Chapter 21

The stadium buzzed with excitement as Dawn and Trip stepped onto the battlefield. The Friendship Cup had only just begun, but already, tensions were rising between the two trainers.

Trip stood with his arms crossed, his usual air of calm arrogance radiating off him. He barely glanced at Dawn before scoffing.

"Piplup, huh?" He shook his head. "I didn't think you would actually choose it."

Dawn smirked. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Trip, with a smug smile. "It means I was expecting actual competition. But if you want to use a tiny, unevolved Pokémon against my Serperior, that's your mistake."

Dawn flipped her hair over her shoulder. "My mistake, oh please, guess you're the type that has to learn lessons the hard way. I'll make sure you learn it when you lose"

Trip scoffed. "Lose? Please. Type advantage. Final evolution. It's already over."

Up in the Champion's Box, where the regional Champions sat observing the tournament, a few of them exchanged knowing looks as they watched the interaction unfold.

Lance leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand. "This kid… He's putting too much faith in textbook advantages."

Diantha nodded. "A trainer who only relies on a Pokémon's evolution and type advantage hasn't learned the real depth of battle."

Steven crossed his arms, watching Trip closely. "Inexperience shows in overconfidence. He thinks he's won before the battle has even started."

Cynthia, however, smiled slightly. "He's about to learn that battling isn't that simple."

Alder chuckled, nudging her. "And Dawn's about to teach him the hard way."

Back on the battlefield, Trip pulled out his Poké Ball, smirking. "Let's just get this over with. Serperior, finish this fast!"

A flash of light revealed Serperior, its emerald-green body shimmering under the stadium lights. It lifted its head high, giving Piplup a disdainful look, as if unimpressed by its opponent.

Dawn met Piplup's gaze, already seeing the determination burning in her partner's eyes. She didn't care about type matchups or evolution—she trusted Piplup completely.

"We've got this, Piplup."

"Pipluuup!" Piplup chirped, stepping forward eagerly.

The referee raised his flag. "Trainers, ready?"

Dawn clenched her fists. "Always."

Trip smirked. "Try to keep up."

"Battle… begin!"

Trip struck fast. "Serperior, Leaf Storm!"

Serperior coiled its long body, whipping up a violent storm of razor-sharp leaves. The air howled as the super-effective move spiralled toward Piplup, ready to overwhelm the tiny Water-type.

Dawn, completely unfazed, gave her command. Piplup, Whirlpool!"

Piplup spun swiftly, summoning a swirling vortex of water around itself. The Whirlpool caught the incoming Leaf Storm, absorbing the leaves in its spiralling current. Instead of getting hit, Piplup stood firm, untouched.

Trip's smirk faltered slightly. "Tch. Fine, but you can't stop this—Serperior, Dodge and use Frenzy Plant!"

Dawn didn't let him. "Ice Beam—NOW!"

Before Serperior could move, Piplup inhaled deeply and fired a freezing beam straight at its target. The attack slammed into Serperior's sleek body, frost instantly spreading across its scales.

Trip's eyes widened. "What—?!"

Serperior shuddered violently as ice coated its entire form, locking its movements. The Grass-type Pokémon was completely frozen in place.

Up in the Champion's Box, Cynthia smirked. "And there it is."

Trip clenched his fists. "Serperior, break out of it!"

Dawn pointed forward. "Piplup, Drill Peck!"

Piplup rocketed forward, its beak spinning like a drill, glowing with sharp energy.

Trip's panic finally set in. "Serperior, MOVE—!"

Too late.

Piplup slammed straight into the frozen Serperior with full force. The impact shattered the ice, and Serperior crashed to the ground, unconscious.

The stadium fell silent.

Then—

The referee raised his flag. "Serperior is unable to battle! The winner is Dawn and Piplup!"

The crowd erupted into cheers, but Trip just stood there, frozen like his Pokémon had been.

His brain struggled to process what had just happened. A single Ice Beam… and one Drill Peck… and his Serperior was down?

His head snapped toward Dawn, who was grinning smugly.

Trip's jaw tightened. "How… how did you…?"

Trip's face burned with embarrassment. He had been so sure, so confident, that this would be an easy victory. He had assumed evolution and typing were everything.

And yet, he had been completely destroyed.

From the Champions' box, Steven leaned back in his chair, watching the scene unfold with a contemplative look.

Alder laughed. "Poor kid. Bet he didn't see that coming."

Steven nodded. "Maybe now he'll start thinking about real strategy."

