Summer and Weldon arrived in Ever Grande City for the Hoenn League. After meeting up with Trin and Aster, Summer briefly met the rivals she made throughout her Hoenn journey, with some more eager to battle her than others. The Hoennese then participated in her Elite Four entry match against Phoebe, the Ghost type user. She and Errol battled valiantly, but they were unable to defeat Pheobe's strong Dusclops. Still, the Elite Four member gave Summer a passing score, allowing her to enter the Senior Division tournament. Who will be Summer's first opponents?

Chapter 57- A Battle between Fox and Mouse

After ten minutes of intense battling on the Ruby Battlefield, Blaze and Lightning, who were still raring to go, eyed a tiring Zangoose and Seviper.

"Blaze, use Flamethrower! Lightning, follow up with Thunderbolt!"

My Pokémon unleashed their attacks, combining into a crackling fire-electric beam that struck the Normal and Poison types. Our opponents collapsed onto the dirt, and their Trainer, Billy Sheikusupia, gasped.

"Romio! Jurietto!"

The referee waved the red and blue flags. "Romio and Jurietto are unable to battle! The winner is Summer Scorcher from Littleroot Town!"

I took a deep breath as the audience cheered. After returning my victorious partners, I shook Billy's hand.

"That was a great battle, Billy. I never expected you to use a Zangoose and Seviper as partners."

The black haired boy grinned and replied in an obviously fake Galarian accent, "Yes, though it may have been a little presumptuous now in hindsight. I thought Romio and Jurietto were finally able to cooperate in battle, but they appear to still succumb to their generational rivalry. It appears my dream for a Romeo and Juliet Pokémon play adaptation will require more tweaking. Regardless, that was a wonderful battle, Summer. I wish you good luck in your future matches."

I returned backstage, where my friends were waiting.

"That was an exciting match, Summer!" Aster exclaimed, beaming. "Witnessing a battle in such an environment…it was definitely a lot more exciting than your Gym battles."

Laughing, I replied, "Thanks, Aster. Still, I never expected a known rival Pokémon pair to work as well as they did."

"Their Trainer is quite skilled," Weldon noted. "Until, well, they started bickering amongst themselves during the final moments."

"Enough analysis for now!" Trin exclaimed, waving her arms. "We need to get to the Pokémon Center so Summer can heal Blaze and Lightning."

I nodded. "Right. I also need to check the updated tournament bracket!"

We returned to the league Pokémon Center, where anxious Trainers were waiting to see their next matchups. After giving my Pokémon to Nurse Saiyu, I checked the TV, which segued between the Junior, Senior, and Master Division tournament updates. Since I was one of the last Top 64 matches, I should be able to see my next opponent. When it turned to the Senior Division, I gasped.

"I-It's Viola Voss…"

"Oh, did someone call my name?"

That said person was standing next to me, making me jump. To my surprise, she did the same.

"Wh-What you're doing here, Viola?"

The batfam recovered and scoffed, "Obviously the same thing you're doing: checking out my next competitor. And, judging by your embarrassing reaction, I'm assuming it's you."

She gave a haughty laugh, but it didn't reflect her true emotions. I could tell she was nervous, maybe a little scared.

"I better get going. See you on the Sapphire side of the battlefield, Viola."

"Yeah…you better be ready, Summer. I won't be going easy on you."

I returned to my friends, and Weldon warily eyed his former classmate. "So it's Viola. Did she give you any trouble, Summer?"

"Not at all. Though I'm surprised she's not with Andy right now."

Loki peeked out of Trin's hood. "I've been listening to some of the gossip while you guys were watching the match, and it appears Viola Voss struggled against her Top 64 opponent."

His Trainer plucked him out and said, "I thought you weren't going to eavesdrop anymore, Loki. Remember that time when we were attacked by a wild Rhydon because you overheard it wanting to overthrow its leader in a coup?"

"It's not my fault I have good ears!" he protested.

As the two continued to argue and I pondered the Togepi's words, Weldon sighed.

"Let's go get dinner first before the strategy session. I saw a really good sushi place in the city."

Nodding, I replied, "Great, let's go."

A few hours later…

I sat in the Pokémon Center's computer lab, reading Viola's biography online.

