Ash's Story (Part 6: Unova)

Chapter 82: Fireworks Between Battles

The next morning, the League felt less like a dream and more like a schedule.

The preliminary round was over, and Trip had already left to continue his training. I still thought about Serperior's speed while I walked toward the main stadium, but the tournament did not pause for yesterday's lessons. New matches were already waiting.

The main bracket felt different from the one-Pokémon preliminary round. Trainers were talking louder, checking strategies more carefully, and watching every entrance like the League had finally stopped warming up. Even the crowd sounded different, less curious and more invested.

Cameron stood near the competitor gate with Riolu beside him, bouncing like he had forgotten nervousness existed. Rosa adjusted her gloves across the field, calm but focused, with Nate cheering from the side.

Bianca waved at me from the waiting area. She had her own match later, and she looked excited enough to trip over the air if she started running.

Alice stood beside me with Pikachu on her shoulder for once, letting him rest after yesterday's battle. "Cameron looks confident."

"He usually does," I said. "The question is whether he remembers the match rules."

Golly checked the posted bracket. "This is a two-on-two main-bracket battle. He appears to have brought enough Pokémon."

"That is already progress," Iris said from nearby, trying not to smile.

Cilan watched Cameron stretch in the wrong direction from the battlefield. "His presentation is still chaotic, but there is a difference between poor preparation and instinctive battle seasoning."

Rosa noticed us watching and gave a determined wave. She had heard about Giant Chasm from Hilbert and Hilda, but today she was not here as someone catching up on Team Plasma's aftermath. She was here as a League Trainer.

The referee raised both flags. "The first main-bracket match between Cameron and Rosa will now begin. Each Trainer may use two Pokémon."

Rosa sent out Escavalier first, its lances crossing with proud stillness. Cameron answered with Samurott, and the Water-type landed heavily with both shell blades ready.

Rosa's first command rang across the field. "Escavalier, use Iron Defense and hold your position!"

Escavalier's armor shone, turning its body into a steel wall. Cameron did not hesitate. "Samurott, Razor Shell, hit the same spot twice!"

Samurott charged straight in and struck one lance with Razor Shell. Escavalier barely moved. Then Samurott spun and slammed the second shell blade into the exact same point, cracking through the defensive rhythm.

Rosa's eyes widened. "It broke through?"

Cameron grinned as if the answer was obvious. "If one shell does not work, use both shells!"

Escavalier tried to counter with X-Scissor, but Samurott shifted low, struck under the guard, and knocked it backward with Aqua Jet before finishing with one more Razor Shell.

"Escavalier is unable to battle!" the referee called.

Rosa recalled Escavalier and took a breath. "You are stronger than you look when you are confused."

Cameron scratched his head with cheerful uncertainty. "Thanks, I think that was a compliment."

Rosa sent out Emboar next, and Cameron blinked in surprise. The Fire-type looked like a strange choice against Samurott, but Rosa's expression told me she had a plan.

Rosa's command came with sudden confidence. "Emboar, use Attract before Samurott resets!"

Hearts swirled toward Samurott, and Cameron's partner froze, suddenly too distracted to defend. Rosa moved immediately. "Arm Thrust first, then Heat Crash!"