Chapter 21: Breaking Dawn
The Pokémon Center thrummed with its normal nighttime liveliness. Trainers sat at tables, chatting over snacks while their Pokémon rested by their sides. A couple of kids played with their Pichu near the waiting area, giggling as the little Pokémon sparked harmlessly.
The soft hum of the healing machines and the gentle beeping of monitors created a soothing background melody.
Suddenly, the tranquil atmosphere shattered as the doors flew open. Dawn burst in, her face pale and eyes wide with panic.
Conversations halted and heads turned as she stumbled inside, cradling Chimchar in her arms. The little Pokémon whimpered as his arm was twisted unnaturally
"Nurse! I need a nurse!" Dawn's voice cracked with urgency as she looked around wildly.
A nurse immediately hurried over, concern etched on her face. "What happened?" she asked, guiding Dawn to a nearby examination table.
"Please, you have to help him!" Dawn's voice trembled as she thrust Chimchar forward, along with two Poké Balls. "And my other Pokémon too, they're in here!"
"We'll take care of them immediately," the nurse promised. "Please, take a seat and try to stay calm."
Dawn nodded, but the fear in her eyes remained. As she watched the nurse hurry away with her injured Pokémon, the lively activity of the Pokémon Center seemed to blur around her.
She slumped into a chair in the waiting area, her eyes utterly fixed on the door to the treatment room. She could see the nurses moving swiftly and efficiently, working on her Pokémon. Her heart pounded in her chest, each beat echoing her anxiety.
She tried to steady her breathing, but every few moments, she glanced at the clock, feeling the minutes drag on like hours.
The murmurs of other trainers and the hum of the center's activity barely registered in her mind. All she could focus on was the worry gnawing at her, the fear of what might happen to her team.
Through a small window, she could see the nurses working with her Pokémon. One nurse was carefully examining Chimchar's arm, while others were attending to Staravia and Luxio. Dawn's hands trembled in her lap, and she felt a knot tighten in her stomach.
Unable to bear the wait any longer, she stood up and headed to the bathroom. The hallway felt unusually silent, the soft noise of the center's activity fading as she moved further away.
She pushed open the bathroom door and stepped into the small room. She turned on the tap, the sudden gush of water startling her in the quiet. She splashed cold water on her face, trying to calm herself.
As she looked at her reflection in the mirror, she saw a girl who appeared far older than her twelve years. Her eyes were red and tired, her expression drawn and hollow. Her usually vibrant blue eyes were now dull and lifeless, starkly contrasting with their usual spark. Shadows under her eyes were accentuated by the low light, and her hair, typically neat, was disheveled, falling messily around her face.
A soft creak echoed through the empty bathroom, and Dawn glanced around, her heart pounding. The room seemed to close in around her, the silence pressing in like a tangible weight.
She moved to the paper towel dispenser, pressing the lever, but nothing came out. The metallic clink of the lever sounded ominous in the quiet. She pressed it again, harder this time, but still, no paper.
Frustration surged within her, and she began hitting the dispenser repeatedly, her fists pounding against the metal with increasing force. Each strike echoed loudly, cutting through the oppressive quiet.
The mirror reflected her distorted, almost ghostly image as she vented her frustration, her fists moving in a blur. Finally, she stopped, breathing heavily, her hands throbbing.
She stood there for a moment, her emotions in turmoil, the room's silence amplifying her inner chaos. The mirror seemed to taunt her with her own weary reflection, the flickering light casting unsettling shadows on her face.
Leaving the bathroom, she walked back into the hallway, still feeling the sting of her frustration. The corridor felt unnaturally long and deserted, the distant sounds of the Pokémon Center barely reaching her ears.
As she turned the corner, her eyes caught a brightly colored poster on the wall. It featured Cynthia Shirona, her confident smile and determined gaze staring back at Dawn. Below her image were the words: "Never Give Up."
Dawn's gaze fixed on the poster, her jaw tightening as a surge of raw emotion welled up inside her. The poster's message seemed to reverberate with her own turbulent thoughts, blending with the haunting echoes of a recent memory.
The excitement outside the nightclub was electric. The street thronged with people, their voices blending into a chorus of eager anticipation. Cheers and shouts bounced off the buildings, turning the calm night into a whirlwind of frenetic energy.
The neon lights of the club flickered brightly, casting a colorful glow over the throng of people gathered on the sidewalk. The crowd pressed in, their murmurs and exclamations punctuating the cool night air.
Dawn stood at the edge of the throng, her eyes darting between Cynthia and the sea of faces watching from the sidewalk. Streetlights cast long shadows on the pavement, their light faint in contrast to the vibrant, shifting colors from the nightclub's sign.
Cynthia stood at the center of the chaos, her imposing presence only amplifying the crowd's fervor. Dawn felt the intense scrutiny of the onlookers, their anticipation pressing heavily on her, making her feel vulnerable and uneasy.
Amidst the sea of voices, she caught snippets of encouragement: "Don't end this too quickly, Cynthia!" and "Show us why you're the Champion!" The words, meant to fuel the spectacle, only intensified Dawn's trepidation as she faced the formidable Champion.
