The battle between Ash and Gary was over, and the two of them walked back to the stands where their friends were.
When they got there, they were ambushed by a surprise Molly hug. To make it worse, the Molly attack was just a distraction because from behind them, Green swooped in like a hawk. She hooked an arm around each boy's neck, yanking them into a double headlock.
"Really? You two pull out that much firepower for each other, but when it's me, suddenly you're holding back?" Her tone wasn't angry, in fact, it was teasing.
Gary rolled his eyes, prying her arm off with practiced ease. "Please, Green. You know why." He smirked, though there was no bite to it this time.
Ash, on the other hand, leaned dramatically into the hold, fake-sobbing like he was being dragged to the gallows. "Yeah! Abandoned us! Left us all alone! How could you, Green?! I thought we were friends!"
"Abandoned you?!" Green laughed, shaking him like a ragdoll. "Please. Just because I don't want to do the same thing over and over when I know I probably can't beat you—"
"No, no, if you hate us just say it," Ash cut in, covering his eyes dramatically.
Then Yellow peeked around the corner. "Um, guys, you should hurry. Ethan and Silver are about to start."
"Oh yeah, let's go. I need to cheer on my little brother," Green said, rubbing her hands together.
"Wow, right in front of Molly," Ash teased as he picked her up and set her on his shoulders. "Doesn't seem very big-sis-adjacent to have favorites."
"Yeah," Molly agreed, crossing her arms and pouting.
Green clutched her chest like she'd been shot. "Oh, wait, Molly, it's not what you think!"
"No, it's too late now. Let's go, Molly," Ash said as he carried her back to the seats. Molly rode on his shoulders, while Green let out a little snort.
"Alright, come on, let's go, Gary," Green said, smiling back at him as she followed after Ash. Gary lingered for a moment, smiling and shaking his head before running after them.
—
"Ladies and gentlemen, what a match we just witnessed, but it's not over yet!" The announcer's voice boomed across the stadium. "Now, get ready for the second Silver Conference semifinal match: Ethan versus Silver!"
On opposite sides of the field, Ethan and Silver faced each other.
Ethan adjusted his cap, turning it backwards as he stretched his arms. Silver stretched his own across his chest, eyes fixed on Ethan.
"This one's mine," Silver muttered under his breath as he pulled out his first Pokéball.
"Not if I beat you first," Ethan shot back, tossing his own.
Both Pokéballs burst open at once.
"Go, Polibo!" Ethan shouted.
"Honchkrow!" Silver countered.
Polibo the Poliwhirl landed on the field, pumping his fists. Across from him, Silver's Honchkrow spread its black wings and let out a screech, glaring down at Polibo.
Ethan raised his arm. "Polibo, let's set the pace, [Ice Beam]!"
Polibo inhaled sharply, frost gathering at his mouth before he fired a chilling blast of blue ice straight at Honchkrow.
Silver didn't flinch. "Honchkrow, dodge and [Night Slash]!"
Honchkrow shot upward, wings glowing purple as it dove like a shadowy blade. The Ice Beam barely grazed its tail feathers before the bird slashed down, forcing Polibo to hop back with a grunt.
"Oh yeah? Then try this, [Double Slap], go!" Ethan called out.
Polibo lunged forward, his hands glowing as he spun and lashed upward, striking at the oncoming Honchkrow.
"[Wing Attack]!" Silver barked.
Honchkrow's wings flared white, clashing against Polibo's glowing palms. Polibo slid back, shaking out his hands, steam puffing from his nostrils as he pumped his fists again.
Ethan grinned, tightening his cap backward. "That's it, Polibo! Keep pushing, use [Body Slam]!"
Polibo sprang off the ground with surprising speed for his round frame, tucking mid-air before dropping like a boulder toward Honchkrow.
Silver's eyes narrowed. "Too slow. [Sky Attack]!"
Honchkrow's body flared with a blinding white aura, its wings trailing sparks as it rocketed upward, then curved back down like a comet.
The two collided mid-air. The impact thundered across the stadium, dust and wind blasting outward as Polibo and Honchkrow were thrown apart. Both landed rough, but still on their feet, glaring at each other across the field.
Ethan smirked, an idea sparking. "Polibo, let's mix it up, [Hypnosis]!"
