Pikamaster
Active Member
Hey everyone. If you haven't noticed, I'm writing a heck of a lot more... First off, a huge thank you to Charley Bates and WeredragonEX of Fanfiction.net for beta-reading this. Not really much else to say, though, it's just a one-shot. Red and Gold are NOT based off of the Manga, they are based off of the characters in the Pokemon HeartGold/SilverSoul games, but the battle mechanics are the ones from the Manga. Read and Review, please, and enjoy!
EDIT: I have redrafted this to be in present tense, as well as have a few minor changes. It's found at the end of this version of The Final Challenge (still in this post), so just hit Ctrl+F and search for "Present Tense".
What had happened? He had won the Pokémon league, but now he could not beat its champion? Lance had been a joke, not really the real champion. No, that person was at the top of Mt. Silver, where Gold was now. That person was Red. Five of Gold's Pokémon had come up, and each had gone down to one attack without even having a chance to attack, and Red had only shown his first Pokémon: a Pikachu. Gold was shivering, but not from the cold of the perpetually snowy mountain. No, he finally had a real challenge. He finally had a reason for training again. His face was flushed with excitement, but Red had shown no emotion at all, save disinterest. He had only whispered five words, five commands, to his Pikachu. But Gold would make him see that a rematch would be worth the silent trainer's time, the last Pokémon that Gold was about to send out would make sure of that.
"Flare, let's show him what we're made of!" Gold said, throwing his final Pokéball high into the air.
With a flash of light and a burst of heat that melted the snow around it, Gold's Flareon appeared with a battle cry, tensed for battle. Flare was the first Pokémon that he had received; a gift from his mother. Eevee were extremely rare, making her the best birthday present that Gold had ever received. They had trained together for years, both hoping to beat the Pokémon League. Evolving into a Flareon had been Eevee's choice when presented with all the options she could take, preferring the raw power of flame.
"Thunder." came the whisper. Once again, the Pikachu charged with power. Electricity crackled through the air, raising the hairs on Gold's neck. Then with a cry, Pika released the attack in a mighty flash of yellow, sending the electricity into the clouds. Gold's eyes grew wide. Red had only used Thunderbolt before; Thunder could take even Flare down in one massive blast.
"Flare, Quick Attack!"
Flare went from standing position to a flat out run, narrowly avoiding the blinding cascade of electricity that struck where she had stood moments before. Even so, Flare took damage, receiving a small dose of the voltage that had nearly struck her. Gold knew that he was lucky that Flare had avoided becoming paralyzed, but even so, that was fast! And the power! All of the snow had melted, and a black crater now blemished the ground. If Gold was careless now, all would be lost.
"Iron Tail, Pika."
With a speed that matched the Flareon's oncoming attack, Pika spun around, batting Flare aside with a rock-hard tail and avoided any incoming damage. Things were not looking good for Gold at all; he could see Flare tiring quickly. Her breaths were becoming jagged and her ears were hanging at the side of her head. Should he stop while Flare was relatively unhurt, or could she take enough to heal a little?
"Flare, use Wish, then use Protect at anything Pika throws at you!"
"Pika, Quick Attack."
Closing its eyes, the tired Flareon used the move just before getting knocked back by Pika. Now barely able to lift herself off of the ground, Flare waited for the next attack, ready to use Protect. Likewise, Gold waited for Red's next command. The speed at which his opponent called attacks and counter attacks was stunning, but Gold knew that he could match that if he tried.
"Rain Dance."
"Fire Fang!" Gold called, desperation in his voice. A rainstorm from a Rain Dance could last for ten minutes, severely weakening Flare's attacks. He had to stop it.
Flare darted forward, despite her weakened condition, fangs coated with blue flames. Was that an impressed look on Red's face? Blue fire was a sign of years-usually around twenty- of training. To achieve it at the age of sixteen was unheard of. But then Gold had to turn his gaze back to the battle, just in time to see Pika flinch from the jaws that had clamped down on his tail.
"Thunderbolt."
Again came the lightning-quick command, and Gold barely had time to shout out the order to use Protect to his own Pokémon. The Flareon managed to dodge, but only just. The amber energy bounced off of the blue shield that Flare managed to erect, melting the newly formed ice on the ground and bouncing away into the cloud-covered sky. Gold had to cover his eyes until the attack ended, but Red did not flinch. When Gold could finally see again, Flare was standing back from Pika, just in front of Red, looking much better than before. The Wish had finally restored her health.