Cynthia's gaze locked onto Dawn with an unwavering intensity, her eyes like sharp, icy blades. Dawn's heart pounded harder, each beat echoing louder in her chest as she felt the full force of Cynthia's piercing stare.
The noise of the crowd faded into a distant hum, leaving only the thudding of her own pulse ringing in her ears.
The woman's lips curled into a smirk, her voice smooth yet laced with a subtle edge as she said, "Well, isn't this a charming little display? Let's see if you've got more than just talk, shall we?"
As the voices of the spectators cut through the tension with cries of "Go easy on the kid!" Cynthia's lips twisted into a mocking smile.
She leaned forward slightly, her voice smooth but dripping with a cruel edge. "Go easy? Why would I? Doing so would be an insult, like admitting she's not a worthy opponent. That's exactly why I won't hold anything back!"
As Dawn tried to muster a response, her voice faltered, barely more than a whisper as she stared at the ground. Cynthia's sharp eyes caught her struggle. "Wait, what did you say?" she demanded, her tone icy.
Dawn swallowed hard, her resolve hardening despite her visible fear. She lifted her chin, her voice steadying. "I said I'm going to wipe that smirk off your face! My name is Dawn Platinum, and your reign as Champion ends here!"
Cynthia's smile took on a chilling edge, her eyes gleaming with a mix of cold amusement and dark satisfaction. The crowd's reaction was swift—a shudder of gasps and whispers spread among them, the surprise unmistakable.
A voice from the crowd shouted, "Whoa, she just threw some serious shade at you, Cynthia! Aren't you going to do something about that!?"
Cynthia's head whipped around, her eyes narrowing dangerously. Her glare pinned the speaker with a chilling intensity. The man recoiled, his face draining of color as he stammered, "S-sorry," his voice barely audible over the rising tension.
The Champion turned back to Dawn, her smile a chilling blend of anticipation and menace. "Alright, young lady, let's see what you're made of. As I said, I won't hold back, so neither should you. May the better trainer win."
She reached behind her, causing Dawn to flinch as Cynthia's smile widened with a hint of cruel satisfaction. Cynthia pulled out a Poké Ball that was notably different from any Dawn had ever seen—its black surface was marked with a striking yellow stripe, and the top featured an emblematic yellow "H." The ball's glossy finish reflected the light, casting a sinister gleam.
With a flick of her wrist, Cynthia tossed the Poké Ball into the air. It spun in an arc, the crowd holding their breath as the sphere burst open in a flash of brilliant light.
From within the light emerged a nightmarish predator. The beast's dark blue scales shimmered ominously under the streetlights, contrasting sharply with its crimson underbelly and the lethal white claws on its limbs. A dorsal fin, reminiscent of a shark's tail, crowned its back, while its intense golden eyes cut through the gloom with a piercing, malevolent gaze. It moved with a raw, brutal power, each motion radiating a menacing presence that felt both overwhelming and terrifying.
Dawn didn't need to check her Pokédex; she knew that beast well. The legendary Garchomp, Cynthia's dreaded "Demon of the Deep," stood before her, exuding an aura of primal fear. Its very appearance was a nightmare brought to life, sending a shiver down Dawn's spine and leaving her paralyzed with terror.
The crowd's cheers reached a fever pitch as the Champion's strongest Pokémon had emerged. Excitement surged through the spectators, but the Pokémon's response was less than pleased.
Its golden eyes narrowed, reflecting a hint of irritation as the roars of the crowd grew louder.
With a sudden, primal screech that shook the very air, the creature let out a bone-rattling roar. The sound was so powerful that it reverberated through the street, its impact felt deep within the bones of everyone present.
The sheer force of the screech caused the streetlights to blink erratically before plunging into complete darkness. Even the stoplights above went out, their steady glow replaced by a sudden, unsettling void.
The shockwave emanating from Garchomp's roar swept through the street, making the very air feel heavy and charged. The crowd fell silent, awed and frightened, as the scene became engulfed in an eerie, shadowy twilight.
As the crowd watched in hushed awe, one spectator, clearly captivated, pulled out a camera and snapped a photo. The flash caught Garchomp's attention.
With a cold, calculated glare at the camera, the beast's sheer presence caused the device to crackle and short out, its screen shattering into fragments with a sharp pop.
Cynthia turned her gaze back to Dawn, her smile carrying a cold edge. "Alright, don't keep the crowd waiting. Show us what you've got."
Fear gripped Dawn as she fumbled for a Poké Ball, her hands trembling. With a deep breath, she hurled it into the arena.
The ball burst open, releasing Staravia with a confident chirp of, "Staravia!" But as soon as Staravia's eyes landed on the imposing figure of Garchomp, they widened in shock. He swiftly pivoted to face Dawn, his beak hanging open in surprise.
Dawn, feeling her own fear, managed a shaky smile. "Staravia... Let's do our best, alright?"
Staravia turned back to Garchomp, who merely licked its lips, glaring with a predatory intensity. The sight was enough to make Staravia shiver.
He fluffed up his feathers and emitted a harsh cry, attempting to use his Intimidate ability. The air seemed to ripple with his effort, but Garchomp remained unshaken, its superiority rendering Staravia's attempt to intimidate completely useless.
