Entei stood on all fours with a great, flowing mane hanging off its shoulders. Its face was protected by red, yellow, and silver plates, and two sharp eyes stared out, both of them with a focus that revealed the intelligence that lurked below.
I didn't even understand how Tobias could have an Entei. Until now, I was certain there was only a single Entei in the world, brought to be when Ho-oh resurrected it within the Burned Tower of Johto. Tobias had either captured the Entei, or he had captured one of many Entei.
Regardless, which one it was truly didn't matter. Legendary or not, Tobias had only a single Pokémon left, and it was all that stood in our way before we reigned victorious.
Carbink called out their name. Entei stared down at them as if it were looking at a simple curiosity, rather than an opponent.
"Toxic!" I screamed.
I shouted for Carbink to send out their cloud of poison, but, instead, Entei opened its mouth and howled. Underneath Carbink, the ground grew red hot before it erupted upwards in a blast of pure heat.
The Toxic cloud was incinerated. Carbink's body was consumed by flame. With all the injuries they had sustained from the Alpha Dragonite, the attack was too much, and Carbink clattered to the ground.
The audience was in a frenzy at this point. A third Legendary Pokémon was even more unheard of than being partnered with a second. This battle had already been something else, and now it seemed Tobias was about to turn the tables.
I had three Pokémon left: Altaria, Mawile, and one other. Altaria was too weak from his previous match-ups to fight another Legendary, and Mawile's Steel Type made her too vulnerable to Entei.
That left me with my last Pokémon, and when I thought of her, I laughed.
She would have been so upset if I didn't use her in this match.
"Azumarill, it's finally time," I said out loud.
Appearing on the field was the toughest Pokémon I had. Her rounded, blue body tensed with excitement, and she subjected Entei to a stare filled with malicious glee.
Entei, who had not moved even when it used its attack, merely tilted its head slightly to glance down at her. It didn't seem to be intimidated in the slightest.
When the battle resumed, Azumarill immediately started to bang her stomach. Deep drum beats reverberated off of her body, and the battlefield was filled with the sounds of her powerful slams.
The Belly Drum caused Azumarill intense pain, but it maximized her physical might. She'd essentially be at half health, but she'd gain the power to battle a Legendary.
Tobias didn't even blink.
"Roar," he said.
"Shit."
My curse caused me to wince as it was transmitted out to the audience, but it would likely be caught and censored before being sent out to the world. I would be subject to a minor fine due to the profanity, but I needed a way to express just how screwed that single move had made us.
Entei roared—but it wasn't just a normal roar. This primal shout expressed the core of Entei's raw power, and as it was a Legendary Pokémon, that made the move even more effective.
Azumarill froze, scared into stillness. Out of her control, her body shook, and her feral grin disappeared from her face. Through some unknown component of the move, she was zapped right back into her Dive Ball, being returned and eliminating any positive effects from the previously used buff.
Thanks to the Roar, Azumarill had damaged herself for no reason at all. Not only that—
"Trainer Alex, please send out your next Pokémon. As per the League's rules on forced returns, it cannot be Azumarill."
Mawile would be forced to come out. After all, Altaria was too weak to actually fight.
My hand lingered on Mawile's Heavy Ball as I stared into Tobias's eyes. He didn't seem smug in the moment, or even that arrogant. Instead, he merely looked as if this was the expected outcome, as if his victory was assured from the start, even if there had been a few stumbles along the way.
I felt my free hand tighten into a fist. If Tobias thought he would win like this, he was completely wrong. He might have forced a return, but that didn't mean my team couldn't fight.
I sent out Mawile.
"Stone Edge!" I yelled.
"Lava Plume."
I could have used my last switch here, but I knew Tobias would just have his Entei use Roar and force Mawile back out. I didn't feel the need to jump through that hoop for no gain. It was better to go all out, right here and now.
The ground under Mawile grew red hot, just like what had happened with Carbink. Stones formed on Mawile's jaws as she leapt to the side, but Entei moved out of the way just as well.
The ground exploded from behind Mawile right as she flicked her stones forward. Entei jumped after her in a dash to run across the field, taking a wide berth to chase Mawile.
She was forced to burst into a jog as the ground underneath her repeatedly turned red. A chain of Lava Plumes exploded behind her as she ran—none directly hit her, but the heat still weakened her Steel Type body.