"Flare, use Dig!"
"Dig, Pika."
In a shower of dirt, both Pokémon disappeared in seconds. Gold clenched his fists, surprised that Red's Pikachu could use a Ground type move. If Red was surprised by Flare's attack, he did not show it. Then Gold shouted a command that changed Red's perpetual look of indifference.
"Flare, come back up and use Overheat in Pika's hole!"
"Pika, get out of there!"
But apparently the two holes had crossed, for within seconds a pillar of white, blue-banded fire erupted out of both holes, tearing the clouds apart with an angry hiss. Pika also shot out of the hole, borne aloft by the flame. With a resounding smack, Pika landed on the quickly-forming ice at Red's feet. Crouching, Red started to check on Pika, but the Pikachu stood, if somewhat shakily.
"You have enough for a few more attacks, Pika? I know that you're out of electricity, and we can fix that, but only if you want to. "
Flare jumped out of the hole that Pika had flown from just as the Pikachu nodded. Gold felt the tension in the air as Pika, battered and burned, stared down Flare. Both Pokémon were panting hard, signaling that the end of the battle was near.
"Pika, Grass Knot, then Charge."
Flare cried out as thick vines sprouted from the ground, ensnaring her and binding her feet. Gold barked out the order for her to burn the vines with Flamethrower as Pika began to glow, but the vines were green and would not burn. Lightning rained down from the sky, striking Pika time after time, forcing itself into his tiny body as he screamed with each strike. Gold's eyes grew wide and he changed tactics, screaming at Flare to bite her way free with Fire Fang. But, again, the green vines resisted the attack, leaving the Flareon tied to the ground as Pika absorbed more and more power with each lightning bolt that struck him.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity to Gold, but were only a few minutes, the lightning stopped and Pika shone bright enough to illuminate the entire mountainside. With the restored power, Pika stood straighter, no longer suffering from electrical fatigue. Gold knew that it was over, the question was: would he go down fighting, or would he run away?
"Pika, Volt Tackle."
If possible, Pika shone even greater, creating a cocoon of crackling electricity. Sprinting forward, the Pikachu prepared to make contact with the cowering Flareon.
"Flare, return now!"
Gold sighed as the beam of red light from his Pokéball made contact with Flare, saving her from the incoming Volt Tackle just before it hit. Pika, now with no target, jumped far over Gold's head, did a back-flip off the wall and landed in front of Red once more, on the brink of collapsing. Red returned Pika to his Pokéball without a word; the Pikachu knew that he had done well and just wanted to rest.
Gold turned, tears in his eyes. He had lost his chance to show Red that he could take anything. He had lost his chance for a rematch. But the possibility of losing Flare to an attack that intense was something that he would not take a chance on. But as he started to walk away, the losing trainer felt a hand on his shoulder. Right behind him, Red was standing with a smile on his face, hand outstretched. Gold stood in shock for a second, then firmly shook the proffered hand. Gold would have his rematch, even if he had to train some more. And when the time where he was ready finally came, Gold knew that he would give Red the match of a lifetime.
***
The Final Challenge
Far to the west of Johto, in the frigid heights of Mt. Silver, lies one last obstacle every trainer tries to overcome; an ultimatum that has yet to be conquered. Here far from comfort, far from civilized life, the hardest fight for victory, for self-discipline, for survival.
This is where Gold stands. Next to him, the true champion of the Pokémon League: Red. What was happening? He had beaten the Pokémon league, but now he could not beat its champion?
Gold is sweating like he has been battling for hours, but in reality it had only been about ten minutes. Five of Gold's Pokémon were called out in turn, and all five had gone down in one attack, each without the chance to retaliate. Red only used his first Pokémon: a Pikachu. Gold shivers, but not from the cold. Finally he has a real challenge, a reason for training again. Gold's face is flushed with excitement, but save disinterest, Red shows no emotion. Throughout the battle, he only whispered five words- five commands- to his Pikachu.
Gold grits his teeth. He is determined to make Red see that a rematch is worth the silent trainer's time, his last Pokémon will make sure of that. A flash of light fills the sky, followed by a burst of heat that melts the snow around her feet. Gold's Flareon appears with a roar, tensed for battle.
