NOVEL WEB Chapter 28: Chapter - 28
Jordan POV –
It was fun meeting the Oak and Ketchum family and I even got to talk to Red Ketchum and Blue Oak and asked them for some tips. They had also asked about my pokemons but mainly focused on Gyarados, Milotic, Agron, Bastiodon, Torterra, Salamence, and Garchomp.
Soon, the preliminary was over, and my main focus was on some of the [seeds] players. My first opponent was Nick from the Unova region.
According to his trainer Page, he placed 16th rank in the previous Unova conference. In Sinnoh, he has 7 Pillar badges and 5 Branch badges. It looks like some of my pokemons are going to have a challenge as I thought of some of my pokemons that didn't get to challenge the Gym leaders.
3rd Person POV –
The crowd roared as two trainers stepped onto the battlefield. One side chanted "Jordan! Jordan!", already enamored with the young prodigy from Sandgem Town. The other side hyped up Nick, a rising star from Unova whose aggressive strategies had earned him a reputation as a fearsome opponent.
Pre-Match Build-Up
Announcer: "Trainers, hold your breath! Today's match is an intense clash between Sinnoh's prodigy Jordan and Unova's powerhouse Nick! Jordan, known for his incredible feat of conquering all eight Pillar Gyms within a year, faces Nick, a tactical genius specializing in sheer offensive power!"
Nick (grinning): "The stories don't do you justice, Jordan. It'll be fun to crush the guy everyone's calling 'Sinnoh's rising star.'"
Jordan (calm, adjusting his Poké Ball): "Talk all you want. My team and I let our work speak for itself."
The referee raised the flags, signaling the start of the battle. The screen above the battlefield displayed each trainer's six Pokémon, triggering cheers and speculation from the audience.
The Battle Start
On the Television – Round 1: Umbreon vs. Sawk
Nick sent out Sawk, his trusted powerhouse, known for its devastating physical attacks. The muscular Pokémon flexed as the crowd cheered. Jordan opened with Umbreon, his trusted partner and ace for the battle, drawing a wave of excitement from the audience.
Nick: "Let's make this quick! Sawk, Close Combat!"
Sawk charged with blinding speed, its fists glowing as it prepared to pummel Umbreon into submission.
Jordan: "Umbreon, dodge and use Moonlight!"
At the last second, Umbreon leaped gracefully, avoiding the attack. Its rings glowed under the sunlight as it healed with Moonlight.
Announcer: "A brilliant start from Jordan! Umbreon is dodging with ease, showing its superior agility!"
Nick: "No more games! Bulk Up and strike again!"
Sawk's muscles bulged as it powered up, then lunged again.
Jordan: "Now, Foul Play!"
Umbreon countered Sawk's strength, flipping it mid-air and slamming it into the ground. Sawk struggled to stand before collapsing.
Referee: "Sawk is unable to battle!"
Announcer: "Unbelievable! Jordan's Umbreon took down Sawk without breaking a sweat!"
On the Television – Round 2: Espeon vs. Gigalith
Nick sent out Gigalith, a towering Rock-type known for its resilience. Jordan swapped to Espeon, whose radiant fur gleamed in the sunlight.
Nick: "Gigalith, Sandstorm!"
The arena became a swirling desert as Gigalith created a fierce Sandstorm, boosting its defenses.
Jordan: "Espeon, Calm Mind!"
Espeon closed its eyes, focusing its energy to amplify its strength.
Nick: "Earthquake!"
Gigalith's attack caused the ground to tremble violently, but Espeon leaped into the air with grace.
Jordan: "Now, Grass Knot!"
Espeon conjured a massive vine that entangled Gigalith, toppling the giant rock Pokémon.
Nick: "Get up, Gigalith! Stone Edge!"
Gigalith launched sharp rocks toward Espeon, but Jordan was ready.
Jordan: "Psychic, full power!"
Espeon's psychic energy stopped the stones mid-air and hurled them back at Gigalith, knocking them out.
Referee: "Gigalith is unable to battle!"
On the Television – Round 3: Vaporeon vs. Seismitoad
Nick chose Seismitoad, a powerful Water/Ground-type. Jordan responded with Vaporeon, whose serene demeanor belied its strength.
The fight turned into an intense back-and-forth. Seismitoad used Earth Power and Drain Punch, while Vaporeon countered with Hydro Pump and Ice Beam.
The crowd gasped as Seismitoad unleashed a final Sludge Wave, only for Vaporeon to end the match with a pinpoint Hydro Pump, sending Seismitoad crashing into the ground.
Announcer: "Jordan's Vaporeon claims another victory! Is there anything this team can't do?"
On the Television – Round 4: Flareon vs. Zebstrika
Nick sent out Zebstrika, his blazing speedster, while Jordan chose Flareon. The stadium buzzed with excitement as the two Pokémon faced off.
The round was electrifying, with Zebstrika's Wild Charge and Overheat clashing against Flareon's Flare Blitz and Fire Fang.
In the end, Flareon dodged a final Thunderbolt and retaliated with a critical Flare Blitz, sealing another victory.
On the Television – Round 5: Leafeon vs. Excadrill
Nick's Excadrill entered the battlefield with an air of menace. Jordan called out Leafeon, whose elegant form glided onto the field.
The battle was intense, with Excadrill's Drill Run and Iron Head being countered by Leafeon's Leaf Blade and X-Scissor.
After a fierce exchange, a final Swords Dance-boosted Leaf Blade felled Excadrill.
On the Television – Final Round: Umbreon vs. Krookodile
Nick's ace, Krookodile, entered the field, exuding intimidation. Jordan brought back Umbreon, his ace for the battle.
