Time seemed to pass by almost immediately as the P.A. system announced, "Dear trainers proceeding from the group stages, please stay in the waiting room for your turn to battle."

I watched the early matches through the television screen before my turn was up. During the middle of the second match, I was informed to get ready for my quarter-finals match. I gulped before waiting for the call to enter my side of the battlefield.

Finally, I heard the host announce, "After a scorching battle between Cameron and Cados, let's continue with the third match of the quarter-finals! Firstly, we have Lows from Pallet Town!"

I started walking towards my side of the battlefield as the host continued, "Lows Landerson had been intrigued by the different possibilities that could happen in a completely new region. Firm about his choice of travelling in the Hoenn region, he seemed to be having a great start by entering the quarter-finals in his first ever tournament. Will he be able to continue his winning streak today?"

I stood still as I reached my destination as the host welcomed my opponent, "On the other side, let's welcome Regis from Fortree City!"

Regis, a trainer with brown curly hair wearing a white top, a red jacket and dark blue pants walked towards the battlefield and waved towards the audience, "Regis Furaito trained with and looked up to the Fortree Gym Leader, Winona before starting his own adventure. Specializing in Flying type moves, he could bring surprises to opponents with each of his Pokémon. And from the looks of it, his adventure is going smoothly as he planned."

As we waited for the match to start, Regis locked sights with me as he smirked at me in a mocking manner. I felt that he's bursting with confidence, knowing he was experienced from training at the Fortree Gym beforehand. However, I wasn't brought down by his mockful expression. They said it's not over till it's over, after all.

"The match between Lows and Regis will now begin! Lows and Regis, please choose your first Pokémon."

"Soar in the skies, Kotton!" He started off with a bird-looking Pokémon with cotton-like wings. I got slightly worried, assuming that it was a Flying type as I did not have any counters for Flying type Pokémon. After some quick consideration, I threw a Pokéball into the air.

"Ziggs, I choose you!"

The Tiny Raccoon Pokémon appeared on the battlefield, examining his opponent. Once again, I noticed some people having shocked reactions, probably not expecting a Zigzagoon to appear in the tournament. I slightly smiled, undeterred. Ziggs can do this... I believe in him.

"The battle between Ziggs and Kotton will now begin!"

"Kotton, use Wing Attack!" Kotton spread its wings and flew towards Ziggs at high speed.

I immediately countered, "Ziggs, stop Kotton with Growl!"

Ziggs growled fiercely at Kotton, which made her slow down her speed, but still continued her attack as the wings hit him, making him wince in pain.

"You think that was gonna stop Kotton? We are the brave souls in the sky!" Regis mocked.

I ignored him and said, "Ziggs, don't give up! Use Headbutt!" Ziggs rushed towards Kotton, and fortunately was able to slam it with his head before it flew up to the sky to dodge. However, Ziggs definitely seemed more tired compared to the bird-like Pokémon.

"Kotton, finish off with Fury Attack!" As the Cotton Bird Pokémon flew towards Ziggs to jab him with its beak, I commanded as well, "Ziggs, do your best! Counter with Tackle!"

Ziggs tried to give a hard tackle towards Kotton as it endured the pain and jabbed Ziggs five times with its beak. After that, Kotton flew back to the side of its trainer, its trainer confidently smiling as Ziggs was unable to endure the second attack and collapsed.

"Ziggs is unable to battle! Kotton wins!"

I became slightly worried, but thanked Ziggs for his efforts anyway. "Thank you, Ziggs. Take a quick rest."

Ziggs seemed upset, "I'm sorry I wasn't able to do much."

I nodded understandingly as I returned him to his Pokéball.

"Let's do this, Grace!" I took out Grace's Pokéball and sent her out. She smiled and looked at her opponent, ready to attack whenever the battle started.

"The battle between Grace and Kotton will now begin!"

"Grace, use Psybeam on Cotton!"

"Kotton, counter with Wing Attack!"

As Grace released the rings of energy towards Kotton, Kotton spread its wings and went straight for the attack. Despite getting hit by the rings head on, it endured the pain and hit Grace with its wings. Grace was already feeling exhausted from that one attack.

