“Build, are you sure about this? You’ll only be facing her with four Pokemon, and your partner is still..!” Destine’s concern was justified, having been the only person here familiar with both combatant’s teams. Even with Machoke still upstairs recovering, there was no stopping this match one the challenge was accepted, and the look of determination on the boy’s face made it clear he had no intentions of changing his mind. The crowd of people downstairs began to shrink as trainers made their way upstairs, out to the small battle court and without a word of response, Build followed. With a frustrated sigh, Destine followed.

Build of course couldn’t stop thinking about Machoke being beside him during this, but this was something he needed to handle right now, and the trust he felt for the rest of his team gave him the courage to stand and fight. Nurse Joys typically stood out of trainer affairs, but the look Build received from the Joy at the receptionist's counter nearly sent him back downstairs. The way those glistening emerald hues watched on in concern as the mob spilled through the double doors and encircled Deisey and the rest of the field, now waiting for Build.

“Build? Please make sure you’re careful out there okay? It hasn’t been that long since your Gym Challenge after all…” Nurse Joy couldn’t help but say something as the double doors slid open for Build. With his back turned, Build could only look up at the dimly lit sky as the first stars made their appearance. It was a beautiful view. Finally, he turned and gave Nurse Joy a thumbs up and a confident smile.

“Thanks, but I can’t lose on a night like this. Just make sure Machoke’s up and able to celebrate the victory with me.”

The reassuring words made them both feel better as Build stepped out into the fray, walking through the path the crowd parted to provide him with. The match had risen to a level far beyond what was intended, beyond what was the usual for an exhibition match; even a Rotom-Cam had made its way to the air immediately above.

“Looks like we drew a crowd, don’t get stage fright on me now, y’loser.” Deisy was no stranger to some good old fashion heckling, but with a Pokeball now in her hands, Build new she was more than ready to back up her big talk. Taking position across from her, Build drew a Quick Ball from his belt and held it against his chest as he looked out at her. His heart beat rapidly in his chest, his palms grew moist and his breaths shortened, not due to nerves, but the chance to redeem himself had already made itself available. The crushing defeat of this afternoon could be wiped clean by a decisive victory here and now. The thought alone got his blood rushing, but despite his excitement, Build’s focus was scarily calm.

“Don’t choke.”

The words came out void of emotion, which made it hard to figure out if it was him repeating his mantra, or an unfriendly piece of advice. Either way, the crowd reacted for Deisy.

Without a response, Deisy tossed out her first choice; a tough looking Honchkrow.

Build threw his Quick Ball out and out emerged a little Shieldon, the weight of which upended dirt unexpectedly, giving the little guy an imposing appearance.

“Looks like she’s going first…” Based on their respective partner’s general speed, Build knew he’d be at a disadvantage against a Flying-Type, but this could work to his advantage.

“Huncho! Get ready, we’re about to have some fun with these losers!” The mighty bird Pokemon squawked in response to it’s trainers confidence and offered a smug look of its own to Shieldon, who kept its composure and determination high.

“We aren’t the type to get flustered over a thanksgiving turkey, bring it on already!” Shieldon stomped its little feet and put dents into the ground it stood on. While its power was still developing, Shieldon’s defenses and sheer weight could be deadly if used right.

“Tch, what thanksgiving..? That’s it, Huncho, get in close and use Knock Off!”

The bird spread its jet black wings and took to the air just above the trainer’s heads. Its maneuverability was definitely an advantage over the otherwise stationary Pokemon, and with its greater speed, flew at the Shieldon from above. The little Rock-Type braced itself and watched as the Honchkrow zeroed in. Suddenly, the Honchkrow stopped just short of the Shieldon and with black wings glowing eerily, the remaining momentum from the sudden stop brought forth tough displaced winds which carried that eerie power along and lashed at the Shieldon. The tough Pokemon withstood the attack fairly easily, and without an item in its possession, the Shieldon was ready to attack.

“Now Shieldon! Use Headbutt, quick!”

While the Honchkrow was still within reach, the Shieldon bucked forward head first. That densely packed, solid head-plate on Shieldon made a critical impact against the Honchkrow’s beak, which sent it back into the air reeling. The crowd gasped at Shieldon’s power, as he had enough strength to push back a final evolution. Impressed with the battle’s opening, the crowd’s intensity began to climb now as Sunnyshore locals began to spectate. The vibration of that sort of contact was something the bird Pokemon would find hard to withstand, given its light skeleton, but Shieldon was made to take on hard shocks like that.