Leon chuckled. "Or at least stop underestimating his opponents."

"Hmph," Lance scoffed. "Classic rookie mistake. Relying too much on typing and evolution without understanding deeper strategy."

Steven nodded. "Serperior's strength was undeniable, but Dawn read the battle perfectly. Anticipating Leaf Storm and turning it back with Whirlpool? It shows Trip's lack of experience with trainers outside of gym battles."

"Piplup showed great precision with that Ice Beam too," Diantha added, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Truly a performance of a great co-ordinator"

"Not bad for a 'worthless little pipsqueak,'" Alder chuckled. "I like this girl's fire."

Down on the field, Trip clenched his fists, his face burning. He looked at Dawn, who stood with effortless confidence, her Piplup still perched proudly in her arms. His lips pressed into a thin line.

"This isn't over," he said quietly. Then he turned and walked off without another word.

Dawn shrugged. "Whatever you say." She turned toward the others, raising her fist. "Sinnoh's on the board!"

Ash grinned. "Nice one, Dawn!"

"You absolutely crushed him!" Iris laughed, hands on her hips.

Cilan adjusted his tie, giving a composed nod. "Excellent use of strategy and timing. A flawless execution."

Dawn winked. "What can I say? Piplup and I are a team."

Alain stood slightly behind the others, watching Dawn. Her confidence and tactical skill hadn't surprised him—but seeing her read Trip so easily? That was something else.

"You're smiling," Ash teased, elbowing Alain.

Alain's expression barely shifted. "She did well."

Dawn overheard and spun toward him. "Just 'well?'"

Alain's mouth curled into a faint smirk. "Don't get cocky."

Dawn's eyes sparkled. "Too late."

The crowd was still buzzing from Dawn's decisive victory when the announcer's voice cut through the noise, calling the next battle.

"The second match will be between Iris from Unova and Georgia from Unova!"

Iris took a steadying breath, her hand brushing over the Poké Ball at her hip. She glanced toward the opposite end of the battlefield, where Georgia was already standing, arms crossed and a confident smirk plastered across her face.

Iris's fists clenched at her sides. "Of course it's her."

Georgia's eyes narrowed as she met Iris's gaze. "Hope you're ready to lose, Dragon Master."

Iris's brow twitched at the taunt. "We'll see about that!"

She stepped onto the battlefield, forcing herself to ignore the quick pounding of her heart. Behind her, Cilan and Ash stood close together, watching with interest.

"Iris looks tense," Cilan noted, folding his arms.

"Yeah, but that's normal when it comes to Georgia," Ash replied. "Those two have been going at it forever."

Dawn leaned forward, eyes bright with interest. "Yeah, but she's got Dragonite now. That's gotta give her an edge."

Ash's expression darkened slightly. "If it listens to her."

"Dragonite, huh?" Lance's eyes gleamed with interest as he watched Iris step onto the field.

"Interesting choice," Steven murmured. "But that Dragonite's still new to her. If Georgia's smart, she'll take advantage of that gap in their bond."

"It's a fully evolved Dragonite," Diantha said thoughtfully. "It should have the edge against most opponents."

"But it won't matter if Dragonite doesn't listen," Cynthia added, her golden eyes narrowing slightly.

Leon stood at the side of the room, arms crossed and smiling faintly as he watched the field. "Oh, now this could get fun."

Alder chuckled. "You think so?"

Leon nodded. "An inexperienced trainer with a powerful and disobedient Pokémon? Classic setup for chaos."

"Sounds like you've some experience in that area," Lance noted.

Leon's glanced at Lance. "Bet you've had your fair share of stubborn Dragonites."

Lance smirked. "Once or twice."

Alder leaned back in his chair, arms folded behind his head. "Personally, I'm just here for the entertainment." He glanced toward Cynthia with a lazy grin. "Though it wouldn't hurt to have some company over dinner after the matches."

Steven's gaze sharpened slightly as his eyes flicked toward Alder. Cynthia didn't even look up from her tea.

"Not happening," Cynthia replied smoothly.

Diantha laughed softly. "You have to admire his persistence."

Leon chuckled. "You know, Alder, it's only desperation if you keep trying after the first ten rejections."

Alder shot him a mock glare. "What would you know about rejection, Mr. Undefeated Champion?"

Leon shrugged. "Hey, I've lost a match or two in my day."

"Really?" Lance raised an eyebrow.

Leon's smile turned sheepish. "My friend beat me once or twice when we were kids. Never lived it down."

