Chapter 31: Fantina's Final Curtain
Trigger Warning: This chapter contains content related to self-harm and emotional distress. Reader discretion is advised.
The large screen behind the stage flickered to life, displaying the intense close-ups of both competitors: Dawn's determined face and Fantina's smirking visage.
The crowd erupted into a buzz of cheers, their excitement palpable as they eagerly awaited the final round of the contest.
Amelia, seated at the judging panel, addressed the audience with a mix of excitement and formality. "Ladies and gentlemen, we've reached the exhilarating finale of today's contest! On one side, we have the ever-enigmatic Fantina, a master of charm and strategy."
As the spotlight focused on the entrance, Fantina emerged from the audience, her entrance nothing short of mesmerizing. Her elaborate costume shimmered under the stage lights, and her graceful stride drew a collective gasp from the crowd.
The spectators watched with rapt attention as she made her way towards the stage, her presence commanding the entire arena.
Stephanie Schofield, the news reporter, chimed in with enthusiasm. "The final showdown is upon us! Fantina, known for her spectacular performances and tactical prowess, is about to take the stage. This is the moment everyone has been waiting for!"
Amelia continued, her voice carrying a tone of admiration. "Fantina has consistently dazzled us with her innovative techniques and breathtaking presentations. Today's final battle will be a testament to her extraordinary skill and competitive spirit."
Stephanie added, her tone brimming with anticipation, "With Fantina's track record, it's clear she's a force to be reckoned with. But don't forget, she'll be up against the determined Dawn Platinum, who has already made a significant impression throughout the contest."
As Fantina reached the stage, she paused momentarily, her eyes scanning the audience with a self-assured glint. The stage was set for a climactic showdown, and the crowd's excitement reached a fever pitch.
The atmosphere was electric as the final preparations took place. Fantina stood poised on the stage, ready to demonstrate why she was one of the most formidable competitors in the contest world.
As Fantina surveyed the arena, her gaze sweeping over the vibrant crowd and the glittering stage, a moment of contemplation passed over her. In the midst of her calculated poise, a thought intruded upon her focused mind: The daughtair of Johanna... I wonder 'ow shé's 'uldéng up right now.
The taxi pulled up to the curb in front of the station, and as the door swung open, Johanna stepped out, her face set with conviction.
The train station's façade was adorned with large, arched windows framed by ornate stonework, giving it a grand, almost nostalgic feel. The building's exterior was a combination of brick and stone, with a large, maroon awning extending out over the entrance to shield travelers from the elements.
The driver, a middle-aged man with a neatly trimmed mustache and a friendly but professional demeanor, quickly got out and popped the trunk. He retrieved Johanna's luggage, a modest suitcase and a small duffel bag, and handed them to her with a polite nod.
"Appreciated," Johanna said, accepting her bags.
As she turned to walk toward the entrance of the station, the driver cleared his throat. "Y'know, Ms. Platinum, I'll be out here for a little while in case you change your mind and want a ride to anywhere else."
Johanna glanced back at him, her expression thoughtful but firm. "No, I don't think that'll be necessary, but thanks."
The driver gave her a knowing smile, his eyes reflecting a hint of concern. "Just… don't forget what I told you, okay, dear?"
She turned on her heel and entered the train station, her thoughts focused on what awaited her inside.
Inside the train station, Johanna settled into one of the waiting area's plush, navy-blue seats. The station was a hive of activity, with travelers coming and going, rolling their luggage across polished marble floors, and checking departure boards for updates.
A soft hum of conversation and the occasional announcement over the PA system filled the air.
Johanna glanced around, taking in the station's modern amenities, she chose a seat beside a woman engrossed in a newspaper. Above them, a large flat-screen TV was mounted on the wall, broadcasting Jubilife News.
As Johanna settled in, her gaze fell on the screen. The TV displayed live footage of the Hearthome Contest. Johanna saw Fantina's face prominently on the screen, her overly fancy gown and sparkling tiara flashing in vibrant colors.
Johanna's lips curled into a disdainful frown. "Ugh, she was always one for spectacle," she muttered under her breath, her irritation evident. She turned her attention away from the screen, attempting to distract herself.
However, as the commentary continued, Johanna's attention was drawn back. The TV anchor's voice cut through the station's ambient noise with a sense of urgency. "We're now five minutes into the final round of the Hearthome Contest, and Dawn Platinum has yet to make her appearance on stage. We were expecting her to be out there by now, and the crowd is beginning to buzz with anticipation. Stay tuned as we await her arrival..
Johanna's eyes widened in shock. She sat up straighter, her mind racing. "What's taking her so long?" she thought, a knot of anxiety forming in her stomach. She glanced around the waiting area, trying to shake off the worry, but the concern for her daughter was real.
Dawn's breaths came in ragged, frantic gasps as she leaned against the locker room wall. The air felt thick and suffocating, every inhalation strained and uneven. Her vision swam as she stared at the faint reflection in the mirror, the words Fantina had spoken echoing relentlessly in her mind.
Dawn's entire world felt like it was collapsing in on itself, her breathing growing shallower and more erratic with each passing second.
She gasped for air, her hands shaking uncontrollably as she clutched at her chest, desperately trying to steady the overwhelming tremors coursing through her body. Tears blurred her vision, and her mind struggled to process the gravity of what she had just learned.
Her breathing was even more shallow and ragged as she stumbled backward, her eyes fixed on the cracked, distorted mirror. The reflection staring back at her was grotesque and mocking, a twisted version of herself that seemed to smirk with cruel satisfaction.
Her face was pale, her eyes wide with fear and disarray, and every imperfection seemed magnified by the fractured glass.
As the room seemed to tilt and sway around her, Dawn's legs gave way, and she collapsed onto the cold floor. The world felt like it was spinning, the walls closing in with an oppressive weight. Her palm throbbed with a sharp, aching pain beneath the bandage she had wrapped around her wrist.
When she looked down, she saw the bandage stained with a reddish hue. The reflection in the mirror spoke with a chilling calm, its voice echoing with a sinister edge. "You know the truth now, Dawn. You've finally been liberated," it taunted, its smirk widening.
Dawn's eyes were glued to the reflection, a maelstrom of anguish swirling within her. She felt as though her very soul was being ripped apart, each breath a struggle against the suffocating grip of despair. "No… no, that's not true," she whimpered, her voice cracking under the strain.
"To think," it hissed, with a chilling, demonic tone, "you actually tried to convince yourself she cared about you. That she loved you. She said it herself, you ruined her life. And she tried to take yours."
The reflection's voice grew darker, more sinister. "Your efforts to connect with her, the emotional pain you've put yourself through, the wound on your wrist you inflicted—all of it was for nothing. You would have never had to go through any of this if she had succeeded. She should have succeeded."
Dawn's eyes widened in terror, her body trembling uncontrollably as she clutched at her chest, her breaths ragged and shallow.
Tears streamed down Dawn's face, her sobs mingling with the distorted echoes of the reflection's cruel words. She was trapped in a relentless storm of anguish, unable to escape the cruel truths that now haunted her every breath.
On the grand stage, the lights flickered in brilliant hues of pink and gold, illuminating Fantina as she stood in the center, her elaborate gown shimmering under the spotlights. The judges, seated in their ornate chairs, exchanged concerned glances.
Amelia leaned forward, tapping her pen against her clipboard. "Where is Platinum? What's taking her so long?"
Beside her, the other judge, adjusted his glasses and scanned the stage, looking toward the entrance expectantly. "It's not like her to miss an entrance like this. We're well past the call time."
The crowd was now murmured in confusion. Stephanie Schofield, seated in the reporter's booth, shifted in her seat and glanced at the camera. "It's been over ten minutes since Dawn Platinum was called to the stage. Fans are wondering what's causing the delay—could nerves be getting the better of her, or is something else going on?"
Amelia sighed, flipping through her notes. "This is highly unusual... especially for someone as determined as her. There must be a reason."
Fantina stood on the stage, arms folded tightly against her chest, her expression growing more tense with each passing second. The smile she wore earlier had faded, replaced by a frown of concern. How eez she steehl not hairé yet? she wondered, her foot tapping lightly against the polished floor. I told hair what ai did to throw hair off hair gamé... but I didn't expect zis.
Her eyes flicked toward the entrance again, hoping to catch a glimpse of her opponent's arrival, but the doorway remained empty. Slowly, her thoughts drifted back, back to another day years ago when she stood on the same stage, waiting for someone else.
The final round. The same contest. The same unbearable wait.
Johanna, she thought bitterly, You nevair showéd up, did you?
The memory of that day was sharp and bitter. Both of them had fought their way through every round, beating out all the other contenders. It was supposed to be their ultimate showdown, a final contest to settle their rivalry once and for all. But Johanna had never appeared.
Could 'eestairy be repeaténg itself... again?
Her grip on her folded arms tightened as the flashback swirled in her mind. She could still remember the moment she'd realized something was wrong—that she wasn't going to get her final battle against Johanna. That victory by default had been a hollow one, tainted by Johanna's absence, and it had never left her mind.
Am I to blame fair zis? she asked herself, her chest tightening with a mix of guilt and uncertainty.
She shook the thought away, refusing to let it linger too long. No, she reassured herself, zis is different. But deep down, a small voice whispered that maybe it wasn't.
Johanna sat stiffly in the waiting area of the train station, her eyes glued to the television screen mounted high on the wall. The bustling station faded into the background as her focus remained solely on the broadcast of the Hearthome Contest.
