Latias' words of encouragement lingered in my mind as I waited to make sure Ardos had left the area. Why would she have any reason to believe in me? Relying on a nighttime janitor turned trainer who had been easily blinded by money was bad enough. The huge drunken fight I had with my team after losing in the round of 32 did not help the situation either. Even if I had my shit together and enough people believed me, Cipher still had a massive resource advantage.
Ardos had an enormous amount of wealth before using Lostelle's as a personal bank. Anyone who faced a Shadow Pokémon in the tournament either lost handily or barely managed to win; an average person had no hope of defeating one. The league selling off New Mauville is what frustrated me the most because it wasn't my fault. Outside of brainwashing, there was no reason to assume Wattson would stop taking care of the property after getting injured. I shook my head then started walking back to the hotel.
There was uneasiness in the air the next morning. League officials put out a press release before sunrise stating trainers still in the tournament had to get their Pokémon examined before each battle. From the quarterfinals onward, trainers had to submit their teams in writing to the league with the guarantee they would not be made public. It was a good attempt to deter the use of Shadow Pokémon although the top brass would never admit it. To nobody's surprise, the decision was unpopular.
Fans' excitement of a surprise addition would be dulled and the remaining trainers had to commit to their teams well beforehand. If I had more than six Pokémon, I could see myself making a roster change in the locker room minutes before taking the field.
I spent most of the afternoon window shopping for the upcoming gala. Formal attire was the easy part considering it was a black-tie event with the exception being the masquerade piece. Masks would be provided although guests were encouraged to bring their own. Zach mentioned a lot of veteran partygoers used their masks to show off a glimpse of their preferences.
"For you, less is more. Try not to buy something you'd see a burglar wear from a Saturday morning cartoon either," Zach said over the phone.
"Don't knock Saturday morning cartoons. They got me through a lot of homework on the weekends. Now I can't even watch them. For real though, what colors are safe?"
"Any solid color. Silver is the most common color with black being a close second. I would avoid colors like neon pink or sky blue because people will take notice. It's not a bad thing but you want to blend in. Let the person wearing a full Milotic headdress or shoes made of Absol fur get all the attention."
"The what now?"
"I'll touch base with you again in two weeks."
Finding a mask proved to be harder than anticipated. A lot of places had noticeably cheap ones and the high-quality ones were too expensive for a one-night affair. I did some digging online and saw the Slateport outdoor market was the best place to find a deal. I eventually made my way to the fields for the next round of matches.
Security had been amplified in the wake of yesterday's incident. Everyone was subjected to a more thorough inspection before entering. Hariyama stood alongside the workers in case anyone got out of hand. Poochyena would sniff bags after they had been emptied. On my way to the suite, I saw a participant being escorted to the locker room by an officer and an Abra. Two ushers with an Electrike guarded every suite entrance. The small electric type sized me up.
"Please present your pass."
"Right here."
"Thank you. Please enjoy yourself," the usher said while opening the door. "I do apologize for the sudden change in atmosphere."
Only two other trainers were lounging around in the communal area. They gave me a quick glance then went back to watching television. Experiencing the city's nightlife conflicted with spectating, but I didn't expect such a low turnout. The quarterfinals onward would probably get a bigger draw. I helped myself to a plate of food then walked to the bar.
"Excuse me, could I have a beer?" I asked the bartender. "Anything works."
"Coming up."
I reached for the can as the bartender pulled it back to pour it in a glass. I looked down awkwardly.
"Oops. Got a little too excited."
"No problem. It is league policy to serve every drink in a glass while in a suite. Enjoy!"
The public address announcer went through the usual pre-battle spiel with an emphasis on safety procedures. I could tell the league was praying for nothing unusual to happen for four battles on field one below me as well as the other four on field number two next door. The main reason I chose field one was because of Logan.
After two battles and extended periods of field maintenance, everything was fine. The rule changes earlier in the day didn't seem to hinder the fierce competition or fan excitement. I did wonder if any Shadow Pokémon were identified before a battle.
