Dig to avoid them!"

Infernape leapt up and knocked the attacks of Seed Bomb and Dragon Pulse away with Mach Punch while Sparkle takes advantage of this diversion by using Dig for a surprise attack.

"Look at that!"Marian praised."Infernape uses its powerful Mach Punch to knock away its opponents' with ease!"

4:40

Denise began to lose a few points.

Both Dawn and Prinplup started cheering for Denise and her Pokémon.

"Come on, Dennie!"Dawn called out."You can do it!"

"Prinplup prinplup!"Prinplup chirped.

Ash glanced at Brock.

"Torterra is a Grass and Ground Type while Flygon is a Ground and Dragon Type Pokémon."Ash complemented."Do you think Denise has a chance against Amy's Pokémon?"

"Amy's Infernape had been her Starter Pokémon and it looks she has trained it very well. The same goes with her Pikachu."Brock exclaimed."Though Denise had trained her Pokémon very well too."

"Which makes them even I'm afraid."

Dawn, Prinplup, Ash, Pikachu and Brock were surprised to see Johanna arrive in the Grand Festival.

"Mum?"Dawn said in surprise."What are you doing here?"

Johanna next to her eldest daughter.

"Wait, so you're saying Denise and Amy are even?"Ash asked.

"None of them know what combination moves their opponent's Pokémon have."Johanna explained."So that makes them even."

"That makes sense."Ash answered.

Johanna, Dawn, Prinplup, Ash, Pikachu and Brock brought their attention back on the battle.

"Sparkle use Iron Tail!"Amy ordered.

Sparkle burst out from the ground before hitting both Torterra and Flygon with Iron Tail.

Denise lost a few more points.

4:15

"Torterra use Giga Drain!"Denise ordered.

The three mountains on Torterra's shell glow green and matching energy beams extend from their tips.

"Infernape knock it back with Mach Punch!"

Infernape knocked the green tendrils away with Mach Punch.

Denise smirked at the sight.

"Flygon use Rock Slide!"Denise ordered.

Flygon used Rock Slide causing Infernape and Sparkle to become trapped in a cage of giant rocks.

"With Torterra using its Giga Drain as a distraction, Flygon lands a direct hit towards its opponents!"Marian declared.

Amy began to lose a few points.

"Alright!"Dawn praised proudly."Dennie's Pokémon landed a direct hit!"

"That's the spirit!"Ash remarked.

Johanna didn't say anything as she watched her youngest daughter's battle against her childhood rival.

Amy gives Denise a scoff.

"Impressive move, Denise. But giving rocks isn't a dazzling move."Amy retorted and looked at her Pokémon."Infernape use Blaze Kick and Sparkle use Thunderbolt!"

Infernape and Sparkle tried to use Black Kick and Sparkle to break out of the stone prison, but it doesn't work as the boulders weren't easily damaged.

"The rocks aren't a pretty sight because I attend to give them a little shove before that, Amy."Denise declared, making Amy grit her teeth."Torterra use Solar Beam!"

Using the sun's light, Torterra activated Solar Beam and the attack causes a big explosion upon impact, blowing away Infernape and Sparkle while their stone prison was destroyed.

The shattered rocks looked glowing pebbles upon being hit by Torterra's Solar Beam.

"Torterra just shattered away Flygon's Rock Slide while giving a sparkly dazzle!"Marian announced.

"Darn it."Amy scowled in annoyance.

"Wow!"Fantina praised while getting off her seat."That was a smart and beautiful move by Mademoiselle Denise!"

Amy lost a few more points.

3:59

"Denise has trained her Pokémon well. I'll give her that for once."Amy muttered and became serious."But I don't intend to give up! Infernape, Bulk Up!"

Infernape flexes its arms and its body becomes surrounded in a crimson aura, enhancing both its attack power and resistance to physical attacks.

"Uh oh, Infernape is boosting up its strength."Ash commented.

"Pika."Pikachu said.

"Infernape, Black Kick!"Amy ordered."Sparkle use Thunderbolt! Go!"

Infernape use; Blaze Kick and Sparkle used Thunderbolt to give the Fire type attack an extra power-up, shocking Denise.

Infernape landed his fire-electric attack onto Flygon and the Mystic Pokémon ends up crashing down onto the field hardly.

"Flygon!"Denise yelled out.

