Chapter 42: Chapter - 42
[A Gathering of the World's Attention: People Traveling to Witness the Legendary Showdown]
The Sinnoh region had not seen such excitement in years. Jordan Smith's historic journey through the Sinnoh Elite Four had captivated everyone, and now, the climactic battle against Champion Cynthia loomed large. Trainers, fans, researchers, and even world-renowned figures from other regions flocked to Lily of the Valley Island to witness the rare spectacle of a challenger daring to face one of the strongest Champions in the world.
Sandgem Town:
Jordan's hometown buzzed with pride and excitement. The small coastal village had never been so lively. Crowds of people from neighboring areas passed through, stopping to visit the lab of Professor Rowan, who proudly spoke about Jordan's accomplishments to eager fans.
"He's one of our own! I can't believe someone from Sandgem is about to face Cynthia!"
"If we don't leave now, we won't find seats on the ferry!"
Jubilife City –
The bustling city became even more chaotic as fans packed transportation hubs, trying to catch a train, taxi, or ferry to the battle site. Jubilife TV aired special coverage, featuring interviews with local trainers and footage of Jordan's previous battles.
"This is history in the making! We can't miss it!"
"I don't care how crowded the stadium gets—I'll watch from the hills if I have to!"
Hearthome City –
Gym Leader Fantina hosted a watch party for trainers who couldn't make the journey. Her contest hall became a vibrant gathering space, where fans cheered and debated who would emerge victorious.
Sunyshore City –
Volkner, inspired by Jordan's performance, announced he was taking a rare break from his gym to attend the battle. He traveled with his best friend Flint, the Elite Four member Jordan had defeated earlier.
Regional Visitors: A Multiregional Event
The battle transcended Sinnoh, drawing fans and experts from other regions.
Kanto –
Groups of trainers from Vermilion City boarded ferries to Sinnoh. In Pallet Town, Ash Ketchum, and Gary Oak traveled with their families to witness the battle firsthand. Blue Oak decided to accompany them, still marveling at the idea that Jordan was Delia's nephew.
"I've seen some epic battles, but this might top them all," Blue remarked. "And to think, he's family to Delia. Unbelievable."
Johto –
In Ecruteak City, Morty watched the buildup with fascination.
"A battle of this scale… It reminds me of the legendary clashes we've read about in the past," Morty said.
Hoenn –
Steven Stone and Wallace booked private seats in the stadium. Their respect for Cynthia as a Champion made this a must-watch event.
"Cynthia rarely battles challengers at this level," Steven commented. "This is an opportunity to witness something truly extraordinary."
Unova –
Elesa and Drayden organized viewings in their gyms for those who couldn't make the journey. In Opelucid City, Iris, now Champion of Unova, prepared to watch with her Dragon-types, eager to see how Jordan's rumored Garchomp would perform.
Galar –
Leon, the Galar Champion, arranged a viewing party in Wyndon Stadium. His younger brother Hop couldn't stop talking about how Jordan's team reminded him of Leon's early days as a trainer.
Gym Leaders, Elite Four, and Champions Watching
Sinnoh's Gym Leaders –
All eight Sinnoh Gym Leaders made their way to the stadium. Volkner and Candice were especially vocal about their excitement.
Volkner: "I want to see how Jordan handles Cynthia's Garchomp. He's come this far—I hope he's ready."
Candice: "This is so exciting! Jordan's battles have been incredible. I hope he gives Cynthia a real challenge!"
Elite Four –
The defeated members of the Sinnoh Elite Four—Aaron, Bertha, Flint, and Lucian—took their seats in the Champion's Box, eager to see how the trainer who had bested them would fare against Cynthia.
Flint: "Jordan pushed me harder than anyone has in years. If anyone has a shot at Cynthia, it's him."
Bertha: "He's skilled, but Cynthia is on another level. This will be the true test."
Other Champions:
Lance from Kanto and Johto, Diantha from Kalos, and even Alder from Unova were either traveling to the stadium or watching from private locations.
Lance: "Cynthia's battles are always legendary. Jordan is skilled, but her Garchomp is a force of nature."
Diantha: "It's been a long time since Cynthia faced a challenger of this caliber. I'm curious to see how Jordan plans to counter her team."
Professor Rowan (Sinnoh): Rowan arranged a special viewing in his lab, surrounded by his assistants and some of Jordan's childhood friends. He spoke with pride about Jordan's journey, emphasizing the young trainer's dedication and bond with his Pokémon.
