As Told By Hikari, ch. 45

Last time, Hikari successfully defeated Drayden in battle and earned her final Gym Badge.  Now armed with all eight Badges, she is ready to head to the Pokemon League and take on N!

As Tatsuya and I left the Opelucid Gym, we noticed a certain Pokemon professor waiting for us in front of the Pokemon Center.  “Professor Juniper!” I said, dashing over to her.  

Smiling at the sight of us, she replied, “Hello!  Was Drayden as tough as ever?”

“Yeah, I just barely beat him,” I said sheepishly.

“Aw c’mon champ, you did great!” Tatsuya told me as he slung his arm over my shoulder, once again causing my heartbeat to speed up.  “So what’s up, Professor?”

“Oh, I came to report on how to resurrect the legendary Reshiram,” Professor Juniper answered.  “I thought it would be better to tell you in person than over the Xtransceiver.  And as for the conclusion…”

“Yeah, yeah?” I asked, leaning forward in anticipation.

“Well, I haven’t figured it out yet,” she finished, causing me to fall forward in exasperation.

“Aw man, seriously?” I grumbled as Tatsuya helped me up.

“Don’t worry, I’m sure the Pokemon will wake up when it deems someone worthy,” the professor reassured me.  “More importantly, aren’t you amazing!  You have all eight of Unova’s Gym Badges now, right?”

“I sure do!” I said, pulling out my badge case and opening it to show all eight shiny badges.

“You’ve become so strong!” Tatsuya said before glancing at the professor.  “Hasn’t she, Professor?”

“Indeed,” she said with a nod, continuing as we walked into the Pokemon Center.  “You probably don’t even know it Hikari, but you’ve changed a lot since you left Nuvema Town.”

Really?  Have I really changed? I thought to myself with a small smile.

Professor Juniper then pulled out a Town Map.  “Well then, let me show you where such a strong Trainer should head next!  Pass through that gate, go down Route 10 and you’ll arrive at the Badge Check Gates!  Once you get through Victory Road, which is past the gates, you’re finally at the Pokemon League!”

“OK, got it!” I nodded.

The lovely professor then smiled and looked around the Center.  “Oh, that just made me think of when I was showing you around the Pokemon Center in Accumula Town.”  She then looked me directly in the eye.  “Hikari?  Do you regret setting out on your Pokemon journey?”

The question surprised me, but at the same time made me grin.  “Are you kidding?  If I didn’t set out on my journey, I never would’ve met so many new people and Pokemon.  I probably wouldn’t have found out about Team Plasma, either.  Also…” I took Tatsuya’s hand in mine.  “I don’t know when I would’ve seen Tatsuya again if I had just stayed in Nuvema Town.  So there’s no way I’ll ever regret starting my journey!”  Tatsuya’s cheeks flushed, but he smiled at me and squeezed my hand.

“Thanks!  That’s the greatest answer you could give!” Professor Juniper said, overjoyed by my response.

“I couldn’t agree more,” Tatsuya said with Victini nodding in agreement.

Placing a hand on my shoulder, the professor told me, “I was really happy to be able to give you three those Pokemon as a present!  Because like you said, Pokemon create chances to meet more wonderful people and Pokemon!  Hikari, this is for you!”  She then reached into her lab coat and pulled out a Poke Ball that I had never seen before.  The bottom half was white, but the top half was purple with a white letter "M" on the front and a pink circle on either side.

Hikari obtained a Master Ball!

Tatsuya’e eyes widened at the sight of the ball.  “Holy Miltank… that’s a Master Ball!”

“A Master Ball?” I asked.

“The most powerful kind of Poke Ball,” he explained.  “It can catch any Pokemon without fail.  I’ve heard of them, but this is my first time seeing one!”

“That’s correct, Tatsuya,” Professor Juniper confirmed as I took the Master Ball from her hand.  “This is the only way I can support you, except to say… Be true to yourself.  No matter what happens, stay strong and keep going with your Pokemon!”

