Dunes POV

As I sat on James’ shoulder watching the matches unfold, boredom washed over me. The battles so far had been uneventful, and my mind began to drift into thoughts about my own evolution. What would it feel like? Would it be a rush of strength and energy, like when I leveled up? Each time I gained experience, I could sense my power increasing, but evolution had to be something else entirely. Would it be a sensation of bursting out of my skin, like I was being reborn into a stronger version of myself? Would I even have the instincts to navigate my new body, or would I have to learn everything from scratch—how to fly, walk, and battle?

Flying. The very thought sent a shiver down my spine. Would it be exhilarating or terrifying? I had no idea, but I was only about ten levels away from finding out. My thoughts shifted to legendary Pokémon. James had shared countless stories about them during our rest breaks, and it was one of his dreams to see one up close. It seemed these legendary beings truly lived up to their name; they were celebrated for their immense power and uniqueness. I learned that, despite their legendary status, people had captured them before. Well, there children of the legendary that is. Strangely enough, these legendary Pokémon could have offspring, dubbed half-legendaries. While they were powerful, they lacked the full might of their parents, and I found it fascinating that the same legendary Pokémon could appear in different places, showcasing their strength in different forms.

Amid my musings, I couldn’t shake my bewilderment over the technology in this world. The Deva Corporation’s backpacks were particularly odd; they functioned somewhat like Poké Balls, transforming items into energy and somehow making the interior space larger than the exterior. It felt like something straight out of a sci-fi novel! Yet, every advertisement I saw focused on these peculiar backpacks, leaving me puzzled. Why were they investing in such strange technology instead of improving the living conditions in the Kanto and Johto regions, which were clearly struggling? The priorities of this world perplexed me, but I knew I was just a human who had died and been reborn as a Trapinch. Or was I merely a Trapinch with memories from another universe? The truth eluded me.

Still, those memories provided me with valuable insights and advantages. Even as a Trapinch, I had the capacity to think critically, which had to count for something. Right? I sighed, dismissing the question. My thoughts began to ramble as I tried to find entertainment in this dull tournament.

Just then, I noticed a kid named Alex stepping into the arena, sending out a Treeko. Now this was interesting; finally, someone on par with James! I leaned in closer as Alex faced off against another trainer with a Poochyena. The crowd buzzed with anticipation as the battle commenced.

“Treeko, let’s go!” Alex shouted, confidence radiating from him. The Treeko stood poised, its green body shimmering under the arena lights, eyes sharp and focused. On the opposite side, the Poochyena snarled, ready to spring into action.

“Poochyena, Quick Attack!” the other trainer commanded. The dark-type Pokémon lunged forward, a blur of fur and teeth aimed at Treeko.

“Dodge it, Treeko!” Alex shouted. The Treeko leaped to the side, narrowly avoiding the Poochyena’s charge. With agility and precision, it regained its footing, ready to counter.

“Use Mega Absorb!” Alex instructed. The Treeko’s body glowed with a soft green light as it focused its energy. It released a wave of life-draining energy towards the Poochyena, who was momentarily caught off guard.

The attack connected, and the Poochyena yelped as the energy was siphoned away. Treeko glowed brighter as it regained some health from the attack, but Poochyena wasn’t finished yet. Shaking off the effects of Absorb, it bared its teeth, a glint of determination in its eyes.

“Poochyena, use Howl to boost your strength!” the trainer commanded. The Poochyena lifted its head and let out a fierce howl, filling the arena with a potent aura that resonated with its spirit. I could see the tension in the air as its attack power increased, preparing for a more ferocious onslaught.

“Stay sharp, Treeko!” Alex yelled. “Use Leafage!”

The Treeko quickly gathered its energy, summoning a cyclone of leaves that whirled around it. With a swift motion, it sent the torrent of leaves spiraling toward Poochyena. The attack hit with ferocity, striking the Poochyena directly and knocking it back.

The Poochyena struggled to regain its footing but remained determined. “Poochyena, retaliate with Bite!” the trainer shouted. The dark-type Pokémon dashed forward, fangs bared, ready to sink its teeth into Treeko.

“Watch out, Treeko!” Alex warned. The Treeko barely managed to evade the attack, dodging to the side just in time. But Poochyena was quick, and its momentum allowed it to pivot and attempt another strike.

“Use Quick Attack again!” the trainer shouted, desperate to land a hit. The Poochyena charged at Treeko, moving faster than before.

