Metagross's aura surged as energy enveloped its metallic arms.
It charged toward Salamence.
"Flamethrower!"
Salamence knew it couldn't withstand Metagross's attack head-on in this moment.
With a powerful flap of its wings, its body retreated through the air while simultaneously expelling flames from its maw.
"Ascend!"
Metagross rapidly gained altitude, evading the Flamethrower.
"Psychic!"
Metagross's eyes glowed with psychic energy, though Psychic could only slow Salamence's movements.
It couldn't render the Dragon Pokémon completely immobile.
"Fire Fang!"
Metagross struck Salamence's body with a devastating punch.
Salamence endured the pain, clamping its jaws down on Metagross's arm. Brilliant flames instantly erupted across Metagross's metallic body.
"Stone Edge!"
Metagross's other arm seized Salamence's neck, and countless sharp stones instantly surged from below.
The jagged rocks continuously carved wounds into Salamence's body. The sustained agony forced Salamence to release its bite.
The flames burning across Metagross also extinguished.
Boom!
Metagross seized the opportunity and slammed Salamence forcefully into the ground.
"Ice Punch!"
Metagross raised its metallic arm—now coated in frost—as its body began descending rapidly.
"Crunch!"
Salamence shook its head, struggling to rise from the ground.
It opened its jaws wide and bit down on Metagross's arm.
Bang—
A thunderous impact echoed as the ground beneath Salamence's body cracked extensively.
Salamence's eyes widened in shock before it collapsed to the ground, motionless.
Metagross panted heavily, gazing down at the fallen Salamence.
I... won.
If there were a post-match interview asking how Salamence lost, and if its words could be understood...
It would probably say...
Salamence: I don't know either. It suddenly started going on about bonds and friendship, then charged over and flattened me.
Metagross turned around and looked toward Steven in the distance.
Steven smiled warmly, raised his hand, and gave Metagross a thumbs-up.
Then he quickly stepped forward and embraced Metagross's body.
It felt hard and slightly warm.
"Congratulations, Steven."
Steven looked up at Drake, who had approached him.
"You are now the Champion of the Hoenn League," Drake said with a slight smile, his white mustache bobbing up and down.
"Yes, thanks to my companions," Steven replied with a smile, stroking the "X"-shaped cross on Metagross's face.
He was thinking of everyone still resting in their Poké Balls.
Thanks to them, Steven had reached the position of Hoenn Champion.
"It seems you've found the answer," Drake said with a knowing smile, arms crossed over his chest.
"Yes," Steven nodded.
He had actually discovered it long ago.
From the moment he met Beldum.
It had been perfected through countless encounters with everyone.
"I hope you can become a Champion respected and loved by the people of the Hoenn region."
"I'll be going now. The door behind me leads to the Champion's Hall, and Chairman Goodshow is waiting for you there."
Drake pointed to the door behind him, then patted Steven's shoulder and slowly walked away.
Steven thought to himself that Wallace would likely be quite loved and respected by the people of Hoenn.
But now, he was heading to the Champion's Hall.
Simply put, it was about leaving his mark in the Hoenn League's history.
"Thank you for your hard work, everyone!"
Steven released all the Pokémon that had participated in the battle.
Although their conditions hadn't fully recovered yet, Steven had prepared Max Revives thoroughly.
With Metagross's assistance, he placed the Max Revives one by one into each Pokémon's mouth.
Within moments, Steven's Pokémon groggily opened their eyes.
"Empoleon, Lucario, Aggron, Scizor, Skarmory..."
Steven's gaze swept across each Pokémon's face.
"And Metagross."
Finally, it settled on Metagross.
"We... are the Champions!"
They had reached the pinnacle of Hoenn together.
The Pokémon startled, then released various triumphant cries.
Five Pokémon surrounded Metagross, celebrating for it and for themselves.
Even Scizor, filled with joy, joined in the celebration.
"Aggron~"
Don't forget my ore~
"I remember!"
Steven smiled helplessly, placing his hand on Aggron's steel helmet.
"Now, we're going to the Champion's Hall to leave our mark in the Hoenn League's history."
