Chapter 42: Back to tournament-ing!

Walking out of the now-empty room after Caitlin teleported away left me with a strange mix of emotions. As bad as it feels to admit, the greater excitement was the idea of a Larvesta in my team. For context, out of the 900 and something Pokemon existing, the line easily made the top 3. So, the opportunity of having one of my own filled me with excitement. Not only that, but it was also a species that many argued should be considered pseudo legendary. Myths and legends of their sightings are comparable to those of legendaries, after all.

I even remembered two myths in particular. One stated that a volcano erupted, blotting the skies with ashes for many years, only for a Volcarona to take the place of the literal sun, illuminating the lives of the people and earning their worship. The other stated that Volcarona was the one who got angry, bathing the region in flames and ashes for years at a time. Two very different descriptions. One was a savior and the other a destroyer.

The thought of adding such a Pokemon to my team made me almost skip. Almost because the other emotion roiling in my mind stopped me.

Worry. That was what kept me in check. Did I make the right decision by sharing what I knew? How much will change as a result of the knowledge I spread? I mean, it was pretty much a staple in every movie that I saw: meddling with the flow of events never ended well. What if by helping avert the consequences of the act I knew, greater dangers appeared? Maybe I should have considered it before opening my mouth, but I couldn’t stop the countless what-ifs scenarios that played in my mind.

Just then, my phone buzzed from a message Sera had just sent me. I apparently missed the full development of the tournament, as they were already back at the hotel. Even before checking the list of semifinalists she sent me, I saw it. Screens around the big stadium displayed posters of the coming matchup.

[Arnold Vs Nexon]

[Seraphina Vs Roy]

It seemed they took some pictures of us during the previous matches because I didn’t remember going for a photoshoot. The two posters showed both trainers of their matchups facing against their opponents with serious faces. It seemed like they were going all out from here on out.

Yep. That was pretty much what I expected. Tomorrow will be something else. Although… maybe I should check if I can have one last surprise ready for my rematch…

I entered the chat with Nana and Pops.

[Can Missy come with me for a while? I have some last-minute training to get in.]

Being alone, I let the devious smile play on my face. If everything works out, I should be able to surprise Arnold right at the opening…

---

Explosions resounded in the sky, spreading small puffs of white or grey smoke as the fireworks tried to illuminate the sky. Today was not only the day of the semifinals but also the one that would determine the third place for both categories. It seemed the organizers were hellbent on keeping the finals for the morning of the next day, while the afternoon was reserved for their mystery event.

In the end, I got a few hours of training yesterday. After trying to convince Pops and Nana, I ended up training on the outskirts of Nimbasa. That was more than enough for what I planned though. It was also unnecessary but if it worked out it would give me a leg up.

I stood at the mouth of the field waiting for the announcer to finish his speech about it being the first of the semi-finals. Looking opposite me I could see Arnold also waiting. It was too far to make up his expression but I could see him standing and waiting.

“Now ladies and gents, without further ado, let us give a warm welcome to our two young stars. From the first entrance, we have the young Arnold who made his way all the way to the semi-final by using only two of his Pokemon! His Drilbur and unusual Tauros proved themselves to be too much for his opponent up until now. Today, we have the opportunity to see his mystery Pokemon! Now please make some noise for ARRNNOOOLLDDD!”

With the loud shout as his signal, I saw Arnold take his first step toward the field under the cheers from the crowd. He returned them with a wave of his own while making his way to the trainer box.

Just when the cheers died down, the announcer decided to add oil to the fire.

“Opposite him, we have a trainer who showed three Pokemon while making his way to where he stands. But! Do not be fooled into thinking he will be an easy opponent. A trainer who demonstrated at several reprises that type advantage does not equate to victory. One who showed that risk goes hand in hand with reward. And one who offered us an overwhelming victory previously on this same ground. Join me dear public in welcoming NNEEXXXOOOOONNN!”

We can say what we want, but this guy knows how to hype the crowd.

I thought and stepped out of the shadow that covered me until now and made my way to the trainer box. The noise made by the crowd was deafening as shouts and whistles flew in the air encouraging me. There were also some shouting Arnold’s name even if they were drowned out. I also made an effort to wave back as I walked, hopefully masking how uncomfortable it felt.

Now that I got closer, I could finally see the expression on Arnold, and I couldn’t help but mirror it. The defiant smile that said ‘Come and get it’. It was my opportunity to wash one of the most one-sided beatings I took, and his to cement that he was a finer strategist and trainer. As we stood there, it wasn’t the referee who broke the silence this time.

