“Vicky!”

“Wassa?” I blinked awake at the yell. Looking up, Ivy was hurrying over and then grabbing me “Hey!” I yelped at the rough treatment.

“You’re late! Stupid!” She yelled at me and started trying to drag me along but I fought her for a second.

Mouth wipe, yep that was drool. Alright I was cleaned up.

“Okay I’m going, relax.”

“You’re late! They’ve called for you!”

“It’s fine. Not like they’re going to have the finals without me.” I joked which didn’t go well as Ivy turned to glare at me.

“Take this seriously! This is… Vicky, this isn’t something to joke about. You’re in the finals! In your first conference!”

“Yeah I know. I did the battles myself.” I told her a little flatly but Ivy spun on me again and brought her face so close she was practically nose to nose.

“I know you’ll win Vicky, but this isn’t about just winning… You have to do more than just that. You’re in the finals, you could face the Elite Four! Vicky… You represent all of us. So don’t mess it up.” Ivy said and then tapped a fist into my shoulder.

“Yeah alright.” I said, taking a breath and letting it out I stretched and worked my neck for a minute.

A frantic nurse joy was there before breathing out in relief as she saw me as she entered the locker room. “There you are!” She yelped and offered me my pokeballs.

“Thank you.” I told her as I hooked them on, patting them gently. “I represent all of Kanto right? Then I guess I should show everyone what a Kanto trainer can do.” I told Ivy with a big smile.

“That’s right.” Ivy said smirking and then she went behind me and started pushing.

“H-Hey!”

“Now hurry up! Being late is not cool!”

“The cool kid always shows up late for the tournament.” I offered, and Ivy scoffed.

“Only idiots do that.”

“Oh so Ash is an idiot? I’ll have to tell- Ow ow ow!”

“Move it!” Ivy hissed and I hurried away at her pinching hands. Jeez, was she part Krabby?

Rubbing at my ear I hurried down the hall until suddenly as I broke through onto the field the noise peaked and slammed into me, actually stopping me cold.

Lights pointed at me, and the crowd roared. So many people they were uncountable to me. Just a pure mass, all screaming and shouting. Noise makers went off, and I just looked up.

So this was what the final match of the conference was like?

I raised my hands and waved to the people shouting and cheering as I approached the trainers stand.

“And here she is! A little late, but Victoria Ferrous takes the field!” The Announcer called out. I walked up the steps finally arriving at my position.

Across from me was Terrance.

The boy looked annoyed at my lateness, but his face calmed down and he was soon focused and glaring.

“Before this match begins, President Goodshow will offer some words!” The Announcer called out and I just breathed as the spotlights shifted to show an old man with a big beard adjusting a microphone.

“Once more, we see the incredible talent of the youth. We’ve watched them reach the end of their first year journey, or their second, or third or more! Once more the Kanto Pokemon League has guided a new generation towards this goal, not just training pokemon, but discovering themselves along their journey. I am proud of every Trainer that took part this year, on a journey, or as a gym trainer, or Leader. If this generation of trainers prove anything it’s that Kanto’s future is in good hands! Now! I won’t hold you!”

The light cut off, once more leaving it as just me and Terrance.

A night battle under stadium lights.

The noise of the crowd was loud but it all fell away as I waited, my hand already wrapped around a pokeball. I knew who to start with.

“Let the final battle of the Indigo League Conference, Victoria Ferrous, Vs. Terrance Itsuki! Begin!”

My hand moved, and a pokeball was thrown.

Terrance did the same and both pokeballs fell into the bright light of the arena before exploding open.

Arcanine howled as she appeared, I could tell how excited she was with how many embers were floating off her fur.

But it looks like someone had tried to be sneaky.

“Gol! Golem go!”

“Arc! Arc!” Arcanine barked back as Golem slammed his fists into his chest.

It was a good choice. Heavy defense, and a type advantage. Golem against Arcanine was a great choice by Terrance. Except Golem was slow.

“Arcanine! Go!”

“Golem!” Terrance yelled and then it was on.

Arcanine blurred across the battlefield her zig zagging rush meant Golem couldn’t tell exactly when she would appear, and then there was a massive crash metal on rock.

The attack was brutal, and Golem was pushed back skidding across the grassy field, but to my surprise, Terrance had obviously planned for that.