And even then, her attacks weren't landing. Entei was a Pokémon that could run across the world with ease. Its own speed meant it easily moved past wherever the stones were thrown, and it stayed a good distance away.
At this rate, Mawile was liable to faint just from overheating.
"Get close!" I yelled.
I said that, but truthfully, my order was pointless. Mawile was already trying to approach Entei, but it wasn't letting her.
"Eruption," Tobias ordered.
Then for no reason, Entei decided to move right next to her.
Mawile's jaws snapped forward to try to grab Entei, but a nimble step back meant the leonine Pokémon went unbitten. As it's body glowed, it was clear Mawile wouldn't be able to latch onto it, so instead, she burst with a Dark Pulse right when Entei exploded with volcanic flame.
The Eruption hit her, and the fire dealt super effective damage to Mawile. The sheer power contained within the blast would have been enough to faint her even if she had been at full health, but at least, she was able to deal some damage to Entei.
And that damage was enough to make it wince, but nothing more. Entei looked completely unbothered as Mawile fell to the floor, unconscious.
I solemnly returned her to her Pokéball.
"You did a good job for what you had to face," I whispered.
Her ball was clipped back to my belt.
"I'm withdrawing Altaria from the fight, too," I announced.
Tobias's expression hardened at my comment, and the audience murmured amongst themselves quietly. The announcers made some comments saying something along the lines that I was angling to give up, but my true purpose was simple.
By withdrawing Altaria, Azumarill would be the only Pokémon I had left. Entei's Roar would not be able to switch her out, and there would be no way for Entei to reduce our momentum.
I acknowledged this was a risk. I was left with the injured Azumarill and no other Pokémon on my team. Even with Entei suffering from Mawile's Dark Pulse, it was effectively at full health.
Despite that disadvantage, we would still win.
Entei returned to his initial position in front of Tobias as Azumarill hit the field in front of me. Despite not being a Fire Type, she was practically steaming, completely enraged at the fact Tobias had the gall to send her back and ruin her fight.
"Azumarill," I called out, "don't let your anger get the best of you. You know you can win this. I trust you."
Azumarill's rage faded as she took a deep breath in response to what I said. Her furious eyes glared at Entei, who, just like it had reacted to Carbink, almost seemed to brush her off.
The referee waited a few moments for the announcers to stop speaking and the audience to calm down before the true final fight began.
This match-up would determine the victor.
The battle resumed.
Immediately, Entei roared its name and another Lava Plume started to grow under Azumarill. Rather than dodging, Azumarill grinned, and water coalesced around her. My eyes furrowed as she used Aqua Ring and made no attempts to dodge the attack, simply letting the move hit her without putting up any defense at all.
Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
Azumarill was engulfed by flames. A veritable pillar stretched into the sky, completely blocking her from view. It lasted several full seconds, demonstrating the sheer power and stamina Entei had behind its moves as it damaged its opponent.
Then, the flame faded and the tower of fire dwindled to be nothing more than a short ember on the ground. Azumarill chose that moment to propel herself forward.
She was uninjured, and seeing that, I started to laugh. A sudden realization filled me with so much joy that I couldn't help myself from expressing it. I didn't even need to give Azumarill any orders as her Aqua Jet slammed into Entei, the Legendary being caught off guard by the sheer amount of energy she still had left.
"Eruption," Tobias said.
This time, the pillar of fire formed from Entei rather than a molten spot on the ground. Flames reached the sky once more, but then Entei was seen hurtling out of it, flying back, with Azumarill hot on its tail.
My laughs deepened even more.
"Since Azumarill can battle on her own, let me explain three things," I announced.
Above, a screen that displayed the battle switched to display two different scenes at once. A close-up of my smiling face was on the left, and a bird's-eye view of Azumarill's brutal battle was on the right.
"First off, the obvious. Azumarill is a Water Type, so she both resists Fire Type moves and can deal super effective damage right back."
As I said that, a Liquidation smashed across Entei's face. Its mouth opened up to snap down for a Crunch, but Azumarill merely hopped back for a Splash to bounce around its side.
"Second off, Azumarill's ability is Thick Fat. She's well insulated from harsh temperatures, meaning any Fire Type moves used against her are cut even further in effectiveness."
