John vs Humphrey

You and Paris rush back through the stadium attempting to make it back to watch John’s match. “Amber! Paris!” a voice calls out. You turn to see the famous teal hair of Dede Devin once again calling you over for an aftermatch interview. You consider just rushing back, ignoring the call of the media, but Paris pulls you along to the camera crew.

“Dede Devin her with Amber and Paris the latest two battlers of this year’s Rookie Tournament. Amber as the victor will move on to the Quarter Finals, where she’ll face the next victor. And of course with this battle we finally got to see the two of you partake in a forfeit, and speaking as a viewer it didn’t disappoint.”

“Uh, thanks, I guess?” you proffer, trying not to laugh as Paris lets out a stifled chuckle.

“So Amber, your next battle will be against the either John or Humphrey. Any thoughts on who you’d rather compete against?”

“I’m rooting for John,” you start before Dede cuts you off.

“I’m sure you are, I’m sure we all are. After his aftermatch showing with that girl from Vermilion,” you shake at the idea that Opal’s name is already forgotten, “I’m sure we’d all love to watch John claim another forfeit.”

You stand there shocked, she wasn’t asking who you’d rather compete against. But rather who you’d prefer to lose to. Your anger rides up inside you, “Actually-“ you start again before once again being interrupted.

“That is incredibly rude, to assume that Amber is going to lose. If she can beat me, she’s going to win the whole damn thing,” Paris explodes forward. That familiar Oak fury, or you guess it’s rather a Ketchum fury, rears its head. “Come on Amber, we’re out of here,” she snarls, stomping off with you in tow.

“Well folks you’ve heard it here first, she’s going to win the whole thing,” Dede laughs, the camera man joining in. “While we wait for the next battle, let’s see some replays of our ‘future champ’s’” she uses air quotes around the title, “claimed forfeit from the Cianwood girl.” They’re already dropping Paris’s name, whether from a indifference from her no longer being a contestant or if it’s retaliation for her outburst.

Paris mumbles to herself the whole way back, “Can you believe that?” “She’d better watch it if she comes at me again.” “Stupid blue bitch.” It’s been easy to see her similarities with Daisy, but the family ties are a two sided coin. You can easily see the relation to Blue and Ashley now, and you’re glad for once that rage is on your side.

“There you two are,” Daisy calls out as you approach the group, minus John and Humphrey. Paris drops down next to her, while Yuruki pulls you to her lap.

Yuruki holds you tight, “Mmm, watching you down there has me all ready to go. What do you say we sneak off to the bathroom real quick,” she whispers in a low growl, her breath tingling against your ear.

Your spine shivers at the thought, but then Faeton announces the start of the next battle. “I have to stay, cheer on John,” you answer, gently brushing your nails across her arm.

You mindlessly run your hand along Yuruki’s arm as the battle starts. “Next up we have John of Viridian City vs Humphrey Daniels of Goldenrod City. Who will win to take on that tasty treat from earlier?” You’re still catching the creepy attention of Faeton without even being down there. “Ready boys?” the two friends nod from across the stadium field. “Then let’s battle!”

Both of them are experts with their team. John’s Masquerain darts around at his whim, while Humphrey’s Vespiquen responds with air slashes as it buzzes every which way. The camera operators are truly a marvel being able to follow the erratic movements of two bugs clashing on the field.

The crowd ooohs and aaahs as Humphrey’s Vespiquen is eventually replaced by his Vivillon. The pattern on it’s wings depict a sun rising from over the ocean. The orange of the sun glimmering in the light with each bat of its wings.

And Masquerain eventually succumbs to defeat to be replaced by Ninjask. He gives the camera operators a new challenge as he whizzes by faster and faster as his speed grows. “When I heard we had two bug specialists, I was worried we were about to watch a Metapod showdown. Who would’ve known bugs could be so captivating,” Faeton’s condescension rings out over the speakers.

Opal shouts out “You got this John!” You feel a pang of jealousy that you know you have no real right to. You’re glad that John has another person to be with, you can’t be together at all times on this journey. You have different goals, different paths forward. You’ll get used to it, you’re sure of it. Plus Opal’s great, she fits in so well with the boys.

You look over to Jack, she’s trying her best to watch your friends in their battle. But she’s also been rewatching any footage of her upcoming opponent she can find. She’s determined to win her match up. You squeeze her shoulder and she moves her head to lean against your hand.

“Scyther vs Heracross! Both trainers are down to their final pokemon!” Faeton announces, focusing more on the battle without any female trainers to ogle and harass. The clash of blades against horn. The crowd cheers at each new blow. Heracross wraps his arms around his green opponent and slams him into the ground.

John shouts a command, inaudible from this distance or over the hum of the crowd. But Scyther lunges forward, berating the Heracross with his wings. Humphrey looks worried, but refuses to give up. After another exchange of blows, Faeton calls out “John of Viridian City wins!”

All of you stand from your seats cheering, even Jack manages to put away her phone to whoop and holler for him. Opal is the loudest among you, and part of you is tempted to compete with your own volume. You’re sure Humphrey will be fine with it, and probably will reappear with a beer at John’s expense.

“So about that bathroom,” Yuruki teases.

You slap her arm, “I need to congratulate John.” You kiss her, “But maybe during the next match.”

She smirks. “Deal,” she growls into your ear before nipping at your lobe.