[IC] Grand Pokemon Champion

[Phoenix]

It was the end of 6 long weeks of constant battling and Sebastian was relieved that this would be his last battle. Of course, he had fun, but he and his Pokemon were growing weary, if only mentally. There was no doubt how pampered he and the rest of the contestants had been throughout the tournament. As he rose in the ranks, the services and goods provided to him only increased. Sponsors from across the world offered him money and merchandise. He'd become one of the most well-known Pokemon trainers in the world, as well as the top 8 Trainers. His opponent, however, could have arguably been the most popular.

He couldn't judge such things accurately and he cared little for fame. He loved Pokemon and rush of working with them to overcome struggle and difficulties. It was only a game to him, a game he could play very well. His Pokemon were equally adept at the game, if only because of him. It was lucky they allowed only 8 Pokemon in this last battle since that was all he had acquired throughout his years as a Trainer. His bond with each of them was strong and intimate. They cared deeply for each other.

The crowd cheered over the announcer when his name was called and his achievements listed off. Sebastian waved modestly but walked determinedly to his spot on the battlefield. The domed arena with an open roof was more than full. Most patrons resorted to standing in the aisles despite the fire and safety hazard it caused. The large field of the arena wasn't utilized completely. The grassy floor had a standard-sized court to battle upon. At least ten more could be lined up next to it and reach the walls of the field.

His opponent was called to the field and a roar equal to his own overwhelmed the announcer until she was comfortably within her square. He bowed slightly to her and waved warmly. A smile could be seen on his face. He respected his opponent, knowing her skill in Pokemon battling if only from the tournament itself. It seemed like a half-hour, but the regulations of the battle could finally be communicated clearly with the din dying.

"Welcome Pokemon Trainers to the Grand Pokemon Championship!" The crowd blasted once more. "After six weeks, the top two Trainers have been determined! We've seen them battle scores of Trainers from all across the land and in many different styles! And because of that, this battle will be like no other! Rules will change from round to round and the Trainers will have to keep focused to not be disqualified! In addition, the use of items have been banned for this battle! Only the strength and endurance of the Pokemon themselves is to prove the victor this day!"

The crowd continued to cheer and whoop. Sebastian was not aware how complex this battle would be. Thinking about it a little more, he could see why they were to battle in the largest arena where no battles were held until now. The other arenas had various themes to them but this one seemed to have none. He expected the floor to move under him and change the environment from time to time. This invigorated him with an excited anxiety. He looked around the arena and the people with a slight smirk on his face.

"The first round will be a Single Battle. However, the Pokemon you choose will be chosen for you!" The crowd erupted with shock and invigoration. "Sophie, you will battle with Dusknoir! Sebastian, you will battle with Bisharp! The substitution of Pokemon is also prohibited for this battle! And," he added, "if a Pokemon is knocked outside the square, they will forfeit the round!"

The announcer paused and Sebastian took this as the time to release his chosen Pokemon. A few moments passed as he re-evaluated the court and realized how small it really was. But he shifted his body and Bisharp emerged from the Pokeball on his belt. The announcer called the beginning of the battle when both Pokemon were present on the field. "Iron Defense!" he called out, knowing his Bisharp was slower than Dusknoir.

[MarsAdept]

Sophia fidgeted in front of a large wall mounted mirror in the pre-staging area. Nervously she straightened her red and black dress, then made sure her hair was perfect and the ribbon in her hair was right. Then she checked it over again. She kept on repeating her checks until she heard a growl. She turned to see her Glaceon. With a smile she replied, "I know it is almost time. just these things need to be perfect. It is a girl thing. you would not understand. Anyways, The team is already ready to go. You know how nervous i get before going on stage. I have an image to uphold as fearless, cold, and mysterious." The Glaceon gave a whining sound in response. Sophia began to nervously pace back and forth across the room, "I know, right? Lots of lights and cameras. Not to mention, this is in the middle of the day. i should be asleep at this hour." Glaceon opened its mouth like it was about to yawn. Sophia immediately stopped and glared at her best friend, "Don't you dare... you know how much this battle means to everyone. So save it for the arena." Just then the light came on signaling time for her to step out into the arena.