About ten minutes had passed, and yet, Dawn still hadn't appeared on stage. The camera lingered on Fantina, whose smirk seemed to grow more uncertain with each passing second.
Where are you, Dawn? Johanna thought, her chest tightening with worry.
The dull murmur of the station filled her ears again as she glanced down at her hands, resting on the handle of her suitcase. Her mind churned with unease, but a slight movement beside her caught her attention.
The woman sitting next to her was young—probably no more than 18 or 19 years old—her rounded belly gently pressed against the fabric of her dress as she sat reading the morning paper. The headline was blurred, and Johanna's mind was too distracted to care.
She hesitated for a moment, then turned toward the woman. "So," Johanna asked softly, her voice cutting through the noise, "will that be your first?"
The young woman lowered the paper and looked at her, startled at first, before softening with a small smile. "Yes, it will be."
Johanna nodded, her mind flashing back to when she had been that young, overwhelmed with her own pregnancy, filled with uncertainties and fears. The memory sent a sharp pang through her chest. "It's… a lot to take in, isn't it?" she added, her voice quieter now, more reflective.
"Yeah. It really is," The woman's smile faltered slightly, her hands resting on her belly.
Johanna glanced down at the woman's hands, noticing the absence of a ring on her finger. Her eyes lingered for a moment before shifting back to the young woman's face, curiosity woven into her expression.
The young woman noticed her gaze and smiled softly, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "It's just me," she said, vulnerability creeping into her voice.
Johanna nodded slowly, remembering how lonely it felt to be young and scared, carrying a weight that no one else could share. She hesitated, unsure of what to say. Before she could decide, the woman spoke again.
"Can I ask you something?" The woman turned more towards Johanna, searching her face as if looking for reassurance. "What's it like? Being a mom, I mean. Do you have any advice? I… I'm terrified of messing everything up."
Johanna's heart clenched at the question. Her instinct was to dismiss it—I'm no one to give advice, she thought. Her life had been riddled with mistakes, regrets she could never take back. She opened her mouth to say as much, but the woman's eyes, filled with uncertainty, stopped her.
"Oh, believe me, I've made more mistakes than anyone," Johanna finally admitted, a bitter laugh escaping her. "I'm not suited to give advice..." She paused, turning her gaze toward the TV again. Dawn's face flashed on the screen, side by side with her old rival Fantina's, their smiles frozen for the world to see.
Her breath hitched, and something in her chest tightened. Her throat felt thick as she fought back the overwhelming wave of emotion that hit her.
"But," Johanna continued, her voice barely above a whisper, "if I had to say something, I'd just… um..." She hesitated, her eyes lingering on her daughter's image. "You just... gotta love them," she said softly, her voice breaking ever so slightly. "And make sure they know that."
A tear welled up in her eye as she spoke, the weight of everything she had held inside for so long threatening to spill over. She quickly wiped it away, offering the woman a small, fragile smile. "That's all that really matters."
The young woman looked at her, a little surprised by the emotion in Johanna's voice, but her expression softened. "Thank you," she whispered, placing a hand on her belly. "I'll remember that."
Johanna kept her eyes fixed on the screen, her heart racing as the minutes passed and Dawn still hadn't appeared. Every second felt heavier than the last. She could barely hear the bustle of the station around her, her mind spinning. Suddenly, she couldn't sit still any longer.
She stood abruptly, turning to the young woman beside her. "Excuse me," she murmured, her voice strained. Grabbing her things, she hurried away, her thoughts in a blur.
Outside, just as the earlier taxi driver was about to pull away, Johanna came running, dragging her luggage behind her and calling out, "Wait! Please, wait!"
The driver noticed her in his rearview mirror and rolled down the window. "Ms. Platinum?" he asked, a bit surprised.
Out of breath, Johanna reached the car and nodded frantically. "Please... what you said earlier, you were right. I need to get to the Contest Hall. Take me there, please."
The driver gave her a warm smile, tipping his hat. "Yes, ma'am," he said, his tone reassuring. With a quick motion, he unlocked the doors, ready to help her on her way.
Dawn's reflection twisted into something grotesque, its features warped and exaggerated. The once familiar face now had hollow, sunken eyes and a twisted, sneering mouth. The reflection grinned, jagged teeth glinting in the dim light, mocking her as it leaned in closer.
"Look at yourself. Ugly, weak. Your entire life a mistake from the beginning," the reflection hissed, its voice a deep, distorted version of her own.
Dawn's knees buckled, and she collapsed onto the floor, clutching her chest, her hand instinctively gripping her bandaged wrist. Her breath came in ragged gasps, and she looked up in horror at the twisted reflection grinning down at her.
"I..." she stammered, her voice breaking into a shrill whisper. "I don't know what to do."
Dawn's eyes widened with terror as the reflection's twisted smile grew even more sinister. "Yes, you do..." it purred, its voice dripping with malevolence. "You've struggled your entire life, endured far more than a child your age should. And for what? Nothing. This world is an endless cycle of pain and suffering. And there's only one way to relieve yourself from that pain, only one solution."
Dawn looked up in horror, her breath coming in quick, panicked bursts. The reflection's chilling gaze seemed to bore into her very soul. "Finish what your mother couldn't... take your life."
The words echoed in her mind, their cruel finality making her tremble uncontrollably. Dawn's entire body shook as she recoiled from the reflection. "N-no, are you crazy!?" she cried out, her voice breaking. "I-I can't—"
"Crazy? Are you forgetting who gave you that cut on your wrist?" the reflection's voice grew darker, more insidious. "Those cries for attention—are they so pitiful that you believe you deserve pity? That cut was merely a start, a prelude to what must come next."
The reflection's eyes seemed to glint with cruel satisfaction. "It's time to go through with it. To end the endless torment you call an existence. You won't have to suffer anymore; you'll be at peace. Imagine that—finally free from all this pain. And everyone else, they'll be happier without you. No more tears, no more struggle."
Dawn's breathing became increasingly erratic, her mind a storm of terror and confusion. The reflection's words cut deeper than any blade, leaving her paralyzed with fear. The thought of ending her pain seemed to blur with the reflection's twisted promises of peace.
Dawn's trembling voice barely pierced the oppressive silence. "But my Pokémon... they need me."
The reflection's grin widened, taking on a malevolent edge. "Oh please, you don't even believe that. They saw the real you come out in Eterna. Ever since then, they've been scared of what lies beneath the surface. They'd be better off without you."
The words hit Dawn like a freezing gust of wind, leaving her shivering in despair. Her head dropped, her mind reeling with the horrific suggestions. The reflection's voice grew deeper, more demonic. "Face it, Dawn. They saw you for what you truly are. And deep down, you know they're right."
Suddenly, the reflection stepped out of the mirror. Its movements were unnatural, a nightmarish distortion. It walked right past Dawn, reaching the door and turning the lock with a chilling finality. The sound of the latch clicking shut echoed ominously in the small room.
Dawn's eyes widened in terror as the reflection approached her. It reached for her bag with an eerie calmness, pulling out her pocket knife with a slow, deliberate motion. The blade flicked open with a sharp snap, its cold steel gleaming in the dim light. Dawn stared at it in shock, her breath coming in ragged gasps.
The reflection turned back towards her, its eyes glowing with a predatory light. It placed a hand on her shoulder, its touch sending a shiver down her spine. With a dark, mocking sympathy, it handed her the knife. "Do it. Set your spirit free."
A single tear traced its way down Dawn's cheek, her expression a mixture of anguish and resignation. The weight of the reflection's words and the knife in her hand had created a perverse sense of calm, a dark acceptance of the unbearable pain she felt. She tightened her grip on the knife, feeling the cold metal bite into her palm.
With trembling hands, she raised the blade to her throat, the edge glinting ominously in the dim light. Her breath came in shallow, ragged gasps as she steeled herself for the final act, the reflection's haunting words echoing in her mind. She could almost feel the anticipated relief, a cruel illusion of peace waiting just beyond the blade's edge.
The knife hovered closer, the tip almost grazing her skin. But then, a sound shattered the oppressive silence—a knock on the door. The unexpected noise jolted Dawn from her trance, her heart leaping with a sense of shock.
"Dawn," came a desperate, familiar voice through the heavy door. "Dawn, please, open the door!"
The reflection let out a scowl upon hearing Johanna's voice and vanished into the shadows. Dawn's grip on the knife trembled, and she lowered it from her neck, her body shaking with silent sobs.
"Dawn, I know you're here," Johanna's voice was filled with desperation and anguish. "Dawn, please, open the door. I just want to see your face!"
The pounding on the door grew more urgent, but Dawn remained silent, her breath coming in ragged gasps. Tears streamed down her face as she fought to stifle her cries, pressing her forehead against her arm to hide the tears.
"I know, Dawn," Johanna's voice cracked with emotion. "I know I messed up, I'm sorry. I said things I shouldn't have. Your entire life, I've kept you at arm's length. You've been through so much pain, and you don't deserve any of it. So please, open the door so I can tell you that to your face."
Dawn's heart ached with the weight of her mother's words. The knife slipped from her grasp, clattering to the floor. She sank to her knees, her sobs now freely escaping her lips. As the pain ebbed away, it was replaced by a surge of anger. She looked up with tear-streaked eyes, her face twisted with both rage and hurt.
"Liar!" she shouted, her voice hoarse and raw. "I know the truth now! Fantina told me everything!"
Johanna stood at the door to the locker room, her hand trembling as she knocked again. "Dawn, honey, please open it," she called, her voice quivering with desperation.