"Amazing!"Marian remarked."By using Bulk Up, Infernape unleashed a powerful Blaze Kick that combined with Sparkle's Thunderbolt to create a beautiful combination of fire and electric to launch a direct hit on Flygon!"

Denise lost a few more points.

3:28

"Using Bulk Up, Infernape has made itself more stronger than before."Johanna complemented.

Denise scowled to have seen Amy ordering her Infernape to power up.

"Now Amy's Infernape has increased both its strength and defence."Denise muttered."I have to be extra careful to avoid Torterra from its attacks."

Denise glanced at Flygon.

"Flygon can you still battle?"Denise asked

Flygon slowly made himself stand up from where he hit and immediately went back in the air.

"Great!"Denise praised with a smirk."Use Sandstorm!"

Flygon unleashed Sandstorm which concealed himself and Torterra from Amy and her Pokémo's sight.

An irritated scowl appeared on Amy's face.

"Can't see a thing now!"Amy snarled.

"Torterra! Flygon! Attack now!"Denise ordered."Use Seed Bomb and Dragon Pulse!"

Torterra activated Seed Bomb and Flygon unleashed Dragon Pulse that hit Infernape and Sparkle directly.

Neither of them couldn't avoid the attacks since they were blinded by the sandstorm around them.

"Oh dear!"Marian replied."Upon being blinded by Flygon's Sandstorm, neither Infernape and Sparkle aren't able to dodge their opponents' attacks!"

Amy began to lose a few more points.

3:00

Ash smiled at the sight.

"Alright."Ash chuckled."Making Flygon use Sandstorm, Dennie now has the advantage."

Infernape and Sparkle were getting hit by their opponents' attacks from multiple angles.

"Now Torterra use Solar Beam!"Denise ordered."Flygon use Dragon Pulse one more time!"

Torterra activated Solar Beam and Flygon unleashed Dragon Pulse towards Infernape and Sparkle.

"Sparkle use Light Screen!"Amy ordered.

Sparkle used Light Screen to half the damage at the last second.

"Use Flamethrower, Infernape!"Amy sneered.

Infernape to use Flamethrower on the Sandstorm and the flaming sand ends up damaging both Torterra and Flygon.

Denise bit her lip at the sight.

"And Infernape launched a direct hit on both its opponents by using Flygon's Sandstorm!"Marian stated.

Denise started to lose a few more points.

"Never expected Amy to use Flygon's Sandstorm to her advantage."Dawn complemented.

"Prinplup."Prinplup chirped.

"I'm afraid Denise has to be careful on what she tells her Pokémon to do since Amy seems to have some tricks up her sleeves."Johanna declared.

"Infernape, Sparkle, attack together!"Amy ordered."Use Flamethrower and Thunderbolt!"

After the Sandstorm cleared up, Infernape and Sparkle use Flamethrower and Thunderbolt which fuse into a duel range attack.

"Torterra knock them back with Earthquake!"Denise ordered.

Torterra used Earthquake and this knocked both of Amy's Pokémon off their feet as well as making their fusion attack get thrown off aim.

"And Torterra knocks back its opponents with a sudden Earthquake!"Marian praised.

"Flygon use Screech!"Denise ordered.

Flygon went up in the air to use screech on the Flamethrower/Thunderbolt combo and this makes it shatter apart, causing yellow and red sparkles to rain down on him and Torterra.

"Look at that!"Marian remarked."By using Screech, Flygon uses its opponents' fusion to bring more dazzle on itself and Torterra!"

Amy started to lose a few more points.

2:45

"So simple and needs a new look!"Amy scoffed with a glare."Infernape use Blaze Kick!"

Infernape leapt and activated Blaze Kick to attack Torterra.

"Flygon use Rockslide to protect Torterra!"Denise ordered.

Flygon use Rock Slide to shield Torterra from Infernape's attack.

"Infernape give Sparkle a boost!"Amy ordered.

Infernape tossed Sparkle into the air and the Mouse Pokémon landed on Flygon's back, shocking Denise.

"Use Iron Tail!"Amy ordered.

Sparkle repeatedly began use Iron Tail on Flygon, making the Mystic Pokémon cry out in pain.

"With Infernape's help, Sparkle had jumped on Flygon's back and attacking it with its unique Iron Tail!"Marian announced.

"Oh no."Denise muttered.

Denise lost a few more points.