Darn... Grace isn't too good at taking physical attacks. This isn't going our way.

"Grace, use Confusion on Kotton!"

Regis commanded, "Use Gust on Grace!"

Grace was able to control Kotton with her powers as she slowly lifted it further up in the air, as Kotton tried to ignore it and formed a small tornado, sending it towards my Psychic type Pokémon. Grace was able to throw the Flying type towards the ground with her powers, but as a result got sucked by the tornado and was sent flying. Kotton was slammed onto the ground, but was still able to fly back up in the air, panting. Grace was hurled towards the air due to the impact of the tornado and hit the ground. Unfortunately, that cost Grace's battle in this match.

"Grace is unable to battle! Kotton wins!"

The audience cheered for Kotton's double-win, as I started becoming nervous but still thanked Grace for her hard work.

Kotton already took out two of my Pokémon! Nothing seem to be stopping its rampage, either...

I took out my third Pokéball and closed my eyes.

It's not over till it's over.

"He's going to send out Surfer next." A man said almost at the same time as his Pokémon did.

"At that point, Surfer was his best choice at this point. Do you think he can still do this, Steven?" Steven's trusty partner asked its trainer.

"Hey, buddy. Don't lose hope yet. We've been through harsher battles than this, but we still managed to go through, right?" Steven reassured it.

"I didn't say I lost hope." It groaned, "I still don't get why you're so eager to watch Lows battle in this tournament. He did tell you he'll update you once he meets you again or through the Pokégear, right?"

"I'm just bored, that's all." Steven smiled, "Work was getting somewhat boring, especially since I've started somewhat dedicating to it after I was no longer Champion."

"...I know that's a lie, Steven."

"I expected you to know." Steven kept his smile on his face, "It's just a hunch, and wish, I suppose. I think he can do well in the Ever Grande League... and I want him to do well. That's what I'm thinking. And watching someone's journey from the very start excites me to see how much he would grow throughout this journey."

"Humph, I guess I don't have much to argue with that."

"Let's go, Surfer!" I threw Surfer's Pokéball and hoped for the best from there.

Regis kept his mocking game on. "You're not going to win. I already defeated two of your Pokémon!"

"It's not over yet, Regis. Don't be overconfident about this."

"We'll see about that!"

The referee cut off our conversation, "The battle between Surfer and Kotton will now begin!"

"Kotton, use Wing Attack!" While Kotton started flying towards Surfer for its attack, I knew I had to think of something.

"Surfer, use Water Gun towards the wings!" Surfer released a spiral of water towards Kotton's wings, disrupting its movement. As it tried to recover and relaunch its attack, I continued my attacks, not wanting to miss the opportunity.

"Surfer, do the Bubble and Water Gun combo!" Upon hearing my command, Surfer released bubbles around the Flying type Pokémon, blocking its sight. Immediately after it was distracted, Surfer released another spiral of water, fully hitting the bird-like Pokémon. It finally showed signs of fainting.

"Kotton, use Astonish!"

"Not on our watch! Surfer, end this with Water Gun!"

Kotton was desperate to attack my Water type Pokémon, but Surfer was quicker to release a spiral of water towards the nearing Kotton. Kotton was hit by the attack once again before finally collapsing, ending its winning streak.

"Kotton is unable to battle! Surfer wins!"

I still did not let my guard down, knowing I was still at a disadvantage, "Surfer, you should take some rest, thanks for your good work."

I returned Surfer and sent out Woody from his Pokéball. Meanwhile, Regis threw his Pokéball as well, "Destroy Treecko, Boruto!"

A Pokémon similar to a Pokéball appeared as it glared at its opponent. I recognized it as Voltorb, the Electric type Pokémon. I guess he does use different types of Pokémon as well...

"The battle between Woody and Boruto will now begin!"

"Woody, use Bullet Seed!" Woody released five seeds towards the Electric type, three of them hitting their target.

"Boruto, use Charge, then Spark!" Volt closed its eyes and started absorbing electricity.Yellow sparks surrounded Boruto's body as it started rushing towards Woody.

