Back at the Champion Tower in Pummelo Island, the atmosphere was charged with excitement among Ash's Pokémon. It was my job—well, more like my challenge—to corral them all. With nearly ninety Pokémon now under Ash's care, each with their own quirks and personalities, it felt like herding Sudowoodo through a maze. They were all in high spirits, especially after Ash's thrilling victory over Steven yesterday.
Dragonite, Gengar, and Sceptile, the stars of yesterday's battles, were receiving cheers and praise from their teammates. Sceptile and Dragonite were snuggled up with their respective mates, Meganium and Garchomp. Gengar, on the other hand, seemed to be having the time of his afterlife. Surrounded by fellow Ghost-type Pokémon, he was laughing and playing, fully integrated into our team. It hadn't always been easy for Gengar—he carried scars from being abandoned by his previous trainer. But Ash had shown him patience and understanding, helping him heal and find his place among us. Seeing him now, happy and carefree, made me proud of how far he had come.
Amidst the celebrations, though, there was Charizard. Pouting in a corner, he couldn't quite hide his disappointment at not being chosen to battle Steven. "Bulbasaur," Charizard grumbled, his tail flicking restlessly. "I could've taken on Steven, no problem. My Flamethrower would've melted through his Steel-types like a hot knife through butter."
I couldn't help but shake my head, using my vines to slap the back of Charizard's head. "Come on, Charizard. You know Ash has plans for you. Remember, you wanted a rematch against Princess, Cynthia's Garchomp? That's your chance to show off."
At the mention of Princess, Charizard's eyes lit up with renewed determination. "Yeah, you're right, Bulbasaur. I'm ready for that rematch. This time, I'll show her what I'm made of."
As Charizard perked up, we gathered around the big TV that Ash had set up in the Champion Tower backyard, the atmosphere crackled with anticipation. The semifinal match between Diantha and Leon was unfolding before our eyes, and none of us could believe what we were witnessing.
Diantha, usually so composed and formidable, was struggling. She had already lost four of her Pokémon, while Leon seemed to be in control with just one loss. It was a stark contrast to the elegant and powerful performances we were used to seeing from the Kalos Champion.
"Wow, I've never seen Diantha in such a tough spot," Charizard muttered, his wings twitching in agitation. "She's usually so graceful in battles."
Squirtle nodded in agreement, his eyes fixed on the screen. "Yeah, Leon's really bringing it. His Pokémon are tough."
"I wonder what's going through her mind right now. She must be strategizing to turn this around." I chimed in.
We watched in silence as the battle intensified on screen. Diantha's remaining Pokémon fought valiantly, each trying to shift the momentum in her favor. But Leon's team was relentless, countering every move with precision and strength.
"I hope she can make a comeback," I said quietly, my leaves rustling with concern. "She's an incredible Champion. I've seen her battles before, and she always finds a way."
Charizard nodded, his expression serious. "Yeah, she's got to dig deep. Come on, Diantha!"
Squirtle added optimistically, "She's the Kalos Champion for a reason. She won't go down without a fight."
As Diantha's battle against Leon intensified, we watched in awe from the Champion Tower's backyard. The big TV screen broadcasted every move, and each turn of events kept us on the edge of our seats.
When Goodra unleashed a super effective Fire Blast against Leon's Rillaboom, the air around us crackled with intense heat. The flames erupted in a torrential blaze, swirling and engulfing Rillaboom in a fiery inferno. We held our breath, watching as the intense heat distorted the air and cast wild shadows across the battlefield.
Rillaboom stood steadfast amidst the flames, his silhouette flickering ominously. With a defiant roar, he raised his drumsticks high, channeling his strength into a thunderous beat that reverberated through the stadium. The forceful rhythm created a protective barrier around him, pushing back the searing fire with sheer force. It was a sight to behold, the clash of fire and sound echoing through the arena.
As the flames subsided, Rillaboom wasted no time. With remarkable agility that belied his large frame, he leaped into action with Acrobatics. His muscular form twisted and turned in mid-air, closing the distance between him and Goodra swiftly and decisively.
The impact was devastating. Rillaboom's powerful strikes landed with precision, each blow carrying the weight of his determination. Goodra staggered back, reeling from the force of the assault. The once-imposing Dragon-type Pokémon faltered, unable to withstand the relentless barrage.
In the aftermath of the intense exchange, the stadium fell silent for a moment, stunned by the display of strength and skill. "Wow, that Rillaboom is something else," I murmured, impressed by the Grass-type's resilience and strength. "He's taken down four of Diantha's Pokémon single-handedly."
Squirtle, always by my side, cuddled up to me reassuringly. "Hey, don't worry, Bulbasaur. In my eyes, you're still the best Grass-type around." I couldn't help but smile at Squirtle's words. My mate meant the world to me, and his support bolstered my spirits.
Charizard, ever confident and eager for a challenge, spoke up next. "I wouldn't mind facing that Rillaboom myself, but my sights are set on Leon's Charizard. That's the match I'm looking forward to."
I nodded in agreement. "That's going to be a battle for the ages, Charizard. I can't wait to see you in action against him."
As Diantha sent out Gardevoir, her final Pokémon, the atmosphere around us grew tense with anticipation. Gardevoir emerged with an elegant grace, her psychic power radiating in shimmering waves around her. I could feel the intensity of the battle mounting, knowing that this showdown would decide Diantha's fate against Leon.
