Chapter 85; Rematch in the Johto league
"Hurry up Wave! We'll miss the plane!"
"I'm going as fast as I can!" she complained.
"I told you we shouldn't have booked the tickets so late" Jet replied.
"Note taken" Wave begrudgingly agreed.
The two made a run for it until they were at the terminal.
Breathing heavily, they looked at the screen. The gate was set to open in five minutes.
"Phew. We made it" Jet slumped down on a seat, though not before taking off his backpack.
Wave slumped next to him.
"I promise I'm not postponing anything ever again" she declared out of breath.
After a few minutes of silence and many attempts to catch their breath, hype took over.
"Can you believe it? The time has finally come!"
"I know! I can't wait to see my brother and our friends again! It's been so long and so much has happened it feels unreal to finally see them again".
"They've been gone way longer than Sonic did in Kanto, right? " Wave pointed out.
"Yes. Way way longer".
The boarding began shortly after the exchange. Jet and Wave rushed to board first to get it out of the way.
The flight was smooth though long. By the time the plane arrived in Ecutreak city, Jet and Wave's excitement could no longer be contained.
Sonic had arranged to meet them there with Knuckles so that they could take them to Azalea with the assistance of Entei and Suicune. And also because the day of their arrival happened to be the day Sonic had one of the hardest talks of his life.
Despite his initial intention of confronting Carrie Morrison with his choice right after his return from Alto Mare, Looker convinced him to wait for a few days, while he personally arranged a few sessions with a therapist to help her and her son Nolan start coming to terms with what happened.
The few days became two weeks, and Sonic ended up confronting Looker with this, explaining that the Johto league was set to begin the following day and there was no more time. After the league, Sonic and his friends were to return to their hometown.
Looker, despite the conflict, asked the therapist if Carrie was stable enough to take such news. The therapist asked for a little more time and called Carrie to an urgent solo session so that she could mentally prepare her.
Once that was done, Sonic and Looker walked in and Looker explained that although the sessions were meant to help her long term, there was also a reason that had to be addressed in the moment.
Sonic then took over.
"Mrs Morrison. I know this will not be easy for you to hear. But it needs to be dealt with. It's about the promise I made to you".
Carrie's eyes widened as she immediately knew what Sonic was about to say but nevertheless remained calm.
"I tried to keep that promise at first. Really, I did. But that promise strained my relationship with my loved ones. And it took a heavy toll on me, mentally and physically. So I came here today to tell you… I'm not going to pursue Giovanni anymore".
Her eyes widened even more.
"You promised…"
"I know. But it was wrong. I am no killer. I too want that monster to die for what he did to your husband. He didn't deserve to have such a fate. But I can't be the one to do it. I'm not like that monster" he said before pausing "and I can't neglect my loved ones anymore over this".
Carrie began tearing up.
"And what about me and Nolan? My baby? How can you expect us to go on knowing that monster will either continue to exist or just be sent to jail for what he did?"
"Carrie, the charges against him are far too many and just as serious. He hasn't bothered covering his tracks. With all the evidence we have against him, I am confident he will get the death penalty once we catch him. Justice will be served one day for Jake".
Carrie didn't move a muscle despite Looker's words. Her eyes mirrored a broken heart.
"Some hero you are. Jake risked so much for you. And what did that earn him?"
"Carrie" her therapist took her by the shoulders "I think that's enough for now. Remember your baby. Please leave" she ordered Sonic and Looker out.
The two nodded and Sonic gave the broken mother an apologetic look.
"You know" he said to Looker as they were heading out "I don't know if the current situation is worse… or if I had found Giovanni and probably beat his face into mush before realizing I couldn't kill him and just gave him to the authorities".
Looker saw were the hedgehog was coming from.
"I understand. Walking out of the promise or not keeping it because you can't. Not an easy dilemma. But you did well back there".
"It doesn't feel that way".
"She's a good woman. She will snap out of this eventually. I'm sure of it. Morrison always told me what he loved most about her is her compassion and her empathy. I'm sure that given enough time, she will understand what she was really asking of you".
Sonic bitterly smiled.
"I hope so. Thanks for being here for that".
"Don't mention it. By the way, will your friend Tails be leaving too?"
"I think so".
"Hm… I might need to have a chat with him. His help with the poachers has been immeasurable. I'm hoping to convince him to stay".
Sonic hadn't actually considered what would become of Tails after their journey in Johto had ended. And he knew for a fact Tails loved Cosmo way too much to ask her to give up everything and follow him to Green Hills when their relationship was barely a month old.