With Glaceon close at her heel, Sophia walked into the full view of the arena. She had a look of anger and cold determination on her face. The crowd was immediately in an uproar. The appearance of her ignoring the crowd made them even louder. As she walked to her spot she knew the announcer was probably stating a list of her accomplishments, however no one could hear him. As she got to her spot, she saw her opponent give a bow and wave. In response, she gave curtsy and Glaceon did a well trained bow.

Sophia listened intently to what the announcer said next. She already knew the standard rules and regulations of such a fight. However the idea that she had to use only the pokemon she was told was new. The kinds of pokemon she used were no secret. It the audience wanted to see her battle with only her Dusknoir then she would gladly play along. She reached behind her and pulled out the correct Pokeball. She held up in front of the Duskball containing Dusknoir. Calmly, She spoke, "Iskandar, time to conquer.:" Immediately, the duskball opened and Dusknoir emerged. immediately he started to show off his ghostly muscles, and punching at the air. As the match officially begins, Calmly, Sophia shouts, "Power-up Punch!" Dusknoir focused on his opponent. He punches his right hand into the open palm of his left then darts across the arena to punch at Bisharp.

[Phoenix]

Bisharp's body shined brightly the second and a half before Dusknoir made contact. Bisharps's shar arms rose to attempt to block, but he was pushed back far and took substantial damage from the attack. "Shit," Sebastian said to himself. This wasn't going to be an easy battle. With the unique rules and this particular match up, they'd have to go against their usual strategy of outlasting their opponent and, instead, take a more offensive approach.

As the Power-Up Punch finished, Sebastian affirmed Bisharp's instincts. "Metal Burst" he said and Bisharp opened his mouth from behind his defensive arms. When the blades pushed the punch down, an intense blast of air erupted as if 1000 steel poles were chimed all around the two. Even Sebastian squinted from the intensity of the blast. He hoped it would have allowed some time for Bisharp to act first this time as the Metal Burst was shot at point-blank range.

With allowing Bisharp to finish his flourish properly, Sebastian called out his next command. "Night Slash!" Dusknoir would have had the time to counter effectively, but Sebastian hoped this would keep the pressure on their opponent. Bisharp's arms faded to a dark purple and soon turned foggy. As he trampled his way toward Dusknoir, he flourished his arms menacingly and expertly. He was performing a Swords Dance without command and this slowed the attack's speed itself. Bisharp believed this would keep pressure on but when he heard Sebastian shout "No!" as he performed this, he grew worried but followed through strongly as if to prove his trainer wrong.

[MarsAdept]

The light from Bisharp's Metal burst attack blinded Sophia. She raised her arm to protect her eyes. She was used to the dark places where ghosts tend to gather and pulling long nights in pitch blackness. She had gotten used to being under the stadium lights over the last few weeks of the competition, but this light was worse. It hurt to look at.

Sophia heard Sebastian call out his next attack. Immediately, she refocused on the match. She say Bisharp about preforming a sword dance in preparation for the Night slash. She did not have to think about it. That attack would be devastating it it hit. She immediately shouts to Dusknoir, "Iskandar, Double team now." The instant she does Dusknoir obeys and vanishes just as Bisharp's attack was about to land.

Dusknoir reappears in not one but three places surrounding Bisharp. The crowd gave a cheer from how intense the battle got. Sophia's Glaceon nervously pranced by her side. Sophia looked down at her Glaceon and said, "Calm down, boy. Get too worked up and you might end up melting." Suddenly Sophia got an idea. Dusknoir's use of double time had bought needed time to think. Now it was time to act. She flashingly and commandingly extending her arm and shouts, "Iskandar, melt him down to scrap metal. Fire Punch!" The three Dusknoirs vanish as the one on Bisharp's left side launches his attack with a fist of fire.

[Phoenix]

"Shit," Sebastian said under his breath. The well-timed Double Team took him by surprise. There was no way Bisharp was about to survive this next attack and a red beam of light encased him, turning him into energy, and returning him to his Pokeball. "Bisharp has been disqualified from this round. The winner goes to Iskandar, the Dusknoir!"