Golem had grabbed onto Arcanine expecting the attack no doubt.

The fact she couldn’t bounce back like she normally did gave Golem all the time he needed for his own attack to burst out from the ground.

Slabs of Rock burst from the grass and slammed into Arcanine, earning a roar from my big dog.

Rock Tomb. Trying to slow Arcanine down? Not sure if that’s going to be enough!

Arcanine suddenly burst out of the rocks shooting into the sky as she jumped back and landed heavily. Rocks were still sticking to her, weighing her down, and more importantly making her gait a little off.

“That’s not enough! Arcanine Rush it down!” I called out, Golem wouldn’t last through another hit regardless.

“DO IT!” Terrance called out, and I blinked and had to cover my eyes as suddenly dust and grime washed over me.

Explosion.

He’d waited for Arcanine to charge in so she’d get hit.

That was certainly a choice. The smoke cleared slowly.

“Golem is no longer able to battle!” The referee called out, and Terrance returned his Rock Type. I watched as Arcanine became visible, she was breathing heavily, and looked battered. That was not a weak move.

If this was a normal situation I’d return her, but Arcanine didn’t want that.

Even if I did. She was hurt, and I hated seeing my girl hurt. I’d have to give her all the pets after this.

There was a pause and Terrance was looking from me to my Pokemon. The obvious concern on his face was kind, but I just shrugged at him. The action made his face harden and then he grabbed his pokeball.

“Go!” The ball bounced and then popped open.

“Maaaaachamp!” The four armed fighting type roared out arms raised to the crowds.

Hmm. Weird choice, but I suppose there wasn’t any point in letting this continue.

“Arcanine! Go!” I roared out and my girl howled as she instantly burst forward in a blitz. I kept watching all the way expecting some trick to land before she struck, but I blinked when Machamp guarded up but took the blow.

Just like Golem.

The fighting Type rocked back, obviously unprepared for the full out power of a Extreme Speed Arcanine, but then it was over,

“Revenge!” Terrance had yelled just as the strike hit.

And even as Machamp was pushed backwards by a massive strike, one of his lower arms arched upwards.

This time Arcanine yelped as the blow caught her below her diaphragm and launched her upwards.

Revenge was a powerful move that only got stronger if the user had just been hit. Or something like that.

I winced as Arcanine hit the dirt and then it went quiet.

“Return!” I called out before the announcer could even call out that she couldn’t battle any longer. Yeah she was done.

“Take a rest.” I whispered to her ball before attaching it back to my belt. A sacrifice play, into a pokemon that was meant to take the first hit…

It was a workable strategy. Terrance had just been the first Trainer to actually knock out any of my pokemon, that was impressive but…

The problem with this sort of strategy is it wasn’t sustainable. What was Terrance planning? He can’t win like this.

“Go! Milotic!” I roared out, no longer willing to dwell on it. This battle wasn’t over yet, but no matter what tricks he planned it wouldn’t matter.

“And Milotic takes the field! Look at his scales, truly they earned the title of most beautiful pokemon!” The announcer called out, as the ref dropped the flag.

“Prepare!” I called out and Milotic disappeared into the ground in a burst of water.

“Bulk Machamp!” Terrance called out only after seeing Milotic disappear.

So he was going to try for a sweep now?

He tended towards synergizing moves. Using one Pokemon to roll into the next’s abilities. Was he planning on some sort of Baton Pass? Did Machamp learn Baton Pass?

I shrugged it off, I’d find out soon enough.

Milotic would be preparing, digging down and getting his moves started for his own Sweep, and I’d bet on Milotic every day.

The arena went quiet outside the faint rumble of people talking, all of them wondering when Milotic would appear, or what would happen next.

Then Terrance broke the stalemate. “EARTHQUAKE!” He roared out, and I just had to nod. Good choice, Milotic was underground which would make the Earthquake really hurt.

It was unfortunately something that while we’d planned for, didn’t have a perfect response.

The water would help cushion him a bit, and he knew what to do if he could get to it fast enough. Hopefully he could use Protect.

Either way like I said, we’d come up with a plan for if someone tried to mess with Milotics Dig again.

Stupid Koga and his stupid Psychic dig attack!

