We had spent twenty minutes going through the rubble of the Pokemon League in any hopes of finding Kieran. Carmine and Nemona were taking charge of searching as Diantha sighed, approaching. "I cannot believe I was so foolish to allow something like this to happen."
I pondered on what to say, just sighing and shaking my head. "You had no idea Malva was a part of Team Flare?"
"I cannot deny I didn't have my suspicions; however, she never once stepped in to aid their cause and hasn't made a move since. I should have known something was up from the start."
"There's no point in beating yourself over it now... What are you going to do with her?"
Diantha paused, shaking her head. "I hadn't decided yet. The rest of the Elite four and I shall decide on her fate. I heard one of your friends was caught up in the calamity."
"Friend is a strong word," I exclaim with crossed arms. "I'm hoping he managed to give Anatasia chase, but that's looking unlikely."
Diantha looked ahead, frowning. "I hate to leave such a situation unresolved, however..."
I nod with a sigh. "Malva takes priority, I know. That's the last thing we need for her to escape. I'll finish the rest."
"Thank you. I know this is starting to become normal for you, but we all appreciate it. Stay safe out there, Y/N, and I hope you find your friend."
I watch Diantha leave with the captured Team Flare as I focus on Carmine and Nemona's effort to find Kieran. Just as I was about to join in, I heard Carmine scream. "I found him! Kiki, hold on!"
Running to their aid, Nemona and Ogerpon were already digging him up as his Grimmsnarl had protected him from the bulk of the rubble. "Get off me! Get that Ogre away!"
Kieran was already up like nothing had happened. Luckily, he wasn't badly injured, but I could see his confidence took quite a hit. "Are you alright Kiki? Talk to me, are you hurt?"
"I'm fine! I let that Team Flare girl get away. I won't mess up this time!"
Kieran was already up on his feet, trying to run off as I shouted, gaining his attention. "Stop, Kieran!"
He glanced at me, eyes fueled with hatred. "The hell do you want?"
"Just take a minute to breathe, dude. You're lucky to be standing... Running into the fray like this without thinking is only going to get you hurt or, worse, someone close to you. We're here to help."
This only got a scoff as he had already turned around. "Shut up; You don't understand. I don't want to hear a weakling such as yourself lecture me. It doesn't matter who I'm facing... I don't lose."
I couldn't help but scoff back, pointing to myself. "I don't understand. I don't understand. Kieran, I think I'm the only person who does. I get it; you lost, you lost hard, and you'll do anything to prove you're not anything. To show the world you mean a damn. I lost everything, let an evil man get away and lost my best friend, Goodra. What do you think that would do to someone knowing that man is still out there, possibly hurting more innocent people? I get you want to stop her, but this isn't how you do it."
Kieran still wouldn't listen, gripping his Pokeball. "Liar... You've got everything you want; you can go wherever you want. Become friends with whoever you want, save as many people as possible. Even Nemona... Ogerpon chose you over me!!!"
Nemona was taken back, covering her mouth. "I didn't know it meant that much to you."
"I don't want your pity; I'm going to show the world just what Kieran is made of."
"If that's how it's going to be." I held a Pokeball by my side, shouting. "I challenge you to a Pokemon Battle!"
Kieran fell silent, turning back to me cautiously. "Why the hell would I accept that?"
"If you're so strong that it shouldn't be a problem, then should it?"
This only got a laugh from Kieran as he stepped up, holding his own Pokeball. "Fine."
"Y/N, what's the big idea?! We don't have time for this." Carmine shouted. "Will you two calm down?"
"Carmine is right; this isn't like you, Y/N," Nemona whispered.
I shook my head with a firm smile. "I know... But I need to do this; I can't let Kieran go down the same path as me... The rules are simple: kid, you win, I let you go. You can risk it all to stop Team Flare. But if I win, I go with you."
"Ha, what sort of terms are they? Not like I'm going to lose, fine."
Holding two Pokeballs on either side, I took a deep breath. "Then let's do this."
You Challenge BB Champion Kieran to a Battle.
"Alright, Luxray, Tinkaton, let's show them what we're made of!" I exclaimed, my voice echoing with determination. Luxray's fur bristled with electricity, Tinkaton hovered eagerly by my side, and I could feel the anticipation building within me.
Kieran smirked confidently as he sent out his Pokémon: a Dragonite and an Incineroar. Each one exuded power and strength, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of doubt creeping in. But this wasn't the time or place for that. Regardless of how I felt, this was one battle I couldn't lose!
Kieran looked down at me, pointing at me and shouting. "I know I'm making the right choice... You'll understand that soon enough!"
I pushed the doubt aside. We were a team, and we were ready to face any challenge. Our attack was already lowered thanks to Incineroar's intimidate ability. I'll need to mix up our strategy to win.
"Let's start strong, Luxray! Use Thunderbolt on Dragonite! Tinkaton hit Incineroar with Steel beam!" I commanded, my voice unwavering despite the nerves gnawing at me.
