Petalburg V

Waiting in the Pokémon Center for Han and Bodhi to be treated, I was thankful for the live broadcast of the semifinals. Not having to sprint back to the stadium to catch Roxanne's match was a welcome change. I settled into a chair near the screen, eyes fixed on the display. Roxanne's battle was intense—both she and her opponent were down to their last Pokémon. Her Rhyhorn, Rocky, looked like he'd been through the wringer, his armor dented and scratched, while her opponent's Aipom was equally worn out. The entire room held its breath as Roxanne's voice cut through the air, calling for a final Horn Attack. With a powerful charge, Rocky sealed her victory, advancing her to the finals.

I couldn't help but grin. "Just a few more hours, and we'll be facing each other," I muttered to myself. Who would've thought that picking up that signboard in Oldale, that random decision to join the tournament, would bring me here? Meeting Roxanne, then Flannery, competing alongside them… now I was in the finals, about to battle against a friend and a true rival.

The thought settled into me like an electric current. Both Roxanne's Pokémon and mine would only have a few hours to rest and recover. I had no doubt that exhaustion from today's battles would creep in. Han and Bodhi weren't at full strength either, which meant I had to start strong. If I wanted to win this, I'd need to make every move count and play Bodhi's type advantage as effectively as I could.

Just then, the doors chimed, and in walked Roxanne and Flannery. Spotting me, they made their way over, with Roxanne pausing to hand her Pokéballs to Nurse Joy for some quick recuperation. Flannery slid into the chair next to me, brimming with her usual energy.

"Hey, Michael! You should've seen Roxanne's match—her opponent's Aipom and Delibird were a real handful!" she said, beaming.

I nodded. "Caught the end of it on the screen here. Looked like Rocky took quite the beating from that Aipom."

Flannery smirked. "Yeah, but I knew she had it. No way Roxy would miss a shot at the finals, especially knowing she'd be facing you," she said, her grin widening.

As if on cue, Roxanne rejoined us, overhearing the last bit. "Facing a friend in the finals? That's all the motivation I needed to give it everything," she said, her eyes locking on mine. "I can't wait, Michael. I just know it's going to be a good one."

"I couldn't agree more, Roxy." I smiled back, mind racing with ideas on how to tackle her defensive style. Knowing Roxanne, she'd have something formidable planned for this battle, and I had to be ready.

With only a few hours left until the finals, Flannery suggested a break. "Let's go explore the stalls around the stadium," she said, stretching. "It's the last day of the tournament—might as well make the most of it."

"Good idea," Roxanne agreed. "We can come back to the Center an hour before the battle starts to pick up our teams."

"Alright then, let's go," I replied. We left the Pokémon Center and headed towards the outer grounds of the stadium, where food stalls and mini-games lined the walkways. The smells of different delicacies filled the air, mixing with the hum of chatter and excitement from the crowd.

We moved from stall to stall, trying a bit of everything. Vanilluxe ice cream, which was cold and refreshing under the afternoon sun; crispy Octillery takoyaki; and even fried Remoraid fillets that tasted surprisingly like fish sticks. Every bite took some getting used to, but compartmentilzation was the name of the game here.

Between bites and laughs, our conversation drifted to plans after the tournament.

"With the tournament ending soon, it feels like we've been in Petalburg for ages," Roxanne said thoughtfully. "Usually, trainers stick to a city for no more than a week or two when they're on the gym circuit."

"True," Flannery agreed. "But since we still have to book our challenge with Norman for our next badge, it looks like we'll be staying here a little while longer."

I nodded, finishing a bite of barbecue. "How about we stop by Norman's gym while we're out and schedule a match, maybe three to five days from now? That should give us enough time to prepare and study his team."

Roxanne chimed in, "Good idea. Have you two decided what level you'll be challenging him at?"

Flannery puffed up proudly, her face lighting up. "Grandpa's been watching the tournament so far, and I asked for his input on our team's progress. He estimated that our Pokémon are close to or are already at a third badge level in terms of strength."

That comment took me by surprise. We'd been training nonstop, but to hear that Han and Bodhi were almost or already at that level… it was a lot to process. Had my Pokémon really grown that strong so quickly?

Roxanne gave a thoughtful nod. "I suspected as much. You've both probably noticed that some of the other trainers in the tournament didn't look as polished. Experience aside, strength varies a lot even within the rookie ranks."