"Woody, dodge and use Pound!" Woody was able to barely dodge the attack and returned the attack by hitting it with its tail. However, the attack backfired as sparks started emitting from Woody's body. He struggled to stand still as the paralysis slowly took control of my Grass type Pokémon.

Static really doesn't like me, huh...

"Woody, can you keep going?" I was worried, but the Wood Gecko Pokémon nodded in determination, not willing to give up the battle.

"Alright then, Woody, use the new move you learned, Absorb!" Woodynodded and released two red beams from his arms towards the Electric type Pokémon. Fortunately, Boruto was hit as it glowed red, Woody smiling as he received the absorbed energy.

"Boruto, don't give Woody any opportunities! Self-Destruct!"The Voltorb closed its eyes as its body started glowing white and yellow sparks appeared around its body.

"Woody, return!" Woody tried to run back towards me for me to return him back to his Pokéball. However, the paralysis got to him as he fell onto the floor, and he was not close enough for the Pokéball to work. I became worried as the Voltorb started exploding violently, forming a huge layer of dust.

After the dust faded, Boruto and Woody both collapsed on the battlefield, unable to battle.

"Both Woody and Boruto are unable to battle! This battle is a tie!"

I ran towards Woody, feeling bad for my Grass type Pokémon who just fought hard. I thanked him and returned him to his Pokéball.

I then took out my last Pokéball.

This is it, Surfer. Do your best.

"Let's do this, Surfer!" I sent Surfer out in the battlefield again, while Regis said, "Let's win, Tsubasa!" He then sent out a large, dark blue bird Pokémon.

"The battle between Surfer and Tsubasa will now begin!"

"Surfer, use Water Gun on its wings!" Surfer released the spiral of water towards Tsubasa's wings, but it did not work as well as last time, Tsubasa shaking off most of the water off of it.

"That's not gonna work, Lows! Tsubasa, Quick Attack!" The Flying type flew across the battlefield and finally slammed itself towards my starter. However, Surfer was far from giving up.

"Surfer, do the Bubble and Water Gun combo!" I tried the strategy again, hoping to make something out of it. Surfer surrounded the Flying type with bubbles and tried to form the spiral of water, but Regis thought ahead, "Fly higher up in the air, then use Wing Attack!"

Tsubasa flew high up in the battlefield, having a clearer vision away from the bubbles. Then, it spread its wings wide and flew towards Surfer.

"Surfer, dodge!" Surfer stopped his Water Gun attack and skillfully dodged the attack. However, the stalling game was not worth playing, as Surfer was getting more tired as this went on.

"Lows, these waves are getting a little tougher for me..." Surfer panted.

"Surfer, don't worry. Do your best, alright?" I petted Surfer, which he responded with a nod and a smile. Suddenly, he glowed white and started to change form, causing shock among the audience.

I-Is Surfer evolving?!

As Surfer stopped glowing white, his look changed. Bluish white fur covered his long ears and tail, and two sharp teeth protruded from his upper jaws. I scanned him with my Pokédex, [Wartortle, the Turtle Pokémon. It is the evolved form of Squirtle. This Pokémon is very popular as a pet. Its fur-covered tail is a symbol of its longevity.]

"How do you feel, Surfer?" I asked Surfer. He nodded with a smile and replied with a deeper voice, "It feels like I'm ready to ride the waves again!"

I can feel Regis' confidence slightly dropping, but he still tried to maintain his composure, "I-It doesn't matter if your Pokémon evolved, we can still win this! Tsubasa, use Peck!"

As the Flying type Pokémon flew towards my Water type Pokémon, I commanded, "Counter with Bubble!"

Surfer opened his mouth, but instead of bubbles, Surfer created a blue energy ball in its mouth then fired it towards Tsubasa, hitting it. The impact seemed to have confused the bird-like Pokémon, as yellow birds started circling around Tsubasa's head.

"No, Tsubasa! Snap out of it, then use Peck!" Tsubasa tried to shake off its confusion, but it was to no avail as it started attacking itself.

Seeing it as an opportunity to strike, I commanded, "Surfer, finish Tsubasa off with Water Gun!"

Surfer was able to form another spiral of water quickly and hit the vulnerable Swellow, finishing it off. Hope started to regain for our side.