Clutching the Master Ball, I gave a firm nod.  “I will, Professor!”

Once Professor Juniper was gone, I gave my Pokemon to Nurse Joy before flopping down on the couch.  “Oof!  Boy, that Gym Battle wore me out!”

“And it’s just past noon,” Tatsuya commented as he joined me on the couch.  Letting out a small sigh, he muttered, “The Pokemon League, huh?  That brings back memories…”

“What’s it like?” I asked curiously.

“Tough,” the older Trainer answered.  “Before you even reach it, you have to go through Victory Road, where you’ll likely meet several Trainers who are also going to take on the League.  If you defeat those Trainers, you can move on, but if you lose, you have to start over.  It’s the same once you reach the League, only then you’ll be up against the Elite Four, officially four of the strongest Trainers in the Unova region.”

“Wow!  What kind of Pokemon do they use?” I pressed, hoping for details so I could prepare.

Taking a minute to recall, Tatsuya finally told me.  “Well, there’s Shauntal who uses Ghost-type Pokemon, Grimsley who uses Dark-types, Caitlin who uses Psychic-types, and finally Marshal who uses Fighting-types.  If you’re able to beat them, you’ll then take on the Champion himself.  Defeat Alder, and you’ll end up in the Hall of Fame, the highest honor for a Trainer.”

He sounded so fascinated as he spoke, so of course I had to ask, “The Hall of Fame… that’s your goal, isn’t it?”

Smiling, Tatsuya answered, “Yes.  It’s what I was aiming for when I first started out.” Leaning back into the couch, he closed his eyes.  “Back then, I was determined but reckless… I wanted so badly to end up there, but then I lost to Alder.  I was devastated, but he told me this: ‘This is just one loss.  Take your time, travel to other regions and enjoy your journey while growing stronger.  The Pokemon League will still be here when you return.’  So I took his advice and began my travels in the Kanto region.”

“Do you still want to be in the Hall of Fame?” I questioned.

“I do,” the older Trainer replied.  “But defeating Team Plasma comes first.  Still, don’t be surprised if I battle you myself before we reach the League!”

“I can take you!” I said, giving him a light nudge.

“You sure?  I won’t go easy on you this time around,” he warned with a grin.

“I don’t expect you to!” I said, poking him back resulting in him laughing.  “Aha, you’re still ticklish, eh?”

“Oh no ya don’t!” he exclaimed before tickling me.  The two of us kept trying to tickle each other, laughing like crazy as we also tried to foil each other’s attempts.

“Good grief, get a room you two!” a familiar voice piped up, and we looked up to see a slightly annoyed Cheren standing next to the couch.

“Oh!  Cheren!” I exclaimed, my face red as I quickly straightened myself along with Tatsuya.  “Uh, heh heh… how long have you been standing there?”

“Long enough,” he said, his arms folded.  “Hikari, Drayden and Professor Juniper told me.  You’re heading for the Pokemon League, right?”

“Yep!” I said with a quick nod.  “I just hope that Alder can stand up to N.”

Leaning against the wall, Cheren said, “Since it’s Alder… Since it’s the Champion, I think it will be alright.  Worst-case scenario… you’ll be battling N.  I need to know if you can handle it!  Meet me past the Route 10 gate.”

“I’ll be there soon,” I told him, and with a nod, Cheren left the Pokemon Center.  Turning to Tatsuya, I said, “Well, I guess I better get ready to battle him, huh?”

Chuckling, the older Trainer replied, “Yeah, I’ll get some supplies for you.  You used up all your Hyper Potions, didn’t you?”

Flinching at that, I sighed and nodded.  “Well I had to.  Those Dragon-types are strong!”

After switching around my line-up, I managed to put together a good team for Victory Road:   Zoroark, Unfezant, Sawk, Cofagrigus, Zebstrika, and of course Samurott.  Soon, Tatsuya and I were heading down Route 10 to meet up with Cheren.