Both trainers who arrived before me had left sometime before the second battle ended. I couldn't blame them. It was quarter past nine, but I was content to watch the remaining matches. I got up from my balcony seat and went inside to grab another round of food. There was still a lot left although the bartender was gone.
"Any idea where she went?" I asked the caterer.
"I don't know. After the last battle ended, she stepped outside before you came in. Weird considering we're fully stocked. Maybe she had to use the restroom."
"Sorry about that," the bartender asked while jogging through the door. "What can I get for you?"
"Nanab and seltzer on the rocks please."
"You got it. Oh! Looks like there's something big happening on field two," she said.
I turned around to see a collision of what I believed to be Fire Blast and Dragon Pulse met at midfield. The camera angle switched to the trainers shielding their eyes. Camerupt took one step out of the smoke before collapsing. What remained was an Altaria struggling to stay in the air. The judge didn't have to wait to call the round.
"Here you go sir."
"Thank you."
On the way back to my balcony seat, I heard the caterer calmly yet firmly scold the bartender for her sudden absence. The intrusive thought of making my own drink crept in if she left again. I took a big sip of my drink and gagged.
"Didn't think you could fuck up a simple drink that bad but here we are," I said under my breath. "It's like the seltzer is rubbing alcohol. I can't finish this shit."
The third battle was more enjoyable compared to the previous two. One trainer started with a literal bang as their Weezing used Explosion out of the gate to take down a Crobat. I laughed like a maniac when the same trainer had their Muk use Explosion to knock out a Whiscash later in the battle. The unusual strategy worked out in the end. As the battle wrapped up, I felt drowsy.
"Not now," I groaned. "Still a few battles away from seeing Logan."
Unfortunately for me, the bathroom was not in the suite. It was down the hallway. The guard of our suite noticed me stumbling out.
"You okay?"
"I'm fine. Just need to go to the bathroom."
I stumbled the entire way and washing my face did little to help me stay awake. Eventually I dragged my tired body into a stall and passed out on the toilet but not before locking the door. I slept off the sudden wave of fatigue yet still managed to wake up in a daze. I took a deep breath, cleaned myself up, and went back to the suite.
"Everything alright?" the guard asked. "You were gone for about 45 minutes."
"Did I miss the last battle?"
"No. The maintenance crew had their work cut out for them after the previous battle."
"Explosion being used twice in a match was not on anyone's bingo card," I replied with a laugh.
The caterer was nonchalantly cleaning up the buffet while the bartender looked surprised to see me. I looked at her for a second then continued walking to my seat. Logan's battle was just getting underway. As the number one overall seed who technically beat me by a score of 5-0, I expected him to dominate.
He started fast thanks to Gardevoir knocking out the opposing Claydol and Walrein. The opponent countered with Milotic and the battle swung in the other direction. Its bulk and access to Recover allowed it to keep pace with Gardevoir before knocking it out with Hydro Pump. Poor Roserade was downed with a surprise Ice Beam. The hometown kid remained unfazed.
Manectric took the opportunity to land a nasty Thunder which also inflicted paralysis. Volt Switch not only got the knockout moments later but allowed a safe pivot into Dusknoir. The bulky ghost type had great play into neutral situations. His opponent hesitated so long they got a warning for stalling and finally threw out Kingdra.
It wasted no time firing a purple beam into the night sky despite having no immediate effect. Logan looked unsure of what would happen down the line, so he had Dusknoir use Will-O-Wisp. The burn was applied and then a hailstorm of small purple balls came down. Dusknoir recoiled at the attack while Kingdra was unbothered. A purple cyclone was whipped up shortly after. The ghost type held on and scored a nasty critical hit with Earthquake followed by the burn finishing off Kingdra. The balls continued to rain down.
"Weather-like effects too? These things are full of surprises," I said to myself. "At least it didn't go berserk."