"So... let's go!"
Six beams of red light converged on Steven.
There was no alternative—the doorway was too narrow to walk through with all his Pokémon released.
Swish—
Steven approached the door, and it opened automatically.
Steven stepped onto the crystal-clear, gem-studded floor that reflected his image.
"The quality's not bad..." Steven gazed down at the gemstone floor, somewhat tempted to pry off a piece to take with him.
Several photo frames hung on the walls, displaying the teams used by past Champions when they claimed their titles.
"Congratulations, Steven," Chairman Goodshow chuckled, hands clasped behind his back, standing before a healing device resembling those found in Pokémon Centers.
This device had six slots.
"Thank you, Chairman, for waiting so long," Steven bowed slightly.
"Long? Not at all," Chairman Goodshow dismissed the notion with a wave:
"You are the youngest Champion in the history of the Hoenn League."
"Come with me."
Steven nodded, then glanced at the photo frames adorning both walls.
However, he didn't find Wallace's photograph.
Perhaps Wallace had chosen to retire after defeating the Elite Four, which explained his absence from the Champion's Hall.
"Place your Poké Balls on it."
Chairman Goodshow gestured toward the device before Steven.
Steven placed the Poké Balls one by one into the slots.
The large screen in front of him suddenly illuminated.
The images of Metagross, Skarmory, Aggron, Scizor, Empoleon, and Lucario all appeared on the display.
"Next, place your hand on it."
Steven extended his hand and placed it on the square panel beneath the six Poké Balls.
A stream of light traveled across the large screen, settling between the six Pokémon.
It was Steven's image.
"I'll have the photograph delivered to your residence," Chairman Goodshow said with a smile.
"Then I'll trouble you, Chairman Goodshow."
"No trouble at all," Chairman Goodshow replied warmly, waving his hand before adding:
"Since you are the first to challenge the Elite Four immediately after becoming the tournament Champion, you are specially granted a one-month vacation to rest before officially assuming your duties."
"Is that so? Then thank you, Chairman."
Steven suddenly recalled something and asked Chairman Goodshow:
"Chairman, could I ask you to take a photograph of me and my Pokémon here?"
"Don't worry—it absolutely won't be leaked."
Chairman Goodshow laughed heartily. "A promise from the newly appointed Champion? Of course I'll help with that!"
"Thank you so much, Chairman." Steven bowed slightly, expressing his gratitude again.
"It's a small matter."
Steven released all his Pokémon, allowing them to strike their desired poses.
Watching the Pokémon huddle together, discussing their positions animatedly, Steven—holding the newly awakened Honedge—chatted with Chairman Goodshow about Champion-related matters.
Soon, the Pokémon finished their discussion and stood at attention.
"Aren't you all a bit too serious like this?" Steven said with a helpless smile.
"Honedge?"
The Honedge in his arms blinked, slightly curious.
What are they doing?
"I'll trouble you, Chairman."
Steven handed his Pokédex to Chairman Goodshow, entrusting him with the task.
"Leave it to this old man!"
Chairman Goodshow seemed quite confident in his abilities.
Steven, holding Honedge, stood among his Pokémon.
"Three..."
"Two..."
"One..."
As he counted to "one," Steven instantly felt his body controlled by Psychic energy.
Metagross positioned itself above Steven's head, its eyes curved into cheerful crescents.
Skarmory spread its wings, soaring above and behind Steven.
Aggron held a piece of ore, looking upward, poised to toss it into its mouth.
Empoleon stepped on Metagross's leg, leaping gracefully into the air with its head tilted slightly downward and arms swept backward—like a martial artist mid-strike.
Scizor leaned against one side of Metagross, arms crossed, revealing only its profile.
On Metagross's other side, Lucario knelt on one knee, its fist lightly touching Metagross's arm.
"Say cheese!"
Click—
In the photograph, smiles appeared on every Pokémon's face.
Only Steven, kept completely in the dark, wore an expression of utter surprise.
The Honedge in his arms had eyes curved into happy crescents.
"Honedge~"
Although I don't know what happened,
I just feel so happy~