The arena jerked and rumbled as the ground shifted but other than water spurting out in geysers, nothing else happened, and Terrance looked around as if expecting something to happen.

But it didn’t.

Milotic would already be recovering if he took damage, and my boy could outlast the damage. Either Machamp would tire itself out with Earthquake, or Milotic would finish preparing and make his move.

“And Victoria’s Milotic is nowhere to be seen! Has it been knocked out by that groundbreaking Earthquake!?” The announcer called out and I rolled my eyes at the pun, but it became more serious a moment later when the referee looked at me and threw up a flag.

Shit.

Stupid tournament rules, they were going to call him K.O'ed unless he popped up soon.

I grabbed the guard rail on the stand I was on and took a deep breath.

“MILOTIC FULL POWER!” I roared as loud and as long as I could. Ugh. Throat is sore.

But then a moment later the ground rumbled under Machamp, and Terrance reacted.

“Dodge it!” He yelled out, his Machamp leaping forward. Doing a pretty cool sort of front flip using his four arms to keep him rolling as the ground exploded as Milotic burst out of the ground.

His entire body buzzed with power, and glowed white, but his tail carried with him a glob of water that as he reached his apex formed into an extension of his pretty tail.

Which then came rushing down towards Machamp.

There was the sound of flesh on flesh as Aqua Tail slammed down into the Machamps guard. Four arms all working together to try and stop the attack.

It was only partially effective.

Machamp made a grunt as the attack landed and the arena below his feet, already damaged by Earthquake, cracked and then crumbled. His footing lost, I realized it was over, and a moment later Milotic spun into another attack that Machamp was simply not capable of blocking.

The side blow, not even a full move, but just physical power blew Machamp away as he went tumbling across the arena.

“A powerful surprise attack!” The announcer called out but I tuned out the chattering.

Machamp rose up looking shocked at the strength of the blow, but then Terrance was there. “Get Close!”

“Maaaaachamp!” The fighting type roared, energy flowing over his body as he charged.

It only took a moment, Machamp burst forward, Close Combat a move that forgot about defense to go full offense, and Milotic seeing the attack coming, and his tail glowing as he prepared.

Then the two pokemon collide. Machamps punches came out in a blur of attacks, while Milotic used his tail like a shield, sweeping in fast strikes blocking the attacks.

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The training Zelos had given him on parrying was the only thing holding off the assault, but hold it off he did.

The two pokemon went at it, and the crowd went wild at the display of attacks.

“Who would have thought that a Milotic could go toe to toe with a fighting type! Look at them go!”

Terrance though must have realized that it was over. He looked from me to his pokemon and then yelled out.

“Machamp! Do it!”

“Milotic! Take him out!” I called back as well, and the two pokemon both glowed.

Close Combat for all its power, was a move that sacrificed defense. To keep it up, to keep using it over and over, meant that any attack would do immense damage.

Considering how much Machamp had glowed with power, he likely could be taken out with any of Milotic’s attacks now.

So it was time for a desperation move.

Both Pokemon suddenly stopped defending and just went for the win.

The strikes sounded out across the arena. Machamps bulked up Close Combat, and Milotics Aqua tail both struck. Machamps entire head flattened by Milotics attack, and Milotic?

Ouch. I winced in sympathetic pain as I noticed that the punch seemed to have dug deep into Milotics muscle.

The silence stretched on, as both Pokemon remained in place, an almost haunting tableaux of the final strike.

Then Machamp crumpled.

Milotic groaned as the punch was pulled from him and he wavered. He looked at me.

“Good job.” I mouthed to him as I raised my pokeball and returned him. “You did perfectly.” I told him. He could have recovered, and fought more, but that attack had been a lot. Better to just let him rest.

“And Victoria Ferrous returns her Milotic first!?” Then a moment later Machamp was returned and his icon on the board was crossed out.

Hmm. He’d managed to stall out my sweep. But, we were back at square one, and I wasn’t out of sweepers.

“Go!” I called out throwing a pokeball that could be my last.

“Preee!” Dragonite cheered as she appeared and once more the crowd went wild. Her wings beat letting her hover in the air and she looked around and waved almost shyly at everyone earning plenty of shouts and screams.

Not everyone was happy, but since this was a Kanto Dragonite, and not a Blackthorn one. Even the older trainers looked pleased.