"Tsubasa is unable to battle! Surfer wins!"

Regis' confident smile disappeared as he said, "You know, you're better than any trainers I fought so far. But I can still do this! Finish this,Shisen!" He sent out a mostly green bird Pokémon with a nearly spherical body. It possessed brightly colored, yellow-and-red wings with thick black stripes along with almond-shaped eyes and a yellow beak.

"The battle between Surfer and Shisen will now begin!"

"Shisen, Calm Mind, then Shadow Ball!" The Natu closed its eyes and its body glowed brightly. Then, it opened its eyes as they started glowing brightly as well, increasing its power. Then, a black ball of energy was formed in front of Shisen as it shot the black ball towards Surfer.

"Surfer, dodge and use Water Gun!" Surfer barely dodged the attack and launched another attack towards the Flying and Psychic type Pokémon.

"Shisen, dodge and attack using Aerial Ace!"The Natu made a big hop as it jumped over the spiral of water aiming at it as white streaks surrounded its body. The white streaks made Shisen able to fly through the air as it flew towards my Water type.

"Surfer, counter with Growl!" Instead of growling fiercely, Surfer waited for the Natu to come closer towards him. Then, as Shisen slammed its tiny body towards him, my starter bit his opponent with his sharp teeth, causing the Natu to cry in pain.

I could tell the advantage Regis used to have was no longer there. I commanded, "Let's finish this, Surfer! Water Pulse!"

"Shisen, Shadow Ball!"

Surfer quickly formed the blue ball of energy and sent it towards the bird Pokémon. Shisen also formed its potentially final attack and shot it towards its target. The attacks collided with each other for one moment, before passing each other and hitting their targets. Both Pokémon cried in pain and both fell onto the ground. However, at the last moment, it was Surfer who stood back up, panting, while Shisen remained motionless on the ground, no longer able to battle.

"Shisen is unable to battle! Surfer wins! The winner goes to Lows from Pallet Town!" I was happy with the victory, but felt kind of bad as Regis heaved a sigh of disappointment.

I walked over towards him to give him a handshake. Surprisingly, he willingly shook hands with me, his expression no longer filled with cockiness. Then, we went back to the waiting room.

As I planned to watch the other battles to pass time, Regis walked towards me, his tone full of confidence was gone as he embarrassingly said, "L-Lows, I'm sorry for my attitude earlier."

"It's okay. You battled really well, Regis. Definitely someone who trained in the gym before." I smiled.

"Yeah, but that doesn't give me any reason to be cocky at others. This journey so far has gone really well for me, so I guess I got a little too confident. However, you showed me that I should stay away from my cockiness and start training harder." Regis sighed.

"Well, glad that you're planning to change, Regis."

"I'm glad for myself, too. Why don't we exchange Pokégear numbers? If we meet again in our journeys, we can have a friendly battle or two."

"Sure!" I agreed as we exchanged Pokégear numbers before he bid farewell and left the waiting room.

I'm sure he'll get stronger from here.

As the final quarter-finals match ended, the list of our upcoming matches arrived like lightning. I nervously checked the list, and as expected...

"Looks like we're battling each other, Lows." Disc said, checking the list as well.

"Yeah, I suppose it's inevitable." I sighed.

Hearing my sigh, he asked, "What's the matter, Lows?"

"I just feel like one of us will be disappointed by the outcome in the end."

"When someone wins, the other loses. It is a common rule in a battle. At this point, let's just do our best in the battle." Disc smiled, reassuring me as I regained the determination to face my next match.

After a short break, the semi-finals matches had commenced. However, I was not able to finish watching Harry's match against Cameron as I had to prepare for my match right after that. I took another deep breath to relieve my nervousness.

"After the tremendous battle between Harry and Cameron, it's time for the second and final match in the semi-finals! At the left side, let's welcome Disc from Pallet Town!"

Disc walked towards his side of the battlefield as the audience cheered. The host continued, "Daniel 'Disc' Chase has been a passionate fighter throughout this tournament, being able to pull off unpredictable strategies off his sleeve in every battle. This time, will he be able to do the same against his opponent to move on to the grand finals?"