Dawn stood paralyzed, her heart racing as she stared at the formidable Garchomp. The buzzing energy from the crowd only heightened her anxiety. Cynthia's voice sliced through the noise, dripping with condescension. "You don't want to make the first move? Fine, I'll go first."
With a quivering voice, Dawn managed, "N-no, we'll go first. Staravia, Quick Attack!"
Staravia shot forward, a streak of speed and determination. Yet, as he neared Garchomp, his instincts flared, and he skidded to a halt, leaping back a good ten feet.
Cynthia's smile grew wider, her amusement barely contained. "Such little resolve. Fine then, I will start. Garchomp, use Metal Claw!"
The air seemed to shimmer as Garchomp vanished and reappeared behind Staravia in the blink of an eye, a gust of wind swirling in his wake. Dawn's eyes widened in disbelief. I didn't even sense it moving. How can something so massive be so fast?
Before he could even process what occurred, the ground beneath Staravia felt like it shifted, and he was struck by a fierce gust of wind. The flying-type spun around, eyes wide with shock, to find Garchomp's Metal Claw inches from his head.
Staravia's feathers ruffled from the sheer force of Garchomp's presence. He closed his eyes, bracing for an impact that never came. The Metal Claw hovered, just a mere graze against Staravia's forehead, and with that, he collapsed, knocked out by the sheer precision of the strike.
"What!? B-but t-that was just a love tap!?" Dawn's voice trembled as she took in the sight.
The crowd's collective gasp was followed by an awed murmur. Cynthia's gaze remained coolly indifferent. "Garchomp has mastered pressure point attacks. I've trained him to target specific weak spots." In her mind, she thought darkly, You should consider yourself lucky. If Garchomp had used a full-force Metal Claw, you'd be cleaning up a red stain off the street.
Dawn swallowed hard, her fear evident as she recalled her Pokémon. "Thank you, Staravia. You did well," she said softly before nervously reaching for her next Poké Ball.
Luxio emerged with a tentative, fearful stance. His eyes, wide with trepidation, locked onto the intimidating figure of Garchomp. The cub-like Pokémon trembled, his courage waning in the shadow of his fearsome opponent.
"Luxio, we can do this buddy," Dawn took a deep breath, her fear turning into determination. "Show them what we're made of!"
Luxio hesitated for a moment, his eyes wide with fear. He glanced at his mighty adversary, whose intimidating presence seemed to press down on him like a weight.
But then, Luxio's gaze hardened, his fear melting into determination. His muscles tensed as he took a deep breath, letting out a low, rumbling growl that grew louder and more resolute.
An aura of invisible pressure radiated from him, a tangible force that seemed to ripple through the air. It was the effect of his Intimidate ability, just as Staravia had used it earlier.
Garchomp's eyes narrowed as it felt the aura wash over it. For a brief moment, a flicker of surprise crossed its face. But that was all. Just like before, the effect of Luxio's intimidation seemed to dissipate almost instantly, like a gust of wind passing through a wall.
"Alright, Luxio, begin with Fire Fang!" Dawn's voice was firm but laced with apprehension.
Luxio sprang forward, his jaws ablaze with fiery energy. He lunged at Garchomp with a fierce snarl, the flames flickering ominously. Cynthia's response was swift and commanding. "Garchomp, dodge it!"
In an instant, Garchomp vanished from sight, reappearing a heartbeat later well out of Luxio's reach. Luxio's attack collided with the ground instead, sending a jagged crack through the asphalt and chunks of debris flying.
The girl's eyes widened with a spark of satisfaction. For a brief moment, Garchomp had been forced to evade—an accomplishment in itself.
Cynthia noticed the subtle shift in Dawn's expression. Her lips twitched into a faint frown, her brow furrowing just slightly as she caught the look of triumph on Dawn's face.
Dawn, determined not to falter, called out, "Double Kick, Luxio!"
Luxio reappeared behind Garchomp with a sudden burst of speed, aiming a powerful kick at the dragon-like Pokémon. Garchomp, however, moved with an effortless grace that defied its size. It sidestepped the attack smoothly, barely shifting its posture.
Cynthia's eyes narrowed as she observed Luxio's movements. "Garchomp, catch its tail and throw it!" she instructed with a cold, detached tone.
Garchomp complied with a swift motion, grabbing Luxio by the tail and hurling him through the air with casual ease. But Luxio, ever agile, twisted mid-flight and landed on his feet with barely a stumble.
"Now, Thunder Shock!" Dawn commanded, her voice carrying a mix of hope and urgency.
Luxio unleashed a surge of crackling electricity from his body. The brilliant, powerful bolts of lightning arced through the air, their intensity lighting up the street and restoring power to the flickering stoplights and signals. The scene illuminated with an electric glow, the sudden flash catching the crowd's attention.
Yet, despite the display of raw power, Garchomp stood immovably still, its eyes locked onto Luxio. The electric current surged over its body, but Garchomp didn't flinch, its stance unwavering and unaffected. The crowd murmured in surprise, their awe mingled with curiosity.
Dawn stared in disbelief, her voice trembling slightly as she asked, "I know it's strong, but how? That was Luxio's strongest attack!"