Flare is the first Pokémon that he received, a gift from his mother. For eleven years they trained together, both hoping to defeat the Pokémon League. Evolving into a Flareon was Flare's choice when presented with all the options she could take, preferring the raw power of flame. Gold knows that she will not let him down.
"Flare, let's show him what we're made of!" Gold shouts, ready for the fight.
"Thunder," Red whispers.
The Pikachu starts to charge up power. Electricity crackles through the air, raising the hairs on Gold's neck. Then, with a cry, Pika releases the attack with a mighty flash of yellow sending the electricity into the clouds. Gold's eyes widen. Red had commanded Thunderbolt before, but not Thunder; Thunder can take Flare down in one massive blast.
"Flare, Quick Attack!"
Flare accelerates from standing position to a flat out run and narrowly avoids the blinding cascade of electricity striking where she had stood moments before. Even so, Flare takes damage, receiving a small dose of the voltage that had nearly hit her. That attack was fast! And the power! All of the snow had melted and a black crater blemishes the ground. Gold clenches his fist. Flare was lucky to have avoided paralysis; any more carelessness could cost them the battle.
"Iron Tail, Pika."
With a speed matching the Flareon's oncoming attack, Pika spins around and batsFlare aside with a white, glowing, rock-hard tail, avoiding any incoming damage. Gold sees that Flare is tiring quickly.Her breaths are jagged and her ears are at the side of her head. Should he stop while Flare was relatively unhurt, or could she take enough to heal a little?
"Flare, use Wish, then use Protect at anything Pika throws at you!"
"Pika, Quick Attack."
Closing her eyes, the tired Flareon begins using the move, finishing it just as she is knocked backward by Pika. Now barely able to lift herself off of the ground, Flare waits for the next attack, ready to use Protect. Likewise, Gold waits for Red's next command.
"Rain Dance."
"Fire Fang!" Gold calls, desperation in his voice. A rainstorm from a Rain Dance could last for ten minutes, severely weakening Flare's attacks. He has to stop it.
Flare darts forward, despite her weakened condition, fangs coated with blue flames. Was that an impressed look on Red's face? Blue fire was a sign of years-usually around twenty- of training. To achieve it at the age of sixteen was unheard of. But then Gold has to turn his gaze back to the battle, just in time to see Pika flinch from the jaws that clamp down on his tail.
"Thunderbolt."
Again comes the lightning-quick command, and Gold barely has time to shout out the order to use Protect to his own Pokémon. The Flareon manages to dodge, but only just. The amber energy bounces off of the blue shield that Flare erected, melting the newly formed ice on the ground and bouncing away into the swirling white clouds sky. Gold covers his eyes until the attack ended, but Red does not flinch. When Gold can finally see again, Flare is standing back from Pika, just in front of Red. Gold assumes since she looks much better than before that the Wish has finally restored her health.
"Flare, use Dig!"
"Dig, Pika."
With a shower of dirt, both Pokémon disappear, vanishing in seconds. Gold clenches his fists, surprised that Red's Pikachu can use a Ground type move. If Red is surprised by Flare's attack, he does not show it. Then Gold shouts a command that changes Red's perpetual look of indifference.
"Flare, use Overheat in Pika's hole!"
"Pika, get out of there!"
But the two holes had crossed; a pillar of white, blue-banded fire erupts out of both tunnels, tearing the clouds apart with an angry hiss. Pika shoots out of the hole, borne aloft by the flame. With a resounding smack, Pika lands on the quickly-forming ice at Red's feet. Crouching, Red starts to check on Pika, but the Pikachu stands, if somewhat shakily.
"You have enough for a few more attacks, Pika? I know that you're out of electricity, and we can fix that, but only if you want to. "
Pika nods just as Flare leaps out of her hole. Gold can feel the tension in the air as Pika, battered and burned, stares down Flare. Both Pokémon are panting hard: a signal that the end of the battle is near.
"Pika, Grass Knot, then use Charge."
Flare cries out as thick vines sprout from the ground, ensnaring her and binding her feet.
"Flare use Flamethrower!" Gold cries, shielding his eyes as Pika begins to glow. Jets of flame shoot from Flare's mouth, but the knotted vines refuse to burn. Lightning rains down from the sky with resounding cracks, striking Pika time after time, forcing itself into his tiny body as he screams with each strike.