2:29

"Amy did that on purpose?"Ash said.

"It seems to me Amy wanted Denise to become distracted on defending Torterra since Infernape's fire attacks would've caused it to get lots of damage."Johanna declared."So using that distraction, she gave her Sparkle the opportunity to attack Flygon."

"A Coordinator would need to command two Pokémon at all times in this battle."Brock commented."So the strategy of distracting your opponent could be really effective."

"And it's the only strategy that you'll find in a Double Battle."Dawn added worriedly.

Johanna nodded in agreement.

"Come on, Flygon!"Ash called out."Hang in there!"

Flygon struggled to get Sparkle off his back as the Mouse Pokémon whacked him with Iron Tail.

"Flygon, don't give up!"Denise shouted."Fly full speed!"

Flygon heard Denise's order and began flying around in a quick manner causing Sparkle to struggle to hang on.

Eventually, Sparkle lost her grip on Flygon's back.

"Sparkle!"Amy yelled out.

"Use Screech!"Denise ordered.

Flygon unleashed Screech on Sparkle, sending her down on the ground and next to Infernape.

Amy lost a few more points.

1:59

"Well done, Flygon!"Denise remarked.

Flygon went back next to Torterra.

"Don't celebrate just yet, Denise!"Amy retorted."Infernape use Flamethrower!"

Infernape unleashed Flamethrower, but Denise was ready for the attack.

"Torterra, counter it with Solar Beam!"Denise ordered.

Torterra and Infernape fired Solar Beam and Flamethrower at each other causing a bright explosion that blocked Denise's view.

"Thunderbolt, Sparkle!"Amy ordered.

Sparkle smirked as she twirled out of the smoke and hit Flygon directly with Thunderbolt.

"Use Giga Drain, Torterra!"Denise ordered.

The three mountains on Torterra's shell glow green, and matching energy beams extend from their tips.

The beams wrap around Sparkle's body, drain her energy.

Sparkle winced in pain as her energy was being zapped from her body.

"And Torterra strikes back at Sparkle with Giga Drain!"Marian reported.

Amy lost a few more points, making her now have equal amount of points left like Denise.

1:29

The beams recede back into Torterra's shell when the attack was completed while Sparkle looked a bit weaken.

"Alright, Denise. Your Pokémon has style and moves that I give you for once credit for. But I am not beaten yet."Amy declared with a small glare."Infernape, Bulk Up!"

Infernape used Bulk Up again to strengthen his attacks even more, making Denise bit her lip at the sight.

"Infernape use Mach Punch!"Amy ordered.

"Flygon use Dragon Pulse!"Denise ordered.

Infernape activated Mach Punch while Flygon unleashed his Dragon Pulse.

Flygon did a graceful spin to avoid Infernape's Mach Punch and head back in the sky.

"Torterra use Seed Bomb!"Denise ordered.

Torterra opened his mouth and a white orb was seen inside of it.

He then fired multiple glowing white seeds from his mouth that explode on impact.

"Sparkle use Dig to dodge that attack!"Amy ordered.

Sparkle quickly went underground and then burst out to attack Torterra.

Unknown to Amy and Denise, their battle was being watched by Lila, Kenny, Lucas, Barry, Professor Rowan, Lisia, Paul and Reggie.

"What an amazing and exciting sight!"Marian announced."These two rival Coordinators are giving their all in the final stage of the Grand Festival! But who will earn the title of Top Coordinator? Amy or Denise?"

Back in the Grand Festival…

Time was running out.

0:50

Infernape, Sparkle, Torterra and Flygon were patting while glaring at each other.

"Infernape use Mach Punch!"Amy ordered."Sparkle, Thunderbolt!"

Infernape use a max-power Mach Punch and Sparkle assist by using Thunderbolt to coat both fists in powerful electricity that trailed behind her companion's attack.

"Flygon use Dragon Pulse and Torterra use Solar Beam!"Denise ordered."Go!"

In response, Flygon launch Dragon Pulse and Torterra used Solar Beam, causing both movies to collide and create a dragon-energised beam of pure light.

"Use Sandstorm, Flygon!"Denise ordered.

Flygon then used Sandstorm to make a huge gust of sand wind spin around the draconic light beam for extra power.

The moves collided creating a big explosion, blinding both group's sight.

Amy and Denise shut their eyes from the explosion's light while Infernape, Sparkle and Flygon were thrown back.

