Standing inside Vaniville Town was a different experience for Frogadier compared to all other times he wandered here. Red wanted to head to the town at least once. He understood his trainer's desire to do so. It was her hometown.
His Pokemon were outside, enjoying the fresh air as they followed him. Fletchinder was content to take to the skies while Noibat preferred to perch itself atop Red's other shoulder. Hawlucha and Goomy followed close behind. The two were in some deep conversation of their own. Frogadier walked alongside Red, appreciating the company of Pikachu.
It looked to be an ordinary, if not special, day. Red wanted to dedicate it to Serena, visiting it in her honor even if most of their team was ignorant of his purpose. Frogadier was fine with that. He'd have done the same. The girl was a close companion to Red and had helped Frogadier out numerous times in their journey.
They were content to simply wander around the town, basking in the atmosphere and enjoying the fresh air. He was sure Red had the same idea. Arceus knew the boy needed some time to relax. Pikachu once mentioned that he hadn't stopped trying to become champion for seven years. The boy had determination in spades. With those factors in mind, the water-type was hoping for a peaceful day.
Of course, fate truly was a fickle thing.
"You have some amazing Pokemon, mister!"
Frogadier paused at the small yet so familiar girl that watched them from the front yard of her home. Red, for all his indifference, couldn't help but suck in a sharp breath at the voice. He couldn't blame his trainer. After everything they'd been through, it must have felt like seeing a ghost.
Serena's young, innocent wide eyes stared at them.
"Thank you," the boy's voice was tight yet quiet.
"You look familiar." Her words made Red still, his eyes gazing at her with an intensity that burned bright. Frogadier and Pikachu did too. No, it couldn't be. Surely, it was impossible, but Frogadier was in the same boat. Maybe there was a chance? Serena gasped and the frog couldn't help but lean to hear it clearly. "You were on Pokemon TV!"
That spark of hope was crushed the moment it was made.
Red laughed ruefully. The frog could feel the slight pain in the trainer's voice. He hid it well. Others would never have noticed it, but Frogadier was one of his closest Pokemon. "Is that right?"
"You're Red!" Serena's eyes widened.
"Sure am," he grinned, nudging Pikachu and Frogadier towards her. He understood his trainer's actions and hopped his way to her side. The girl squealed as she petted the two. Pikachu let out an adorable 'Pika-pi' when Serena hugged the electric-type tightly. Normally, that would have caused the mouse to release a bolt of electricity. It wouldn't though, not to her. Never her.
"Ash would be so jealous," Serena smiled, "He's my friend in Kanto. He watches all of your matches."
Red chuckled. "It's nice to know I have fans."
"He's going to buy the exact same hat you have!" Serena pointed at his trainer's cap. "He said he's been saving tons to get one."
"I'm sure he'll look great in it."
"I think so too," Serena nodded before thinking for a moment. After some thought, she spoke up, "Excuse me, Mr. Red."
"Yes?"
"How did you get so strong?"
"That's a curious question," Red raised an eyebrow in amusement. "Are you trying to become a Pokemon Master?"
"M-Maybe?" Serena hesitated, looking down with her hands clasped. She continued, "When I go on my Pokemon Journey, I want to explore the world and meet a lot of new friends. Trainers like Cynthia, Wallace, and Diantha are all so amazing. It feels like they're so far above us. I don't think I'll be as strong as them."
"Strength is different for everyone," he spoke softly, "but if you want my advice, as long as you keep your friends close, you'll figure it out along the way."
"My friends?" Serena repeated thoughtfully.
His trainer nodded. "That Ash fellow? He sounds like the sort of person to charge ahead recklessly to do what's right." Red smiled when Serena didn't refute his statement. "Stick with him. He can be a bit dense but he'll treasure all of his friends and will do his best to help you with your dreams."
Serena looked at him with awe. "Wow, mister. That sounds exactly like Ash, alright!"
Red chuckled, "That's good to hear. He reminds me of someone I knew long ago."
Serena looked at the trainer with fascination. "Was he strong too?"
"Oh he was the strongest," Red answered with a soft smile, "He was reckless, a bit forgetful, and didn't have the best start, but he had spirit. He traveled through many regions, met so many people, and caught a lot of Pokemon. He didn't win every league he went to, but he always tried his best."
"He sounds amazing."
"He was," Red nodded.
The two continued talking. When Grace called for her daughter, Serena let go of the mouse. Pikachu reluctantly jumped back to his trainer's shoulders. Frogadier would admit to also feeling a tad wistful. When the girl gave them one final wave, they returned it, staying there until the girl was gone.
Frogadier looked at his trainer worryingly when the boy began walking out of the town in silence. It must have been hard for his trainer to watch her. It was hard for him too. They continued their journey, heading off to their next destination. When their feet stepped on the worn-out dirt of Route 1, Frogadier couldn't help but stare at the fading image of Vaniville Town. It was a bitter pill to swallow.
It's just the three of them.
XXX
No.
She thought she would never see her again.
"Welcome to the Battle Castle!" Caitlin proclaimed haughtily.
"I thought you were in Johto!" Cynthia all but screamed, hoping to Arceus that she was dreaming. She pinched herself. Nope. This was all real. All of this was a horrible reality. She just wanted to try her own region's Battle Frontier. Why was this girl here!?
"Moving arrangements were made," the Battle Frontier responded easily, "I heard a position was open in Sinnoh. I accepted."