Gold's eyes grow wide and he changes tactics, screaming at Flare to bite her way free with Fire Fang. But again the green vines resist the attack, leaving the Flareon tied to the ground as Pika absorbs more and more power with each lightning bolt that strikes him.
Finally, after what seems like an eternity, the lightning stops, leaving Pika shining bright enough to illuminate the entire mountainside. With the restored power, Pika stands straighter, no longer suffering from electrical fatigue. Gold knows that it is over, but wonders if he should go down fighting, or if he should run away.
"Pika, Volt Tackle."
If possible, Pika shines even greater than before, creating a cocoon of crackling electricity around himself. He starts to sprint forward, preparing to make contact with the cowering Flareon.
"Flare, return now..."
Gold sighs as the beam of red light from his Poké Ball makes contact with Flare, saving her from the incoming Volt Tackle just before it hits. Pika, now with no target, jumps far over Gold's head, does a back-flip off the wall and lands in front of Red once more, on the brink of collapsing. Silently, Red returns Pika to his Poké Ball; there is no need for words. Pika knows that he has done well.
Tears well up in Gold's eyes as he turns away from the battle field- the place where he lost. Why was he such a coward? A battle with the best trainer in the world, but he ruins any chance of a rematch by not acting like a man and sticking it out.
But no, that's not right. I'm not the one taking the hits, Flare is! She trusts me to make the right decisions; pointlessly risking her life would be betraying her. Red can go hug a Magmortar if he wants me to do that.
Gold swipes his tears away angrily, betraying his true feelings, despite what he tells himself. It is time to leave this desolate place, time to leave the lonely trainer who stands here. But as Gold starts his lonely walk down the mountain, fishing through his bag for the maximum strength repel that he had bought, a hand on his shoulder stops him. Right behind him, Red stands with a smile on his face, hand outstretched. Gold stares in shock for a moment. Then he firmly shakes the proffered hand. Gold would have his rematch, even if he has to train some more. And when the time comes, Gold knows that he will give Red the match of a lifetime.
Far to the west of Johto, in the frigid heights of Mt. Silver, lies one last obstacle every trainer tries to overcome; an ultimatum that has yet to be conquered. Here far from comfort, far from civilized life,the hardest fight for victory, for self-discipline, for survival. Here Red waits at the top of the wildest place known to man: to pose as the ultimate challenge for any trainer who can reach him. To weed out the good trainers from the bad.
EDIT: I have redrafted this to be in present tense, as well as have a few minor changes. It's found at the end of this version of The Final Challenge (still in this post), so just hit Ctrl+F and search for "Present Tense".
The Final Challenge
What had happened? He had won the Pokémon league, but now he could not beat its champion? Lance had been a joke, not really the real champion. No, that person was at the top of Mt. Silver, where Gold was now. That person was Red. Five of Gold's Pokémon had come up, and each had gone down to one attack without even having a chance to attack, and Red had only shown his first Pokémon: a Pikachu. Gold was shivering, but not from the cold of the perpetually snowy mountain. No, he finally had a real challenge. He finally had a reason for training again. His face was flushed with excitement, but Red had shown no emotion at all, save disinterest. He had only whispered five words, five commands, to his Pikachu. But Gold would make him see that a rematch would be worth the silent trainer's time, the last Pokémon that Gold was about to send out would make sure of that.
"Flare, let's show him what we're made of!" Gold said, throwing his final Pokéball high into the air.
With a flash of light and a burst of heat that melted the snow around it, Gold's Flareon appeared with a battle cry, tensed for battle. Flare was the first Pokémon that he had received; a gift from his mother. Eevee were extremely rare, making her the best birthday present that Gold had ever received. They had trained together for years, both hoping to beat the Pokémon League. Evolving into a Flareon had been Eevee's choice when presented with all the options she could take, preferring the raw power of flame.
"Thunder." came the whisper. Once again, the Pikachu charged with power. Electricity crackled through the air, raising the hairs on Gold's neck. Then with a cry, Pika released the attack in a mighty flash of yellow, sending the electricity into the clouds. Gold's eyes grew wide. Red had only used Thunderbolt before; Thunder could take even Flare down in one massive blast.
"Flare, Quick Attack!"
