Pokemon-The Lost Master

Chapter 31

Ladies and gentleman, this is one for the history books! The first time that the most powerful Pokémon Master in living memory has been challenged for his title. The Pokémon Master has the right to refuse challenge except after the World league, and so most competitors would have to wait, but this is an exceptional case. The man who has challenged him, Tobias Takuto is famed for his use of legendary Pokémon in battle. He once won the Sinnoh League using only Darkrai, except for one battle. If the challenger was to wait for the World League he would have had to give up his Pokémon and would have no chance. Yet while Tobias is known to have at least two legendary Pokémon, his opponent is something else. 'Champion' won the World League using only one Pokémon; his Charizard. Having never lost a Pokémon in an official match, 'Champion' will know that if anybody can take down a legendary Pokémon, it will be him. Ladies and gentleman, do not go anywhere. This one will be special!

Ash strode out onto the field. His jacket swept around him, blown by the wind. His face was covered by the hat that he had worn every single time he had been out in public. At his waist, six Pokéballs were on show, containing the Pokémon he had decided to use for this battle. He was calm, focused. Of all the battles he had faced, he knew this would be one of the most trying. A battle of mental strength as well as a clash of Pokémon.

Across the field, Tobias was also moving out into the sunlight. He hadn't changed much from the last time Ash had seen him during the Silver Conference, or much in the time since their last battle. His red cloak was also rippling in the wind, his grey hair swept back this time. Tobias had clearly abandoned the mystique that had seen him ease to victory all those years ago. This time he looked imposing. Confident. Powerful. Ash smiled to himself. It was that confidence that he intended to play on. In a match this important, he knew the fight started before the trainers even shook hands. Getting the edge on your opponent could make the difference. If Tobias wanted to project his confidence, Ash was fine with that. He knew how to fight legendary Pokémon. He'd had a lot of practice over the years.

In the stands, Cynthia was fretting. Along with Lance and Steven she had organized gym leaders to be spread out throughout the stadium. They had only been told that in the aftermath of the Silver Conference, extra security was wanted. If anything was to go wrong, they were to assist the stewards around them in evacuating the stadium as quickly as possible. Despite her plans, she was worried. This was the largest stadium in the world, fitting one hundred thousand people. And for a match like this, it was packed, every seat taken. Despite the design which meant that it could be emptied quickly, in case of a rogue Pokémon, she knew that if something went wrong quickly, getting people out quickly enough would be very difficult. Beside her, Lance gently placed a hand on her shoulder. She spun, causing him to chuckle.

"Don't be so nervy. You're scaring me."

Cynthia smiled back weakly.

"I'm worried. I can't help but think that we are going to cause a national tragedy here."

"I have confidence in 'Champion'." Lance said simply. "He saw the danger, he has planned for this. I am confident that he wouldn't let this go ahead if he wasn't certain it either had to happen or could happen safely."

"Even after the problems at the Silver Conference?" Cynthia asked.

"You didn't see him." Lance said. "It's not just a question of his power or his Pokémon. Before we left, I got a look at part of his face. It was scarred. Badly."

Cynthia tried to but in, but Lance spoke over her.

"It wasn't just his face. As the explosions went off, one went near us and a shockwave ripped some of his clothes. His body has been treated similarly. I don't know what happened to him. I had assumed it was the reason he wore the hat, but when I saw him later his scars were gone. But what scared me most wasn't scars that I couldn't imagine anybody living with. It wasn't the feeling of incredible power I felt coming from him. It was the expression on his face. The anger, the distress as he realized that he couldn't protect those around him."