“So we are back to facing each other. Only this time we won't be limited to one Pokemon and you can expect the same result as the previous match.” Arnold said into his mic.

At first, I was taken aback by the confidence and maybe even arrogance in his voice. But then I remembered what Burgh said: Trainers are also entertainers. And judging by the smile on his face, it was nothing malicious.

“If you think it will be the same as last time, you are in for a rude wake-up.” I shot back.

It felt weird having this kind of conversation but at the same time, it was to be expected. Once on the field, we are opponents. Maybe… even rivals. The word made me smile and I quickly morphed it into a confident smile.

The crowd seemed to absolutely eat that up as they went wild once more. The referee was the one to put an end to after it went on for a while.

“For the first Semifinal, we have Arnold face a Nexon. This match will follow the single format, with three Pokemon each. Each trainer will be given two substitutions. The battle will end when both Pokemon are rendered unconscious. Are both trainers ready?” The only answers he got were two determined nods and two confident smiles. “ Then be ready to send Pokemon, in 3…”

Both Arnold and I locked eyes.

“2”

There was no need for any more words.

“1”

Our two hands flew to our respective Poke balls.

“Begin!”

The two of us threw our selected Pokemon. My heart beat wildly in my heart as I waited to see if my first gamble would pay out. I didn’t even consider that he would send his starter as his first Pokemon. He kept him hidden until now and I doubted he would open the match with him. The question was then who would open the dance for him.

It was a bit of a stretch, but I could only try to win the psychological war. He probably didn’t expect me to begin with Nike, so for him, the question will be between Skoll and Tiamat. If he expected Tiamat, there was no doubt that his Paldean Tauros would appear on the field. If it was Skoll instead, he would bet on Drilbur. But going with a conservative expectation I would bet on Drilbur. After all, he hit both Tia and Skoll for at least a neutral hit.

And when I saw the mole Pokemon appearing in a flash on the field, I knew that I had made the correct choice and let out an internal sigh of relief. At the same time, the Dusk Ball released its occupant onto the field. Tyr appeared in a crouch position and slowly stood up while scanning his surroundings. His sharp gaze swept across the crowd, then Arnold before fixating on the Drilbur.

The ground type to his credit seemed more than willing to go for a round, crashing his claws against each other. His trainer, however, had a somewhat alarmed gaze. I couldn’t blame him since as far as he knew I didn’t have water type, much less a starter. I couldn’t help but shoot a small smirk in his direction.

---

Sera watched as the Dewott that Nexon caught just recently appeared on the field. That was a surprise since as far as she knew he was supposed to be convalescent. Not only that but bringing a Pokemon you never fought with to a tournament was practically madness.

Which was why she shouldn’t have been surprised that Nexon did it. Because of course, he would.

He was a good friend, but sometimes she wondered if he had all of his cases in his head. Like when he decided that he could win the quarter-finals with only one Pokemon. And the most infuriating part was that he succeeded in it.

Right now, she couldn’t help but feel a bit bad for Arnold. He must have been completely taken by surprise. Also, she knew how much the defeat he inflicted on Nexon affected him. So she was pretty sure that he would have prepared something quite nasty for him.

Next to her, her entire team was arrayed and fixed the screen. Normally she wouldn’t have let them all out, but the fact that she had the room for herself meant that she could afford to. Presumably leaving two people that would fight in a few minutes alone wasn’t a good idea.

The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

She shook her head free of the upcoming match. For now, she would focus on the match in front of her. She would cheer for both of them and console the loser. After all, they were friends.

---

When Arnold saw a Dewott of all Pokemon appear on the field, he wanted to beat Nexon senseless. How in the world did he manage to find himself a starter Pokemon and even have the time to evolve it?

No, maybe he found it already evolved. He told himself and he wanted to believe it.

Although that also offered concerns of its own.

If he evolved it, I can expect him to be fairly familiar with his Pokemon, but that would also mean that it shouldn’t be too far in terms of raw power. On the other hand, if it was already evolved, there is a chance that it is a new capture, so inexperienced, but also the possibility that it is close to evolving once more.

He tried to rack his brain as much as he could, but Nexon didn’t seem inclined to let him figure things out.

“Aqua Jet!”

Once he heard the call, he snapped back to his senses. The only problem was that the Dewott was already advancing toward Drilbur.

“Dodge then Metal Claw!”

The command came out more panicked than he would have liked but he was taken out of his rhythm. He had to admit he was expecting Nexon to lead with his Trapinch given his usual battle style and character. And if he was honest he guessed he had predicted it and decided to switch things up.