"You know this girl, Cynthia?" Flint crossed his arms as he looked at both ladies inquisitively. Volkner was much the same, displaying equal bafflement. The two heard of her challenge against the frontier and likewise wanted to participate this year. She didn't mind. They were skilled enough to challenge it and having some companions on her journey didn't seem too bad.
"Yes, she was the Frontier Brain of the Battle Castle in Johto," Cynthia sighed, "I didn't expect her to move here though."
"It was the region that my prince began his journey. Of course, I wanted to see where it all began."
There it is. She sent a glare her way. The girl her age was clearly delusional! This minx, this vixen still wanted to claw her way to Red's side? Ha! Like that would ever happen. She had already beaten two of the battle facilities in Sinnoh. She'd fight her and run for the hills. "Let's get this over with."
"Very well," Caitlin nodded, "Darach! Test our newest challengers!"
"Yes, my lady!"
"I'll go first," Flint smirked, grabbing one of his pokeballs. "You're looking at the future champion of Sinnoh! Here I come!"
Maybe grandma's advice of taking a vacation after this was a wise one. Didn't Red mention that he was heading to Alola after Kalos? It would be nice to see him again after all these years. Maybe she could make it a surprise? She still remembered the way he appeared in Hoenn and couldn't help but think about doing the same for him. Then they could relax and take a break. They deserved it, right?
The two of them, together, on a tropical island, enjoying the hot summer air as they traveled through Alola. Her cheeks began to go red at the possibilities. She shook her head rapidly. Volkner raised an eyebrow at her sudden action.
Bad thoughts! Bad thoughts! I-It would just be two rivals hanging out, nothing more!
"Uh," Volkner piped up. The Pikachu on his shoulders also gave her a confused stare. "You alright there, Cynthia?"
"Completely fine, Volkner."
XXX
Drasna was a lady from old roots.
She studied ancient myths and legends. She grew up with them. In particular, the tales of Dialga and Palkia would forever engrave themselves into her memories. It inspired her; made her who she was. She became a dragon master because of them and her strength helped her become part of Kalos' vaunted Elite Four. She was honored and proud of her accomplishments.
It never made her forget where her blood came from.
Her grandparents came from Celestic and that heritage struck deep within her soul. She always wondered to herself what Celestic Town, the place where the 'the past lives' was like ever since she was a kid. She visited it when she was old enough to leave Kalos and go on her own journey. She met some amazing people there, Professor Carolina being the most prevalent one. They forged a strong friendship that endured distance.
She got to hear from her constantly, learning about the comings and goings of Sinnoh.
She knew of the lady's granddaughter, the Princess of Sinnoh, the prodigious trainer that at such a young age could battle the Elite Four. It was amazing to see. The child was a prodigy that towered over prodigies. She would always watch her battles. They were fantastic and beautiful. She might even give her a run for her money.
There was also another trainer she was fond of as well.
The reigning Prince of Celestic was a trainer that had an aura that represented the town. If the past lives in Celestic Town, the boy truly exuded those qualities. Every time she watched him on screen, she could feel the timeless wisdom in his gaze. The boy's eyes were different. They were strong and firm.
She would freely admit that when she saw him for the first time, she had to stop and stare.
"Red Satoshi has defeated the required amount of opponents. The Battle Chateau would like to congratulate the trainer for his promotion to viscount." She watched the boy with an intense gaze as his baron's white cloak was replaced with blue. The boy had been relentless in his rise up the chateau. In such a short time since he became baron, the child had already reached viscount.
She put that in the back of her mind as she walked toward the boy that came from a town close to her heart.
Red walked back from the arena, his stature and presence truly as noble as the rank he presented. "A well-fought victory, Red."
He blinked before looking at Drasna curiously. "Thank you."
"Where are my manners," the dragon master smiled before doing a small curtsy. "I am Drasna of the Elite Four."
His eyes widened before giving a small yet polite bow. How interesting. It was enough to be courteous, but not enough to be subservient. The child certainly had spirit. "It's an honor."
She shook her head. "No need for that." She clasped her hands together. "I came here upon request of Carolina. She contacted me when she heard of your choice to head to Kalos."
"The professor did, huh?" Red hummed in amusement. "I wasn't expecting her of all people to talk about me. She's usually more focused on her granddaughter."
That was an understatement. The grandmother of Sinnoh's rising star had constantly talked about Cynthia whenever she could. There was no doubt in anybody's mind that the young woman's elderly guardian was proud of the trainer's accomplishments. Oddly enough, however, the old woman had spoken often of Red though not as frequently. It was curious.
"Cynthia is still her pride and joy, " Drasna agreed, "but she has also boasted about you as well. I am sure no one in Celestic Town would forget about your achievements. You both are constantly compared. Why both of your Garchomps are often considered the pinnacle of their species!"
Drasna had a Garchomp of her own. It was a powerful fighter, more than worthy to be called an Elite Four's Pokemon. She knew that the two would soon be able to rival if not surpass it. It was a humbling thought.
"I suppose so," he conceded, "Well, what can I do for you, Ms. Drasna? I assume that there is more to this conversation than simple pleasantries."
She relaxed her shoulders as her smile widened. Such an observant child. "Tell me, Red. Do you have your Garchomp with you?"
The boy quirked a brow. His interest was peaked.