"Viola Voss, the only child of Victor Voss and the current heir to the Voss battling family, has continued to uphold her family's ability of competitive battling statistics. A chance encounter with her first Pokémon, a Shiny Vulpix outside her hometown of Saffron City, added 'Shiny hunting' to her growing list of skills. She graduated from the Kanto Battling Family Academy as the best female student of her class and traveled around the Johto and Kanto Regions, making Top 16 and Top 8, respectively. Because of her exploits, she has earned her sobriquet, 'Violet Vixen', prior to her défi de chevalerie. Viola now hopes to win the Hoenn League and prove she is one of the best female competitive Trainers in the world."

Weldon sat next to me and peered from the side. "You're reading Viola's bio?"

"Yeah. But I don't know what some of these words mean: sobriquet and défi de chevalerie."

"Oh, those mean 'nickname' and 'knighting challenge' in Kalosian. They refer to specific aspects of batfam rituals."

"Really? What are they about?"

"Aren't you supposed to be strategizing?" he asked with a half-teasing smirk.

I leaned back in the chair. "I'm just taking a break before going back to it."

Weldon playfully shook his head. "All right, I'll tell you. When a batfam reaches the age of thirteen, they must undergo a knighting challenge, or défi de chevalerie, to prove they are worthy to take on the full responsibilities of their battling family. The aspects of the challenge varies, but it is usually based on what the family is known for. If the batfam passes, then they officially receive their unique nickname, or sobriquet, that they choose as well as a pin that bears a variation of the family crest."

"Oh yeah. Like your mom, Camilla. I did remember her wearing such a pin, and she referred to herself as the 'Sharp-Bladed Camellia' during the Hoenn New Trainer Festival back in Oldale Town. But what happens if a batfam doesn't pass?"

He bit his lip. "It…doesn't happen often, but if they don't pass, then they have to wait for two years to redo the défi de chevalerie. If a younger sibling is able to complete the défi de chevalerie before the older sibling does, then they could potentially become the heir instead. Because of this…it can lead to strong sibling rivalries…"

"Like, you and Stanley?"

"Yeah, like me and Stanley," he replied, his voice growing fainter with each word. Then he cleared his throat and continued, "But Stanley has different options because he's a prodigy. He can either do the Alaric or Leland challenges, or even a unique challenge approved by at least three of the oldest battling families. But since he's the heir to the Lelands, he'll likely do that challenge whenever he finishes his house arrest."

I raised an eyebrow. "After his house arrest? Why? I thought he already did it since he was arrested when he was thirteen."

Weldon's face gave an awkward expression. "Well…he was going to do the défi de chevalerie after the Indigo League ended, but then, you know…"

I felt the pain in his heart and said, "I'm sorry, Weldon. I didn't mean to make you feel sad."

"It's all right, Summer, I know you're just curious about all this. But let's just focus on the rest of the tournament, okay? Afterwards, I can tell you more."

Nodding, I stretched. "Thanks, Weldon. Ready to resume the strategizing?"

"Yeah. But we shouldn't stay up too late."

We spent the rest of the night planning for my upcoming match, but I couldn't stop thinking about what Weldon told me.

The next day…

I waited in the locker room for my match against Viola. Even though the stadium was currently split into three sections to facilitate more matches, the locker room remained undivided for all participants. As I leaned back on a bench, ignoring my opponent's presence, I reflected on the day I first met Viola.

My nose wrinkled, remembering that strange mix of violet, sweet pea, and petunia. Viola looked and acted like a celebrity that day when Weldon and I arrived in Mauville City. And what she did that night made me experience emotions I've never felt towards anyone else before. In a way, she helped me realize how I felt about Weldon.

I felt my cheeks turning red, and I quickly snapped out of my thoughts. Then I heard my name on the intercom, telling me it was time for the match. I entered the hallway and stepped onto the Sapphire Battlefield. Since it was at the northeast corner of the stadium, the partition blocked the other two battlefields, Ruby and Emerald, from interfering. But still, there was a sizeable crowd, eager to watch the match. Viola was already waiting across from me, her eyes focused onto me. She had her hair tied up into a ponytail and wore a purple active top and white shorts, a stark difference to her normal formal appearance.

The referee, wearing a red shirt and blue shorts, shouted, "The Senior Division match between Summer Scorcher from Littleroot Town and Viola Voss from Saffron City will soon begin. The field type and move choice will now be chosen."

We turned to the screen on the partition, showing our faces, Pokémon slots, and the dial to determine the field type. As the dial spun, a light flashed between our faces to determine who would make the first move. After a few seconds, the dial stopped on the snowflake icon and Viola's face remained lit.

"This match will take place on the ice field, with Viola making the first move!"

