Adventures Beyond!

Chapter 91: Semifinals I: Battle of Muscle

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Ionic Stadium, Sinnoh

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Ion Cup Semifinals!"

At exactly noon the following day, the Ionic Stadium was bustling and filled to the brim with eager spectators now completely invested in seeing who was going to win their fights and get to the finals. By this point, many Pokémon had already chosen one of the remaining four Pokémon that they thought would win it all. Many were surprised that the final four was entirely teenagers, but at the end of the day, this was a competition that anyone could win.

Most of the audience's favor seemed to be toward Sophie, who seemed to have the best record for finishing battles quickly. The other three competitors, however, didn't seem as solid picks. Oliver was regarded as the weakest of the remaining competitors, having just barely edged out his battles and got into the final four because of a quitter. Richard was in a similar position, his win being by default after his fight against Jacob. Logan, while earning his victories in hard-fought battles throughout the tournament rounds, seemed to be running out of steam following his fight against Chomps.

"We're proud to introduce to you our Ion Cup final four!" Finn exclaimed, "Richard, Logan, Sophie, and Oliver!"

This time, instead of a small crowd of thirty-two Pokémon walking out and into the stadium, it was a mere four, all of which individually determined to win the match that was to come. Without a word, they walked to the competitor waiting area and turned to face the small building just above the stands, where Quinn and Finn were waiting for them.

"Alright everyone!" Quinn was quick to address the four, "You've been through quite a bit, but we're now in the homestretch! Here's how the semifinals will proceed."

Finn continued after him, "The remaining matches will be where it all began, in a forest!"

As if on cue, the ground began to rumble, a small, circular patch of forest soon emerging from the center of the stadium. Sophie and Oliver's eyes grew wide upon seeing the forest. Unfortunately, they both were dealing with opponents whose most comfortable battlefield was in the forest.

"There will be cameras strategically placed throughout the forest, allowing viewers to see all that transpires within." Quinn told the spectators, "They'll be broadcasted to a screen overhead."

The spectators all looked up and noticed four screens stationed so all could watch what was on the cameras. Michael's eyes grew wide at this as he watched with those cheering for Oliver and Sophie to make it to the next round.

"I haven't seen technology like this since Unova..." He muttered, catching the attention of Erika. She turned to look at him, nodding with agreement.

The Sylveon put a paw to her chin as she visualized the bustling environment that filled the vast majority of the Unova region. "Now that you mention it, this city reminds me of Unova, in a way. Especially with how big of a city this is..."

While Erika and Michael began to discuss the similarities between Metro City and the cities in the Unova region, Miles was closely watching the remaining four competitors, his eyes squinting as he tried to figure something in his mind out.

"Where's Jacob?" He asked, "Didn't he tie with that Richard guy? Why's he there?"

Pixen, who had decided to watch the rest of the tournament through no matter what, turned to look at the Rockruff, "I think Oliver said they eliminated him because he got so hurt... He's probably still resting in the Pokémon Center."

"With that being said..." Quinn's eyes focused on two of the four remaining competitors, "...Logan and Sophie, the stage is yours! Give it all you've got!"