A small smile tugged at his lips as he saw the Dewott slammed into the ground just after Drilbur rolled out of the way. The ground type took barely a second to recenter himself before using Metal Claw, yet to his surprise, the Dewoot was already in position.

“Razor Shell,” Nexon said.

This time again, Arnold found himself surprised. Not by the move itself, but by its execution. He was expecting the clash to be a battle of raw power and in such case, he was confident that Drilbur had the water type beat. Instead, he watched as Dewott brought out his shells in a fluid motion, seamlessly coating them in a layer of water to the point that they looked more like small daggers. Then, as if that was not enough, it didn’t bring his move to bear straight on against his Pokemon’s attack. Instead, it seemed as if the claws were gently grabbed and set aside before a reverse strike smashed into Drilbur.

That single exchange confirmed a possibility that he hadn’t wanted to acknowledge. There was more than just pure power to this move; there was undeniable skill. He knew at that point that Drilbur wouldn’t be able to beat the Dewott.

But it would at least make sure that his efforts will be taken advantage of fully. He wouldn’t switch because honestly, Drilbur was one who wouldn’t really get to shine this match. His Pokemon also knew this and had accepted it. But he would at least make it as unpleasant as he could. While he had been thinking his Pokemon did take a couple more hits, but he was far from done.

“Step back!” he ordered with his poised back.

Immediately his Pokemon launched a final horizontal swipe, whose sole objective was to push the Pokemon he was entangled with back, allowing him to jump backward. It was a move that was executed exactly as they practiced it. Even if he knew Nexon wouldn’t be so kind as to let them.

“Don’t let them! Water Pulse”

Arnold almost smiled as he heard it. Of course, he wouldn’t let it pass. However, that was fine too.

“Stealth Rock.” This time he spoke calmly.

He knew that Drilbur was likely to go down with that hit, but he would willing to do so if it gave the upper hand to the team. That was the kind of Pokemon he was after all.

At the same time that the Dewott condensed an orb of water that almost seemed to ripple, a small boulder was coalescing between the two extended arms of his own Pokemon. Then, the water orb was shot forward at an impressive speed. Just not fast enough.

Drilbur smashed the rick he created on the ground, sending shards flying all over the arena side of Nexon. He watched as the splinters subtly changed color until they blended seamlessly with the ground of the arena. Nexon also took notice of the different splinters but there was nothing he could do.

Then the orb of water made contact with Drillur and exploded in a cloud of mist that obscured the small ground type. The explosion surprised him honestly. It was much stronger than he had expected. Focusing on the water type, he only now noticed the small occasional glint coming off the scarf that the Pokemon was wearing. At first, he thought it was odd for Nexon to do so given that it wasn’t a contest, but seeing the vaguely teardrop shape that he could make out from her, it made much more sense. It was likely to be a Held Item.

Seeing no movement in the rapidly dissipating vapor cloud, Arnold’s hand was already moving to his belt when the referee made his call.

“Arnold’s Drilbur is unable to battle. You have 30 seconds to send out your next Pokemon.”

He didn’t hesitate and immediately sent his next Pokemon after retrieving and thanking the unconscious Drilbur. If Nexon wanted to play unpredictably, he could too. A strong bellow resounded in the arena as his Pokemon landed.

---

The Aqua breed of Tauros appeared on the field and was more than happy to let us know as a loud bellow shook the arena.

That… was not what I expected. I gripped inwardly. And judging by the smug grin of the bastard he knew it.

I was expecting him to play off of the type advantage and bring out his Snivy, or more than likely Servine. At that moment, would surprise him with Aerial Ace or Fury Cutter, witling down the grass type enough for Nike or Skoll to finish it. Yet it seemed I would have to change my plans. Slightly, but a change nonetheless.

““Aqua Jet!””

Two orders were sent out and one move was used. I watched in awe as the Tauros started running before water surged from its horns which were now glowing a deep blue and covered it in a flash. His gallop slowly turned into a leap that didn’t land as the water generated enough power to lift him off the ground.

Two jets of water slammed into each other, causing their users to switch direction until they homed back to their opponents. It looked like two massive snakes battling for dominance and butting heads repeatedly. They weaved and twisted, ascending so high that they were only stopped by the barrier protecting the spectators, before descending to the point skimming the ground. Honestly, the sight was so beautiful that I lost myself in it, only staring at the intricate movements that both Pokemon performed. Thankfully Arnold seemed just as entranced in that. But all good things must come to an end.

Ultimately, the deciding factor was the Mystic Water embossed onto Tyr’s scarf. In one direct clash, both moves pushed against the other in a game of pulling the rope. With a final push, they acted as if in agreement and poured more power into their moves. Their respective cones of water expanded violently, only Tyr’s was bigger. He pushed the opposing Pokemon back, slowly at first but with increasing intensity. He sent the raging bull caroling back until it crashed on the floor.