Logan didn't lose another round on his way to victory. The field level camera captured the post-match handshake and the look on his face walking to the locker room was one of exhaustion. I was mildly upset that he won by a score of 4-0. While getting ready to leave, I noticed my leftover food and drink. Then I called a cab. Thankfully, the employees weren't trying to push me out the door. When I figured my ride was outside, I walked out with the items.
"Hold on! You can't take alcohol outside!" the bartender said in a shocked tone.
"Okay then, can you put my drink in a plastic cup with a lid on it?"
She looked nervous. "That's against policy."
"What about the food?"
"Food is fine. Let me get a to-go container for you." I texted myself while she packed it. "All set. Have a good night."
I reluctantly downed the rest of my drink and went toward the door. "Thank you."
She had a horrified expression on her face. "I think you should sit down for a bit."
"Nah, I'm good. My ride is waiting outside."
She tried convincing the event staff that I was too drunk to leave; they gave her a weird look when it was clear I was coherent. Explaining how I called for a ride back to the hotel was enough for them to let me go.
My body was sweating profusely as I maneuvered my way out of the stadium. I felt drowsy again as the cab pulled up to the hotel entrance. Exhaustion hit me like a rock when I made it inside my room and I collapsed. When I woke up, it was 1:30 in the afternoon.
"Damn… late night." I checked my PokéNav. "Unread texts from me?"
1/4 drink finished nanab & seltzer was out for 45 mins.
Didn't keep track of how long from sip to feeling tired.
Maybe food too?
I stared at the screen trying to piece together the night. What I did remember clearly was the drink tasting nothing like it was supposed to and rushing to the bathroom. I couldn't remember if the food played a role in what happened.
"Leftovers for brunch. At least I'm already here if I pass out."
Nothing happened over the course of half an hour. I let out a deep sigh then texted Lucas.
Thanks for letting me stay in your room. I'm leaving tomorrow at some point. He replied instantly.
I understand. Safe travels!
I stared at Altaria's ball for a minute then called her out. She looked at me then turned away.
"Look, I know you hate me right now. Is there any chance I could at least ride you back home?"
She pondered my question, looked back at me, and shook her head. Then she let herself back into the ball before I could say anything more.
"Good talk," I mumbled. "Scenic route it is."
Borrowing Salamence for a fast ride home meant I would have to box one of my Pokémon. Not really an ideal plan when I wanted to regain their trust. The trip home was going to be long regardless of the method.
Option one was going to Mauville by way of Lilycove then walking up Route 111 to reach Fallarbor before getting to the rugged mountains of Route 114. Option two was riding on the open sea until reaching Petalburg then walking north the rest of the way. Option three was going to Lilycove then Fortree and asking Winona to fly me the rest of the way. No matter what, the first leg of the trip was going to be miserable due to the vastness of the sea.
Paying for a ferry or even a private charter from Ever Grande to Slateport was not an issue. My problem was going at someone else's pace. I looked at my belt again and called out Walrein.
"Hey buddy. I have a favor to ask."
He was still wary of me but didn't turn away like Altaria. I didn't need to call anyone else out to know he was the only Pokémon willing to at least hear me out.
"We're heading home tomorrow and I need your help. Can I ride on your back like I did on the way here?"
Admittedly it was a big favor to ask but it looked like he took my question to heart. Then his body language changed to uncertainty. Being the newest member of the team put him in a rough spot. Walrein was a good teammate but his bonds with everyone else were relatively weak.
He ate alone in the corner the morning after I drunkenly yelled at Ninetales. Magneton and Aggron also ate alone but they had an intense sense of camaraderie to fall back on when the dust settled. Not so much with Walrein. If he were to help me, I could see everyone turning their back on him. He finally looked me in the eye and sternly nodded.
"Alright. I'll be counting on you."
I decided not to tell anyone else I was leaving early. My friends and family deserved to enjoy their vacation. With what little time I had left, I chose to watch the quarterfinals at a hole in the wall restaurant near the hotel. Decent pricing, decent food, and the television was loud enough to hear but not too overbearing.
