Ash's Little Sister

The Showdown

I make my way onto the battle field where my brother stands waiting. Pikachu perches on his shoulder, ready to battle. Lucario follows behind me, placing himself at my side as I take my spot on the pitch. The speakers crackle to life.

"Here it is, ladies and gentlemen! The big battle that we've all been waiting for. Champion Ash will now face his own little sister, Sapphire Ketchum, on the field of battle." The announcement fades away as I look around uneasily. My gaze drifts to the viewing stand where Chairman Rose would usually observe.

Ash catches my eye, giving his temple a tap with his finger. It takes me a moment to realize that he wants me to connect with his mind. I extend my awareness into his head, and our thoughts link. He speaks first.

It's not too late to back out. No one will judge you once Rose is arrested.

I shake my head subtly.

No. I'm the only chance you have to apprehend him. I've made it this far, and I refuse to turn back.

I see defiance in his eyes before it quickly extinguishes.

I know you won't, and I don't expect you to.

My eyes widen.

What? You tried everything you could to keep me from getting here.

He smiles.

It was foolish of me to think that I could stop you. You're my sister, so I should've known you wouldn't have taken this lying down. Whatever happens next, just know that I'm proud of you.

Happy tears well in my eyes.

That's all I've ever wanted, Ash.

I sever the connection just as the announcements end. I pull out a Pokéball.

"Come on out, Drifblim!" Ash sends out Dragonite. The battle begins in earnest. Our Pokémon meet in a flurry of attacks. My guard eventually begins to lower as I become absorbed in the battle.

"Shadow Tase!" Drifblim sends a volt of ghostly electricity at Dragonite. Ash shakes his head.

"Hurricane!" Dragonite twirls, rerouting the electricity to the side. It crashes into the barrier protecting the audience. I feel a sudden stirring of power in my chest.

"Huh?" My hands begin to glow, but it fades as pain begins to wrack my body. I cry out, tears stinging my eyes.

"Ash! It's happening!" He abandons the battle, rushing to my side. The Power Spot beneath the stadium erupts with light, causing the pain to worsen. The monitor flickers to life, and I see each Power Spot at each Gym lit up with Dynamax energy. I scowl.

"That jerk." Ash's panicked gaze finds mine.

"What's going on?" I hiss out a reply through clenched teeth.

"It's extremely painful whenever someone uses Dynamax energy, so he must have activated every Power Spot in Galar to render me helpless." I clutch my chest, struggling not to cry.

"It... hngh.. hurts." Lucario kneels down beside me, fear evident in his eyes.

"Cario!" Drifblim floats over, trailing her string-like arms over me.

"Blim." Pokemon descend upon us, followed by League staff. I struggle into a sitting position.

"Lucario, Aura Spere. Drifblim, Shadow Tase." They launch their attacks at the Pokémon, but they each leap out of the way. Ash joins in.

"Pikachu, Electroweb. Dragonite, Dragon Claw." I feel a small pinch in my neck. I claw at it, and my heart sinks.

"Oh no." I grab the object and find myself looking at a dart. The chamber that holds a liquid is completely empty. I turn to Ash.