"Yeah," I agreed, looking between her and Flannery. "I didn't expect we'd be at this level so early, but I guess using you two as my benchmarks skewed my expectations of what rookies could handle."

Flannery leaned in, adding, "The thing is, most high-level trainers keep their training methods a bit guarded. Rookie trainers tend to exchange a lot of similar tips with each other, which can sometimes form an echo chamber. That's why you see some reaching a plateau or taking longer to grow strong."

"Guess we're the outliers then," I said with a raised brow.

Roxanne nodded. "In a way, our drive to improve and the tactics we use set us apart in comparison to the other rookies. It's probably why you noticed the disparity in strength during some of your matches."

It made sense. Even from the top 16 onward, there was a noticeable divide in skill levels. Some of my battles felt easier than I anticipated, and having this conversation cleared up a lot about how different paths could lead to such varied progress.

Flannery stretched her arms wide, looking fired up. "I'm planning to challenge Norman at a third badge level, even if it's technically my second badge. I want a real challenge, something we'll remember."

I grinned, meeting her enthusiasm. "Right there with you, Flan-Flan. It'll be way more satisfying if we face him on even ground."

Roxanne's eyes sparkled. "Then I'll be challenging him at the third badge level too."

We all laughed, our excitement bubbling over as we walked the last stretch to Norman's gym. Even from a distance, it loomed impressively, its modern architecture set against Petalburg's natural surroundings.

Inside, a receptionist greeted us with a weary smile, looking like she'd been saying the same thing all day. "Good day, Trainers. With the tournament ending today, I'm afraid Norman isn't accepting challenges for the time being."

Flannery, always quick on her feet, replied, "Oh, that's alright. We're here to schedule a match for five days from now, if possible."

The receptionist perked up slightly, tapping at her computer. "Let's see… We have openings at 10:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 2:30 PM that day."

We exchanged glances, and after a quick game of rock-paper-scissors, I took the 10:00 AM slot, Roxanne the 1:00 PM, and Flannery, not thrilled about her loss, took the 2:30 PM slot.

With that sorted, the receptionist gave us a curious look. "Just to confirm, how many badges are each of you holding?"

Flannery spoke up, leaning in her grin widening. "Roxanne and I both have one badge, and Michael here is working toward his first. But we want to request something different, we'd like to challenge Norman's at a third badge level."

The receptionist raised a brow. "So, one badge and another with no badges… and you're requesting to face Norman at a third badge level?" She studied us for a moment, then raised an eyebrow. "That's a big leap. The strength gap between a first and third badge team can be considerable. Are you all certain about this?

Flannery put an arm around my shoulders and Roxanne's, flashing her most confident grin. "We're sure, ma'am. We believe our teams are ready for the challenge."

Roxanne and I exchanged a quick, serious nod, both of us confirming, "Yes, ma'am. We're not underestimating this, and we're confident our Pokémon are up for it."

The receptionist gave a small shrug but didn't press further. "Alright, just… don't be surprised if things don't turn out in your favor."

We thanked her, and with our battles scheduled, we headed back toward the Pokémon Center. Only about an hour and a half remained before the finals would start, and the tension in the air was tangible. Han and Bodhi would be ready soon, and Roxanne and I would be standing across the battlefield, putting everything we had into one last fight.

'

'

CITIZENS OF PETALBURG, AND TO ALL OF YOU WATCHING FROM HOENN OR BEYOND ON YOUR SCREENS, WELCOME TO THE FINAL MATCH OF THE PETALBURG ROOKIE TOURNAMENT! boomed the announcer's voice, amplified by speakers and rolling over the stadium like a tidal wave. His energy sparked an almost palpable electricity in the crowd, which responded with a deafening roar. I could barely hear myself think over the noise, and for a second, I was taken aback by the sheer magnitude of the turnout. Every seat was packed, and it wasn't just locals here for the show. Trainers, tourists, and families filled the stands, all eager to witness the finals. The sheer energy made it feel like more than a rookie tournament; it was as if this was a taste of what the league conference might be.

I couldn't help but think, If this is what the crowd's like for a rookie finals, imagine what it'll be like in the big leagues. And I was more determined than ever to make it there one day. For now, though, my focus was set squarely on this match. I wanted to give this crowd and Roxanne a battle to remember.