From inside, Dawn's voice came through, strained and filled with anger. "I've had it with your lies! You can say whatever you want, but it won't change anything! I know what you did!"
Confused and pained, Johanna's heart sank. "What're you talking about?" she called through the door, trying to make sense of her daughter's words.
"Don't act like you don't remember!" Dawn yelled, her voice breaking as she cried. "When you were pregnant with me, you drank nail polish remover! You wanted to get rid of me, or maybe take me out with you! From the very start, you always hated me!"
With a sob, Dawn reached for the knife again. "Well, the feeling's mutual. I hate you! I wish you had succeeded!"
"Nail polish remover? Johanna's voice came through the door, filled with confusion and distress. "Dawn, that's not true! Fantina would say anything to get under your skin. It's a lie, I swear!"
Dawn's grip on the knife tightened, her tears mingling with her anger. The reflection of herself, still smiling malevolently from within the shadows, seemed to whisper in her mind, feeding her torment.
From the other side of the door, Johanna leaned her head against it, her voice trembling with anguish. "Dawn, that woman hates me. She's using you to get back at me. She has no morals—she'll do whatever it takes to get a leg up over me, even if it means hurting you. Please, you have to believe me. I didn't drink nail polish remover. I would never do anything like that. You want to know the truth: I love you, Dawn. I'm sorry for everything I said before. You didn't ruin my life. You're the best thing that's ever happened to me. I just wish you knew that!"
The only response was a heavy silence that seemed to press in from all sides. Johanna knocked again, her hand gentle this time, the urgency gone from her touch. "Dawn, please, I just want to see your face…"
When the silence stretched on, Johanna felt her resolve breaking. She fought back tears, her hands shaking as she reached into her pocket. She pulled out her wallet with unsteady fingers and retrieved a slip of paper from inside.
Kneeling by the door, she carefully slid the white paper underneath it, her movements slow and deliberate. "If you want me to leave, if you never want to see me again, then I will. But only after you've seen this."
She held her breath, waiting in the oppressive quiet, her heart aching with a mixture of hope and dread. After what felt like an eternity, she heard a confused voice from the other side. "What is that?"
Johanna's voice was soft but firm as she replied, "You should know. You wrote it."
Dawn stood at the inn's door, her heart pounding as she slowly approached it. Her movements were heavy, each step a laborious effort as if the weight of her emotions was anchoring her down.
She bent down, reaching for the paper that Johanna had slipped underneath the door. Her hand trembled as she picked it up, the pocket knife still clutched in her other hand.
As she turned the paper over, her eyes scanned the three words written in a familiar, shaky hand: "I love you."
The simplicity of the message hit her like a tidal wave. Confusion and shock flashed across her face as she realized that the note was the same one she had written for her mother before she left on her journey.
The memory of writing it, the hope that Johanna would find it and understand her love, surged back, intensifying the storm of emotions within her. Her grip on the knife slackened, and tears began to stream down her cheeks, unbidden and relentless. She had been on the brink of ending it all, and now, this simple piece of paper brought her crashing back to the raw, painful truth of her feelings. She sobbed, her shoulders shaking as she clutched the note to her chest.
The muffled voice of her mother came through the door, tender and filled with desperation. "Y-you held on to this…?"
"Yes," Johanna replied softly from the other side. "Please, Dawn, let me see you."
Dawn's eyes flicked between the paper in her hand and the knife that had been a symbol of her despair. With a decisive movement, she tossed the knife across the room, its clatter echoing in the silence. She wiped her tears with trembling hands, her heart aching with the realization of how close she had come to an irreversible mistake.
Slowly, she unlocked the door, her movements hesitant but filled with a newfound resolve. As the door creaked open, she was met face-to-face with her mother. Johanna's eyes were red and brimming with tears.
Dawn dropped her head, her voice barely a whisper. "Mom..." The weight of everything she'd said pressed down on her chest. Her arm holding the paper fell to her side. "I'm so, so sorry for what I said. I didn't mean any of it, I just—"
"You don't ever have to apologize to me," Johanna interrupted gently, her voice steady but warm. "You did nothing wrong." She placed a comforting hand on Dawn's shoulder, squeezing it lightly as she looked at her daughter with understanding.
Dawn's gaze dropped to the bandage on her wrist, shame and guilt washing over her again. "But I—"
"Shh," Johanna whispered, stepping closer, her hand now softly rubbing Dawn's back. "I'm here now. And I love you more than anything in this world. That's the only thing that matters. Nothing you say or do will ever change that."
Dawn's lip trembled as her emotions began to unravel. She couldn't hold back any longer. The floodgates broke, and she threw herself into her mother's arms, burying her face in her chest. "Mom..." she choked out between sobs.
"It's okay, I'm here now," Johanna gently stroked Dawn's hair, her voice soft and steady.
Dawn's voice faltered as she glanced at the discarded knife lying on the floor. "Mom, if you hadn't come... I might've..." Her words trailed off, the thought too painful to finish.
Johanna's arms tightened around her. "It's okay now, baby. It's okay," she whispered, holding her daughter even closer.
After a few moments, Johanna glanced at the clock on the wall. It had been about 35 minutes since Dawn's match was supposed to start. She pulled back slightly and asked softly, "Are you feeling better?"
Dawn wiped her eyes and nodded, her voice steadier now. "I am now."
A small, reassuring smile tugged at Johanna's lips as she looked at her daughter. "There's still time for you to make it to the ring if you hurry," she said, her voice filled with gentle encouragement.
Dawn blinked, her tear-streaked face momentarily blank as the realization of Johanna's words sunk in. "Really?" she asked, her voice carrying a note of hope as the heaviness of her earlier despair began to lift. The faintest hint of energy returned to her eyes.
"Yes, really," Johanna affirmed, a twinkle of pride lighting up her gaze. "Go show them what a Platinum's made of!"
Dawn took a deep, shuddering breath, her resolve flickering to life once more. She quickly wiped the last of her tears from her cheeks, the traces of her recent breakdown still evident but now mingled with a newfound resolve. "Yeah!" she exclaimed with renewed vigor.
With a final, encouraging glance from Johanna, Dawn turned and dashed towards the door of the locker room. Her footsteps echoed off the walls as she ran. "I'll make you proud, Mom!" she called back over her shoulder.
Johanna stood by the door, watching her daughter with a warm, proud smile. As the door swung shut behind Dawn, Johanna whispered to herself, "You already have…"
In the arena, frustration was palpable as the crowd's murmurs grew louder. Spectators shifted uneasily in their seats, their excitement waning as the minutes ticked by without any sign of Dawn.
Fantina stood on the stage, her composed demeanor wavering with each passing moment. Her arms were folded tightly across her chest, a growing frown etched into her face as she scanned the entrance for any sign of the missing competitor.
At the reporter booth, Stephanie Schofield adjusted her microphone, her gaze fixed on the empty entrance where Dawn was supposed to appear.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Stephanie's voice resonated through the arena, "it appears we're facing an unexpected delay. Dawn Platinum, who was scheduled to face Fantina in this highly anticipated match, has yet to make her entrance."
Her brow furrowed with concern, Stephanie continued her commentary. "This is certainly not what we expected. Dawn Platinum has been the talk of the town, known for her impressive skills and determination. To see her missing at such a critical moment is, frankly, surprising."
As Stephanie spoke, the camera cut to the judges' table, where Amelia and her fellow judges were engaged in a hushed conversation. Their faces were marked by a mixture of disappointment and resignation. The decision was clear, though it pained them to admit it.
Amelia, her voice heavy with reluctance, spoke to her colleagues. "It's been long enough. We can't delay any further. Dawn hasn't shown up, and according to the rules, this means she has forfeited."
The other judges nodded in agreement, their expressions reflecting their shared sentiment. With a resigned sigh, Amelia prepared to make the official announcement.
Meanwhile, Stephanie's internal doubts surfaced as she watched the scene unfold. Maybe she wasn't the girl from Jubilife after all... she thought, her belief in Dawn's determination waning as the minutes passed without any sign of the young trainer.
Just as Amelia took up the microphone to make the announcement, the crowd's murmurs intensified, their anticipation turning to frustration. The moment seemed to drag on until Amelia's voice finally cut through the tension.
"Ladies and gentlemen," she announced, her tone carrying the weight of the situation, "it is with regret that I must inform you that Dawn Platinum has forfeited the match. Fantina is declared the winner by default."
The announcement hit Fantina like a jolt. Her teeth clenched, her frustration evident as she muttered under her breath, "No, zis wasn't supposed to 'appen." She had anticipated a fierce challenge and felt a pang of disappointment that her plans were falling apart in such an anticlimactic manner.
Just as the crowd began to react with murmurs of discontent, a sudden shout pierced through the noise. "Wait!"
The doors to the arena swung open with a loud bang, and Dawn burst through, her face flushed and her breath coming in ragged gasps. She sprinted towards the stage, her eyes wide with determination and desperation. "Wait, I'm here! Don't call off the match!"
The arena fell silent, the spectators' attention snapping back to the entrance as Dawn ran towards the stage, her determination shining through her exhaustion.
Fantina's eyes widened in shock as she saw Dawn burst through the doors. The young trainer's sudden arrival took the ghostly coordinator by surprise, her confident demeanor momentarily faltering.
Stephanie Schofield's eyes lit up with renewed excitement. A smile spread across her face as she seized the opportunity to capture the unfolding drama. She took the camera from the other reporters and focused it directly on Dawn as she sprinted across the stage.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Stephanie's voice rang out, her enthusiasm palpable, "Dawn Platinum has made a dramatic entrance! Just as we were about to call the match in Fantina's favor, Dawn arrives, and it looks like the battle is back on!"