The fight was electric. Krookodile's Outrage clashed with Umbreon's Protect and counters, creating explosions across the battlefield.
In a stunning finish, Umbreon unleashed a perfectly timed Foul Play, using Krookodile's power against it. Krookodile staggered before collapsing.
Referee: "Krookodile is unable to battle! The winner is Jordan!"
Post-Match Reactions
Nick (grinning despite his loss): "I've battled a lot of trainers, but you're on a whole other level. I hope to battle you again, Jordan."
Jordan (smiling): "Thanks, Nick. Your team put up an incredible fight. And I would like that."
Crowd: "Jordan! Jordan!"
Announcer: "Jordan advances to the next round with a flawless victory! With his incredible strategy and Pokémon, he's proving why he's a contender for the championship!"
Jordan, standing amidst the roaring crowd, looked ahead with determination. With six Eevees proving their worth, the path to the championship was wide open.
Lily and James Smith POV –
The Lily of the Valley Island stadium was alive with roaring cheers and chants. Among the sea of spectators, two figures sat together, their hands clasped tightly in anticipation. Lily Smith, Jordan's mother, had her brown eyes locked on the battlefield below, while her husband, James Smith, leaned forward, his muscular frame tense as he watched their son battle. Beside them sat members of the Oak and Ketchum families, all equally captivated by the unfolding spectacle.
As the referee raised the flags to signal the start, Lily glanced at James, her voice tinged with pride and nervous energy.
"He's grown so much, hasn't he? Look at the confidence in his stance. That's our boy down there."
James gave a small, proud smile, his normally stoic demeanor cracking slightly.
"He's not just battling, Lily. He's commanding the field. Look at the way he studies his opponent—it's like watching a master at work."
Ash Ketchum, seated nearby, grinned.
"Jordan's been like this since we were kids. Always one step ahead. I mean, who else takes on a Sinnoh League match without breaking a sweat?"
Delia Ketchum nodded, her warm smile mirroring Lily's pride.
"He's got your determination, Lily, and James, he inherited your calm under pressure."
During Umbreon vs. Sawk –
When Jordan's Umbreon flawlessly countered Sawk's brute force with elegant precision, Lily let out a small gasp, gripping James's arm.
"That Umbreon... it's always been so close to him. You can tell how much trust they have in each other."
James chuckled his chest swelling with pride.
"Trust? It's more than that. They're in sync. It's like Umbreon knows what Jordan's thinking before he even speaks."
Professor Oak seated a row above, leaned down to comment.
"It's rare to see such synergy between trainer and Pokémon at such a young age. Your son is something special, James."
James tipped his head, his deep voice steady.
"We always knew he was different. But hearing it from you, Professor—it means a lot."
Espeon's Psychic Mastery
When Espeon used Psychic to redirect Gigalith's Stone Edge, Daisy Oak couldn't help but exclaim.
"That Espeon is magnificent! The precision! The grace!"
Lily beamed, her earlier nerves momentarily forgotten.
"He trained Espeon himself, right from an Eevee. He's always had a soft spot for his team. I remember him staying up late just to make sure they were comfortable."
James added, his tone filled with admiration,
"And it shows. That Espeon doesn't just fight for him—it fights with him."
Blue Oak nodded thoughtfully.
"That level of training takes years of discipline. Jordan's earned every bit of success he's getting today."
Flare on's Fiery Display
As Flareon unleashed a devastating Flare Blitz to take down Zebstrika, the explosion of fire lit up the stadium. Lily covered her mouth, her voice a mix of awe and worry.
"That attack was so powerful. Do you think Flareon's okay?"
James smirked, a knowing glint in his eye.
"Flareon's fine. Jordan wouldn't use an attack like that unless he was sure it could handle the recoil."
Gary Oak, leaning back in his seat, raised an eyebrow.
"You know, I thought my battles were impressive, but this? Jordan's on a whole other level."
Professor Oak chuckled.
"It's the bond he has with his Pokémon. That kind of connection doesn't just happen overnight."
The Final Clash: Umbreon vs. Krookodile
As the match reached its climax, the tension in the stands was palpable. Krookodile's Outrage clashed violently against Umbreon's Protect, sending shockwaves through the arena. Lily squeezed James's hand tightly, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Come on, Umbreon. You can do this."
When Umbreon turned Krookodile's power against it with Foul Play, the entire stadium erupted in cheers. Lily and James stood, their voices drowned out by the crowd.
Ash (cheering loudly): "That's my cousin! He's unstoppable!"
Gary (smirking): "Unstoppable is right. That was flawless."
James looked down at Lily, his eyes filled with pride.
"That's our boy, Lily. He just showed the world what he's capable of."
Lily nodded, tears glistening in her eyes.
"And he's just getting started."
Post-Match Reflections
As the crowd celebrated Jordan's victory, Lily sat back, her heart swelling with emotion.
"I still remember when he was just a little boy, running around with his first Pokemon I had we had gifted him his little Aron. Now look at him—a Sinnoh League contender, commanding a stage like this."
James rested a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"He's worked for this, Lily. Every battle, every late-night training session, every challenge he faced —it's all led to this moment. And he's only going to go further."
Professor Oak turned to them, his voice warm.
"You should both be very proud. Trainers like Jordan don't come around often. He's a testament to your love and support."
Lily smiled, her eyes never leaving her son as he waved to the crowd.
"We're beyond proud. He's not just a great trainer—he's a great person."
As Jordan stood in the center of the battlefield, basking in the cheers of the crowd, Lily and James knew this was just the beginning of his journey. Their son wasn't just a contender in the Sinnoh League—he was on the path to greatness.