Gardevoir wasted no time. With a focused expression, she unleashed Shadow Ball, a dark orb swirling with ominous energy. Rillaboom, ever agile despite his size, leaped to the side with impressive speed, narrowly evading the attack. The shadowy ball collided with the ground, sending shards of darkness scattering across the battlefield.
Rillaboom countered swiftly, his massive form poised for action. With a thunderous beat, he launched Knock Off, aiming to disrupt Gardevoir's concentration. But Gardevoir, with a dancer's grace, sidestepped the attack effortlessly. Her movements were fluid and precise, a testament to her skill and agility.
Before Rillaboom could recover, Gardevoir's psychic powers surged. With a telekinetic force, she lifted Rillaboom into the air, his massive form hovering briefly as if suspended by invisible strings. I could see Rillaboom struggling against the psychic grip, his sturdy frame wavering under the strain.
Then, with a decisive motion, Gardevoir slammed Rillaboom back down to the ground with incredible force. The impact echoed through the stadium, shaking the battlefield with its intensity. Rillaboom, despite his resilience, could not withstand the powerful psychic assault. He staggered, his movements slowing as the battle took its toll.
As Rillaboom was ruled unable to battle, a wave of mixed emotions washed over us. The Pokémon around me cheered, celebrating Diantha's victory. Especially, those Pokémon Ash had caught in Kalos. It's not that we did not like Leon, it was simply the fact that we worked more with Diantha and knew her better. Not only against Team Flare but during the production of the movie she starred with Ash.
I turned back to the TV, when I heard the crowd erupt into a frenzy as Leon's majestic Charizard took the stage. The sky above seemed to darken with the sheer presence of his imposing figure, and I could feel the tension rise among us. Diantha wasted no time in response, her swift decision evident as she Mega Evolved Gardevoir, enveloping her in a radiant aura that shimmered with power and determination.
Diantha's Gardevoir stood poised as she Mega Evolved, a transformation that seemed to transcend mere power, embodying elegance and grace in every detail. The air around her shimmered with a radiant aura as her form shifted into Mega Gardevoir. Her once-vivid colors faded to a pristine white, save for her delicate green hair that cascaded elegantly around her. The transformation elongated her gown, now flowing like a bridal train, adding to her regal appearance.
Her forearms thickened slightly, adorned with pointed extensions that resembled graceful gloves. The spikes on her face grew larger, curling upwards in a majestic display. Her hair, now shorter and tightly curled, framed her serene expression, emphasizing the newfound strength and beauty of her Mega Evolution. Two elegant horns adorned her chest, extending outwards with an air of dignified nobility.
Gardevoir, now Mega Evolved, faced off against Leon's Gigantamaxed Charizard. The size disparity was staggering, but Gardevoir stood her ground with unwavering resolve. She launched a blistering Thunderbolt, crackling with electric energy, aimed straight at the colossal Charizard. The impact was startling, causing the giant Pokémon to stumble backward, momentarily off balance.
Leon countered swiftly, his response as fierce as it was calculated. Charizard unleashed his signature move, G-Max Wildfire, a torrent of blazing flames that spiraled into a fierce vortex engulfing Mega Gardevoir. The inferno raged around her, casting an ominous glow over the battlefield.
But Gardevoir wasn't finished. With a sudden burst of psychic energy, she redirected Charizard's G-Max Wildfire back towards him using Psychic. The flames twisted and turned, hurtling back with intensified fury. Caught off guard by the unexpected maneuver, Leon had no choice but to command Charizard to use Max Airstream, summoning powerful winds to counter the fiery onslaught.
Diantha's determination was palpable, her unyielding spirit fueling Mega Gardevoir to press on relentlessly. G-Max Wildfire, Max Airstream, and Psychic energies intertwined in a chaotic dance, creating a maelstrom of elemental forces that crackled and sizzled in the air. The intensity of their clash threatened to reshape the battlefield itself.
Before the fusion attack could reach its peak, Leon seized the moment. Another G-Max Wildfire erupted from Charizard's maw, a surge of flames bursting forth with unstoppable force. The combined might of Leon's assault broke through Gardevoir's defenses, overwhelming her in a torrent of scorching heat and power.
As the flames subsided, the screen and Ash's Pokémon fell into a hushed silence. Mega Gardevoir, battered and exhausted, collapsed gracefully to the ground, snapping out of her Mega Evolution. Dan's voice echoed through the arena, announcing Gardevoir's inability to continue. Diantha's expression was a mix of pride in Gardevoir's valiant effort and disappointment at the battle's outcome.
Around me, my teammates watched with a mix of admiration and concern. Charizard's eyes burned with fiery determination, his anticipation for the upcoming battle evident in every tense muscle. For me, there was a deep sense of respect and awe. Witnessing such powerful displays of strength and strategy from both trainers and their Pokémon left an indelible impression.
It ignited a fire within me, a determination to grow stronger alongside Ash and my teammates. As the stadium on the screen buzzed with the aftermath of the battle, I knew that there would be no way I will be able to corral my teammates any time soon.
And you know what? This time I do not want to.
If you can't beat them, join them.