“There was no need for you to miss Robin’s battle! There was plenty of time to go! You just dropped off your Pokemon at the Pokemon Center and disappeared!” June complained to Gary angrily. “And I’ll tell you, he acted a whole lot more mature after losing than you did!”

Gary didn’t say anything, his back to her while he laid on his bed.

“Top sixteen is incredible! But all you can do is cry and moan over losing to Aly! Everyone wanted to see you after Robin’s battle ended. He wasn’t even mad you didn’t show up! He actually understood, and maybe was disappointed, but he understood! I, can’t understand you, though!”

Gary cleared his throat, but he didn’t speak.

“These are your friends. How would you feel if Aly did this? You all knew someone would lose along the way! All three of you weren’t gonna make it to the finals.”

Gary took in a deep breath and then released it. He just remained with his eyes closed, frowning, hoping June would just shut up and leave already.

“We looked here, at the Pokemon Centers; Gary, where did you run off to?”

None of your damn business, Gary kept to himself.

“We called Prof. Oak, asked everyone we could in Pallet Town. No one had heard from you. Not even your mother.”

There was a long moment of silence.

She’s finally done, Gary thought, letting out his breath through his nose quietly.

“Okay, Gary. Maybe this will wake you up. Aly’s next match is against Courtney.”

Gary’s eyes shot open and he sat up quickly. His head slammed against the steel beams holding up the bed above with a CLAAANG!!! He cried out and grabbed his head with both hands, stars flashing in front of his closed eyes. He tried to will away the pain. “What did you just say??”

“Aly and Courtney are up next.”

“I can’t believe she made it this far... Everyone beat me, huh...?” Gary felt his eyes tearing up.

“Gary, don’t say that. You fought so hard. You’ve done so well. Please, just give everyone a call. Your mom, Prof. Oak. Robin and Aly. Don’t leave us all in the cold.”

Gary managed to open his eyes a bit, squinting in pain. He sighed, staring at June. “I guess I look like a real baby, huh?”

“Yes,” she nodded. “But you’re still our friend.” She smiled and took something off the table. “Right?”

Gary stared at the portrait of himself, Aly, Kiwi, Robin and June laughing in Prof. Oak’s Lab. He smiled and carefully stood up, his hands lowering to his sides.

“Don’t forget that, Gary.”

“I’m sorry, June. You’re right. I’m ashamed of myself. I have to find them both! Do you know where they’re staying?”

“I do, but I don’t know that they’re there, now.”

“It’s better than nothing. I can’t believe Rob lost. Let’s go to his place first. Or should we do Aly?”

“Rob.” She smirked and went for the door.

“Yeah.” Gary followed after her.

She opened the door.

Gary stopped and gasped.

Aly stood there, a sneer on her face. “Yeah, I’ve been here for a while. Trust me, you were getting your spoiled little brat butt up. Can’t handle a loss, huh? Huh? Huh? Now you’re just a little crybaby who can’t support their friends' achievements? Huh? Huh? Huh? Huh? Huh?”

Gary frowned. He wanted to argue, but there was nothing he could say.

“Gary what made you so BITTER in life?” Aly took a shot at him. “Unhealthy for your soul. Ouch.”

“Meeting you,” Gary thought up instantly.

June slapped a hand over her mouth, trying to hold in laughter.

Aly’s eyes widened. “OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! That was good I’ll give ya that,” she accepted quickly.

Gary winked at her, smiling big, proud of how quick he came up with that response.

“Next time,” she said, her eyes focusing sharply on him.

“But, seriously.” His smile was gone. “I’m sorry, Aly. And I need to apologize to Rob, too. I can’t believe he lost in the same day and I wasn’t even there for him.”

“Then let’s head out,” Aly nodded at him.

Her hair was different, Gary thought to himself, staring at Aly. Yesterday, she looked...

“Uh, are we going or what? Why do you keep staring at me?” Aly snapped angrily.

June stared at Gary.

Gary looked at her and back to Aly, getting mad. “Why would I wanna stare at you? Let’s go see Rob!”

“Oh, is that who you wanna stare at?” Aly snickered and ran out the room as Gary ran at her.

*

Aly knocked on the door numbered 5.

From behind the door, loud music was blaring.

Aly shook her head at June and Gary. “I can’t believe he’s having a party without inviting any of us!”

“No way. He wouldn’t do that,” Gary said thoughtfully, raising a finger to his chin.

“You’re right! Time to crash this piece!” Aly grabbed the doorknob and shoved her shoulder against it, forcing it open easily.

“ALY!” Gary shouted in shock with June.

Loud music blasting out of the room, Aly stumbled inside and froze, gasping.

June and Gary couldn’t believe their eyes.

The room looked just like June and Gary’s, but a lot more messy. Magazines and books were spread out around the desk that held a computer, open food containers still holding food were on the floor, one meal on a chair, and unopened bags of chips were littered around with closed bottles of soda. A couple of hoodies were also tossed around, sneakers everywhere.

There were also several, much older teenagers in the room. A couple were eating from their own food containers, sitting on one of the bunk beds with each other. The rest sat on the floor.

Robin was standing by the computer, one hand on the desktop, his face lowered near it. His face looked oddly pale, even for his naturally oddly pale self.

There was a white powder on the table, under Robin’s face.

The people in the room stared silently in surprise at the kids who had just entered. At once, the strangers moved, grabbing things from around the room. The music cut off abruptly, and then the older people charged for the door, shoving the three kids out of the way and leaving.

Gary, June, and Aly stared after them, frightened and confused. Once those people had left, they looked back in the room to see Robin rubbing at his face and sniffling.

“Guys, wait, ha ha,” he laughed.

“ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR FREAKING MIIIIIND???!!!” Aly exploded, storming into the room.

“Robin...” June whispered and covered her face, looking away.

“Rob... Are you serious, dude??” Gary shook his head.

“Look, this is the first time I’ve ever done something like this!! It ain’t that bad if you’ve got your friends here to-!”

“KICK YOUR LILY WHITE ASS???!!” Aly raged, running to Robin and shoving him to the floor. “I OUGHTTA FORCE MY ENTIRE FOOT RIGHT UP YOUR ASS AND HAVE YOU TASTE THE BOTTOM OF MY FOOT YOU LITTLE IDIOT!!! HOW COULD YOU DO THIS??!!”

“Guys... Will you calm down?” Robin pleaded.

Aly grabbed Robin by the shirt and raised him closer to her face. “You deserved to lose if you couldn’t handle it. You’re pathetic! I’ve never thought so low of you in my LIFE! You deserved to lose, because had you won this tournament, I can only imagine what else you’d have done! You lost at the League, but today, you are a LOSER!” She backed away from Robin, letting him fall to his back.

Robin’s face was horrified, staring at his close friend, taking in her words. He sat up and his head lowered in shame. “I...” He swallowed. “Guys...” He looked to everyone. “I’m so sorryyyy!!” He started to cry.