The crowd cheered and Sebastian could only think about his Pokemon. It was a highly disadvantageous match-up for him, but he did what he could. That Dusknoir was stronger than any he'd ever encountered, not that he encountered many. In fact, he couldn't remember if Sophie had that Pokemon when she challenged the Kanto Pokemon League. He'd barely beaten her that time but he couldn't help but think she didn't have her best with her. Perhaps it was unfortunate circumstances or she handicapped herself. Either way, he fondly remembers that battles.

Sophie was encouraged to return her Pokemon in order to begin a fresh new round. The battlefield changed to a hard sand under their feet. Sebastian slid around slightly as he tried to keep his balance. Though the sand didn't move much on its own, he knew that being kicked up would provide a disadvantage, or, perhaps, a cover. "Round 2 will be a Double Battle with whichever Pokemon you choose! You will be allowed only a single substitution and the boundaries have been removed!" The white lines in the grass had disappeared as it transformed into sand. And now the trainers stood upon circular pads barely higher than the sand level. They were designed to look like a blue and red Pokeball, something Sebastian almost thought juvenile yet fitting.

"Go on, you two," Sebastian said with a smile as he tapped two other Pokeballs on his waist. Masquerain burst out of its Pokeball in a glittering beauty, twisting in some kind of dew or water. Yet when the patterns on its top wings were seen, one might have shuttered at the intimidating visage. Shiftry escaped from the other Pokeball and he stood in a battle-ready stance, prepared to take this battle quickly.

He didn't care for Double Battles himself, but that was merely a preference. There was a reason he was here and if he lacked any skill in any particular type of battle, then he wouldn't deserve that spot in the area.

When the start of the battle was called, Sebastian was not hesitant to start.

[MarsAdept]

Sophia was surprised by Sebastian's choice to withdraw his bisharp. Dusknoir on the other hand immediately began to rejoice in his victory. Sebastian's willingness to protect his pokemon would probably serve him better in the long run compared to Sophia's willingness to see her pokemon fight to the bitter decisive end. It was a bad match up and she knew it. She was worried because Bisharp was a dark type, but then again, Dusknoir became a permanent part of her team because of that reason. Sophia raised Dusknoir's poke ball and said, "Iskandar, well done. Return there are other fields to conquer." Dusknoir willingly returned after giving a bow to the crowd.

Sophia heard a what the announcer declared was the next challenge. It was to be a double battle. Sophia enjoyed this. There were several combinations she could use with her pokemon. Thankfully her pokemon all got along well togather. She began to think what team she would send when Sebastian, with very little thought, threw out a Shiftry and Masquerain. His haste probably meant that next round she would have to pick her pokemon first.

Sophia smiled as she decided. She looked down at her Glaceon and said, "Virgo, i need you to enter the frey. We are in the lead. I trust you to hold our lead." Glaceon let out a cute cry then bounds gracefully to his spot on the battlefield. His fur was a darker shade of blue than normal Glaceon would be like it was mimicking the dark snow that falls during the forbidden hours of night. Sophia then pulls out a duskball and says, "Phobia, time to perform." Immediately, a froslass emerged and takes its place on the field. She dances and twirls for the amusement of the crowd. Froslass seemed to be begging to be the center of attention.

With Glaceon and Froslass on the field, Sophia was confident and ready at whatever Sebastian had.

[Phoenix]

She seemed as showy with her Pokemon as most other trainers. She certainly took pride in them and cared for them. She wanted them to feel special, and they were, considering their position within this tournament. Sebastian would have been considered odd considering his lack of enthusiasm. Some might have believed him too serious to make a show of his Pokemon, others believed he was aloof or just uncaring. For him, it was modesty with a hint of seriousness.

Sebastian chuckled. It seemed Sophia planned to keep on a tactical advantage against him. She'd be surprised how he did with Special weaknesses. "Sunny Wind," he called out plainly to them. He was always one to make up attack names and teach them to his Pokemon as to throw off the opponent if only slightly.

