Pokémon Forums Story; Elite 4 Member Three

Arlo walked out the elevator, stepping out into the third floor. The room was dimly lit, with floating orbs of light surrounding the battle field. Arlo stepped to the edge of the field.

"I've been expecting you," echoed a female voice. Stepping out from the other side was a woman with long brown hair that flowed down to the center of her back. She wore a black suit with purple tie. Her black eyes narrowed as she looked at Arlo. "So you're the new up and rising challenger," she asked, her tone low and threatening.

"I am. The name's Arlo," responds the challenger, standing up straighter, his voice carrying confidence. "I'm here to beat you and climb to the top!"

The woman scoffs and rolls her eyes. "Not the first time I've heard that. Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Lila, the one that will yank you from your childish fantasy, right back to this cold reality."

Arlo took a fighting stance and smirked. "Highly doubt it," he says, arrogant, "but I can't wait for you to try!"

Out from somewhere in the room, a judge walks out. "Let me explain the rules," he shouts. "This will be singles. Each trainer gets up to three Pokémon and one gimmick. If one breaks these rules it is instant disqualification! Understand?"

Arlo and Lila nod, readying their PokeBalls. "Good. Then 3! 2! 1! Battle!"

Arlo starts with Pyroar, it growling fiercely upon release. Lila throws out an Armarogue.

"Fire against fire. Funny," she says, but no emotion is shown on her face. "Use Psychic Terrain!"

Armarouge shoots a purple ball at the ground, which expands across the field, covering it in a purple-ish mist.

"Setting something up, huh? Won't let that get far! Use Fire Blast," exclaims Arlo, Pyroar enthusiastically shooting a giant ball of fire at the opposing Pokémon. The Armarouge doesn't move, however, and takes the hit. Arlo chuckles smugly.

"Pathetic," Lila sighs, disappointed. Arlo raises an eyebrow. When the smoke clears he stands there, shocked as the Armarouge is in the same spot, not a single hit mark on it.

"I-I know it's not very effective, but…" Arlo trails, at a loss for words.

"Flash Fire," Lila responds simply. "Fire type attacks do nothing to it, instead increasing its own fire attacks. We won't be using our flames yet, though. Expanding Force!"

Armarouge's eyes lit up purple as it put its arms together, creating a cannon and shot a purple screen that widened as it traveled.

"Dodge it," shouted Arlo, but it was too late. The attack hit Pyroar, knocking it back. It staggered as it stood up.

"Are you alright," Arlo asks, his voice wavering with worry. His concern disappears, however, as Pyroar stands up straight and releases a powerful roar. Arlo smiles proudly. "Great! Let's do this!"

"Are y'all done? We're in a battle," Lila says, looking bored (or annoyed).

Arlo was about to apologize, but Lila didn't give him time. "Psyshock," she commands, throwing her hand out.

Arlo reacts quickly, though. "Noble Roar," he shouts, and Pyroar quickly obeys, letting out a strong, loud roar, lowering Armarouge's attack. Armarouge doesn't flinch, however, and puts its cannon together, blasting purple shards at Pyroar. The weakened attack hits Pyroar directly, and it staggers slightly.

"It's okay," says Arlo, smiling confidently. "We can handle that! Use Hyper Voice then get in close!"

Pyroar wastes no time, letting out a powerful cry, damaging the opposing Armarouge, making it flinch. Pyroar dashes across the battle field, approaching the Armarouge quickly.

"Expanding Force," Lila says, unbothered by the quick advance.

"I don't think so," shouts Arlo. "Crunch!"

Armarouge's eyes begin to glow, but Pyroar leaps the remaining distance, chomping down on the Armarouge. Armarouge stumbled backwards, glowing blue.

"A defense decrease. How unfortunate," Lila stated, showing not a bit of concern for her bad situation.

"We're not done yet," Arlo shouts, excited about the turn of events. "Get up close again!"

Pyroar springs forward with a growl, fangs bared and ready to strike. "Don't let him. Psyshock," commands Lila, and though she doesn't seem worried on the outside, the rush of her words suggest otherwise.

"Quick! Noble Roar," cries Arlo, clenching his fist. Pyroar doesn't stop approaching as it let's out an intimidating roar, decreasing the power of the Psyshock as the Armarouge unleashes it. Pyroar stumbles a little when hit, but it keeps going. "Now," shouts Arlo, his body shaking with excitement, "use Crunch!"

Pyroar bites into Armarouge, causing it to stumble and fall to a knee.

"We've got this," exclaims Arlo, victory inches away from his grasp. "One more Crunch and Armarouge's out! Go!"

Pyroar goes in for the finishing strike, but Lila finds her voice.

"Quick," she cries, her concern etched across her face, worry clear in her voice, "Armor Cannon!"

Armarouge quickly puts its arms together, firing a big ball from its cannon. It hits Pyroar directly in the chest, sending it flying and unconscious. Even though it's not very effective, Flash Fire from earlier and Pyroar's already low health ended it.