XXX
Garchomp was still as the older lady equipped an odd contraption around his neck. It was made of large and thick bone, the pale collar made of the same material that the female human before him wore herself. It was shaped like intertwining fangs with an odd marble sphere at the center.
He looked at his trainer who was looking at a simple necklace that had a smaller stone on it lodged within a fang-shaped locket. Red had a surprised expression on his face as he stared at the lady with something akin to confusion. Garchomp turned to see the latest brood. The nearby Frogadier, Hawlucha, Noibat, and Sliggoo stared at him in awe. So these were his new brothers-in-arms.
He nodded to them. The Noibat and Sliggoo were too stupefied to respond, but the Frogadier and Hawlucha waved cheerily in kind.
What an odd bunch.
"Drasna," his trainer spoke, "this is a Key Stone."
"It is." Drasna nodded.
"But why?"
"Carolina has asked me to give her granddaughter her own Garchompite," she laughed, "It would be quite unfair if her rival didn't receive his own, no?"
He stared at the stone before looking at Garchomp. He straightened at his trainer's gaze. The boy's necklace and his collar seemed to resonate with one another. He could feel their bond. It was a strong one, intense and bright. Whatever it was attached to both of them, it was radiating some sort of power between the two.
It was an odd sensation, but it wasn't unpleasant. His trainer wanted to be champion, that much was clear.
Then Garchomp will make him champion. If this stone would help him do that, he had no objections.
"You didn't have to do this."
"I watched your battle against Alder," Dresna smiled softly. "You and your dragon's resolves are closely tied with one another. The bond between you and Garchomp was strong enough to endure the flames of a champion. I want to see it rise even higher." She laughed, "I wonder how far this will take you."
To the skies and beyond, Garchomp had no doubt.
Red looked at him and he stared back. They nodded to each other.
An understanding was formed.
They would reach the top.
Together.
XXX
Months passed and the next time Diantha met Red, it was at Snowbelle City. She was wearing a thick white coat to survive the unforgiving cold. She needed her final gym badge and for a brief moment, she could relax as her manager had no more work for her to do. The months were closing in and the Lumiose Conference was about to begin. Wulfric had always been a tough opponent to face along with his Mega Abomasnow. She needed to do some training before she could confront him.
That was when she encountered a familiar face.
She held her purse when a great gust of wind swept through her. She stared at the soaring Noivern, the beast slamming down into the ground to do battle with a flaunting Hawlucha. It looked like a spectacle as both flying-types fought for aerial domination.
Besides them, Talonflame did battle with Sliggoo while Pikachu sparred with Greninja. It was a chaotic duel as each fight was unique and spectacular.
"Diantha?"
She noticed the trainer walking towards her, a dark blue winter coat on. "Red," she smiled, "It's nice to see you."
"It's nice to see you as well." Red grinned. Their breaths were forming small clouds of condensed air from the cold. "Here to challenge the Snowbelle Gym?"
"I am," Diantha nodded. "I assume you are too."
"We are."
"Looks like it. Everyone's working hard," Diantha mused out loud, watching the bouts. There was definitely a lot of skill displayed in the snowy fields. Her eyes couldn't help but wander at Greninja and Pikachu, the two clashing with such precise and forceful strikes that snow exploded outwards at every hit. She took a mental note to be careful of them. For a Pokemon that was but a mere Froakie at the start of the year to an astonishingly skilled Greninja by the near-end was impressive.
"Wulfric's a tough opponent."
She nodded. "That he is."
Snow exploded as Greninja released a bombardment of Water Shurikens. Pikachu deflected each one with ease with an empowered Iron Tail. She admired the sight. Each of these Pokemon were tirelessly improving themselves.
She had her own Hawlucha and she could tell that Red's held a determined spirit within him. He presented himself with grace and power, combining them to create a unique fighting style. If the others fought for the sake of fighting, Hawlucha fought for sport and glory. It was the idea of fighting on a greater stage that would always send these mighty warriors into a frenzy.
His Noivern was mature and calculative. When she watched it fly and strike, each one was thought out and precise. Its attacks were deliberate and slow, but whenever it did land a blow, it was grievous. Unlike several other dragons, this Noivern's strength was swift and decisive. The Sliggoo was much more spirited. It had the heart of a fighter and like many other dragons before it, never backed down from a challenge.
His Talonflame was reckless beyond belief, but with Red's training, tempered that reckless abandon to best optimize every attack. He didn't deny his Pokemon its weakness but instead turned it into a strength. No other Pokemon would compare to its bravery and he wanted to use it. His Pikachu's cute frame hid an immense power that belied his size. When she traveled with him, she knew just how powerful that mouse could be.
Then there was that Greninja. He was the oddest of the bunch. He was just as skilled as the Pikachu. With every strike, every blow, it knew how to battle the abnormally strong mouse. It was mesmerizing to see just how graceful they were in their spar.
It looked more like a dance between two people that completely knew each other. The more she saw the ninja's battles, the more she understood his terrifying strength. "You have an amazing team."
"You think so?" Red grinned.
"I know so." Diantha continued watching the show. "You might be able to do decently well in the league with this team."
He laughed, "Enough to win?"
"Let's not go that far."
"You wound me."
"It might be enough to be runner-up," Diantha teased. She wouldn't go down that easily. She had faith in her Pokemon and she trained daily ever since she was allowed to solely focus on the Kalos League. She wasn't going to be one-upped by any of her rivals. Red was definitely impressive, but she refused to go down without a fight.
