Ugh… I can't win this.
As a wielder of Dragon Master Power, Xiaoye could sense the Dragon-type energy within Latias was far stronger than Vikavolt's. But Lin Yu had told her to fight her hardest. With a sigh, Ye Qingxue gave her order: "Vikavolt, Thunderbolt!"
"Camouflage, then Psychic."
Lin Yu issued his command at once.
The rest of the battle was never in doubt.
Latias's psychic power was vastly greater than Gardevoir's.
Crushing telekinetic force tore through the air, and Vikavolt was instantly seized and slammed into the ground.
"Vikavolt is unable to battle!"
The commentator announced the final result without delay.
The crowd roared, calling this year's National High School Tournament the most thrilling one yet—especially the final match, full of twists and turns. Both trainers' Pokémon and tactics had left them utterly amazed.
"That last Pokémon is insanely strong! Vikavolt, which beat Greninja earlier, didn't stand a single chance!"
"It can turn invisible too—completely undetectable!"
"Total domination right there…"
"What Pokémon is that? Can I catch one too?!"
At last, Ye Rong, the Dragon-type Elite Four member, stepped onto the stage.
"I hereby declare the 2009 National High School Tournament officially concluded! The champion is Trainer Lin Yu! Let's cheer for him!"
Thunderous cheers washed over the arena like a tidal wave.
"The awards ceremony will be held in three days. All winning students, including Lin Yu, please prepare accordingly!"
With Ye Rong's final words—"May the High School Tournament grow even greater in the years to come"—the 2009 tournament came to a close.
After stepping off the stage, Lin Yu was surrounded, just as expected.
Reporters from every network swarmed him, asking how he raised his Pokémon to such incredible strength.
Admissions officers from top universities followed close behind, pitching their schools and showering him with offers.
Nearly every remaining contestant was surrounded, but Lin Yu had the largest crowd by far.
"Lin Yu! Our China University has three A-Class Secret Realms on campus, rich in fire crystals that boost Fire-type moves—use them as you please!"
"Pay no mind to him! Our Ocean University sits on the coast, teeming with Water-type Pokémon and beautiful female trainers—you'll love it here!"
"Beautiful seniors? We have gorgeous professors instead…"
Lin Yu sighed and glanced away, only to find Ye Qingxue standing beside a flying Metagross—the very same one that had maintained the Flying Field during the match.
No one dared to approach her.
Having connections really did have its perks, Lin Yu thought.
Eventually, tournament staff stepped in to break up the crowd, telling everyone to discuss offers privately.
Funnily enough, after the match, Lin Yu spotted Ash at the arena entrance.
He looked exhausted and travel-worn, with a twig stuck in his hat.
When Lin Yu asked why he hadn't joined the tournament, Ash groaned in despair: "I mixed up the dates! I've been stuck in a Secret Realm this whole time and never got the message!"
Lin Yu fell silent.
Yep, that was exactly the kind of thing he'd expect from Ash.
His Pikachu, though, had reached Level 43—clearly, he'd had a productive adventure.
"Guess I'll have to enter next year's tournament… shame I won't get to face you then." Ash sighed, but quickly perked up. "Lin Yu, I watched your match—it was amazing! I'll battle you again at the Youth League!"
Lin Yu smiled and nodded. "Sure thing. Looking forward to it."
After the crowd dispersed, Lin Yu waited at the arena entrance for Xue Nai, wanting to ask about her future plans.
Instead, he found her still sitting in the stands, staring blankly into space.
"Something wrong, Senior?"
Lin Yu walked over and spoke softly.
Xue Nai blinked in surprise, then broke into a smile when she saw him. "Nothing at all, Junior."
Lin Yu sat down beside her. "I don't believe that. It's written all over your face."
The two had survived life-or-death situations together, traveled from Shuimu City to the tournament side by side. Her aunt had even introduced Lin Yu to a teacher and asked him to look out for her. On top of that, they were close friends.
He had to ask.
Xue Nai looked at him quietly.
The young man still had a hint of boyishness, but his words were mature beyond his years.
For a moment, she didn't know what to say.
She'd tried so hard,
yet she couldn't keep up with him—if anything, the gap between them only grew wider.
Anyone would feel crushed by that.
"Why are you staring at me? Do I have a flower on my face or something?" Lin Yu asked, confused.
Xue Nai giggled. "Yeah, a really pretty one."
Lin Yu was even more puzzled—until she spoke again.
"Do you have a goal, Lin Yu?"
He was surprised by the shift in how she addressed him, but answered quickly: "I do. Quite a few, actually."
"Like helping Charizard become a champion. Or pushing my limits as a trainer until there's no further to go. Or traveling the world, meeting all kinds of interesting Pokémon… even seeing every Legendary there is."
He counted them off on his fingers.
"Alright, alright, we get it—your goals are huge." Xue Nai interrupted with a playful huff, about to roll her eyes.
Lin Yu coughed awkwardly. "Ahem… so, you were saying, Senior?"
"I have a goal too."
Xue Nai turned her gaze to the sky, stretching out a slender hand. Sunlight filtered through her fingers, gilding her face, bright and radiant.
"I've worked so hard to chase it."
But now I realize no matter how hard I try, I can never get close. Should I just give up?
"That's it? I thought it was something serious." Lin Yu laughed.
But when he saw her expression darken, he immediately grew serious.
"Having a goal is a wonderful thing—why give up? Let me show you with my Pokémon."
"Come on out, Charizard!"
"Roar?"
Charizard tilted its head in confusion. Its wounds had fully healed under Viridian Power.
Lin Yu patted its claw.
"Charizard's goal is to become a champion. Is it one yet?"
Xue Nai shook her head, not understanding his point. "No."
"Exactly. But it keeps fighting for it every single day."
"Roar! Roar!" Charizard nodded firmly.
Lin Yu recalled it and sent out Pupitar instead.
"Pupa…"
The newly evolved Pupitar rubbed its eyes sleepily.
"Pupitar, what's your goal?"
"Pupa? Pupa!" (To be just like my parents!)
"Pupitar's goal is to be as strong as its mom and dad—with a back broad enough to protect everyone behind it."
Lin Yu spoke calmly in the empty stands.
Slowly, light returned to Xue Nai's eyes.