Morning sunlight filtered through the tall windows of the league-provided house, cutting through the soft haze of dawn. The faint sound of rustling wings and distant roars echoed from the stadium far away — trainers already up, training, preparing.But inside Tharion's quarters, the rhythm was calm… methodical.
He rose from bed with the same discipline that once defined him — a soldier's poise lingering beneath a trainer's skin. The cool tiles greeted his feet as he moved toward the sink, brushing his teeth, washing his face, and stepping into the bath. The faint hum of running water mixed with his thoughts — memories of the dream still whispering like ghosts in the corners of his mind.That pendant… the crescent moon glinting around that girl's neck — her face still lingered, though he forced it away. There was no place for such thoughts, not now. The League demanded focus.
After freshening up, Tharion dressed in his usual battle attire — fitted black jacket, crimson undershirt, and light combat-style trousers. His aura shimmered faintly as Lucario's energy pulsed in sync with his own from the Pokéball on the bedside table."Another day," he murmured under his breath, tying his gloves tight. "Let's make it count."
Downstairs, the aroma of warm toast and berry jam mixed with the distinct, fiery scent of roasted poffins. In the kitchen, several Pokémon were already gathered — Charizard, sitting proud yet calm near the open balcony, flames gently flickering; Lucario, meditating beside him; Tyranitar munching through an iron-infused meal; Ferrothorn quietly rotating its spikes to clean dust from its body; Noivern perched on the rafters; and the great Black Gyarados coiled partly outside in the lake, his tail occasionally splashing the water as he ate his meal prepared by Tharion the night before.
"Morning, everyone," Tharion said softly, walking past them with a small smile. The Pokémon all responded in their own ways — a rumble from Tyranitar, a respectful bow from Lucario, and a low, warm roar from Charizard. They had trained hard for this — every move sharpened, every instinct honed. Today, he would call upon one of them again, and he already knew which.
He turned toward the hallway."Nina," he called gently, knocking on her door, "Time to get up. The next match is soon."
A sleepy groan followed by the sound of tiny feet scrambling filled the air. "I'm up! I'm up!"The door opened, and Nina appeared — her hair a little messy, eyes still drowsy but sparkling. Haunter floated behind her, giggling mischievously while Ralts tried to fix Nina's hair with psychic nudges. Luxray yawned, his electric fur crackling faintly, while Boldore remained back in the villa's energy chamber, absorbing the Everstone Core Tharion had placed for him — a crucial part of his slow evolution process.
"Morning, big bro!" she chirped, rushing over.Tharion chuckled. "Morning, sleepyhead. Come on — breakfast first."
Nina's eyes widened at the sight of the table. "Whoa! You cooked all this?""Of course," he replied, pouring her a glass of Oran-juice. "You think Charizard made the pancakes?"
"Hey!" Charizard huffed playfully, pretending to look offended. Everyone laughed, the warmth of the moment spreading through the room like sunlight.
As they ate, Tharion glanced around the lively room — a moment of peace before the storm of the League battles resumed. Nina's Pokémon were getting stronger, more confident. Haunter's aura had deepened with new tricks up his sleeve, Ralts's psychic glow was steadier, and Luxray's eyes had become sharper — he could almost see through aura waves now. The progress of each creature mirrored the journey of their trainers.
When breakfast was done, Nina brushed her teeth and changed into her favorite outfit — a sky-blue jacket and white skirt, the necklace she always wore shining faintly under the morning light. Tharion noticed it again…That crescent moon.A strange pull ran through his chest, but he shook his head lightly. Coincidence. It had to be.
Finally ready, Tharion crouched down. "Ready to go?"Nina nodded eagerly.He smiled. "Then hop on."
She jumped into his arms without hesitation, laughing as he carried her effortlessly.All their Pokéballs were clipped neatly at his belt — six of them gleaming faintly with energy. The League's system would register which ones he used automatically, but today, like the last match, he planned to rely on one: the Black Gyarados.
As he stepped out into the bright day, the distant cheers of the crowd grew louder. The city below the Indigo Plateau buzzed with excitement — banners waving, trainers marching, spectators chanting names.And amid it all, Tharion walked with unshakable calm, carrying Nina close, her laughter soft against the rising roar of the crowd.
"Think you'll win again?" she asked, peeking up at him.He smiled faintly, eyes sharp as steel. "I don't think, Nina… I know."
The path to the arena shimmered under the morning sun — another day, another battle.And the Black Gyarados, resting within his Pokéball, stirred restlessly… sensing that soon, the skies themselves would tremble at his roar.
The stadium lights blazed like the sun itself as Tharion approached the arena entrance, Nina safely settled on his shoulder, clutching her Pokéball tightly. The crowd's roar was deafening — thousands of trainers, spectators, and reporters all waiting to see the next showdown of the Indigo League. The smell of hot asphalt and the faint metallic tang of the arena filled the air, but Tharion's focus was unshakable.