When the smoke vanished, Flygon landed next to Torterra while Infernape and Sparkle landed in front of Amy.

Both Amy and Denise had equally small amount of points left while time ran out.

0:00

"Time's up!"Marian announced.

Denise and Amy looked up in the screen and saw they both appeared to have the same small amount of points left while the crowd stood watching in silence.

"And the winner of the final stage is…"Marian started.

Everyone waited in utter silence for the winner of the Grand Festival's face to appear on the screen.

After a brief of silence, Marian announced the winner of the final stage.

"It's Denise!"Marian declared.

A look mixed of surprise and shock was on Denise's face as the crowd cheered loudly and clapped at her victory.

"With her outstanding victory, Denise has won the Grand Festival and had become the new Top Coordinator!"Marian stated.

"I…I won?"Denise murmured.

Denise then cheered in joy and punched the air.

"Yes!"Denise remarked happily."We did it!"

Denise rushed over to Torterra and Flygon before bending down to embrace them.

"Torterra, Flygon, we won!"Denise chuckled with tears of joy."Thank you both so much!"

Torterra nodded. "Torterra."

"Flygon."Flygon replied with a smile.

A look of sad and disappointment was on Amy's face upon losing the Grand Festival before silently making her way to her childhood rival with Infernape and Sparkle following her.

Denise, Torterra and Flygon notice Amy, Infernape and Sparkle walking up to them.

Denise slowly stood up to look at Amy quietly.

But then a small smirk appeared on Amy's face and brought her hand out at Denise.

"Congratulations, Denise."Amy admitted."Well done."

A surprised look appeared on Denise's face before smirking at her rival and shook her hand.

"Thank you, Amy."Denise answered."You were great too."

Dawn, Prinplup, Ash and Pikachu cheered at Denise's success.

"My little Denise is now a Top Coordinator."Johanna praised proudly.

"That's my twin sister!"Dawn declared proudly.

"Prinplup!"Prinplup chirped.

"I knew she could do it!"Ash responded.

"Pika pika!"Pikachu agreed.

"Both Amy and Denise's performances were judged higher in the end."Brock exclaimed."But the end there can always be one winner."

Afterwards, Denise was awarded the Ribbon Cup and the title of Top Coordinator as the Sinnoh Grand Festival comes to an end.

"And now Fantina is presenting Denise with the spectacular Ribbon Cup!"Marian declared."Congratulations, Denise! Good luck in your future as Top Coordinator!"

Denise blushed and smiled brightly as she held the Ribbon Cup with Torterra and Flygon between her as everyone else applauded her.

"Your battle was magnifique. You were amazing."Fantina praised."Congratulations. I would've been more happier myself."

"Thank you, Fantina."Denise answered."That means a lot."

"With the award of the Ribbon Cup given brings a close to another exciting Grand Festival!"Marian announced."To all the other Coordinators who have competed in this event, thank you very much! We look forward to see you all in the Pokémon Contest! And see you all next time!"

Afterwards…

After receiving the Ribbon Cup and having her photo taken as a new Top Coordinator, Denise finished changing and comes out of the dressing room to find her proud mother waiting in the hallway with her older twin sister and friends.

"Mum!"Denise remarked joyfully and hugged Johanna."When did you get here? Did you see the final stage?"

"I saw your final performance from the very beginning, Denise."Johanna declared."I'm so very proud of you. Your battling was just great."

"I am proud of you too, Dennie."Dawn admitted kindly."And who knows? Maybe I'll become the next Top Coordinator the following year?"

Denise smiled at Johanna and Dawn.

"I have no doubt that you will, sis."Denise assured.

"I'll tell you what, Denise."Ash spoke up."You and your Pokémon were great today. Torterra and Flygon's combinations were totally cool."

Pikachu nodded. "Pikachu."

"Prinplup."Prinplup agreed.

"It really was a fantastic battle, Denise."Brock stated.

"You and Amy both made us fired up big time."Ash added."You made us all go crazy."

"Whoa."Denise chuckled."Never expected to hear that."

Both Dawn and Denise then took out the Ribbons that belonged to their mother.

"Here, mum."Dawn replied."These Ribbons are the ones you first gave us back in Twinleaf Town when we were first starting our Pokémon journey."

"We both decided to give them back to you at the end of the Grand Festival."Denise explained."These Ribbons of yours helped us a lot, mum."

