Chapter 17: The Final Island – Drake
The last island didn't look intimidating at first.
No burning ground.
No violent waves.
No shifting platforms.
Just calm.
Too calm.
Ashley stepped onto the shore, her eyes scanning the quiet landscape. "…This is it."
Ben looked around, hands in his pockets. "…Doesn't look that dangerous."
"…That's why it is."
Pikachu's ears twitched. "Pika…"
Ashley walked forward. "…The final challenge isn't a test."
Ben glanced at her. "Then what is it?"
"…It's a full battle."
A small pause.
"…Against the Orange League Champion."
Ben's grin slowly returned. "Now that sounds interesting."
---
They entered the arena.
Unlike the previous Gyms, this one felt complete—like a true battlefield. Wide, structured, balanced. Built not for tests…
But for deciding strength.
At the center stood the final opponent.
Drake.
Calm. Experienced. Unshaken.
"So," Drake spoke, his voice steady, "you've made it this far."
Ashley stepped forward.
"…Yes."
"I've watched your matches. You've changed."
"…I have."
Drake nodded slightly. "Good. Then show me."
He raised his hand.
"Go, Dragonite!"
A powerful dragon Pokémon descended, its presence immediately filling the arena with pressure.
Ben looked up. "…Okay. That one's definitely strong."
"…Yes," Ashley said. "…Don't underestimate it."
"I won't."
---
The battle began.
Dragonite moved first.
"Dragon Claw!"
It rushed forward with overwhelming speed.
Ashley reacted instantly. "…Don't meet it head-on!"
Ben nodded.
FLASH.
Green light burst—
And he transformed.
Way Big.
A towering giant rose onto the battlefield, dwarfing even Dragonite.
The crowd gasped.
"What IS that?!"
Drake's eyes sharpened.
"…Interesting."
Dragonite attacked—
But Way Big barely moved.
The strike landed—
But did nothing.
Ben looked down.
"…My turn."
Ashley's voice remained steady.
"…Careful. It's fast."
"Got it."
Dragonite flew upward, preparing another strike.
"Hyper Beam!"
A massive blast fired downward.
Way Big raised his arm—
Blocked—
Then stepped forward.
The ground shook.
"…End it," Ashley said.
Way Big's arm glowed—
Energy gathered—
Then—
A single, overwhelming strike.
Dragonite was hit directly.
The impact shook the entire arena.
Silence followed.
Then—
Dragonite fell.
---
The referee raised the flag.
"Dragonite is unable to battle. Winner—Ashley!"
For a moment—
Nothing moved.
Then—
The crowd erupted.
"She cleared the Orange League!"
"She defeated Drake!"
"Incredible!"
---
Drake stepped forward slowly.
"…That wasn't just strength," he said. "That was control."
Ashley didn't reply.
"…You've grown."
He held out the final symbol.
"The Orange League Champion Title."
Ashley took it.
Her hand steady.
Her eyes calm.
No overwhelming emotion.
No disbelief.
Just—
Acceptance.
---
Outside—
The ocean stretched endlessly once more.
Ashley stood at the edge, the final achievement complete.
Behind her—
Another victory.
Another title.
Ben walked up beside her.
"…Two Leagues."
Ashley nodded.
"…Yes."
"Not bad."
"…Not bad."
A small silence followed.
Then—
Ben smirked slightly.
"So… Champion of Kanto. Champion of Orange Islands."
Ashley glanced at him.
"…Don't start."
"I'm just saying."
"…You're still annoying."
"Consistent."
Pikachu laughed. "Pika pika."
---
Ashley looked at the horizon.
"…What next?"
Ben leaned beside her.
"…Wherever you want."
She thought for a moment.
Then—
A faint smile appeared.
"…Then we keep going."
Ben grinned.
"Good answer."
---
The wind moved softly.
The sea remained endless.
And their journey—
Was far from over.
---