After facing each other with sympathetic faces, Gary, June, and Aly walked together, gathering around Robin. They helped him to his feet and sat him on one of the bottom bunks.

Robin wiped at his cheeks. “Guys, I’m okay. I promise I’m not a crackhead or anything, heh heh.” He managed a little smile until his eyes ended up on Aly’s, and the smile was wiped clean.

Aly had a hard gaze for Robin. “Rob, for cryin’ out loud. Why are you doing this shit?”

“It’s the first time. I won’t do it again. I’m so so sorry! It was just sop féir.”

“Is that another language? Or the name of the drug?” Gary questioned.

“It is another language. It basically means a piece of hay. Hay is the name of the drug. Or, that’s what they told me, at least.”

“Who were those people, Rob??” Aly insisted.

“Some people I met online,” Robin shrugged.

“So you’re just meeting-” Aly stopped and shook her head. “I can not believe you, Roooooob!”

Robin lowered his head.

There was silence in the room as all eyes went to the floor.

“What brings you guys here, anyway?” Robin asked.

“I was coming to apologize about missing your match,” Gary answered. “I’m sorry, man. I was being stupid.”

“Makes sense, man. You just lost! That’s what I was telling June and Aly. I’m not mad! I just wish we coulda talked about it after I had lost. We coulda had some laughs! Ha ha heh!”

Gary smiled weakly. “I guess it’s all up to Aly.”

Everyone stared at her.

She smiled. “The Champion of the Indigo League has officially been decided!”

“Just make sure you don’t lose to Courtney!” Gary insisted.

“That girl with the pink hair?” Robin laughed. “Yeah, you better wipe her!”

“June was telling me a bit about her,” Aly told Gary. “You two have a bad history with her. She’s a liar and a conniving little thing, huh? Tried to get you kicked out of the League?”

“A total wicked witch, she is,” June added.

“Oh, we’ve gotta make sure she loses, then!” Robin nodded.

“When’s your battle? Do you want to practice or something?” Gary suggested.

“Against who? Surely not the one I just killed yesterday.” Aly had a cocky look on her face, as if Gary wasn’t worth the time.

“You only just beat me, first of all! And you could try and battle June or Rob! I bet you can’t beat June’s Electivire!”

“I’m just glad I wasn’t arrested after that match,” June groaned.

While they all laughed, Robin laughed the loudest and hardest.

“Fine, I could battle June if that’s okay. Come on!” Aly smiled at her.

June sighed nervously. “Alright, then.”

They both got up and Gary walked with them to the door.

“Hey, you guys! Hold up, I wanted to actually ask you something, June.” Robin stood up.

“Huh?” June looked back to him.

“Please, would you do a trade with me?? For our Pokemon??”

June gasped. “Wh-what do you mean??”

“I want to trade! One of my Pokemon for one of yours. I know you raise Electric types and if you have a Raichu, I was hoping to trade that for my Scyther so I can evolve it into Scizor. This way I can have Raichu as collected in my Pokedex, just in case I never find a Thunder Stone. And I love Dots, my Pikachu, and don’t want to evolve it, so I’d need another Pikachu! We can trade right back afterwards. Please? It’s okay if not, but I can only evolve my Scyther by trade. So this helps me two ways.”

“So June would have a Scizor,” Gary noted.

Robin nodded. “Or if any of you have a Raichu, I guess!”

“I do have a Raichu... I suppose... to help, I could trade...” June said hesitantly.

“Oh, please, June! You can even keep Scizor for a while if you want it!”

June laughed nervously, raising both hands. “I’ll pass. Let’s just trade right back, ha ha.”

“Wait, I don’t have a Raichu, but if you’re willing to make a trade for a while, I have my own offer!” Gary blurted out after thinking for a bit while listening to them talk.

Everyone turned to Gary with wide eyes.

*

“You sure you don’t wanna trade for that Porygon-Z? Ha ha ha ha ha ha!!” Robin laughed and smacked the back of Nosepass.

“Nosepass!” Nosepass spoke.

“Raichu!” Raichu smiled by June’s side, June smiling down at him.

“Scizor!” Scizor, nicknamed Fashioned, was in a threatening pose but straightened up.

Gary smiled at his newest Pokemon. “For the hundredth time, I’m sure, Rob. Scyther for Raichu, and then Scizor for Nosepass, Nosepass then for Raichu. All temporarily. In the end, Nosepass and Scizor will be traded back again someday.”

Robin nodded. “That’s right! Thanks a lot! We should trade more often, man!”

“Yeah, maybe so.”

They both shook hands.

“Do I really have to call this thing Fashioned, though...?” Gary asked.

“Congratulations, you two.”

All of them turned to see who had spoken.

“KIWIIIIIIIIII!!!” Aly blew up, cutting off the other three friends, and she ran to Kiwi, wrapping her up in her arms.

Kiwi stood there with an empty look on her face. She sighed, finally releasing a smile, and hugged Aly back, closing her eyes. “Hello, Aly.”

“Kiwi, what are you doing here???”

Gary, Robin, and June stopped beside Aly, smiling at Kiwi as Aly finally let her go.

“I thought I’d take a walk outside for a change. And came all the way down here to the Pokemon League Village. I pulled a Gary.” She turned to him and winked. “Isn’t that right?”

Gary’s eyes widened. “You saw me...?”

Kiwi nodded, her smile gone now. She had a calm face, lacking in emotion. “You walked all the way to Pallet Town from here, and then left. Didn’t even say hello to old Kiwi, huh?”

“So that’s where you went last night!” Aly pointed angrily.

“Gary...” June glared at him. “How could you just leave like that?”

“He looked very stressed. I’m glad I found you all. It’s been tough for you all here at the League. I can only imagine how far I’d have made it, myself.”

“That’s not like you, Kiwi! Come on! You woulda been here with Aly! Winning!” Robin insisted.

Kiwi just smiled.

“He’s right! Don’t say weird things, Kiwi,” Gary chimed in. “We were just here finishing up a trade.”

Kiwi nodded. “I know. I heard.” She smiled seemingly more genuinely at June. “So you have a Pikachu and Raichu?”

June nodded. “Yes!”

“You could join me and Rob as a Pika Pal!” Kiwi was looking happier than the group had seen her in a long time.

“A Pika Pal?”

“Me and Rob love Pikachu! Way more than Pichu, or Raichu! We have our own little group called the Pika Pals! You can be our newest member!”

“That sounds AWESOME!!” Robin leaped over, his hands together by his heart. “We could share our love for Pikachu together, over dinner on a beautiful moonlit night, the stars dancing over us like little jolts of Pikachu’s electricity. The sparks between us even right NOW is enough to render a Dragonite unconscious! Can you feel it, June? Can you feel MEEEEEE???!!” Robin bent over, holding his stomach and letting out a nasty sounding, loud groan before dropping to his knees.