“Counter with Mega Absorb!” Alex commanded. As Poochyena leaped in for the attack, Treeko focused its energy once more, launching a wave of green energy just as Poochyena was about to connect.

The two attacks collided, creating a vibrant display of energy. The force sent both Pokémon skidding backward, but Treeko, slightly less worn from the earlier attacks, regained its balance first.

“Now, Treeko! Finish it with Leafage!” Alex shouted, his voice rising above the crowd’s cheers. Treeko summoned another cyclone of leaves, which spiraled toward Poochyena with renewed vigor. The attack struck true, enveloping the dark-type Pokémon in a whirlwind of sharp foliage.

The Poochyena let out a final cry as it was overwhelmed, collapsing to the ground, unable to continue the fight. The referee raised a hand, signaling the match’s conclusion.

“Treeko is the winner!” the referee declared, and the crowd erupted into applause. Alex beamed with pride, raising his arms in victory as Treeko hopped around excitedly, basking in the glory of the battle.

Watching the match unfold ignited a spark of excitement within me. This was the thrill of battle, the kind of spectacle that made the tournament worthwhile. Perhaps watching others fight wasn’t so boring after all. With each passing match, I grew more eager for my own evolution, dreaming of the day I would take to the skies as a stronger Pokémon.

James pov

It was time for our second match, and I was set to face a kid named Tyler. In his previous match, he had used a Wingull, but it had taken quite a bit of damage. The referee mentioned that he also had a second Pokémon, so I knew I had to stay sharp. As I walked to my designated spot in the arena, I clutched Scorch’s Poké Ball tightly, the anticipation coursing through me as I stared down my opponent.

“This will be a 2v2 match between Trainer James from Petalburg City and Trainer Tyler from Bakers Town. Are both trainers ready?” the referee announced, glancing between us. I nodded firmly, my confidence unwavering, while Tyler mirrored my gesture, though I could sense a hint of nervousness in his posture.

“This battle will commence at the count of three. One, two, three—begin!”

With that, I hurled Scorch’s Poké Ball into the air. In a flash of brilliant light, the Torchic emerged, its feathers glowing in the sunlight, radiating energy and determination. I assessed the battlefield, spotting Tyler’s Pokémon—a Zigzagoon, who was already zigging and zagging back and forth in a whirlwind of excitement. The little creature was practically vibrating with energy, letting out an enthusiastic “Zig!” as it prepared for battle.

“Zigzagoon, use Tackle!” Tyler shouted, his voice a mix of excitement and urgency.

“Scorch, dodge and use Ember!” I commanded, my voice steady.

Zigzagoon launched itself toward Scorch, but I anticipated Tyler’s predictable move. Scorch quickly sidestepped, its reflexes sharp, and gathered flames in its beak before unleashing a powerful Ember attack. The flames soared through the air, striking Zigzagoon head-on. The impact sent it stumbling back, clearly shaken by the force of the attack.

“Quick, Zigzagoon! Get back in there with another Tackle!” Tyler yelled, trying to regain control. He seemed determined, but I could see the tension building in him.

“Scorch, use Growl!” I directed. Scorch let out a fierce growl, the sound echoing across the battlefield. The move lowered Zigzagoon’s attack power, making it more cautious and hesitant.

Zigzagoon, visibly shaken but still eager, charged forward again. Tyler seemed to miscalculate his timing. Instead of a straight tackle, he tried to zigzag in an unpredictable pattern. I could see his frustration mounting as Zigzagoon fumbled its movements, momentarily confused.

“Now, Scorch! Flame Charge!” I shouted, and Scorch surged forward, enveloped in flames. The attack hit Zigzagoon with tremendous force, sending it tumbling across the battlefield. I could feel the momentum shift in our favor, and I knew we had the upper hand.

Tyler, flustered, called out, “Zigzagoon, use Tail Whip!” His command was desperate, but in the heat of the moment, he seemed to lose focus. Instead of executing a solid Tail Whip, Zigzagoon circled around in a dizzying pattern, its tail wagging wildly and its eyes wide with confusion. The sight of it was almost comical, and I couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy for my opponent.

“Scorch, let’s finish this! Use Quick Attack!” I directed, and with incredible speed, Scorch charged at Zigzagoon. The Torchic darted across the battlefield, a blur of orange and yellow, delivering a final, decisive blow that sent Zigzagoon crashing to the ground.

“Zigzagoon is unable to battle!” the referee declared, raising his arm to signal the end of the first bout.

