Author Note:
I received several questions in the comments asking why Terastallizing is possible in Galar, so I'll explain it here.
In the Pokémon anime, Friede used Terastallizing normally in Galar, so I assumed it could be used anywhere without thinking too much about it. The anime might explain it in more detail later, but for now, in this novel, I'll continue with the setting that Terastallizing can be used anywhere after a certain cooldown.
---
Jin and the others left the training room and moved to the battle field. This was the place where Jin and Kabu had unofficial battles, and now, standing in the trainer zones, Liko and Roy faced off against Kabu and Wakaba on the opposite side.
"Well then, Jin, I'll leave the refereeing to you."
Kabu had asked Jin to be the referee. This meant Jin couldn't give advice to either Liko or Roy, as Kabu wanted to see how far they could go without Jin's help.
"Understood. Trainers, send out your Pokémon."
Since Sprigatito and Fuecoco, who had just finished their training, were already on the field, Kabu and Wakaba both threw their Poké Balls onto the battlefield.
"Go, Rolycoly! Let's do this!"
"Burn bright, Centiskorch!"
Kabu sent out his partner and ace, Centiskorch, while Wakaba sent out Rolycoly, a Pokémon with glowing red eyes, a coal-like body, and wheels at its base.
"Here it is! Centiskorch, the Fire/Bug-type Radiator Pokémon! It's known for its aggressive nature, attacking by coiling its 800-degree body. This is Kabu's strongest Pokémon!"
Listening to Wakaba's almost Pokédex-like explanation, Liko, Roy, and Jin all began to analyze Centiskorch again.
"It looks so strong..."
(...This isn't good.)
Seeing it up close, Liko realized once again just how powerful Centiskorch was, despite its loss to Scizor earlier. Centiskorch was a Fire/Bug-type, which meant both Sprigatito and Fuecoco were at a type disadvantage. Even though Kabu probably wouldn't use Gigantamax, it was still uncertain whether they had a chance of winning.
(Still, fighting a type disadvantage opponent will be a good learning experience.)
This battle didn't necessarily have to be won. In fact, Kabu probably didn't expect Roy and the others to be able to defeat something like Rayquaza right now. As long as they demonstrated growth and resolve, valuable information could still be gained from this battle.
"The tag battle will now begin. Each trainer may use one Pokémon. The battle will end when either team has both Pokémon knocked out."
After Jin's explanation, the four trainers nodded in agreement.
"Well then... battle, begin!"
"Fuecoco! Use Flamethrower!"
At Jin's signal, Fuecoco quickly launched Flamethrower at Centiskorch, aiming to get the first hit. However, Centiskorch didn't move and took the attack head-on. It wasn't fazed at all.
"It's not working?!"
"Centiskorch's ability is Flash Fire. Fire-type moves don't work on it."
"What?!"
Roy and Fuecoco were shocked to realize their strongest move had no effect. It wasn't just a type disadvantage; this was the worst possible matchup.
(That's another weakness for Roy.)
A new weakness had surfaced for Roy—his lack of knowledge about Pokémon. While it was clear he loved Pokémon, his knowledge was still lacking. At the very least, he needed to know abilities that nullify certain moves, or it could hinder him in the future.
(I'll have to ask Friede to help set up some study sessions...)
Unbeknownst to Roy, plans were already being made to include study time in his training regimen.
But for now, the battle continued.
"If that's the case... Sprigatito! Use Leafage! Aim sharply and fire!"
Realizing that Fuecoco's fire moves were ineffective, Sprigatito took the lead and launched a sharpened Leafage at Centiskorch. Though the attack didn't deal much damage due to the type disadvantage, hitting the same spot repeatedly managed to leave a small scratch on Centiskorch.
"Oh? You managed to deal damage to Centiskorch despite the disadvantage. Impressive... But now it's our turn. Use Flame Wheel."
Centiskorch curled up, enveloping itself in flames, and began spinning towards Fuecoco and Sprigatito.
"Fuecoco! Use Stomping Tantrum!"
Fuecoco stomped the ground repeatedly, causing rocks to fly up in an attempt to block the oncoming Centiskorch.
"Dodge to the right!"
Following Kabu's quick command, Centiskorch swerved to avoid the rocks, though it bought the others a little time. Centiskorch made a wide turn, closing in on Fuecoco and Sprigatito once again. However, both Pokémon leaped backward, narrowly dodging the Flame Wheel.