Eventually, we found my friend at a wooden bridge accompanied by Bianca.  “Hey, Hikari!” she greeted with a wave.

“Hiya, Bi!” I replied as we hugged.  “What’s up?”

“Well I was in the area and Cheren wanted me to referee the battle,” she explained before leaning in.  “I’m not going to lie, I’m reeeeally nervous.  I’ve never refereed a battle before!” she whispered.  I recalled that during my very first battle with Cheren, Bianca simply watched instead of being a referee.

“Eh?  Then why’d you say yes?” I asked, tilting my head.

“Well, he’s one of my best friends, so I didn’t wanna say no…” she answered, her cheeks turning pink.

My eyes widened as my mind made the connection.  “I knew it!  You and Cheren do like each other!”

“Ehhh?!  Where did that come from?!” Bianca exclaimed, her cheeks going from pink to red in an instant.

Before I could say anything more, Cheren walked up to me.  “Good, you’re here.  Are you ready?”

“You bet!” I answered with a nod, and the two of us got into position.  

Bianca took her position as referee and cleared her throat.  “Um, this battle between Hikari and Cheren is about to begin!  This will be a standard battle; whoever can defeat their opponent’s Pokemon will be the winner!”  She then raised her hand before shouting, “Ready? GO!”  Her hand dropped, and the battle began.

Hikari vs. Cheren!

Hikari is challenged by Pokemon Trainer Cheren!

“Unfezant, go!”  Cheren’s Flying Pokemon hovered over the battlefield, waiting for my move.

“Let’s do this, Zebstrika!”  The Thunderbolt Pokemon huffed as he glared at his opponent.  “Stomp!”  Zebstrika leapt up into the air.

“Detect!”  Unfezant’s eyes glowed blue as it flew out of Zebstrika’s reach.  “Now Air Slash!”  Unable to dodge the attack, the Electric Pokemon was sent crashing into the ground by the energy blades.

“Ouch!” I heard Bianca mutter, squeezing her eyes shut.

“C’mon Zebstrika, use Discharge!”  Zebstrika stood back up and surrounded itself with blue electricity before zapping Unfezant.

“Razor Wind!”  Unfezant whipped up a strong wind before sending white energy waves as Zebstrika.

“Wild Charge!”  Zebstrika was then surrounded by golden electricity as he charged at his hovering opponent, leaving a golden trail behind.  He then leapt up and soared toward Unfezant before slamming into it, sending it flying back towards Cheren unconscious.

“Unfezant is unable to battle.  Zebstrika wins!” Bianca announced.

The foe’s Unfezant fainted!

“Wow!  That was such a strong attack!” the blonde Trainer commented, looking at Tatsuya who was standing next to her.

“Yeah, but she shouldn’t use it too often,” Tatsuya said.  “Wild Charge also tires out the user a bit.  See?”  He pointed at Zebstrika, who was panting from the exertion.

Cheren recalled his defeated Unfezant before pulling out another Poke Ball.  “I will use everything I have learned on this journey!  Go, Liepard!”

“Zebstrika, return!  Sawk-sensei, c’mon out!”  Once again, sensei was face-to-face with the Dark Pokemon.  “Brick Break!”  The Karate Pokemon delivered a painful chop to his opponent.

“Assurance!” Liepard stood back up and slammed into Sawk’s stomach.  “Now Slash!”

That was a mistake, because just before Liepard’s claws could scratch the Fighting Pokemon’s face, Sawk Thunderpunched the Dark Pokemon away.  “(Liepard-san, never aim for my face,)” he warned, glaring at his opponent with his scarred eye.

Liepard hissed in response before Cheren gave his next command.  “Use Night Slash!”  This time, its claws glowed red as it slashed across Sawk-sensei’s arm, making the Fighting Pokemon wince.

“Hang in there, sensei!  Retaliate!”  Sensei unleashed a furious barrage of punches and kicks, soundly defeating Liepard.