With a heavy sigh, Arlo returns Pyroar. "Good job," he mutters to his Pokeball. "Take a good rest." Arlo looks up at Lila and sees her let out a sigh of relief, but she immediately puts her emotionless persona back on.

Arlo sends out his next Pokémon. "Go, Manetric," he shouts. Manetric stamps its paw into the floor, growls, and then let's out a loud, echoing bark. "Let's not waste time! Thunderbolt!"

Manetric howls as it sends a powerful bolt of electricity at the Armarouge. The opposing Pokemon doesn't have time to react as the strike makes direct contact with it, knocking it out.

"Hm," is all she says as she returns her fallen Pokémon. Her face shows no sign of stress as she sends out her next Pokemon; an Alakazam. Not just any Alakazam, though. It has a Mega Stone in its spoon.

Mega Evolution on her second Pokémon? She must be trying to end this quick, Arlo thinks as he looks at his opponent. His eyes go to Manetric, then his Key Stone. I could Mega Evolve, too, but... He sighs. No. I'm going to save it for my last. She can use her gimmick now, making it easier for me in the end.

"Let's start strong! Thunder," shouts Arlo, wanting to wrap the battle up before the match gets far.

Manetric bared its teeth, growling as electricity sparked from its body. It howled as it blasted a giant bolt at the Alakazam. Lila was unfazed, though, saying "Mirror Coat," with a dead-pan expression.

Alakazam's body glows as it takes the Thunder head-on. It stumbles back, slightly, but still blasts the move back. Manetric has no time to react as it gets hit, howling in agony.

Arlo groans. Mirror Coat, he grinds his teeth. It reflects ranged attacks with equal damage. Manetric only knows ranged though. And when she Mega Evolves…

"Are you just going to stand there or are you going to attack," Lila asks, glaring at Arlo with pure annoyance.

"You could easily make a move, too," exclaims Arlo, but when she continues to just stare, he sighs. "Fine. Use Charge!"

Manetric snarls aggressively as it glows with energy, sparks occasionally flying off its body. It glows red as its special attack increases.

Lila raises an eyebrow. "You're just quickening your end," she states plainly, but there's a hint of amusement in her voice.

"We can handle our own electricty! Again, use Thunder," shouts Arlo, confident Manetric can handle the upcoming return.

Manetric barks, loud and powerful, as it blasts another large bolt of electricity at the Alakazam, this one thicker and stronger than the last.

"Mirror Coat," Lila commands again. Alakazam took the hit, nearly falling over, but regained its balance and sent it back, sweeping Manetric off its feet. It flipped backwards a couple times but quickly got its footing back, digging its claws into the ground.

Lila watches her Alakazam with concern as it staggers forward, barely catching itself. "We're okay," she says. "Recover."

"Oh no you don't," Arlo shouts as Alakazam begins to glow. "Thunderbolt, quick!."

Manetric strikes Alakazam with lightning, causing it to stop healing. "Prefect! Now use Discharge!"

Alakazam has no time to react as Manetric releases large amounts of electricity from its body, covering the entire battle field, hitting the opposing Pokemon.

Alakazam tumbles backwards, close to falling. "Alright," exclaims Arlo, "wrap it up! Thunder!"

"Psychic followed by Shadow Ball," Lila shouts, her voice high and panicked.

Alakazam quickly steadies itself. Its eyes and spoons glow with power, and it lifts Manetric before it can attack. Alakazam then slams Manetric into the ground, quickly firing a Shadow Ball before Manetric can recover.

Arlo grimaces as he watches Manetric struggle to get up. "Are you okay," he asks, his voice wavering. Manetric barks weakly but stands firmly. Arlo smiles. "Great. Use Thunderbolt!"

"Mirror Coat," Lila commands in response.

As Alakazam sends the bolt back, Arlo tells Manetric to use Charge. Manetric obeys, boosting its stats right before getting hit.

"Why didn't you attempt to dodge," Lila asks, her curiosity apparent.

"Because I knew we couldn't," Arlo says, smirking. "But I knew it could take it, so I wanted our next move to end this. One last time, Thunder!"

Manetric stands tall, howling as it unleashes a ginormous bolt of electricity at Alakazam.

Lila's eyes widen. "Mirror Coat," she yells. Alakazam quickly covers itself in its light, pushing the attack back before collapsing on the ground. Manetric has nowhere to go as the giant bolt comes right back, knocking it out as well. Both trainers return their Pokémon.

She didn't Mega Evolve? Then why did she use Alakazam, Arlo's thinking is interupted by Lila as she asks, "Why didn't you Mega Evolve?"

"I was wondering the same thing about you," Arlo responds, readying his last Pokémon.

"I was saving it for last," Lila replies.

"Same here," Arlo says, smirking, Pokeball in hand.

Each trainer releases their last Pokémon. Arlo's Lucario pops out its ball, its yellow fur sparkling even in the poorly lit room. Lila's Metagross bangs its claw on the ground, coming out ready to fight. Lucario growls back, punching its fists together.