In the audience, Eric's arms were folded in a skeptical pose as he watched Dawn with a smirk. "So, the kid's finally here," he muttered to himself, amusement lacing his tone. "About time."
Farther back in the crowd, Gerald's gaze was fixed on the stage, his expression contemplative. If anyone can defeat that woman, it's gotta be her, he pondered.
As Dawn stepped onto the stage, Amelia's irritation was palpable. She strode over to the young trainer, her eyes narrowing in frustration. "We were about to forfeit you. What on Earth took you so long?" she demanded, her voice sharp but subdued outside the microphone's range.
Dawn, panting and out of breath, looked up at Amelia with a sheepish smile. "Um, listen, I'm really, really sorry, but uh, there's no need to worry! I'm here now, aren't I? There'd be no point in canceling the match now."
Amelia sighed, the sternness in her expression softening as she gave a reluctant nod. "Alright, alright," she said, a faint smile breaking through. "We'll proceed with the match."
Dawn's gaze then shifted to Fantina, her eyes narrowing into a fierce glare. Fantina, though initially unfazed, couldn't ignore the intensity of Dawn's stare. Her smirk faltered as she noticed the change in Dawn's demeanor—her confidence seemed to be fading, replaced by a look of steely determination that sent a shiver down Fantina's spine.
The seeds of doubt een hair eyes, they'ré gone? Fantina thought, shock and concern flickering across her face. The calm and collected Gym Leader was suddenly faced with a very different, more formidable opponent than she had anticipated.
Amelia stepped forward, her expression now serious but tinged with excitement. "Before we begin, I'd like to announce that this match will be a two-on-two battle!" She paused for a moment, her eyes shifting between the trainers. "May the match begin!" The buzzer sounded, signaling the start of the battle.
In unison, Dawn and Johanna pulled out two Poké Balls each, tossing them into the arena with practiced precision. Dawn called out with a confident smile, "Chimchar, Shellos, spotlight!"
"Char! Chimchar!" Chimchar screeched, landing in a one-handed handstand before flipping gracefully and landing on his feet, his flames flickering with an impressive display of agility and flair.
Beside him, Shellos emerged with a joyful "Shell! Shellos!" He wobbled slightly as he landed but quickly settled into a ready stance, his soft, pink and blue body gleaming under the arena lights.
On Fantina's side, the first Pokémon to appear was Mismagius, its ghostly form floating elegantly into view with an eerie, ethereal grace.
The second Pokémon was a ghostly figure with a large, spherical, deep purple body and a lighter purple lower quarter. It had a puffy, white cloud-like mass on its head, a yellow "X" on its body, and four long, thin arms tipped with yellow. The bottom of its body tapered into a red, fan-like extrusion.
Dawn's eyes widened in shock as she took in the unfamiliar ghost-type Pokémon. What the heck is that? she wondered, her curiosity piqued. She quickly pulled out her Pokédex, aiming it at the mysterious Pokémon as it hovered ominously.
"Drifblim, the Blimp Pokémon. At dusk, swarms of them are carried aloft on winds. When noticed, they suddenly vanish."
The moment Dawn and Fantina's eyes locked, the tension in the arena heightened. Shellos stared at Drifblim with a nervous sweat bead forming on his face, his eyes shifting nervously from the daunting ghostly figure to Mismagius.
The ghost Pokémon seemed to taunt him with a flick of its ethereal mist, "May, May," making Shellos's nerves flare up. Remembering their previous encounter, Shellos's apprehension turned into a fierce growl. "Shell, Shellos!" he roared, his body tense.
Chimchar, on the other hand, exuded a calm, collected confidence. He cracked his neck with a swift, sharp motion, followed by a satisfying crack of his knuckles. He then dropped into a battle stance, positioning his arms with precision. His fists were held up close to his torso, elbows bent and slightly outwards, creating a solid, defensive guard.
Fantina's gaze held an intense focus as she and Dawn exchanged determined looks. "I'm amazéd you actual-lee showéd," she said, a hint of surprise in her voice.
"Gotta keep them on their toes," Dawn's reply was sharp and resolute.
Fantina's gaze darted to the large screen above the arena, where their faces were displayed in vivid detail. As she scanned the crowd, her eyes fell on Johanna seated in one of the front-row seats.
Her expression shifted from confident to one of shock and disbelief as she recognized Dawn's mother. Her mouth hung open, and a wave of incredulity washed over her features as she locked eyes with Johanna. The air between them crackled with tension, an unspoken history hanging heavy.
The intensity of their stare-off was briefly interrupted as Fantina forced herself to look back at Dawn, struggling to suppress her frustration. Her previously composed smile faltered, becoming a thin, tight-lipped smirk that did little to hide her irritation. "So, I see zat wairthlez mothair of yurs decided to show up aftair all. What a surprise."
Dawn's reaction was swift and heated, her voice sharp with anger. "Don't talk about my mother that way."
Fantina's eyes widened momentarily, caught off guard by the intensity of Dawn's response. The comment seemed to pierce through her usual composure.
"My mother was the greatest Coordinator in the world, and I'm going to uphold her legacy by taking you down!" Dawn declared, her voice trembling with determination.
Fury flashed in Fantina's eyes, but she quickly masked it with a veneer of cold, calculated disdain. "We'll just see about that," she replied, her tone icy and resolute.
Fantina wasted no time, her voice clear and commanding. "Mismagius, use Magical Leaf!"
Mismagius floated gracefully into position, and with a flick of its ghostly form, it conjured a flurry of radiant, multicolored leaves that spun through the air with enchanting elegance. Fantina then turned her gaze to Drifblim. "Drifblim, enhancé eet wiv Gust!"
With a powerful thrust of its ghostly arms, Drifblim created a gust of wind that caught the Magical Leaves, propelling them faster and faster. The leaves whirled and spun in a breathtaking display of speed, their movements so rapid that they were almost incomprehensible to the naked eye. The air crackled with the sheer force of their motion.
"Alright Chimchar, now's a good time for your Fury Swipes!" Dawn shouted with unwavering resolve.
Chimchar, eyes narrowed in focus, extended his sharp claws with precision. With a burst of agility, he lunged forward, his movements a blur as he sliced through the barrage of Magical Leaves.
Each swipe was a masterful display of coordination, the leaves being cut and dispersed in mid-air with an elegant grace that matched Chimchar's own fluid movements. The sparks from his claws caught the light, adding an extra layer of brilliance.
The judges exchanged impressed glances as they observed the intense exchange. "Remarkable! Chimchar's swipes are effortlessly cutting through the Magical Leaves, demonstrating incredible speed and precision," one of them commented, clearly taken aback by the spectacle.
In the crowd, Johanna watched with a mixture of pride and relief. Her eyes softened as she saw Dawn's skillful maneuvering. Not bad, Dawn, she thought to herself, her heart swelling with admiration.
Fantina's frustration was evident as her points slightly dipped, her lips pressing into a thin line. Her eyes narrowed, and she quickly recalibrated her strategy. "Drifblim, Aerial Ace, now!"
Drifblim's form shimmered as it accelerated gracefully through the air, its trajectory aimed directly at Chimchar. The ghostly Pokémon moved with an elegant precision, the attack unfolding like a swift, deadly dance.
Seeing the incoming threat, Dawn seized the moment. "Shellos, Mud Shot!"
Shellos, moving with surprising agility, leaped beside Chimchar. With a powerful heave, it launched a stream of mud towards Drifblim. The mud shot through the air, its trajectory smooth and fluid despite the nature of the attack. Each globule sparkled in the arena lights, giving the impression of a dark, glistening comet.
Drifblim twisted effortlessly in the air, its ethereal form allowing it to dodge most of the mud. A few droplets passed through its insubstantial body, causing Drifblim to waver but not falter. Dawn's eyes widened in shock. "What!?"
Before she could fully comprehend the situation, Chimchar was struck by the Aerial Ace. The impact was fierce, sending him hurtling across the arena with impressive force. He flipped in mid-air, showcasing his acrobatic skill, and managed to land with a sharp thud just before the edge of the ring. He quickly wiped a scuff mark above his lip, a determined glint in his eyes.
"That Mud Shot, it ate it completely," Dawn thought frantically, glancing up at the scoreboard where her points had dropped below Fantina's. Her gaze then locked onto Drifblim, a revelation dawning on her. "I see now. Not only is it a ghost-type, but a flying-type as well..."
The realization hit her like a jolt. With Drifblim's flying-type advantage and Mismagius's Levitate ability, not only were her ground-type moves ineffective against the ghost-types, but it also meant that Drifblim was immune to Shellos's Mud Shot.
Fantina, observing the shifting tides of the battle, decided to take the initiative with a complex strategy. Her eyes sparkled with determination as she gave her command. "Mismagius, Thunderbolt! Drifblim, fullow up wiv Gust!"
Mismagius floated elegantly into position, its eyes narrowing as it summoned a crackling bolt of electricity. The Thunderbolt surged forward, crackling with raw power. Simultaneously, Drifblim summoned a powerful gust of wind, whipping up a storm that accelerated the Thunderbolt's speed.
The two attacks combined into a blinding, crackling storm of electricity and wind, creating a dazzling display of power and precision that left the audience in awe.
Dawn, watching Fantina's combined attack with wide eyes, knew she needed a countermeasure. "Chimchar, Shellos, let's go with a combined attack! Chimchar, Ember! Shellos, Water Gun!"