Polibo's eyes swirled with spirals, the pattern on his belly shooting out a beam that hit Honchkrow square in the face. For a moment, the crowd thought it was over, only for Honchkrow to stare down at Polibo, wide awake.
Silver shook his finger, smirking. "Too bad you forgot, Honchkrow has Insomnia."
"Ahhh, how could I forget?!" Ethan groaned, ruffling his hair with both hands.
"My turn, [Dark Pulse]!" Silver snapped.
Honchkrow let out a harsh caw as waves of black energy ripped through the air, slamming into Polibo's face and sending the frog sliding back.
Polibo skidded across the battlefield, his little feet digging trenches in the dirt before he finally stopped. He shook his head, wobbling, but stayed upright.
Ethan clenched his fist. "Hang in there, Polibo! You're tougher than that, [Hydro Pump]!"
Polibo inhaled, puffing up like a balloon before blasting a torrent of water across the field. The roar of rushing water drowned out the crowd's cheers as it surged toward Honchkrow.
Silver's eyes glinted. "Cut through it, [Brave Bird]!"
Honchkrow launched upward, then dove head-on into the water, cutting through the torrent. The clash erupted into an explosion of spray, and Polibo was sent flying back, crashing unmoving against the stadium wall.
Silver wiped his nose and smiled. "I told you, I don't plan on losing."
Ethan lowered his head, teeth clenched… then a smirk spread across his face. "And I told you the same thing."
Polibo's limp body suddenly dissolved into smoke, revealing a [Substitute]. Silver and Honchkrow's eyes widened as they looked around, but it was already too late.
"Now use [Ice Punch]!" Ethan shouted.
From behind a rock, Polibo leapt out, flipping through the air with his fist coated in icy energy. Silver opened his mouth to call for Honchkrow to dodge, but he was too slow. Polibo's frozen fist slammed into Honchkrow like a sledgehammer, sending the bird spiraling into the ground
And when Silver looked down, he saw that Honchkrow had spirals in his eyes, knocked out. Silver frowned but just sighed as he pulled out another Pokéball and returned it. "Great…"
"Come on, buddy, you didn't think it would be that easy, hehe!" Ethan laughed, planting his hands on his hips.
Silver looked up at him, then smirked. "Alright then. Since you did that, how about I take it up a notch?" He reached to his belt and took out another Pokéball. "My turn Tyranitar!"
He threw it out, and from the burst of light emerged his Shiny Tyranitar. Of course he had evolved it, like Ash wouldn't have helped him during training. The massive Rock/Dark-type huffed, looking down at Polibo, cutting off the frog's celebration.
"Oh, you've got to be kidding me…" Ethan deflated.
Silver wasn't about to explain. He thrust out his hand. "Tyranitar, [Stone Edge]!"
Tyranitar roared, stomping the ground. Jagged pillars of rock burst upward in a deadly arc, ripping toward Polibo.
Ethan's grin widened. "Polibo, move! [Bubblebeam], quick!"
Polibo spat a rapid stream of bubbles, weaving between the rising stones as best he could. A few clipped his side, sending him tumbling, but he popped back up.
"Close in!" Ethan shouted. "[Ice Punch], let's go!"
Polibo dashed in, fist glowing icy-blue. He leapt at Tyranitar.
"Bad move," Silver snapped. "Tyranitar, [Thunder Punch]!"
Tyranitar's massive fist crackled with yellow lightning. As Polibo jumped in, Tyranitar used his left arm to swat the icy fist aside, then with his right, smashed Polibo across the face, sending him flying.
Polibo was hurled back, rolling across the ground, sparks dancing across his soaked body. He staggered to his feet, wobbling but refusing to drop.
"Polibo!" Ethan called out.
Silver pointed forward, voice sharp. "It's no use. Tyranitar, end this with [Crunch]!"
Tyranitar's jaws glowed as he charged through the stones. Polibo opened his eyes and tried to leap away, but Tyranitar snapped down on his leg, dragging him back to the ground. The frog cried out in pain.
Tyranitar thrashed his head, slamming Polibo into the dirt before tossing him upward, catching him again in a brutal bite. He shook the Poliwhirl until its body went limp and its eyes spiraled, then spat him out.
"Polibo…" Ethan mumbled as he returned the frog. "You did great. Now leave the rest to us."
Ethan looked up with a smile. "Alright then, let's have some fun. Go, Sunbo!"