"AND NOW, HERE TO SAY A FEW WORDS TO OUR FINALISTS, PLEASE WELCOME PETALBURG CITY'S OWN GYM LEADER, NORMAN MAPLE!" The crowd's cheers swelled even louder as Norman stepped forward, his calm, collected presence a stark contrast to the explosive energy of the announcer. As I watched him take the mic, he was the spitting image of the Norman from the games—commanding, but with a quiet strength that made him approachable. It was hard to believe he was only in his late twenties, maybe early thirties. He wore his Gym Leader title with a maturity beyond his years.

Norman began speaking in a steady, clear voice that reached every corner of the stadium. "Thank you all for coming to this final day of the tournament. It's been incredible seeing the potential of the next generation of trainers. For every rookie who joined, whether you made it far or left early, I hope you took each battle to heart. Whether you won or lost, I know each one of you gained valuable experience that'll shape you on your journey." He paused, letting his words sink in, and I could feel the audience hang on his every word. "Remember that every challenge is a step towards who you'll become. The journey's just beginning, and I have no doubt that all of you will go far."

Flannery nudged me as we both watched him, her eyes glinting with admiration. "He's got a way with words, huh?" she whispered, her gaze unwavering. I nodded. "Definitely," I replied, captivated by the ease with which he spoke.

Norman's gaze shifted toward us, the finalists. "And to the two of you standing in this final round," he continued, "remember that you've already achieved something great. Make this a match that reflects your hard work and dedication. Show everyone here today, your families, your friends, and yourselves, just how far you've come."

With those words, Norman handed the mic back to the announcer and stepped off to the viewing platform. From the corner of my eye, I caught sight of his family—his wife and a young girl who looked to be around three, clinging shyly to her mother's leg. I did a double-take as I realized that had to be May Maple. She looked so small, maybe about three years old. She stared up at her dad, her eyes wide with admiration, and I realized just how early I was in the timeline. I shook off the thought, mentally putting any plans for the future on pause. Focus, Michael, I reminded myself

My thoughts were interrupted as Flannery placed a reassuring hand on both mine and Roxanne's shoulders, her usual energy dialed down to something quieter, yet equally sincere. "Good luck, you two," she said with a grin. "I'll be cheering you both on, make it a battle to remember!"

"Thanks, Flan," I said, grinning back before turning to Roxanne. "Good luck out there, Roxy. May the best trainer win."

She returned the smile, her eyes blazing with her usual determination. "Same to you, Michael. I hope you're ready."

We parted ways, each heading to our respective trainer's box as the crowd's anticipation built like a rising tide, ready to crash. I took a deep breath, feeling the adrenaline surge through me. This was it.

"AND NOW, THE MOMENT YOU'VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR! LET'S GIVE A BIG ROUND OF APPLAUSE FOR OUR FINALISTS!" The announcer's voice filled the stadium once more. "IN THE RED SECTION, HAILING FROM THE MINERAL-RICH CITY OF RUSTBORO, SHE'S A MASTER OF ROCK SOLID STRATEGY AND FIERCE TACTICS! GIVE IT UP FOR ROXANNE VOSS!"

As Roxanne stepped onto the field, the crowd went wild, cheering as she strode confidently to her position. Her cheeks were flushed, whether from the cheers or the dramatic introduction, but she gave a small wave, visibly composed. I could see Norman smiling at the introduction, shaking his head as though this wasn't the first time he'd seen the announcer in action.

"AND NOW, ON THE GREEN SIDE, HAILING FROM HUMBLE LITTLEROOT TOWN, WE HAVE A TRAINER WHO HAS SURPRISED AND DAZZLED US ALL WITH HIS INNOVATIVE MOVES, SPEED, AND STRATEGY! THIS WILDCARD OF THE TOURNAMENT… MICHAEL KANE!"

"Wildcard, huh?" I muttered, chuckling to myself as I stepped into the arena, greeted by waves of cheers. It was a strange title, but I could live with it. The noise, the energy, the spotlight—it was addictive. It made me think of what the league conference might be like, multiplied tenfold. With my mind set and nerves steeled, I met Roxanne's gaze from across the field. This wasn't just a final match. This was a chance to show everyone, including myself, how much my team and I had grown.