After leaving the therapist's office's building, Sonic had joined Knuckles and the two headed towards Ecutreak city's airport to get Jet and Wave.
Upon seeing them, Jet and Wave rushed in and hugged Sonic, Wave a bit longer as she and Sonic hadn't seen each other in years. Knuckles was also introduced to her.
After a little bit of catching up, Sonic and Knuckles called out Entei and Suicune to Jet and Wave's amazement. Wave rode with Knuckles as Suicune was the more serene dasher.
The 4 friends then made their way to Azalea town through Ilex forest, passing through the most beautiful parts of it for Wave and Jet to see, as well as see the Pokemon in their natural environment.
"I'm so jealous of you bro. You got to experience so many amazing things" Jet admitted during the final leg of the journey.
The reunion with Tails was actually a little bit teary eyed as it had been a very long time and furthermore Amy's absence, even though it was for a good reason, weighed on them for a few moments.
The matter was quickly forgotten however, as they all started catching up. Sonic and Tails especially had a lot to unpack as they showcased their abilities, speed and flight respectively. Knuckles joked that now they were finally equals as he already had extreme strength before their journey began. Having made that joke before and during the actual travels, they all laughed about it.
In the afternoon, after being joined by Jasmine so they would all head to Silver city together the following day, the group of teenagers watched Knuckles and Sonic have a friendly match with their pokemon teams which they refrained from finishing as they didn't give it their all and wanted it to be a surprise for each other in the league. Everyone was excited for the event. In Jasmine's words it was bound to be the greatest league conference in the history of the region.
The group continued to have fun and relax until around 10PM when Knuckles declared it was bedtime as today was the big day and he and Sonic needed to be at their peak. Nobody objected and so arrangements were made. Cosmo and Tails were to of course sleep in her bed, while Jet and Wave would sleep in the double sized guest bed which was usually reserved for her parents. Sonic, Knuckles and Jasmine would make themselves comfortable in the living room with Jasmine taking the couch at Sonic's insistence.
Before they all went to bed however, Sonic asked to talk to Tails in private. The two headed out.
"What is it? You shouldn't stay up too late".
"I know. I just… need to address the question that arose just before the celebi incident. What is your plan after the league?"
Tails knew where this was going. He kept postponing this chat but their time was running out. The league was set to last 3 days and afterwards they were to go home.
"I haven't come to a concrete conclusion yet Sonic. But as of the end of the Johto league… I won't be joining you guys".
Sonic was legitimately saddened. He pushed through it and smiled.
"I understand. You have a lot here".
"I know it may sound stupid. We've only known Cosmo for like two months but… I just can't be apart from her. We've talked about it but still haven't reached a final decision. And what I do with Raikou… pursuing poachers… it gives me fulfilment… fulfillment I kinda lacked in Green Hills" Tails rumbled on.
"I understand you may find it selfish…"
"Don't" Sonic stopped him, remembering what had gone down that very morning "don't call yourself selfish for choosing yourself and your happiness. I can see it in your eyes that you feel complete here. So you must stay".
Tails gave him an unexpected hug.
"Thanks blue leader".
"Hehe. You grew up on me way too fast little buddy. I remember the Tails that left Green Hills with me to hunt down team rocket and I just have to say I'm so proud of the hero and individual you've become" he put his hand on Tails' shoulder.
"Even though you were never less of a member of team Sonic, you stayed true to your word that you would earn your spot in our team. And for that I'm eternally grateful to call you my friend".
"Now that's the Sonic I know. Not the dark individual you've been lately".
Sonic smiled before yawning.
"Alright. Time to heed your advice. The big day is tomorrow".
The night was endless as even though everyone was trying their best to sleep, it was incredibly difficult. The very concept of the tournament finally starting was just nerve wracking in a good way.
In the morning, the teens all rode the beasts, with the exception of Sonic who decided he would get there on foot with his speed so as to not have Entei carry three individuals.
The journey to Silver City was just as nerve wracking as the previous night and trying to make small talk while racing there didn't exactly work.
Upon arrival, everyone dismounted the legendary beasts and Sonic, Tails and Knuckles recalled them. They considered making a similar entrance to the one Sonic had made in the Kanto league but Sonic shut it down hard as that would mean arriving on the beasts and it would be kind of downgrading to them since they were adored by the Johtonians.
The rest agreed and so they walked the rest of the way to the stadium.
Immediately upon arrival, they were greeted by many cheers and applause which made their way to the stadium a little harder.
After getting the registration to the tournament by showing their badges, the teens got some seats and Jasmine informed everyone about the tournament worked.