“W-what? Huncho, are you alright?!”

It brought Build a sense of relief to see Deisy so concerned for her Pokemon; he was convinced she hated everything equally, but he was glad to be wrong. Honchkrow was visibly shaken by the hit, but still had much more fight in her. A quick, hearty call would confirm that in Deisy.

“Good, I knew a weak little hit like that wouldn’t bring you down!”

“Hear that, Shieldon? No need for us to hold back anymore..” This wasn’t like his gym battle, or even any of the trainer battles in the gym, this was greater. That feeling within him he couldn’t describe, as if he could close his eyes to dream and still be here, like none of this was real. The colors of the night felt more vibrant than ever, even the stars seemed closer to the world than ever before. Looking across from him at the trainer who deserved to win as much as he did, who was having just as much fun as he was, Build could only harbor a strong sense of pride within himself. “Let’s go all out! Shieldon!” His voice echoed through the town, and soon a true audience had formed around this exhibition match, with the Rotom-Cam hovering faithfully above.

Against that night sky with the golden crescent moon gleaming over, Build felt like there was nothing keeping him from winning.

“Looks like he’s finally serious, huh? That’s fine with me, Huncho, let’s go! Keep your distance and use Dark Pulse!”

The bird Pokemon decided to keep its aerial superiority while that familiar eerie aura glowed in the night. The buildup was rapid and dangerous, but Shieldon was on its guard from the moment it emerged from its Pokeball. The Honchkrow looked down on the Shieldon quite literally, and with its storm of negative emotions weaponized, the bird wasted no time on firing it from its flying position. “Hold on, Shieldon!”

The blast connected on Shieldon and obscured it from view as smoke from the aftermath clouded the field. Before long, the reflection of moon light from Shieldon’s protective dome broke through the smog and revealed he was undeterred. It was clear that the Pokemon had taken some damage, but not enough to break its Steel defenses. “Quick, Rock Blast, Go!”

From among the smoke, rocks of varying sizes had begun rocketing toward the Dark-Type bird. “Huncho, dodge ‘em!”

The pellets helped clear away the smoke, and the crowd watched on in awe as the little Shieldon fired off stones nonstop at the Honchkrow highly rapidly at the expense of some accuracy. The Honchkrow skillfully weaved through the stones despite its big frame, and never took its eye off of the Shieldon. As Build watched carefully, Deisy had already begun her counterattack.

“Alright, this is it! Close in with Steel Wing.”

Upon the command, the bird Pokemon came to a sudden stop and spread its wings wide, seemingly no fear of the oncoming stones. The attack finally landed as the rocks seemingly broke apart against the bird, enveloping it in a dusty cloud above. Everyone kept their eyes up, staring at that billowing cloud, even the Rotom-Cam struggled to see through it. Before long, a gleaming light broke through, similar to Shieldon’s but with a newer, more superficial shine.

The mighty cry of the Big Boss Pokemon signaled its survival, and with wings donned in steel via its attack, the Honchkrow defogged itself and charged with reckless abandon. Like a freight train, the bird would not stop until it reached its destination.

“Shieldon, keep on with Rock Blast!”

The Pokemon had continued its onslaught, but with literal wings of steel careening toward it, Shieldon’s Rock-Type attack did little damage, and took the precise strike head on.

“Sh-Shieldon.. No!”

Huncho returned to the skies just above Deisy while Shieldon stumbled in place, struggling to keep its balance. Before long, the little guy fell flat on his stomach for a well earned rest. “Good job setting the stage buddy, you did so well…” The crowd fell to whisper as Build recalled Shieldon, visibly disappointed, his heart was still in it.

“I didn’t think I’d be the one to take the first L. I gotta say maybe you are as good as you think you are…” Build smirked, clearly he was joking and had finally found his stride as far as befriending folks again. Deisy enjoyed the back and forth, and the battle had truly become an exhibition match between rivals, rather than a poffin contest.

“Nah, I’m just better than you. Can’tcha tell?” Deisy had taken on a considerably softer tone with Build, and even Destine couldn’t help but smile in stark contrast to her nervous demeanor leading up.

“Hah! Those jokes of yours are getting real clever, you might have a promising career in stand-up, y’know.”

“Kekek. Oh shut up and throw out your next Pokemon already, ya loser, heh.”