Chimchar let out a fierce cry as it spewed a torrent of fiery embers into the arena. Shellos followed suit, unleashing a powerful stream of water from its mouth. The two attacks converged, merging into a thick steam that quickly engulfed the arena. The misty veil obscured the battlefield, creating an ethereal shroud.
The judges, watching the display, were impressed by the creative combination. "An impressive use of elemental synergy!" one of them commented. "Dawn and her Pokémon are certainly showing innovative tactics."
In the audience, Johanna watched with a proud smile. "Nice, they're using what we taught them back during training," she thought, her heart swelling with pride.
As the steam enveloped the arena, Fantina's Drifblim began to launch a Shadow Ball towards Chimchar. Chimchar, reacting with quick reflexes, raised his arm and deflected the dark sphere with a swift, powerful motion. The Shadow Ball was redirected, dissipating harmlessly into the air.
The thick steam continued to obscure the view, creating a dramatic atmosphere. Through the haze, Fantina's voice cut sharply, "Mismagius, use Magical Leaf to clear the steam!"
Mismagius responded with a graceful swirl, sending out a flurry of shimmering leaves that cut through the mist, clearing the way and revealing the field once more.
As the steam began to dissipate, Dawn seized the opportunity to act. "Chimchar, use Ember to clear the leaves!" she commanded.
Chimchar, with a determined cry, unleashed a stream of fiery embers. The flames danced through the air with a graceful elegance, but despite their beauty, they were not strong enough to clear the dense layer of Magical Leaves. Dawn's eyes widened in frustration as she heard the sound of her points diminishing on the scoreboard.
"Chimchar!" she screamed, desperation evident in her voice.
At the urgency in Dawn's call, Chimchar's flames intensified. With a fierce roar, he exhaled an immense, roaring blaze. The fire surged forward, erupting with a force reminiscent of a grand fireball. The flames cut through the leaves with effortless power, consuming them in a torrent of scorching heat. The arena was bathed in a brilliant, fiery glow that cast red and orange hues across Fantina's face.
Fantina's eyes widened in shock as she gasped, "C-could zat be?" Her face reflected the fiery light, showing her astonishment.
As the intense flames roared towards Mismagius, Fantina quickly called out, "Mismagius, use Psywave!"
Mismagius responded with a ripple of psychic energy, sending waves across the stage in an attempt to disrupt the oncoming inferno. The Psywave clashed with the flames, but the fire proved too powerful, continuing its relentless advance.
Just before Mismagius was engulfed, Drifblim swooped in front of the ghostly Pokémon, taking the full brunt of the attack. The resulting explosion was dramatic, filling the arena with a burst of smoke and debris.
The judges, captivated by the turn of events, commented in awe. "That was no ordinary Ember! That was a Flamethrower! The power and precision of that attack are simply extraordinary!"
Dawn, eyes wide with amazement, exclaimed, "Oh wow, he really did it! He learned Flamethrower!"
As the smoke began to clear, Drifblim struggled to its feet, its body marked with burn injuries from the intense flames. Fantina, her expression one of fury, glanced up at the scoreboard. Her points had dropped five below Dawn's, highlighting the dramatic shift in the match.
Shellos flashed a broad smile at Chimchar's side. Chimchar, emboldened by the power he had just demonstrated, smirked confidently and waved tauntingly at Mismagius and Drifblim, as if daring them to come at him.
Fantina, her gaze cold and calculating, watched the display with an inscrutable expression. Her demeanor was refined, yet her eyes betrayed a growing unease as she took in Chimchar's newfound strength.
"Impressive," she said, her voice smooth yet laced with a hint of frustration. "You've shown a remarkable improvement. Last time, Mismagius had no trouble dealing with your Shellos."
Dawn, undeterred, responded with unwavering resolve. "So, what's your point?"
Fantina's lips curled into a sly smile as her voice took on a menacing edge. "I'm confident that without that Chimchar of yours, I'll have no trouble securing my victory."
With a sudden, chilling confidence, Fantina commanded, "Drifblim, use Destiny Bond!"
Drifblim's eyes glowed with an eerie, malevolent light as dark energy swirled around it, casting an ominous shadow over the arena. The energy coalesced into a pulsating, demonic aura that reached out towards Chimchar with a terrifying, otherworldly force. The sight was so unsettling that a shiver ran through the crowd.
"Now, Mismagius, Thunderbolt!" Fantina's voice was sharp and commanding.
Mismagius hesitated, its eyes flickering with uncertainty as it glanced between Fantina and Drifblim. The audience watched in stunned silence as the tension mounted. "What are you waiteng fair?" Fantina barked, her voice edged with impatience. "Do eet now!"
With a strained resolve, Mismagius released a devastating bolt of lightning. The Thunderbolt surged through the air, crackling with raw, electric fury. It struck Drifblim with overwhelming force, sending ripples of painful energy across its body. The lightning was both visually and audibly shocking, causing the audience to gasp in collective horror.
Dawn's eyes widened, her heart racing. What is that maniac doing?! she thought in disbelief.
Stephanie Schofield's voice crackled through the reports booth. "Ladies and gentlemen, what a turn of events! Fantina has ordered Mismagius to unleash Thunderbolt on Drifblim, and the results are nothing short of catastrophic!"
The judges, eyes wide with disbelief, couldn't contain their shock. One of them blurted out, "Has she lost her mind!? She's attacking her own Pokémon!"
Johanna leapt to her feet in the crowd, horror spreading across her face. "That idiot! She's not doing what I think she's doing, is she!?"
Dawn's hands clenched into fists, her voice catching in her throat. "No… stop!" she muttered, but it was too late. Drifblim, its massive form shaking from the brutal assault, wavered before dramatically collapsing, the force of its body hitting the ground reverberating through the arena.
Dawn's breath hitched, her shock turning to a mix of fear and anger. How could she do this to her own Pokémon?
Stephanie Schofield's voice quivered as she continued the commentary. "And now Drifblim is down! But wait… Fantina's points are dropping! She's lost a significant amount!"
Yet Fantina didn't even seem to notice her plummeting points. Instead, she stood there with a smile—cold and unsettling—as her Drifblim lay crumpled on the arena floor. Her attention was entirely focused on Chimchar.
Dawn's eyes darted from the screen to Chimchar, and she froze. Chimchar's body began to shudder as his eyes slowly dimmed, his energy rapidly fading. His legs buckled beneath him as if some invisible weight had suddenly dragged him down.
"No! Chimchar!" Dawn screamed, rushing over to her Pokémon as he collapsed face-first onto the ground. She skidded to his side, her hands trembling as she lifted his small frame. "Chimchar, wake up!" She shook him gently, her voice cracking with desperation.
She whipped around, glaring at Fantina in shock. "What the heck did you do?!"
Fantina's smile widened, her eyes gleaming with cruel amusement. "Destiny Bond," she said softly, her voice dripping with satisfaction. "When Drifblim takén down, eet ensuréd zat Chimchar would fall too. If my Pokémon faints, so does yurs. It's a simple, but clevair strategy, wouldn't you say?"
Fantina's eyes gleamed as she offered a slow, deliberate shrug. "I was surprizéd by yur chimchar's powair—tru-lee imprezivé," she admitted, almost with a hint of admiration. But then her expression hardened, her gaze shifting toward Shellos with a cold smirk. "now zat 'é's oot of ze pictuair…" Her eyes narrowed menacingly at Shellos, who shifted nervously under her piercing gaze. "Yur Shellos mai 'avé become strongair, but 'e's steehl far weakair than my Mismagius, and far less elegant too. Zis will be a breeze."
The judges exchanged nervous glances, their murmurs filling the air.
"Fantina's tactics are as ruthless as they are brilliant," Amelia commented, a tone of disbelief in their voice. "That Destiny Bond was a risky, shocking move, but it worked."
"She's pushed Dawn into a corner now," another judge added. "And look, Dawn's points have dropped again!" The screen showed Dawn's points plummeting, evening out with Fantina's at 50. The audience collectively held their breath, eyes glued to the intense standoff.
Dawn clenched her fists, glancing back at the scoreboard in frustration. Now it was a tie, and she was standing on the edge of a battle she hadn't expected to turn so quickly. Shellos, though visibly uneasy, braced itself for whatever came next.
The girl's entire body shook with anger, her fists clenched so tightly that her knuckles turned white. "You're out of your mind!" she snapped, her voice rising with fury. "Not only have you insulted me, not only have you messed with my head, but now you strike your own Pokémon?" She took out Chimchar's Poké Ball, eyes burning with determination. "I can't lose someone like you, never again!"
Fantina remained calm, her smirk unwavering. "Such emoshé-on," she purred. "But emoshé-on alone won't win you this bat-tell."
"I'll prove you wrong!" Dawn yelled, her voice filled with defiance. "Alright, Shellos, use Water Gun!"
Shellos unleashed a concentrated stream of water, its force cutting through the haze of battle. The jet of water slammed into Mismagius, causing it to sway but not falter. Fantina's Mismagius countered with a Magical Leaf, sending a flurry of vibrant, spinning leaves that sliced through the water, their colors sparkling against the darkened stage.
The audience was captivated by the spectacle. The leaves effortlessly dissipated Shellos's attack, and Mismagius floated unscathed. Dawn's heart raced as she saw her points on the scoreboard drop to 45, while Fantina's remained at 60. The gap seemed to widen with every second.
"Thunderbolt!" Fantina called out, her voice dripping with confidence.