Cynthia's laughter rang out, smooth and condescending. "You should've done your homework," she said, her tone carrying an air of superiority. "Garchomp is primarily a dragon-type, but he's also a ground-type. Electric-type moves have no effect on him."
"Alright, let's end this round," Cynthia commanded with a cold edge to her voice. "Garchomp, use Fling!"
Eyes gleaming with a predatory focus, Garchomp surveyed the battlefield. With a sudden, swift motion, it snatched a small pebble from the ground.
The pebble seemed insignificant in the Pokémon's formidable claws, but its next action would prove otherwise. With a flick of its wrist, Garchomp hurled the pebble through the air with terrifying speed.
The pebble streaked across the battlefield like a blur, moving so fast that Luxio had no time to react. It struck Luxio directly on the temple with a sharp, precise impact. The force was intense, and Luxio's body was flung backward, crashing onto the ground.
"L-Lux...i...oh," the electric-type cried, his body twitching slightly before falling completely still, unconscious from the force of the blow.
Dawn's heart sank as she watched Luxio fall. She could only stare in stunned disbelief, her voice barely a whisper. "Luxio…"
Cynthia's smirk was dripping with condescension as she addressed Dawn. "Well, look at that. Two Pokémon down and you haven't even managed to get me to my second one yet. Quite the performance." Each word designed to cut deep.
Dawn raised a Poké Ball, swiftly recalling Luxio. "You did well, Luxio," e murmured to the ball. "Rest up. You gave it your all." Her hands trembled as she glared at Cynthia, her teeth clenched in frustration.
Without missing a beat, she reached into her bag and hurled her next Poké Ball onto the battlefield. "Chimchar, I choose you!"
The Poké Ball burst open with a bright flash, and Chimchar emerged onto the field. He landed in a crouched position, his eyes tightly shut.
As he slowly stood, his gaze slowly lifted, revealing a flicker of shock. Chimchar stared at the imposing figure of Garchomp, his small frame dwarfed by the dragon Pokémon's massive size. He then noticed Cynthia standing confidently, recognizing her from various television broadcasts he had seen back at Professor Rowan's lab.
A bead of sweat formed on Chimchar's forehead, and he quickly wiped it away. Glancing back at Dawn, Chimchar's eyes widened in bewilderment. How had they gone from battling the second Gym Leader to facing the Champion of the Sinnoh League?
With a deep breath, he slapped his cheeks to steady himself and, with renewed resolve, stepped forward.
Dawn watched with a mix of surprise and hope. "C-Chimchar?"
Cynthia raised an intrigued eyebrow, her attention now fixed on the fiery monkey. Garchomp regarded Chimchar with a deep, rumbling growl. His golden eyes glinted with interest, amused by the audacity of the smaller Pokémon.
Chimchar stared up at Garchomp, the size difference stark as he peered up into the dragon's intense eyes. Garchomp's expression twisted into a menacing grin, and it let out a terrifying screech that echoed with ferocity.
The sound was a raw, bone-chilling roar that reverberated through the night air, making the ground tremble slightly. Chimchar could feel the scorching heat of Garchomp's breath and the spittle that landed near him.
Despite the overwhelming display, Chimchar refused to flinch. He met Garchomp's gaze squarely, his small frame braced against the fearsome dragon's intimidating presence.
"Alright, Chimchar, use Rock Smash!" Dawn commanded, her voice full of determination.
Chimchar charged forward, he swung his arm with tremendous force, the impact creating a shockwave that rippled through the air. The force of the blow caused the audience to shudder as if caught in a gust of wind, their cheeks vibrating from the powerful blast.
Garchomp, however, dodged with ease, shifting to the side with a fluid motion. The shockwave of air dissipated quickly, but the audience was momentarily stunned by the sheer power behind the attack.
Undeterred, Dawn shouted, "Chimchar, use Fury Swipes!"
Chimchar extended his claws, his movements a blur as he raked them through the air toward Garchomp. Each swipe was delivered with incredible speed, but Garchomp nimbly sidestepped each strike. His movements were precise and effortless, and he watched with a mixture of amusement and interest.
Even if the attacks weren't landing, seeing Garchomp forced to stay on the defensive brought a smile to Dawn's face. "Leap back and use Flame Wheel!" she directed.
Chimchar immediately stopped his attack, leaping backward and curling into a ball in midair. As he hit the ground, he ignited the Flame Wheel, spinning rapidly with flames trailing behind him. The blaze roared to life, sending up a plume of smoke and sparks as he sped forward, leaving a trail of fire in his wake.
Cynthia's lips curved into a smirk. "Garchomp, trip it!" she ordered.
Confusion was etched to Dawn's face as Garchomp took a few deliberate steps forward and extended a leg. Chimchar, still engulfed in the spinning flames, collided with Garchomp's outstretched leg.
The impact sent Chimchar flying through the air, his Flame Wheel dissipating as he skidded past the crowd, creating a streak of embers and sparks on the ground before coming to a halt.
"Chimchar, use Ember!" Dawn cried out urgently. Chimchar scrambled to his feet and began running, his body glowing with the heat of the attack. He released a barrage of fiery Embers that shot out with impressive force, filling the air with crackling flames.