The referee took his position in the center, raising his flags as we awaited the call to start. "This is the Final Match of the Petalburg Rookie Tournament between Roxanne Voss of Rustboro City and Michael Kane of Littleroot Town." He glanced at both of us, ensuring we were ready, then continued, "Trainers, on my mark. Release your first Pokémon… Three, two, one—Go!"

On his signal, I threw out Bodhi's Pokéball, and Roxanne threw hers. With a flash, Roxanne's Nosepass, Terra, landed with a solid thud on the field, its stone-gray body brimming with confidence. Nosepass was more than just a sturdy defender, it was Roxanne's go-to Pokémon for setting up control over the field. Bodhi's Pokéball opened, and he landed lightly on the field, his usual calm demeanor masking the focused intensity beneath.

Our eyes met briefly before I called out my first move.

"Bodhi, let's start this off! Leech Seed into Poison Bomb, now!" I barked the command, wanting to take control of the field from the outset. But Roxanne, ever the strategist, wasn't going to make it easy.

"Terra, Sandstorm!" she countered, her voice steady and commanding.

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The arena transformed as sand whipped across the field, thick clouds swirling around Terra that quickly encased a good portion of the field. With the sandstorm at full strength, I knew we were in for trouble. Terra's Sand Force ability would make her moves hit even harder, and her mobility would be boosted in this environment. And worst of all, with the sand obscuring the field, it would be nearly impossible to keep track of her.

"Bodhi, Spore Guard, now! Watch for any signs of movement," I shouted. Bodhi surrounded himself with a faint cloud of Poison Powder and Spore, letting it hang around him as a protective shield. But even with Spore Guard active, the sandstorm made it hard to spot any incoming attacks.

Just then, Bodhi staggered back as he took a hit—Power Gem, shimmering through the sandstorm and striking his side. My heart jumped, and before I could react, another move came flying through the sandstorm. Terra's Rock Throw catching him off guard and sending him skidding backward. No sooner had Bodhi steadied himself than he was struck by a jolt of Thunder Wave, causing him to seize up momentarily, sparks of electricity flickering over his form.

"Bodhi, reposition and try to get some distance!" I shouted, frustration bubbling up. Roxanne wasn't holding back at all, and Terra's attacks were relentless, striking from every direction, hidden by the sandstorm. She was pushing us, hard.

My mind raced. Think, think, I urged myself. The sandstorm was tearing across the field, picking up more dust and obscuring vision on both sides. But that dust could work to our advantage too. An idea sparked. "Bodhi, maximum output! Disperse Spore Guard into the Sandstorm—spread it out as much as possible!"

Bodhi released a thick cloud of Poison Powder and Spore, the particles mingling with the swirling sand, forming an even denser haze across the battlefield. The particles spread fast, blending invisibly with the sandstorm, creating a blanket of spores that Terra would have to contend with.

Roxanne's eyes widened, realizing what I was trying to do. "Terra, end the sandstorm! Withdraw it before those spores overwhelm you!" she called out, a slight hint of tension breaking through her usual calm.

As the sandstorm died down, the field became clearer, and I could see Terra. Spore and Poison Powder had clung to her rocky form, the effects visibly taking their toll. Her movements were sluggish, her normally unyielding stance faltering as the poison seeped in and the drowsiness of the spore powder started to weigh her down. The sandstorm tactic had backfired—Roxanne had inadvertently spread Bodhi's spore all over the field.

But Bodhi wasn't without his own battle scars. He was panting heavily, the earlier barrage of Power Gem, Rock Throw, and Thunder Wave clearly taking a toll. His body quivered from the strain, but he stayed on his feet, eyes locked onto Terra with fierce determination. We weren't done yet.

Roxanne's voice cut through the field. "Terra, Rock Tomb! Trap Bodhi!"

Large rocks were pulled from the ground around Terra, thrown with precision as she attempted to surround Bodhi, hoping to close him in and pin him down. "Dodge, Bodhi!" I shouted. "And counter with Magical Leaf!"

Bodhi pushed himself, weaving between the falling stones, his leaves glowing with a shimmering light. Just as a rock clipped his side, making him stumble, he steadied himself, focusing his energy into a flurry of gleaming leaves. The Magical Leaf attack swirled around him, each leaf imbued with vibrant green and gold light, homing in on Terra with unerring accuracy.