He reached the center of the arena and faced the digital wheel installed for arena selection. With a casual yet deliberate motion, he tapped the console. The wheel spun, glowing neon blue, green, red, and icy white streaks flashing by in a hypnotic whirl. The stadium held its breath. Finally, the pointer landed: Water Arena.
A ripple of excitement surged through the stands. Water meant mobility for some Pokémon, but it also meant advantage for the one he intended to use — the Black Gyarados. Its power would dominate in this environment. Tharion smirked faintly, eyes narrowing as he mentally reviewed the battle.
The opposing trainer stepped onto the field — a tall, confident figure with a smirk, carrying three Pokéballs clipped to their belt. With a single motion, the trainer released the first Pokémon: a Gyarados, shimmering cerulean, thrashing its tail violently in anticipation.
The crowd gasped. Black against blue. Chaos versus precision.
Tharion clenched his fist and tapped his Pokéball. With a surge of energy, the Black Gyarados erupted from the sphere, towering above the water with its deep obsidian scales glistening. The crowd erupted in awe. Its jaws opened in a low, resonating roar, sending waves across the arena's water channels.
The first clash began instantly. Gyarados versus Gyarados — a clash of titans. Water roars collided with earth-shaking strikes, and every swing of tail or bite sent splashes cascading over the barriers. Tharion's control was absolute — commanding the Black Gyarados' movements with subtle gestures, his mind entirely synced with the Pokémon's intuition.
"Hydro Pump — full force!" Tharion ordered.
Black Gyarados lifted its head, unleashing a concentrated blast. The blue opponent struggled to counter, but the precision and timing of the attack left it staggered. In a single, sweeping movement, the Black Gyarados slammed its tail, sending the opposing Gyarados crashing against the far wall of the arena. One down. The crowd roared, and Nina jumped, clapping excitedly.
The opposing trainer released the second Pokémon: Vaporeon, gliding elegantly across the shallow water channels. Its watery tendrils lashed forward, testing the Black Gyarados' defenses.
Tharion remained calm, issuing commands with absolute clarity: "Focus on speed. Aqua Tail, then Dragon Pulse!"
Black Gyarados twisted midair, tail lashing, striking Vaporeon before it could summon full momentum. Then a concentrated pulse of dark dragon energy shot forward, knocking the nimble Vaporeon back and sending it spinning. The trainers' second Pokémon faltered, and with a precise jaw strike, Black Gyarados ended the duel. Two down.
The stadium was on its feet. Whistles, cheers, and flashes of cameras filled every corner. Nina gripped Tharion's shoulder, eyes wide as the third Pokémon appeared — Kingdra, its serpentine body glinting under the lights, coiling through the water with the grace of a storm.
This battle would be different. Kingdra was fast, agile, and clever, with both water and dragon type attacks that could threaten Black Gyarados. But Tharion didn't flinch. He tapped his Pokéball, recalling the others into his belt. For this, only one Pokémon would suffice — the Black Gyarados.
"Strike with coordinated pressure. Tail Sweep first, then Dragon Pulse!" Tharion commanded, his voice steady. The arena seemed to shrink around the two titans as they clashed — every swirl of water, every massive strike of tail or jaw sent the crowd into delirium. Sparks of energy mixed with water droplets, creating a misty veil over the field.
The Black Gyarados darted with incredible precision, dodging Kingdra's water bursts and retaliating with crushing blows. Each attack pushed Kingdra back, but it refused to fall. Tharion's eyes gleamed — he knew the exact moment to deliver the final decisive strike.
"Aqua Tail — Strike the core! Dragon Pulse, full charge!"
The attacks collided with Kingdra's body in perfect sequence. Energy, water, and raw power erupted in a brilliant display. The stadium went silent for a heartbeat, then the water monster fell, defeated.
The crowd erupted into uncontrollable cheers. Flashbulbs ignited the arena like fireworks, and Nina hugged Tharion's arm, her face beaming.
Tharion's gaze softened slightly, looking down at her. "We're just getting started."
From the stands, reporters shouted questions, cameras clicked, and fans waved banners. But for now, the Black Gyarados floated calmly by Tharion's side, rippling water flowing off its massive frame, a testament to the bond they shared.
The first two battles complete. One Pokémon — three adversaries. One stage set. And the digital wheel had chosen a battlefield tailored for their strengths. Yet ahead, more challenges awaited, each promising to test the limits of Tharion and his Pokémon.
Nina leaned against his chest, whispering, "You think we can do this for the next rounds?"
Tharion smirked. "Not think, Nina. We will."