Cynthia's expression remained unimpressed as Garchomp stood unfazed in the midst of the Ember attack.
The dragon Pokémon continued walking forward, the flames swirling around him but failing to leave a mark. He moved through the fire with ease, the flames seeming to part before him.
With a casual exhale, Garchomp blew out the remaining fire, the extinguishing breath powerful enough to snuff out the flames as if blowing out a single candle.
Dawn's eyes widened in disbelief. "The Ember didn't have any effect—how?" Her mind raced, trying to make sense of the situation. Garchomp had been dodging Chimchar's attacks earlier, so why did it allow this one to hit? Her confusion deepened as she watched the dragon Pokémon stand there, untouched by the fiery onslaught.
Dawn's eyes darted around the battlefield, searching for any possible way to turn the tide. Realizing that they needed to create an opening, she called out, "Chimchar, use Ember to create a distraction!"
Chimchar immediately complied, unleashing a barrage of Ember attacks. The fiery bursts exploded in all directions, sending a cloud of smoke and sparks billowing across the field. Although the Ember had no effect on Garchomp's substantial defenses, it created a dense curtain of heat and light that momentarily obscured the dragon Pokémon's vision.
Cynthia's gaze narrowed as she watched Dawn and Chimchar's stratagem unfold. Just what exactly are you planning, kid? she wondered silently, her curiosity piqued by the unexpected maneuver.
Garchomp, unbothered by the Ember itself, found its field of view obstructed. It squinted through the haze, its sharp senses straining to detect Chimchar's movements.
Dawn seized the opportunity. "Chimchar, now's your chance! Rock Smash!"
Using the cover of the smoky curtain, Chimchar charged forward, his form blurred and partially hidden within the thick, swirling haze. Garchomp, caught off guard by the sudden appearance, could only react too late.
The fire-type aimed a powerful punch at Garchomp's chest. The sheer force of the attack caused a massive shockwave that rippled through the crowd, making the ground tremble.
However, as Chimchar's fist made contact, the scene turned grim. Garchomp stood unfazed, the impact of the punch causing no visible damage to its sturdy hide. Instead, Garchomp's formidable scales absorbed the blow effortlessly.
The impact was so severe that it seemed to reverberate throughout the area. Chimchar's knuckles and arm, unable to withstand the sheer force, crumpled under the impact. A sickening crunch echoed as Chimchar's entire arm shattered upon contact with Garchomp's solid frame.
The pain was immediate and excruciating. Chimchar let out a guttural scream as his arm was violently twisted and broken, the bones fracturing and splintering under the force. The sheer brutality of the impact sent him crashing to the ground, where he created a mini crater with the force of his fall.
Rolling around in agony, Chimchar clutched his shattered arm, writhing in pain. The crowd gasped in horror, stunned by the graphic display of Chimchar's injury.
Dawn's breath caught in her throat as she watched the brutal clash unfold. Her eyes widened in horror and disbelief. "Chimchar!" she screamed, her voice trembling with fear.
She rushed to her Pokémon's side, kneeling down beside him as he writhed in agony, clutching his shattered arm. His cries of pain pierced the air, and Dawn's face went pale, her hands shaking as she reached out to comfort him.
Cynthia, observing the scene with a calm, detached expression, finally spoke up. "You see, kid," she began, her voice smooth and commanding, "the reason I had Garchomp avoid those earlier close-quarters attacks wasn't because they'd do any damage. It was because any physical strike against him would result in damage to your Pokémon, not mine." She paused, letting her words sink in before continuing. "Garchomp possesses the ability Rough Skin. Normally, this would inflict some damage to an opponent making physical contact. But I've trained him to such a degree that his hide has become invulnerable to all forms of damage. Physical, special, or even super-effective—there is not an attack in the world, from any Pokémon, that could hurt him."
The Champion's eyes glinted with a challenging spark as she added, "Garchomp's skin is harder than any known metal on earth. Steel, titanium, tungsten—nothing compares. Garchomp is completely invincible and all-powerful. He has reached a level of power far beyond anything you can even fathom."
Her words hung in the air, the crowd watched in stunned silence, the weight of Cynthia's revelation sinking in as they absorbed the magnitude of the champion's prowess.
Dawn's eyes widened in shock as Cynthia's declaration about Garchomp's invincibility sank in. The revelation hit her like a thunderclap, but her concern quickly shifted back to Chimchar, who was groaning in pain.
She crouched by her Pokémon, her heart aching at the sight of his suffering. Garchomp, clearly irked by the fact that Dawn's attention was entirely focused on her injured Pokémon rather than on his overwhelming power, let out a low, rumbling roar.
He took a menacing step forward, his eyes blazing with irritation. It was a clear signal for Dawn to acknowledge his presence and the danger he posed.
Suddenly, a burst of white light flared before Dawn, and she was taken aback as Turtwig materialized in front of her. Dawn barely had time to register the new arrival when Lucas's voice rang out, "Turtwig, use Bullet Seed!"
Turtwig obeyed, unleashing a barrage of Bullet Seeds. The projectiles shot forth at high speed, but Garchomp's hide was as impenetrable as ever. The seeds ricocheted off Garchomp's armored hide, deflecting in various directions with incredible velocity.