“Not sure how mature your brain is, though it’s evidently not far from kindergarten, but that could be taken as innuendo, and we are not going there!” Her eyes closed, her face a frown, Aly had a fist by where Robin’s stomach had been when he was standing. “Let’s try and be respectful to women.”

“What’d I say...?” Robin gasped for air before falling to his face.

“Now, I’ve still got a couple of hours left! How about we have that battle, June?” Aly asked and then turned to Kiwi. “Kiwi, please stick around with us! Watch the battle!”

Kiwi shrugged. “I guess I have nothing better to do, right? I’ll stick around and watch the League matches you’ve got, Aly.”

“That’s great!! Thank you!!” Aly cheered.

“No need to say that. It’s an honor,” Kiwi smiled small.

“I’m sure she’s not the only one with nothing better to do, eh?” a voice came out, sounding like it was looking to start a problem.

Everyone turned, even Robin managing to sit up, and they all stared at the individual.

She wore a light red dress and pink high heels.

“Courtney!” June stepped forward.

She looks great, Gary kept to himself. He frowned at her.

“It’s her!” Robin grunted as he got to his feet.

Aly was silent with Kiwi.

Courtney stepped past June, and June looked back at Courtney, growling. Courtney smiled big for Gary. “Well, well, my poor Sugar Lumps is out of the competition. And looking like he was the one fighting for the Pokemon, at that. Wanna borrow my Badges and see if you can re-enter and try again?” She put on a big, fake, sad face.

Gary balled his fists. What did she just say?? He bared his teeth at her.

“Hey, that was totally uncalled for!” Aly shouted, stepping up to her.

Courtney put her hands on her hips and leaned down towards Aly. “It’ll be my pleasure dropping a friend of Gary’s.” She turned to Robin. “And you suck, too.”

Robin looked taken aback by this random attack.

“You’re all just in my way of taking over this tournament! I only regret not squashing Gary myself!”

“Yo, what is your problem?!” Aly shot at Courtney. “You are totally not getting past me today!”

“We could battle right now if you wanna get a taste of a whooping,” Courtney fired back.

“I can only stomach seeing you one more time after this,” Aly told her. “People like you make me sick!”

“You’ll really be sick after I cream your team.” Courtney looked at Gary and winked, blowing him a kiss. “Root for me, won’t you Sugar?” She waved them all off and left the Pokemon Center.

“You two got a little fling we should know about?” Robin brought up.

“NO!” Gary barked at him.

“If you say so, Sugar Lumps.” He laughed as Gary growled, ready to strangle him.

*

“And here comes our two competitors this afternoon! Coming in first is the Green Trainer, Alyssa Say from Pallet Town in the Kanto region, to face off against the Red Trainer, Hoenn’s own Courtney, from LaRousse City.”

“Hoenn...?” Was that where she’s from? It struck Gary as odd, as if he was sure she wasn’t from there, but he figured he just wasn’t remembering right, considering all the people he’d met on his journey.

Both Trainers stopped in their spots and immediately grabbed a Poke Ball, looking like they wanted to shove them down each other’s throat rather than send out a Pokemon from them.

The referee raised both flags. “Let the battllllle... begin!” The referee waved the flags down.

“Hydreigon, GO!” Aly sent out her Pokemon.

Courtney’s eyes lit up, hearing Aly’s choice. “Machamp, let’s go!” She sent out her Pokemon.

Both Pokemon appeared and yelled out, trying to intimidate the other.

“This battle is beginning very intensely, folks!” the announcer began his commentary. “These two are having their very first Full Battle, six-on-six, and all bets are off! Machamp has the advantage here type wise, but that is a Hydreigon, people! This match should be a great one!”

Aly was mumbling to herself, staring at Machamp. “Hydreigon, Dragon Pulse!”

“Machamp, take that and return with Dynamic Punch!” Courtney commanded.

“MACHAMP!” Machamp braced itself and was blasted by Dragon Pulse. It screamed out as it was tossed back and slid on its back. Jumping up quickly, Machamp’s fists all glowed light blue and it shot out at Hydreigon.

Hydreigon moved around the fists of Machamp.

Machamp landed on the ground, its fists no longer glowing.

“Outrage this time, Hydreigon!” Aly called out.

“HYYYYYYYYYYY!!!” Hydreigon’s eyes glowed red, and its body was outlined in red. “DREIGOOOOOOOOOOONNNN!!!!” Hydreigon flew and tackled Machamp down. It then bit at Machamp in turn with its three heads.

“MACHAMP! CROSS CHOP INSTEAD!!” Courtney raised a hand to her forehead.

Machamp couldn’t fight back, Hydreigon biting, striking, tackling, attacking it. Hydreigon ascended into the air and roared down at Machamp.

Machamp remained down.

From the crowd, Gary could feel his heartbeat racing just watching the out of control Hydreigon.

The referee raised the green flag to Aly. “Machamp is unable to battle! Hydreigon wins!”

The crowd went crazy.

Gary, June, Robin and Kiwi were on their feet, yelling out joyfully to Aly.

Aly herself was jumping with joy, calling out gleefully to Hydreigon.

“That went quickly enough, Machamp’s Dynamic Punch missing perhaps being the biggest slip which resulted in Hydreigon completely taking over that round!” the announcer commented.

Courtney returned Machamp and then glared at its Poke Ball before placing it at her hip and going for a second one. “Skarmory, do your job!” She threw the Poke Ball.

“Skaaaaar!!” Skarmory hovered above the ground, flapping its wings slowly.

“Whoa, cool!” Gary held out his Pokedex.

Skarmory. The Armor Bird Pokemon. Due to constant battling and injury, as well as the harsh environments they live in, its body grows back stronger and becomes like steel. However, its wings are actually hollow, allowing for great flight speeds.

Robin burst out laughing. “I’ve got one of those myself! Made a trade for it!”

“It’s a Steel type. Courtney sent it out to counter Outrage,” Kiwi noted.

“Begin with Spikes!” Courtney said.

“Skaaaaaaaar!”

Hydreigon slammed into Skarmory, sending the Steel type soaring back.

“Skaaar!!” Skarmory looked just fine and spun rapidly in the air, a complete blur, and red Spikes flew from its body and hit the ground underneath Hydreigon. The Spikes disappeared into the ground.

“Spikes again, Skarmory!”

Skarmory was struck again by Hydreigon. It pushed back against the powerful Dragon’s brute force and then flew away from it. It used Spikes again.

The red around Hydreigon’s body vanished, but its eyes went a lighter kind of red.

Spikes. This move is a trap to damage incoming Pokemon on the opponent’s side. The more times it is used, the more damage Spikes does when triggered.