But I was far from under the impression that it would be enough, and was proven right when the Tauros dashed out of the smoke and stood proudly. If I wanted to take it down, I would need more than that. Thankfully I add just the right move.

“Tyr get in close! Then Aerial Ace.”

With a fluid motion, he started running with his scalchops already held in each hand. The pale glow of flying type energy soon covered them and closed the remaining distance.

“Be ready to dodge and wait,” I hear Arnold call out.

That wasn’t good to hear but with nothing more concrete I couldn’t call off the move, only be ready to react in time. At the last moment, Tauro tried to jump a bit to the side, but Tyr was ready. The first scalchop missed its mark but the second one made contact. The super effective hit rocked the fighting type, yet it stood with a firm posture.

“Get around him, and Aerial Ace once more,” I commanded. If I could bring down the Tauros with just Tyr it would practically guarantee my victory.

“Now Thief!”

What?

Before I could fully register the command given, it was executed. Tauros’ three tails all lashed out toward Tyr. I watched in horror as with surprising dexterity, they wrapped around the scarf worn by Tyr and smoothly pulled it out. Then it simply wrapped itself around the waving tails. To make matters worse, Tyr stopped in his tracks in surprise.

“Double Kick,” Arnold said.

That was what snapped me back. “Aqua Jet! Get out of there”

Unfortunately, the command came out late, and with Tyr still stunned by the fact that his item was stolen, he reacted too late. The back hooves of the bull struck out faster than he could react. The thin sheet of water that he managed to form in time might as well have been non-existent. The fighting type move hit him with enough force to send him all the way to Arnold’s trainer box.

By now he shook the shock off, but I could still see his eyes dart toward the three tails with the scarf now wrapped at their base, his hand going around his neck where it used to sit.

“Tyr, forget it now. We’ll get back after the end. Don’t let up and use Aerial Ace!”

I hated that I was forced to use the same move again and again, but it was the most effective one I had access to. I would need to work on getting more variety in his move pool later.

Showcasing why its species name was Discipline, Tyr righted himself and followed the command. Once more the scalchops were enhanced with flying type energy as he dashed once more to face his opponent. An opponent who unfortunately was done taking hits it seemed.

“Wild Charge!” Arnold once more surprised us.

Well shit!

“Don’t let it hit you!” I shouted urgently.

Unfortunately, that was easier said than done. He had already closed the distance, and Wild Charge was used too fast for him to be able to do anything. An electricity-covered bull was not a hit that he could take at that moment. He was sent flying once more, only this time he didn’t get back up.

“Nexon’s Dewott is unable to battle. You have 30 seconds to send out your next Pokemon.”

I pulled out the dusk ball and recalled the unconscious water type.

“Well done buddy. I know you pushed yourself so rest for now.” I murmured to his Ball.

Immediately I pulled the Pokeball of the next fighter out of my belt… but I hesitated. This should have been a no-brainer really. I wouldn’t risk bringing Tiamat against a water type, not to mention one as fast as Tauros. And while Skoll didn’t have the best match-up, it was still the best choice since I wanted to save Nike for his starter. Or maybe I should send Nike now given that she had the clear advantage and then keep Skoll for the starter.

It’s true that now Skoll can also deal with the grass type thanks to his Ice Puch. Nike on the other hand has Mystical Fire to deal with him. But against Tauros, which one of them would fare better? Skoll is more likely to be able to take hits while Nike could avoid them completely if she stays out of range…

“You have fifteen seconds left.” The referee was the one to take me out of my scenarios.

I looked up to see a smirking Arnold as he watched me. Given the personality of the guy, he was probably enjoying himself far too much.

Fine, you four-eyed guy you win this one!

Since both scenarios had their pros and cons, I would simply with the basic plans that my Pokemon were aware of. Skoll Appeared on the field and started bouncing lightly when he faced the other fighting type. That was dangerous since given his competitive and battle-hungry tendency, he would want to rush in and slug it out.

“Keep calm Skoll. He just beat Tyr.” I informed him

Thankfully that seemed to do the trick, and he went from ready to punch straight into things to a sort of nervous excitement. Don’t get it wrong, he was still ready to punch things, only he would do it with more consideration. The difference was slight but it was there.

“Resume!”

“Quick Attack”

“Match it with Aqua Jet.”