The crowd ducked and gasped as the seeds whizzed past them, some hitting nearby objects and others veering dangerously close to them. One seed even hurtled towards Dawn's head, but Lucas dove in just in time, grabbing her and yanking her down to safety.
The bullet seed struck a nearby trash can with a loud clang, punching a hole through it and causing steam to hiss out from the damaged container.
Cynthia's gaze shifted to Turtwig, her eyes narrowing with a dark, menacing glint. "So, you're bringing reinforcements now?" she said, her tone laced with a cold edge.
"H-hey, e-easy there," Lucas, clearly unnerved, raised a defensive arm and stammered, "I'm just here to collect my friend. I'm not looking for a fight!"
"Well then," Cynthia's lips curved into a confident smirk as she brushed a lock of her hair back with a sweeping gesture. "If you're here just for your friend, you'll have to wait your turn. This battle is far from over."
"No, this battle is over," Dawn declared, her voice carrying the weight of resignation. She turned her gaze toward Cynthia with a steely glare. "Chimchar was my last Pokémon. You win, Ms. Shirona."
Cynthia's lips curled into a smirk, her tone laced with a thinly veiled condescension. "Oh, is that so?" she replied, her voice dripping with mock surprise.
With a menacing flick of her wrist, Cynthia withdrew Garchomp into its Poké Ball, the dragon Pokémon casting a final, baleful glare at Chimchar before disappearing in a flash of red light.
Striding over with an air of commanding authority, Cynthia approached Dawn, Lucas, and the battered Chimchar. Dawn, feeling a chill of intimidation, stood up in response.
Cynthia's eyes, cold and unyielding, locked onto Dawn as she extended a hand, her grip tightening around Dawn's arm with an unnerving force. With a sudden, almost jarring motion, she raised Dawn's arm toward the air.
"Everybody, please give it up for Dove Platinum!" Cynthia's voice rang out, the use of Dawn's name—incorrect though it was—echoing through the arena.
Dawn was so shocked by the turn of events that she didn't even register Cynthia had gotten her name wrong. Her eyes were wide with disbelief, her mind racing as she struggled to process what was going on.
The crowd fell into a tense silence, their apprehension palpable. Cynthia's gaze swept over them, her expression growing darker. "What's the matter?" she demanded, her voice edged with irritation. "Aren't you going to cheer for her?"
Reluctantly, the crowd began to clap and cheer, their applause hesitant and tinged with nervousness. As the cheers eventually swelled, Cynthia's demeanor shifted, and she announced, "Drinks are on me."
The crowd, now visibly relieved and eager to avoid further displeasure, cheered nervously for the free drinks. They quickly made their way to the bar, their earlier anxiety overshadowed by the promise of refreshments.
Cynthia smiled as she watched the crowd leave, her eyes scanning over them before her gaze hardened as it fell on Dawn. She glanced at Chimchar's broken arm, and for a fleeting moment, her expression softened almost imperceptibly.
When she spoke again, her tone was cold and dismissive. "So, you really thought you had what it takes to challenge me? To be a trainer? Look at you—just another starry-eyed kid who thinks battling is all about dreams and fantasies. People like you… you never understand the true cost."
Lucas's face went slack with shock at the Champion's harsh words. Dawn, struggling to hold back her tears, responded, "You inspired me to become a trainer. I thought you were different."
"Inspired?" Cynthia's voice dripped with contempt. "Is that what you call it? How many battles have you actually fought? How many real challenges have you faced? From where I stand, you're nothing but a naive child playing dress-up."
"But I—I've trained hard! I've faced tough opponents!" Dawn protested, her voice trembling.
"Tough?" Cynthia sneered. "You don't know the meaning of the word. Your little victories are meaningless in the real world. You think because you admire me, you can be like me? Dream on. I've seen too many like you fail and give up. You're no different."
With that, Cynthia turned on her heel and started to walk away. She paused momentarily, glancing back with a cruel smirk. "I don't know which is weaker, you or yourlittle friendfrom earlier."
Cynthia paused, momentarily taken aback by the girl's fierce expression. Dawn, still reeling from the harsh words of the Champion, turned her head to follow Cynthia's gaze. Her eyes widened in surprise as she recognized the girl standing defiantly in front of Cynthia.
As Cynthia turned to leave, she suddenly found herself face-to-face with the furious gaze of a green-haired girl standing in her path. Her bright green eyes were ablaze with anger, locking onto Cynthia with an intensity that was impossible to ignore.
Cheryl?" Dawn whispered, her eyes widened in surprise as she recognized the girl standing defiantly in front of Cynthia.
"This is the Champion of Sinnoh, getting entertainment from humiliating a little girl?" Cheryl's voice was a mix of anger and disbelief.
Cynthia continued to walk past Cheryl, her hand brushing lightly against Cheryl's shoulder as she did. She said nothing, her silence speaking volumes as she moved on without a backward glance.
"Dawn," Cheryl began, her voice soft yet filled with concern as she walked over to her friend.
Lucas, still shocked by the unfolding events, looked at Cheryl in surprise. "Who're you?" he asked.