The leaves struck, slicing through the air and pelting Terra despite her attempts to shield herself. She winced as the magical leaves cut through her defenses, draining her strength and leaving her vulnerable.

Seizing the moment, Bodhi released a Leech Seed—tiny, spiraling seeds that latched onto Terra's body. Green tendrils sprouted from the seeds, snaking around her form and tightening as they pulsed, drawing out her energy. With each pulse, the life force drained from Terra seeped back into Bodhi, refreshing him little by little, restoring his stamina as Terra's strength waned.

Roxanne gritted her teeth, clearly realizing Terra couldn't keep up with the combined effects of poison, spore, and leech seeds. I could see Terra's rocky body shudder, her stony exterior beginning to show cracks as her energy dwindled. In one final effort, she tried to send another Rock Throw Bodhi's way, but her movements were too sluggish.

Finally, after some time the battle of attrition ended and Terra's legs buckled, and she collapsed, succumbing to the damage and status effects.

"Nosepass is unable to battle! Trainer Roxanne, send out your next Pokémon!" announced the referee.

I let out a relieved breath, nodding at Bodhi with pride. He'd pushed through, despite all that Roxanne threw at him. Across the field, Roxanne recalled Terra with a sigh, but the determined glint in her eyes remained.

"Let's go, Rocky!" she called, sending out her Rhyhorn. The moment he landed on the field, Roxanne wasted no time. "Rock Polish, then Horn Attack!"

Rhyhorn's body gleamed as he activated Rock Polish, his rocky hide taking on a slick, polished sheen that boosted his speed dramatically. In a flash, he charged forward, his horn locked onto Bodhi like a spear.

"Spore Guard, now!" I called out. "Dodge and counter with Mega Drain into Magical Leaf!"

Bodhi steadied himself, releasing a thick cloud of spores around him as a defensive barrier just as Rhyhorn barreled forward. The spores hung in the air, creating a shimmering shield that slowed Rhyhorn's momentum, giving Bodhi the split-second opening he needed. With a swift sidestep, Bodhi narrowly dodged the charge, Rhyhorn's horn grazing him as he moved.

Recovering quickly, Bodhi unleashed a powerful combo of Mega Drain and Magical Leaf. Streams of vibrant green energy spiraled from Rhyhorn's rocky body as the Mega Drain took hold, revitalizing Bodhi with every pulse. Then, with a swift motion, Bodhi summoned a flurry of glowing leaves that danced around him before shooting forward in a dazzling spiral.

The Magical Leaf attack honed in on Rhyhorn, each leaf slicing through the air with unerring accuracy. The enchanted leaves struck hard, bypassing Rhyhorn's defenses and weakening him further as Bodhi absorbed more energy, his stamina renewed

But Rocky was relentless. As he absorbed Bodhi's attacks, he pivoted sharply, and Roxanne called out, "Horn Attack, Rocky!" In a flash, Rocky charged forward, his horn aimed straight at Bodhi. His boosted speed made it impossible for Bodhi to fully evade, and the powerful blow connected, sending Bodhi flying backward. He skidded across the ground, struggling to rise, but Roxanne wasn't about to let him recover.

"Now, Smack Down!" she shouted, and Rocky leapt forward, slamming Bodhi back to the ground with bone-jarring force. Bodhi lay stunned, gasping for air, but Roxanne was quick to press the advantage.

"Keep the pressure on—Mud Shot, now!" Rocky fired a burst of thick, sticky mud from close range, the impact launching Bodhi back once more, coating him in mud and slowing his movements even further. Roxanne's eyes gleamed as she saw the opportunity to close in for the win.

"Rock Polish, one more time!" At her command, Rocky's body glistened, his movements growing faster still. He lowered his horn, ready for the finishing move.

"Drill Run—finish it, Rocky!" Roxanne called, her voice ringing with confidence. Rocky surged forward, his horn spinning like a drill. Bodhi, weakened and too sluggish to dodge, took the full impact of the attack. The powerful strike drove him into the ground, his energy utterly spent as he lay motionless. Bodhi was knocked out, the battle decisively won by Roxanne and her seemingly unstoppable Rhyhorn.