The bare ground within the painted white lines was switched with one made of smooth ice. Then, Viola let out her Pokémon.

"Inola, Bora, let's do this!"

A very beautiful dark gray Ninetales surrounded by a flash of sparkles and a regular Espeon appeared on the field, inciting gasps and cheers from the audience. Despite my fear of the Vulpix line, even I couldn't help but marvel at the Shiny Ninetales.

I snapped out of the trance and sent out my Pokémon. "Go, Lightning and Aurora!"

The Raichu and Dewgong landed on the ice. Lightning was able to gain her footing after a brief struggle, while Aurora happily rubbed the cold surface on her flippers.

The referee waved the red and blue flags and shouted, "Battle begin!"

Viola waved her right arm. "Inola, use Nasty Plot! Bora, use Future Sight!"

The Fox Pokémon snickered as she came up with a devious plot, greatly raising her Special Attack. Meanwhile, the Psychic type's eyes gave off a shimmering blue hue, setting off an unseen countdown to a future attack.

Looks like she's putting her battling ability into effect. Hopefully luck is on my side today. "Lightning, use Thunderbolt on Inola! Aurora, use Signal Beam on Bora!"

Viola crossed her arms. "What a straightforward tactic. Dodge, both of you!"

Her Pokémon leapt over the lightning bolt and rainbow beam but slightly wobbled as they tried to regain their footing on the slick ice. Viola frowned and decided to change her tactics.

"Inola, use Fire Spin on Lightning!"

The Fire type unleashed a spiral of orange flames at the Raichu, who was also trying to keep her balance.

"Aurora, protect Lightning!"

The Dewgong slid in front of her partner and took the hit. Thanks to her Thick Fat Ability, Aurora was able shake off most of the damage.

The batfam grinned. "Clever move, Summer, but you forgot my other Pokémon! Bora, use Grass Knot on Aurora!"

I gritted my teeth as the Sun Pokémon tied the Water type down with two blades of grass. Lightning growled as she saw her new favorite move being used against us.

Stay calm, Summer. It's too early to panic… "Don't worry, Viola. I haven't. Lightning, free Aurora and then attack Bora with Iron Tail!"

Nodding, the Electric type charged her tail. In one swift motion, she cut the grass binding her teammate and hit the lilac-colored Pokémon, knocking her onto the ice.

As Aurora shook off the vegetation, I shouted, "Use Water Pulse on Inola!"

The Sea Lion Pokémon shot the watery orb at the shocked Ninetales, which dealt a decent amount of damage.

"Are you two all right?" her Trainer asked. Inola and Bora shakily returned to their feet and nodded.

I decided to make the first move this time. "Use a Water Pulse-Thunderbolt combination on Inola!"

Nodding, Aurora charged a larger orb of water. After she released it, her partner enhanced its power with electricity, making it look like a speeding comet.

Viola laughed. "A powerful move, but not powerful enough! Bora, use Helping Hand! Inola, use Swift!"

Bora released a bolt of blue energy from her body and aimed it into her partner. Feeling the increased power, Inola shot a stream of swirling white stars. Because they were larger than normal, they not only sliced through the charged Water Pulse, they were also able to hit both Lightning and Aurora. If that wasn't enough, a rainbow colored ball appeared and struck the Mouse Pokémon from behind. The Electric type gritted her teeth, but she refused to let the two moves take her down.

"Looks like your Raichu's not looking too good," Viola taunted. "Inola, finish Lightning with Dark Pulse!"

As the Ninetales charged her attack, I shouted, "We're not done, Viola! Lightning, dodge and counter with Thunderpunch!"

Using her tail to help her slide on the ice, Lightning skated around the dark beam of energy. Then, she slammed her right fist into the Fire type, sending sparks onto her opponent.

The batfam was surprised, but she maintained her composure. "Bora, use Future Sight then control Lightning with Psychic!"

After sensing another unforeseen attack, Bora surrounded Lightning with the blue psychic energy and threw her target into the air.

I pointed at the falling Raichu and told Aurora, "Protect Lightning with Aqua Tail!"

Water swirled around the Dewgong's tail, allowing her to catch her partner before she could take more damage. Then, Aurora swung the water at Bora, who was knocked back but maintained her footing. My opponent's calm smile made me grit my teeth.

Viola seems to have a stronger counter to all of my strategies… There must be something I can do to throw her off… Then I noticed the ice on the field beginning to melt from the intense action. That's it!