I felt a rush of excitement and pride as I called Scorch back, knowing we had won the first round. Tyler, however, looked disheartened but not defeated. He recalled his Zigzagoon, taking a deep breath before meeting my gaze.

“Uh, I guess I should’ve thought that through better,” he admitted sheepishly, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

“Don’t worry; it’s all part of the learning experience,” I reassured him, offering a friendly smile. “Just remember to stay calm and think strategically.”

As we prepared for the next round, Tyler tossed out his second Pokémon: a Wingull. It soared into the air, flapping its wings energetically, the sunlight glinting off its feathers.

“Wingull, use Water Gun!” Tyler shouted, his voice now laced with determination.

“Scorch, counter with Ember!” I called, recognizing the advantage of staying on the offensive.

The Wingull shot a stream of water toward Scorch, but I was ready. “Dodge it!” I instructed, and Scorch leaped aside just in time, the water missing its target. Flames built up in Scorch’s beak once more, and I seized the moment. “Now, Scorch! Hit it with Ember!”

The fiery attack rocketed toward Wingull, striking it squarely in the chest. The Water-type flapped its wings frantically, trying to regain its balance, but the hit had taken a toll.

“Wingull, use Quick Attack!” Tyler countered, his confidence seemingly restored. The Wingull darted towards Scorch with surprising speed, but I wasn’t worried.

“Scorch, dodge and use Scratch!” I commanded. Scorch quickly sidestepped the incoming attack, pivoting gracefully. As Wingull zoomed past, Scorch lunged forward, slashing with its claws and landing a solid hit.

“Come on, Wingull! Get back in there with Water Gun!” Tyler urged, clearly feeling the pressure.

“Scorch, finish this with Flame Charge!” I shouted, knowing that it would be decisive. Scorch erupted into flames once more and barreled toward the unsuspecting Wingull, who was still recovering from the last attack. The collision was explosive, sending Wingull spiraling to the ground.

“Wingull is unable to battle!” the referee announced, signaling the end of the match.

I couldn’t contain my joy as I recalled Scorch. “Great job, Scorch!” I praised, pride swelling in my chest. Tyler stood there, panting, but he managed a small smile.

“Good match, James. I learned a lot!” he said, extending a hand for a shake.

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“Same here, Tyler. Keep practicing, and you’ll get even better,” I encouraged, feeling the camaraderie of the Pokémon League.

Dune POV

As the semi-finals approached, James was eager to use me in the upcoming matches. But for now, we had to wait and watch the remaining quarter-finals play out. One of the most anticipated battles was that of Alex, a promising trainer. I knew his match would be thrilling. So far, the tournament had featured mostly local Pokémon: Poochyena, Wingull, Lotad, Zigzagoon, and even a few Wurmple from bug-obsessed trainers who had been eliminated early on.

I couldn’t help but notice that many trainers favored specific types of Pokémon, a common trend. Maybe it was cheaper to specialize in one type or easier to train a singular strategy. Or perhaps there was something deeper—like the challenge of mastering a particular style. My thoughts wandered as I observed more battles. Finally, Alex’s turn arrived, snapping me back to attention.

The referee’s voice boomed, “This will be a two-on-two battle between Trainer Alex of Petalburg City and Trainer Roy of Flood Town. Are both trainers ready?”

Alex, sporting his signature confident smirk, gave a sharp nod. His opponent, Roy, a nervous-looking 14-year-old, nodded as well, though much less confidently. The air buzzed with excitement and tension.

“This battle will begin on the count of three. One… two… three… begin!”

In a flash, Alex threw his Pokéball into the air. From the ball emerged Treeko, the small yet nimble Grass-type, landing effortlessly on its feet. Its eyes were sharp, clearly focused and ready. Roy followed by releasing his Lotad, a Water/Grass-type that floated lazily in place, far less intense than its opponent.

“Treeko, start off with Quick Attack!” Alex commanded without hesitation.

Treeko vanished from sight, reappearing just as it collided with Lotad. The hit sent Lotad skidding backward, its small body struggling to maintain balance on its lily pad-like base. It wobbled but managed to stay upright.

Roy, a bit flustered, responded, “L-Lotad, use Absorb!”

Lotad’s eyes glowed green as it released a life-draining beam, connecting with Treeko. Some of Treeko’s energy drained, restoring a small amount to Lotad. However, the effect seemed minor.