"And to think, I was more worried about Terra than Rocky," I murmured, a wry smile crossing my face. "For someone who usually takes her time, wilting her opponents down bit by bit, she sure knows how to crank up the intensity when it counts."

I knelt down, looking at Bodhi with a mix of pride and gratitude. "You did amazing, Bodhi. It's okay—take a well-earned rest." With a soft sigh, I recalled him, feeling a deep appreciation for his resilience. He might not have been able to take Rocky down, but he managed to hit him with Spore Guard. And even if it didn't show, I had a feeling Rocky was fighting to ignore the poison and spores seeping into him.

Just before sending Han back in, I couldn't help but grin as I looked over at Roxanne. My pulse was racing, my whole body buzzing with energy, battling really was a different kind of euphoria, wasn't it? "Roxanne, I gotta say I'm having the time of my life! This is a finals to remember!" I shouted, i couldn't help but have the biggest smile on my face saying it. "And Rocky, man that Rhyhorn of yours, he's something else. Absolutely incredible!"

Roxanne laughed, her eyes flashing with the same excitement. "Right back at you, Michael! Your team's giving us everything we can handle!" She pointed toward the field, calling over the roar of the crowd. "Let's see what else you've got!"

I nodded, feeling a renewed surge of energy. "Alright, Han—let's go all in!"

Roxanne's eyes gleamed with determination as she called out, "Rocky, let's keep him at a distance! Mud Shot, let him feel it!"

Rocky braced himself, then unleashed a rapid series of Mud Shots, each chunk of wet earth flying across the field toward Han. I clenched my fists, watching Han dodge and weave through the oncoming Mud Shots. Rocky's attacks weren't slowing down, each one landing closer and closer to its mark. Han was doing his best, but even he couldn't avoid them all, one Mud Shot splattered against his shoulder, another clipped his leg, throwing him slightly off-balance. My jaw tightened. Ground moves weren't something Han could just shrug off. Rhyhorn's hits had serious weight behind them. One solid hit, and this could go south, fast.

But I had faith in him. After all, Roxanne wasn't the only one with a type advantage. Han's Fighting-type moves would land just as hard, if not harder. Plus, we still had a little ace up our sleeve, a perfectly timed Ice Punch could turn the tide if things got desperate.

"Come on, Han!" I called out, watching him steady himself. "Shake it off and use Quick Attack, get in close!"

Han shot forward in a blur, tearing across the field, mud and debris flying in his wake. Rocky's gaze tracked him, but Han was fast, faster than the Rhyhorn could adjust.

But Roxanne wasn't giving an inch. "Rocky, Bulldoze! Slow him down!"

The ground shuddered as Rocky's powerful legs slammed down, sending a rolling wave of earth straight toward Han. Han barely leapt in time, avoiding the worst of it, but the tremor forced him to stumble as he landed. Rocky was ready, charging forward with his horn aimed squarely at Han's chest.

Roxanne's commands rang out with fierce determination as Rocky charged forward, his horn aimed straight for Han's chest. I took a deep breath, my mind racing. This was our moment to flip the script.

"Han, meet him with Ice Punch!" I shouted.

Without hesitation, Han's fist chilled over with a fierce icy blue aura as he lunged forward. Rocky's horn met Han's fist head-on, ice and rock colliding with a crackling explosion that sent frost scattering across the field. Rocky staggered, surprised by the freezing hit, but only for a moment. I could see he was already gearing up to lunge again.

I wasn't about to let him.

"Now, Han—Ice Punch Barrage! Weave around him and keep going!"

Han's eyes sharpened with focus, and he shifted his stance, circling Rocky with newfound agility. He struck with a rapid flurry of Ice Punches, each blow landing with precision, the frosty energy radiating across Rocky's tough hide. One punch after another, three, four—Han's fists moved in a near-blur, each strike building up a thin layer of ice over Rocky's thick armor.

Rocky roared, his legs buckling slightly under the relentless chill. Roxanne's eyes widened as the frost spread, clearly catching her off-guard.

"Rocky, hold strong!" she called, though I could see the concern flicker in her gaze.

But Han didn't back down. He unleashed one final Ice Punch, landing squarely on Rocky's side with a powerful, chilling impact that sent Rocky skidding back a few feet, his hide visibly frostbitten in patches. Han pulled back, breathing a bit harder this time, but he held his stance, ready for whatever came next.