"Aurora, use Ice Beam on the field!"

Despite her confusion, the Sea Lion Pokémon shot the icy blue beam at the ground, creating large pillars of ice. Though they obscured Inola and Bora, they also did the same with Lightning and Aurora.

Viola laughed. "You think that's enough to stop a strategist like me? Bora, use Helping Hand! Inola, use Fire Spin on those icy pillars!"

I hid a smile as the powered up Fire Spin melted the ice. Before long, the field was covered in steam and a thin layer of water. Inola and Bora were confused, despite their Trainer's assurance, and I made our next move.

Having an idea on where they were amidst the watery smokescreen, I shouted, "Use Thunderpunch and Signal Beam on Bora!"

Lightning ran towards the Psychic type and sent her into the air with an electrifying uppercut. Once she emerged over the steam cloud, Aurora pelted her with the super effective attack. The steam cleared just as the Espeon fell onto the water.

The referee looked at the motionless Pokémon and shouted, "Bora is unable to battle!"

Viola frowned as she returned Bora, but her smirk reappeared. "Just because I have one Pokémon left, doesn't mean you still have an advantage, Summer!"

She's right… Bora may be gone, but that Future Sight will be coming at any time… I need to be on my guard.

"Lightning, use Thunderbolt!"

She charged the lightning bolt, but Viola shouted, "Dodge and use Dark Pulse on Lightning!"

With the slippery surface gone, the Ninetales was able to easily leap over the move and shoot the dark energy beam.

"Aurora, block it with Signal Beam!"

The two moves collided, with both Pokémon refusing to give in. But just as the Bug type move started to push back the Dark Pulse, Aurora was hit by the Future Sight. Inola grinned and pushed the Signal Beam back to its user. The Dewgong felt the impact of the two moves and collapsed.

"Aurora is unable to battle!" the referee shouted amongst the cheering.

The batfam smiled. "I told you so, Summer."

"Thanks, Aurora. Get some rest." After returning her, I took a deep breath. It all comes down to this.

"Now, Inola, Fire Spin!" Viola commanded.

I shouted in response, "Dodge with Iron Tail!"

The Raichu coiled her tail and sprung up, evading the Fire Spin.

"Oh no you don't! Fire Spin again!"

"Thunderbolt!"

The fire and electricity collided, creating a cloud of smoke that covered the field.

"Not again!" Viola complained. "Inola, Swift!"

The always accurate stars hit the Raichu, but the cloud didn't dissipate. I put our final strategy into action.

"Lightning, Grass Knot!"

A flash of green hit the ground, and I heard the Ninetales yelp. As the smoke cleared, Viola was shocked to find her beloved partner's legs trapped by thick blades of grass. The more Inola struggled, the tighter the vegetation got.

"Calm down, Inola! Just use Fire Spin on the grass!"

She did, but both were surprised to see it didn't work.

"B-But how?"

I smirked. "Don't forget, Viola. The battlefield is now wet, so the Grass Knot gained strength from the water around it. And this move gains power from water too; Lightning, Thunderbolt!"

Placing all fours into the water, she gathered extra energy into her body and shot a larger lightning bolt that pierced the immobile Ninetales. Inola was overwhelmed by the powerful attack and soon collapsed.

The referee waved the flags. "Inola is unable to battle! This Senior Division Top 32 match goes to Summer Scorcher from Littleroot Town!"

I ran over to the wobbly Raichu and was able to catch her before she fell onto the field.

"We did it, Lightning. You and Aurora did really well."

She weakly smiled. "Thanks, Summer."

I returned her and noticed Viola walking towards me. I prepared for her to be upset but was surprised to see a smile instead.

"I knew you were strong, but I didn't expect you to be this strong, Summer Scorcher. I have to say, I'm impressed."

"Oh. Thanks, Viola. You're a really strong Trainer too."

We shook hands, and amongst the roar of the crowd, we returned to the locker room. Weldon was waiting near a row of lockers. He was about to smile, but it faded when he saw his former classmate. The air became a little awkward, so I tried to break the tension.

"So…what did you think of the battle, Weldon?"

But he didn't answer. I glanced back and forth between the two batfams, not sure on how to make things better.

Viola sighed, clutching her right arm. "Weldon…I-"

"Look, Viola," he interrupted. "I know Andy had more of a reason to separate me and Summer than you did. What I don't understand is why you helped him in the first place. I…I thought you were better than that."