They both smiled at each other with newfound focus and passion. The crowd was witnessing the birth of a new rivalry between two talented trainers, and the outcome of this battle would set the dynamic for their new friendship. With no obvious winner in sight, no one had any other choice but to watch with bated breath as Build chose his second Pokemon.

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“Alright Lucky, I need you right now, come on out!”

A Great Ball was plucked from his holster and expanded to size before being tossed into the ring. The Great Ball broke open and out spilled a dazzling light not common to typical Pokeballs. The brightness was almost blinding in the night, but the crowd couldn’t look away. Just what was emerging from that Pokeball. A look of great pride was painted on Build’s face as even Deisy watched in awe. The glowing light dimmed and there stood a calm, focused, shiny Riolu.

“Well, that’s not what I was expecting after that light show.”

Most folks mirrored Deisy’s reaction, with everyone else ensnared by the rare Riolu's cute appearance. The Pokemon itself hadn’t been phased by what was going on around it, its crimson hues were locked on the Honchkrow before it. The Big Bird dwarfed Riolu in size but the little Fighting-Type held its ground confidently, perhaps it was out of respect for its fellow combatant that Riolu assumed such an intense aura about it, strong enough to affect the crowd, bringing them back to a soft hush.

“Well, maybe big things do come in small packages, not that we’re gonna find out! Let’s go, Huncho, Aerial Ace!”

The Dark-Type bird took to the skies at a higher altitude in preparation for its high speed attack. Against that night sky, it was nearly impossible to make out the bird’s position, but it would prove to be a trivial matter for the blooming Aura Pokemon. “Go on, Rio, feel Honchkrow’s aura. Trust yourself.” Build reassured his Pokemon who was seemingly in a vulnerable position there on the ground, but Riolu sought to turn the tables with its heightened senses.

“Counter with Mach Punch.” Build spoke softly and with a warm tone to assure Riolu could trust him. Their feelings and thoughts in battle resonated with one another as the intensity of their feelings increased. Memories of their battles together flashed behind Riolu’s lids as they closed, tightening its focus to only detect the high speed flaps of Honchkrow. The crowd muted, the winds fell silent, until the sound of air resistance echoed faintly in the void of quiet which signaled Honckrow’s approach.

The air grew thick with suspense as both trainers waited for their Pokemon’s high speed attack with baited breath, but as Honchkrow rapidly closed the distance between them, Riolu’s position had already changed before anyone could notice. Its step was silent and sure as it only took one firm kick off the ground to get it airborne. With a single paw extended, Riolu added its own speed to Honchkrow to connect a devastating Mach Punch which held true to its name. As the Riolu slid across from Build, back to Deisy, the wicked sound of Riolu’s fist breaking the sound barrier against the Honchkrow was the only clue that suggested an attack landed.

It all happened so quickly, both trainers could only wait to see which Pokemon would fall as they both stood fixed in place. Before long, it was clear, both trainers were down one Pokemon.

“Huncho no!” Deisy ran over to her partner as the Rotom-Cam hoovered overhead, its wide lens eyes making sure not to miss a single step as it broadcasted to any views awake to watch. The impressive display of speed was sure to draw attention, unfortunately this was an exhibition match, and the prowess would have no effect on his ranking.

No matter, Build thought, just as long as people witnessed his growth as a trainer, and his team’s growth as Pokemon.

“It’s okay buddy, you fought so hard, now get some well deserved rest. Mama’s got a battle to win!” It was endearing but also a bit intimidating to watch, since Build was sure to be on the receiving end of her wrath. It was like watching a mother hen defend her chicks, and to see Deisy as a nurturer revealed that she was truly a trainer who cared for her team like he did. Beating her would fill him with pride, he thought.

“Alright, now we’re even again.” Build spoke to himself as Riolu returned to his side. The gears in his mind shifted and every thought that crossed his brain was focused on achieving victory. His determination was palpable.

“Psh, had you battled like this today, you’d be on your way to the League right now.” The sting of defeat was fleeting, but it still hurt Deisy to return Honchkrow, but she’d make sure to return the favor.

“Maybe. Maybe not. Either way, that was the last time I’ll ever lose a match.”

Those were big words, but Build was prepared to put in the work to back it up. His confidence galvanized the crowd and built anticipation as to what her next choice would be.

“Oh we’ll see about that one, won’t we?” She responded as she plucked a Dusk Ball from her belt. “Maybe two heads are better than one? C’mon out Ziggy!” Tossing the ball out, it broke open to spew out a murky figure that materialized into a two-headed ruffian that seemed to already be locked into its own battle with itself.