Just like the round of 16, nothing unusual happened during the first three battles. Cameras panned to a packed stadium along with closeup shots of full luxury boxes before the highlights came on. The director switched to Logan walking out of the tunnel for the last battle of the night. He led with Dusknoir while the opponent led with Manectric. I expected to see a Shadow Pokémon. What I didn't expect was to see one being used right away.
Manectric covered the field in a purple mist that clung to the ghost type after the rest in the open air dissipated. Thunder after Thunder landed despite the ghost type's movements forcing an early deficit. Logan was visibly shaken after the horrendous start. He eventually recovered and found himself in a 2-2 deadlock.
"Flygon, use Outrage!"
One hit with its trusty Choice Band equipped was enough to knock out the opposing Sceptile. The opponent's last hope of winning was Metagross. An audible wooing came from the crowd as the powerful steel and psychic type was something to be feared. Logan's breathing became sporadic.
"It looks like the number one overall seed is in a tough spot! Will we see a switch to reset the Choice Band or will he stay in to fire off an Outrage?" the announcer said. "Oh? It looks like a switch to Gardevoir! But can it even put up a fight?"
"Metagross versus Gardevoir. Begin!" the referee said.
"And we're off! Logan wasting no time pulling out the pendant for mega evolution!" the announcer exclaimed. "He's going for Focus Blast! Oh my goodness! Is it going to be enough? No, it misses! Absolute heartbreak! Metagross quickly responds with Metal Claw! It connects and Gardevoir is down in just one hit! The referee is making the call."
"Gardevoir is unable to battle. Metagross wins!"
A roar came from the crowd on television and the restaurant. The announcer did a decent job selling the excitement, but it didn't get through to me. Logan would be a fool to leave Earthquake off Flygon. The diners calmed down as the battle started again.
"Flygon looking to end this battle in one blow with an Earthquake boosted by Choice Band! Metagross putting its faith in Meteor Mash!" the announcer yelled.
An explosion rocked the field and smoke filled the screen. The restaurant got quiet as the crowd buzzed in the stadium. It got slightly louder as the smoke started to clear. The announcer was heard leaning outside the press box.
"Both Pokémon are currently down. We do not have a signal from the referee yet. Do we have overtime? Unbelievable ending to this batt-oh! Oh! There it is! The flag is up!"
"Metagross is unable to battle. Flygon wins! This match goes to Logan!" reverberated from the stadium speakers.
"It is all over! What an outstanding battle! The local trainer is advancing to the semifinals for a Saturday night showdown."
Cameras caught Metagross getting to its feet and staring at the upper levels of the crowd. It didn't seem to find what it was looking for and rushed toward the severely injured Flygon instead. Viewers saw a horde of security guards and their Pokémon stopping the now berserk Shadow Pokémon before the broadcast abruptly cut to a commercial. I stopped paying attention to the broadcast and paid the bill.
The city was buzzing on my way back to the hotel. Rumors about what happened flew without a second thought. I kept my head down and ears open for some after dinner entertainment. A pair of middle-aged men caught my attention.
"Match fixing!? That doesn't make any sense."
"Gives a reason to bet against the best trainer left in the field. Logan has had to deal with an out-of-control Pokémon every round. I did plenty of research."
"Every opponent has been genuinely surprised when things go bad."
"Putting on a good act is part of the process."
"You're just mad your parlay was ruined. Should've gone with Logan winning 1-0 instead of 3-0. It's late enough in the tournament where a 1-0 final is almost a given."
"Final score aside, nothing happened in the other battles tonight. Same thing goes for yesterday. At this point, I'd bet the house on another Pokémon losing it tomorrow against him."
"Because it's obvious the league hates only him. Not like a Starmie acted up in the preliminaries and bit the dust." I tensed up. "Or how every other battle up to this point was squeaky clean with zero controversy." The two continued arguing until they went off in a different direction.
I replayed every other battle from yesterday in my room and found nothing unusual. Other battles that finished a few hours ago also showed no visible signs of Shadow Pokémon being used. I shook my head.
"Logan you poor bastard. Welcome to the life of a test subject."