Tobias shouted for a Sunny Day, which made me pause to laugh a bit more. A glowing ball of fire shot into the sky right when Azumarill landed another punch to Entei's chin. Its jaw was forcibly slammed closed, but it was still able to turn its head and unleash a Flamethrower that utterly enveloped Azumarill.
She popped out of the flames to land another bout of Liquidation right across Entei's face.
"Third," I said, taking a deep breath to recover from my laughter as I did, "she has her hidden ability trained."
Entei leaped back, and its entire body started to glow. Tobias's brows furrowed for just a moment before they widened in realization.
"Stop!" he yelled.
It was too late. A Solar Beam had already left Entei's mouth.
"That ability is Sap Sipper, by the way," I announced for those who didn't know. "It lets Azumarill absorb Grass Type moves and use them to power up her own attacks."
A slurping sound rang out, and Entei hurried to end the Solar Beam. Azumarill's body glowed as she absorbed the Grass Type energy, and not only that, she was sucking it up through her mouth to eat it as if it were one long, grassy noodle.
Entei took a step back, almost frightened of Azumarill. She wiped her mouth and grinned, then took a step forward.
"And with that," I said.
Azumarill disappeared with Aqua Jet, the move weakened by the sun but still containing incredible power. Entei tried to get away with an Extreme Speed, but Azumarill managed to grab its side right as it did.
Hand by hand, fistful of hair by fistful of hair, Azumarill climbed Entei's body. It used Eruption one last time, but so weakened, the move barely even resembled the pillar of fire it once was.
Azumarill's resistances were impeccable, and Aqua Ring had been restoring her health this entire time. She balanced on Entei's back as if she were surfing, raised up her arms, then struck down with one final blow, hitting Entei on the top of its head and sending it to the ground.
"That's game."
Above, on the screen that once showed the battle, a list of the fights that took place was laid out.
Gardevoir versus Darkrai, both fainted.
Altaria and Mawile versus Latios, Latios fainted.
Altaria versus Zoroark, Zoroark fainted.
Ninetales and Carbink versus Salamence, Salamence fainted.
Ninetales and Carbink versus Dragonite, Ninetales and the Dragonite fainted.
And then for the last match, it listed four members of my team: Carbink, Azumarill, Mawile, and Altaria. It showed Carbink and Mawile's faints, Altaria's withdrawal, then the final defeat of the Legendary Pokémon.
The screen flashed to show images of both Tobias and I. There was a moment's pause, and it zoomed in to let a closeup of both me and the victorious Azumarill take up the full screen.
Two words were displayed in a bold font, and those two words were the most satisfying two words I'd ever read.
ALEX WINS.
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"That was..."
The living room had fallen silent once the recap of the battle finished playing out in front of them. The bolded text on their television was like a declaration to the world. Alex had beaten Tobias, somehow, in what should have been an impossible to win match.
That had been a battle in the Top 32. For obvious reasons, it had felt more like a battle to decide the finals of the tournament.
"SO COOL!"
Wally jumped out of his seat and pumped his fist into the air. The entire room burst into cheers, even Wally's Uncle, who looked reluctantly impressed. The stream cut to the announcers, who were trying their best to summarize what they had just watched, but the end of the match had left them virtually speechless.
"You know I was actually Alex's first human opponent," Laura said. "Ninetales, Vulpix then, fought Meditite, now Medicham. Practically taught them everything we knew."
"I first met Alex on a League operation," Thomas added. "Though, I can't say we really interacted until an expedition to Sea Mauville. Not many trainers treat Dark Type specialists so well."
Wally's arm fell down as he stared solemnly at the screen.
"And Alex saved my life when I collapsed just outside town," he said.
Marty opened his mouth to add something, furrowed his brow, then chose not to speak. He figured his story of working in a Pokémart alongside Alex didn't feel like it matched the tone.
"Well, that was a battle," Laura continued. "Can't say I expected any of it to happen. No offense to Alex, but if I was given a rundown of both of their teams, I would have put my money on Tobias."
Laura laughed in response, and excited chatter started up as they all started to animatedly talk about the match. Favorite parts were shared, dramatic moments were discussed, and that one woman in a hoodie leaned over to whisper in Thomas's ear.