The boy laughed at her words. "There's no use convincing you," Red remarked. His eyes were filled with mirth as he stared at her. She gazed back.
"My team hasn't let me down yet," Diantha smirked, "It won't let me down now."
"We'll see."
A competitive spirit started burning inside her at his words. It had been quite some time since she felt this. The sight of Red's Pokemon training must have fired her up. They certainly looked competent. She had been winning more and more as the years go by. The only people her age that could threaten her were Siebold and Malva and even then, she usually won.
She never battled Red throughout their journey through Kalos, but she could feel their power. Something sparked within her and she touched the necklace that held her Key Stone. Maybe she should put some extra time into her training. Diantha wondered who would come out the victor between them.
Only one way to find out.
XXX
"Hello Pokemon TV, this is Rob!"
"And this is John!"
"We're live at the Lumiose Conference! Tell me, John, what is going on down there?"
"We're in for a treat, Rob. This one is a must-watch as we got an excellent roster of challengers just waiting to face the champion of Kalos and their mighty Elite Four!"
"How interesting! Tell me, John, which trainers are the favorites to win this entire thing?"
"Well, Rob, we got Dian-"
Cynthia watched at her house in Celestic Town. All of her Pokemon were with her as they wanted to support her rival in his latest conference. She wouldn't deny them. Every time she contacted him throughout this year, she would always note his exhausted expression. He was working himself to the bone. This league was important to him and she wanted to be there when he fought it.
She was glad she completed the Sinnoh Battle Frontier early. It was getting easier to win her battles. No longer was she a rookie trainer from seven years ago. She won her league, conquered two battle frontiers, and almost reached Sinnoh's reigning champion. She was getting better and she knew that her rival must be just as strong.
He would win this, she knew he can!
"Let's go, Red! Come on!" Flint roared cheerfully, waving a giant flag that had 'Red is the color of champions!' written on it.
"My prince will be the victor, no doubt." Caitlin crossed her arms in confidence.
"Prince?" Volkner gave the Frontier Brain a strange look.
She sighed at the group that came with her to cheer on her first rival. With the Battle Frontier finished early, the trio decided to tag along to visit her hometown of Celestic. Flint and Volkner, she could understand. The two were her friends and fellow rivals and they knew how much she cared about Red. They had a stake in this too. Red was starting to become an icon in Sinnoh, even if the boy hadn't been back home for some years.
Sinnoh supported their own and Volkner and Flint were hoping for the Sinnoh native to win this conference.
Caitlin, however, was a different story. The girl wanted to visit the hometown of her 'prince charming' and when she heard of his challenge against the Kalos League, forced herself to watch with them. She tried to argue that she was a Frontier Brain and needed to stay in her castle, but that became a moot point when she dumped all her duties on her butler.
She would have kicked her out of the house if it wasn't for her sister and Carolina welcoming all of them into her home. She was stuck with these three for now, but she'd endure it for Red.
The things I do for you, you dummy.
"Rob, do my eyes deceive me?"
"The wandering prince of a faraway region has entered the arena! Let's give it up for Red Satoshi!" The three around Cynthia cheered loudly at his entrance. Flint waved his flag with even more gusto.
She clenched her fists as she watched Red finally walk in.
I believe in you, Red!
XXX
Battles raged from all corners of Lumiose City. Diantha crushed them all.
Her team swept through all who opposed her. Gardevoir's magnificence silenced those who came to face them. Like a duchess punishing her subordinates, the star's entrance was a harbinger of destruction. Tyrantrum, Auroros, Hawlucha, Gourgeist, and Goodra were her enforcers and with Gardevoir as their queen, they won their fights efficiently.
With every battle, she kept an eye on the remaining competition.
64 dropped to 32.
32 dropped to 16.
16 dropped to 8.
She noticed Red blast through all of his foes at the same ease she did. It was breathtaking how he executed his strategies and tactics as he brought forth everything he had and more. When Siebold clashed against the trainer, Red crushed him. When the trainer encountered talented stars like Voila and Grant, he ended them ruthlessly.
The boy was swift and brutal.
He was merciless.
If she was the queen with an army of knights that defended her reign, then he was the conqueror that came to test her might. His Hawlucha, Talonflame, Goodra, Greninja, and Noivern were the raiders and with Pikachu as their warlord, they charged through the enemy lines. Never faltering, never stopping, Red sought her defeat. They grasped victory with their bare hands every time.
8 dropped to 4.
It started becoming obvious to Diantha who her final opponent will be.
4 dropped to 2.
She would welcome it!
"To the left, we have Red Satoshi." The referee raised his arms towards the boy. The crowd cheered. "To the right, we have Diantha Carnet." The crowd roared. "Are the two trainers ready?" At their nods, "Then begin!"
"To the stage, Gourgeist!"
"Sceptile!"
When Red called upon a Pokemon she had never seen him use did it dawn on her what kind of battle was waiting for her.
Sceptile didn't waste any time. With its famous evolutionary speed, it reached her Gourgeist the moment it came out. Leaf Blade slammed into her grass-type like an unforgiving sword. Gourgeist took the hit and vanished into the shadows as Phantom Force kicked in.
The battle was that of a patient samurai against a phantom menace. Despite the burst of speed earlier, Sceptile simply waited for the ghost-type to reappear again.