But any cheers for Dragonite ended when the next pokemon took the field and everyone went silent before going absolutely crazy.

“Look at that folks! Trainer Terrance releases his Lapras!” The pokemon was just as beautiful as Milotic in its own way, as it looked around and trilled a song that was beautiful even with how simple it was.

Awww. I wanted a Lapras! Look how cute it was! I shook it off, another time. Right now it was time for a battle.

“Dragonite!” I called out, already she was preparing to charge, but this wasn’t just a tournament to blast through my opponent. I wasn’t just having fun here, but showing that I was a real trainer, that knew what they were doing.

No, against Lapras there was only one good choice.

I pulled my pokeball and returned Dragonite.

The entire arena went silent for a moment. Heh. No one had expected me to swap out? It was within the rules, but I’d never really did so far in the tournament. But this was the finals.

“Sorry Dragonite, you’ll get your fight soon. Now go!” I threw my next pokeball, and then there she was.

“Luuu!” Lucario howled as she appeared on the battlefield. Of course I could see Terrance realize what I’d just done.

Lapras was weak against fighting.

A moment later he withdrew his own pokemon.

“A double switch out! Folks both trainers are being careful now!”

The next pokemon irritated me. “Chaaaar!” The Charizard roared as it appeared. Terrance had released his starter, and it was a perfect opponent against Lucario.

She knew it too, I could see her glance at me for a moment before refocusing.

“Lucario! Bone Rush!” I called out, and her body shifted from where she was about to prep an Aura Sphere to instead generating the Energy Bone.

“Charizard! Fire Blast!”

The battle began with a literal bang. Lucario dodging the massive fire attack with a few quick hops before charging forward, but Charizard with one beat of his… No, her wings. Burst into the sky straight upwards.

“Lucario looked at me for a second. Again our disconnect caused some issues.

“Work up! If she wants to fly away then we’ll use the time!” I called out, and I saw Lucario begin preparing.

“Alright! Charizard! Flamethrower! Keep up the heat!”

I didn’t say anything. Lucario knew what to do. She ducked and dodged as the Charizard dove, spitting flames before pulling up before preparing for another dive bomb.

It was a smooth combination. The Charizard had been trained well, to keep this up while avoiding attacks in turn.

Then it was time. Lucario noticed it, and for once our understanding didn’t need words.

The next time Charizard came down in a dive, Lucario didn’t dodge, but charged forward. Even as the flamethrower was released, as the wall of flames came at her, she pulled up the Bone she’d made for Bone Rush and charged in.

I winced as she didn’t do what I’d hoped. I’d thought she’d spin the bone and use it as a shield to block the flames, but Lucario despite all our training together was still her own fighter. She simply took the flames and as she burst through right into Charizardss face, it was obvious the flames had hurt.

Then her Bone club came down and the type advantage skewed in the other way. Bone Rush was a Ground type, and the club smacked three times, before Charizard blew past Lucario.

A moment later both pokemon fell to the dirt. Lucario struggled to her feet, turning and the Charizard did the same.

Ah. I see, I had to give it to him.

“Lucario, return.” I called out, as she slumped holding onto her shoulder. A moment later the Charizard spread her wings and roared at her victory.

The iconic Kanto pokemon had the crowd cheering at her victory. Even I felt a smile come to my lips at how cool it was to see a Charizard!

I wanted a Charizard friend! Or at least a Charmander! I bet they were great cuddle buddies!

Right, right focus. Still have to deal with this battle thing, and right now? Terrance was putting in a lot of effort here. He was skilled. He’d definitely be a challenge for Koga, but… I don’t think he could actually win against him.

I rolled a pokeball into my hand and underhanded it off the stand and into the field, it landed and only then exploded open with a massive roar that shook the arena and had the crowd go silent.

“And Victoria releases her Flying GYARADOS!” The announcer practically yelled, and the crowd rumbled, both the noise of those excited and scared.

“Charizard! Thunder Punch!”

“Blue Heart! Aqua Tail!” I called out, and Charizard yelped as Gyarados shifted and his tail came down from above.

Gyarados didn’t have the skill training that Milotic had yet. So every attack he made he gave it his all. There was no subtly, no thought to missing. He simply attacked with everything and in this case, despite Charizard normally having a speed advantage, the poor Fire Type just couldn’t dodge.