Cheryl knelt down beside Dawn, her eyes never leaving her friend. "A friend," she replied to Lucas, her focus fully on Dawn. Dawn met Cheryl's eyes, finding a glimmer of comfort amidst the chaos. But then she heard Chimchar's cry of pain.
She turned her attention to her Pokémon, reaching down to gently touch Chimchar's cheek as he clutched his broken arm, a tear streaming down his face.
Dawn's heart sank, her breaths becoming rapid and shallow, panic setting in. The horror of Chimchar's injury was too much for her to bear.
Cheryl placed a reassuring hand on Dawn's shoulder. "It's gonna be okay, honey, it's gonna be okay," she whispered, her voice soothing and calm.
Lucas, still processing the situation, asked, "Alright, are you gonna explain how on earth you ended up in battle with the strongest trainer on the planet?"
Cheryl, maintaining her focus on Dawn, responded firmly, "That's not important right now." She then turned her attention fully to Dawn. "Dawn, you need to breathe."
Dawn's breathing grew louder and more erratic, her chest heaving as her vision blurred. Her heart pounded in her chest, the world around her closing in. The sounds of Cheryl faded, replaced by the roaring in her ears. Desperation took hold as she clutched Chimchar tighter, tears welling up in her eyes.
Unable to stay any longer, Dawn gathered Chimchar in her arms and bolted from the road, her breath coming in short, sharp gasps. Cheryl and Lucas watched her go, Cheryl's hand still outstretched towards Dawn.
As Dawn stared at the poster, her mind flashed back to the intense battle with Cynthia, the memory vivid and raw. The scene replayed in her mind, each moment of tension and fear etched deeply into her thoughts.
Her anger bubbled over, and she reached forward, tearing the paper from the wall with a ferocity that sent it ripping and crinkling in her hands. The dramatic sound of the tearing poster echoed through the hallway, punctuating her anger and frustration.
She crumpled the paper into a tight ball, her hands shaking with the intensity of her emotions, and tossed it into a nearby trash can. The crumpled poster landed with a dull thud, a symbol of her defiance and the turmoil raging within her.
As she left the hallway, the image of Cynthia's confident smile and the message of perseverance remained imprinted in her mind, fueling her lingering anger.
Dawn made her way back to the room where Chimchar, Luxio, and Staravia were staying. She entered quietly, her eyes immediately locking onto her injured Pokémon. The room was filled with the soft hum of machinery, and she watched as the nurses worked diligently to ensure the comfort and healing of her team.
She stayed by their side throughout the night, her heart heavy with worry and determination.
As the first light of morning filtered through the windows, Dawn remained at her Pokémon's bedside. Chimchar stirred first, his eyes fluttering open as he looked around, wincing slightly at the cast encasing his arm. Luxio and Staravia began to wake up too, blinking as they adjusted to the light.
Dawn leaned forward, a gentle smile forming on her lips. "Guys... I'm," she started, but the words caught in her throat. She struggled to find the right thing to say, her emotions a tangled mess. Her Pokémon watched her with anticipation, their eyes filled with concern and curiosity.
She took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. "I know we lost, but... I, I'm..." Her voice wavered, but she forced herself to continue. "Next time I see that woman, I'm gonna spit on her."
The Pokémon exchanged surprised glances. Dawn's statement seemed almost uncharacteristic of her, but they couldn't say they quite blamed her.
She straightened up, her resolve hardening. "Let's get out of here, get some real food," she said, her voice steady now. They left the Pokémon Center together, the fresh morning air a stark contrast to the heavy atmosphere inside.
As they walked through the cobblestone streets of Eterna City, Dawn seemed almost too cheerful. She skipped along, her hair bouncing with each step. "La, la, la, la, la, la," she sang softly, a forced brightness in her tone that didn't quite reach her eyes.
Chimchar, with his arm still hurting in its cast, looked up at her with concern. His eyes followed her every move, the little fire Pokémon worried about his trainer's mental state. Luxio and Staravia trailed behind, whispering to each other, their expressions a mix of confusion and worry.
Dawn's exaggerated cheerfulness seemed at odds with the gravity of the previous day's events. The normally bustling city felt quiet in the early morning light, the occasional murmur of other early risers and the distant chirping of Pidgey the only sounds accompanying them.
As they turned a corner, Dawn's eyes lit up with genuine excitement. "Barry!" she called out, spotting her friend sitting on a bench, looking dejected.
Barry looked up in surprise, his expression shifting from gloom to shock as he saw Dawn running toward him. "Dawn?" he muttered, barely believing his eyes.
She reached him quickly, her energy almost overwhelming. Grabbing his arms, she pulled him to his feet, practically bouncing with excitement. "Barry! I hear there's this amazing park here in Eterna! We've got to go there! Pleeease?"
Barry blinked, clearly confused by her sudden appearance and enthusiasm. "Wait, what?"
Dawn didn't seem to notice his bewilderment. "Or we could visit the flower shop! They have the prettiest blooms! Or maybe the bike shop! I heard they have this cool new model! Oh, oh, or the ice cream stand! They have so many flavors! Can we, can we?" She rambled on, her excitement almost frantic, sounding more childish than her usual self.