Both of them rushed each other, one leaving a white trail reminiscent of a comet behind him while the other left water in its wake. And just as predictably, Skoll was the one to lose this exchange. The fact that the water type used a move of the same type and was now boosted by an item that I paid for meant that it was too much for a quick attack to match it. He was sent back and skidded to a stop.

Clearly, it was time to even the field a bit.

I did my best to try and recall any memories that gave me the will to fight. One that screamed that I couldn’t afford to lose. And I did my best to try and imagine them with as much detail so that it affected my mood, or at least enough. Skoll aura sensors twitch involuntarily. I couldn’t hide my smile.

For a beat, Skoll seemed to grow larger as he pumped his muscles. Then it was as if steam was released from his entire body. Hopefully, the Work Up would close the gap.

Arnold’s eyes narrowed when he saw Skoll use the move with any audible command, but there was nothing he could do.

“Now! Brick Break!”

He sped up immediately after hearing, and once he reached his target his hands started to glow in the telltale sign of fighting type energy. Without waiting he brought it down onto the Tauros’s head. At least he tried to.

“Protect”

That was honestly one of the fastest Protect I have seen. In but the blink of an eye, the greenish shield appeared and blocked Skoll’s attack. That also had the unfortunate effect of leaving him suspended in the air. And vulnerable.

“Horn Attack.”

The horns of the black Tauros started to shine brightly and to my surprise, the Protect stayed in place during that time. He was using two moves at once.

“Step back with Quick Attack!” I shouted and thankfully this time it was enough.

One of the most baffling things that I have seen since I remembered my old life. When I was a kid I always thought that Ash’s Pikachu using Quick Attack to change direction in mid-air was just because it was an anime. At least until Skoll started to do the same. That broke every single law of physics that should exist. But then again it wasn’t a rare occurrence.

Regardless, Skoll’s acceleration backward was what saved him from receiving the Horn Attack. That seemed to surprise Arnold but not enough to make him pause.

“Headbutt!” He ordered.

“Detect into Force Palm.”

The charging bull was swiftly sidestepped, and a palm driven into its flank sent it skidding sideways. It unfortunately didn’t look paralyzed and turned to face Skoll once more. There was a brief standstill that I was quick to break.

“Bullet Punch.”

Skoll blurred forward with metallic fists and slammed into the Tauros before he could react. That unfortunately was a mistake.

“TAAAUUROOSSSS!!!!”

The angry bellow shook the arena itself and Skoll was forced to step back from the loud noise alone. Tauros on the other hand seemed positively Pissed while Arnold sounded worried.

“Tauros! Snap out of it! Use Aqua Jet!” He shouted.

Yet instead of the water rushing out to envelop the bull, his head started to glow with normal type energy. If I had to guess that was Headbutt. And before I could react, he charged for Skoll.

“Dodge out of the way!” I shouted and I didn’t need to say it twice.

He rolled to the side, leaving the seemingly enraged bull to pass by harmlessly… only for it to stop and turn around before charging again. Skoll once more jumped to the side while Arnold kept shouting orders that were promptly ignored. The only saving grace was that in its anger Tauros was only charging in a straight path, which made it easier to evade. Surprisingly, it was the announcer that provided the explanation for what happened.

“OHH! It seemed the black Tauros Ability was finally revealed to be Anger Point! However, he doesn’t seem to be able to control it!”

For once I was actually glad that they kept talking during the fight. But still.

Anger Point? What does it do again?

As much as I wanted to remember, I drew a complete blank. Was there any other Pokemon that had it?

“…Boost its physical capabilities when it is hit harder!”

Okay, that was the second time in a row. That served as a reminder. The ability maxed out the physical strength of the Pokemon when it takes a critical hit. It seemed that Bullet Punch was an unlucky one… Een still I didn’t remember anything about it making the Pokemon go berserk. Although it made sense that it would.

Either way that was bad. Skoll was starting to tire, and I needed to find a solution. The Issue was that even one hit would likely be enough to knock him out. I found myself once more regretting that Skoll didn’t have a long range move. And at that point in the match, sending in Nike would just end with me having two injured Pokemon against one fresh.

As much as I didn’t want to resort to that tactic, it was the only one I could think of.

“Skoll, End-“ I was cut short before I could finish my sentence.

“I am using my switch!” Arnold shouted and recalled the recalled the charging beast.

Skoll stood back, still planting with his fur in tatter after being forced to roll on the ground at several reprises. But the switch was the best move for me. I really didn’t want to use Endure and Counter since that would leave Skoll out of commission.

That was the extent of my luck for today it seemed. Once Arnold threw his Pokeball I was shocked into silence.

It wasn’t a Servine that appeared on the field. It was a goddamn Serperior!

Well, shit.