“Courtney is playing a very dangerous game! While it’s smart to have sent out a Steel type to counter the Dragon damage being delivered, allowing for an opportunity to use Spikes, the abuse Skarmory is taking is going to limit how much more it can take!” the announcer stated. “Is the Spikes effect going to be worth it in the end? On the other hand, Hydreigon’s Outrage has ended, and it is now Confused! Could this be what Courtney was going for all along?”

“Skarmory, more Spikes!”

“Hydreigon! Dragon Pulse!”

Hydreigon blasted Skarmory with a big purple beam.

“Skaaaaaaaaaarrrr!” Skarmory fell back in the air and then smoothly settled on the ground. It leered hard at Hydreigon shakily. “Skar...” It collapsed!

The referee raised the green flag to Aly. “Skarmory is out! This match goes to the Green Trainer, Alyssa!”

Everyone cheered for the second win Aly earned.

“She’s killing her right now!” Gary shouted. “GET HER ALY!!”

“YYYEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSS!!” June was jumping around, waving out to Aly. “ALAAAAAAAAAAAYY!!! DESTROY HER, GIIIRRRRRRRRLL!!!”

Robin was laughing. “That’s the future Champ Courtney is facing right now!!”

“Alyssa has shown her strength long before this, and is continuing to dominate with that Hydreigon at her command!” the announcer was heard. “Even at a type disadvantage, Alyssa conquered with nothing but Dragon moves! This is quite intimidating to see!”

Aly shook her head, looking down, and her hand went to her head.

“She looks like she thinks she’s made a mistake, though.” Kiwi was on her feet, clapping. “Perhaps using those Dragon moves and not going for Fire or Electricity.”

“Thank you, Hydreigon! THANK YOU you big, big, beautiful Dragon! I can’t believe this!!” Aly seemed to be back to normal, praising her Pokemon.

“Maybe you’re right, Kiwi. She isn’t doing that Charge Beam strat she had used on me, boosting her Special Attack constantly,” Gary said.

“She does seem to be going for something different, strategy wise,” Robin added.

They all started taking their seats as Courtney recalled Skarmory. She seemed to be muttering something and then grabbed another Poke Ball. “Sceptile, you’re up! Let’s end this already!” She threw the Ultra Ball.

“Sceptiiiiile!” Sceptile swiped its large leaves it had on its arms.

“Sceptile? Now?!” Gary gasped. “That’s like her best Pokemon! Why would she send it out this early?”

“Haaaa ha ha ha ha! Aly must have Courtney panicking right now! She’s not thinking straight!” Robin laughed. “She can’t just retreat, either. Not without forfeiting. Aly’s got this match in the bag! Ha ha ha ha!”

Gary watched hard, wanting to think Courtney slipped up, but not being entirely convinced.

Courtney smiled at the Confused Hydreigon, seeming to be waiting, not giving any orders.

“Alright, Fire Blast!” Aly decided.

“HYYYYYYY!!” Hydreigon fired out Flamethrower lazily.

Sceptile moved to the side a little, dodging it.

“Hyyyydrei!” Hydreigon flew for Sceptile!

“Dodge!” Courtney ordered.

Sceptile leaped into the air and avoided Hydreigon’s random tackle.

After crashing into the ground, Hydreigon growled, staying down. It then roared as the ground exploded around it!

“Without giving a single order, Courtney has allowed Hydreigon to damage itself all on its own while Confused!” the announcer explained. “And in the process, Hydreigon hit the ground, triggering Spikes and adding more damage!”

“Is that all she’s got for a plan?? Nothing but luck! Ha ha ha ha!!” Robin waved off. “Aly’s in control, here!”

But with Sceptile out... Gary kept to himself. I know her. It won’t be that simple of a plan. Be careful, Aly.

“Now hit it with Low Kick!” Courtney continued.

Sceptile landed and ran at Hydreigon. It kicked Hydreigon in the side.

Hydreigon roared out and swiped at Sceptile.

Sceptile ducked quickly and kicked again.

Hydreigon attempted biting at Sceptile with all three heads.

Sceptile leaped over them all and around Hydreigon, ending up behind it.

Hydreigon’s head bit and slammed into the ground repeatedly, further hurting itself.

Sceptile used Low Kick again.

Hydreigon got off the ground, hovering again. The red in its eyes went away, the Confusion gone.

“Sceptile is putting in some great work, using the super effective Low Kick to weaken Hydreigon, but Hydreigon’s Confusion was definitely aiding in how Sceptile was able to gain an advantage by getting around it! With Confusion now lifted, how will this battle change?” the announcer questioned.

“Hydreigon, let’s get back into action! Fire Blast!” Aly smiled.

“Agility!”

“Sceptile!” Sceptile was gone from its spot before Hydreigon even started attacking!

Hydreigon looked around, trying to figure out where to aim.

Sceptile made this difficult, moving at an untraceable pace and random patterns.

“Agility!” Courtney repeated.

Sceptile was moving even faster now!

Hydreigon roared and used Fire Blast, trying to hit it, but the move missed. It attacked again, missing again.

“Hone Claws!” were Courtney’s next words.

Sceptile raised its hands and swiped them outward at Hydreigon after they glowed white. The white glow went away, and Sceptile’s body glowed red for a moment.

“Hone Claws, boosting Attack and Accuracy, right?” Gary remembered.

Kiwi nodded. “Yeah. She’s about to try something bad, I’ll bet.”

“Hydreigon, Flamethrower then!”

Hydreigon attacked with Flamethrower.

“Get rid of that with Focus Blast!”

Sceptile cupped its hands and formed a light blue ball that it tossed at Hydreigon.

The two moves hit, and after a moment of the two moves pushing against each other, Focus Blast ripped through and collided into Hydreigon.

Hydreigon slid along the ground and remained still.

The referee raised the red flag to Courtney.

She screamed with pleasure before the referee even announced she was in fact the winner.

Aly wailed out. “Nooooooooooooooo!!”

The crowd cheered, and the announcer commented.

Kiwi, Gary, June and Robin were the only ones silent.

Gary, June and Robin were frowning.

“Bah, that’s just one down! And look at what it took!” Robin pointed out. “Aly’s got this!”

Gary nodded. “Yeah.” But, her Sceptile really is something.

He remembered the tournament he and Courtney were in a while back, involving just Starter Pokemon. Her Treeko had defeated a Charizard all on its own before ending up in what was ruled as a tie with Gary’s Charmeleon.

And now that thing’s evolved? Gary thought. Aly can do it, but it won’t be easy.

“Hydreigon, your work never disappoints, honey! Thank you!” Aly returned Hydreigon and crossed her arms, pouting at Sceptile and tapping her right foot. “Okay! If it’s a Grass type, let’s go for Grass! Mighty Ivy, I choose you!” She sent out her next Pokemon.

“Ivysaur!” Ivysaur growled at Sceptile.

“Mighty... Ivy...?” Gary questioned. “Is that a nickname or...?”

Robin just laughed.