Schink.
Schink.
Schink.
And like an avenging exorcist, wherever the Gourgeist appeared, it was struck down mercilessly with a blinding use of Leaf Blade. The Sceptile was in no rush, content to whittle down her Pokemon to victory. With a surprising spatial awareness akin to that of a sage of the forest, it forced her Gourgeist into the physical realm with Bullet Seeds and Dragon Pulse.
She refused to let that happen. "Gourgeist, Shadow Ball! Continuous fire!"
Gourgeist backed off and began releasing a barrage of ghastly spheres. Sceptile dodged them, barely avoiding each one. It was impressive, but she trained her Pokemon relentlessly to master this technique. Soon Gourgeist began producing dozens within seconds. It was enough. The once flawless skin of Sceptile was starting to show bruises.
Red didn't seem bothered at all though. "Dig."
Swiftly, the grass-type went down. Gourgeist stopped its assault to assess the situation before the reptile exploded up from below. Gourgeist expected it and released a Seed Bomb downwards. Once more, the assault between the two continued. Leaf Blade cleaved through Shadow Balls. Bullet Seeds and Seed Bombs were thrown all over the battlefield.
It became less a chivalrous duel and more a dogfight. They brought out their entire arsenal until one fell.
SCHINK.
One did fall.
The final strike came from above. She only had one moment to comprehend it when her Gourgeist couldn't handle the relentless Leaf Blades that headed its way. That Sceptile was a class of its own.
She needed to end it.
"Hawlucha!"
The fighting-type began a Swords Dance.
Sceptile came to strike it down, but where blades once touched ghastly shells, it had to compete with experienced talons. Her Hawlucha brought ruin where her Gourgeist couldn't. Fighting up close was its forte and when the Sceptile moved to flee, the flying-type refused to allow it.
"Poison Jab, Hawlucha!"
"Deflect it with Leaf Blade."
Hawlucha grabbed the grass-type's arms and held Sceptile firmly in its clutches as a punishing Poison Jab went deep into the reptilian grass-type. When it made to flee, the wrestler kept it pinned down to inflict more punishment.
It was inevitable.
Sceptile fell.
"Pikachu."
The mouse collided with the flying-type the moment he was called. Hawlucha was forced onto the ground by a Quick Attack in a blink of an eye. If Sceptile was bursting speed and calculated strikes, then Pikachu took it to a whole other level. There was nothing she could do.
It was brutal in its essence but effective. Hawlucha did its best. It grabbed the mouse, struck it when it could, it broke through the mouse's defenses a couple of times, but when the electric-type dug its tail deep into the flying-type before releasing a single Thunderbolt that broke the battlefield, it was all over.
Hawlucha's defeat was instant.
She knew that she needed to end that before it could be too much of a threat.
"Goodra!"
The Pikachu was already upon her dragon like an avenging conqueror. She bit her lip as the two collided. Her mightiest dragon endured the surging thunder that was wrought upon the battlefield. She used everything in her arsenal. Focus Blasts crashed into Iron Tail. Dragon Pulse kept the mouse at bay. She forced the arena to her advantage with Rain Dance and released blasts upon blasts of Hydro Pump.
It was all for naught.
Pikachu took the abuse like a champ, taking the bursts of water to the face before closing in.
THWACK.
Goodra's head was slammed by an Iron Tail and Electro Ball combination that sent the dragon reeling. She quickly analyzed the situation, trying to find a way to keep her beast up and running from the bombarding Pikachu.
"Grab him, Goodra!"
Goodra endured the assault before using its appendages on its head with surprising dexterity to grab onto the rodent. With the mouse surprised, Diantha took the opportunity to command her Pokemon to send an up-close Hydro Pump to the face. That should be it, right?
Nope.
As the pressurized water collided with the mouse, electricity began coming out of Pikachu like an avenging deity of lightning. Goodra slammed the rat onto the ground. Thunderbolt rose up and Goodra met it with a Dragon Pulse.
Diantha's eyes widened as the force of the lightning broke through the clouds from her Rain Dance, destroying the weather from just sheer energy alone.
A Pokemon fell.
It didn't take a genius to figure out which one.
"Gardevoir!"
BOOM!
The battlefield exploded as a Moonblast destroyed a large portion of the floor. The two ace Pokemon clashed. With pure evolutionary strength on Gardevoir's side, she did battle against the small rodent. It should have been an easy fight. A Gardevoir as experienced as hers should have no problem dealing with a Pokemon that was only in its middle stage of evolution.
If only.
They battled like equals, destroying the battlefield as electricity coursed through the air to dance with ethereal fairy energy.
It should be impossible for a rat to even do well against her best Pokemon, but it did. For every Shadow Ball she sent out, a Thunderbolt was its response. The sheer energy both radiated was enough to break the field.
She needed an edge.
"Gardevoir, use Psychic to keep Pikachu still. Then release Moonblast!"
"Get out of there, Pikachu."
With her great mental will, Gardevoir was able to grasp onto the mouse while simultaneously charging a Moonblast for another strike.
BOOM!
A direct hit. "Again!"
She would give no mercy.
BOOM!
Pikachu was slammed onto the ground while being bombarded by a continuous stream of fairy energy. Forcing the mouse down with Psychic, she didn't let up lest she fall. She knew that if she gave the electric-type any breathing room, he could turn the tables in an instant. She wouldn't allow it!