Each trainer participating had received a number and every round, two numbers would be slotted. The trainers given those numbers would then battle. The battles were to be full battles this time around, mostly due to pressure from the Johtonians as a symbol of celebration for the return of peace to the region.
When asked how many competitors there were, Jasmine revealed there was 64 which took everyone by surprise. That was going to be twice the size of the Kanto league which only hyped Sonic and Knuckles more.
When asked by Sonic if they had to use the team they used during the gym challenge, Jasmine explained that they had to use their Johto teams until they reached the semi-finals. At that point they could register older pokemon if they so desired, but they would have to do it before their battle of the semi-finals actually began.
As the more participants arrived, they were surprised to find a lot of acquaintances had come to watch. One specific encounter began with Knuckles getting jumpscared with a hug.
"Missed me?"
"Molly?! What a surprise!"
Spencer and Lucy Hale also appeared from behind them.
"Good morning kids".
"Good morning professor, Mrs Hale" Knuckles got up to greet them.
"So the time has come. Are you and your friend ready?"
"Born ready" Sonic replied, joining in on the conversation.
"Knuckles is it true you caught the legendary Suicune?!" Molly eagerly asked him.
"Not exactly Molly. I didn't catch it. That would be me subduing it. Suicune joined me. So did Raikou and Entei join Tails and Sonic respectively" Knuckles replied while crouching to meet her eyes.
Molly looked at Sonic in awe.
"Really?! Can I meet it?!"
"Now, now Molly" her mother took her by the shoulders "they have battles coming so now's not the time".
"We could arrange it after the battles" Tails suggested.
"I'd love to!" Molly jumped up and down in excitement.
Spencer giggled at his little girl being so excited. He then reminded his wife they had to find their seats. He wished the two participating friends good luck and joined his family.
The Sonic heroes were left with a sense of joy seeing the Hale family again and wondered who else they would get to meet here.
They were later pleasantly surprised to find Harrison, the trainer from Hoenn who had battled Sonic shortly following the Greenfield incident, which resulted in Raichu and Blaziken having a small back and forth about how they hoped they had a rematch here.
Another pleasant surprise was the arrival of Chuck, Pryce, Clair and even Lance, who finally got his chance to congratulate the three heroes on the success of their mission and apologize for not being with them in Mahogany when they needed him. He also revealed Clair had told him about that unique phenomenon Sonic and Raichu displayed during their battle by the lake of rage and expressed his desire to one day battle Sonic. Sonic was honored by this as even though he knew himself and his team to be strong, he didn't actually believe he could rival Lance.
And of course, there wasn't any feasible way Ash wasn't there. Though they invited him, Misty and Brock to sit with them, Ash politely rejected as his mother and professor Oak had come to watch. Sonic and Knuckles learned that Gary had also of course qualified though in Ash's words, he seemed a little less provocative than he usually was.
Sonic and his two comrades looked over the stands and found him talking to professor Oak, his cheerleading club not far behind. Gary spotted their eyes on them but locked out eyes with Tails specifically.
Eventually the 64 slots for the tournament were filled and the announcer gave a speech at first about the latest events and how he sincerely wished this to be the greatest Johto league ever before the first two numbers were picked.
"Our first competitor will be… number 14!"
"Woah that's mine!" Knuckles exclaimed as he showed them his tournament pass on which a big 14 was printed.
"Nice! You get to open the tournament! Get down there and give them a good show!" Sonic encouraged his friend, remembering how he opened the Kanto tournament all those months ago.
Knuckles took a deep breath while not losing his grin and left the stands, rushing to the entrance while the announcer revealed his opponent's number, 51.
Knuckles walked down the corridor leading to the arena, unable to contain his excitement but also his nervousness. Opening the tournament was a surprise to him.
Suicune and Typhlosion came out of their pokeballs to encourage him, Suicune fitting awkwardly into the corridor. Despite that, Knuckles was encouraged and recalled them, entering the arena under the applause of the crowd.
He sincerely wished his grandfather had also come but Sabre had told him he was going to rehab under the suggestion of Sonic's parents to deal with his drinking problem healthily but that he would watch the tournament on TV.
Unbeknownst to Knuckles, Sabre was actually watching from Sonic's house with Sonic and Jets parents, a look of pride for his grandchild.
Knuckles then caught a movement from his opponent's side, signaling his arrival. He turned to face him but was shocked at the sight of a white cape.
"Eusine?! You're my opponent?!"
"That's right. I warned you we would cross paths again Knuckles the echidna. But I could have never expected that Suicune would have allied itself with you by then".