“From Bulba-Baby, to Mighty Ivy?” Gary smirked, shaking his head. “I heard it before but I-!”

From underneath Ivysaur, small explosions went off.

“Ivy!” Ivysaur was toppled off of her feet by the explosions, but she stood up again quickly.

“It’s two powerful Grass types now!” the announcer shouted. “Ivysaur got the brunt of Spikes, but both are looking in great shape still! The winner is anyone’s guess!”

“We’ll make this one quick for sure!” Courtney smiled. “Nasty Plot!”

A wicked smile came over Sceptile’s face. Its body glowed red for a moment.

“Ivysaur, use Double-Edge!”

Ivysaur charged at Sceptile for Double-Edge, her body glowing gold.

Sceptile moved swiftly, outspeeding Ivysaur easily.

Ivysaur slid to a stop and faced Sceptile, growling. The gold around her body disappeared.

“Hone Claws one more time!” Courtney called.

“She’s gonna use Focus Blast again!” Kiwi gasped.

Gary gasped after she said that.

Aly growled, trying to think under pressure. “Double-Edge again!”

“She’s not battling straight!” Robin cried. “Doesn’t she have a better plan than that?!”

“She must be stressed right now, plus, she’s battling a Grass type. I think if this weren’t a Grass type, she might try Leech Seed or a powder move, to slow it down, but those don’t work on Grass types sometimes,” Kiwi explained. “She’s limited in her moves. She must have thought by making the odds even with two Grass types, she could throw off Courtney. But it’s backfired on her.”

Ivysaur was coming for Sceptile, but Sceptile dodged easily again.

“GOOOO!!” Courtney was glowing with happiness.

Sceptile charged up another Focus Blast and tossed it at Ivysaur.

Ivysaur was hit from behind before she was able to even turn around. “IVYYYYYY!!!” Ivysaur bounced hard on the ground and finally stopped. She shook her head and growled, but stayed laying down.

“IVYSAUR! Please, get up if you can! I know you can! You’re my Mighty Ivy! You aren’t gonna be so easily stopped! No way!” Aly urged.

“You think Ivysaur is listening better now, guys?” Gary brought up.

“I know a bit about their issues, myself,” Robin said. “So far they seem okay, but she’s lost to your Charizard already. If she loses again, here... What’ll that do to the relationship?”

“She can’t lose. Not to Courtney. Ivysaur can do it! Aly will win!”

“I’m sure she’ll win, but I just mean, specifically, Ivysaur losing. With no win to stand on, again!”

June had tight fists, paying attention to the match, quiet for so long.

“IVY!!” Ivysaur was up again, facing Sceptile, and her bulb started absorbing energy.

“Great! We can use Nasty Plot in the meantime and turn that into a finishing Focus Blast!” Courtney instructed.

“IVYSAUR I DID NOT SAY TO USE SOLARBEEEEEEEAM!!” Aly shrieked. “WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TO MEEE??? TO US!!”

“Well that lasted,” Gary said sarcastically.

Sceptile leered at Ivysaur and its body glowed red again.

“This battle is seriously getting tough! Courtney’s Sceptile is truly putting its damage rate high up with constant boosts to Attack and Special Attack, as well as boosting Accuracy to ensure Focus Blast lands! Ivysaur, on the other hand, has yet to even touch the speedy Sceptile due to Agility!” the announcer called out. “Courtney is preparing to take out Alyssa’s Ivysaur, and setting up to be ready to severely hurt whatever else Alyssa uses afterwards!”

Ivysaur’s bulb started to glow white. “IVY!!”

Sceptile started charging up Focus Blast.

Both Solar Beam and Focus Blast were launched at each other, ready to meet. Instead, the moves missed each other! Solar Beam went directly over Focus Blast, Focus Blast going low, under Solar Beam!

Both Pokemon were hit!

Ivysaur tumbled roughly and finally stopped.

Sceptile was knocked to its back and slid to a stop. Its body suddenly glowed brightly! As it stood up, its body started to darken and sparkle lightly.

Aly screamed.

Gary leaped to his feet. “What’s going on??!!”

June also jumped up. “That’s not a Sceptile!!” she pointed, shaking her head.

Robin was standing with them, looking completely stunned.

Kiwi, seated, gasped. “I can’t believe it...” she whispered. “It’s Illusion!”

Sceptile had now completely transformed into an entirely different Pokemon!

Zoroark. The Illusion Fox Pokemon. The evolved form of Zorua. Zoroark can create illusions that are impossible to tell from reality. This includes the area around them, as well as themselves in battle.

Zoroark. The Illusion Fox Pokemon. This Dark type is said to be very dangerous and spiteful. Those who wish it or those in its family harm could be caught in an illusion until it sees fit. It can even learn human speech if it transforms into a human being. It does not physically transform, however. It is all a visionary trick.

Aly put away her Pokedex at the same time Gary did.

Zoroark yelled out in a raspy voice.

Ivysaur growled at Zoroark furiously. She then seemed to nod.

“THERE IT IS, FOLKS!! I really couldn’t say anything about Sceptile with Nasty Plot during an official League match, but it’s my job to know these kinds of things, and Sceptile does not learn Nasty Plot!” the announcer laughed. “It became clear to me, and any other people paying close attention, that that had to be either a Zoroark, or we needed to call in Prof. Gary Oak to inform him about a new find he’d be very interested in!”

“It was never a Sceptile... That’s why she sent it out. She’s been playing Aly the entire time!” Gary said.

“I can’t believe it. Courtney’s really good! I hate to say that,” Robin said.

“Is it possible that Ivysaur knew that, too? As a Grass type?” Kiwi wondered out loud.

“So, not a Grass type at all, then,” Aly nodded, a solemn look on her face. “Ivysaur, we can do this! Let’s go for Poison Powder!”

Ivysaur crouched down, aiming her bulb at Zoroark as she went to use Solar Beam again!

“IVYSAUR, USE POISON POWDER!!” Aly was looking furious now.

“Zoroark, we’ll finish this with Night Daze,” Courtney said simply.

Zoroark’s eyes glowed light blue and its body was surrounded by a crimson aura. As it raised its arms, the aura around them got thicker. After slamming its arms into the ground, a pink and crimson glowing forcefield of energy appeared from around its arms and expanded around it.

“IVYSAAAAAAAAAAAURRR!!” Ivysaur screamed out as she was hit. She flipped in the air repeatedly. “SAURRRRR!!” She fired Solar Beam, catching Zoroark!

Zoroark shouted as it was dropped.

Ivysaur landed on her four feet and glared at Zoroark.

Getting up, Zoroark leered at Ivysaur from a sitting position. It then fell out flat on its back!

The green flag waved to Aly. “Zoroark is unable to battle! Ivysaur wins!”

“YAAAAAAYY!! Ivysaur! Ivysaur! We did iiiiit!!” Aly jumped around as the crowd celebrated.