As I watched Rocky stagger, coated in frost and visibly slowed, a realization struck me. With the damage we'd done, Rocky had to be feeling the effects of Bodhi's powders even more now. The spore and poison taking a toll on his endurance and speed. Every time he moved, I could see the strain in his steps, the faintest wince betraying his effort to push through.

"Rocky! We're going all in, Rock Polish, then follow up with Rock Blast!"

Rocky glowed as the Rock Polish took effect, his movements suddenly smoother and quicker despite his injuries. In a flash, he began to hurl chunks of rock toward Han, each one a potential knockout blow. Han dodged the first, then the second, his form weaving left and right as each one a massive blow narrowly avoided until one clipped his shoulder, then another grazed his side, knocking him off-balance just enough to stagger him. Han winced, mud and dust clinging to his fur as he fought to regain his footing. But Roxanne's true gambit became clear as Rocky lurched forward, his horn spinning with deadly precision.

"Now, Drill Run!" Roxanne shouted.

Rocky charged in, his horn spinning with deadly force as he tore across the field, kicking up clouds of dust and gravel in his wake. With Rock Polish boosting his speed, the Drill Run was closing in on Han at an alarming pace, and Han barely had a moment to react. His eyes widened, instinctively stepping back as he saw Rocky bearing down on him, each turn of that horn a reminder of the damage it could do if it landed.

"Han! Quick Attack, dodge now!" I shouted, my voice tight with urgency.

In a burst of speed, Han dodged sideways at the very last second, Rocky's horn grazing mere inches past him as he spun out of reach. Rocky's momentum carried him forward, throwing the Rhyhorn off balance.

This was our chance.

I seized the opening. "Now, Han! Ice Punch, then Brick Break!"

Without hesitation, Han's fist surged with icy energy as he closed the distance and delivered a brutal Ice Punch right into Rocky's exposed side, frost spreading along the Rhyhorn's armored body, slowing him further. Rocky staggered, reeling from the impact, and Han didn't waste a second. With a fierce look of determination, he brought down his other fist in a devastating Brick Break, the blow landing squarely on Rocky's back with a resounding crack.

Rocky shuddered, legs buckling as he let out a final groan, before collapsing with a heavy thud, knocked out cold.

Roxanne's face was a mixture of surprise and reluctant admiration, looking at me she smiled, giving me a nod of respect as she recalled Rocky. Han stood there, panting heavily, his sides rising and falling with each labored breath. Mud streaked his fur, and his shoulders sagged slightly, the toll of the battle evident.

"Rhyhorn is unable to battle!" The referee's voice rang through the stadium. "The winner is Michael Kane of Littleroot Town!"

"AND WITH THAT, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, WE HAVE YOUR PETALBURG ROOKIE TOURNAMENT WINNER! GIVE IT UP FOR MICHAEL KANE OF LITTLEROOT TOWN!"

A rush of relief and pride washed over me as I ran forward to congratulate Han. He looked up at me with a grin, breathing hard but filled with that familiar fighting spirit. The crowd erupted in applause and cheers, their excitement adding to the exhilaration of victory. I walked over to Roxanne, extending a hand.

"Roxy, that was one hell of a battle," I said, grinning as I held out my hand.

She took it, her grip firm and warm, and her usual calm composure settled back into place. For a moment, though, I could see a glint of thrill still sparkling in her eyes.

"You've more than earned this victory, Michael," she replied, nodding. "Even though I lost, I have to admit, this was the most exhilarating battle I've ever had. Every move, every counter…" She trailed off, her smile widening slightly. "It kept me on my toes the entire time."

She looked down at her Pokéballs, her fingers grazing Terra's. "If I had to lose, I'm glad it was to someone I know is a worthy rival... and a good friend." Her voice softened, and she looked up at me with a smile.

"Same goes for you, Roxy," I said, matching her smile with mine, feeling the weight of the battle fade into something lighter.

She laughed, a soft, familiar sound that carried a note of relief. "Come on," she said, giving me a playful nudge. "I know a certain someone who's definitely eager to congratulate us. She's probably been glued to the edge of her seat the entire match."