Steven's lips curved faintly. "Rivalry keeps you sharp."

"Or humble," Leon said. His eyes drifted back to the field. "I'm curious how Iris handles this. Dragonite's got the strength to win… if it actually listens to her."

The referee raised his flag. "Trainers, ready?"

Both Georgia and Iris nodded their heads, eyes locked. "Battle begin"

Georgia tossed her Poké Ball into the air. "Let's make this quick, Beartic!"

The large Ice-type materialized with a heavy thud, the ground beneath its feet lightly frosted from the chill of its presence. Its breath steamed in the cool morning air.

Iris swallowed hard, feeling her palms grow clammy as the temperature around the battlefield seemed to drop. "An Ice type…"

Her hesitation wasn't lost on Georgia, who smirked. "Aw, what's wrong? Afraid of a little chill?"

Iris scowled, yanking her Poké Ball from her belt. "We're not scared of you!"

She hurled the Poké Ball. "Dragonite, let's go!"

Dragonite emerged in a flash of light, its large wings spreading wide as it hovered in the air. It glanced at Iris for half a second before looking away, its expression bored.

"That Dragonite…" Lance's gaze sharpened.

"It's not interested," Cynthia murmured.

Georgia grinned wider. "This is gonna be easier than I thought."

The referee raised his hand. "Battle… begin!"

"Beartic, use Icicle Crash!" Beartic roared and swung its powerful arms, forming jagged spikes of ice in the air before launching them toward Dragonite at blistering speed.

"Dragonite, dodge it!" Iris called.

Dragonite didn't even look at her. The icicles crashed into Dragonite's side, knocking it back with a heavy grunt.

Iris's eyes widened. "Dragonite!"

Georgia snickered. "Oh, this is pathetic."

"Come on, Dragonite!" Iris urged. "Use Thunder Punch!" Dragonite's tail flicked in annoyance, but it made no move to attack.

Beartic's claws gleamed with a frost-blue sheen as Georgia called out, "Now! Slash!"

Dragonite turned just in time to take a glancing blow across its shoulder. It growled, flaring its wings wide. Its eyes flashed dangerously.

"It's mad now," Ash murmured.

"Yeah, but not at Georgia," Cilan said quietly. "It's mad at Iris."

Iris's jaw tightened. "Dragonite! Come on, work with me here!"

Dragonite's eyes narrowed. It suddenly shot toward Beartic without warning.

"Wait—!" Iris started.

Dragonite roared and struck Beartic with a savage Dragon Rush, sending it skidding across the battlefield.

Georgia's eyes narrowed. "Don't let up! Blizzard!"

Beartic righted itself and inhaled sharply, unleashing a freezing storm of ice and snow toward Dragonite.

"Dodge it!" Iris shouted.

Dragonite ignored her again, barrelling straight into the Blizzard. Its wings froze over slightly, but it didn't stop.

"Fine!" Iris snapped. "If you won't listen, then use Thunder Punch!"

Dragonite's claws crackled with electricity. It struck Beartic square in the chest, sending a shockwave through the air.

Beartic stumbled back and collapsed to one knee, breathing hard.

Georgia gritted her teeth. "Get up, Beartic!"

Dragonite pulled back, hovering in the air with an unreadable expression.

The referee raised his hand. "Beartic is unable to battle! The winner is Iris!"

The crowd erupted into cheers, but Iris's expression remained stony.

"That… wasn't bad," Georgia admitted, crossing her arms. "But don't get cocky. That Dragonite's strength won't matter if it doesn't trust you."

Dragonite snorted and turned its head away from Iris, arms crossed.

Iris's shoulders tensed. She recalled Dragonite with a tight expression and walked back toward the group.

"Hey, you won!" Ash said, running up to her.

"Yeah," Iris said quietly, her eyes downcast. "But it didn't feel like a win."

From the Champions' box, Leon smirked. "Raw strength will only get you so far. Let's see if she can tame that Dragonite before it's too late."

The crowd was still buzzing from the last battle as Ash stepped confidently toward the battlefield. His gaze was sharp, focused, the excitement of the competition fuelling his energy. Cameron was already waiting on the opposite side, his Riolu bouncing in place, mirroring its trainer's eagerness.

Ash's hand hovered over his Poké Ball, a knowing smile curling at the edges of his lips. He knew exactly who he wanted for this fight.

"Alright, Buizel—let's show them how it's done!"