“Ivy...” Ivysaur smirked towards Zoroark. Her face then gave out and she dropped.

The referee, the audience, Aly, even Courtney with a smile, gasped.

The red flag was waved. “Ivysaur is also out!”

There were more gasps mixed in with cheers as the audience didn’t know what to do but was loving every minute of it.

“It was a draw...” Kiwi whispered.

“Ivysaur lasted. Perhaps that was all she wanted?” Robin called into question.

“Definitely,” June said seriously.

“INCREDIBLE!! Ivysaur survived JUST ENOUGH to see Zoroark go down, and with that, Ivysaur itself threw in the towel! This may have been about something else on a more personal level, but whatever it was, it sure was a heartstopper!” the announcer said.

“Ivysaur!” Aly wiped at her eyes. “Sweetheart, you did it, okay? You won. Thank you. I’m so proud of you! I knew you would win, no matter what!” She returned Ivysaur.

“Zoroark, great job! Return!” Courtney recalled Zoroark.

“Courtney, that Zoroark was really cool! I’ve never seen that Pokemon! I was totally caught off guard!”

“I’m not here for small talk and ass kissing! This match continues!” Courtney threw out another Poke Ball.

Gary found this next Pokemon to look rather unattractive, but also physically problematic.

Bastiodon. The Shield Pokemon. The evolved form of Shieldon. This Fossil Pokemon holds Defense Stats that are matched by few. Its only true rival is considered to be Rampardos, who holds Attack Stats above normal.

“How did Courtney obtain a Fossil Pokemon?” Gary wondered.

Aly chose her next Pokemon, throwing the Poke Ball. “Breloom, go!”

Breloom called out and jabbed forward with both fists. Its left eye was still badly swollen shut, but that didn’t seem to keep its energy down, looking as energetic as ever. It then yelled out as Spikes triggered again, damaging it and putting it to its knees.

“And it’s the dynamite puncher Breloom up next, and Spikes reminds us all of its existence! That aside, Breloom is going against the rock and steel-solid defender, Bastiodon!” the announcer introduced them. “Who goes down first is truly not an easy call! Place your bets NOW!”

“Breloom, Dynamic Punch right now!” Aly screamed.

Breloom raised its fists and they both glowed red, red-orange energy pulsing off of them. It slugged Bastiodon right in the face!

Gary, June, and Robin all jumped up, screaming happily, rooting on Aly.

Bastiodon’s eyes flashed red.

“AGAIN! DON’T LET UP!” Aly pushed on.

Breloom slugged Bastiodon a couple more times before stopping.

Bastiodon was Confused, but it hadn’t moved a single inch from either of those very powerful blows.

“Bastiodon, a Steel and Rock type, just took quite a few Fighting type moves as if it were a Ghost type, immune to them!” the announcer stated. “This really isn’t a good sign for the heavy hitting Breloom!”

“Breloom, use Growth!”

Breloom’s body glowed light green as it increased its power.

Bastiodon stumbled forward, its body surrounded in shining bronze energy, a bright gold forcefield in front of it. The attack missed, Breloom dodging with unsurety, Bastiodon just attacking in its Confusion.

Courtney hadn’t given an order, and she didn’t look bothered by what had just occurred, smiling.

“Again with Growth!” Aly repeated.

“Why isn’t Courtney attacking?!” Gary shouted.

After Growth happened again, Aly commanded, “Now Dynamic Punch!”

Breloom slugged Bastiodon again.

Bastiodon didn’t budge. It attacked again, its head turning to iron as it tried to slam into Breloom, but missed. Suddenly, the red glow in Bastiodon’s eyes went away.

Courtney laughed. “We’ve proven our point!” She said nothing further.

“Breloom, Sky Uppercut now!”

One of Breloom’s fists glowed light blue.

“Metal Burst!”

Bastiodon’s body became metallic as it was struck, and a white ball formed in front of its mouth.

The ball flashed and then flew into Breloom, knocking it back!

Breloom slid along the ground, flinching. It managed to get back up.

“Bastiodon has taunted Breloom long enough! It is now using Metal Burst to send back a significant amount of damage to Breloom based on what it takes, similar to Counter and Mirror Coat combined!” the announcer explained.

“Aaaah!” Aly gasped. “But we’ve been kicking nothing but butt so far! And if you’re willing to taunt like that and cause your Pokemon to suffer just to try and show me up, you don’t deserve to win! Breloom, show ‘em what you can take! Sky Uppercut again!”

Courtney was showing surprise at Aly’s decision, but soon she was frowning. “You can’t beat Bastiodon with such stupidity! Metal Burst again!”

Breloom slugged Bastiodon again, but Bastiodon sent it back and then some.

Bastiodon actually fell to its face this time!

Breloom was also downed, though.

Both Pokemon got up, Breloom struggling, Bastiodon recovering easily.

“Sky Uppercut! Show ‘em what you’re truly made of, Breloom!!”

“You know what to do, Bastiodon!”

Breloom struck Bastiodon, and Bastiodon sent it back.

Both Pokemon fell.

Bastiodon got back up.

Breloom pushed himself up with his arms. And then fell.

It was evident to most that Breloom was out. And this was certified with the red flag waved.

The crowd’s screams blocked out the referee’s words.

As the announcer commented, Gary’s head fell into his hands.

“It’s all even, Gary!” Robin yelled. “Don’t lose hope! It’s three-versus-three now!”

Gary raised his head to Robin angrily. “I never lost hope! I just thought Courtney would be out by now!”

“Breloom, this won’t be in vain! I needed you, and only you, for this! Please rest!” Aly recalled Breloom and kissed the Poke Ball before setting it on her waist. She grabbed another one and sent out what was inside.

A cat appeared and sat down patiently. Its eyes closed. It then screeched as Spikes appeared, leaving it on its side, injured.

Delcatty. The Prim Pokemon. Skitty’s evolved form. A very particular Pokemon that does what it wants. It will skip a battle to avoid conflict. Its home is wherever it desires, which can change as much as daily.

“That sounds kind of tough to raise,” Gary commented, putting down his Pokedex.

“I’m counting on you, Delcatty! Please, use Assist!” said Aly.

“Use Heavy Slam!” were Courtney’s words.

Delcatty had gotten up by now and let out a sharp cry and its paws clapped together.

Bastiodon stomped towards Delcatty.

A large shockwave of air came out from Delcatty’s paws and stunned Bastiodon.

Bastiodon Flinched and didn’t move from its spot.

Aly’s head dropped. “Delcatty... Pleeeeease...” Her head rose back up. “I mean, that may have been a good decision, but won’t you please listen to me?”

Gary’s eyes widened.

Bastiodon shook its head and stomped the ground, ready to fight back.

“It looks like Alyssa is having trouble with another Pokemon of hers, Delcatty!” the announcer exposed. “Delcatty are known for doing what they want, like a lot of felines!”