"Yeah, that's the spirit," Arlo exclaims, clenching his fist with determination.

"We matched types again. How ironic," Lila states, but again doesn't actually seem amused.

"So," Arlo raises his wrist, showing his Key Stone, "are we doing this or what?"

Lila pulls out a necklace with a Key Stone on it. "We can. It'll let me end this quick."

"Your arrogance will just make my victory so much better," Alro states, smirking confidently as he taps his Key Stone, connecting to Lucario. Lila follows suit, Mega Evolving Metagross.

"Go! Use Aura Sphere," shouts Arlo, punching his fist out.

Lucario puts its hands together, a giant ball of energy forming quickly between them. It pushes its arms out, sending the powerful orb at the Matagross.

"Shadow Ball, then Meteor Mash," Lila commands, and Metagross immediately takes action, creating and firing a ball of dark energy. The balls collide, causing a cloud of smoke across the field. The sound of metal clanging can be heard, signaling Metagross activating Meteor Mash.

"Counter it with your own Meteor Mash," yells Arlo, his heart racing with excitement as Lucario smashes its fists together and slams into the Metagross, which crashes into Lucario with equal force. The banging echoes throughout the room. The two Pokémon push each other back, both quickly regaining their balance.

"Nice job," Arlo exclaims, adrenaline rushing through hid body as he feels the excitement from an equally matched opponent. "Now use Bone Rush!"

Lucario extends a bone of energy from its paws, then quickly dashes at Metagross.

"Counter with Metal Claw," shouts Lila, throwing her hand out with small smile forming on her lips.

Metagross waits until Lucario is right on it before swinging, matching each of its opponent's movements with its claws. Their attacks increase in speed, the Pokémon challenging each other, testing their limits. After a while, the two hit each other with so much power it blew them back.

"Don't let up," Arlo exclaims. ""Go in with Close Combat!"

Lucario wastes no time, leaping towards Metagross, fists ready to strike.

"Don't let it get close," Lila yells, her voice shaking with excitement. "Psychic!"

Metagross' eyes glow with power, stopping Lucario with just a few inches to spare. Lucario tries to free itself but fails. Metagross then slams Lucario into the ground.

"Follow up with Meteor Mash," Lila exclaims, her eyes wide as she feels the thrill of the battle.

Metagross claps its arms together, activating its move. The Pokémon then charges at Lucario, who moves at last second.

"Good," Arlo praises. "Now, use Aura Sphere!"

Lucario blasts the ball at Metagross, but the opponent swats it away, causing it to explode. Lucario takes this opportunity to get close.

"That's it! Use Bone Rush," Arlo shouts, hoping to end it here.

"No," Lila cries. "Quick! Metal Claw!"

It was too late, though. Lucario was already onslaughting the Metagross with flurry of bone strikes. Metagross staggers as Lucario finishes its attack.

"We're not out of this yet," Lila shouts. "Psychic!"

Metagross immediately stands, its eyes glowing as it picks its opponent up and flings it across the field. Lucario tries to get up, but stumbled to its knees. "Now Shadow Ball," Lila commands.

Metagross blasts its purple orb at Lucario. Lucario tries to dodge, but fails as it gets hit by the ball. It rolls further across the field, trying to get up.

"Its over," Lila states, all emotion from earlier gone. "Give up."

Arlo looks at Lucario as it struggles to its feet, staggering slightly as it stands. Should I, Arlo question. Lucario is weak, and I don't want to push it to far… Lucario looks back at Arlo and smiles, clenching its fist determinedly. Arlo smirks.

"No, we're good," he says. "We're gonna finish this!"

"I gave you a chance to back out peacefully," Lila says, her tone cold as a freezer in winter. "Don't throw a fit when we demolish you. Meteor Mash!"

Metagross charges forward, ready to end the match immediately. Lucario doesn't budge. When Metagross is moments away, Arlo shouts, "Now," and Lucario swiftly dodges.

"Use Close Combat," Arlo commands. Metagross, who can't stop due to its momentum, takes Lucario's blows head on. Each Pokémon glows as Lucario deals the final strike, their Mega Evolution disappearing.

Both trainers stand in silence.

"You... won," Lila says as more of a question then a statement, her confusion apparent on her face.

"I won," Arlo echoes, the words sounding llik a foreign concept he just can't understand. But almost immediately, the words click and he rushes to his Lucario, a huge smile on his face as he hugs it. "We won!"

Lucario smiles proudly as Arlo returns it to its ball. While he's recovering his Pokémon, Lila walks up to him. He looks up at her and is surprised to see her usual emotionless expression is replaced by a soft gaze and bitter-sweet smile.

"Good job," she says, her voice gentle. "You did great out there. It's been a long time since I've had a powerful trainer. Even longer since I last enjoyed a battle." She chuckles lightly. "I'm rooting for you," she says, offering Arlo her hand.

Arlo smiles and takes it. After Lila helps him up, he walks to the elevator, waving as the doors shut and goes to the final floor.