It roared as the wave of water surrounding Blue Hearts tail smashed down. There was the sound of the floor below cracking, already weakened from all the damage of the fight so far embedding Charizard into the dirt.

“A titanic strike! Is the Charizard out of the battle!?”

Then Blue Heart gave a yelping noise as he jerked away revealing the glowing electricity charged fist of the Charizard as she pulled herself free from the earth.

The Charizard was definitely not out. Even if she looked a little tattered her tail flame bloomed as she roared showing her fighting spirit wasn’t done yet.

Of course despite just getting hit by an electric move, Blue Heart wasn’t exactly concerned either. No, he was instead very angry.

“Blue Heart! Again!” I called out, and Charizard cut off her roar to jerk away as another Aqua Tail slammed into where she had been.

He roared at her, and she did what every Charizard did, she flew higher to get out of reach.

Which was probably a mistake. Blue Heart glared up at her, at the fact she was in the sky to try and escape. The sky that belonged to him!

He coiled, shifting, even as Terrance moved.

“Use Sunny Day!” He called out urgently, and Charizard did, flaring her wings and suddenly despite the fact it was night time, the arena was lit up like bright daylight!

I… Had never actually seen Sunny Day during the night before… It was really cool. Like a mirage covering what should be, with what now was.

“My Heart! After her!” I yelled almost cackling as with just a single Dragon Dance he surged up and into the sky charging straight towards the Charizard.

The flying pokemon made a noise like a yelp and jerked to the side desperate to avoid the much larger Pokemon chasing after her, but to my amusement, that single Dragon Dance had been all Blue Heart needed not just to reach the sky, but to keep up.

Charizard let out a shocked noise as she looked back only to find Blue Heart right on her tail, mouth open and reaching.

“Now! Charizard! Solar Beam!”

“Blue Heart! Bear through it and Aqua Tail!” I called out. I didn’t have a move strong enough to overcome a Solar Beam! Especially not during Sunny Day when Charizard could just keep blasting!

The ray of energy from the Solar Beam crashed into Gyarados, causing my Blue Heart to roar out in pain and anger, as his tail lashed out

It slammed into Charizard from below and for a moment the pokemon wasn’t flying but just spinning around in circles through the air.

Then slowly as it reached the peak, she seemed to stir and shake a bit her wings flared, but she couldn’t quite seem to regain control, as she spun and glided to the ground before crashing heavily.

Blue Heart hung in the air above her, his maw opened and I knew that if I didn’t do something, he’d keep throwing things at her.

“Hold!” I called out and Blue Heart shifted, stopping his attack to look at me.

Which is when I gave him a big smile. “You’re doing great!” I called out just so he’d know how happy I was for him!

His tail fin twisted and rocked a bit back and forth showing how happy he was!

“And Charizard is no longer able to battle!” The announcer called out and that was that.

Three down.

Terrance took a moment seeming to be catching his breath, trying to find a way forward. Then finally he threw his next pokeball.

“Rai! Rachuuuuuu!” The pokemon called out as it appeared jumping up and down and sparking.

“And a Raichu takes the stage! Can Terrance pull out a win against this monstrous Flying Pokemon!?” The announcer called out enunciating the Flying a bit more than he probably should.

I didn’t care though.

“Blue Heart! Lightning Rod!”

“Raichu! Thunder!” I smirked as Blue Heart's tail slammed into the ground, the massive tail shone like metal and dug deep like he had just slammed a shovel into the earth. The Sunny Sky lit up even brighter as lightning shot down and slammed into Blue Hearts crown spikes.

Then it ended and everyone was waiting with bated breath.

I just smirked because slowly Blue Hearts head dropped down. That had probably hurt, but not enough to knock him out.

“Blue Heart! Aqua Tail!” I called out. Raichu might be an Electric Type, but that only gave him an offense bonus, not a defense one against water attacks!

Then there was a roar as he charged forward, using his tail, still anchored in the ground to fling himself forward in a move so fast even Raichu barely started to try and dodge as a massive tail came down.

The crash against the arena kicked up dust and I wasn't sure if it had actually hit. Everyone went quiet waiting with baited breath.

The smell of ozone was my only warning.