"On the right side, we have Lows from Pallet Town!" I started walking towards my side of the battlefield upon hearing that.

"Lows Landerson has had a rollercoaster journey in the tournament so far. His team is definitely one of a kind in this tournament, and his Pokémon were able to bring him back through some close calls, especially during the quarter-finals match against Regis Furaito. Now, he will be against his close friend for a spot in the finale against Harry Waves."

As we readied our positions on the battlefield, Disc and I smiled at each other, wishing each other good luck.

"The match between Disc and Lows will now begin! Disc and Lows, please choose your first Pokémon!"

"I choose you, Breeze!" Disc threw a Pokéball as a seagull-like Pokémon appeared from it. I knew that it was the Pokémon Wingull, as I had seen one or two in the routes I had explored before.

I took out my Pokéball and threw it into the air, "Woody, let's battle!"

The Wood Gecko Pokémon appeared in the battlefield, as the two exchanged glances before the referee announced, "The battle between Breeze and Woody will now begin!"

"Woody, use Quick Attack, then Bullet Seed!" Woody nodded and started dashing around the battlefield at lightning speed, and finally slammed himself at the Seagull Pokémon. The Water and Flying type Pokémon was hit down onto the ground. As it tried to recover from the attack, Woody followed up by shooting three seeds towards Breeze, two of them hitting it.

"Breeze, use Wing Attack!" Breeze spread its wings and flew towards Woody. Despite Woody's efforts to dodge the attack, Breeze was still able to land its hit correctly, making Woody wince in pain from the super-effective attack.

I gritted my teeth, Breeze probably has Keen Eye, making its attacks more accurate than usual... Disc is fully using this to his advantage right now.

I decided to change to full attack mode, "Woody, use Bullet Seed, then Absorb!" Woody shot another four seeds towards Breeze, two of them hitting their target once again. Before Breeze could recover, Woody released a red beam towards it, hitting it as its energy got sapped by my Grass type.

"Breeze, Steel Wing!" Breeze's wings immediately turned silver as it flew over and hit Woody with its wings. Woody was starting to get tired from its attacks, but he did not want to give up just yet.

I gave him a small pat on the head before commanding, "Do your best, Woody. Use Quick Attack!"

He nodded and dashed around the battlefield, waiting for the right time to strike.

"Breeze, counter with Wing Attack!"

As the Wood Gecko Pokémon rushed towards Breeze and slammed it with its body, he unfortunately came face to face with Breeze's wings. Woody winced in pain as he took the super-effective fully and collapsed in the battlefield, while Breeze remained in the sky, panting.

"Woody is unable to battle! Breeze wins!"

I thanked Woody for his efforts and returned him. Then, I took out another Pokéball and threw it.

"Avenge Woody, Grace!" Grace appeared in the battlefield as she calmly examined her opponent.

"The battle between Breeze and Grace will now begin!"

"Breeze, use Wing Attack!" As Breeze nodded and flew towards Grace with its wings spread wide, I commanded, "Grace, dodge and use Psybeam!"

Instead of dodging the attack, Grace suddenly teleported away from her position, confusing the Wingull. When Breeze tried searching for Grace, the psychic rings of energy hit the Water and Flying type, which it responded by looking towards where they came from. However, no one was there as more rings of energy came from another direction, hitting the Wingull again.

Breeze became angrier as it finally located Grace, who was looking at him with a smile. Breeze immediately flew towards Grace again, falling in her trap.

"Breeze, stop! Don't run towards her!" Breeze ignored Disc's commands and continued his attack. However, Grace teleported away once again as Breeze looked around while panting. Once again, the same thing happened as this time, Breeze was exhausted to endure the impact of Psybeam and collapsed.

"Breeze is unable to battle! Grace wins!"

I was happy about the victory, but I knew that Grace would be tired if she continued the strategy we had. I knew I had to try and fight back if needed be.

"Breeze, good work. Let's go, Leafy!" He sent out his Ivysaur, which responded with a smile as she locked eyes with Grace.

"The battle between Leafy and Grace will now begin!"

