He blinks a bit in surprise before a wide grin pulls up his lips, a toothy grin to match his son’s. His flesh and blood. His pride and joy. He still remembers the day he was born, swaddled in his blanket, fast asleep.
 Poor Mary never had another day of peace afterwards, did she?
 “So, you think you finally got what it takes to beat me, hunh?” Honestly, Palmer was sure he did too. Barry wasn’t one to lollygag. He was a hard worker, though he was sure not everyone could see it. Palmer had been the same at that age. Hell, even at the age he was now, though he wasn’t quite as energetic as he used to be. His age was starting to catch up with him, as much as he didn’t want to admit it. Here his son was in front of him, twenty and growing up big and strong.
 As much as he didn’t want to think about it, he supposes it isn’t long until he isn’t in Barry’s life at all anymore. He wonders if Barry will take up his mantle, but he shakes the thought off. Barry still had his whole life in front of him– to do and be whatever he wanted.
 Palmer takes out his own Pokeball, rolling it around in his hand. “Well— let’s see what you’ve got, Sport!”
Most people exaggerated when they said that every moment in their life lead up to a certain moment.Â
Barry was not exaggerating.Â
Everything that he did was to get stronger- as a friend, as a Pokemon trainer, as a person. Sometimes he didn’t understand why, but the fire under his feet always kicked him into overdrive, doing his damnedest at whatever goal he had in front of him. Sure, he got a lil sidetracked here and there, but that just lead to adventure! Which lead to growth! Which lead higher and higher!
Of course Palmer didn’t let up, and Barry wouldn’t either, seemingly neck in neck the entire time. Hell, some people would even say Palmer had the leg up, the Dragonite staring down at his Infernape. Palmer’s ace! How many times had he witnessed them knock out challenger after challenger?
Watching the dragon type bolt around the arena, Barry steeled himself, digging his heels into the ground to take a stance in time with Chunky. They wouldn’t be able to tank a big hit, but they couldn’t run circles around the arena either. A larger opponent needed to be handled with caution and precise movements.Â
It all came to a head- Fluffles had landed a thunder waver, nearly crippling the Infernape, but it wasn’t it. They had one last shot. If Chunky could power through....hold on.......just .................
              JUST FOR ONE LAST SHOT!Â
Fire erupted across the starter’s body, and with one last screech, he charged froward, slamming into the Dragonite with everything he had. The recoil was astounding, smoke billowing from the impact.Â
But in the end, Chunky was the one left standing. Bruised, tired, but smiling.Â
It took just a moment for the scene to settle in Barry’s mind.Â
Then he exploded into a scream.
The boy bolted to his partner, quite literally scooping the fire type up into a hug, spinning the confused primate around.