Mismagius gathered electrical energy, its body crackling with bolts of lightning. The Thunderbolt shot across the arena, aiming directly at Shellos. The sheer intensity of the attack was breathtaking, illuminating the arena with a bright, blinding light.
"Shellos, dodge!" Dawn shouted desperately.
With a swift maneuver, Shellos barely managed to evade the brunt of the attack, but the residual energy struck him, causing him to stagger. The crowd gasped at the powerful display of electrical energy. Shellos's body trembled as the Thunderbolt's force left him disoriented.
The judges, their eyes wide with concern, remarked, "This Thunderbolt is incredibly powerful! Shellos is taking a significant beating, but he's still in this fight!"
Amelia, on the edge of her seat, added, "Fantina's Mismagius is showing remarkable control. The precision of that Thunderbolt is something to behold."
The arena was filled with the buzzing energy of anticipation. Fantina's eyes shone with a mixture of satisfaction and competitive fervor. "Mismagius, now finish it with Psywave!"
The ethereal waves of psychic energy surged from Mismagius, forming a shimmering vortex of rippling light. The Psywave charged toward Shellos, each ripple distorting the air and adding to the intensity of the attack.
"Hang in there, Shellos!" Dawn urged, her voice trembling with determination.
Shellos, barely able to stand, faced the approaching Psywave with all the resolve he could muster. The rippling energy collided with Shellos, and the Pokémon staggered under the force of the attack, his body shaking violently.
The scoreboard flickered, showing Dawn's points at 45 and Fantina's at 60. The difference seemed almost insurmountable, and the tension in the arena was tangible.
"Muddy Water!" Dawn cried out, trying to use Shellos's remaining strength.
Shellos gathered the last of his energy and expelled a torrent of murky water towards Mismagius. The attack surged forward, mixing with the sparkling effects of the arena lights, creating a dramatic contrast. The water clashed with Mismagius's ghostly form, causing the ghost Pokémon to waver slightly but not lose its elegant composure.
Fantina's eyes narrowed with calculated precision. "Not enough, dear. Mismagius, use Shadow Ball to finish this!"
Mismagius spun gracefully, conjuring a dark, swirling orb of ghostly energy. The Shadow Ball expanded, its dark aura filling the arena as it was hurled toward Shellos. The attack was both powerful and menacing, the very air around it seemed to grow colder.
"Shellos, brace yourself!" Dawn shouted, her heart pounding.
The Shadow Ball collided with Shellos, and the explosion sent a shockwave through the arena. The impact knocked Shellos off his feet, and the arena was momentarily filled with smoke and debris. The audience held their breath as the dust began to clear.
In the midst of the chaos, Shellos, despite being on the brink of unconsciousness, remembered the lesson from Tony's demonstration. He recalled the visual of Delibird's Ice Beam—a vivid, icy beam of energy.
Tony's voice echoed in his memory, "First, you'll want to focus your energy and visualize the move. Imagine a freezing cold blast of ice forming in front of you!"
The memory of Delibird performing Ice Beam with a dazzling display of icy blue light and sparkling crystals guided Shellos.
The energy of the battle seemed to coalesce around him as Shellos, with every ounce of his remaining strength, gathered the freezing cold energy. His body glowed with a soft blue hue, and the air around him grew colder.
"Shellos, no way!?" Dawn gasped in disbelief, her eyes widening as she watched her Pokémon muster the last of his energy.
"Shellos!" Shellos cried out, focusing all his energy into the attack.
A brilliant beam of icy blue light erupted from Shellos, cutting through the smoke and frost. The Ice Beam struck Mismagius directly, its brilliance creating a breathtaking spectacle of frozen light. The attack spread across Mismagius, its ghostly form encased in a layer of frost.
Fantina's eyes widened in shock and disbelief. Her perfectly poised smile faltered, replaced by an expression of utter amazement. "I-impossible!?"
Dawn stared, slack-jawed and wide-eyed, as the reality of Shellos's accomplishment began to sink in. "Shellos, you did it!" she exclaimed, her voice choked with astonishment. The arena around her seemed to blur as the focus tightened on the dramatic turn of events.
In the audience, Johanna leapt to her feet, her face lit up with pure joy and pride. She laughed loudly, her voice ringing out above the crowd. "The little guy finally figured it out!" Johanna shouted, her amazement palpable. "Look at that! He really did it!"
Her excitement was contagious, spreading through the crowd like wildfire. The audience erupted into cheers and applause, their enthusiasm echoing throughout the arena. Johanna's pride was evident, her claps and cheers punctuating the triumphant moment.
The judges, equally taken aback, exchanged bewildered looks. "This is extraordinary! Shellos has turned the battle around with an Ice Beam of such power and precision!" one of them commented, clearly stunned. "What a dramatic shift in the contest!"
Dawn's heart pounded in her chest. "Shellos, finish it!" she commanded, her voice brimming with determination. Shellos, despite his exhaustion, gathered his remaining strength.
With a final burst of energy, he unleashed a powerful Water Gun. The jet of water crashed into the frozen Mismagius, shattering the ice into a cascade of sparkling fragments.
The timer on the display ticked down to its final moments, the tension in the arena palpable. As the final seconds expired, both Dawn and Fantina turned to the scoreboard, their expressions tense with anticipation.
Dawn's eyes were glued to the screen as the numbers flashed. Her heart sank when she saw her points at 40, while Fantina's were at 55. The contrast was stark, and a smirk curled at the corner of Fantina's lips. Dawn's teeth clenched in frustration, her gaze fixed on the scoreboard with a mixture of anger and determination.
But then, a sudden change occurred. Fantina's points began to drop rapidly, sliding down from 55 to 37. Fantina's smirk faded into a look of sheer disbelief as she gasped, "What… What's 'appeneng!?" The shock was evident in her wide eyes.
Dawn's expression shifted from frustration to a fierce glimmer of hope as she saw the scoreboard reflect the unexpected turn.
"And the winner is… Dawn Platinum!" one of the judges announced, his voice booming with exhilaration. "What an incredible comeback!"
The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, their enthusiasm filling the arena. The dramatic shift in the battle had captivated everyone, and Dawn's victory was met with overwhelming acclaim.
Stephanie Schofield's voice crackled through the reports booth, filled with astonished disbelief. "Ladies and gentlemen, this is unbelievable! Dawn Platinum has triumphed in a contest that seemed lost just moments ago!" Her tone was filled with awe as she continued, "In a battle where the odds were against her, she showcased incredible resilience and strategy, turning the tide with an astonishing Ice Beam! This is a victory that will be talked about for years to come!"
In the audience, Johanna's eyes widened in disbelief as she took in the scene. Her mouth moved in silent astonishment before she finally gasped, "I… I can't believe it! My daughter… she did it!" Her voice was filled with a mixture of pride and awe.
As she looked at Dawn from the stands, Johanna saw more than just her daughter. She saw a reflection of her younger self, brimming with determination and hope. Her heart swelled with pride, and a tear slipped down her cheek. "She's grown so much…" Johanna murmured, her voice choked with emotion. "I'm so proud of her… so incredibly proud."
"Shell!" Shellos cried out, looking at Dawn with a wide, happy smile. Dawn immediately dropped to her knees and embraced Shellos, holding him tightly. The joy of their victory radiated between them, their bond stronger than ever.
But as they shared their moment, they both turned their gaze towards Fantina, who was walking over to Mismagius. The Pokémon looked down, unable to meet Fantina's eyes.
"You lost," Fantina said softly, her tone surprisingly gentle. Mismagius sighed, relieved to hear Fantina's acceptance of their defeat. A faint smile touched Fantina's lips as she continued, "But you put on a good show. I 'ave non complaints."
Mismagius perked up at this praise, showing signs of happiness despite their loss. Fantina recalled Mismagius into its Poké Ball and looked up just as Dawn approached her.
Dawn extended her hand, her palm open, her gaze intense. "I believe you owe me something," she said firmly, her voice edged with irritation.
"I did say I would considair giveng you ze badge if you defeated me," Fantina's smile remained unwavering. "I nevair promizéd I would."
Dawn's hand dropped to her side. A short, bitter laugh escaped her lips. "You know what? After everything you've done, getting a badge from someone like you would be an insult," she said, her tone steely as she turned on her heel. "Keep it."
Fantina's eyes wavered slightly, and she sighed. "Wait," she called out. Dawn halted and slowly turned around. Fantina reached into her pocket and pulled out the Relic Badge. "You defeated me, fair and square. You'ré a good coairdinatair, Dawn Platinum. If you plan to stick around as a coairdinatair, don't expéct mé to let you defeat me again." She extended the badge towards Dawn.
Dawn approached and took the badge from Fantina's hand. As she held it, her voice was low but sharp. "Honestly, I imagined saying so many things to you after everything that's happened. But now, with the badge in my hand, I... I just don't have anything to say. You're just sad."
Fantina blinked at the rawness of Dawn's words. Her smile faded slightly, giving way to a moment of quiet contemplation as she watched Dawn walk away.
Stephanie Schofield leaned forward, microphone in hand, her voice electrified with excitement. "In all my years covering contests across Sinnoh, I've never seen anything like this! Against all odds, and after a grueling, brilliantly strategic battle, Dawn Platinum has claimed victory over one of the contest world's finest—Fantina! Mark my words, folks, we're witnessing the birth of a true coordinator in Sinnoh's contest circuit!"
Dawn's heart pounded as she took in the cheers, but in her mind, a quiet thought surfaced. Sorry, but I don't think I'll be doing this anytime soon.