“I can’t believe Aly would come to a battle so unprepared!” Gary said loudly. “Why?!”

“Bastiodon, Heavy Slam and squash that kitty!” Courtney demanded.

“Delcatty, use Sing!” Aly begged.

Delcatty raised a paw and a white orb formed on it. FIRE BLAST came out of it, consuming Bastiodon!

“BASTIODOOOOOOOONNN!!!” Bastiodon shouted out. When the flames went out, Bastiodon stumbled and then dropped.

“Bastiodon is unable to battle! Delcatty wins this match!” the referee ruled.

“NO WAY!” Gary couldn’t believe his eyes, applauding the win with the crowd.

“She’s got this! She’s got this!!” Robin clapped with Gary.

Kiwi was quiet but clapping with a solemn face.

June smiled with a sorrowful look towards the field, also clapping.

The announcer threw in his two cents as Courtney recalled Bastiodon, evident shock on her face. “Grrrrrrr! Bastiodooooonnn!!” Courtney complained at its Poke Ball. “No matter. That stupid cat is dead!”

“Who are you calling stupid?!” Aly shouted. “That’s no way to speak, even if we are rivals!”

“My rival? HA! You’re nothing more than Gary’s little side piece. You could never be a rival-”

“GARY’S WWWHHAAAAAT??!” Aly exploded. “DISGUSTING!!”

Robin was guffawing so hard, he ended up choking.

Gary closed his eyes, embarrassed hearing this, and lowered his head. He didn’t even want to see June’s, or even Kiwi’s, reactions. What is going on here?? What happened to battling?! Why is Courtney diverting the conversation?? Right then, he glared at the field. Could she be just trying to distract Aly? Throw her off? Keep her from thinking straight? Aly’s been making some odd decisions that have cost her, but she’s still in the lead.

Smirking snottily, Courtney grabbed another Poke Ball and nodded at it, keeping her eyes on Aly. “Let’s show ‘em how battling is really done! Sceptile, go!” She sent out her Pokemon, throwing the Poke Ball.

“Sceptiiiiile!” Sceptile appeared, standing tall.

“This has to be the real deal this time,” Gary said.

“Or she has two Zoroark and her last Pokemon is Sceptile?” Robin joked, shrugging.

“And Courtney chooses another Sceptile!” the announcer said. “Should I recognize a false one, I sure won’t tell, aha ha ha ha ha!”

“What a cornball announcer, huh?” Robin muttered, snickering.

The friends all looked over at him, Kiwi rolling her eyes.

“This is over now.” Courtney kissed her hand and held it out to Aly. “Nice meeting you,” she then sneered. “We’ll get this over and done with by starting off with Leech Seed!”

Sceptile’s mouth opened and a bright green Seed appeared from its throat and shot out of its mouth.

Delcatty arched its back and screeched at the Seed before dodging it at the last second.

“Delcatty, that was great! Now use Assist, please!” Aly pleaded.

Delcatty sat on its hind and opened its mouth. A song came out!

“She’s using Sing!” Gary recognized the familiar tone of Sing, mostly due to his familiarity with the world famous popstar, Jigglypuff.

“Sing...” Aly was looking drowsy as Sing continued.

Courtney kept tightening and loosening her fists at her sides as she swayed tiredly. She shut her eyes and her body shook hard before glaring at the field, blinking repeatedly.

Sceptile stumbled about for a moment before collapsing on its face.

Gary yawned but shook his head, fighting off the sleep.

Delcatty stopped Singing and went quiet.

“Wait...” Robin said tiredly. His eyes widened. A smile spread his cheeks wide. “Ha ha ha! WAIT!”

“Sceptile is unable to battle! Delcatty wins the match!” The referee held out the green flag to Aly.

“SCEPTILE?!?!?!” Courtney exploded, wide awake now.

Slowly, the crowd erupted in excitement.

Delcatty then glowed red, and it returned back to its Poke Ball!!

The referee looked stunned, staring at Aly. “Delcatty has forfeited the battle, and is also out of the match!”

The crowd was now screaming in shock!

“Oh...” Robin uttered.

“Did that just...?” June said hesitantly.

“The Indigo League rules are quite unique to other regional Leagues...” Kiwi said. “I was looking into it only the other day...”

“What do you mean?” Gary asked her.

“Both Pokemon have been declared incapable of battling!” the announcer explained. “Due to Sleep for Sceptile, and retreating for Delcatty, they both are out of the match!”

“It’s not like that in other regions,” Kiwi nodded.

“Really??” Gary was shocked at this.

Robin uttered out in dismay, his hands flying up briefly. “I was excited when Sceptile fell Asleep, but then Delcatty retreated...”

Aly’s shoulders slumped as she looked down at her waist. Her head shook and she said something unclear.

“This is ridiculous! What kind of a ruling system is THAT??? I demand an explanation for this!!” Courtney was fuming at the referee.

“Ma’am, please, these are the rules! You can debate them at a later time, but unless you send out your final Pokemon, you’ll be disqualified!” The referee looked frightened of the woman.

Courtney looked ready to forget the battle and personally take on the referee, but she huffed out, her face red and furious, and returned back to her position. She flashed her teeth at Aly. “You little cheating brat! You’ve merely lucked out getting me down this far, but I’m destroying everyone at this League, and you’re not gonna trouble me any further!” She returned Sceptile, holding out its Poke Ball and pulling back angrily. She then grabbed her last Poke Ball and sent out the creature within.

“INCINEROOOOOOOARRRRR!!!” Incineroar roared.

Aly gasped at the loud, intimidating Pokemon, stepping back.

“It’s Incineroar!” Gary let out.

“It’s Incineroar?” June gasped at the same time.

Incineroar bared his teeth at Aly, looking ready to attack her!

Aly toughened up in her face, but her posture seemed resistant. “No problem! Then I’m going with Salamence!” She sent out her next Pokemon.

Salamence appeared and roared at Incineroar.

Incineroar’s body seemed to relax just slightly as his body glowed red for a moment.

“This battle is now at a point where Alyssa has two Pokemon to Courtney’s final one!” the announcer said. “And Salamence’s Ability, Intimidate, already helps Alyssa by lowering Incineroar’s Attack power! Can Courtney get not only one, but two full strength Pokemon out of her way to secure moving on to the semi-finals?!”

A strange, but so familiar noise grabbed Gary’s attention, and he turned to see...

“ELECTIVIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIRRRRRRE!!!!” Electivire’s entire body sparked with electricity, everyone around him screaming and backing away.

“Electivire?! Oh, come on!” June cried out in fright.

“Whoa-ho-ho-hoooo!” Robin was smiling a nervous smile.

Kiwi had a hand on her chest, gaping at the sudden appearance of the Pokemon.

Gary had screamed out, but he then looked out to the battlefield.

