Pokémon Heroes of Hoenn

Words of Wisdom and a Little Surprise

"Gah!! Ouch!!" I gasped out as Gaius was blasted back and slammed into me, knocking me to the ground. Somehow Gaius and I managed to defeat Drake's Shelgon, Altaria, Kingdra, and even his Flygon without much trouble, but his Salamence was a whole different story. It was extremely powerful and fast, making it difficult to land a hit. We had one Pokémon left to go, and yet our goal seem so far away. "G-Gaius, are you alright? Can you still battle?" I asked with genuine concern in my voice. Flygon forced himself up, smirking back at me as he nodded his head in confirmation to my question. I sat on my legs for a moment as Flygon shook of the pain, trying to regain my own composure as I did so.
"In their natural state, Pokémon are wild living things. They are free. At times, they hinder us. At times, they help us. For us to battle with Pokémon as partners, do you know what it takes? Do you know what is needed? If you don't, then you'll never prevail over me!" Drake exclaimed sternly.
I gritted my teeth at his sudden words, growling softly in response to his pain it caused me. They stabbed at my heart like daggers as I realized my dad said something similar to me when I was a kid. That I'd never be strong enough to prevail over him. Yet here I am, with his Badge pinned to my bag strap while I challenge the Elite Four.
In their natural state, Pokémon are wild living things.
I bowed my head, silently staring at the ground as Drake and Salamence eyed me.
They are free.
My mind took in what he had just said, at the same time, my heart reminded itself of all of my previous pains. All the doubts, hatred, and misunderstandings that were sent my way in the past.
At times, they hinder us.
I remembered​ wanting my parents' support and never getting it. I remembered all the trouble I was faced with during my childhood and during my journey here.
At times, they help us.
I tightly clenched my fists, all the pain returning​ to my heart at once before disappearing into thin air as sudden as a bolt of lightning.
For us to battle with Pokémon as partners, do you know what it takes?
I focused all of my attention on the answer before me, unclenching my fists, and placing my hand on my knees.
Do you know what is needed?
I forced myself to my feet, locking eyes with Drake as I did so and being sure to keep my firm look of determination.
If you don't, then you will never prevail over me!"
"Gaius!! Use Dragon Pulse!!" I commanded suddenly. Gaius flew into the air, shooting its attack before giving Salamence a chance to dodge. Salamence cried out in pain, but that didn't stop us from pushing​ through.
All of the pain I've experienced, all of the doubts everyone had in me....
"Rock Slide!!" Gaius twirled as he flew forward, light blue lights appearing around him and dropping large rocks onto Salamence mercilessly.
All of those experiences are what lead me here, to where I am now. It is because of those experiences that I've grown stronger. All of the pain, heartache, joy, laughter, tears, warmth, it's what taught me more about who I am.
"Flamethrower!!" Gaius and Salamence locked gazes, Gaius with a sharp one and Salamence with fear. Without hesitation, Gaius sent a stream of flames down at Salamence, who had no room to dodge thanks to the fallen rocks.
I am Ruby of Littleroot Town, Hoenn. And I am no longer afraid of accepting who I am.
When the smoke cleared, there lay Salamence, fainted from the back to back attacks. I panted hard as Flygon landed beside me, Drake staring down at his Pokémon with an unreadable look on his face. He returned his Salamence to its Pokéball silently and slowly made his way over to me.
"Ruby... You deserve every credit for coming this far as a trainer of Pokémon. You do seem to know what is needed. Yes, what a trainer needs..." Drake paused, raising a fist out in front of him for emphasis, "is a virtuous heart. Pokémon touch the good hearts of trainers and learn good from wrong. They touch the hearts of trainers and grow stronger with every passing day." Drake stated passionately.
"Yeah... I really couldn't agree more. That was a really tough match, but..." I paused, exchanging a quick nod with Gaius, "it was also really fun too." I added cheerfully. Drake nodded, turning to face the other door behind him. I stared out towards it for a moment, taking in everything​ that just happened.
"What're you waiting for? Go! Go onwards! The Champion is waiting!" Drake exclaimed, waving me off swiftly.
"Y-yeah! Right!" I stuttered, taking a couple of steps towards the next door before pausing, slowly turning to face Drake one last time. "Hey, Drake...?" I called softly.
"Yes?" Drake questioned.
"Thank you. For opening my eyes a bit wider. You're truly an inspiration." I stated warmly, earning a soft look and a nod from the old-timer. With one last grin towards Drake, I returned Gaius to his Pokéball after thanking him and slowly took a few steps towards the next door.
"So, the Champion awaits me just one flight of stairs away, huh?" I mumbled, staring blankly at the handle for a while. I suddenly smirked, grabbing the handle firmly in my grasp before raising my gaze. "Well, alright then! Let's do this!" I exclaimed readily before pulling open the door and making my way up the stairs at a steady pase.
It's finally time...
I could begin to see the golden door at the end of the staircase, causing my eyes to shimmer with anticipation.
Time to put all that I've learned to the test.
As I reached the door, I stared at it for a good moment, taking in a deep breath before hesitantly grabbing the handle. A peaceful feeling emitted from it, one that felt somewhat elegant and calming, kind of like a slow dance to the beat of a calm piano. I took in the feeling as much as possible before opening the door, a bright light surrounding me as I did so.
It's finally time to meet my final challenge for the title of Hoenn League Champion.
"Why hello, Ruby. I have been eagerly awaiting​ your arrival since the day we met. Glad to see you don't disappoint." A calm voice stated, coming from the man dressed in white who stood off to the other side of the golden battlefield. His voice sounded somehow... familiar. When he turned to face me, my eyes widened in shock, completely caught off guard by who stood before me. "Long time no see. Did ya miss me?" he stated teasingly with a quick wink.
"Y-you... y-you're...!" I stuttered out.
"That's right, it's yours truly! Wallace in the flesh!" Wallace exclaimed, flicking his cape and making a dramatic pose with one hand on his hip and the other to his face as he turned his head away and looked at me from the corner of his eye.
"Wait so you're.... You're the.... Which means that I.... What?!" I blurted out, completely and utterly lost by what was going on.

All I can say is I did not see that coming at all.