Flare went from standing position to a flat out run, narrowly avoiding the blinding cascade of electricity that struck where she had stood moments before. Even so, Flare took damage, receiving a small dose of the voltage that had nearly struck her. Gold knew that he was lucky that Flare had avoided becoming paralyzed, but even so, that was fast! And the power! All of the snow had melted, and a black crater now blemished the ground. If Gold was careless now, all would be lost.
"Iron Tail, Pika."
With a speed that matched the Flareon's oncoming attack, Pika spun around, batting Flare aside with a rock-hard tail and avoided any incoming damage. Things were not looking good for Gold at all; he could see Flare tiring quickly. Her breaths were becoming jagged and her ears were hanging at the side of her head. Should he stop while Flare was relatively unhurt, or could she take enough to heal a little?
"Flare, use Wish, then use Protect at anything Pika throws at you!"
"Pika, Quick Attack."
Closing its eyes, the tired Flareon used the move just before getting knocked back by Pika. Now barely able to lift herself off of the ground, Flare waited for the next attack, ready to use Protect. Likewise, Gold waited for Red's next command. The speed at which his opponent called attacks and counter attacks was stunning, but Gold knew that he could match that if he tried.
"Rain Dance."
"Fire Fang!" Gold called, desperation in his voice. A rainstorm from a Rain Dance could last for ten minutes, severely weakening Flare's attacks. He had to stop it.
Flare darted forward, despite her weakened condition, fangs coated with blue flames. Was that an impressed look on Red's face? Blue fire was a sign of years-usually around twenty- of training. To achieve it at the age of sixteen was unheard of. But then Gold had to turn his gaze back to the battle, just in time to see Pika flinch from the jaws that had clamped down on his tail.
"Thunderbolt."
Again came the lightning-quick command, and Gold barely had time to shout out the order to use Protect to his own Pokémon. The Flareon managed to dodge, but only just. The amber energy bounced off of the blue shield that Flare managed to erect, melting the newly formed ice on the ground and bouncing away into the cloud-covered sky. Gold had to cover his eyes until the attack ended, but Red did not flinch. When Gold could finally see again, Flare was standing back from Pika, just in front of Red, looking much better than before. The Wish had finally restored her health.
"Flare, use Dig!"
"Dig, Pika."
In a shower of dirt, both Pokémon disappeared in seconds. Gold clenched his fists, surprised that Red's Pikachu could use a Ground type move. If Red was surprised by Flare's attack, he did not show it. Then Gold shouted a command that changed Red's perpetual look of indifference.
"Flare, come back up and use Overheat in Pika's hole!"
"Pika, get out of there!"
But apparently the two holes had crossed, for within seconds a pillar of white, blue-banded fire erupted out of both holes, tearing the clouds apart with an angry hiss. Pika also shot out of the hole, borne aloft by the flame. With a resounding smack, Pika landed on the quickly-forming ice at Red's feet. Crouching, Red started to check on Pika, but the Pikachu stood, if somewhat shakily.
"You have enough for a few more attacks, Pika? I know that you're out of electricity, and we can fix that, but only if you want to. "
Flare jumped out of the hole that Pika had flown from just as the Pikachu nodded. Gold felt the tension in the air as Pika, battered and burned, stared down Flare. Both Pokémon were panting hard, signaling that the end of the battle was near.
"Pika, Grass Knot, then Charge."
Flare cried out as thick vines sprouted from the ground, ensnaring her and binding her feet. Gold barked out the order for her to burn the vines with Flamethrower as Pika began to glow, but the vines were green and would not burn. Lightning rained down from the sky, striking Pika time after time, forcing itself into his tiny body as he screamed with each strike. Gold's eyes grew wide and he changed tactics, screaming at Flare to bite her way free with Fire Fang. But, again, the green vines resisted the attack, leaving the Flareon tied to the ground as Pika absorbed more and more power with each lightning bolt that struck him.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity to Gold, but were only a few minutes, the lightning stopped and Pika shone bright enough to illuminate the entire mountainside. With the restored power, Pika stood straighter, no longer suffering from electrical fatigue. Gold knew that it was over, the question was: would he go down fighting, or would he run away?
"Pika, Volt Tackle."
If possible, Pika shone even greater, creating a cocoon of crackling electricity. Sprinting forward, the Pikachu prepared to make contact with the cowering Flareon.
"Flare, return now!"