"So. Still think you could take 'em?" she asked.
Thomas tried to keep his expression blank, but a small smile betrayed his feelings. His eyes briefly flicked over to the television, which still displayed the announcers desperately trying to discuss the match, before he turned to glance at the woman.
"I don't know," he replied. "I would have to see for myself."
Phoebe snorted. Beneath her, a certain Ghost Type Pokémon stared at the screen intently.
"So!"
Wally's sudden exclamation caused everyone to turn his way.
"After one great battle, how about another? Thomas, let's have our match right here and now! I challenge you to a Pokémon Battle!"
Thomas grinned, and the party quickly shifted to the back yard.
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Whimsicott and Dedenne were actually crying. The two Pokémon hugged each other tight and stared at the projected image, shedding tears of joy.
Rapidash looked on amused, having expected this outcome all along, and Togepi merrily held Diancie's hands as she hopped in a circle and cheered.
As for Florges, she stood in the back as a trio of Combee happily buzzed around her flower mane. She stared at the image displayed on a piece of flat canvas, and she wiped a few tears out of her eyes as a proud smile sat on her face.
"So, you saw that, right Ramos?" Hope asked. "I didn't imagine that, right?"
"I did, lass. I did indeed."
Hope couldn't stop herself from giggling to herself as she recalled the last moments of Alex's battles. She had helped with Azumarill's ability! She and Ramos helped Azumarill start developing it, and the angry Water Type had made use of it to defeat a Legendary!
That battle was an amalgamation of everything Alex had gone through, Hope recognized. Each and every Pokémon fought with the furor of a team that had been through countless battles, and she could see little things Alex had picked up from across Kalos.
Of course, Azumarill's Sap Sipper was the highlight of the match. Azumarill might not have been a Grass Type, but Hope could appreciate just how easily the Pokémon had shut down Entei's move.
Unfortunately, as happy as the outcome of the match had made everyone in the room was, the moment didn't last.
"Intriguing battle, was it not?"
Diancie stiffened at the voice and went still. With her partner suddenly looking so frightened, Togepi immediately rushed to stand in front of Diancie to protect her. Behind, Rapidash and Florges moved to flank her sides.
"Xerosic," Sycamore said to the unwanted guest. "You're supposed to stay in your personal quarters while Diancie is on the premises."
Xerosic gained a slight smirk that he quickly covered with a gloved hand. With that covered up, his eyes almost looked borderline apologetic.
Though, he was still wearing a pair of orange goggles, so that could have been a trick of the light.
"Ah. Forgive me. The battle was such a sight to behold that I simply had to discuss my elation. Alex has become quite the trainer, yes?"
A low hiss echoed in the room. The group in the garden turned to its source and stared at Hope in shock.
"Yeah. Alex is. And aren't you supposed to be having court mandated therapy right now?" she snapped.
"It has been delayed," Xerosic replied. The corners of his lips then quirked up into an almost indistinguishable grin. "Three different therapists have quit their jobs after talking to me, you see."
Hope shuddered, and that feeling was shared by everyone in this room. Xerosic somehow looked even more smug than usual.
"But truly, to defeat a team that consists of three Legendaries and a trio of rare and powerful Pokémon is quite the achievement," Xerosic said. "The strategy put in place was almost perfectly crafted to counter Tobias's Legendaries. It makes one question how long it took to prepare for such a battle."
"What are you implying?" Hope accused.
"Nothing, nothing. Just that the match went surprisingly well for someone with only two year's experience under their belt. I wonder how long Alex has known about Tobias."
At that, Sycamore's face twisted up into a scowl, and he pointed right behind Xerosic, aiming out of the room.
"Leave. You're pushing it, Xerosic."
The mad scientist shrugged and casually began to turn around.
"It was a good battle," he called out. "Though, I can't help but wonder what others who have watched will find when they look into Alex's background. It's simple at first, but digging deeper..."
Xerosic let his voice trail off as he left his slot in the entrance. As he did so, a strangely foreboding feeling started to sink in around everyone who remained.
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"Now that was a battle! A few more years' experience, and I can definitely see myself getting a run for my money."
The arrogant comment received a slight chuckle in response.
"Really, Flint? A few years? Don't you think you're underestimating them?" Lucian asked, amused.
