A Promised Battle

"The Slateport Contest is about to reach its climax!"

"Who will make it through and claim the Longevity Ribbon Medal? Let's find out!"

Vivian's excited voice rang through the venue.

Dawn and Baimu stood at the edge of the field, chatting quietly as they waited for the host to finish her introduction.

"After everything it took to get here, we finally made it," she said. "Thanks for the effort."

"You too. Thanks for the effort."

"I'm really looking forward to this match."

"Because we can finally go all out without holding back?"

"Exactly!"

"Then I'll look forward to seeing what you can do. I'm taking that Ribbon Badge."

"Right back at you!"

They exchanged a look, their eyes burning with fighting spirit, then headed to their assigned positions as Vivian introduced them.

On the big screen,

two enormous portraits appeared alongside circular score gauges.

Vivian's slightly high-pitched voice rang out. "The first match of the third round—the final! The time limit is five minutes, with no breaks. Begin!"

Ding!

At the crisp chime, the five-minute countdown began.

Baimu and Dawn threw their Poké Balls at the same time.

Pop! Pop!

"Pip!"

Piplup leaped out amid countless translucent bubbles, flapping his little wings with lively charm.

Even though he had prepared himself, Little Penguin still found it hard to accept when the moment came.

For the first time, I found a Pokémon I liked this much. I even had my Trainer's wholehearted support. Those two joys came together and brought me even more happiness. It should have been a dreamlike time. So how did things turn out like this?

He had to choose between the Pokémon he loved and his closest friend.

And the answer was already painfully clear.

I'm sorry, my love!

I'll let you go with the wind.

Tears