"Sprigatito! Use Hone Claws!"
Knowing that they were at a type disadvantage, Liko realized they needed to raise Sprigatito's stats to deliver a stronger hit. As Sprigatito dodged the Flame Wheel, it sharpened its claws in mid-air, increasing its attack and accuracy.
"Use Bug Bite!"
Recovering from the missed Flame Wheel, Centiskorch immediately lunged at both Pokémon with Bug Bite. Though Sprigatito and Fuecoco managed to dodge in the nick of time, the shattered debris from the move scattered, causing them minor damage.
"Roy! Let's counterattack!"
"Got it! Fuecoco, use Bite!"
"Sprigatito! Use Tackle!"
"Flame Wheel!"
Sprigatito and Fuecoco rushed in for a counterattack, but Centiskorch once again used Flame Wheel, surrounding itself in flames. Fuecoco and Sprigatito were knocked back, taking significant damage from the fiery shield.
"This is... way too much! We can't even get close..."
Despite it being a tag battle, Wakaba and his Rolycoly hadn't done anything yet. Or rather, they couldn't. Wakaba realized that both Kabu and the combined skills of Liko and Roy were far above her level, and jumping in recklessly would only drag them down.
"What's wrong? If you can't beat my Centiskorch, capturing Rayquaza will be impossible," Kabu taunted.
Hearing this, Roy's expression grew more intense. Kabu was right—if they couldn't even handle this, they had no chance against Rayquaza. This frustration only fueled Roy's determination.
"Liko! Let's go for a combo attack!"
"Right! Sprigatito, use Leafage! Blind Centiskorch's vision!"
This time, Sprigatito generated a flurry of leaves, completely enveloping Centiskorch's upper body. Thanks to Hone Claws, the power of Leafage was boosted, and they successfully obscured Centiskorch's vision for at least a few seconds.
"Now! Tackle!"
"Quick Attack!"
Seizing the opportunity, Fuecoco and Sprigatito launched their follow-up attacks. Fuecoco charged straight ahead, while Sprigatito zigzagged toward Centiskorch.
"...Use Flamethrower, straight ahead!"
Even though Centiskorch's vision was impaired, Kabu instructed it to fire a Flamethrower in Fuecoco's direction, judging that it couldn't hit both Pokémon at once. Centiskorch's Flamethrower burned through the Leafage and blasted Fuecoco, sending it flying. However, Sprigatito's Quick Attack struck Centiskorch in the side.
(They split up to ensure at least one attack would land. Not bad for a spur-of-the-moment strategy...)
Sprigatito's Quick Attack, empowered by the earlier Hone Claws, dealt a reasonable amount of damage to Centiskorch. Given the accumulation of damage so far, it was clear they were putting up a decent fight.
(But...)
Ideally, that last hit should have been enough to finish Centiskorch—or at least immobilize it. However, it wasn't nearly enough. At this rate, they wouldn't be able to defeat or even stop Centiskorch.
Fuecoco, having been blown away by Flamethrower, and Sprigatito, who had just finished its attack, were unable to make their next move for a few seconds. In that short span, Centiskorch regained its lost vision completely.
(…This is bad.)
"Centiskorch, use Fire Lash!"
With its vision restored, Centiskorch focused on Sprigatito and created a whip of flames, swinging it toward the Pokémon. The fiery whip struck Sprigatito, not only dealing damage but also coiling around its legs, binding its movements.
"Now, slam it down!"
Centiskorch lifted the ensnared Sprigatito high into the air and, with all its might, slammed it down onto Fuecoco, who was still lying on the ground. A loud impact echoed through the field, kicking up a cloud of smoke that engulfed both Pokémon.
"Sprigatito!? Fuecoco!?"
As the smoke cleared, Sprigatito, although battered, stood shakily, while Fuecoco was down on one knee. Sprigatito had barely escaped severe harm thanks to Fuecoco softening the blow, but it had still taken considerable damage. Fuecoco, however, was on the brink of collapse, clearly at its limit.
(...They're reaching their breaking point.)
While Sprigatito could still fight, Fuecoco was nearing a critical state. Jin, the referee, began to wonder if he should call the match to avoid any unnecessary harm. However, before he could act, a familiar melody filled the air.
"♪Ho-ho-ho-ho... ♪Ho-ho-ho-ho... ♪Stand up now, Fuecoco, don't give up... ♪Remember your strength... ♪Fuecoco, rise, fight back..."