Knuckles couldn't help but respect the dedication. Eusine had qualified for the league within a month, all in hopes of battling him again.
"I wished Suicune was still wild by today so that I could defeat you and prove myself worthy to it. But I was too late. The day I witnessed you and Suicune battle team Rocket side by side in Goldenrod city, I was devastated. It had only been what? A week at best?"
Knuckles felt a bit uncomfortable at this runting in front of everyone when they should be battling.
He took out Heracross' pokeball, intending to lead with it.
"I can't tell you everything you want to hear Eusine but I will tell you this. You had lost before you had started. For circumstances outside both of ours contol, you never stood a chance at acknowledgment from Suicune".
Eusine gritted his teeth in frustration.
"I dedicated my life to Suicune! How is it that it chooses you, a stranger from far away?"
"It's complicated. But what I will tell you is that Suicune had chosen me before I was born".
Eusine also took out a pokeball unwilling to continue this back and forth anymore.
"Fine then! Keep your secrets! I will beat you here today either way and prove to Suicune why I'm equally worthy of its respect!"
The annoyed crowd got to cheering as finally the battle was set to begin.
"Trainers sent out your pokemon!" the referee ordered.
"Go Heracross!"
"Go Magcargo!"
A snail made of lava opposed Knuckles' Heracross.
"From the looks of this thing I assume it's a fire type?" Sonic asked Jasmine.
"Yes but it's also a rock type. The matchup is like a double-edged sword".
Knuckles, unbeknownst to his friends knew of Magcargo. His training following their victory over team rocket had him travel to the far ends of the region, battling many trainers and learning more about the species of Johto.
But he was also aware of Magcargo's two potential abilities. And one of them would be very bad to deal with.
"Flame body" Knuckles thought in an instant as we weighing his options.
One possibility was to call out Suicune but he wasn't about to give Eusine this pleasure.
"Heracross! Double team!"
Heracross created multiple decoys of itself, unnerving Eusine and Magcargo.
"Magcargo, strike them all with flamethrower!"
Magcargo unleashed a powerful flamethrower, striking each and every one of the decoys.
The distraction gave the real Heracross the opportunity to fly over the Magcargo. Knuckles knew it was a risk to touch magcargo so he put another plan in motion just in case.
"Earthquake go!"
Heracross slammed into the ground, sending shockwaves through it to Magcargo which was unable to take a four times effective move, toppling in an instant.
"Magcargo is unable to battle! Heracross is the winner!"
Eusine was shocked at this. Drawing out Suicune would be harder than he thought.
"Strong start" he said recalling Magcargo "but I came here to battle Suicune! And I will get that fight out of you one way or another! Skarmory take flight!"
The steel and flying type emerged. Knuckles weighed his options once again.
He considered calling out Typhlosion but then had to remind himself he had limited chances to switch out his pokemon. The rule was set in place so trainers would have to adjust to the circumstances instead of simply switching out continuously and draw out the battle unnecessarily.
"Heracross double team!"
Heracross created more clones of itself. Eusine smirked.
"Not falling for this trick again! Skarmory! Strike them down with air slash!"
Using its strong metallic wings, Skarmory sent powerful blasts of air slash to the clones, eventually striking the real Heracross.
Just like with Magcargo, Heracross fainted instantly to the four times effective attack.
"Heracross is unable to battle! Skarmory is the winner!"
Knuckles recalled it and thanked it for taking one for the team before taking a minute to consider his options.
Skarmory was a steel and flying type and Knuckles himself actually sparred with Jasmine's to be prepared. His two major counters were Typhlosion and Ampharos.
The choice was clear as day.
"Come on out Ampharos!"
Ampharos came out with Jasmine cheering for it as it reminded her of Sparkle.
"You know your stuff I'll give you that. But I know when to fight and when not to. Skarmory come back! Go!"
A gengar came out. Eusine had evolved his haunter.
Knuckles remembered his first fight with Eusine and fought to not chuckle.
"Let's see if he kept that move" he thought to himself.
"Gengar! Shadow ball!"
"Ampharos! Thunderbolt!"
The attacks collided, canceling each other out, giving Knuckles some insight. Gengar was going to be a lot worse than haunter.
But then again, he picked up a couple of moves from Sonic's battle with Mike.
"Again! Shadow ball!"
"Light screen!"
Ampharos created a small barrier than cut the shadow ball's power in half, merely shoving it backwards a bit.
Eusine was frustrated. He didn't want to admit Knuckles was worthy of Suicune's respect but that was just a very smart move.