From the ball, Sunbo the Sunflora popped out, landing on her leaves. She stretched her arms, gave Tyranitar a flat stare, then turned back at Ethan with an 'Are you serious?' expression.
Ethan shrugged. "I believe in you. You know the plan."
Sunbo sighed, then raised her leafy fists.
"Really?" Silver raised an eyebrow.
Ethan only smirked, tilting his cap down. "Don't underestimate her. Sunbo's tougher than she looks. Now [Sunny Day]!"
Sunbo clapped her leaves together, then lifted them high. A golden orb of light shot into the sky, making the sunlight blaze brighter. Not only that, it triggered Sunbo's ability, Chlorophyll.
The harsh light gleamed against Tyranitar, but Silver didn't flinch. "Alright then, Tyranitar, [Rock Slide]!"
Tyranitar roared, slamming the ground with its fists. Massive boulders erupted upward, then came crashing down toward the sunflower Pokémon.
"Sunbo, dodge!" Ethan yelled. "Then counter with [Solar Beam]!"
Sunbo opened her petals and darted forward, her speed boosted by the sunlight. The boulders crashed down around her, one clipped her side, sending her spinning, but she steadied herself, leapt up, and gathered sunlight. With a fierce cry, she fired a blinding beam straight into Tyranitar's face.
The force pushed the giant back a step, smoke curling from its armor as it snarled in irritation. Tyranitar barely flinched, but the damage was there.
Silver narrowed his eyes. "Not bad. But not enough. [Stone Edge]!"
Tyranitar slammed its tail into the ground, jagged stones erupting in a deadly barrage. Sunbo cried out as shards slashed across her body, sending her tumbling backward.
She hit the dirt hard, her petals bruised and tattered, but she groaned and forced herself upright, wobbling on her leafy feet.
"Hang in there, Sunbo!" Ethan shouted, fists clenched.
Silver swiped his arm to the side. "Finish this, Tyranitar, [Fire Punch]!"
Tyranitar's fist ignited as it stomped forward, flames roaring as it charged.
Ethan grit his teeth, then smirked. "[Solar Beam], one more time!"
Just as Tyranitar's flaming fist came crashing down, Sunbo unleashed her beam at point-blank range. The blast detonated in Tyranitar's face, forcing the monster back several steps. But the sunlight flickered out, the [Sunny Day] had run its course.
Silver's eyes hardened as Tyranitar shook its head through the smoke. "[Fire Punch] again!"
Tyranitar raised its fist, flames reigniting. Without the sunlight's boost, Sunbo wouldn't be able to dodge in time.
But Ethan pointed forward anyway. "Sunbo, before we go, let's leave everyone a present. [Sunny Day] again!"
As Tyranitar's flaming fist came down, Sunbo shot another orb skyward. The blow struck, knocking her out cold, but above, the orb burst into golden light, reigniting the sun.
Ethan smiled as he returned her to her Pokéball. "You did perfect. Now leave the rest to us, okay?"
Silver crossed his arms. "Two down, one left, and you still haven't taken out Tyranitar. Don't tell me that's everything you've got, Ethan. Where's all that power you had when we were fighting together?"
Ethan looked up, pulling out his last Pokéball. "Don't worry, best buddy. Besides…" He gestured with his thumb at Tyranitar, who was panting heavily, its steps slower now. "Your big guy there is looking pretty tired, huh?"
He smirked. "Besides, I needed to save the best for last. Come on out, Exbo!"
He hurled the ball, and from it burst Exbo the Typhlosion, fire revving across his back like an engine.
Silver grinned. "Alright then. Let's finish this! Tyranitar, us—"
"Nope!" Ethan cut him off. "Exbo [Eruption]!"
At full health, Exbo's ability Flaming Soul activated, boosting his priority. On top of that, [Eruption] at max HP dealt its full destructive force, and with the boosted sunlight, the attack grew even stronger.
Exbo roared as flames engulfed his body, then unleashed a cataclysmic blast of fire. The eruption swallowed Tyranitar whole, flames flooding the battlefield.
Tyranitar raised its arms to block the fire, but the flames engulfed it anyway. Even resisted, the sheer power blasted the giant backward. Tyranitar crashed onto its back, spirals in its eyes.
As the crowd roared in shock and Silver stared at his fallen partner, Ethan wiped his nose with his thumb. "Told ya. Now what was that you said, buddy? Two down, one more? Guess we're both down to our last Pokémon, huh."