The applause continued as Amelia, the lead judge, approached with a bright smile, holding a shimmering gold medal. "Dawn, this is for you," she said warmly, placing it around Dawn's neck. It felt heavy, almost like a dream, the metallic shine reflecting the bright arena lights as the audience roared with approval.
Before Dawn could fully process the medal, Amelia handed her an oversized check for a jaw-dropping 200,000 Poke Dollars. Dawn's eyes nearly popped out of her head.
"Jesus!" she gasped, looking from the check to the audience and back again. "You mean you can earn money from these things?!"
Laughter echoed across the arena, even from the judges. Amelia chuckled, shaking her head at Dawn's wide-eyed reaction, while Stephanie couldn't resist adding, her voice dripping with amusement, "That's right, Dawn! Contest battles are not only a test of skill but a financially rewarding pursuit as well—and with a performance like that, you've earned every bit of this prize!"
Finally, Amelia presented the item Dawn had been dreaming of: the Hearthome Ribbon. Its silk shimmered in the spotlight, the ultimate symbol of victory. "And, of course, your Hearthome Ribbon," Amelia said, handing it to Dawn with a warm smile.
Dawn stared at the ribbon in disbelief, her fingers trembling as they closed around it. She held it up, the cheers of the audience crashing around her like waves. The joy was overwhelming, the culmination of all her efforts. She had done it.
In the audience, the chatter erupted as Dawn held the Hearthome Ribbon. Coordinators who had been eliminated earlier in the contest exchanged stunned looks, the air buzzing with disbelief and newfound respect.
Eric, the same coordinator who had faced Dawn in the first round, leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, shaking his head. "Jeez," he muttered under his breath, eyes still fixed on the arena. "Who would've thought the same scrub I went up against would end up defeating Fantina?"
A few seats over, another coordinator whispered, "That kid's amazing. We seriously underestimated her."
"Yeah, no kidding," another chimed in, still in awe. "She didn't just beat Fantina, she went toe-to-toe with her and won in the last second. That's... something else."
A murmur of agreement rippled through the crowd as the reality of Dawn's victory began to sink in. "I thought she was just another beginner," someone added, "but that battle? She's got serious skill."
From the back of the crowd, another coordinator shook their head in disbelief. "Dawn Platinum, huh? Remember that name—she's going places."
Johanna sat in the audience, her hands clasped together, still processing the scene that had just unfolded before her eyes. The noise of the crowd, the flashing lights, and the whirlwind of emotions all seemed distant compared to the single thought echoing in her mind.
To think... my daughter… She blinked, a tear forming at the corner of her eye, unable to suppress the overwhelming pride that surged through her. My little Dawn... standing there, holding that badge.
As the applause began to fade and the crowd slowly dispersed, Dawn knelt down beside her battered Shellos, who was still catching his breath after the intense battle. She gently stroked his head, her voice soft yet full of pride.
"You did amazing, buddy," she whispered. Shellos gave a tired but happy cry in response, nuzzling against her hand. Dawn smiled and stood up, adjusting the medal and ribbon hanging around her neck. "C'mon, let's get you to a Pokémon Center. You've earned a good rest."
With Shellos by her side, Dawn began to walk away from the contest hall. Her thoughts were quiet, the weight of the day settling in. Despite the victory, her mind was already on what was next—another journey, another challenge.
Behind them, standing at a distance, Fantina watched. Her eyes followed Dawn as she walked away, and for a moment, her expression was unreadable. But then, slowly, a smile tugged at the corners of her lips.
"Dawn Platinum..." Fantina murmured, her voice soft and full of admiration. "You'll go far."
Shellos sat on the floor, eagerly munching on poffins with a contented "Shell, shell!" His little body shook happily with each soft chomp, his eyes half-closed in pure satisfaction.
Across the room, Chimchar was perched on the edge of a chair, tossing a poffin into the air and catching it in his mouth with a grin. Luxio lay sprawled out, lazily gnawing at his poffin while Staravia picked delicately at his, occasionally pausing to glance at the others with amusement.
The room was warm and peaceful, but at the small table near the window, things were quieter. Johanna and Dawn sat together with a box of pizza open between them. Johanna took another bite of her slice, glancing at her daughter with concern. Dawn, however, was barely touching her food, a slice still resting untouched on her plate. She stared at the table, lost in her thoughts.
"What's wrong, Dawn?" Johanna asked gently, setting her slice down. "You've barely touched your food."
Dawn blinked, as if snapping out of a daze, and looked up at her mother. "Huh? Oh…" She gave a half-hearted smile, rubbing the back of her neck. "Sorry, I just… I don't know. Today was heavy, y'know?"
Johanna nodded, her expression softening with understanding. "I know, but it's a good day. You're a contest star now! You did it!" She smiled warmly, trying to lift her daughter's spirits.
Dawn stared at her plate for a long moment, the weight of the day settling heavily on her shoulders. Her voice was quiet when she finally spoke, a tremor in her words. "It's just… if you didn't show up when you did, I… I don't know what I would've done." She blinked, a single tear slipping down her cheek as she looked up at her mom, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm lucky you're my mom."
Johanna's face softened immediately, her eyes filling with both love and concern. She reached across the table, gently taking Dawn's hand in hers. "We all have moments where things feel heavy… like too much," she began, her voice steady but filled with emotion. "But you're stronger than you know. And you don't have to go through anything alone—not while I'm around."
Dawn managed a faint smile through her tear, squeezing her mom's hand in return.
Chimchar paused mid-bite, his round cheeks puffed with poffins as he looked up from his food. He saw Dawn and Johanna holding hands, their connection mended after a long, emotional day. A warm smile crept across his face, happy that his trainer and her mother had finally made up.
Johanna slowly drew her hand back, taking a bite of pizza and letting the mood settle into something lighter. "So," she asked with a playful tone, chewing thoughtfully, "what now?"
Dawn blinked, her mind still drifting. "What do you mean?" she replied, glancing at her mother with mild confusion.
"I mean," Johanna said, leaning back in her chair, "you have that ribbon now. Do you plan on still trying your hand at more contests?"
Dawn's fingers instinctively reached into her pocket, pulling out the glimmering Hearthome Ribbon. But instead of focusing on it, she slipped out the Relic Badge, holding it between her fingers as it gleamed in the dim light. "Honestly," she admitted, her eyes locking on the badge, "I may have received the ribbon and all, but this…" she gestured to the badge, "means more to me."
She looked back up at Johanna, her voice filled with quiet determination. "So yeah, I'm gonna continue on as a trainer. I only took part in the contest so I could get the badge after all."
Chimchar grinned wider, clearly pleased with Dawn's resolve, and resumed munching on his poffins, content with the way things had turned out.
"Yeah, I guess it was kind of Fantina's fault you even got stuck having to go through all this," Johanna said, shaking her head slightly.
Dawn groaned in frustration. "Ugh, Fantina, I can't believe how petty she is. To think she'd hold such a grudge against you that she'd—" She looked down at her pizza, her voice softening. "Just, I feel bad that you had a competitor like her."
"Well, I hope that loss you gave her finally gave her some perspective," Johanna replied with a sigh of relief.
Dawn took a thoughtful bite of her pizza, her gaze distant as she chewed. Her mind was still swirling from the day's events. "Oh yeah, there was something I meant to ask you about earlier," she finally said, her voice breaking the silence.
Johanna, who had been absentmindedly picking at her own slice, looked up with curiosity. "Sure, what's on your mind?"
Swallowing her bite, Dawn met her mother's eyes. "Earlier, when you came to comfort me, how did you know exactly where I was?"
A tense silence fell over Johanna as she shifted nervously. Her fingers played with the edge of her pizza box, and she glanced away briefly before meeting Dawn's eyes.
"Well, I know obviously you'd know I'd have to be somewhere in the Contest Hall," Dawn continued, "but you seemed to pinpoint my exact location, are you a psychic or something?"
A shadow of anxiety crossed Johanna's face as she avoided direct eye contact. "Dawn, promise me you won't be mad at me," she said, her voice trembling slightly.
Johanna's hands shook slightly as she set her pizza down, her face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and regret. "Alright, well... when you were born, I might have... well, I may have put a chip in you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. Her words were rushed and stumbled over, afraid of the reaction she might receive.
Dawn's Pokémon, who had been munching contentedly on their poffins, stopped mid-bite. Shellos looked up, eyes wide with confusion, while Chimchar, Luxio, and Staravia exchanged uneasy glances. Slowly, they turned away from the table, their earlier joy replaced by awkwardness, and made their way out of the room.
"A chip?" Dawn's eyes widened in shock, her mouth falling open as she processed what her mother had said. "What do you mean, a chip?"
As Dawn stared in shock, Johanna took a deep breath, her voice trembling as she began to explain. "Alright, so, when you were born, I... I made a decision to have a small tracking chip implanted in you." She paused, noting the stunned expression on Dawn's face. "It was a tiny device, just under the skin, to monitor your location if you ever went missing."
Johanna's gaze fell, her hands fidgeting as she continued, her words tumbling out in a rush. "It wasn't something I wanted to do. I mean, your grandma—she was very adamant about it. She thought it was a precaution, a way to ensure you'd always be safe, no matter what."
Dawn remained in stunned silence, her eyes wide with disbelief. The weight of Johanna's revelation hung heavy in the air. "H-how long have you been using this?" she finally managed to ask, her voice barely above a whisper.