"Look at him go!" Ash commented from the stands.
"Wasn't that a similar move Sonic pulled in Kanto in the final?" Misty inquired.
"Why yes it was. Goes to show the depth of their bond" professor Oak said referring to the Sonic heroes "they are part of each other's growth. Like you and Gary were when you were toddlers Ash".
Ash was amazed at this, finally realizing Knuckles would be just as much of a challenge as Sonic. He remained confident in spite of that, believing that he and his pokemon would be up to the challenge.
"Gengar is too annoying. And very agile. I need it immobilized".
"Ampharos! Thunder wave!"
"Gengar! Shadow punch!"
The light screen couldn't hold back the shadow punch. Ampharos took heavy damage, but thunder wave went through, paralyzing gengar. The grin disappeared from the ghost type's face.
"Gotcha! Thunderbolt!"
Ampharos zapped Gengar with all of its power, bringing the ghost type to its knees.
"You leave me no choice! Curse!"
Gengar, annoyed at its trainer, but understanding the strategic value of the move at their current predicament, obeyed, slashing its own energy and fainting while placing the curse on Ampharos.
"Gengar is unable to battle. Ampharos is the winner!"
As Eusine recalled Gengar, the curse took its toll on Ampharos, leaving Knuckles with a choice. Thankfully he had the luxury of seeing what Eusine's next pokemon would be.
"Alakazam! Your turn!"
The Alakazam that had given Knuckles a hard time in their last battle emerged, perplexing Knuckles. Though he had an amazing counter in Tyranitar, he didn't know whether Ampharos would rest enough to hold its own later on.
Ampharos looked at Knuckles and its eyes begging for release from the curse made the choice for Knuckles.
"Ampharos return! Go! Tyranitar!"
The massive pokemon appeared, earning Knuckles a loud cheer. During the battle of Goldenrod city, Tyranitar had been momentarily swarmed by team rocket's pokemon before dramatically pushing them off in a dramatic fashion straight out of a television show, making it seem out of this world.
"Crunch!" Knuckles called the attack.
"Reflect!" Eusine countered.
The barrier kept Tyranitar from going close enough to actually harm Alakazam though the effort to do so did harm the psychic type.
"Your Alakazam won't be able to handle this forever! And psychic moves won't work! Tyranitar! Use rock slide! Bring that barrier down!"
A rain of rocks started coming down on Alakazam as it struggled to hold on, each rock slamming against the reflect taking a little bit of its energy.
Eventually Alakazam faltered and the barrier broke, sending it down to the ground. Tyranitar stood over the Alakazam.
"End this with crunch!" Knuckles seized the opening until he witnessed Eusine grin.
"Gotcha! Alakazam! Focus punch!"
Alakazam had knelt but it wasn't because if exhaustion. It was preparing a focus punch.
Before Knuckles or Tyranitar could react, the focus punch was launched, hitting bullseye straight into Tyranitar's mouth as it was preparing to crunch down on Alakazam.
The attack sent Tyranitar flying and then crashing down on the ground. Fainted. Knuckles was at a loss for words.
"Do you see this Suicune?!" Eusine called out, looking at the pokeballs on Knuckles' belt "do you need more proof that this?"
"Oh give me a break! Enough with the drama!" Knuckles retorted annoyed "Suicune is my partner now so get over it already!"
"Not until you tell me why it chose you!"
"You know what?" Knuckles decided he was done "ask it yourself!"
And with those words he sent out Suicune.
At the sight of the beast, Eusine's demeanor changed.
"Suicune… before me at last… please tell me! What do you see in him?! Why is it he is worthy and I am not?!"
"Hydro pump!"
Suicune fired its powerful move. Alakazam was not quick enough to pull up a light screen.
The hydro pump sent it flying out of the arena and crashing into a wall, knocking it out in the process.
"Alakazam is unable to battle. Suicune wins!" the referee declared, as now three of Eusine's pokemon had fainted, granting them a small break.
"That was a cheap shot!" Eusine complained as he and Knuckles stood face to face in the corridor with Sonic and Tails behind their friend.
"And this is a battle! There are no cheap shots!"
"You have tainted the elegant Suicune with your cheap tactics! I will not stand for this! Not unless you tell me what the history between you two is!"
Knuckles was really tired at this. Glancing back at his friends for advice he got nothing. Sonic's look however spoke one thing.
"It's your choice man".
Knuckles sighed.
"Suicune chose me 40 years ago. When they disappeared. I was the one who turned them into statues".
"What?"