She weakly chuckled. "You've changed, but you're still as blunt as ever, Weldon. You're right, we were approached by a cloaked stranger who wanted to get rid of you. The man gave Andy that perfume I wore, but I didn't trust that guy. Still, I helped Andy because…well…" She touched the tips of her auburn hair. "People do crazy things for the people they love."

I'd say. But the description of that stranger, it sounds like Hamsetrin. That man really has it out for Weldon. I glanced at my friend, who had a pained expression.

To our shock, the Trainer bowed to us. "I know I don't deserve it, but please, accept my apology for trying to get in between the two of you, Summer and Weldon."

The Kantonian regained his composure and said, "At least I'm getting an apology from one of you. I doubt Andy has the humility to do the same."

Viola laughed. "You'd be surprised how different his personality is when he's not in public. I better get going, but, I have to warn you, Summer. Despite what I said a few days ago, Andy is much stronger than me. If you do battle him, you better be prepared. But don't worry. We made a pact before the tournament that we wouldn't help each other strategize against our opponents. I may be out of the tournament, but…let's just say, I'm taking the opportunity to do some sightseeing in between the matches."

Beaming, I replied, "Thanks, Viola. Enjoy the sightseeing."

After she left, Weldon turned to me. "To answer your question earlier, Summer. I think you battled really well. Though, you need to work on dealing with surprise attacks."

"You're right. That Future Sight really gave me some trouble." It's strange I can sense some things and not others during a battle. I wonder why.

"Everything okay, Summer?"

"O-Oh, yeah. Just thinking about your advice." My stomach growled. "I guess it's time for dinner."

"Good thing Aster and Trin left for the restaurant already," he replied with a laugh.

"Oh, good. Marunōmu's Omurice always has a long line. Let's go."

After healing my Pokémon, we met up with our friends outside the wooden restaurant, which only served one dish: omurice shaped like its namesake Swalot, a purple Pokémon with a thin yellow mustache and black diamonds on its body.

Despite the long wait outside, we quickly received our plates of fried rice, each covered with a runny Chansey egg omelet, dark purple gravy, and black diamonds made of nori. As we enjoyed the hot and savory meal, I received a text.

"Oh, they announced the Top 16 matchups."

Aster finished her bite and replied, "Who will be your next opponent, Summer?"

I looked at the website and scanned the remaining Trainers. Andy and Marisa made it through, and when I got to my name, I sighed. "It's…Huánglóng."

Summer's Pokémon:

Blaze (Blaziken, male): Brave Nature, Blaze Ability, moves: Fire Punch, Flamethrower, Blaze Kick, Sky Uppercut

Errol (Noctowl, male): Rash Nature, Keen Eye Ability, moves: Psychic, Hypnosis, Air Slash, Heat Wave

Aurora (Dewgong, female): Calm Nature, Thick Fat Ability, moves: Water Pulse, Ice Beam, Aqua Tail, Signal Beam

Lightning (Raichu, female): Adamant Nature, Static Ability, moves: Thunderbolt, Iron Tail, Thunder Punch, Grass Knot

Rocky (Steelix, male): Lonely Nature, Rock Head Ability, moves: Stone Edge, Crunch, Dragonbreath, Iron Tail

Olive (Grovyle, female): Timid Nature, Overgrow Ability, moves: Fury Cutter, Double Team, Leaf Blade, Quick Attack

Weldon's Pokémon:

Venusaur (male): Serious Nature, Overgrow Ability, moves: Razor Leaf, Earthquake, Sludge Bomb, Vine Whip; in rotation- Solarbeam, Body Slam

Fearow (male): Adamant Nature, Keen Eye Ability, moves: Heat Wave, Steel Wing, Fury Attack, Aerial Ace; in rotation- Drill Peck

Golem (male): Bold Nature, Rock Head Ability, moves: Rock Slide, Earthquake, Rollout, Double Edge

Gyarados (male): Sassy Nature, Intimidate Ability, moves: Surf, Ice Fang, Payback, Waterfall

Arcanine (male): Naughty Nature, Flash Fire Ability, moves: Hyper Beam, Extremespeed, Flare Blitz, Fire Blast

Electabuzz (male): Rash Nature, Static Ability, moves: Thunder, Ice Punch, Brick Break, Shock Wave; in rotation- Mega Kick, Thunder Punch

Questions for the Chapter:

What did you think of the batfam information Weldon provided to Summer?

What did you think of the battle between Summer and Viola?

How will Summer fare against Huánglóng?