Luxray unleashed a crackling bolt of lightning, aimed straight at Dragonite, while Tinkaton constructed a heavy blast of iron prowess and hurled it towards Incineroar.
I watched Kieran's Pokémon effortlessly evade our attacks. Dragonite soared gracefully out of the way of Luxray's Thunderbolt while Incineroar deftly dodged Tinkaton's Steel Beam.
Before I could react, Incineraor rushed ahead, launching a flare blitz at us. Luxray and Tinkaton tried to dodge, but the relentless assault was too much. Managing to hit both Pokemon at once, they were knocked back, their strength waning with each hit.
I gritted my teeth, refusing to give up despite the odds stacked against us. But Kieran's Pokémon were simply too powerful, too skilled.
As Dragonite unleashed a devastating Dragon Claw and Incineroar followed up with a searing Flamethrower, I could feel the battle slipping away from us. Despite our best efforts, we were no match for Kieran's overwhelming power.
With a heavy heart, I recalled Tinkaton having taken too much damage. "You gave it your all, thank you."
"This is what the Champion of Paldea and Alola has to offer? Pathetic. See how hard I've trained? Not like the kid Nemona battled in Kitakami, huh?!"
"Mawile, back up Luxray!"
Mawile burst into battle more determined than ever. I knew I could count on her. "Luxray, use Thunderbolt on Dragonite again!" Mawile looked at me as I nodded, putting everything on the line. "You know what time it is, girl! Mega Evolve and strike true with a Play Rough against Incineroar."
Feeling our bond grow, Mawile burst to life, reacting to her Mega Stone evolving and producing far more power. Even Kieran seemed taken back, speechless. "How the hell did you Mega Evolve a Pokemon with a Mega Band!?"
"With bonds like these, we don't need them!" I laugh off.
"What a joke; stop acting strong, you weakling. Dodge those attacks!"
Luxray's Thunderbolt crackled with intensity as it streaked towards Dragonite; Mawile charged at Incineroar, ready to unleash its devastating Play Rough.
But as our attacks landed, I realized the harsh reality of our situation. Despite our best efforts, Kieran's Pokémon were simply too powerful, too experienced. Dragonite shrugged off Luxray's Thunderbolt with ease while Incineroar withstood Mawile's onslaught, barely standing.
"Show them our power, Dragonite! Dragon Pulse!" Dragonite retaliated with a ferocious Dragon Pulse, slamming into Luxray with devastating force. I watched in horror as Luxray faltered, unable to withstand the onslaught.
With a heavy heart, I recalled Luxray, knowing that this battle was lost. Mawile would have to fight alone for the time being; I wasn't ready to bring out my ace just yet.
Carmine looked confused, turning to Nemona. "Why isn't Y/N sending out another Pokemon? Mawile is in trouble in a 2v1."
Nemona smirked, arms crossed. "Y/N always has a plan. He's got something planned, and I know it!"
"Mawile, I'm counting on you to give it you're all with another Play Rough on Incineroar."
Mawile began picking up the pace, charging our foe as Kieran gritted his teeth, shouting. "Stop them in their tracks, Dragonite. Use Hurricane!"
Mawile dived over the flying type move, now more determined than ever, entirely focusing on the one Pokemon. "What?! Forget it; Incineroar, show them you're stronger! Use Flare Blitz."
Incineroar wasn't going to dodge our attacks any further. He was taking the fight right to us, blasting ahead with a power blow. Both of our Pokemon clashed. Explosions of fairy and fire echoed out as both collapsed, unable to battle.
"Mawile, you're the best. Get some rest."
Kieran silently recalled his Incineroar; he looked down, shaking his head. "Useless..."
I turned to Zorua, nodding. "I think it's time for us to show the world what we're made of, Mimi."
Zorua ran onto the battlefield more ready than ever, her voice echoing in my mind. "Let's win!"
Kieran sent out Porygon-Z, laughing to himself. "You're already down to your last Pokemon; how pathetic; if you brought out that weak Pokemon earlier with Mawile, maybe you would have stood more of a chance. Unlikely considering your partner is a weak, unevolved Zorua."
"Mimi weak? I'll have you know that Mimi is the most powerful Pokemon in the world; it's fine; this battle is as good as ours. Let's show them an unbreakable bond, girl!"
Zorua pressed her feet to the ground, roaring, our minds becoming one; we're in total sync; no more test runs. This was the real deal.
Zorua exploded in a dazzling aura of brilliance as everyone looked shocked. "What the? What did they do!? I've never seen this!" Carmine gasped.
Nemona smirked, arms crossed. "I knew you had something hiding away. To think you've gotten this powerful friend... Oh, now we just have to battle! Go, Mimi!"
Kieran stepped back, eyes widened by our mere power grinding his teeth. "So many tricks, it won't be enough! Porygon-Z Flamethrower, Dragonite Thunder!"
"I've been waiting for this. There is no one else I would rather fight with, Mimi, than you. Let's go all out!" I scream, throwing my hands back as we begin to move in sync. Zorua dived to the left, avoiding the Thunder attack, racing right towards Dragonite. Porgyon-Z was fast behind in readying its Flamethrower.