Barry glanced at her Pokémon, who looked equally confused and disturbed by Dawn's behavior. Chimchar's concerned eyes darted from Dawn to Barry, while Luxio and Staravia whispered among themselves, their worry palpable.
"Dawn, slow down," Barry finally said, gently pulling his arms free from her grip. "What's going on?"
She paused, her forced smile faltering for a moment. "I just... I wanted to do something fun," she said, her voice softer now, almost pleading.
Barry, still seated and clearly unsettled, asked, "Yesterday, you asked me about that lady I battled. What happened?"
"Oh, that lady, right?" Dawn said, a playful giggle escaping her. "I forgot about her!" She wiggled her fingers excitedly. "Well, it turned out that lady you were so bummed out about was—get this—Cynthia Shirona herself! I know!"
Barry's eyes widened in disbelief. "Wait, what!?"
"Yup, I had the same reaction!" Dawn said, her excitement unabated. "Pretty funny, huh?"
Barry sat back down, his shock apparent. "Cynthia Shirona... I can't believe this. Dawn, if you're messing with me, I'm seriously gonna fine you a million."
Dawn's face took on a serious expression, but her tone remained light. "Nope, promise I'm not. Anyway, ooh, what if we went to the park and had a picnic or something? It could be fun!"
Barry's fingers pressed hard against his forehead, rubbing it in a slow, circular motion as if trying to massage away the frustration.
Dawn noticed the distress etched across Barry's face and asked gently, "Um, alright Barry, what's got you so upset?"
"The Queen of Sinnoh said I wasn't a real trainer," Barry said, his voice edged with a sharp note of frustration.
"Oh, come on, Barry, there's no need to worry," Dawn laughed softly, trying to lift the mood. "So what if she said that? Let your hair down a little. She's the strongest person, like, ever. Obviously, you wouldn't stand a chance. If it helps, she beat me too, but who cares? I don't!"
Barry's expression remained troubled. "What if she was right..."
As Barry sat, still grappling with the shock of the revelation, Dawn's cheerful façade began to crack. Her face, previously animated with excitement, grew taut with frustration. The shift in her expression was subtle but evident to those around her.
"Oh, c'mon, Barry! Would you please stop whining like a baby!" Dawn's voice cut through the air, sharper than she intended. The words burst out of her, raw and unfiltered. Her Pokémon, taken aback by the sudden outburst, looked at each other with wide eyes, unsure of how to react.
The boy's eyes widened further, his mouth opening in disbelief.
A few passersby turned their heads in surprise, their conversations momentarily halted by the intensity of Dawn's outburst. They watched with wide eyes, whispering among themselves, startled by the sudden and public display of anger.
Dawn's face flushed with a mix of anger and desperation. "You're letting one loss define you? Cynthia Shirona is the top of the top! Of course, you'd lose against her. You think you're the only one who's lost to her? Look at me! I just said she wiped the floor with me too, but you don't see me sitting around moaning about it!"
Barry tried to respond, but his voice was lost amid Dawn's tirade. "But..."
Dawn cut him off, her frustration spilling over. "But nothing! You're Barry, the son of Palmer Pearl. You've got a name to uphold! You can't let some battle against the strongest trainer in Sinnoh get you this down. You're a great trainer, but you're acting like a dumb kid who just lost his favorite toy!"
She took a deep breath, her anger momentarily giving way to exhaustion. Her voice softened but still carried a firm edge. "Look, you're the strongest person I know Barry. Act like it. If anyone can get past this, it's you, because unlike me, you're not weak."
The intensity of her words seemed to linger in the air, and Dawn took a deep breath, her anger slowly fading. She looked at Barry, trying to offer a comforting smile once more. "So, come on, let's just have some fun today. Whadd'ya say?"
Barry's eyes widened with shock as he processed Dawn's outburst. His expression quickly hardened into anger, and he stood abruptly from the bench.
With a forceful stride, he walked right past Dawn, deliberately bumping his shoulder into hers as he brushed by.
Dawn, unfazed, scoffed and watched him leave, muttering, "Jeez, what a baby, am I right guys?" Her words were meant to lighten the mood, but they hung heavy in the air.
As her Pokémon turned their attention to her, their faces reflected their surprise. Chimchar's eyes narrowed, and his brow furrowed as he glanced at his trainer.
Dawn's enthusiasm seemed boundless as she called out, "So, c'mon everyone, what's say we go have some fun!?" Without waiting for a response, she began to run forward, her voice trailing behind her with a cheerful, "Follow me!"
Chimchar, Luxio, and Staravia exchanged bewildered glances. Together, the three Pokémon stood in a stunned silence, their eyes locked on each other as if searching for an explanation or reassurance.
Yo, alright, I know, I know. Cynthia from the games and anime is strong, but like, I acknowledge I may have went a little overboard with her strength here, but I wanted to do that Garchomp justice considering it's like, idk, it may not objectively be the strongest Pokémon you face in the games, but it honestly feels like it.
I had a lot of fun showcasing just how strong Cynthia is, I mean, obviously Dawn didn't stand a chance, but I'm sure most people didn't expect her to be that powerful. Well, that's Cynthia for you.
Alright, Imma catch some z's. I'll try and push out the chapter soon enough, and if you enjoyed, please leave a review.
—yonas813, out.