Pokemon Heroes: Sinnoh Saga [Book 1]

Chapter 105: Elite Four Flint!

"Flint and I were what Volkner called 'kindred battle spirits.' He and I battled in similar yet differing styles. The two of us were so alike, and so different. We had met an equal match against one another. I still remember and cherish my battle with Flint, and I still respect the hell out of that man. He has a man who lives and battles truly for the thrill of the battle, the rush of blood and adrenaline that mix together to invigorate the soul, body, and mind in the moment. It was not about victory or defeat. It was about thrill and excitement. Though, I had heard rumours that he had once had only two Fire Type Pokémon on his team. Valentina supposedly put an end to tha quickly after becoming Champion."

Sam sat in the waiting room beneath the stadium. He chugged the bottle of water and doled out some healing to his Pokémon. Empoleon was exhausted, and was guzzling down water, Poffins, and was lathered in the Full Restore healing spray.

Lucario's burn was healing well after the Full Restore, and he was recovering his energy well.

Rampardos was mostly recovered, having the most chance to rest since her last battle.

Sam sighed.

His grandfather raised an eyebrow. "You tired already?"

"Why wouldn't I be," snorted Sam, "Then again, I've got nothing on my Pokémon. They're out there doing all the work."

Aurelio nodded and grunted in agreement. "Can you manage?"

"Of course, I can," replied Sam, "How about you guys?"

Sam's Pokémon replied with a hearty cacophony of cheers and roars and sounds.

They didn't seem ready to give up either.

Which was good, because Sam had no idea how he was going to deal with Flint.

A Fire Type master.

Sam had three Pokémon that could deal with Flint's Pokémon, but Empoleon was down for the count and still recovering from the battle against Bertha.

The Hydro Cannon had drained a lot of Empoleon's energy. There wasn't much more he could do right now, he still needed time to recharge.

Sam sighed.

"Looks like it's down to you two," he said, pointing to Garchomp and Rampardos, "I'm sorry to rely on you so heavily."

This time Sam was talking to Rampardos.

He'd used Rampardos up until now, and Rampardos would be relied upon again going forward.

Flint had five Pokémon that needed dealing with.

At least the whole battle wouldn't rest on Rampardos alone, and Garchomp was still fresh to the fight.

A bell rang above Sam's head, notifying him that his break was about over.

"I'd be careful, relying too much on a single Pokémon," warned Aurelio.

"I don't have much more of a choice," shrugged Sam, "Not until Empoleon has recovered.

"I shall inform you of when that is," added Lucario, "He has insisted that I do."

Empoleon squawked.

Sam could only smile.

He thanked and recalled his Pokémon and stood up from his bench.

The platform shook and shuddered and slowly moved itself back up the track towards the field.