James, my trainer, murmured beside me, “Absorb’s a Grass-type move. Treeko resists that. It’s not going to do much.” He was right. While strategy mattered, sometimes type matchups dictated the flow of a battle. I nodded in agreement, reflecting on James’ lessons. He once told me that Pokemon can be trained to resist certain types a bit more. And has increased Resistance against that type if trainied hard enough. And the same applies to status conditions as well.

Back on the field, Alex remained calm and collected. “Treeko, use Mega Drain!”

With a determined gleam in its eyes, Treeko unleashed its own life-draining attack. The green energy wrapped around Lotad, reversing the flow and draining its strength. Treeko, in turn, was revitalized.

Roy looked desperate. “Lotad, use Water Gun!”

A stream of water shot from Lotad’s mouth, hitting Treeko square in the chest. However, the Grass-type shrugged it off, barely affected by the Water move. Alex saw his opportunity.

“Treeko, finish it with Quick Attack!”

Treeko dashed forward in a blur, slamming into Lotad with precision. This time, Lotad couldn’t recover. It collapsed onto the ground, fainted and defeated.

The referee raised his hand. “Lotad is unable to battle! Alex wins the first round!”

Roy looked flustered but determined not to give up. He recalled Lotad and tossed out his next Pokéball, revealing a lively Zigzagoon. The small Normal-type darted around, full of energy and ready to fight.

Alex remained unphased. “Treeko, you’re doing great. Start with Bullet Seed!”

“What!? He knows a TM move?” James practically shouted in surprise, startling me. “Those are rare! How did Alex even find one?”

Treeko opened its mouth, releasing a barrage of glowing green seeds. They fired rapidly, each one hitting Zigzagoon with precision. The Normal-type Pokémon tried to dodge but was pelted relentlessly by the attack.

Roy gritted his teeth. “Zigzagoon, use Sand Attack!”

Zigzagoon kicked up a cloud of sand, aiming to blind Treeko and reduce its accuracy. The dirt hit its mark, and Treeko stumbled slightly, blinking through the debris. But Alex remained calm.

“Treeko, use Quick Attack!”

Despite the sand in its eyes, Treeko pushed through. It blurred again, racing toward Zigzagoon with increased speed. The Sand Attack didn’t seem to slow it down much, as its temporary boost in agility allowed it to easily outmaneuver Zigzagoon.

Panic spread across Roy’s face. “Zigzagoon, use Tackle!”

Zigzagoon charged forward, attempting a desperate attack. But Treeko easily sidestepped, its speed making it almost untouchable.

Alex’s voice rang out confidently. “End it, Treeko. Bullet Seed, one more time!”

Treeko unleashed another barrage of glowing seeds. Zigzagoon tried to dodge, but the relentless assault was too much. The Normal-type staggered before finally collapsing, unable to continue the fight.

The referee stepped forward, raising his arm. “Zigzagoon is unable to battle! Alex wins the match!”

The crowd erupted in cheers as Alex recalled his Treeko, a grin of victory spread across his face. Roy, though defeated, managed a smile and offered Alex a handshake, which Alex accepted graciously.

James gave a soft sigh beside me, watching the trainers leave the battlefield. Another quarter-final battle had concluded, and Alex had secured his spot in the semi-finals. I could sense that this tournament was far from over. The challenges ahead would only grow tougher, but for now, Alex had proven himself as a force to be reckoned with.

James POV

It was time for the semi-finals, and I was up first. I stepped up to my spot, clutching Scorch’s Pokéball in my hand, with Dune waiting in the back, ready to be called into action if needed. Scorch had leveled up to about 13 during this tournament, but he was quite tired from the earlier rounds. My opponent, a female trainer named Ava, had already sent out one Pokémon, a Shroomish, which was pretty rare around here and was likely at level 12. She still hadn’t revealed her second Pokémon, and I was anticipating she would send it out soon, given that I had only used Scorch so far.

I knew that Shroomish had some powerful Grass-type moves, and I wasn’t sure what to expect from her second Pokémon. I had to think strategically. I knew that Dune was three levels higher, and it could have some strong Bug-type moves as well as the Flying-type move Gust, which we hadn’t really focused on in our training. However, we had been working on Bite recently, a move that came pretty naturally to the Trapinch line. Even though it was a Dark-type move, it suited Dune well.

The referee called for our attention. “This battle is a 2v2 between trainers James and Ava. Each trainer is allowed one switch. Are both trainers ready?” He looked at us expectantly.

I nodded, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement.

“Let the battle commence on the count of three! One… two… three… begin!”