In the Sinnoh region, a beast like this was a new sight, and even Riolu was caught off guard by his new opponent’s appearance. A two headed dragon seemingly lacking in cooperation, both lunging at each other with a viciousness that concerned onlookers and embarrassed Deisy. Harmless to each other, the two heads fought with such intensity that Destine, who had been silently watching until now, stepped beside the confused Build.

“That’s a Zweilous if you were wondering… Deisy caught it while at school in the Unova Region.”

“A Zweilous? It looks pretty tough. Lemme check it out.” Build’s heavy duty Rotom hovered about for a second before returning with a short description of the Pokemon.

“ZWEILOUS, THE HOSTILE POKEMON. NATIVE TO THE UNOVA REGION. ITS TWO HEADS DO NOT GET ALONG AND ALWAYS FIGHT OVER FOOD. WHICH EVER EATS THE MOST IS CONSIDERED THE LEADER.”

“It sounds like a dangerous Pokemon, are you sure your sister has a handle on it?”

Taking a second, both trainers looked on at Deisy trying to physically separate the two heads from each other to no avail, it was pretty silly to watch, and at the very least the Zweilous made sure not to hurt Deisy. An Oran Berry for each would prove to quell the beast’s fury for now, and the battle was back on.

“Looks like it, and good luck by the way, Build. Not Even Maylene stood a chance against Zweilous once both its heads started working together.”

“Sounds rough, but it’s nothing Rio and I can’t handle. Isn’t that right?” Riolu was pumped by Build’s confidence and let out a little roar in response; the crowd swooned in response.

“Y’sure you wanna send the little guy out? Once Ziggy gets a bite, it’s hard to get ‘em to let go.~”

Destine flinched at the memory of the dragon biting its way through the league, and looked up at Build with worry-filled eyes. “She’s not bluffing y’know, I once watched it Crunch a Graveler without a second thought. A Graveler.”

Her concern was well received, but it wouldn’t be enough to keep the trainer out of the battle. “Well that just means we gotta not get bitten, right, Rio?” Such a simple and obvious tactic was enough to earn a response from his partner Pokemon, though Destine wasn’t convinced. She protested no further, she had experience in dealing with hard-headed trainers and knew there’d be no changing his mind. She slinked back and joined the crowd once more.

“Just in time too, Ziggy’s hungry, aren’tcha, boy?” She petted both heads under their chins, each purring at their trainers touch, dangerously in sync now. “Just because I’m down to my last partner, doesn’t mean you can count me out now! Y’here that?!” With an angry fist waggle to the Rotom-Cam’s direction, Deisy claimed her triumph there. “Ain’t gonna be any losers on this side of the field.”

Ziggy’s Moxie must’ve been infectuous, even without a victory under its belt, the beast looked pumped. However, Build and Riolu were unphased.

“Watch this.”

Riolu’s aura increased in density to the point where the air around him began to distort. Wind built up about the mysterious Pokemon as it focused its aura. If one stared hard enough, the billowing outline radiating from Riolu could be witnessed, and as the energy was condensed, the bright blue sphere was finally coming into view between the Fighting-Type’s paws. The brilliance was light itself, like a star plucked out of the indigo background. Build’s Machoke had rested just enough to witness these final moments of the battle. Adorned in bandages that served to add to its intimidating and imposing appearance, Cho’s arrival was signaled by a panicking Nurse Joy following close behind. Ignoring all her pleas to return to rest, the Machoke sensed what was happening outside and needed to be at Build’s side, even if he couldn’t battle. The crowd made space for him, and the Machoke stood front row, causing a small ruckus that was quickly derailed by the Riolu’s ever growing Aura Sphere.

Feelings of pride and redemption flooded Build’s heart, so much so that the boy gripped his chest and stared headstrong into the gale winds and upended dirt flying about. He felt Riolu’s conviction and determination to win manifested in its aura, constantly bubbling but never overflowing.

“Y’think you’re so cool, huh? When it comes to power, we’re unmatched. Ziggy, take it head on and use Crunch.” The crowd shuddered at the prospect of Ziggy withstanding Aura Sphere head on, only to crunch up the little Riolu in twin jaws.

“You’ll regret not planning a counter-attack.”

With a forward point, Build was determined to end the battle right there. “Go, Aura Sphere!”