"Exactly. I was accidentally sent to the past because of Celebi, only to discover the mystery of the disappearance of the beasts was my doing. It was at that time Suicune and I formed our bond. A bond that then travelled through time to become reality at the day of the battle of Goldenrod city".
Eusine looked flabbergasted.
"Do you seriously expect me to believe this? Just how stupid do you think I am?"
"With the way you act and the drama you stir? Very" Knuckles fired the shot.
The announcer ending the break prevented things from escalating.
"If I have to defeat Suicune to earn its respect then so be it! I don't believe a word you say and I will not accept all the years I spent dedicating myself to the study of Suicune were for nothing!"
"See you out there" Knuckles replied calmly.
Eusine left to return to his side of the arena. Knuckles was accompanied by Tails and Sonic until the entrance to his side.
"You ok?" Sonic asked him.
"Relax. I know better than to fall for his drama" Knuckles confidently replied.
"You're in the lead but not by a lot. Ampharos is damaged. Be careful. He saw your entire team back in Cianwood so he probably knows what to expect" Tails warned him.
"He can throw whatever he wants at us. We will come out on top. We didn't train as much as we did to lose on the very first round".
And with those words, Knuckles walked back into the arena, Typhlosion's pokeball in hand.
"Send out your pokemon… now!"
"Go! Typhlosion!"
"Take flight Skarmory!"
"Knuckles' got the advantage in matchup" Jasmine commented "let's see how Eusine responds to that".
"Skarmory return!" Eusine called it back. It wasn't his ideal choice but Knuckles' Typhlosion would have to be dealt with before all the conditions to beat Suicune were met.
"Go! Lanturn!"
A very annoying pokemon, Lanturn emerged. Knuckles hated its typing, acknowledging this was going to be a rough fight. Now he had to make a choice himself.
If he switched into Victreebel, Eusine would switch back into Skarmory and then they would have a back and forth switch one more time until Typhlosion was facing Lanturn again. And at that point the choice of switching would be gone for both of them.
The good thing for Knuckles was that Typhlosion was very agile. Not quite as agile as its previous forms but he had thought of a few ways to circumvent that.
One specific move he had helped his Typhlosion learn, Sonic was hesitant about as Typhlosion's special attack power was greater than its physical but it was exactly for matchups like this. Maybe in the future they would change their battle style but for now they would battle the way they had up to this point.
"Water pulse!"
Lanturn's attack headed straight for Typhlosion.
"Dodge with quick attack!"
Typhlosion dodged the attack and then slammed into Lanturn. Unlike Raichu which usually ricocheted after such an attack, the momentum carried Typhlosion forward.
"Don't let it get away! Thunderbolt!"
Knuckles smirked. It was time for his trump card.
"Dig!"
"This is it!" Sonic said from stands. It was time to see if Knuckles' idea was going to work.
Typhlosion dived towards the ground and dug its way underground, causing the thunderbolt to be nullified.
"Running away?" Eusine tried to taunt Knuckles.
"Where is it going to emerge?" Ash genuinely wondered.
The obvious answer showed itself the next moment; Typhlosion knocked Lanturn over as it emerged, jumping high in the air.
"Now typhlosion! Flame wheel!"
Typhlosion began spinning as it was falling, creating a flaming wheel with continuously increasing intensity.
"Don't let him hit you! Hydro pump!"
Hydro pump was fired. The intensity of Typhlosion's attack allowed it to push through, slamming down into Lanturn with such force that it was immediately knocked out.
"Lanturn is unable to battle, Typhlosion's the winner".
Sonic smiled, impressed by his friend's strategy. Knuckles had actually trained his typhlosion by taking a lot of inspiration from Ash, whose stories when they hung out in Alto Mare revolved around the belief that a pinch could always be turned into an opportunity.
Typhlosion's back erupted into flames as it cried out excitement over its victory but it was short lived as it then dropped on its four legs, the hydro pump having done damage as well.
"Knuckles is up by two but both are injured. He needs to stay on his toes" Tails once again said, the lack of knowledge of Eusine's team being a source of concern.
"You have some skills. That I'll admit. But you may be wondering why I went out of my way to keep Skarmory out of harm's way".
Knuckles remained steadfast, thinking this was just a bluff. After all both Typhlosion and Ampharos were still up, despite their injuries.
"Time for you to find out! Take flight!"
Skarmory appeared for third time.
"Time to end this! Skarmory! Spikes!"
Skarmory fired a few spikes down on the battlefield.
"Don't give Skarmory another chance Typhlosion! Flame wheel!"