“Lightning Rod!” I called out, but it was too late and thunder arced down from the sky to slam down onto Gyarados.

He roared in pain, and shook back and forth for a moment.

“Raichu!” Terrance called out, as Gyarados’s tail shifted revealing the mouse that was bruised and beaten it slowly climbed to its feet. “Electro Shock!” Terrance called out to try and finish the fight.

“Aqua Tail!” I called out just after, and while Raichu tried to regain it self, Blue Heart acted without thought. There was no hesitation, no consideration.

He heard my call and so his tail came down on top of Raichu and once more the entire arena cracked, rock splintered and shattered.

I pulled up his pokeball and called for his return.

“You fought so well Thank you Blue Heart.” I whispered to the ball, even as the dust cleared showing the unconscious Raichu.

Once again the icon on the screen showed an X, while Gyarados was simply returned, not that I planned on using him again in this match considering how bad those electric attacks would be against him.

I threw out my next pokeball. Unfortunately it meant a mirror match again.

Raichu was returned, and Lapras once more was released.

Very well, if he thought Ice would be enough he was wrong.

“The match returns! Furious Dragonite, vs. Beautiful Lapras! Who will win? Ice, or Dragon!?” The announcer called out, and I just threw out my hand.

“Dragonite! Thunder Punch!”

“Ice Beam!”

But Lapras was just too slow, and before it could even begin charging Dragonite slammed into her. The crack of thunder echoed out, and the poor thing squealed at the force of the blow, being knocked almost onto her side from the strike.

But this wasn’t a wild pokemon. This Lapras was trained well. She shifted and opened her mouth.

The Ice Beam struck and Dragonite flinched back as her shoulder was coated, but it wasn’t enough of a hit to freeze her, she beat her wings and disappeared from Lapras's eyes flying straight up to get some space.

The battle was set.

Already Dragonite was using the space, beginning a Dragon Dance that would end this battle, even as Lapras used Recover to restore herself from that powerful strike.

“Lapras! Hail!” Terrance called out, as Lapras sang to the sky and the sky went dark, Sunny Day gone and the crackle of ice landing on the ground suddenly picked up.

“Dragonite! Prepare!” I called out, and I could see her nod at my order even as the hail started battering her, but she never stopped her Dragon Dance.

“Okay Lapras! Go for it!” Terrance yelled, I watched as Lapras began shooting Ice Beam into the sky at Dragonite.

It was easy for Dragonite to dodge, the beam shooting into the sky causing more and more ice to fall all over the battlefield as Dragonite continued to prepare for a sweep.

Then Dragonite roared practically blowing away the ice from around her as she was satisfied with her preparation!

“Lapras! Now! Perish Song!” Terrance called out in desperation, and the ringing dirge echoed out even as Dragonite simply disappeared from the sky and a blazing jagged cut appeared in the hail storm showing her path as she slammed into Lapras.

Perish Song? Why this late? It was late for that.

“And Victoria is on a timer! As Perish Song will knock out her Pokemon soon!”

Lapras was returned, the poor thing knocked out, and Terrance released his final pokemon. Probably one that was the most dangerous.

“Alakazam!” Called out the Psychic type Pokemon as he appeared on the battlefield.

The match restarted quickly.

“Go!” I yelled out, but even as Dragonite used Dragon Rush and buzzed across the battlefield, Alakazam disappeared in a static burst.

Ah. Teleport.

I looked around and couldn’t see him. Dragonite and I both began searching, up? No, the Hail clouds weren’t dense enough to block sight. Down? I looked into the cracked ruined arena, and realized this was the plan.

Sneaky, but I wasn’t going to just let Dragonite get knocked out! “Dragonite! Bring it all down! DRACO METEOR!” I roared out and she instantly spread her arms and energy burned inside her.

“Hail Storm!” Terrance yelled in return. And I blinked at the shout before I saw it. All across the battlefield, every bit of Hail all the Ice suddenly glowed, and then shot upwards towards Dragonite!

The flower of Draco Meteor exploded in the sky, the energy starting to fall downwards as it smashed into the hail that was shooting upwards, the ice chunks throwing into the sky slammed into the Draco Meteors, just one or two wasn’t enough, but a hundred? Each? The hail slowly disrupted the attacks.