Johanna took her old Contest Ribbons back from Dawn and Denise.

"And we're going to be just fine."Dawn commented and took out her Ribbon Case."Me and Dennie both have five Ribbons."

"Also, the two of us have a bunch of wonderful friends."Denise added."Your support and all of these are benefits from our hard work."

Johanna looked at Dawn and Denise with a emotional smile, feeling touched by their words.

"I can't tell you both how happy I am to hear that."Johanna stated."There is a lot I have to discuss about today's battle. It wouldn't hurt to get some advice from a former Top Coordinator."

"That would be great."Dawn remarked.

Denise nodded. "You said it."

Nurse Joy then walked up to the group.

"Ash, Denise, I just received a call from Volkner, the Gym Leader of Sunyshore City."Nurse Joy declared."His ready to have a Gym Battle with both of you and you two are welcome to come anytime."

"That's awesome."Ash complemented.

"So that means the Beacon Badge is waiting for us too."Denise remarked.

"You both have been waiting for this."Brock stated.

"And the Eighth Badge is the charm."Dawn admitted.

"You've bet."Ash agreed confidently and glanced at Denise."And we'll make sure to give Volkner everything we got, right Dennie?"

Denise smirked in agreement.

Later that Evening…

The sun was setting down as Denise watched the sight of Lake Valor with Combusken next to her.

"I have finally become Top Coordinator, Combusken."Denise declared with a hint of pride."But our journey is far from over. After all, we still got the Sinnoh League to look forward to."

"Combusken."Combusken agreed with a smile.

Denise and Combusken notice Amy walked up to her with Sparkle on her shoulder.

"Amy?"Denise said in confusion.

"Congrats again, Denise. You have finally achieved the dream you were fighting for."Amy stated kindly."So what will you do now? Do you intend to have a dessert party back in Twinleaf Town for your success?"

Denise shook her head.

"That sounds nice, Amy. But I don't attend to relax just yet."Denise explained."I still have one more Gym Badge left to earn to compete in the Sinnoh League."

"Well, wish you luck on that path."Amy declared and smirked a bit."But don't expect it to be as smooth as icing. You'll have Barry and Lucus beside Ash that will give everything they got. So don't hold back."

Denise nodded at Amy.

"I understand. Thanks, Amy."Denise replied and became curious."So what about you? What will you do now?"

Amy simply shrugged and smiled at Denise in a friendly way.

"I'll probably continue building my career as a Pokémon Coordinator."Amy responded."I may started my Pokémon journey before you, but I still have a lot to learn. And who knows? I might end up chasing another new dream someday."

"Pikachu."Sparkle remarked.

"That's a good ambition."Denise commented."I look forward to battling you again, Amy."

Denise and Amy shook hands with each other.

"The same with you, Denise."Amy answered.

Amy and Sparkle then walked away from Denise, leaving her and Combusken by themselves.

Denise glanced at Combusken, who nodded at her.

The new Top Coordinator then brought out her Poké Balls and tossed them in the air.

"Come on out, everyone!"Denise encouraged.

Denise's Poké Balls opened causing Torterra, Vaporeon, Luxray, Flygon and Gardevoir to come out next to Combusken.

"Alright, everyone. We have won the Grand Festival, but our story doesn't end here!"Denise informed confidently and lifted her fist up in the air."We have Volkner waiting for us and the same goes for the Sinnoh League! So let's make sure to work hard and give them everything we got!"

Combusken, Torterra, Vaporeon, Luxray, Flygon and Gardevoir all cheered in agreement.

Denise's Team

Torterra (Male): Solar Beam, Giga Drain, Seed Bomb and Earthquake

Vaporeon (Female): Water Gun, Shadow Ball, Hydro Pump and Aurora Beam

Luxray (Male): Shock Wave, Night Slash, Wild Charge and Ice Fang

Flygon (Male): Sandstorm, Rock Slide, Dragon Pulse & Screech

Gardevoir (Female): Psychic, Ice Punch, Magical Leaf and Trick Room

Combusken (Male): Ember, Peck, Focus Blast and Fire Spin

With Professor Rowan

Noctowl (Male): Heat Wave, Reflect, Aerial Ace and Supersonic

Drifblim (Female): Ominous Wind, Thunderbolt, Will-O-Wisp and Astonish