“Liepard is unable to battle.  Sawk wins!”

The foe’s Liepard fainted!

Sawk-sensei walked over to the Dark Pokemon and knelt down.  “(You fought well.  You are certainly a formidable opponent, Liepard-san,)” he said with a bow of his head.

Liepard gave a weak smirk.  “(You’re… not so bad yourself,)” it replied softly before its eyes closed and Cheren called it back to its Poke Ball.

This time, Cheren sent out Simipour and I quickly sent out Zebstrika again.  Before doing anything else, I gave my Pokemon a Hyper Potion to heal the damage done by Unfezant and Wild Charge.  

“Leer!”  Cheren took advantage of my distraction by having Simipour Leer at Zebstrika, lowering its defense.

“Alright, hit ‘im with Discharge!”  The blue electricity zapped the Water Pokemon something fierce.

“Fury Swipes!”  Shaking its head, Simipour then leapt toward Zebstrika and began scratching like crazy.  “Now Lick!”  Pausing in its Fury Swipes attack, the Water Pokemon Licked Zebstrika’s face and within seconds, the fierce Electric Pokemon was paralyzed.

“Ya gotta be kiddin’ me!” I exclaimed as I searched my bag for a Paralyze Heal.  “Flame Charge!”  Zebstrika tried to fight against the paralysis, but to no avail.

“Scald!”  Simipour immediately shot scalding hot water at the Electric Pokemon, causing it to cry out in pain.

“Zebstrika!” I cried as I finally pulled out a Paralyze Heal and cured my Pokemon.  “*Phew!* That was close.  Stomp ‘im!”  Now free to move, Zebstrika huffed and pawed the ground, preparing to leap into the air.

Cheren’s eyes widened and he quickly shouted, “Scald again!”  Lucky for me, Zebstrika was able to avoid the hot water before landing right on top of Simipour.

“Discharge one more time!”  The Electric Pokemon crackled with blue energy before zapping its opponent one last time.

“Simipour is unable to battle.  Zebstrika wins again!”

“The ‘again’ isn’t necessary, Bianca,” Tatsuya muttered.

The foe’s Simipour fainted!

“Simipour, return,” my rival said as he called back his Pokemon and pulled out his final Poke Ball.  “My Pokemon and I will put all our energy into this battle!  Go, Serperior!”  The ball opened and the Regal Pokemon slithered onto the battlefield.  I hadn’t gotten to battle Serperior after it had evolved, so I was actually kind of excited.

“Unfezant, you’re up!”  My own Unfezant soared out of her ball raring to go.  

“Coil!”  Serperior quickly coiled up, at the same time keeping an eye on its opponent.

“Hey Tatsuya, what does Coil do?” Bianca asked the older Trainer.

“It’s a move that raises both the user’s attack and defense,” Tatsuya explained.  “This could be tougher than Hikari first thought.”

Taking Tatsuya’s words into consideration, I commanded, “Okay, use Air Slash!”

“Dodge and Slam!”  Serperior managed to deftly avoid the energy blades and then Slammed into Unfezant, sending her backwards.  “Now Leaf Blade!”  The Grass Pokemon’s tail glowed green and moved in to strike.

“Fly away!”  Unfezant barely managed to avoid the Leaf Blade attack by flying high into the sky.  Seconds later, she dove towards Serperior and struck it right in the face.

“Giga Drain!”  The snake Pokemon suddenly lashed its tail out again, this time snagging Unfezant and wrapping around it.  Its tail then glowed green and sapped a significant amount of energy from its foe, restoring some of its own energy.

“Unfezant, get outta there!”  The struggling Flying Pokemon jabbed her beak sharply into Serperior, forcing it to release her.  “Atta girl!  Now use Aerial Ace!”  With one powerful flap of her wings, Unfezant shot herself at the Grass Pokemon, scoring a perfect hit.

“Leaf Blade once more!”  Serperior’s tail began glowing again and it lashed its tail out, striking Unfezant across the chest.