Fuecoco, who had been on the verge of collapsing, suddenly opened its eyes, the flames in them igniting with a renewed intensity. The two yellow flames on top of its head flared up brightly as it let out a powerful roar, standing tall once again.
"Hmph... Centiskorch! Use Flamethrower!"
Seeing Roy and Fuecoco's burning resolve, Kabu let out a brief smile. However, it vanished quickly as he shifted back to a battle-ready stance, commanding Centiskorch to deliver the finishing blow.
"Fuecoco! Give it everything you've got! Use Flamethrower!"
"Fueeeeeeecoooooo!"
As Centiskorch's Flamethrower closed in, Fuecoco unleashed the largest flame it could muster from its mouth, aiming to intercept the attack.
(Wait, what is this!?)
What came out of Fuecoco's mouth wasn't just a Flamethrower. The flame began to form into a massive character shape as it shot forward. What Fuecoco had just unleashed was Fire Blast, a fire-type move far more powerful than Flamethrower.
"No way!?"
Even Kabu hadn't anticipated this. There was no time to change tactics, and Fuecoco's Fire Blast collided with Centiskorch's Flamethrower in the center of the battlefield, sparks flying as the two flames clashed fiercely.
"…"
Kabu had been momentarily surprised but quickly regained his composure. Although the appearance of Fire Blast had been unexpected, he had no reason to panic.
(What's the plan here?)
Fuecoco's Fire Blast was overpowering Centiskorch's Flamethrower, gradually pushing the flames closer to Centiskorch. But with Centiskorch's Flash Fire ability, it wouldn't take any damage from fire-type moves. In fact, it would only grow stronger if the flames reached it.
"Now, Fuecoco! Charge in!"
Just as Fire Blast was about to break through Flamethrower, Fuecoco dashed forward, using the flames of its own attack to cloak itself as it charged straight for Centiskorch.
"What!?"
"Bite it!"
Fuecoco, now enveloped in flames, used the momentum to get up close and sink its fangs into Centiskorch's abdomen with all its might.
(...An inventive move.)
Fuecoco's Bite had never been stronger, enhanced by the flames that surrounded it. Centiskorch flailed from the intense pain as Fuecoco's teeth sank deep into its body. No matter how hard Centiskorch struggled, it couldn't easily shake off Fuecoco.
(However…)
"Impressive, but you made the wrong move. Fire Wheel!"
"Fuecoco! Get away!"
Centiskorch curled its body and surrounded itself in flames, activating Fire Wheel. Fuecoco, realizing the danger, tried to pull away, but its teeth were stuck too deep to escape quickly.
And that brief delay was all Centiskorch needed. It rolled across the field, dragging Fuecoco along as it was repeatedly crushed under the intense heat and weight of the attack.
"Fuecoco!?"
After what felt like an eternity, Centiskorch finally came to a halt. Fuecoco, its grip loosened, fell away from Centiskorch and collapsed onto the field. Looking closely, it was clear that Fuecoco had lost consciousness, its eyes spinning from the overwhelming damage.
"Fuecoco is unable to battle!"
As Jin made the official call, Roy ran over to his fallen partner. Though Fuecoco had taken heavy damage, it was clear that with proper treatment, it would recover. Roy hugged Fuecoco gently.
"You were amazing! Using Fire Blast like that... You've never pulled that off before."
(Indeed…)
Everyone present acknowledged Fuecoco's immense potential, having witnessed the Pokémon learn and use a powerful new move in the heat of battle.
"Fuecoco is unable to continue... Wakaba, you and Liko will handle the rest of this battle."
"...Huh?"
Up until now, it had been a two-on-one battle, with Wakaba barely involved. Kabu's sudden shift in focus caught her off guard.
"Think of it as your gym trainer exam. I expect you to do your best."
"…Y-Yes! I understand!"
Despite feeling the difference in skill level between the others and herself, Wakaba noticed that Sprigatito had taken significant damage. If there was a chance to win, it was now. She steeled herself and prepared to make his move.
"Liko! Let's do this!"
"O-Okay…"
(Now we'll see…)
While Sprigatito was indeed weakened, the skill gap between Wakaba and Liko was considerable. Jin believed that if things went as expected, Liko and Sprigatito would emerge victorious. However, there was always the possibility that Wakaba could exceed expectations and snatch victory, albeit slim.
(If Liko were to lose in this situation...)