Professor Oak (Kanto): Oak watched from his private study in Pallet Town, taking notes on Jordan's unique strategies and Pokémon.
"That Charizard with blue flames… Extraordinary. This is the kind of bond between trainer and Pokémon that defines Champions."
Professor Kukui (Alola): Kukui and his girlfriend Burnet hosted a gathering in their home, thrilled to see such a monumental event.
Kukui: "This is what the spirit of Pokémon battles is all about!"
The Stadium Atmosphere
By the time the match was set to begin, Lily of the Valley Stadium was at full capacity. Fans spilled onto nearby hillsides, setting up picnics and watching from giant screens erected around the island. Vendors sold merchandise, from plushies of Jordan's Pokémon to T-shirts featuring Cynthia's Garchomp.
The buzz was palpable. People from all walks of life, from seasoned trainers to young fans dreaming of their first Pokémon, gathered with one goal: to witness history. Would Jordan dethrone the undefeated Champion, or would Cynthia's reign continue? The anticipation was electric, and the world was ready.
3rd person POV –
Round 1: Salamence vs. Roserade
As the crowd settled, Cynthia released Roserade, her graceful Grass and Poison-type Pokémon. Its bouquet-like arms swayed, releasing a subtle but intimidating aroma. Jordan countered by sending out Salamence, the mighty Dragon and Flying-type, whose wings stretched wide as it let out a ground-shaking roar.
Cynthia: "Roserade, start with Toxic Spikes!"
Roserade danced forward, scattering a deadly array of poison-coated needles across Jordan's side of the battlefield.
Jordan: "Salamence, clear it with Hurricane!"
Salamence flapped its massive wings, summoning a powerful whirlwind. The toxic spikes were blown away, but Roserade leaped back gracefully, avoiding the gusts.
Cynthia: "Good. Roserade, follow up with Sludge Bomb!"
A sphere of toxic sludge shot through the air, moving with surprising speed.
Jordan: "Dodge it and use Flamethrower!"
Salamence soared upward, narrowly evading the Sludge Bomb. It countered with a searing stream of fire, forcing Roserade to leap aside. Though agile, Roserade couldn't completely avoid the flames, taking a glancing hit.
Cynthia: "Roserade, Leaf Storm!"
Roserade's flowers flared as it unleashed a torrent of glowing green leaves, each one razor-sharp and homing in on Salamence.
Jordan: "Take it head-on with Dragon Pulse!"
Salamence roared, releasing a beam of draconic energy. The two attacks collided mid-air, creating an explosion of energy that sent shockwaves across the stadium.
Jordan: "Now, while the dust settles—Flamethrower!"
Salamence darted forward through the smoke, unleashing another intense Flamethrower at close range. This time, the flames engulfed Roserade.
When the fire cleared, Roserade was unable to battle.
Announcer: "Roserade is unable to battle! Salamence wins!"
Round 2: Salamence vs. Togekiss
Cynthia, undeterred, sent out Togekiss, its elegant wings shining as it glided onto the battlefield.
Cynthia: "Togekiss, Dazzling Gleam!"
A radiant burst of Fairy-type energy filled the arena, striking Salamence and sending it tumbling mid-air. The attack hit Salamence's Dragon typing hard, leaving it visibly shaken.
Jordan: "Recover and use Stone Edge!"
Salamence steadied itself and summoned jagged rocks from the ground. The stones hurtled toward Togekiss, who deftly dodged most of them. One, however, clipped Togekiss's wing, causing it to falter slightly.
Cynthia: "Air Slash!"
Togekiss retaliated with a flurry of razor-sharp air blades. Salamence roared in pain as the attack struck repeatedly, forcing it to descend.
Jordan: "Salamence, one last shot—Dragon Rush!"
With a defiant roar, Salamence charged forward, cloaked in fiery dragon energy. It slammed into Togekiss with immense force, sending the Fairy-type sprawling.
Cynthia: "Togekiss, Roost!"
Togekiss glowed as it landed, recovering some of its strength. Salamence, exhausted from the repeated Fairy-type assaults, was unable to maintain its momentum and collapsed.
Announcer: "Salamence is unable to battle! Togekiss wins!"
Round 3: Swampert vs. Togekiss
Jordan's Swampert emerged onto the battlefield, its muscular frame towering over Togekiss.
Jordan: "Swampert, Rock Slide!"
Swampert smashed its fists into the ground, summoning a barrage of boulders that rained down on Togekiss.
Cynthia: "Aura Sphere, a breakthrough!"
