Ash's Story (Part 6: Unova)

Chapter 99: Champion Light

Vertress City felt different when we returned.

The League buildings still rose with the same proud shape, and the stadium paths still carried the memory of the Vertress Conference. I had walked here before as a challenger trying to win Unova's League tournament. Now I was returning after the Elite Four medals, after N's Castle, after Genesect, after every postgame road that had made Unova feel larger than the trophy I had already won.

Iris walked beside us, but she was quieter than usual.

That was how I knew the Champion battle had already begun in her heart.

A small yellow Pokémon stood alone near one of the city paths, its frilled head turning nervously from person to person. I stopped because I did not recognize it from Unova.

"That is a Helioptile," Eve said, surprised. "But Helioptile is native to Kalos."

The Pokémon startled at our voices. Its frills flared, and electricity flashed around its body.

"Everyone, move!" Golly shouted as electricity flashed.

Helioptile released a burst of Parabolic Charge. The attack sparked across the stones, and Pikachu jumped in front of us with a quick Thunderbolt to redirect the worst of it. The two electric bursts collided and scattered harmlessly into the ground.

A woman rushed toward us with a camera bag bouncing against her side. "Sorry! This little one scares easily."

Iris looked from the woman to Helioptile. "So does that mean the Pokémon is yours?"

"Yes," the woman said, kneeling so Helioptile could hide partly behind her. "We are a team. My name is Alexa. I am a Pokémon journalist, a magazine writer, and a photographer."

Helioptile peeked out, still trembling.

Helioptile's meaning came in quick frightened sparks. "Too many eyes. Too close. No hurt."

Pikachu lowered his tail and answered with gentle electricity, not an attack.

Pikachu's meaning came softly. "No hurt. Just surprise."

Helioptile relaxed enough to stop sparking.

Alexa gave Pikachu a grateful smile, then looked at me and Iris with sudden recognition. "I am here on a mission to see the Champion battle and write a report about it."

"That is us," I said.

Alexa's eyes lit up. "Then I would love to interview both of you."

"After the battle," I said. "Mr. Goodshow is waiting for us, and Iris deserves the field before the article."

Iris grinned at that, but the grin carried Champion fire now. "Good answer."

Alexa nodded quickly. "Then I will watch first and ask questions later."

Mr. Goodshow met us near the official battlefield entrance, looking as pleased as if this was the exact ending he had hoped Unova would reach. He greeted us warmly, then guided us toward the main field prepared for the Champion match.

The stadium opened around us, larger and quieter than the Conference had felt. There were people watching, but this was not a roaring tournament crowd. This was the kind of silence that knew history might be written if it listened carefully enough.

Iris left us for a short time to prepare.

Mr. Goodshow reminded us that this battle was not a tournament exhibition. The Elite Four medals had brought me here, and Iris's title made the field official. Reporters could watch, friends could cheer, and Alexa could take notes, but once the referee raised the flags, the battle would belong only to the Trainers and Pokémon standing inside the lines.