"Oh, Flannery?" I chuckled, picturing their fiery friend. "I bet she's been bouncing off the walls watching that match."

Roxanne laughed, nodding. "Oh, definitely. She was probably cheering and shouting moves right along with us, completely wrapped up in every turn."

"She's probably more fired up than either of us right now." I added, grinning. "I can practically feel her energy from here.

Roxanne's smile widened, her own eyes lighting up. "Yeah, she's bound to be pumped. I can already hear her asking which one of us wants to be her first 'victim."

I nodded, grinning. "You know how she is. Watching a fight like that, her blood's gotta be pumping, just itching to get out there and let loose."

"She'll definitely have a lot to say about every move we made," Roxanne added, rolling her eyes but smiling. "But I bet she's proud. Let's go find her before she storms the field and challenges someone just to blow off steam."

"Let's not keep her waiting, then." I said, sharing a nod with Roxanne.

Just as we turned to head off the field, the referee approached us, holding out a bottle of water to each of us. "You two really put on a show out there," he said with a smile. "Make sure you get some rest and rehydrate. The closing ceremony will start in about thirty minutes, so you have a bit of time to catch your breath."

We thanked the referee and made our way off the field, drinking our water as we wove through the bustling tournament hall. The crowd had begun to disperse, but I could still feel the lingering buzz of excitement in the air.

Finally, after a bit of searching, we spotted Flannery standing by the exit, her face lit up with that familiar fiery energy. She waved us over, practically bouncing on her heels, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

"There you two are!" Flannery called out, grinning from ear to ear as she practically bounced over. "I thought that battle would never end! You guys were amazing!"

Roxanne and I exchanged an amused look, both of us remembering our earlier prediction of her reaction. We couldn't help but laugh, and Flannery tilted her head, hands on her hips.

"What?" she asked, pretending to be offended. "You two looked like you were going to tear the whole place down! And now that I'm pumped from watching you guys, I'm ready to take on anyone who'll battle me."

I chuckled, rubbing the back of my neck. "Well, maybe after we both get a few hours of sleep, we'll take you up on that, Flannery."

Roxanne stayed quiet, nodding in agreement as she took sips of her water, still catching her breath. Flannery, on the other hand, nudged her playfully before turning to me with a wide grin. "Okay, okay, I'll let you both off the hook… this time." Then her expression softened as she looked at me. "Seriously, though. That was one of the best battles I've ever seen. And now look at you, Mr. Tournament Winner! I bet you're over the moon. Fifty thousand Pokéyen and a Pokémon from Norman? You must be psyched!"

My heart skipped a beat, a thrill sparking all over again. "I… completely forgot about that," I muttered, feeling the weight of the win in a whole new way. Between the adrenaline and intensity of the battle, I hadn't even thought about the prize.

Roxanne chuckled, nudging me with a knowing smile. "Too caught up in the heat of the moment, huh?"

"Yeah, guess so," I admitted, still absorbing it all. A Pokémon from Norman wasn't just a token prize; it was a serious opportunity.

"Speaking of Norman…" Roxanne's eyes gleamed with curiosity. "Any idea what kind of Pokémon he'll be giving you?"

I shook my head, feeling a mix of anticipation and wonder. "No idea. They just said it'd be a powerful addition for any trainer."

Flannery's eyes brightened. "Ooh, maybe it's a Slakoth or a Teddiursa! Either one could evolve into a real powerhouse with the right training."

Roxanne tilted her head thoughtfully. "Or maybe something with a bit of an edge, like a Zangoose.

I laughed, imagining myself with each of these Pokémon. "Honestly, I'd be thrilled with any of them," I said. "But, since I'm a Fighting-type specialist, I'm hoping it'll be a Pokémon that meshes well with my style of battling. Even if it isn't a fighting type, I'd want it to be one that could hold its own in close combat or have the stamina for those intense, drawn-out fights."

Roxanne nodded, smiling as she considered it. "Something that can really go toe-to-toe, huh? I can see that fitting your team."

Flannery pumped her fist in the air. "Whatever it is, you know it's going to be top-tier. And no matter the type, we'll both be here to help you train it up to its full potential."

I grinned, the excitement rising, with friends like these, and a new Pokémon waiting just around the corner I couldn't shake the feeling that things were just going to get even more exciting from here on out.

CHAPTER END