"Let's go! Rolycoly, use Rock Throw!"
"Rock Throw? Break it with Leafage!"
Rolycoly acted first, generating a large rock the size of its own body to attack. However, Sprigatito's Leafage shattered the rock, and the leaves continued to swirl around Rolycoly.
"What!? Then... Rapid Spin!"
Rolycoly quickly spun its body with Rapid Spin, dispelling the Leafage attack. It then attempted to counterattack by approaching Sprigatito while still spinning.
"Dodge it! Then, sharpen the leaves with Leafage!"
Sprigatito elegantly dodged all of Rolycoly's attacks and countered with sharper, more focused Leafage. The attack hit Rolycoly mid-spin, sending it flying backward.
(...The difference in skill is just too big.)
As expected, the battle had become one-sided. The level difference was apparent, and from the looks of it, Rolycoly hadn't even learned any fire-type moves that could give it an advantage over the grass-type Sprigatito.
At this point, no amount of determination or grit would change the outcome. Without some kind of clever strategy or the use of a new, unexpected move like Fuecoco's Fire Blast, it was clear Wakaba was on the losing side.
"Alright! Sprigatito, once more!"
"I can't lose! I have to win and become a Gym Trainer!"
Liko was about to issue another command when she heard Wakaba's passionate cry. Her voice was filled with determination, and it made Liko hesitate.
(...Liko.)
"Meoww!!"
"Ah..."
Hearing Sprigatito's cry brought Liko back to her senses, but Rolycoly had already regained its footing, and the chance for a follow-up attack was gone. Rolycoly once again charged in with Rapid Spin, but Sprigatito skillfully dodged it once more.
"Wait! ... I forfeit."
"What!?"
Liko's sudden declaration of defeat stunned Jin and Kabu, who gave her stern looks. Wakaba and Roy, on the other hand, were confused and voiced their disbelief. From anyone's perspective, this battle was clearly in Liko and Sprigatito's favor. Their compatibility, level, and overall skill were all superior.
"Um... what do you mean by that?"
Wakaba had no intention of losing, and though she was eager to win, she fully understood that she was at a disadvantage. So why had Liko declared defeat at this point? She couldn't understand her reasoning.
"Well... Sprigatito must be tired from the training earlier, and it took a lot of damage from Centiskorch's attacks. If we keep battling like this..."
"So, you're going to lose on purpose? You're saying you won't even finish the battle?"
Liko's explanation didn't satisfy Wakaba. While Sprigatito had taken a fair amount of damage, it was still jumping around, full of energy, showing that it was ready to continue. Nobody watching the battle could accept Liko's reasoning.
"That's not what I meant..."
"If I become a Gym Trainer by being handed a victory like that... I wouldn't be happy at all! Dreams are only meaningful if you achieve them through your own efforts!"
Wakaba clenched his fists, shaking with frustration. She left Rolycoly on the field and ran off, unable to bear the feeling of being handed a win. Liko, left behind with a stunned Rolycoly, didn't know what to say or how to handle the situation.
(...So this is what happened.)
Either way, the battle couldn't continue like this. Jin and Kabu both left their positions as judge and trainer, walking over to Liko.
"Liko... you hesitated during your training with Roy too."
"...I did?"
Liko recalled the events from the training room earlier. Looking back with a calm mind, she realized there were indeed moments where she hesitated, missing opportunities both in training and in the battle just now.
"You weren't even aware of it, huh..."
"Huh!? Jin, you noticed too?"
"I always tell you—you're easy to read. I bet you were more concerned about Roy and Wakaba's feelings than winning, right?"
Jin understood her situation better than she did herself. Normally, she would have been happy to be understood so well, but right now, she couldn't feel that way.
"I know you probably already realize this, but I'll say it anyway. What you did just now was an insult to Wakaba, who was fighting with everything she had."
"!!"
"Pokémon battles are a world of competition. There's always a winner and a loser. Wakaba understands that, and she's choosing to live in that world. Do you think someone like that would be happy to win by being handed victory?"
There was no need to even answer. The image of Wakaba's frustrated figure flashed in Liko's mind. While her actions were filled with good intentions, they had ended up hurting her instead.
"Not just Wakaba. Didn't you think about Sprigatito, who kept getting up and wanted to continue the battle with you, even though it was covered in wounds?"
"Ah…"
Sprigatito had stood back up, even after taking severe damage from the Fire-type moves that were super effective against it. And yet, Liko had disregarded its efforts entirely.