My plan passed through to Zorua as she skidded around, blasting Porygon-Z with a Shadow Ball; whilst it did no damage, it blinded the Pokemon for a brief moment, allowing us to move out of the way. Porgyon-Z, unhindered, fired a Flamethrower, missing us entirely, catching Dragonite in the crossfire and burning it.
"What!? Porgyon-Z, you useless thing!"
Raising my hand, I smacked it against my leg as Zorua took the motion, leaping off a stunned Dragonite, shifting her body, and turning on Porgyon-Z, throwing my fist forward, Zorua burst through Porgyon-Z with a foul play, knocking it out in a single hit.
"Whoa! How are they doing that!? They're not even talking; Mimi knows exactly what to do without instructions!" Carmine yelled, taken back. "What sort of bond is this!?"
Nemona began cheering for me, raising her fist in the air. "The kind only Y/N and Mimi can share. Y/N said he heard Pokemon's thoughts. It has to go both ways. A battle bond like no other!"
Kieran began messing up his hair, ignoring his fallen Porgyon-Z, challenging Dragonite against us. "Just go down already! How are you still standing after I've thrown everything I have at you?!"
I pictured every game plan and every possible outcome, and Zorua returned my dreams with hers. We both knew how this battle would go, and nothing would change that. Zorua began picking up the pace, hoping between the rubble, making it near impossible for Kieran to keep up. Gritting his teeth, he shouted without thinking. "Stop them, Dragonite Extreme Speed!"
Dragonite tore through us but only got a smirk from me as Kieran flinched, stomping the ground. "No! How did I forget?! You're Zorua... It doesn't matter if the type matchups work out for you, though—I'll still win!"
Clapping my hands together, Zorua leapt back, vanishing into thin air. Reappearing behind Dragonite, she struck it down with a Shadow Force, bringing down two Pokemon all by herself.
Kieran finally recalled his two Pokemon on the verge of having a mental breakdown. Holding his Pokeball tightly, she screamed, sending out Hydrapple. "I don't need the old me anymore! I've changed... and I'll show you all I can change again!"
Using his Tera Orb, Kieran empowered Hydrapple into a Dark type. He was preparing for us from the very start. Weak, my ass! If that's how you want to play Kieran, so be it.
"Mimi, let's show them how we do it down in Hisui! Agile Style Shadow Ball!"
Zorua moved even faster, striking before Kieran could get a word in, her fired Shadow ball turning into a barrage of ghostly matter. The moment Zorua landed, I pointed it again, swinging my arm. "Just like that girl! Quick Strong Style Dark Pulse! I don't care if it's weaker; we'll show them!"
Now, with an extra-strong Dark Pulse, it blasted Hydrapple back, dealing more damage than Kieran would like. "Free Mega Evo... Battle Bonds Zorua, and now this new fighting stance?! Just what the hell are you? We can't lose, not like this, not again, I... I'm tired of losing!"
Hydrapple began readying an attack as Kieran shouted one last time. "Tera Blast, bring them down!"
"Burning Jealously, do it!" We both shout as both of our Pokemon collide in one last epic showcase. Zorua slides out from the smoke, still standing, barking in determination. As the smoke settles, it's clear who the winner was. Hydrapple was knocked out. We did it.
"Wha... Huh?" Kieran muttered, stumbling back and staring at his fallen Pokemon. His hand continued to tremble as he tried recalling it. Once he was able to, he couldn't even look at me. "No... why?! This wasn't supposed to happen!"
Kieran began to totally lose it like a sore loser, making us all surprised. "Urgh! No...no, no, no! I won't lose... Next time, for sure, I'll win. Next time... I'll win..."
Kneeling I began patting Zorua my eye twitching. "That's enough!"
Kieran flinched as I stood back up, letting Zorua climb up my shoulder and sit on it. "Look at yourself. Is this how a Champion should behave?"
"... ... ..."
"What was the point of this all? Getting stronger, being the best? I mean, did you even have fun?"
This caught Kieran off guard as he stepped back wide-eyed, whispering the words back. "Have fun?"
I nodded along. "It doesn't matter what the outcome of a Pokemon battle like this is, as long as you have fun. Strong or weak, if you trust your friends and have fun doing it, isn't that all that matters? Why fight otherwise?"
Kieran fell to his knees, looking down to the floor; he was done, but he wouldn't respond any further. I wanted to call him, ask him for help... But it was pointless. "Carmine, can you stay here and look after your brother? Nemona, we should stop Anastasia from activating the Ultimate Weapon."
Nemona nodded, giving me a high five. "Oye! With us together, they don't stand a chance."
I walked up to Kieran, taking a deep breath and sighing. "We could use your help, Kieran. This doesn't have to be the end. We'd take any help we can get."
I didn't wait for Kieran's response as Nemona and I ran off. Carmine looked at her brother, worried. "Kiki..."
"I–It's no good! I'm useless..." He whispered to himself, dazed. "I can't help anyone..."