Incineroar, Courtney, Salamence, and Aly were all staring at the sparking beast in the audience.

The electricity around Electivire’s body went away and he remained standing. A mischievous smile spread across his face and he raised his fists high.

“INCINEROOOOOOARRRR!!” Incineroar waved back and then returned his body to the battle.

June had an absolutely disturbed, stunned face. “Who... are you even, anymore?” She was shrieking out in no time as Electivire jolted her, and she dropped. “I remember now... Thaa-aanks...” she said weakly, out of sight.

Courtney smirked, watching this, and then went serious, looking at Salamence. “Incineroar, now! Use Darkest Lariat!!” Courtney commanded.

Incineroar snarled and his top paws burst into flames.

Aly gasped. “Salamence, use Dragon Claw!”

Incineroar spun in place until he was a total blur, fire swirling around his body.

Salamence flew at Incineroar and extended its claws. They began to glow light green.

Incineroar flew into Salamence, and Salamence swiped at him.

The moves hit, and Incineroar was unraveled and stumbled backwards.

Salamence grunted, but it didn’t budge much.

“Incineroar’s Darkest Lariat strikes, but it’s not enough to stop Salamence’s Dragon Claw!” the announcer declared. “Salamence’s Intimidate earlier isn’t going to make things any easier for Incineroar’s otherwise powerful physical moves!”

“I’m not losing against this stupid kid!!!” Courtney screeched, enraged. “OUTRAGE!!!”

Incineroar growled dangerously as his eyes glowed red and his body became outlined in red. “INCINEROARRRR!!” He leaped at Salamence and clawed at it.

“Salamence!!” Aly called as her Pokemon dropped easily.

There was an explosion on the field where Salamence landed, it finally being susceptible to Spikes.

Incineroar raged again and jumped at the fallen Pokemon.

“ELECTIVIRE!! ELECTIVIIIIIRRE!!” Electivire was pumping his fists in the air for the battle.

June, Gary, Kiwi, and Robin remained standing, wary eyes on Electivire while also viewing the battle.

“Who is it rooting for...?” Robin asked hesitantly.

Aly balled her fists and stomped her foot. Her anger now matched Courtney’s. “There’s no way I can lose to someone like you, Courtney!! Your battling style is completely selfish!! Your selfish ways, and lack of concern for your Pokemon, or concern for anything but winning, shines too brightly for me to stand!”

Salamence was knocked back and slid along the ground, struggling and shaking just to stand up again.

“FINISH IIIIIT!!” Courtney bellowed.

“NO!” Aly responded strongly. “OUTRAGE RIGHT BACK!!”

Incineroar hurled a punch to Salamence.

Salamence caught the punch with one claw, its eyes glowing red, its body outlined in red!

Incineroar’s red eyes widened in surprise.

Salamence’s tail then swept Incineroar off his feet!

“You use Outrage to show how furious you are, at yourself, as a human being!” Aly expressed.

Salamence clawed at Incineroar, causing the cat to screech painfully.

“Whatever pain you suffer, the self loathing you have within, shall not be used to try and bully people around, Courtney!” Aly continued.

Salamence slammed into Incineroar.

“And we will use our own Outrage, so show our outrage, at just how outrageous your behavior is! Because we won’t tolerate bullies!!”

Courtney’s eyes went back and forth from Aly to the two Pokemon battling. “INCINEROAR!!”

Incineroar kicked at Salamence.

Salamence grunted, hit in the stomach, and then blasted away Incineroar with a red beam!

Incineroar hit the ground.

Salamence then attacked again, blasting at Incineroar.

“Inciner! Inciner! Roar...” Incineroar grunted, bouncing around helplessly. He slid to a stop, sprawled out on his face.

Nobody moved, all eyes on Incineroar.

Even Salamence, standing on all fours, looking ready to pounce, remained still, waiting.

Electivire leaned forward a bit, shock on his face. “ELECTIVIRE!!”

The referee waved the green flag. “Incineroar is unable to battle!!”

Gary and June were the first to scream as loud as they possibly could.

Robin was right after them, Kiwi gasping with happiness.

“Salamence wiiins!!” the referee finished. Salamence let out a huge roar, the referee jumping and shouting out as he dropped both flags in fright, wide eyes on Salamence.

The announcer’s voice boomed over the stadium.

June hugged Gary, bouncing in the bleachers.

Gary jumped with her, his arms pinned to his sides.

“THIS IS IT!! ALY’S GOING ALL THE WAY!! HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HAAAAA!!!” Robin laughed heartily.

She really did do it, Gary thought as June released him.

The four friends turned to Electivire, who remained standing, his shoulders now slumped. A solemn look was on his face. “Vire? Vire? Vire? Vire?” He swiftly looked to the four kids in turn and then straightened up and crossed his arms. He puffed out his chest and turned his back on the field. His body then glowed red and vanished.

June sighed and lowered her hand holding Electivire’s Poke Ball. She smiled at it. “Somehow, I don’t think that was your true feelings. I’m sure he appreciates you finding the time to make it to his match, though.”

Aly ran to her Salamence and hugged the tired out Pokemon as the red in its eyes and around its body went away.

It let out a weary sigh, its head swinging around loosely. It appeared to be a little confused by what was going on, but it did manage a weak smile as it stared at the ground.

Aly looked to the crowd and waved, keeping her body on Salamence.

“So, the semi-finals, yo!” Robin cried out. “She’s really gonna win the League!”

“She’s amazing,” Kiwi said.

“She even had one last Pokemon left!” June added.

“But her upcoming opponent, and then the final Trainer, are gonna be every bit as good as she is,” Gary pointed out.

“Just had to be the downer, didn’t you?” June gave Gary a slanted look, tilting her head.

“He’s telling the truth, though,” Kiwi said, nodding.

The three pairs of eyes were on her now.

“Aly’s next match is going to only be the toughest yet. I know she can do it, but it’s not going to come without a cost. Her winning this League is going to take everything she’s got. And she might wanna start working on her more disobedient Pokemon.”

Courtney returned Incineroar and took off, leaving the field.

“Who’s the ‘side piece’ now?? Huh?? Huh?? Huh??” Aly called out to her, glowing with pleasure.

Courtney didn’t slow down at all, finally exiting.

The eyes of Aly, June, Gary, Robin, and Kiwi remained on where Courtney was last seen.

“Aly was right. Courtney was battling for herself. Her own self resentment, Aly said. It makes a lot of sense in the short amount of time I’ve known her.” Kiwi sniffled.

“But her next opponent likely won’t be so stupid,” Gary continued. “Right?”

Kiwi only nodded.

“But she earned her spot here! All Trainers make mistakes!” Robin insisted. “Aly has to win!!”

Aly turned to the audience and her smile disappeared, replaced with a surprised look.

Because of the four solemn faces of Kiwi, June, Robin, and Gary, aimed right at her.