Suddenly the sky of the arena was filled with explosions and sparkling lights as the Draco Meteors discharged early. Exploding and shaking everything each time.

It was our very own fireworks. I felt my smile stretch as the sky lit up with explosion after explosion.

How beautiful.

Then thanks to all the flashing lights, and the Ice lifting off, Dragonite must have spotted her target.

There was the sound of a roar, dopplered with how fast she was moving and a crash.

“I can’t see anything folks! Will we have a winner when the dust clears on this magnificent display!?”

And then it did clear, and I couldn’t help but break into a bit of giggles.

Dragonite had found her target but at some point she must have been knocked out by Perish Song.

Poor Alakazam was crushed underneath her, only his hands filled with spoons jutting out from her scales showed that he was there.

“Return!” I called out, Dragonite was obviously out, but…

Terrance was on the edge of the stand looking down, desperation and fear spread across his face.

And then the referee dropped the flag.

“Alakazam is unable to battle! The winner of the Indigo League is Victoria Ferrous!” The announcer practically shrieked, and the entire arena came alive cheering and shouting, and before I could think to do anything, as Terrance returned his pokemon, there were muffled pops and above us lights exploded into the sky.

Real fireworks this time. I looked up and watched as they exploded even as people shrieked and cheered, and even as I’m sure I should do something but…

It was done.

I could finally… I took a deep breath and let it out even as my knees gave way and I fell. I stared into the sky.

I liked Dragonites Fireworks more I thought. These were nice, but Draco Meteor exploding had been spectacular. Truly and utterly spectacular.

All of them had been. Even if I’m sure Arcanine would be utterly upset at her loss. But… I was done.

I’d spent more than a year working towards this. The Journey, the one thing that I’d been looking forward to and dreading.

It was over.

The finale to the entire trip was fireworks shot up into the sky on one of the tallest mountains in Kanto, and I felt…

I was happy, but more than that? I felt… Relieved. Sure I still had the Elite Four, and Lance but…

There was expectations around the Journey that I was finally free of. While Lance was personal. This was…

Ah, I remember this feeling. Graduating Highschool, finishing schooling, the expectation had flowed off my shoulder and I’d been free then too.

This wasn’t the end, but the start I realized. I closed my eyes, letting the lights of the fireworks explode over my eyelids.

This was the start of my life.

“VICKY!” I opened my eyes and smiled as I realized my friends and family were storming the stand. Ivy was already climbing onto the stand, as I turned and then I was tackled. “YOU DID IT!”

“I did it!” I cheered back and then I was swarmed as Papa was there, first helping Mama over the ledge before he reached down and just picked me up bodily from the ground disrupting Ivy for a moment as he spun me around, and then Mama was there hugging me from the other side.

Ivy was cheering, shouting and yet still barely heard over the noise of the crowd.

So. That was a Pokemon Journey.

Pretty fun, but now I had a Pokemon life to explore.

I felt my smile stretch wide as I raised my hands into the sky from Papa’s arms and roared in victory.

—--

While the final presentation was being completed, I found myself standing beside Terrance in the trainer waiting area. There was an awkward silence for a while as we watched the proceedings on the TV in the corner, waiting for us to be called.

But the awkward silence stretched out until finally as I glanced over, I noticed Terrance was looking at me.

“It was a good fight.” I offered to him earnestly.

“You went easy on me.” He finally said after staring down at me for a while. “You could have swept my team with Milotic, you had the time and prep, but you pulled him, and you used your Lucario which is weaker… You held back as well.”

“A little.” I admitted honestly after a few moments. If things had gotten any tougher, I’d have definitely stopped holding back and let Blissey take the field, or worked out some of the moves I’d learned from Koga to prepare a real sweep.

Instead I’d fought like I had mostly before fighting Koga. Letting my Pokemon brawl their way to a win.

“Even with all my planning I couldn’t beat you.” He muttered despondently, and I stood there for a while. Losing… Sucked. Like really super sucked, and the winner offering condolences was…

Salt on the wound.

So I wasn’t going to do that, instead I took a breath.

“I didn’t expect you to take out Arcanine like that. Or the Perish Song thing. You tried to let Dragonite fail to do anything against Alakazam.”

“I… Had planned on doing that against your Blissey. I was going to return Lapras after your Dragonite hit her, and then do the same thing. But Lapras got knocked out… None of my pokemon could keep up. I had to use Explosion, and tricks.”