BOOM!
Smack!
BOOM!
Smack!
Was it over?
Nope.
The roaring of thunder nigh deafened her. The crumbling ground beneath them was crushed once more as electricity covered the entire battlefield. It was a testament to Pikachu's immense source of energy that it was able to cover the entirety of the arena in an instant.
It was a parting gift and it hurt. Her psychic-type winced as it stumbled from the electric-type's final attack.
After sustaining injuries from Hawlucha, Goodra, and Gardevoir, the Pikachu finally fell.
She clicked her tongue. Out of all the Pokemon she had to be afraid of, it was one that she least expected.
"Talonflame."
She grabbed her pokeball and returned Gardevoir. Best to save her ace for later. She called out her next ally. "Showtime, Tyrantrum!"
Bird met dinosaur. Like a shooting star, the flying-type soared downwards, its entire body set ablaze as it rammed itself into Tyrantrum in a glorious Flare Blitz. It was a battle of the earth and sky as her bulky beast tried to keep up with the agile assailant. All it took was one single opportunity, however, and her great beast took it.
With a single massive chomp of its jaws, it grabbed the bird with a Crunch before spitting it down onto the ground. Not letting up lest the bird escaped, it stomped on it, creating a ground-breaking Earthquake.
Tyrantrum lifted its foot to judge its prey and found it wanting.
Talonflame tried to rise up.
All it took was one Head Smash to crush the rebellion.
"Heracross."
The bug slammed into her beast with a Mega Horn the moment it came out of its pokeball.
The beetle fared much better. Like a knight facing a dragon, the beetle made great use of its massive horn to duel with the immense dragon-type. Strong jaws tested thick exoskeleton. Dragon Claws met with Close Combat. Her beast ripped into the bug-type, making use of its training to endure through all of the insect's barrages as it clamped down on the beetle's horn.
The insect was thrown across the field. When it rose up with a Swords Dance, Tyrantrum broke the ground it stood on with a mighty Earthquake before reaching the bug-type to deal an intense barrage of Dragon Claws. Heracross matched it blow for blow with Close Combat.
Both Pokemon refused to stop. A single mistake would mean the end for one or the other. Claws locked onto claws. Fighting spirit collided with a dragon's wrath. Eventually one had to give and she sighed in relief when the Heracross was the first to tire.
So far so go-
"Garchomp."
The bellowing war cry almost sent her stumbling back. She turned to look at the dragon and her eyes had to widen when she noticed the Mega Stone prevalent on its collar.
"Since when did you have a Mega Stone?" Diantha choked.
"It was a recent addition," Red admitted before smirking, "Like it, Diantha?"
"No."
Her rival laughed before taking out a Mega Fang that was dangling beneath his shirt and bright light erupted as Garchomp surged with incoming power. Diantha had to take a moment to bask in the growing aura of danger that was radiating off of the dragon.
STOMP.
From a single step, the entire arena shook.
She became increasingly aware of what was in front of her.
If Garchomps were executioners then the radiating might of Red's Mega Garchomp was that of a grim reaper.
Her Tyrantrum met it head-on. Dragon Claws clashed with Dragon Claws, but try as she might, she knew the results.
SCHINK.
All it took was a single cleave. The moment her dragon met his, Mega Garchomp swung and the sheer force of the blow sent her gigantic monster of a Pokemon flying. It was a juggernaut, a bringer of death and destruction. With every stomp, an Earthquake was formed. Its eyes held refined wrath so potent that it made her dragon flinch at its gaze.
The grim reaper came for her beast and defeat was all that was left for her Pokemon.
She would have to break through. "Aurorus!"
The sauropod rose to its massive height and faced off against the intimidating dragon. A Blizzard kicked up around them. The freezing cold began coating the dragon-type in a shivering frost. The Blizzard was thick and potent enough to block hers and Red's vision of their Pokemon.
She held her breath as she waited for the ice to end the threat. She trained her Aurorus to maintain a single Blizzard for hours. It should be able to take care of the threat eventua-
SCHINK.
She cursed silently when Aurorus dropped down, Blizzard dispersed as the beast of a dragon cleaved through the fossil Pokemon's neck. It made for a horrifying sight; a bruised and battered Garchomp covered in snow and frost. One of its legs was completely encased in ice, but it didn't care. All it took was a simple stomp and it shattered. That looming threat made her skin crawl.
It was clear that Garchomp was the biggest threat. She would end it here.
"Gardevoir!"
Her Mega Charm began resonating with her ace Pokemon. No time to hold back! A grin blossomed onto her face as she felt pushed to her limits. Her Pokemon burst with light as she transformed. This was it.
Where a Gardevoir once commanded, a Mega Gardevoir dominated.
Garchomp growled, realizing just what Pokemon it was facing.
"Moonblast!"
The entire arena lit up as fairy magic challenged dragon kind.
Fairy Queen met Dragon King in a dance of the ages. The world shook beneath their duel. Grace warred with wrath. Brute force confronted mental power. Cleaving through all of her attacks, the charging monster reaped into the skin of Gardevoir.
She had to wince at the brutality of the Garchomp. Truly, it was one of the most primal examples of its kind.
Yet dragons will eventually fall to fairies.
Despite Garchomp's efforts, it slumped to the ground.
That left one more.