Riolu rushed in with the attack in hand, it didn’t need to be too evasive with a Pokemon that was seemingly stationary. Using its speed, Riolu closed in swiftly and thrusted its paws forward, unleashing the combined will of Pokemon and Trainer in one single attack. The scene filled with smoke as the blast erupted against the Dragon, bringing a pain filled cry from one of its heads.

“Tch.” Deisy couldn’t help but worry despite her confidence a second ago. “C’mon…”

The two Pokemon were out of view for a moment but a blood-chilling yelp sent a shiver down everyone’s spine, except Deisy, who held a devilish grin.

The smoke dissipated to reveal Zweilous with serious damage, even a single head already fainted. The Alpha of the pair had Riolu’s arm in a tight hold between its jaws, struggling to keep on its feet while hold the Fighting-Type.

“Oh no..! Rio! Just hold on a second!”

It was clear his partner was in pain, as it cried and struggled to free itself of the vice grip it was trapped in. Build wasn’t used to seeing his friends in such a position, and panic quickly began to replace his confidence.

The sound of Riolu crying out for him, for another command was by far the worse experience he had been through so far. Build was visibly distraught, but the heat of the battle delayed everyone’s realization of his change in mental state. Before long, he locked eyes with a large fellow with a seasoned look to him. The scars on his arms and face told a story, but the solemn look in his eyes evoked memories and emotion, then Build remembered:

‘Underprepared, overconfident trainers are unfit to take on the League.’

He didn’t expect his Father to be here so soon, but thankfully that was just what he needed to regain composure.

“Riolu! Use Ice Punch with your trapped arm!”

The Riolu wasted no time in charging up its attack, even if in the moment it made very little sense to it. Power surged through the Riolu and collected in its injured arm and became encased in ice. “What?!” Deisy hollared as Ziggy’s hold on Riolu was broken through its use of ice. The Dragon reeled as its mouth suffered an icy surprise, but there was more where that came from.

Before Riolu even hit the ground, Build had become locked in to its moves. Something within him snapped, and his sensed felt attuned to the battle at hand, as if he could see what was going to happen before the action transpired. It was all happening so fast, the boy wasn’t even aware of his awokened state.

“Rio, pivot. Low Sweep.”

The actions came almost as rapidly as Build gave them, but Rio could keep up and Build had full trust in that fact. The Pokemon used its healthy arm to catch itself mid fall, and as a pivoting point, swung its lower body upward in a semi circle to smash its heel agaist the Zweilous’ remaining head. “H-Hold on a minute, Ziggy?”

“Mach Punch, where it counts.”

Riolu’s movements were swift, graceful even, using its small frame to its advantage. The Pokemon had come to a resting squat position just beneath the Zweilous’ position, and as the aftermath of frostbitten teeth finally began to subside, a mach speed punch rocketed forth and crashed the Dragon. The crowd reacted strongly to such a clean punch, like watching a featherweight challenger knockout a heavyweight.

“Holy crap…”

Deisy could only watch as her poor Dragon went through the blender before falling flat on its belly for a well earned nap.

The Riolu stood in place awaiting its next command despite the battle being over, and as for Build, he had just remembered to breathe. Standing there a sweaty, panting mess, all he could do now was look at the Rotom-Cam and offer a pained smile and flimsy thumbs up. Riolu sensed his relaxed state and dashed over, taking its place on Build’s shoulder in a cute show, a stark contrast to the Pokemon’s focused demeanor moments ago.

The crowd erupted once the victory set in and surrounded Build and the shiny Riolu. Even Deisy parted the trainers and approached for a good ol’ fashioned fingerless-gloved handshake. “Heckuva battle there, especially those last few moments. That’s what we’re used to seeing, glad to uh… have you back.”

A soft expression graced her face as she held her hand out to him. At first Build went to shake her hand happily, but this was the first time he could actually see Deisy without the tough girl exterior. Even with the boots, he was still a bit taller than she was, and with blush heating her rosy visage, it was hard to see her as anything other than a cute trainer.

“Th-thanks..” He shook her hand and gulped, realizing the audience was still around, but thankfully Build had back-up.

“AWWRIGHT. That’s that, great battle kids, you’ve both got real bright futures ahead of ya.” The booming voice traveled over the heads of all the teenagers standing about, and soon Build’s Dad was close enough to retrieve his son.

“H-hey Dad, thanks for coming to pick me up.”

“Dad?!”

Deisy and Destine both exclaimed in unison.