Buizel materialized onto the field in a flash of white light, his twin tails flicking behind him as he crouched low, sizing up his opponent with an intense glint in his eyes.

From the Champions' observation room, Leon leaned forward slightly, his chin resting on his hand. "He picked Buizel, huh?"

"Interesting choice," Steven remarked, his tone thoughtful. "Against a Fighting-type?"

"Ash isn't worried about type matchups," Cynthia replied, her gaze steady. "He's interested in the challenge."

Leon's eyes gleamed with understanding. "I like his style"

On the field, Cameron grinned. "Alright, Riolu—this is it!"

Riolu dropped into a fighting stance, eyes locked on Buizel. Its aura flickered around its body like blue flames.

"Battle begin!" the referee called.

"Riolu, Quick Attack!" Cameron commanded.

Riolu shot forward like a blur, closing the gap instantly.

"Buizel, Dodge!"

Buizel twisted his body mid-leap, narrowly avoiding the strike before landing on all fours.

"Now use Aqua Jet!" Ash called.

Buizel's body became cloaked in water as he rocketed forward.

"Block it with Force Palm!"

Riolu's palm glowed with blue energy as it braced for impact. The two Pokémon collided, sending shockwaves rippling through the arena. Buizel was knocked back, but he landed on his feet, eyes gleaming with intensity.

Ash's grin widened. "Oh, yeah. That's what I'm talking about!"

"Alright, Riolu! Close Combat!"

Riolu lunged forward, its fists glowing with rapid strikes.

"Buizel, counter with Ice Punch!"

Buizel's fist crackled with icy energy as he met Riolu's assault head-on. Punches collided in quick succession, bursts of ice and aura flashing with every strike.

From above, Leon's expression sharpened. "They're not holding back."

"Of course not," Cynthia replied with a small smile.

"Now use Aura Sphere!" Cameron shouted.

Riolu formed a sphere of concentrated energy between its hands and fired it toward Buizel.

"Buizel, Aqua Jet—straight through it!"

Buizel's body glowed blue as he launched into the sphere. The attack exploded on impact, but Buizel powered through, closing the distance in an instant.

"Now Ice Punch!"

Buizel's fist connected with Riolu's jaw, sending the Fighting-type skidding back across the dirt. Riolu shakily got back to its feet, panting.

"That's it, Buizel!" Ash cheered.

Buizel let out a low growl, his eyes flashing with determination. Suddenly, his body began to glow white.

The crowd's murmurs turned into loud gasps.

"No way!" Iris shouted.

"He's evolving!" Dawn grinned.

Buizel's form shifted and expanded. His tails grew longer, the fins on his arms and head becoming more pronounced. The white glow faded, revealing the sleek, powerful form of Floatzel.

"Floatzel!" Ash's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Let's go!"

Leon's mouth curled into a grin. "Now things are getting interesting."

Cameron's smile tightened. "That's not gonna stop us! Riolu, High Jump Kick!"

Riolu jumped high into the air, leg glowing with bright white energy.

"Catch it with Aqua Jet!"

Floatzel launched upward, his body a blur of water as he intercepted Riolu mid-air. They collided with a deafening crack. Riolu was knocked back hard, crashing into the ground.

"Finish it with Ice Fang!"

Floatzel's jaws glowed with icy blue energy as he sank his teeth into Riolu's shoulder. Riolu cried out before collapsing onto the ground.

"Riolu is unable to battle—Floatzel wins!"

The referee's voice was barely audible over the roaring crowd.

Ash's fist shot into the air. "Yeah! That's how we do it!"

From the Champions' room, Leon chuckled. "The kid's got fire. That's what I like to see."

Cynthia smiled. "He's only getting started."

Cameron returned Riolu to its Poké Ball with a small smile. "You did great." Looking across the field at Ash, he grinned. "Next time, I'll be ready!"

Ash extended his hand. Cameron took it without hesitation, and they exchanged a firm shake.

Ash looked over at Floatzel, who stood proudly by his side. "Welcome to the team, Floatzel."

Floatzel let out a sharp bark of pride, standing tall as the crowd continued to cheer.

The final match of the first round was here as Alain and Cilan stepped onto the battlefield. Alain's usual calm expression masked the focused intensity in his eyes, while Cilan wore a polite smile, his hand resting on his Poké Ball.

"Alright, Alain!" Cilan called cheerfully. "Let's make this an exciting match!"

Alain's gaze sharpened as he pulled out a Poké Ball. "I intend to."

The referee raised his flag. "Trainers, release your Pokémon!"