I quickly sent out Dune, and he emerged from his Pokéball, taking a battle-ready stance. But when I looked over at Ava’s side, I saw her second Pokémon: a Taillow. My heart sank a bit. Taillow was a tough matchup for Dune.

“Dang, that’s pretty bad for Dune,” I thought to myself, watching as Dune got into position. “Taillow can run circles around him, and Dune’s Ground-type moves will be mostly useless against a Flying-type. We’ll have to rely on Quick Attack a lot. Good thing we’ve practiced that move. His Bug-type moves won’t be very effective, either.”

I quickly assessed my options before shouting the first move of the match. “First Impression, now!”

Dune used the move beautifully, launching across the battlefield with blinding speed, thanks to its priority nature. He landed a nasty headbutt covered in bug-type energy onto Taillow, causing significant damage. But, being a Flying-type, it resisted some of the hit. The bird let out a quick squeak of surprise, and I noticed Ava’s eyes widen as she processed the strength of Dune’s attack.

Before I could call out my next move, Ava shouted, “Taillow, use Quick Attack!”

The bird Pokémon zoomed in, striking Dune with blinding speed. He was pushed back slightly but held his ground, determination visible in his eyes. “Dune, use Bite, quick!”

Dune lunged forward, but due to a Trapinch’s natural lack of speed compared to a Taillow, he missed his target just as the bird evaded him.

“Taillow, Wing Attack, quickly!” Ava called.

Taillow dived down, attempting to hit Dune with a powerful Wing Attack. I could see the momentum building behind it.

“Dune, Sand Attack now and dodge with a Quick Attack if you can!” I shouted, knowing we needed to change the momentum.

Before Taillow could close in and land a hit, Dune kicked up a cloud of sand, temporarily blinding the bird. It let out a loud screech, flapping its wings frantically to clear its vision. But before Dune could counter, Taillow managed to land a Wing Attack on his side as he attempted to dodge.

“Dune, use Quick Attack now, into a Bite!” I called out, trying to take advantage of Taillow’s momentary blindness.

“Taillow, Quick Attack, behind you now!” Ava shouted, panic creeping into her voice as she realized how vulnerable Taillow was.

Just as Taillow turned, Dune surged forward with a devastating Quick Attack, and then, as soon as he closed the distance, he clamped down with Bite, powered by his Sheer Force ability. It was a well-timed combo, and the attack sent Taillow crashing to the ground.

“Taillow is knocked out! Please return your Pokémon and send out your next one, Trainer Ava, in the next 30 seconds!” the referee declared.

Ava returned her Taillow, biting her lip in frustration. She pulled out her second Pokéball and sent out her Shroomish. It appeared on the field, looking a little worn out from the earlier match. I glanced at Dune; he was a little wobbly and slightly battered but still had fight left in him. However, I felt it was time for Scorch to have some fun.

“I’m making a switch!” I announced, raising my hand.

With that, I returned Dune and called out Scorch. The fiery Torchic emerged, his flames flickering brightly as he prepared for battle.

“Ready? Begin!” the referee shouted, signaling the start of the next round.

Scorch and Shroomish faced off, and I could sense the tension in the air.

“Scorch, use Ember!” I called, eager to gain the upper hand.

Scorch took a deep breath and unleashed a stream of flames toward Shroomish. The fire hit directly, causing Shroomish to shriek as it absorbed the attack. I could see the Grass-type struggling, but it wasn’t out of the fight yet.

“Shroomish, use Leech Seed!” Ava commanded.

Shroomish launched a series of seeds at Scorch, wrapping them around him. The seeds dug in, beginning to drain his energy. Scorch winced but shook it off, knowing he had to stay focused.

“Scorch, Quick Attack, get in close!” I called out.

Scorch darted forward, hitting Shroomish with a swift tackle, sending the little mushroom Pokémon stumbling back.

“Shroomish, use Tackle!” Ava countered.

Shroomish retaliated, charging at Scorch with surprising speed for its size. The impact was enough to knock Scorch back a bit, but he quickly regained his footing.

“Scorch, let’s finish this with another Ember!”

With a determined gleam in his eyes, Scorch focused his energy and unleashed another burst of flames toward Shroomish. The fire engulfed the Grass-type once more, and this time, it was too much for Shroomish. The little Pokémon fell to the ground, unable to continue.

“Shroomish is unable to battle! James is the winner of this round!” the referee announced.

I felt a rush of exhilaration. We had done it! Dune had held his own against Taillow, and Scorch had sealed the deal against Shroomish. The crowd cheered, and I couldn’t help but smile at my Pokémon. The finals were coming up next, and I was ready to give it everything I had!