Gold sighed as the beam of red light from his Pokéball made contact with Flare, saving her from the incoming Volt Tackle just before it hit. Pika, now with no target, jumped far over Gold's head, did a back-flip off the wall and landed in front of Red once more, on the brink of collapsing. Red returned Pika to his Pokéball without a word; the Pikachu knew that he had done well and just wanted to rest.
Gold turned, tears in his eyes. He had lost his chance to show Red that he could take anything. He had lost his chance for a rematch. But the possibility of losing Flare to an attack that intense was something that he would not take a chance on. But as he started to walk away, the losing trainer felt a hand on his shoulder. Right behind him, Red was standing with a smile on his face, hand outstretched. Gold stood in shock for a second, then firmly shook the proffered hand. Gold would have his rematch, even if he had to train some more. And when the time where he was ready finally came, Gold knew that he would give Red the match of a lifetime.
***
The Final Challenge
Far to the west of Johto, in the frigid heights of Mt. Silver, lies one last obstacle every trainer tries to overcome; an ultimatum that has yet to be conquered. Here far from comfort, far from civilized life, the hardest fight for victory, for self-discipline, for survival.
This is where Gold stands. Next to him, the true champion of the Pokémon League: Red. What was happening? He had beaten the Pokémon league, but now he could not beat its champion?
Gold is sweating like he has been battling for hours, but in reality it had only been about ten minutes. Five of Gold's Pokémon were called out in turn, and all five had gone down in one attack, each without the chance to retaliate. Red only used his first Pokémon: a Pikachu. Gold shivers, but not from the cold. Finally he has a real challenge, a reason for training again. Gold's face is flushed with excitement, but save disinterest, Red shows no emotion. Throughout the battle, he only whispered five words- five commands- to his Pikachu.
Gold grits his teeth. He is determined to make Red see that a rematch is worth the silent trainer's time, his last Pokémon will make sure of that. A flash of light fills the sky, followed by a burst of heat that melts the snow around her feet. Gold's Flareon appears with a roar, tensed for battle.
Flare is the first Pokémon that he received, a gift from his mother. For eleven years they trained together, both hoping to defeat the Pokémon League. Evolving into a Flareon was Flare's choice when presented with all the options she could take, preferring the raw power of flame. Gold knows that she will not let him down.
"Flare, let's show him what we're made of!" Gold shouts, ready for the fight.
"Thunder," Red whispers.
The Pikachu starts to charge up power. Electricity crackles through the air, raising the hairs on Gold's neck. Then, with a cry, Pika releases the attack with a mighty flash of yellow sending the electricity into the clouds. Gold's eyes widen. Red had commanded Thunderbolt before, but not Thunder; Thunder can take Flare down in one massive blast.
"Flare, Quick Attack!"
Flare accelerates from standing position to a flat out run and narrowly avoids the blinding cascade of electricity striking where she had stood moments before. Even so, Flare takes damage, receiving a small dose of the voltage that had nearly hit her. That attack was fast! And the power! All of the snow had melted and a black crater blemishes the ground. Gold clenches his fist. Flare was lucky to have avoided paralysis; any more carelessness could cost them the battle.
"Iron Tail, Pika."
With a speed matching the Flareon's oncoming attack, Pika spins around and batsFlare aside with a white, glowing, rock-hard tail, avoiding any incoming damage. Gold sees that Flare is tiring quickly.Her breaths are jagged and her ears are at the side of her head. Should he stop while Flare was relatively unhurt, or could she take enough to heal a little?
"Flare, use Wish, then use Protect at anything Pika throws at you!"
"Pika, Quick Attack."
Closing her eyes, the tired Flareon begins using the move, finishing it just as she is knocked backward by Pika. Now barely able to lift herself off of the ground, Flare waits for the next attack, ready to use Protect. Likewise, Gold waits for Red's next command.
"Rain Dance."
"Fire Fang!" Gold calls, desperation in his voice. A rainstorm from a Rain Dance could last for ten minutes, severely weakening Flare's attacks. He has to stop it.
Flare darts forward, despite her weakened condition, fangs coated with blue flames. Was that an impressed look on Red's face? Blue fire was a sign of years-usually around twenty- of training. To achieve it at the age of sixteen was unheard of. But then Gold has to turn his gaze back to the battle, just in time to see Pika flinch from the jaws that clamp down on his tail.
"Thunderbolt."