Togekiss fired a glowing sphere of energy, smashing through some of the rocks and striking Swampert.
Jordan: "Ice Punch, now!"
As Togekiss recovered, Swampert dashed forward, its fist encased in frost. The punch struck Togekiss directly, sending it reeling backward and encasing part of its wing in ice.
Cynthia: "Follow up with Thunder Wave!"
Togekiss unleashed a jolt of electricity, paralyzing Swampert just as it prepared another attack.
Jordan: "Push through it! Finish this with Hammer Arm!"
Despite its paralysis, Swampert powered through, slamming its glowing arm down onto Togekiss. The Fairy-type fainted under the sheer force of the attack.
Announcer: "Togekiss is unable to battle! Swampert wins!"
Round 4: Swampert vs. Milotic
Cynthia's Milotic glided onto the battlefield, its serene elegance contrasting sharply with Swampert's rugged strength.
Cynthia: "Milotic, Scald!"
A torrent of boiling water shot toward Swampert, striking it head-on. The attack left burns across Swampert's body, reducing its strength further.
Jordan: "Earthquake!"
Swampert retaliated by slamming the ground, creating a seismic wave. Milotic was thrown off balance but quickly recovered.
Cynthia: "Recover!"
Milotic glowed as it restored its energy, preparing for another exchange.
Jordan: "We're not done yet! Rock Slide!"
Swampert summoned another barrage of boulders, some of which landed directly on Milotic.
Cynthia: "Milotic, Ice Beam!"
The Water-type fired a freezing beam, striking Swampert and freezing the ground around it. With its burns and accumulated damage, Swampert finally fell.
Announcer: "Swampert is unable to battle! Milotic wins!"
Round 5: Torterra vs. Milotic
Jordan's Torterra emerged onto the battlefield, its tree-lined shell towering over Milotic.
Jordan: "Torterra, Frenzy Plant!"
The ground erupted as massive vines shot out, slamming into Milotic. The Water-type cried out as the attack dealt heavy damage.
Cynthia: "Milotic, Ice Beam!"
Milotic fired another freezing beam, striking Torterra's tree and slowing its movements.
Jordan: "Shake it off with Earthquake!"
Torterra stomped the ground, creating a massive tremor. Milotic was unable to maintain its balance and fainted.
Announcer: "Milotic is unable to battle! Torterra wins!"
Round 6: Torterra vs. Lucario
Cynthia's Lucario leaped onto the battlefield, its aura flaring.
Cynthia: "Lucario, Aura Sphere!"
The glowing sphere struck Torterra with precision, dealing a critical hit.
Jordan: "Stone Edge!"
Torterra summoned sharp rocks, but Lucario dodged nimbly, closing the gap.
Cynthia: "Close Combat!"
Lucario unleashed a flurry of blows, overwhelming Torterra and taking it down.
Announcer: "Torterra is unable to battle! Lucario wins!"
Round 7: Rayquaza vs. Lucario
The stadium erupted in awe as Jordan sent out Rayquaza. Its Legendary presence filled the battlefield with a sense of grandeur.
Jordan: "Rayquaza, Dragon Pulse!"
A beam of draconic energy shot toward Lucario, who dodged but was grazed by the attack.
Cynthia: "Extreme Speed!"
Lucario moved at blinding speed, landing a hit on Rayquaza.
Jordan: "Outrage!"
Rayquaza roared, becoming cloaked in chaotic energy. It slammed into Lucario repeatedly, leaving it unable to continue.
Announcer: "Lucario is unable to battle! Rayquaza wins!"
Final Round: Aggron vs. Garchomp
The crowd roared as Cynthia's Garchomp entered the battlefield, meeting Jordan's towering Aggron, Jordan's starter pokemon. Both Cynthia and Jordan Eyes met and both looked at the match as Starter vs Starter.
Cynthia: "Garchomp, Earthquake!"
The ground trembled violently, striking Aggron hard.
Jordan: "Sturdy! Follow with Metal Burst!"
Aggron absorbed the damage and retaliated with a devastating burst of energy, knocking Garchomp back.
Cynthia: "Dragon Rush!"
Garchomp charged forward, cloaked in draconic energy.
Jordan: "Head Smash!"
Aggron countered with its glowing head, the two attacks colliding in an explosion.
When the dust settled, Garchomp collapsed.
Announcer: "Garchomp is unable to battle! Aggron wins! The victor is Jordan Smith!"
The stadium erupted as Jordan stood victorious, cementing his place in history as a champion-level trainer.