Flint laughed, not taking the question with any seriousness.
"Please. Alex had a Type advantage for every match-up and used a strategy designed specifically to counter Tobias. Less preparation, and any of those Pokémon wouldn't have had as good an outcome."
"Well, well. Seems like you're making a bold assumption," an older woman, Bertha, replied next to him. "Don't you realize Alex would make a strategy to beat you, too?"
Flint's mouth opened and closed a few times before his lips pursed, and he crossed his arms. The rest of the Elite Four laughed at his antics and started to settle into a more serious conversation about the match.
Meanwhile, Cynthia and Steven whispered quietly between themselves in the front.
"So. What do you think?" Steven asked.
"I think I see a lot of potential," Cynthia replied.
Steven gave a noncommittal hum and returned his eyes to the battlefield. Tobias had already stepped away, but Alex had only just stopped hugging Azumarill and was now waving goodbye to the crowded audience. Behind them, a few members of the League's maintenance crew were preparing the field for the next battle.
"You'll need to adjust your offer," Steven eventually said.
"I know, though this serves as more evidence when I present my plan to the rest of the League. Being able to take out Legendary Pokémon like that is a big plus in Alex’s favor, especially with a relatively small amount of experience."
"Show the rest of the League this, and they'll see that Alex is more than just someone with suspiciously accurate information," Steven added.
Cynthia shrugged and walked over to where a small table was set up against a wall. She silently filled a paper cup with water and took a sip while she stared forward in thought.
"And have there been any developments with the International Police?" she asked, changing the topic.
"Nothing suspicious, but most of them don't believe us. They're still too focused on the Ultra Beast issue."
The cup was bent in Cynthia's hands at Steven's comment, and a small frown formed on her face.
"They don't believe us," she echoed.
"We don't have actual evidence outside of a few malicious actors in Sea Mauville, so they don't have reason to start an investigation," Steven replied.
The usually calm and composed Cynthia let out a frustrated groan, and she shifted back to lean on the edge of the table. She used a hand to rub her temples, closing her eyes out of annoyance.
"Not only is it that they won't listen, but they're more than happy to keep working alongside the very ones we're warning them about," Cynthia spat. "Of course they are."
"Politics. You know how it is," Steven quipped.
He calmly walked over to join Cynthia's side, helping himself to some water as well. The Elite Four in the room continued to talk animatedly, though their conversation had long since devolved into something inane thanks to the efforts of both Flint and Aaron.
"You know what they'd do if they ever found out the truth about Alex, right?" Steven whispered.
Cynthia's eyes flicked to the arena before turning back to Steven.
"It'd be a legal battle," she said.
"Unless Alex accepts your offer."
Cynthia put her crushed cup down and moved to the tinted windows, staring out at the thousands of people below. The crowd wasn't actually that dense today, given it hadn't been the finals, but rumors of both Alex and Tobias's strength had drawn enough people that a healthy number had witnessed the battle.
Steven followed her, talking quietly as he did.
"The International Police is dead set on having the authority over any fallers. Alex doesn't give off the same readings as the rest, but that will hardly matter in a court of law given their origins. Phoebe tread legality with how she set up Alex's documentation, and I'm worried how the International Police might react if that's ever exposed. But with your proposal—"
"They wouldn't be able to do anything. The League protects its own."
"Employment would give us legal standing. Alex would still have the freedom to travel unrestricted. And the League would gain a powerful independent agent."
Cynthia sighed again and looked at the field.
"Do you think Alex is going to win? Overall, I mean," she asked.
"In the Conference?"
"Yes. There are some interesting opponents, but none that I can see battling at that same level."
Steven rubbed his chin and scanned over the audience. Once his eyes locked onto the person he was looking for, he smiled.
"Well, there is one..."
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The field was empty, but the pounding in his chest still continued at full force. He had chills running down his back from witnessing such an incredible battle, and his hands couldn't stop shaking in excitement.
The field was empty. Spotless. Any sign of the match was now gone. Despite that, he had burned it into his mind, taking the time and effort to ensure he'd remember it forever.
At his side, his loyal companion and closest friend bounded forward and rubbed a cheek against his arm.
"Pika-pi," Pikachu said.
"Yeah," Ash replied. "I can't wait to go up against Alex, too."