"Leafy, use Vine Whip on Grace!" The Ivysaur released the dark green vines from her bulb and surrounded my Psychic type with them before she could teleport away.

Knowing that escaping was not an option, I commanded, "Get yourself out with Psybeam!"

Grace tried shooting the psychic rings of energy towards Leafy, but Leafy barely dodged it. Disc then commanded, "Sleep Powder!"

I did not give up, "Grace, use Psybeam and dodge the powder!'

Grace focused on her target and shot her attack, which finally hit successfully as Leafy released the light-blue powder towards Grace. Leafy could not ignore the pain as she let go of Grace from her vines. Grace took the opportunity and teleported away from the powder before it hit her. I sighed in relief from the close call, but we were far from done.

"Grace, use Psybeam again!"

Knowing that Leech Seed would not work on the Pokémon who could dodge easily using teleportations, Disc decided to go for all out attacks, "Leafy, dodge and use Tackle!"

Leafy was able to barely dodge through the attack as she dashed through my Psychic type, slamming her body at her opponent. Grace winced in pain, but she still wanted to continue battling.

"Grace, use Confusion!"

"Leafy, finish her off with Vine Whip!'

Grace focused her powers and was able to toss Leafy into the air. However, Leafy was also able to take the opportunity to release the green vines, hitting the Psychic type as she slammed herself onto the ground. Unable to endure the impact, both of them remained unconscious on the ground after the attacks.

"Both Leafy and Grace are unable to battle! This battle is a tie!"

This could still be anyone's game...

Disc returned Leafy and threw another Pokéball, "Let's go, Waves!"

A whale-like Pokémon appeared in the battlefield as it sent out its cries. I followed suit shortly after, sending out Ziggs.

"Let's battle, Ziggs!" Ziggs appeared in the battlefield, hoping to redeem himself from his performance in the quarter-finals.

"The battle between Waves and Ziggs will now begin!"

"Waves, start off with Water Gun!" Waves released a spiral of water towards Ziggs.

"Ziggs, dodge and use Headbutt!" Ziggs skillfully dodged the attack, and rushed towards the Water type and headbutted it. However, it did not seem to get affected much.

"Waves, use Rollout!" The round whale-like Pokémon nodded and started rolling around the battlefield, occasionally rolling towards Ziggs to attack him. Ziggs was able to dodge its attacks, but it was slowly getting tiring for my Normal type Pokémon. I knew I had to think of something to counter the Rollout.

"Ziggs, use Rock Smash directly at Waves!" Ziggs nodded, knowing what must be done. He waited for the moment Waves rolled towards him, and gave him a hard punch using his paws.

As a result, Waves was hit slightly away from Ziggs as he stopped rolling. Even better, yellow birds started flying around its head, implying that it was confused.

"Waves, snap out of it!" Waves tried to issue Disc's command, but it struggled to regain consciousness. I knew it was our opportunity to strike, "Ziggs, use Headbutt, full power!"

"Waves, Water Pulse!" Ziggs lowered his head and rushed towards the Water type, ready to send out his powerful attack. Waves formed the blue energy ball and tried to hit its target, but the confusion got to it as it shot it towards the wrong direction, missing the attack. Ziggs took the chance and slammed the vulnerable Water type with his head, flinching Waves as the attack took it out, unable to battle anymore.

"Waves is unable to battle! Ziggs wins!" Ziggs happily ran back towards me, and I was proud of him being able to redeem himself from his quarter-finals performance and proved the audience wrong.

"Guess it's now or never! You got this, Ghoul!" The creepy looking Pokémon returned to the battlefield.

"Ziggs, why don't you take a short rest?" Ziggs agreed to my suggestion as I returned him and took out another Pokéball, "Let's win this, Surfer!"

The newly evolved Wartortle appeared in the battlefield, growling at his opponent and excited to battle again.

"The battle between Ghoul and Surfer will now begin!"

"Surfer, use Water Pulse!"

"Ghoul, use Night Shade, then use Knock Off!" Ghoul immediately made a terrifying mirage, scaring Surfer as he launched the blue ball of energy, unfortunately missing the Dark and Ghost type. Ghoul took the opportunity and dashed towards my starter, ready to give him a powerful scratch with his claws as they glowed with a dark aura.