"Greninja."
XXX
When he opened his eyes, he thought he was living a memory.
Greninja looked around him, observing the same arena, the same stage. Broken and destroyed as it were, he knew this place well. The roar of the crowd rose a myriad of thoughts and feelings. For a moment, he saw Mega Charizard where Gardevoir stood.
He shook his head. This wasn't the time for reminiscence.
His trainer wanted to do battle. He would give him a battle. Legs tensed before springing outward in a burst of speed. Mega Gardevoir only had a moment to comprehend a shinobi in front of her before a Shadow Ball was summoned to stop his advance. He cleaved through it with a slash of Cut before backing off.
He remembered her. This particular Gardevoir was a force to be reckoned with and even now, it was a mighty foe that had the potential of a champion. She towered above all of her kind and endured a myriad of obstacles to become what she was now. The aura of power was like that of a prominent queen, commanding an authority that would make lesser Pokemon bow.
He was not a lesser Pokemon.
Like an assassin of the night, he struck her in a blanket of illusions. Clones were forged from nothing. One became two. Two became four. Four became eight and eventually, dozens charged forward like a rebelling army. Gardevoir kept her calm as the queen was met with those that wish to topple her. With abnormal psychic will, she picked up hundreds of destroyed debris. Rocks, pebbles, boulders, trees, nothing was spared from her control.
The noble queen slammed down with divine punishment.
Clones were slain, crushed by the immense might of the nobility. His illusions were broken but he would not bend the knee. Swift like the roaring rapids, he jumped on the floating rocks, hopping from debris to debris to get closer to beheading his target.
Gardevoir did not let him, releasing barrages of Moonblasts and controlled boulders his way. The arena was filled with projectiles as Water Shurikens clashed with Shadow Balls. A blanket of smoke was formed from the reacting powers. He used it, summoning dozens of clones to confuse his enemy.
He was not like the confrontational and unbreaking wall that was Garchomp.
He was not like the stormy force of nature that was Pikachu.
He was the riptide. He was the sudden current that took enemies unaware.
Mega Gardevoir released a bombardment of Moonblasts to clear the smoke. His clones went to work, keeping her occupied as he hid in the shadows. The psychic and fairy Pokemon had skill. For every dozen of clones he made, she would destroy it all with but a wave of her hand.
He started his counterattack.
BOOM!
Gardevoir groaned as a barrage of Water Shurikens embedded themselves into her back. She turned around to see him appear from the dug hole that his newest ally, Sceptile, made early into the battle.
Use your surroundings.
Gardevoir struck him with a floating tree. Splinters dug deep into his skin, but he ignored them as he began his forward rush into her space. She sent a myriad of obstacles his way. Dozens if not hundreds of objects were thrown, but he was faster. He had to commend their intelligence. Immune to Psychic he might be, the objects around him were not.
That didn't matter though.
A dagger was formed with Cut. He came in like a tsunami. His blade touched flesh and he ripped through. Mega Gardevoir refused to go down, however, and with a wave of her hands, slammed even more debris around him, forming a prison of wood and stone.
SCHINK.
He cut through it only to be greeted by a barrage of Moonblasts. He slammed onto the ground and the battle was renewed once more. He had to acknowledge the psychic-type for resisting him this far. He was exhausting his reserves.
But he wouldn't fall here.
Greninja had a few regrets in his life. He lived to the fullest, acted on what he believed was right, and battled his heart out whenever he was called. Yet if he had one thing that would always haunt him, it was his failure to help the man who trained him win when he needed it most.
Memories flooded his head. His battle against Mega Sceptile, his clash with Alain's Charizard, his unfortunate defeat at his hands, and the path he and his trainer went through to reach this far. He remembered his trainer's desires, his determination to win. He did everything he could, fought his hardest, and used his finest strategies.
It wasn't enough.
When he remembered the searing Blast Burn that torched his skin, he fought harder. Mega Gardevoir danced with him, every clash generating gusts of wind. This time, it would be different.
It would be enough.
I chose him and he chose me.
Gardevoir summoned the largest Moonblast he had ever seen and he flipped back. He turned to his trainer. They nodded to each other.
I won't fail you this time.
Red. Ash. It didn't matter what he called himself. They were the same to Greninja. His hopes were his hopes. His dreams were his dreams. His fears were his fears. His battles were his battles. They picked each other up. They shared each other's pain.
Together.
They began to move as one.
XXX
What is this?!
Torrents of water surrounded the shinobi Pokemon. She tensed. What attack was this? Aqua Jet? Whirlpool? She didn't think Greninja could even learn those! She had to take a step back when the swirling water stopped. What happened next was so incomprehensible that it boggled the mind.
Diantha couldn't believe her eyes.
Did Greninja just evolve?!
They began to move. Together, Red and Greninja raised their arms. The Pokemon had changed, stronger and mightier than ever before. The massive Shuriken on his back rose up to face her growing Moonblast.
It doubled, no, it tripled in size and began spinning with such force the air around them bowed to its whims. They stared at her and Gardevoir. When she released her mightiest attack, they threw the colossal shuriken.
FWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSH!
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!
The world was silent as a massive Water Shuriken met her strongest Moonblast. She had seen a myriad of Mega Evolutions. She had fought many from Blastoise to Metagross to Garchomp. Her path to the top forced her to.
CRACK!