Skarmory was slammed by flame wheel. But mysteriously it didn't faint despite the brutal attack. Knuckles gasped.
"Sturdy!"
"Exactly! Air cutter!"
Typhlosion was hit by the air cutter which landed critically, getting knocked out and leaving Knuckles with 2 pokemon like Eusine.
"Typhlosion is unable to battle. Skarmory's the winner!"
Knuckles recalled Typhlosion and thanked it before assessing the situation.
Ampharos normally would be able to take Skarmory out but with spikes out, it was questionable. Furthermore, Eusine would have the advantage of Suicune taking damage upon entering the battlefield while his final pokemon would start off full power.
"Ampharos! Let's finish this!"
Ampharos came out, crying out in pain as it stepped on the spikes.
"Skarmory! Spikes again!"
More spikes rained down on the battlefield as Knuckles called out the attack.
"Thunderbolt!"
Thunderbolt fried Skarmory sending it plummeting to the ground.
"Skarmory is unable to battle Ampharos is the winner!"
Eusine recalled Skarmory, with a sly smile on his face.
"And so, everything is set! By the end of this round, Suicune will have to acknowledge me! Keep it for all I care! I will have its respect and that's all I ever wanted!"
"Just call out your final pokemon!"
"With pleasure! Come on out! Venusaur!"
A venusaur came out with a deep cry. Ampharos braced itself.
"Let's do this! Venusaur! Sunny day!"
The sun shined bright upon the battlefield.
"Ampharos! Thunder wave!" Knuckles called the attack, knowing Ampharos stood little chance against a grass type. Suicune would already be at a disadvantage itself.
Knuckles' best bet was to buy Suicune time.
"Not this time! Razor leaf!"
The razor leaves rained down on Ampharos that tried discharging its move and for a moment it did.
But before the attack could connect, Ampharos was struck at the throat by a razor leaf, knocking the wind out of it and consequently Ampharos itself out of the fight, causing the thunder wave to fizzle.
"Ampharos is unable to battle! Venusaur's the winner!"
Knuckles recalled it, thanking it but his face was blank. All the odds were against them. Spikes on the field, bad typing matchup and sunny day out so solarbeam would be instantaneous.
"Suicune… I… I don't know what to do" he thought.
"You can do it Knuckles!" a child's voice called out.
Knuckles looked over noticed Molly cheering him on.
"Go get him Knuckles!" Sonic's voice also rang in his ears.
"You got this Knuckles!" Tails' voice was added as well.
"Don't you dare lose before our battle Knuckles!" Ash also encouraged the echidna.
The rest of the spectators began cheering and roaring in support of Knuckles, the hero who had rallied the hostages in Goldenrod city against team rocket.
A look of wild confidence along with a grin were etched on Knuckles' face, causing Eusine to doubt himself.
"Suicune! Come on out! We have a battle to win!"
Suicune came out with a loud roar, which became even louder as the North wind used it as an outlet for the pain caused by the spikes.
"The time has come! Watch me Suicune! Venusaur! Razor leaf!"
"Dodge them Suicune!"
The aurora pokemon showcased its speed, literally running circles around Venusaur.
"Now use extrasensory!"
Suicune used its move on Venusaur, dealing great damage and bewildering Eusine for a moment.
"Not going to cut it! Venusaur! Synthesis!"
Venusaur harnessed the sunlight healing all of the damage, putting Knuckles back to square one.
"Heal then! We'll keep coming until you go down! Suicune! Hydro pump!"
Suicune fired its attack which despite the lack of effectiveness and the sunlight weakening it, shoved Venusaur back, truly worrying Eusine.
"No other choice! I wish I wouldn't have to use that but I'm not losing to him".
"Suicune! Get up close and hit him again!"
Venusaur pretended to get ready to use synthesis to tank the attack. Suicune used its speed and agility to get close and then started charging hydro pump.
"Now! Venusaur! Sludge bomb!"
Venusaur fired the sludge bomb straight into Suicune's mouth causing it great damage and shoving it back hard. Purple bubbles indicating poisoning came out of Suicune's nose as it toppled to its side, laying still on the battlefield.
"Suicune!"
Eusine raised his fist to the sky in triumph.
"You see Suicune?! I beat you! This is why I deserved your respect from the start! I dedicated my life to you and this battle proves it!"
Suicune flinched from the ground, its paws twitching as it tried to get up.
"Suicune is unable to ba…"
"No!" Eusine stopped the referee "No! Let it stand up if it can. I want this victory to be perfect!"
