I Challenge You, Professor!

Part 3: Forward!

- Part 3: Forward! -

Milotic couldn't move.

The convulsions continued. Its cries were strained. It kept gasping.

Vulnerable. Why did Cynthia switch? Was it because she knew Roserade wouldn't be able to endure another blow from Rhyperior, had it landed? She could have taken that risk. Perhaps that would allow her to have a clean switch to Spiritomb, but would it be enough? Rhyperior was healthy. It was not an easy Pokémon to take down. Just from a mere glance, Cynthia could see the vest it had worn over its body. It almost blended in with its natural armor.

What do I do from here?

She didn't think it would be a question that would cross her mind. There was no panic, but with every attempt to search for a way out, her mind came to a blank.

She couldn't switch back to Roserade. It wouldn't be able to withstand a heavy blow from Rhyperior. Even if it somehow managed, Trick Room was active. The laws of physics were broken. Roserade would be knocked out before it could do a thing.

The only Pokémon that could take advantage of the twisted dimensions was already wounded as well. It would only throw away her advantage of numbers. She has to tread carefully.

Her Garchomp? No. Far too risky. Rowan had two other Pokémon on standby. They both surpassed Garchomp in speed for as long as the altered field remained in effect. She needed the dragon to be at its strongest if she wanted to stand a fighting chance against his signature Pokémon-

I am actually worried? Is there really no way out of this?

That can't be possible. That can't be...

Again, she ran through a mental list of scenarios in her head. They all came to the same conclusion every single time. Could she take the risk and send out Garchomp now? Could she do that, knowing the toughest opponent was yet to come out in the light?

Rowan had her.

Cynthia shook her head with a foolish smile.

He had her.

"What troubles you, Champion? We are waiting on you," Rowan called.

Rhyperior's face hasn't changed. It laughed again and beckoned Milotic forward. A challenge. A dare. It was as if it was saying: "I would like to see you try."

Milotic staggered before its body locked in place again. Its eyes shifted towards Cynthia. Despite the pain it was experiencing, there was a determined glare. Cynthia knew what it meant.

She came to her answer. It was the only answer.

"This is fine," Cynthia finally said. "Milotic is a lot stronger than this! She won't fall as easily as you would like!"

"It is only to be expected, Champion," Rowan said. "Let's see your next move."

"My next move." Cynthia was no longer able to mask the excitement in her voice. "Don't you realize what you just did? Maybe I am at a disadvantage, but I am not a stranger to taking huge gambles! Maybe Milotic doesn't have Marvel Scale, but what we do have is Trick Room!"

Rowan chuckled. "So you do."

"I believe in Milotic! I know she can pull through with this! We are going to turn things right around, isn't that right?!"

Milotic threw its head back with a scream. It was almost as if the paralysis wasn't there. The battle cry rang strong in everyone's ears. The audience were in awe. Rhyperior roared in response.