"Crustle, let's serve up a winning combination!" Cilan called, tossing his Poké Ball into the air. A flash of white light burst onto the field, forming into the bulky figure of Crustle. Its massive rock shell glinted under the stadium lights, and its sharp claws dug into the dirt as it let out a low growl.

Alain's hand hovered over his Poké Ball. His eyes narrowed. "Charizard, let's go."

In a burst of white light, Charizard appeared, its wings spread wide as it let out a powerful roar. The heat radiating from its body caused the air to shimmer around it. Alain's gaze didn't waver as Charizard's tail flame flickered behind it.

"Battle begin!"

Cilan's confident smile never wavered. "Alright, Crustle! Start with Rock Slide!"

Crustle stomped the ground, causing a series of sharp rocks to erupt from the earth and fly toward Charizard.

"Dodge it," Alain ordered calmly.

Charizard's wings flared as it shot into the air, narrowly avoiding the rocks. They crashed into the ground, sending dust and debris into the air.

Cilan's smile widened. "Crustle, use Stone Edge!"

Sharp, glowing blue stones formed around Crustle and shot upward toward Charizard.

"Counter with Flamethrower," Alain said, his tone steady.

Charizard twisted mid-air, taking a deep breath before launching a stream of searing flames. The fire melted through the stones, causing them to explode into harmless shards of light before they could reach Charizard.

"Impressive!" Cilan called out. "But let's turn up the pressure—Shell Smash!"

Crustle's shell glowed as cracks appeared along its surface. It let out a deep rumble as its body became lighter and its claws glowed with increased power.

Alain's eyes narrowed. "Now's our opening."

Charizard's tail flame flared dangerously bright.

"Use Dragon Claw."

Charizard swooped down with incredible speed, its claws glowing blue with draconic energy as it slashed at Crustle. The impact sent Crustle skidding across the field.

"Crustle!" Cilan called, his expression tightening.

Crustle pushed itself upright, its claws trembling slightly from the damage.

"Don't let up," Alain said, his voice low. "Finish this with Fire Blast."

Charizard's mouth flared with flames before launching a massive, five-pronged blast of fire straight at Crustle.

"Protect!" Cilan shouted.

Crustle's claws crossed as a glowing green barrier formed around it. The Fire Blast slammed into the shield, cracks appearing across the surface before the flames exploded outward. When the smoke cleared, Crustle stood shaky but still upright.

"Alright!" Cilan cheered. "Let's counter with X-Scissor!"

Crustle's claws glowed green as it lunged forward.

"Take it head-on," Alain commanded.

Charizard's wings snapped forward as it blocked the strike with its forearms. Sparks of energy scattered through the air as the two Pokémon clashed at close range.

Alain's eyes narrowed. "Now—Seismic Toss."

Charizard's claws shot out, grabbing Crustle by its shell. With a single powerful flap of its wings, Charizard lifted Crustle high into the air.

Cilan's eyes widened. "Crustle, break free!"

But it was too late. Charizard shot upward, spinning rapidly before hurling Crustle toward the battlefield. Crustle crashed hard into the ground, creating a cloud of dust and debris.

When the dust cleared, Crustle lay still. Its shell cracked and its eyes swirled in defeat.

"Crustle is unable to battle!" the referee announced. "The winner is Alain and Charizard!"

Alain's expression remained calm as Charizard touched down beside him, folding its wings.

"Yeah! That's how it's done!" Ash cheered from the stands.

Cilan recalled Crustle with a small smile. "Well played," he said. He glanced toward Alain. "Your strength is impressive. I'll have to rethink my strategy for next time."

Alain met his gaze with a quiet nod. "Next time."

From the Champions' room, Leon chuckled. "I have to say, Alain's style is intense, I like it."

Steven's gaze was fixed on Alain, his expression thoughtful. "He's not just strong—he's calculated. Even without Mega Evolution, Charizard's power is undeniable."

Alder grinned. "Well, this tournament just got a whole lot more interesting."

Alain turned and walked toward the sidelines, Charizard's tail flame flickering calmly behind him. Dawn ran up to him, Piplup at her side.

"Nice work, Alain!" Dawn said brightly.

Alain glanced down at her. "It was a straightforward match."

Dawn smirked. "Sure, keep telling yourself that."

Alain's eyes softened slightly as he gave Charizard a small pat on the side. Charizard gave a low rumble, smoke curling from its nostrils.

The first round of the Friendship Cup was over. And the real battle was just beginning.