“So?” I asked honestly. “Tricks are just fine. If a trainer loses to a trick, it’s a trick they’ll never forget and learn from. It was a good match. I’ll worry about Arcanine rushing pokemon that can Explode from now on. I didn’t expect it.”

“It was the only thing I could think of to take out your Arcanine. If I didn’t knock her out early, she’d be unstoppable. It didn’t even work, not really.” He answered a bit bitterly.

“Heh. So you had to plan a lot to beat her? I’ll have to tell her that. It’ll make her happy that it took that much… Not that it’s going to stop the whining.” I muttered. I was dreading dealing with her once she was healed up.

“How’d you-? Nevermind. I won’t stop, this won’t be my last conference, and next year I’ll take the win.”

“Probably.” Before I could say anything more one of the aides entered the little waiting area.

“They’re ready for you now!” The woman in a suit offered with a bow.

We followed after her, the third place trainer joining us in a rush, looking excited, as we headed for the exit.

There the announcer called us in.

“And here now are the top ranking trainers of this Pokemon League competition! Please join us in saluting them along with their pokemon for their skill and dedication to the ideals of the Pokemon League!”

We walked out onto the field directly onto a podium where we each took our position, all the trainers that had taken part of the conference were on the field alongside us, holding the Indigo conference badge that had been passed out to them beforehand.

As we took our places the field and stands erupted in applause. Cheering and shouting. I raised a hand to the sky and waved at everyone that was cheering, happy that everyone was happy.

Then President Goodshow stepped out and walked to each of us. He spoke to the others first. Offering them words of encouragement and then both a trophy, alongside a special medal, placed around their neck.

And then it was my turn. Even with the crowd quieting down it was still incredibly loud, but he spoke clearly and loudly enough I could catch it.

“Miss Ferrous. You’ve truly shown the heart of a real Pokemon Trainer today. Be proud stand tall, and grow even further in the future!” I smiled at his words and for once actually had to bend my head to someone else as he was shorter than I was!

When the medal was placed over my neck a large trophy was handed over and despite the aides around him struggling with it, and attempting to put it down I just hefted the massive thing up and threw it over my head.

“It’s finally over!” I couldn’t help but yell as loud as I could, laughing and cheering as the crowd once more roared.

—--

“Nooo. I’m sleeping in today!” I whined as a familiar tongue licked at my toes demanding I wake up as the sun rose despite the fact I’d been up super late last night!

“Arcany! I’m- DON’T YOU DARE!” I yelped as I felt his teeth gently wrap around my ankle that I was trying to hide in my blankets and then I was yanked right off the bed. I had just a moment to see Pillow sit up and lay back down on my pillow as I was pulled right off of bed and then carried kicking and yelling out of my room.

Arcany was a bit careful for a moment as I was dragged out around the new display case in the living room which might have been a bad purchase as the Indigo league trophy didn’t really fit on it.

Why make such a massive pain in the ass trophy?

But then I was outside and dropped into the damp grass.

“You know I’m going to make you regret this right?” I asked him, but Arcany just sat his tail wagging as I spit the bits of grass out of my mouth as I sat up.

The sun was rising. The Milotic were already up and singing to each other, and then to me as they saw me.

Dragonite was snoozing among the berry trees, with her hubby wrapped around her. Blue Heart peaked his head out of the water and gave a yawn noise which was his not growl greeting.

I looked over and Arcanine was still hiding in the hole she had dug last night. That was a bit too close to the porch though. I’ll have to get her to cut that out later today before she undermines the whole house.

“Bliss bliss!” Blissey greeted me as she jogged past, the cute little sweat band around her head that she liked to wear when she was exercising.

And I’m pretty sure I’d seen Lucario in the kitchen helping out Mama when I was dragged past.

“What a journey.” I whispered to myself. I couldn’t have ever imagined I’d really do all that. Wander around Kanto, fight the gyms. Win the Conference. I’d done that. Nerd Vicky. The pokemon obsessed girl.

Well I shrugged and took it for what it is. This was my life, and I still had a whole lot more living to do.

But for now I really needed to go back inside and warm up, because my toes were hecking freezing!

Stupid dog slobber!