Calem walked out of Drasna’s chamber, the large door shutting behind him. He looked around, seeing all of the doors closed to signal beaten opponents. Beside him, Skadi walked along, her very pawsteps chilling the floor beneath her. Slowly, the largest set of doors in the room creaked open, a golden light spilling into the shadowy room and inviting him forward.
“It’s time, Skadi,” he said, as he knelt down to spray her with a Super Potion. “We have our whole team this time. She can’t stop us from winning. We’re going to do this.”
The Ice-type shook her body down, the icy fur glistening. She nods up at her trainer to show that she was ready for the battle. If only her confidence was shared by Calem.
He led his Pokemon into the massive golden hall of the Champion. He was almost disappointed to see the throne at the far end empty. She would be waiting upstairs. Or maybe she wasn’t here at all. Had she declined the challenge before it was ever made? No, she better not have. That would be insulting. Even if she hated his every cell...
He stepped onto the round lift before the throne, Skadi leaping onto it beside him as they ascended. He clenched his fists, mentally steeling himself to see her. They hadn’t even spoken in the days since...
The figure was unmistakable, even when he couldn’t fully see her over the stained glass floor he rose onto. The legs and soon chest and face of his former friend came into view. Skadi recognized the woman, as well, and crouched down to prepare for a battle. Calem glared across at her from his position on the now-locked lift.
“Champion,” he said, bitterness clear in his voice. “I challenge you.”