"Surfer, don't get scared! Recover and counter with Bite!" As Surfer recovered from the attack, Ghoul was in front of him as it scratched his right cheek. Enduring the pain, Surfer returned the bite on Ghoul, causing his opponent to wince in pain as they returned to their original positions.

"Ghoul, use Foresight, then use Knock Off again!" Ghoul nodded and started blinking towards Surfer, trying to detect the best place to strike for the next move.

I knew I could not let that happen, "Surfer, stop his attack with Water Gun!" Surfer nodded and released a spiral of water towards the Sableye, forcing it to stop its Foresight attack to dodge the attack. However, it did not give up his trainer's original plan as it dashed towards Surfer to give him yet another powerful scratch.

"Withdraw!" I commanded, as Surfer quickly took cover inside his shell. Ghoul's attack ended up being not as fruitful as the shell took most of it for Surfer. Ghoul quickly backed off afterwards before Surfer could return another attack.

I knew I had to finish this quickly, "Surfer, end this with Water Pulse, then Water Gun!"

"Ghoul, dodge and use Fury Swipes!"

Surfer immediately formed and shot the blue ball of energy towards Ghoul. Although tired, it was barely able to dodge the attack and rushed towards Surfer, slashing my starter with its claws. Trying to withstand the pain, Surfer created the spiral of water and launched it directly towards his opponent, hitting Ghoul as the water sent the Dark and Ghost type into the air before it slammed itself at the ground.

After launching the Water Gun attack, Surfer was too exhausted to battle and he collapsed. Fortunately, the same ending happened for Ghoul as it could not endure the impact either and was no longer able to battle.

"Both Pokémon are unable to battle! The battle is a tie! The winner moving on to the finals is Lows from Pallet Town!" I sighed in happiness that I managed to emerge from such a tough battle, but felt bad when Disc showed slight disappointment in his expression.

I shook hands with Disc and apologized to him. However, Disc seemed to have already recovered as he smiled, "You did so well, Lows! I'll be watching the finals later, so be sure to win this for us."

"...Thank you, Disc." I returned the smile, more determined to defeat Harry now.

"That's a battle and a half." Steven smiled.

"Lows definitely had a lot of close calls and risky plays, to say the least." His Pokémon commented.

"At least they worked out in the end." Steven smiled as he stood up from his seat, "Let's head back, buddy."

"W-Wait, I thought you said you'll be watching Lows battle till the end of the tournament."

"We have a meeting to attend, partner." Steven looked back to his Pokémon and grinned,

"Wouldn't you wanna see what happened in the finals though?" His Pokémon knew Steven could skip a meeting or two for something he loved, like collecting stones and watching trainer battles of his interest.

"Nah, it's okay. I promised Father I would be there." Steven started walking away from the audience seat, "...Besides, no matter what the result is, I think Lows learned a lot more from this tournament already. That's more important than winning."

His Pokémon stayed silent upon hearing that, agreeing to its trainer as it followed him out of the Verdanturf Battle Tent.

As we expected, I would be battling against Harry in the finals. Harry looked at me in the waiting room, giving me a cocky smirk as he said, "Looks like we meet again, Lows. I shall pay back from the loss in the route to Rusturf Tunnel and prove to you that you won't be able to win with that care and love you emphasize so much."

"...Even if I don't win, I will still hold on to what I think. You will understand soon enough, Harry."

Before he could insult me further, I walked away, not wanting to waste any more time with him.

I just hope he could at least take in something from what I said...

I shook my head, trying to distract my mind from that incident.

Besides, we had a match to face in just a few moments.

Lows' Pokémon Team:

Surfer (Wartortle, Male) Jolly Nature, moves: Withdraw, Bite, Water Pulse, Water Gun

Ziggs (Zigzagoon, Male) Naive Nature, moves: Tackle, Growl, Headbutt, Rock Smash

Grace (Ralts, Female) Calm Nature, moves: Teleport, Confusion, Double Team, Psybeam

Woody (Treecko, Male) Lonely Nature, moves: Pound, Quick Attack, Bullet Seed, Absorb