Silver returned Tyranitar to its Pokéball, then pulled out his final one. "Guess so. Well then… let's do this." He raised his arm and hurled it. "Go, Feraligatr!"
Ethan clenched his fists, then grinned wide. "Perfect. Exbo [Eruption] again!"
Exbo roared, flames bursting across his body as he unleashed another massive blast of fire.
Silver thrust his arm forward. "Feraligatr, [Hydro Pump]!"
Feraligatr opened wide, blasting a torrent of water. The attacks collided mid-field, fire and water battling evenly, Exbo's boosts keeping him strong, Feraligatr's debuff weighing him down.
But the water smothered the flames, erupting into a cloud of steam that blanketed the battlefield in a thick, white haze.
Ethan glanced around. "Wait…no. Don't tell me you're trying to hide? Boring. Exbo [Eruption] again! Sweep it across!"
Still at full HP, Exbo unleashed another massive blast, swiping it sideways and splitting the steam apart. But Feraligatr was nowhere in sight.
Through the fog, Silver pointed forward. "[Fishious Rend]!"
From the mist, Feraligatr lunged, moving too fast for Exbo to react. Its jaws clamped down on Exbo's neck and slammed him into the ground.
Exbo cried out, but his flames ignited inside Feraligatr's mouth, forcing the gator to recoil in pain as burns spread across his jaws. Exbo staggered back up, but he wasn't at full HP anymore.
"Dang it… we lost max power," Ethan muttered.
Silver smirked. "Good. Now it's a fair fight."
Ethan snapped the brim of his cap, eyes narrowing. "Maybe. But that just means we've gotta work harder. Exbo [Flame Wheel]!"
Exbo crouched low, then rocketed forward, his body cloaked in a spiraling blaze.
Silver didn't flinch. "Meet it head-on! [Waterfall]!"
Feraligatr charged, his body glowing blue as a rushing wave formed around him. The two Pokémon slammed together mid-field, detonating in a spray of steam and sparks.
"Don't stop [Thunder Punch]!" Ethan barked.
Exbo's fist crackled yellow, electricity arcing as he lunged.
"Counter it [Crunch]!" Silver snapped.
Feraligatr's fangs clamped down on Exbo's arm before the punch could land. Sparks crackled across his teeth, but the gator powered through, hoisting the fire beast and slamming him into the dirt.
"Not good Exbo, [Smokescreen]!" Ethan shouted.
Pinned down, Exbo spewed a cloud of thick black smoke straight into Feraligatr's face. The gator gagged and stumbled back, coughing as the cloud consumed the battlefield.
When the smoke finally cleared, Exbo was gone.
Silver grit his teeth, eyes narrowing. "Who's hiding now? Fine. Feraligatr, [Dragon Dance]!"
Feraligatr's body glowed purple as he roared skyward, his power and speed rising even higher.
Ethan smirked. "Now [Thunder Punch] from below!"
Exbo shot up from the ground, he'd used [Dig] in the smoke, and his arm crackled yellow as he uppercut Feraligatr square in the jaw. Water sprayed as the gator reeled back, the hit landing hard.
"Shake it off [Aqua Tail]!" Silver commanded.
Feraligatr's eyes flared with anger. He spun, his tail glowing with water, and smacked Exbo mid-air, sending the fire beast crashing back into the dirt. By now, the sun's effect had finally faded.
Ethan grit his teeth, pounding a fist into his palm. "Alright, Exbo, we're not done yet! Get back up!"
Exbo groaned, steam rising off his battered body, but then his flames roared back to life along his back, fiercer than ever. He stood tall, eyes blazing.
Silver folded his arms, calm but sharp. "Still standing? Good. But Feraligatr's just getting warmed up. [Dragon Claw]!"
Feraligatr's claws glowed a violent green as he lunged, slashing with a roar.
"Spin into it, [Flame Wheel]!" Ethan countered.
Exbo tucked into a roll, his body cloaked in fire, and barreled into the oncoming claws. Sparks and flames exploded as fire met dragon energy, both Pokémon skidding back from the clash.
"Now [Eruption], point-blank!" Ethan barked.
Exbo uncurled mid-spin, unleashing a massive burst of fire. The explosion blasted Feraligatr back. It wasn't as strong without full HP or sunlight, but it still landed solid damage.