“I know you can beat him, Unfezant!  Use Fly again!”  Steadying herself, the Proud Pokemon once again dive-bombed her slithery foe, knocking him out and ending the battle.

“Serperior is unable to battle.  Unfezant wins!  The victory goes to Hikari!  Way to go!” Bianca cheered.

The foe’s Serperior fainted!

Hikari defeated Pokemon Trainer Cheren!

“Serperior, return,” Cheren said, recalling his Pokemon before facing me again.  “Thank you.  You are really great.”

Smiling, I told him, “Thanks, you too.”

“Nice going, champ!” Tatsuya said, walking over and slinging an arm over my shoulders.

Letting out a soft sigh, Cheren continued, “Yep, you are something else.  And I mean that sincerely.”  He then looked me straight on, serious as ever.  “Right now, there’s no way I can compete with you, Hikari.  If there is anything I can do to help in the battle with N, just say so…”

Bianca then spoke up.  “Hikari… There’s not much I can do to help you, but I want you to have these!”  She held out her hands which held three crystals.  

Hikari obtained Max Revives!

As I placed the Max Revives into my bag, Bianca gave me a small smile.  “Still, it’s kind of funny.  Everyone’s so different.”

Cheren closed his eyes and shook his head.  “Funny?  At a time like this…”

“Come on, Cheren,” the blonde girl said, giving him a light nudge.  “Could you smile just for once?  Taking everything so seriously all the time isn’t going to change anything.”  She then walked a few steps ahead of us, looking down the road.  “You know… Since we’ve met our Pokemon and walked the same roads together, a lot has happened…  We’ve all changed a lot!”  As Bianca spoke, she turned to face us again.  “We found out that the things we want to do and the things we can do are different for each of us, right?  That’s what’s made our journey so worth it.  Somehow, all this just makes me happy,” she finished with a smile.

“Bianca…” I muttered with a smile.  She really had changed a lot, and even Tatsuya nodded in approval.

Cheren didn’t say anything for a few seconds.  “…So that’s what you mean…”  Then to our pleasant surprise, he actually smiled a little.

“Whoa, he’s smiling,” Tatsuya whispered to me.

“Quick, get a camera!” I joked back, causing him to snicker.

“I can hear you,” Cheren commented before speaking to Bianca again.  “You are right that we’re all different and we should do the things that we can do.  There are as many truths and ideals as there are people and Pokemon.  The most important thing is that we help one another out.  That’s why people and Pokemon are always by each other’s side.  That’s what I’ve come to think lately…”

“Me too, Cheren,” I said, placing a hand on his shoulder.  “Now if we can only get N to realize it.”

Nodding, my spectacled friend said, “Well if anything happens to you or Alder, I will do everything I can to help you.  That’s why I have to keep training and getting stronger.  Just… don’t be reckless, OK?”

Chuckling, I answered, “I’ll do my best!”  And with that, Cheren began walking down the road.

“He’s gone,” Bianca commented as she watched him leave.  Then she suddenly turned to face me and Tatsuya.  “Guys!  Me, too!  I’ll do my best to help if I can!  So… Umm…”

“Umm?” I asked, tilting my head.

“Are you OK, Bianca?” Tatsuya inquired.

“I wish I could say something, like, totally inspiring, you know?” she replied sheepishly.

Shaking my head, I looked at my friend straight on.  “It’s OK, Bi.  If you ask me, your love of Pokemon and your willingness to help is inspiring enough.  Thank you,” I finished, pulling her into a hug.

Tatsuya placed his hand on Bianca’s shoulder.  “I agree.  You keep that up, OK Bianca?”

Letting out a short giggle, she replied, “I will!  OK… Best foot forward!”  And a few minutes later, Bianca was gone too.

And so, after one last battle with Cheren and the promise to do their best, the four Trainers split up once again.  Soon Hikari and Tatsuya will be going down Victory Road, and who knows what challenges lie in wait?  Stay tuned!