Again comes the lightning-quick command, and Gold barely has time to shout out the order to use Protect to his own Pokémon. The Flareon manages to dodge, but only just. The amber energy bounces off of the blue shield that Flare erected, melting the newly formed ice on the ground and bouncing away into the swirling white clouds sky. Gold covers his eyes until the attack ended, but Red does not flinch. When Gold can finally see again, Flare is standing back from Pika, just in front of Red. Gold assumes since she looks much better than before that the Wish has finally restored her health.
"Flare, use Dig!"
"Dig, Pika."
With a shower of dirt, both Pokémon disappear, vanishing in seconds. Gold clenches his fists, surprised that Red's Pikachu can use a Ground type move. If Red is surprised by Flare's attack, he does not show it. Then Gold shouts a command that changes Red's perpetual look of indifference.
"Flare, use Overheat in Pika's hole!"
"Pika, get out of there!"
But the two holes had crossed; a pillar of white, blue-banded fire erupts out of both tunnels, tearing the clouds apart with an angry hiss. Pika shoots out of the hole, borne aloft by the flame. With a resounding smack, Pika lands on the quickly-forming ice at Red's feet. Crouching, Red starts to check on Pika, but the Pikachu stands, if somewhat shakily.
"You have enough for a few more attacks, Pika? I know that you're out of electricity, and we can fix that, but only if you want to. "
Pika nods just as Flare leaps out of her hole. Gold can feel the tension in the air as Pika, battered and burned, stares down Flare. Both Pokémon are panting hard: a signal that the end of the battle is near.
"Pika, Grass Knot, then use Charge."
Flare cries out as thick vines sprout from the ground, ensnaring her and binding her feet.
"Flare use Flamethrower!" Gold cries, shielding his eyes as Pika begins to glow. Jets of flame shoot from Flare's mouth, but the knotted vines refuse to burn. Lightning rains down from the sky with resounding cracks, striking Pika time after time, forcing itself into his tiny body as he screams with each strike.
Gold's eyes grow wide and he changes tactics, screaming at Flare to bite her way free with Fire Fang. But again the green vines resist the attack, leaving the Flareon tied to the ground as Pika absorbs more and more power with each lightning bolt that strikes him.
Finally, after what seems like an eternity, the lightning stops, leaving Pika shining bright enough to illuminate the entire mountainside. With the restored power, Pika stands straighter, no longer suffering from electrical fatigue. Gold knows that it is over, but wonders if he should go down fighting, or if he should run away.
"Pika, Volt Tackle."
If possible, Pika shines even greater than before, creating a cocoon of crackling electricity around himself. He starts to sprint forward, preparing to make contact with the cowering Flareon.
"Flare, return now..."
Gold sighs as the beam of red light from his Poké Ball makes contact with Flare, saving her from the incoming Volt Tackle just before it hits. Pika, now with no target, jumps far over Gold's head, does a back-flip off the wall and lands in front of Red once more, on the brink of collapsing. Silently, Red returns Pika to his Poké Ball; there is no need for words. Pika knows that he has done well.
Tears well up in Gold's eyes as he turns away from the battle field- the place where he lost. Why was he such a coward? A battle with the best trainer in the world, but he ruins any chance of a rematch by not acting like a man and sticking it out.
But no, that's not right. I'm not the one taking the hits, Flare is! She trusts me to make the right decisions; pointlessly risking her life would be betraying her. Red can go hug a Magmortar if he wants me to do that.
Gold swipes his tears away angrily, betraying his true feelings, despite what he tells himself. It is time to leave this desolate place, time to leave the lonely trainer who stands here. But as Gold starts his lonely walk down the mountain, fishing through his bag for the maximum strength repel that he had bought, a hand on his shoulder stops him. Right behind him, Red stands with a smile on his face, hand outstretched. Gold stares in shock for a moment. Then he firmly shakes the proffered hand. Gold would have his rematch, even if he has to train some more. And when the time comes, Gold knows that he will give Red the match of a lifetime.
Far to the west of Johto, in the frigid heights of Mt. Silver, lies one last obstacle every trainer tries to overcome; an ultimatum that has yet to be conquered. Here far from comfort, far from civilized life,the hardest fight for victory, for self-discipline, for survival. Here Red waits at the top of the wildest place known to man: to pose as the ultimate challenge for any trainer who can reach him. To weed out the good trainers from the bad.
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