Knuckles was heartbroken to see Suicune in this state.
"Suicune don't push yourself if you can't. Please. It isn't worth getting hurt so much!"
"Huh. What a wimp. Your influence has made the great Suicune into a husk of its former self. Some bond you two have".
Knuckles gritted his teeth in anger.
"How could you ever understand our bond? You can't even understand Suicune!"
"That's rich! I can't understand the once mighty North wind is now lying on the ground against me. And it's all because you tamed it!"
Knuckles however wasn't going to just let Eusine get away with it.
"When we first met, you claimed you wanted to find Suicune and show it that it doesn't have to mistrust humans anymore!"
"That is correct!"
"And yet look at you! Acting like an immature brat who thinks they're entitled to Suicune's respect! You came here today, seeking to dominate in battle against me and Suicune, thinking that would prove you worthy! But while you were training to beat Suicune, I showed it the very thing you claimed to want to show it! I earned its trust and so did my friends! I showed Suicune that not everyone was like the people who forced it and its brethren into hiding, that I truly wanted to be its friend, its partner!"
Knuckles pushed his chest out, wanting to speak the next words with pride. Suicune looked back at him weakly.
"You treated Suicune as a trophy you had to earn! As a milestone you had to conquer! I treated it as my equal from the first moment I met it, both times! Is it any wonder that it and I are standing before you right now together, as a team?"
Strong gusts of winds blew all over the arena as a loud roar broke everyone's eardrums.
"Cuuuuuuuuuuunee!"
Suicune was roaring incredibly loudly, standing up straight once again, a blue aura emitting from its body and its mane and ribbons billowing faster than usual.
Eusine was genuinely terrified.
"How can this be?!"
"Suicune! Time for our secret weapon!"
Suicune nodded and dashed towards Venusaur.
"Solarbeam!"
Venusaur gathered the sunlight into its flower and opened fire on Suicune.
With another loud roar, Suicune jumped high above the ground, dodging the solarbeam and shocking both Eusine and Venusaur.
"Suicune! Frost that Venusaur! Ice beam!"
As soon as Suicune got into point blank range, ice beam was fired. Venusaur had no chance to dodge, block or do anything to lower the damage. The attack landed as a critical hit, knocking the massive grass and poison pokemon on its back and therefore out of the match.
Suicune took more damage from the poison but stood its ground and roared again, victorious.
"… Venusaur is unable to battle! Suicune wins! The winner of the battle is Knuckles the echidna!"
"YEEEES!" Knuckles screeched rushing to hug Suicune, which reciprocated by closing its eyes as it knelt down.
"He did it!" Sonic exclaimed in joy.
"Way to go Knuckles!" Tails also cheered their friend on.
Ash and his friends were all in awe of Knuckles for that miraculous comeback. Ash even felt the bond between Knuckles and Suicune and how it was so similar to the bond between Pikachu and himself only exactly as Knuckles described it.
A bond lasting longer than a lifetime. Because from a certain point of view that was the case.
Eusine, humbled and humiliated and finally accepting of everything, recalled Venusaur and approached Knuckles and Suicune.
"I lost. You win".
"That was a great battle. I daresay it was probably our toughest battle this far".
Eusine nodded before meeting Suicune's eyes.
"Your partner is right. I started off wanting to give you what he gave you but it became about me and my pride along the way. I'm inexcusable for my actions and for my words. You have my sincerest apologies".
Suicune barked in response, a calm assuring bark.
Knuckles offered Eusine a handshake.
"No hard feelings".
Eusine shook Knuckles' massive hand.
"Is it true? That Celebi took you back in time and you ended up causing everything?"
"Yes. It's way more complicated but yes".
Eusine then remembered how Knuckles described that symbol at the burned tower as his mother's.
"You drew that symbol right? To make sure the version of you that arrived there for the first time found and freed Suicune and its brethren".
Knuckles nodded again. Eusine closed his eyes, taking it in.
"You two have a bond stronger than time itself. I am proud to have battled you. I wish you both the best".
And with those words he lifted Knuckles' hand upwards as a signal to the crowd to cheer for Knuckles as the victor.
A few minutes later, Knuckles met up with his friends at the corridors below the stands.
"What! A! Battle!" Jet shouted.
"The best way to start the league hands down!" Jamsine agreed.
Knuckles chuckled.
"It was indeed. Now up to you to keep up" he jabbed Sonic.
"Oh you can count on it" Sonic replied with confidence "I'm here to win this".
Hedgehog and echidna fist bumped, promising to make it as far as it took to have an all-out battle with each other.