"Sprigatito! I'm sorry... I'm really sorry."
Liko thought back on her partner Sprigatito, on Wakaba, her opponent, and on Jin, who had trained her so many times back at the academy, pushing her to become stronger. Everyone was hurt because of her actions. It was only after Jin and Kabu pointed it out that Liko truly realized the mistake she had made.
"...Jin...I..."
"Wakaba is still nearby."
"What?"
"We have plenty of time to talk later. Go on, now."
"Yeah... I'll go."
---
At the entrance to the observation room on the Brave Olivine, Liko sat, looking up at the stars, with Sprigatito sleeping by her side. After apologizing to Wakaba, they had reconciled, but the unease in her heart hadn't completely disappeared.
"Winning a battle isn't the only path for a Trainer. Just as there are many Trainers, there should be many paths. I think you should find the path that you truly believe in."
Kabu had shared this advice with Liko along with the information about Rayquaza heading toward Galar Mines. It was advice that fit Liko's gentle nature.
"My own path… But then, what about… Jin…"
Her heart was still clouded with complex emotions when the door to the observation room opened, and a familiar face stepped through.
"I thought you weren't in your room... Of course you'd be here. Mind if I sit next to you?"
Jin appeared suddenly and, without waiting for permission, took a seat beside her.
"...Are you troubled by what Kabu said?"
"Jin, you always seem to know everything, don't you?"
"Not everything. I just know about you, Liko."
"Heh… Is that so?"
"Yeah, it's true. I'll even prove it by guessing what's on your mind."
"...Go ahead."
"Alright, no hesitation then… You understand what Kabu meant, but you're worried that if you follow that advice, it'll feel like betraying all the hard work we've done together up to now. That about right?"
"..."
There was no arguing with his accuracy. Liko had started to feel that maybe battling wasn't her calling. But admitting that felt like it would negate all the time Jin had spent training her, as if all their efforts together would have been for nothing. She didn't want to accept that.
"...You're too serious for your own good. You don't need to worry about that."
"But…"
"The reason I helped you and the others back when we were at the academy was because I saw how hard you were trying to become true partners with Sprigatito. That's all. You just happened to become like a student to me through that process. I never cared whether you challenged gyms or aimed for the Pokémon League."
Jin had always believed Liko had the talent for being a Trainer. He had even thought she could go far in the Pokémon League if she wanted. But the path a Trainer walked was for them to decide. Jin had never intended to force her into anything.
"Liko, you're a kind girl. You have the talent, but maybe you're not cut out for the fierce competitiveness of battling. I had a feeling, ever since we first met."
No matter how much one dressed it up, Pokémon battles, as a competitive sport, involved crushing the dreams and efforts of others. Liko, who valued others' feelings so highly, might not be suited for that kind of life.
"...I see."
Jin wrapped his arm around Liko's shoulder, pulling her close. Her small frame fit perfectly against his body.
"...I'm sorry."
"Huh?"
Liko was so taken aback by the sudden apology that she almost let out a gasp.
"I should've told you this earlier. Maybe then this wouldn't have happened."
"That's not true!"
"It is. I noticed this long ago, but I thought you'd figure it out on your own if given time. That was my mistake. There's no way I'm blameless for what happened."
The people Liko had battled before—aside from Jin and their friends in the Rising Volt Tacklers—were either wild Pokémon or enemies like the Explorers. That was why this hadn't come to light sooner, but Jin should have addressed it earlier.
"I'm a pretty lousy mentor... I'm really sorry."
"Jin…"
"So, once again, let me tell you: don't worry about me. Walk the path you want to walk. No matter what you choose, I'll always be on your side."
Jin's words sank deeply into Liko's heart. The fog of doubt that had been clouding her mind until now had lifted, leaving her feeling strangely at peace.
"Thank you... But, I still don't know what my path is…"
"Take your time. The world is vast. As long as you keep journeying, you'll find your way."
"...Can I borrow half of your confidence?"
"Huh?"
"I'm still not very confident in myself. So, could I take half of yours, Jin?"
"You little… Sure, take all you want."
With those words, they looked at each other, and slowly, they moved closer until their lips met.
Their figures, silhouetted under the starry sky, were witnessed only by the twinkling stars and Sprigatito, who had been awake since Jin arrived but chose to pretend to stay asleep out of respect for the moment.
// END
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