Silver clicked his tongue. "Push through, [Aqua Jet]!"
Water engulfed Feraligatr as he shot forward like a missile, tearing through the flames and slamming chest-first into Exbo. The Typhlosion was hurled across the field, tumbling hard into the dirt.
Ethan snapped his fingers, grinning through the pressure. "Perfect. Just what I wanted. [Dig], let's go!"
Exbo clawed into the earth, vanishing underground before Feraligatr could recover. Dust puffed up from the hole, and the crowd erupted in anticipation.
Silver's eyes narrowed. "You think I don't know that trick? Feraligatr [Hydro Pump] into the hole!"
Feraligatr roared, leaping up and blasting water straight down. The torrent flooded the tunnel completely.
For a moment, silence.
Then the ground beneath Feraligatr erupted, Exbo burst out like a geyser, steam hissing off his body as the flames boiled away the water clinging to him.
"[Thunder Punch]!" Ethan shouted.
Exbo's fist sparked with lightning as he slammed it into Feraligatr's side. Electricity surged through the soaked gator's body, making him roar as smoke hissed from his scales.
Silver clenched his fist, refusing to falter. "[Outrage]!"
Feraligatr's body glowed crimson, his eyes going wild as he lunged in a frenzy. He slashed Exbo with one claw, hammered him with the other, then whipped his tail to send him skidding across the field.
Ethan winced, but his smirk didn't fade. "Still got fight in ya, Exbo?"
Exbo staggered, flames flickering low, then he let out a guttural roar as fire exploded back to life, brighter and hotter than before.
Ethan pointed forward, his voice sharp and clear. "Then let's show them what we're made of, [Overheat]!"
Exbo's flames surged wildly, his entire body glowing like a burning sun as he unleashed a colossal torrent of fire. The blast swallowed half the battlefield, scorching everything in sight.
Silver's eyes narrowed. He raised his arm high. "If you want to end this, then we'll end it head-on! Feraligatr, [Hydro Cannon]!"
Feraligatr planted his feet, energy swirling in his jaws before he unleashed a massive torrent of water.
Fire and water collided in a deafening explosion. The clash surged back and forth, neither side giving an inch.
Ethan clenched both fists, shouting over the roar. "Exbo, one last push!"
Silver mirrored him, voice fierce. "Feraligatr, don't lose to him!"
Both Pokémon poured every ounce of strength into the attack, Feraligatr digging his claws into the dirt, Exbo's flames blazing brighter than ever. The pressure built until finally, BOOM! The collision erupted, blasting the stadium with steam and shockwaves.
Both Pokémon were hurled backward, crashing onto opposite sides of the field. For a moment, neither moved. Then, slowly, painfully, they pushed themselves back up, trembling but refusing to fall.
Exbo rose to one knee, flames sputtering weakly on his back. Across the field, Feraligatr staggered upright, scales steaming, body charred. The stadium held its breath.
Then Feraligatr's legs buckled. With a heavy thud, he collapsed, spirals filling his eyes.
The referee rushed over, checked, and raised his flag. "Feraligatr is unable to battle! The winner of this match and moving on to the finals is Ethan!"
The crowd erupted in cheers. Ethan froze for a moment, then grinned wide, pumping his fist. "YEAH!" He sprinted to Exbo and wrapped his arms around his partner's neck. "Hahaha! We did it, buddy, we really did it!"
Across the field, Silver walked up to Feraligatr. His chest was still pounding, but there was no anger in him, or any frustration. He knelt, placing a hand on the gator's head.
"You did just fine. It's not your fault. We'll just get stronger for next time." He returned Feraligatr to his ball.
When Silver stood, Ethan walked up to him, still beaming. "Man, that was incredible. You really are great, aren't you?"
Silver frowned, crossing his arms. "What does it matter? I still lost. But next time, you're the one who's going down." He jabbed a finger into Ethan's chest.
Ethan laughed. "Oh, alright then. Any time, anywhere, I'm down." He paused, tilting his head. He still hadn't gotten Silver's answer to the question he asked back when they were fighting. Taking a breath, Ethan held out his hand. "Friends?"
Silver scoffed, swatting Ethan's hand away with his palm. "Don't be ridiculous." He turned, one hand resting on his hip. But after a beat, he looked back, smirking. "We're already friends, aren't we?"