Johanna shifted uneasily, her gaze dropping to her hands as she spoke. "I promise, it's been almost never. I barely used it. If you want, I'll destroy it right now, I swear. It's just... when you asked me why I didn't call you, well, I've been using it, to keep an eye on where you are. I wanted to make sure you were safe. So, um... I guess you could say I've been watching over you every day since you began your journey, but only out of concern. I've never used it before you left!"
Dawn stood up abruptly, her expression unreadable. Johanna's voice trembled slightly as she tried to reassure her. "Please, Dawn, I'll get rid of it right now if you want me to. Please, just sit down."
In an unanticipated gesture, Dawn hurried to her mother and pulled her into a tight, emotional embrace. Johanna, momentarily startled, responded by holding Dawn close, her arms encircling her in a comforting hold.
The grand house in Hearthome stood majestically under the night sky, its ornate architecture and carefully manicured grounds reflecting a sense of understated affluence. Inside, Fantina, still dressed in her elegant attire from earlier in the day, paced thoughtfully through her opulent living room, her mind replaying the events of the contest.
The contest had been a whirlwind of emotions and unexpected outcomes, and Fantina found herself wrestling with a complex mix of thoughts.
The excitement of the competition, the surprising loss, and the lingering sense of unresolved tension created a storm of reflection in her mind.
Each step she took across the room seemed to echo with the memories of the day, and she occasionally paused to stare out of the large, ornate windows that framed the night sky, seeking clarity amid the darkness.
Her contemplation was interrupted by the sound of the doorbell ringing. With a curious frown, she made her way to the front door, peering through the peephole. Her eyes widened in surprise, and a gasp escaped her lips as she recognized the figure outside.
With a mixture of surprise and apprehension, Fantina opened the door to find Johanna standing there, holding a bottle of fine wine. Johanna's eyes scanned the interior of the house, taking in its lavish decor.
The soft chime of the doorbell broke the silence, and Fantina moved to answer it. Peering through the peephole, her eyes widened in shock. She opened the door to reveal Johanna standing on the threshold, holding a bottle of wine.
"Well, well," Johanna said, glancing around with a critical eye. "I gotta say, your house is quite the spectacle. I like the color scheme; it's a little gaudy for my taste, but definitely not bad."
"What are you doeng hairé?" Fantina asked, a note of disbelief in her voice.
Johanna, undeterred, stepped inside with a purposeful stride, not waiting for an invitation. "I thought I'd drop by," she said casually. "Oh c'mon, it'll be fun."
She made her way to the polished bar cart in the corner of Fantina's living room. She selected two elegant crystal wine glasses and began to pour a generous measure of wine into each.
"Have you come to mok me or pick a fight wiv mé?" Fantina's voice was tight with a mix of defensiveness and curiosity.
"Mock you? Pick a fight? What? No, why would I do that?" Johanna asked, her tone light but with an undertone of seriousness.
"Maybe becausé of what I said and did to your daughtair," Fantina said, her eyes lowering.
A wry smile touched Johanna's lips as she poured wine into the glasses. "Well, Dawn already kicked your butt, so I don't see why I have to. That being said, telling her I tried to off myself while pregnant with her? Wow, you can imagine my surprise when Dawn told me you said that. Where'd you get that fairy tail from?"
Fantina looked down, her face flushed with shame. "I know, zat was low of me, wasn't eet?"
"Yup, very low," Johanna agreed, sliding one of the glasses towards Fantina. Her voice softened slightly. "But the past is in the past, and we can only move on."
Both women took a sip from their wine glasses, the rich flavor lingering pleasantly on their tongues. Johanna broke the silence with a reflective tone. "We were both so young, weren't we?"
Fantina nodded, a hint of nostalgia in her eyes. "Yes, we waire. Eet feels like a lifetime ago."
Johanna leaned back slightly, studying her old rival. "I was really surprised to hear you had become a Gym Leader. Well, before you quit, I mean. I always thought you'd stick with contests."
A wistful smile settled on Fantina's face, her gaze drifting, replaying a series of vivid memories. "Yes, I did take zat path fair a while," she said, her voice tinged with a bittersweet nostalgia. "Contésts waire my stage, but now, through Dawn, I final-lee feel like I got the final bat-tell wiv you zat I felt was taken from me. I'm at peace now. Returneng to my role as a Gym Leadair feels like comeing 'omé. It's whaire ai tru-lee belong."
Johanna's expression softened as she listened. Fantina's words carried a tone of genuine reflection. "I said a lot to hair, but ze truth eez, you 'ave a good daughtair, Johanna. Whethair she fullows in yur path as a coordinatair or forges her own as a trainair, the whirld 'as a legend een ze making. You should feel lucky."
With a thoughtful nod, Johanna raised her glass slightly. "Amen to that." She took another sip, savoring the wine.
Over the years, their paths had diverged in countless ways, leading to heated arguments and long-standing grudges. Yet, tonight, it felt as though time had folded back on itself. For the first time in a long time, it was as if they were no longer the rivals that history had forged them into, but rather, the two young girls who had once shared innocent laughter on a swingset under the starlit sky.
As the first light of dawn seeped through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room, Dawn stirred awake, her mind still fresh from the previous day's triumphs and emotional revelations.
She swung her legs over the side of the bed, her feet meeting the cool floor. Reaching for her pink boots, she slid them on, the snug fit providing a sense of comfort and readiness for the day ahead.
Next, she reached for her red overcoat, draping it over her shoulders with a practiced flick. She then wrapped her white scarf around her neck, the fabric soft and warm against her skin, offering a comforting embrace as she adjusted it to fall just right.
Her gaze then fell on her wrist, where a bandage had been secured the day before. Gently, she unwrapped it, revealing a cut that was no longer as raw as it had been. The healing process was evident, the skin underneath showing signs of improvement. She paused, her fingers lightly brushing the area before she set the bandage aside.
Dawn finished her preparation by placing her beanie on her head, the familiar hat settling snugly over her hair, she tried to avoid looking at the mirror, but her reflection caught her eye from the corner of her vision.
She halted abruptly, her gaze drawn back to the mirror with shock and curiosity. The face staring back at her was different from what she had expected.
She stepped closer, her eyes widening as she took in the reflection. The girl in the mirror was radiant, not the distorted image of herself she had seen the day before. For the first time in a long while, Dawn saw someone beautiful staring back at her. Her lips curved into a genuine smile, a sense of peace and contentment settling over her.
Just then, Johanna's voice broke the moment. "What'cha checking yourself out for? Trying to impress someone special?" she joked, her tone light-hearted and teasing.
Dawn chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Oh no, it's not that," she said, her eyes still fixed on the mirror. "I'm just… happy to be alive," she added quietly, her smile lingering as she embraced the simple joy of the present moment.
As Dawn stood in front of the mirror, taking in her reflection, Johanna walked up behind her and gently placed her hands on Dawn's shoulders. "Are you ready?" she asked softly, her voice filled with warmth.
Dawn, her gaze still fixed on her reflection, smiled and nodded. "Yeah!"
They left the inn together, heading out into the crisp morning air. As they approached the entrance, Johanna took a moment to say her goodbyes.
"Are you really sure you don't need me to come along?" Johanna asked, her voice tinged with concern. "It's a long journey, and you've faced so much already."
Dawn shook her head with a reassuring smile. "I'm sure, Mom. I've got my Pokémon, and I'm ready for whatever comes next. Besides, I need to keep moving forward. This journey is something I need to do on my own."
Johanna's gaze softened, and she pulled Dawn into a tight embrace. "I'm so proud of you, Dawn. You've grown into an incredible young woman. Remember, no matter how far apart we are, I'll be here for you."
Dawn hugged her mother back, feeling the warmth of her love. "Thanks, Mom. That means a lot to me. And, don't worry, I'll make sure to call you whenever I can. I promise."
As Johanna knelt to say her goodbyes to the Pokémon, she gave each one a fond pat. When she reached Shellos, she leaned in and whispered, "Good job learning Ice Beam back there. Don't tell the others, but you're my favorite."
Shellos's eyes widened in surprise, and he gave Johanna a proud, if slightly shy, smile. He wobbled happily, clearly flattered by the secret praise.
Standing back up, Johanna looked at Dawn with a mixture of sadness and pride. "I know it's not easy to be out there on your own, but you're strong and capable. Just remember to stay safe and be true to yourself."
Dawn nodded, her eyes shining with emotion. "I will, Mom. I promise. And I'll call you as soon as I can. I want to hear all about your trip back to Twinleaf, too!"
Johanna smiled, reaching out to give Dawn one last, lingering hug. She kissed Dawn's forehead gently. "I will. And remember, no matter where you are, I'm always thinking of you."
With a final, heartfelt look, Johanna stepped back. Dawn watched her mother turn and walk away, feeling a mix of gratitude and determination. As Johanna disappeared from view, Dawn took a deep breath, her heart full of both the comfort of her mother's love and the anticipation of the journey ahead.
Whew, bet you guys weren't expecting a double upload, huh. I know, I know, some of the stuff with Dawn in this chapter was the darkest stuff I've ever wrote. For the last like, 10 chapters, I've really been leaning more towards angst than adventure or hurt/comfort which this fic is labeled as, but I mean it when I say, at least for Dawn's story, the darkest days are behind her.
This might honestly be my favorite chapter I've written so far, I hope this little contest arc was fun for you guys, it meant a lot for me to write. And I hope the actual Battle Round itself was good, too. Alright, I'm gonna try and get the next out chapter out, like, in 3 days maybe? Till then!
—yonas813, out.