Shiftry shifted its limbs, shaking the leaves upon its arms. His feet thudded into the sand, creating straight lines cutting into the grains. Though it was early-afternoon, the sun began to glow brightly and someone enter the arena in spite of natural physics. The arena heated up and the sun invigorated Shiftry. Meanwhile, Masquerain's eyes glowed a deep purple and from behind her a dark smoke formed. As her wings vibrated the smoke blew forward and created a horrific noise and created frightening images around their opponents. Though her Ominous Wind might not have been native to her, she knew how to make a terrifying presence.

[MarsAdept]

Sophia shielded her eyes as sunny day brightened the arena. She hated bright lights and this was just as bad as the stadium lights at night. She should have worn some sum glasses but that would hurt the image she was trying to put forward to the fans. She was not the stereotypical ghost pokemon trainer. She could handle the lights it just too longer to adjust to more lights than less lights.

Sophia noticed right away what Masquerain was doing. She had seem it thousand of times. It was unexpected from the opponent but it was a ghost type move. Quickly she barked the commands, "Virgo, protect Phobia! Phobia, Dim the lights. Make it hail."

Sophia's pokemon immediately let into action. Glaceon leaped over to Froslass and took a defensive stance. Glaceon was so close to Froslass they were almost touching. Then Glaceon throw up his protective barrier to try the shield Froslass from the Ominous wind. The barrier was by no means large enough to cover them both but it made it so Froslass too less of a hit from Masquerain's attack. Froslass, with a pained look on its face, began to dance and twirl. High in the up near the ceiling of the stadium, dark clouds began to form. Down from them fell the hail Froslass summoned. However, as the hail hit the warm light of Sunny day, they melted into soft snowflakes.

Sophia extended her hand to catch the first of the snowflakes. Internally she was surprised to see how sunny day and hail seemed to mix to form soft snow. Externally, Sophia showed no emotion like this was exactly what she wanted. It definitely would not hurt her opponent's pokemon but it would be enough to allow Glaceon a much needed speed boost. The sunny day was dimmed slightly by the presence of the clouds and the temperature dropped to freezing.

Sophia did not need to tell he pokemon what to do next. They knew each other too well. Glaceon shivered adorably head to toe the leaped through the snow into the space between Shiftry and Masquerain. It did a playfully rolled in the newly fallen snow with beauty and grace one would expect of a prize winning contest pokemon which it was. It was not hard to read the plan. Sophia ordered Glaceon to protect Froslass so Glaceon's actions were clearly meant to pull the attention of everyone to himself.

[Phoenix]

The snow fell softly and landed delicately onto the sand which had become quite cold in almost no time. Both Shiftry and Masquerain were too focused to allow it to affect them and allowed it to fall around them. Sebastian couldn't be bothered with the battling weather and, instead, took the blessing that Shiftry still got enough sunshine to fell a boost in his own speed. The cold would, no doubt, strengthen both opponents, but they wouldn't be effective if they couldn't hit their target.

Sebastian remained forward and attentive to the battle rather than ooing and ahing at the snow as the full stadium did. "Stun Tornado," he called out, staring at Glaceon as he leapt forward, implying that this was to be their target. If he wanted to get in the enemies' range for one of their most devastating combinations, then so be it. Shiftry whipped his arms forward, shooting hundreds of leaves toward the sand mound which partially hid Glaceon. They spun around that spot quickly and tore into the sand. As that began, Masquerain found herself in the eye of the Leaf Tornado to release a pinkish powder that would paralyze even the largest of Pokemon should they be exposed to enough of it. The powder was sucked into the momentum of the leaves and twisted glitteringly throughout Shiftry's leaves.

Masquerain could use some of her Flying abilities to keep the Leaf Tornado spinning without the aid of her partner. In fact, Shiftry didn't have to do as much work because of it. Masquerain worked hard to vibrate her wings in such a manner as to create a powerful tornado of leaves, but she'd done this several times before and knew what it required. "Go to Froslass," he said soon after, commanding Shiftry to charge toward the Ghost of Ice. Glaceon would have a difficult time getting out of the Leaf Tornado, and even if he froze it in ice, Masquerain would be more than equipped to handle it. He inwardly hoped they didn't have anything special to trick him with, though.