The world was torn asunder as the resulting clash broke the battlefield around them. The entire arena went up in smoke.
Yet she never faced this.
The smoke cleared.
"G-Gardevoir is unable to battle," the referee stuttered, "The winner is Red Satoshi of Celestic Town!"
XXX
When the plane landed, Cynthia had to contain her excitement.
Days passed since the Lumiose Conference and she had never seen such a spectacular performance from her rival. He truly outdid himself this year. Battling with such determination and ferocity, Red's latest conquest broke records as he struck down all of the Kalos League's Elite Four before doing battle with the champion. It was the closest anyone reached.
He had a lot of explaining to do! Just what was that Greninja? Mega Garchomp?!
When she stepped out of the airport, that was when she saw him.
"Red!"
"Cynthia?"
She tackled him, bringing her rival into a bone-crushing hug. Garchomp walked behind her, watching it play out with amusement. Greninja and Pikachu joined in the fun as well, taking in the scene with delight. He laughed as she refused to let go. She murmured mostly to herself. "This is nice."
"Yeah," Red hugged her back. "It is. I didn't expect you here in Kalos though."
"It was supposed to be a surprise," Cynthia smiled. "I heard you're going to Alola."
He nodded before letting himself out of her grasp. She let go of him reluctantly. "I am."
"I'm coming too."
He raised an eyebrow. "You are?"
"I am," Cynthia nodded. "Grandma offered to pay for my trip and I heard that you're going. I thought it was a great idea for both of us to take a small vacation. It has been seven years since our journey, Red. We're seventeen and we haven't stopped at all." It was a grand excuse in her head. She definitely did not take the chance to spend more time with her first and best rival.
Definitely not.
Nope.
"Bu-"
"No buts!" She placed a finger on his mouth. "Who was the person that told me to stop and smell the roses?"
His eyes widened before he gave a reluctant smile. "I did."
"We're young, Red. We got all the time in the world to be a champion." She certainly wasn't using his own advice against him for her own advantage. Nope. That'd be ridiculous. The look he gave her made sure she knew he knew. Her cheeks darkened.
"How wise of you, Cynthia." The tone was flat.
"I learned from the best," she teased, her face red, "He can be a bit of a dummy at times, but he's an excellent friend, an invaluable rival, and a worthwhile companion."
"He must be an amazing man."
"He is," Cynthia nodded, "and I wouldn't trade him for the world."
The seventeen-year-old paused at her words. It was the truth. Everything they'd done, everything she'd experienced, it wouldn't have been possible without him. She wanted to convey it to him. She could never imagine what would have happened if Red didn't meet her at Celestic Town all those years ago.
He was the best. He was her rival.
There was nothing that would change that.
"Am I interrupting something?"
Cynthia blinked before turning to see the woman that fought Red in the finals of the conference. The first thing she noticed was her appearance. She was prettier up close with her nicely done dark hair, ethereal blue eyes, and pristine white dress that spoke of good fashion. She was the antithesis of her in looks with her long blonde hair, steel-colored eyes, and darker greys and black clothes.
The Gardevoir beside the Kalos star's side stared at her Garchomp.
"Diantha," Red smiled before motioning towards his first rival. "This is Cynthia."
The girl offered her hand with a small grin of her own. "It's nice to meet the girl that Red constantly talks about."
He talks about her? Wait, greetings first. She took her hand and shook it firmly. "I've watched your battle at the conference. You did amazing."
"Thank you," Diantha nodded, "I would have preferred to win the entire thing, but our shared rival has been quite the thorn in my side in that regard." They both laughed at that. Red had a tendency to really mess with their league goals. No matter who they were, be it friend or foe, he wouldn't hold back with his Pokemon. It was something she admired and hated at the same time.
"I can sympathize," Cynthia chirped, "Our first conference together was much the same."
Red sighed in exasperation at their words. "What're you doing here, Diantha?"
"I was hoping to inquire about your future plans," she answered. "The director was amazed by your Pokemon in the conference and was hoping to star you in another movie. He was exceptionally eager to meet this Greninja of yours."
Movie? Wait, what? Cynthia gave Red a sharp look which he responded by avoiding her eyes. "Red," Cynthia crossed her arms. "I feel like I am missing something here."
"Ah, well," Red scratched the back of his head, "It's nothing major. Just got roped into some stuff. It happens."
"Don't be so modest, Red," Diantha piped up in amusement. "He was my co-star in the upcoming movie, the Princess and the Froakie."
Princess and the Froakie? Cynthia looked at the two of them. Now that she thought about it, Diantha was standing a bit too close to Red for her liking. "That's nice," she smiled politely.
"So I heard that you two will be going to Alola," Diantha's eyes sparkled with amusement.
Cynthia nodded, "That's right."
"Just the two of you?"
Cynthia crossed her arms. "Just the two of us."
The star of Kalos hummed before thinking out loud. "How interesting! Coincidentally, I was offered a role in a movie in Alola. Maybe I can join you both."
What a coincidence!
Like she could believe that!
Cynthia didn't answer. Why should she? She only gave a small polite smile. Diantha stared at her for a good second before smiling as well. They sized each other up. Gardevoir and Garchomp backed up their trainers.
Electricity sparked between the two's gazes.
"It's nice to see rivalries being formed, huh, Pikachu?"
Greninja, Gardevoir, Garchomp, and Pikachu face-palmed at Red's words.