Dune’s POV

As I settled in to watch the next match of the tournament, my excitement was palpable. It was the semi-finals, and I had just recovered from my previous battle. I felt a bit sore, having taken considerable damage, but I had already eaten an Oran Berry, which helped restore my energy. Now, all that stood between me and a shot at the finals was this match—an exhilarating 2v2 battle between my friend Alex and a kid named Nate.

Alex had his Treeko out, its emerald-green body sleek and agile, while Nate had sent out a rather weary Poochyena. The match had begun, and I couldn’t help but feel a thrill as I watched Treeko dart around the field, utilizing a variety of moves to weaken the poor canine. With every swift motion, Treeko demonstrated his impressive speed and strategy. “Treeko, finish this off with a Quick Attack!” Alex shouted, his voice filled with confidence.

The Treeko launched forward like a green blur, colliding with the Poochyena and sending it tumbling to the ground. It let out a yelp of surprise and was knocked out before being recalled by Nate. The look of defeat on Nate’s face was evident; he was clearly aware that he was at a disadvantage. Nate sent out his next Pokémon—a Seedot. However, the outcome was just as swift. Treeko barely needed a moment to catch its breath before charging in again, delivering another well-placed Quick Attack that knocked out the Seedot almost instantly. With that, Alex had secured his spot in the finals, and I couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness at the prospect of facing Alex.

Just before the placement third match began, I reflected on my own performance. I had leveled up from my last battle and learned a new move: Sand Tomb. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment, though I knew I still had a long way to go in mastering it. James had checked with his Pokédex to see if Scorch had leveled up as well, but it hadn’t, which was a bit disappointing. Still, I was determined to do my best when it was our turn again.

After a brief intermission, the third-place match began. Ava faced Nate once more, and it quickly became clear that the battle would be one-sided. Nate’s Pokémon were far too tired and weak to keep up with Ava’s skilled training. Plus, Ava had a type advantage, making it even more difficult for Nate to mount any kind of offense. I watched intently as Ava’s Shroomish danced around the battlefield, easily avoiding Nate’s desperate attempts to fight back.

Once the third-place battle concluded, we were granted an hour-long break before the finals. As I sat on the sidelines, I couldn’t shake the nagging worry that had crept into my mind. We still hadn’t seen Alex’s second Pokémon, and I had a feeling it was something powerful. I estimated that his Treeko was at level 15, nearing evolution, and its Grass typing had a significant advantage over me, especially if it turned out to be effective against Scorch, my fellow teammate.

Despite these uncertainties, I resolved not to give up. I would fight tooth and claw for James, for Scorch, and for myself. I looked up at James, who wore a determined expression, as if he were ready to conquer whatever challenges lay ahead. “All right, buddy! We’re going to win this for sure,” he said, his voice brimming with optimism. His enthusiasm was infectious, igniting a fire within me to fight harder.

We made our way to the Pokémon Center during the break to ensure that we were in top shape for the finals. The atmosphere inside was comforting, with trainers and their Pokémon bustling around, all seeking healing and camaraderie. As I was placed into the healing machine, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. The familiar sensation of energy flowing through my body reassured me that I would be ready to battle again. it would not take long as I had pretty minor injuries.

After a few minutes, James received me back, and I felt rejuvenated. We went outside for some last-minute training before the finals began. James decided it would be a good idea to focus on Sand Tomb, the move I had just learned. I practiced it diligently, digging my claws into the ground and channeling my energy to create a swirling vortex of sand. It felt good to have something new in my arsenal, even if I still struggled a bit with its execution.

“Let’s see if we can get that timing right,” James encouraged, watching intently as I focused. With each attempt, I felt myself growing more comfortable with the move, feeling the power coursing through me as the Sand Tomb formed more easily with practice. Although I was still getting the hang of it, I was proud to see my improvement.

At the same time, James had Scorch train in Flame Charge. I watched as the Torchic ignited with determination, its feathers glowing with fiery energy as it dashed back and forth, practicing its speed. I could see the bond between James and Scorch strengthen with each passing moment, and it motivated me even more.

An hour passed quickly, and before we knew it, it was time for the finals. As I was recalled into my Poké Ball, I felt the weight of the moment settle over me. I was ready to give it my all—not just for myself, but for James and Scorch as well. I would put forth my best efforts, no matter what awaited us in the arena. With our hearts set on victory, we were prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead.