The air above Gladiator City practically shimmered with excitement as spectators streamed into the colosseum that morning, eagerly awaiting the long-anticipated Finals of the Torolf Memorial Tournament. The bustling streets echoed with animated chatter, everyone debating who among the final four would emerge victorious.

While a few spectators had trickled away over the course of the tournament, the drop was barely noticeable. The electric energy of the matches had kept most people glued to the event, hungry to see how it all ended. Many were placing their bets on Romulus—the oldest and most seasoned of the fighters—but just as many had thrown their support behind Sol, especially those who’d cheered for him in his gripping match the day before.

That wasn’t to say Luke and Koa lacked fans. Their upcoming match had the crowd deeply divided. Half backed Luke, citing his fame and years of experience. But the other half was rooting for Koa—the rising rookie. Talented, strong, and driven, Koa had made an impression, and plenty were eager to see how far he could go.

Lashanne listened to the conversations around her, relaying bits of overheard chatter to her family. “For the spectators, it’s anyone’s game right now,” she said.

“My vote’s on Koa, hands down,” Caulin chimed in proudly. “He’s already come this far. Not saying Uncle Luke’s a pushover, but Koa’s speed gives him a serious edge. Everyone who’s fought him has struggled to keep up.”

“Perhaps,” Minato said with a thoughtful nod. “But Luke’s got far more experience—and he adapts quickly. It’s going to be a very close match.”

“And you two totally aren’t biased,” Lashanne teased with a smirk.

“What makes you say that?” Minato asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Well, Luke’s matched you more than once—and even Volcan, who just beat you, still struggles against him when they spar. Or when they play chess,” she added with a grin. “And as for Koa…” She gave Caulin a playful nudge with her elbow. “He’s your boyfriend. Of course you’re rooting for him.”

~~~~~

After breakfast, Romulus and Ignus headed to the arena for some practice, leaving Luke and Volcan to make their way to the colosseum alone. But as they approached, Ignus bounded out from the crowd to meet them, practically glowing with excitement. His tail wagged furiously, and he wore a grin so wide it looked like his face might split.

“Dad! Papa!” he called out. “Look what Grampa taught me!”

He crouched low, then leapt—and as he did, his jaws lit with flame, his teeth glowing red-hot. He snapped at the air, releasing a fiery burst mid-bite, then landed with a bounce, panting and beaming.

“Whoa—was that Fire Fang?” Volcan asked, eyes wide.

“And you mastered it this morning?” Luke added, stunned. “That’s… really impressive, son!”

Romulus approached the group, coming up behind Ignus. “I wanted to teach him something useful in case he ever faces a Grass-type. I think watching Fernidas fight Koa lit a spark in him.”

“Apparently,” Luke replied. “It took me days to get Blaze Kick right.”

“And longer for me to master Focus Blast,” said Volcan, kneeling to ruffle Ignus’ fur. “Way to go, champ. I’m proud of you.”

“We both are,” Luke added with a smile.

“Rightly so,” Romulus agreed. “He’s a gifted boy.”

Ignus flushed red under his fur, tail now wagging like a propeller from all the praise. “Aww…”

Then, Romulus had to clear his throat. “Well, Ignus, that’s all the training we have time for, for now,” he said. “When the tournament is over, let’s see if I can teach you anymore. For now, your papa and I have a tournament to participate in.”

“He’s right,” said Volcan. “Come on Ignus; I think I saw Caulin and his family heading in ahead of us so, let’s see if we can find them and get a good spot to watch Luke’s fight, shall we?”

“Right, yea,” Ignus answered, then looked at Luke. “You’re gonna win this, right, Papa?” he asked, eyes full of hope.

Luke hesitated, his gaze flicking briefly to Romulus. Then back at Ignus and gently patted his head a few times. “I can only promise to try, son. Koa’s a powerful opponent in his own right, and even if I beat him… There’s still your grandfather or Sol to contend with afterward.”

“Wish us both luck, Ignus,” Romulus bade, looking at Luke and cocking his head toward the colosseum before he turned and walked toward it.

Volcan looked at Luke. “Show ‘em what you’re made of, love,” he said.

“I plan to,” Luke said confidently.

With his husband and son now settled into the stands, Luke stepped out into the arena, joining the other finalists—Romulus, Koa, and Sol—beneath the roar of the crowd. Applause thundered across the colosseum, and Luke could hear his name being chanted by more than a few spectators, clearly marked as one of the crowd’s favorites.

Koa and Sol received similar praise. Koa, for his part, looked unfazed—apathetic, even—as if unsure how to respond to the attention. Sol, on the other hand, visibly cringed. He turned his head sharply away, shoulders tensing under the weight of adoration he didn’t believe he deserved.

“Fucking… stop it,” he muttered under his breath. “Save yer cheers for someone actually worthy of ‘em…”

Romulus, standing beside him, glanced his way, catching the shift in demeanor. He leaned in slightly, speaking loud enough to be heard over the clamor.

“Something troubling you?”

“I don’t fuckin’ deserve this,” Sol shot back, eyes narrowed, voice edged with bitterness. “All this praise—this hero worship? It’s bullshit.”

Romulus tilted his head, studying the Typhlosion for a moment. Then he stepped a little closer, lowering his voice with a weight born of experience.

“Those who deserve praise,” he said, “rarely feel they do. Let the people have their heroes, Sol. It gives them hope—even if the heroes themselves are still finding their footing.”

Sol gave a sharp snort and looked away, scowling. “I ain’t no hero. I’m just some guy trying to be the strongest. That’s all.”

Romulus didn’t flinch. “It’s not for us to decide who they call a hero. That’s their choice. Just like, once upon a time… they chose me.”

Sol’s scowl faltered. His eyes flicked toward Romulus—just briefly.

“They chose wrong,” he muttered.

Romulus smiled faintly. “You’ll get your chance to prove them right or wrong in our battle, young one.”

Sol met his gaze at last, and a crooked, devil-may-care grin slowly crept across his face. His usual fire returned to his eyes. “I guess I will,” he growled.

~~~~~

Following the opening ceremony, as Luke and Koa were called to take their positions, Romulus ascended to the top tier of the colosseum. The private viewing box loomed ahead—reserved for royalty, judges, and tournament hosts.

He pushed open the door and paused.

Inside stood Calyrex, Talleon, Hizashi… and Wade.

Romulus blinked. The younger Samurott’s presence was unexpected.

Talleon’s ear twitched at the creak of the door. He turned. “Ah, Captain Romulus,” he said smoothly. “Nice of you to join us.”

“Good morning, gentlemen,” Romulus replied, regaining his composure.

“Good morning, Romulus,” Calyrex offered with a nod.

“And to you, Your Majesty,” Romulus returned, inclining his head.

Hizashi responded with a grunt and a faint nod. Wade, however, stood and bowed with formal respect. “It’s good to see you, Captain.”

“And you as well, Wade,” Romulus answered, though concern touched his voice. “But… what are you doing here? This booth is for the tournament’s hosts and judges.”

Wade gestured politely toward Hizashi. “Lord Hizashi invited me. Since I’m no longer competing, I didn’t think it would be an issue.”

Romulus’ brow twitched slightly. “I see.”

He turned toward the Shogun. “Pardon me, Lord Hizashi. Might I have a word in private, before the match begins?”

Hizashi rose with a sigh. “Very well,” he said gruffly.

Romulus led them to the rear corner of the box, far from the others. He seated himself cross-legged on the floor and looked up at the older warrior.

“I’d like to clarify something,” Romulus began. “And if I’m wrong, feel free to correct me. But I believe your attendance at this tournament isn’t purely ceremonial.”

Hizashi didn’t flinch. “What evidence do you have?”

That, Romulus noted, wasn’t a denial.

“I’ve noticed you’ve been following the progress of one competitor quite closely,” Romulus said. “Minato voiced concerns to me. Luke, too. And after the quarterfinals, I suspect I know who it is.”

He met Hizashi’s eyes directly. “So tell me, did you come here for reasons beyond honoring the fallen?”

A heavy silence settled between them.

Then, Hizashi rose to his full height, casting a long shadow over Romulus. His presence loomed, commanding and sharp.

Romulus didn’t so much as blink.

After a beat, the old Samurott exhaled and lowered himself again.

“…Yes,” he said.

Romulus waited. But when no further answer came, he tilted his head. “That’s it? No explanation?”

“What would be the point?” Hizashi replied. “You’ve already pieced it together. Denying it would only insult us both.”

Romulus gave a slow nod. “I appreciate your honesty. Still… why Wade?”

Hizashi followed his gaze to the younger Samurott, now quietly standing near Calyrex and Talleon.

“Because he is what Maelstrom Isle needs,” Hizashi said plainly. “I’m growing old, Romulus. The battle at the Nexus nearly cost me my life. I would’ve taken my own blade had that young Greninja not stopped me… and made me see the truth.”

He turned back to Romulus, his expression hardening.

“If I had died that day, there would’ve been no one to take my place. All that my forebears and I worked for—gone in days. My rule has mirrored that of my ancestors: rigid, traditional, deeply rooted in an old code. And because of that, I… stagnated. I stopped leading and started preserving—at the cost of progress.”

Romulus listened silently as Hizashi continued, his expression remaining impassive as he took in every word from the elder Samurott. “It was Wade’s outburst that shattered that delusion. His defiance. His perspective,” Hizashi continued. “I saw in him not just fire, but compassion. Purpose.”

His tone softened slightly. “Thirteen generations of rulers have led Maelstrom Isle. And yet, I no longer want Wade to be the fourteenth. I want him to be the first of something new. A leader who protects with his own strength, not just commands others to die for him. Someone who serves his people… not his pride.”

Romulus took that in for a long moment, watching Wade laugh softly at something Calyrex said, oblivious to the conversation behind him.

“I see,” Romulus murmured. “I had no wish for this tournament to become a stage for political manoeuvring—but your reason is… noble.”

He looked once more to Wade. “Still, I have to ask—how does he feel about this? Being named your successor?”

Hizashi’s expression grew guarded again. “He… has reservations,” he admitted. “He’ll give me his answer once the tournament concludes. I’ve given him time to consider it.”

Romulus nodded slowly. “Very well. Then I’ll leave you to enjoy the match, Lord Hizashi.” He rose and inclined his head politely.

Hizashi gave a single nod in return before turning and rejoining the others.

Earlier…

While Romulus went to speak with Lord Hizashi, Luke and Koa stood alone in the ring. Koa moved through the familiar steps of his pre-battle ritual—an age-old tradition from his island home.

He stomped the ground. Slapped his thighs. Pounded his chest. Each strike followed a rising rhythm, his voice rising with it.

“Aia ke ahi i loko! E ala! E k?! Ko?u ?uhane, he ??wili! E u?, e hakaka, e lanakila!”

Luke didn’t know the words, but he felt them. Each one rang with purpose—like thunder before a storm. Koa wasn’t just preparing his body; he was calling to his ancestors. Declaring his resolve. Promising Luke the fight of his life.

Only when Koa finished did Luke speak. “I’ll take that as a ritual of some kind?”

“War dance,” Koa replied. “We give honour to… to our forebears.” He hesitated on the word, unsure.

Luke nodded. “That fits.” He rolled his neck and shoulders. “I’ve got to say, Koa—you’ve surprised a lot of people. Some in the crowd are betting you’ll win today.”

Koa tilted his head. “Betting?”

Luke smiled. “You’re what we call an underdog. Someone no one expected to make it this far, but now they’re cheering you on.”

“Underdog?” Koa frowned. “But… I am not canid.”

Luke chuckled. “Just an expression. It means you’ve earned respect. Take pride in that.”

Koa gave a quiet, uncertain nod.

Luke rolled his arms and shifted into stance. “But now you’re up against me. Don’t think speed alone will win this.”

Koa’s posture tightened. Sparks danced up his arms as he leaned forward, locking eyes with Luke. “I expect no less.”

No more words. It was time. Revane gave the signal. The crowd roared.

The two vanished.

In a blink, they met mid-field, blurring faster than most could follow. Luke could match Koa’s speed thanks to Extreme Speed—but not his reflexes. Koa, a feline by design, responded faster. His body twisted, avoided, reacted with inhuman fluidity. Luke’s mind couldn’t keep pace.

A punch landed. Koa’s paw cracked across his cheek. Luke stumbled.

He barely caught his footing before Koa was on him again. The Zeraora’s attacks were wild, unrefined—but brutally fast. Even the most telegraphed swing came faster than most Pokémon could react.

Luke covered his vitals, gritting his teeth, letting his aura soak the punishment.

Then—finally—he caught an opening. He seized Koa’s arm mid-swing, taking a shallow cut to the cheek, but locking in. With a shout, he drove a Reversal into Koa’s chest, burning with pent-up energy—

But it didn’t land.

Koa twisted at the last second, letting the strike pass harmlessly by. Luke stumbled forward. He spun, flinging a point-blank Aura Sphere at Koa’s back. But Koa was already running. The Aura Sphere chased, but the Zeraora turned on a dime, skidding low, arm drawn back. With a sharp cry, he punched the sphere mid-air, dispersing it with a burst of sparks.

Then he rushed again.

His fists crackled with electricity. Thunder Punch, unleashed in a furious flurry as he closed in. Luke answered with a Bullet Punch barrage, their attacks clashing in rapid succession—blows canceling out, movement a blur—until they both broke apart.

Luke wasn’t done. He vanished with Extreme Speed, reappearing at Koa’s flank with a raised palm glowing with Force Palm—but Koa dodged again.

Frustration simmered. Neither fighter was landing anything decisive.

Koa backflipped away and unleashed Swift, peppering the field with golden stars. Luke rushed through it, his Steel typing dulling the pain. He summoned his Bone Rush, spinning the staff in his paw.

He slid to a halt in front of Koa and swung hard. Koa ducked low. The bone passed over his head, and in a blur of motion, his paws weaved quickly—too quickly.

Luke didn’t see it coming. An electrified net soared through the air—Electroweb.

“Shit—!” Luke snarled as the web crashed over him, wrapping around his limbs, crackling with energy. Pain shot through his body. His muscles locked up. He spasmed, teeth clenched, fighting for control…

Up in the stands, the group leaned forward in their seats, eyes wide as the Electroweb snapped over Luke.

“Electroweb?!” Volcan blurted, beak half-open. “I didn’t know he could do that—I thought only Galvantula learned that move!”

“He used it once before, when Keldeo was possessed by the Shadow Curse,” Caulin added, glancing his way. “Pinned him down long enough for me to cleanse him.”

“Dang,” Lashanne muttered. “Kid’s got tricks tucked in that duster after all.”

Neilla crossed her arms, watching intently. “Luke was already having trouble keeping up with him. I’ve only seen Volcan or me match his speed. Now he’s pinned? That’s bad… Koa might just have this one.”

“Papa’ll win,” Ignus said suddenly, voice like steel. His green eyes locked on the battlefield below. “He’s faced worse. You all know he can handle this.”

Volcan’s hand crept to his beak, teeth gently biting his knuckle. His eyes didn’t leave the fight. “…Come on, Luke,” he whispered.

Luke growled, his muscles twitching as he fought to regain control of his body. Glaring at Koa, he forced himself to calm… and then unleashed a resounding roar. His Aura surged outward in a fiery wave, blasting apart the Electroweb and igniting the air around him in brilliant blue flames. With a deep breath, he let his aura settle—calmer, focused.

“...Well played,” he said, eyes locking with Koa’s. “But that won’t work again.”

Koa smirked. “Does not need to.”

He darted sideways in a blur, circling behind Luke and striking with another Thunderpunch. Luke turned—but his body felt sluggish. Slower. He saw the strike coming, but couldn’t stop it in time. The Zeraora’s fist cracked against his cheek, staggering him.

‘Not good…’ Luke winced, paw to his face. ‘He’s robbed me of my speed—and I can’t adapt fast enough to keep up.’

His gaze fell to his scarf, jaw tightening. ‘At this rate… I may have to resort to that again.’

Koa was already charging again—this time, no electricity. A raw Mega Punch slammed into Luke’s gut, making him grunt. But he noticed the difference. No Thunderpunch?

He caught the arm mid-strike, parried, and launched a Blaze Kick. Koa narrowly ducked under it, forcing Luke to shift tactics. He spread his arms and fired off several Aura Spheres in an arc, each one homing in on Koa.

Koa retaliated with Swift, tiny stars fanning out to intercept the spheres—just like he had with Fernidas’ Magical Leaf. But the Aura Spheres were stronger. They tore through the barrage. One struck Koa square in the chest, hurling him off his feet.

Luke didn’t hesitate. He sprinted in, summoned his Bone Rush, and skidded to a stop with the weapon pressed firmly to Koa’s throat.

“Yield,” he commanded.

Koa’s eyes lit up with defiance. He grabbed the Bone Rush and twisted sharply, nearly pulling Luke off his feet before slamming a kick into the Lucario’s temple.

Luke dropped, but twisted mid-fall, bringing a leg crashing down on Koa’s ribs. He rolled and sprang back to his feet, already forming a Focus Blast. As the sphere crackled in his paw, he hurled it downward—just as Koa rolled away. The Focus Blast detonated in a burst, the shockwave tossing both fighters in opposite directions and throwing up a cloud of dust and sand from where it struck.

Koa landed hard, but rolled upright. His breathing was heavier now, movements slower. Luke watched, steadying his stance. Koa was strong, skilled—but not built for a war of attrition. Lashanne’s words echoed in his mind: Koa's not used to long fights…

‘His stamina’s lagging behind his power,’ Luke thought. ‘If I hold out just a little longer…’ He exhaled, smirking slightly. ‘Or, maybe I don’t need it after all.’

He shifted stances. His frame squared up, one arm tucked in close, the other extending forward. His heel slammed into the ground behind him, his posture indicative of the Single Strike style.

Neilla leaned forward in her seat, the corner of her mouth curling into a sly grin. “Aha… he’s figured it out.”

Volcan caught on too, the tension in his shoulders easing. “Koa’s running on fumes. He doesn’t have the stamina for a drawn-out fight.”

“We all know how tough Luke is,” said Sickle. “Now that they’re moving at about the same speed, it’s endurance versus firepower.”

“Not exactly,” Neilla said, still watching intently. “He doesn’t have to out-tough Koa—just hold out long enough.”

“Huh?” Volcan blinked, glancing her way. Sickle looked confused too.

But Caulin was already frowning, catching on to Neilla’s meaning and dreading it. “He’s running out of juice,” he muttered. “Zeraora can’t make their own electricity like most Electric-types. They have to absorb it from an external source, and it drains overtime while he fights.”

“That explains why my brother kept recharging him,” Volcan said, remembering  when he saw Lighris and Koa together once, the Zapdos sharing some of his electrical power with the Zeraora. “Lighris was topping him up.”

“He hasn’t used any electric moves since that Electroweb,” Minato added. “He’s conserving what little energy he’s got left.”

Sickle stared down at the arena. “So… You’re saying he’s been running on the same battery since round one?”

“And now it’s just about empty,” Neilla said, her tone cool and certain.

Koa changed tactics as he came at Luke again, using Agility to boost his speed. He darted just within striking range, trying to bait a reaction. But Luke held his stance, only shifting his weight slightly and clenching his paw, waiting, and not allowing himself to be goaded.

When there was no response, Koa rushed around to his side, aiming a Mega Punch at his flank.

The moment came, and Luke was ready. He smirked, sensing the Zeraora behind him. Without looking, he raised his tucked-in paw to block the punch, then pivoted sharply and struck— A single, precise blow.

He shouted as he drove a Wicked Blow—in the form of a One-Inch Punch—into Koa’s chest. The air left Koa’s lungs. He staggered, then flew backward, tumbling across the arena until he skidded to a halt in a small spray of sand.

Three seconds passed. He didn’t move.

Revane’s voice rang out. “Winner! Luke of Team Valiant has prevailed!”

Luke exhaled, the aura flaring around him fading as he powered down. He took a moment to soak in the applause—then walked to Koa’s side. The Zeraora began to stir as Luke approached, his ears flattening as he heard the crowd cheering, Luke’s name carried in their shouts, and he knew he had lost.

Gently, Luke eased him into a sitting position, brushing from sand from his shoulder as he spoke. “You had me worried there,” he said with a small smile. “You did good, Koa.”

Koa sighed, ears remaining flat. “No power left,” he muttered. “Could not use more electricity…”

“I figured,” Luke replied, helping him to his feet. “When you stopped using electric attacks, I got suspicious. You can’t generate your own electricity, can you?”

Koa nodded faintly. “Can’t… Volcan’s brother tops me off. But… no one here to ask. Tried to con… conser-” He struggled with the word.

“Conserve?” Luke offered.

Koa nodded again. “Yes.”

Luke gave his shoulder a pat. “Let’s get you patched up first. Then we’ll worry about recharging your battery. I think I know a certain spider who may be able to help you.”

He draped an arm around Koa, helping him from the ring to the infirmary, the crowd still cheering behind them to follow them out after putting on an amazing performance for the crowd.

With Luke’s match concluded, only one semi-final remained.

When Sol stepped into the arena, the crowd erupted with cheers once again. He tried to block them out—but he still heard the same titles echoing through the stands:

“Vanquisher of the Black Titan!” “Hero of Gladiator City!”

He groaned under his breath, eyes on the dirt as he walked forward, lazily waving to the crowd in half-hearted acknowledgment. From the opposite gate, another figure emerged—greeted with just as much fanfare, if not more.

“Romulus!” His name rolled through the crowd like thunder, spoken with reverence and awe as they chanted it, repeatedly. A living legend. The true champion of Gladiator City.

Sol snorted, smoke puffing from his vents as he raised his head and faced the Houndoom approaching from across the ring. “Bringing you down’s gonna be a treat…” he muttered, fire rekindling in his chest.

Romulus met his gaze, steady and unblinking as they stopped at the center of the ring. “So certain of that, are you?” he asked, calm but firm.

“Don’t get me wrong,” Sol replied, matching the stare. “I’m not underestimating you. You were the big man’s rival for a reason, after all.” He exhaled sharply. “And I still had a score to settle with him... But since he’s gone, you’re the closest thing I’ve got to that rematch.”

Romulus smirked, a flicker of respect glinting in his eyes. “There are others who might’ve given you a worthy fight… but of all of them, only I held the title of rival to mighty Torolf.” He shut his eyes briefly. “May he rest in peace.”

When he opened them again, the intensity returned like a wildfire. “But know this, young Sol,” he said, his voice deepening, stance widening. “In a world as wild and deadly as this one… few live to see the number of years I have.”

His muscles coiled like a spring, and the Mega Stone at his chest began to glow. “I became his rival. And I have survived to reach this age… His voice dropped to a growl. “…For a very good reason.”

Then he threw his head back and howled. Sunlight intensified overhead. A sphere of raw energy engulfed him, surging with light—until Romulus emerged from it reborn in the monstrous shape of Mega Houndoom. Smoke curled from his jaws. Steam rose from his frame as Solar Power surged through his body, superheating the air around him.

Sol grinned wide, heart pounding with excitement as Romulus tapped into his full power right out of the gate. “Going all out from the start, huh?” he asked, neck flames erupting. “I like the way you think, old timer!”

His own flames burst outward, engulfing him in a vortex of heat that turned blue, then white-hot as he ascended into his Blessed State. The sand beneath his feet glassed over from the sheer heat. Wings spread, claws gleaming like molten steel, Sol let out a thunderous roar—fire bursting around him like a volcanic shockwave.

Revane hadn’t even finished calling the match start before the battle was already underway. Romulus charged forward, Dark Pulse flying from his maw. Sol met him halfway, swatting the blast aside with brute force. In the same motion, he conjured a Focus Blast, hurling it toward the Houndoom.

Romulus skidded, veering just in time. He lunged in close, dark energy cloaking his paw as he unleashed Foul Play, striking Sol with his own strength turned against him. Sol’s head jerked back from the hit—but instead of falling, he grinned, grabbing one of Romulus’ horns.

“Gotcha.”

With a snarl, Sol slammed his forehead into Romulus’ skull, staggering the Mega Houndoom. He dropped him to the ground and drove a glowing paw into the floor, detonating a point-blank Earthquake.

Romulus didn’t flinch; before the Earthquake could be unleashed, he launched upward, springboarding off Sol’s back to clear the shockwave. Mid-air, he twisted and fired another Dark Pulse, this one searing into Sol’s back with amplified power from Solar Power and Mega Evolution. The Typhlosion staggered—then laughed; laughed hard, straight from his core, like he had just heard the funniest joke he’d ever been told.

His shoulders shook, smoke fuming from his vents before he threw his head back in wild delight again. “Now THIS is a fight!!” he roared, as he turned, curling up and igniting his body before charging in with a spinning Flame Wheel, fire wreathing his entire form.

But mid-spin, he shifted—Rollout now, molten rock swirling around him as he transformed into a blazing cannonball of heat and mass. Romulus didn’t dodge. His jaws glowed emerald, and a Solarbeam erupted forth—point-blank.

The beam slammed into the rolling Typhlosion, halting his momentum cold and sending him sliding backward across scorched glass. Sol snarled, unfurling from his spin and veering off to the side, wings flaring wide. With a beat of those burning wings, he shot toward Romulus at breakneck speed, arm outstretched for a clothesline. But again, Romulus slipped away—leaping clean over him with fluid grace.

“Dang, Romulus is holding his own,” Volcan commented, leaning forward in his seat. “I didn’t think anyone could match Sol in raw power.”

“Romulus was Torolf’s greatest rival, don’t forget,” Luke pointed out, leaning forward in his seat as well. “Remember back in the Warmachine tournament? How livid he was when we threatened to outshine him as Torolf’s newest rivals?”

“I’m starting to wonder if our win was just luck, though…” Volcan muttered, and earned a disapproving glare from Luke. “Just saying.”

After ducking another of Sol’s assaults, Romulus struck true with another Foul Play, his darkened paws slamming into Sol’s chest with the weight of the Typhlosion’s own strength.

Sol grunted, growling as he rubbed the spot, brushing soot from his fur like it was nothing. “That all you’ve got?” he snapped. “I can take hits like that all day, old man. And sooner or later… you’re gonna slip up. And when you do?” He sneered, fire licking from his vents. “Yer ass is grass.”

Romulus barely flinched. “Everything breaks, my boy.” A dark mist curled from the corners of his mouth. “It’s just a matter of when.” He exhaled a dense cloud of Smog, drowning the arena in a toxic haze. Sol choked and staggered, fanning his flaming wings as he shot into the sky to escape the fumes.

From above, he inhaled deep—blue fire flickering in his throat—then unleashed a massive Blue Flare straight down.

The blast ignited the Smog, resulting in an earth-shaking BOOM.

An inferno roared across the battlefield, swallowing everything in flame. The shockwave rocked Sol midair, forcing him to flap wildly just to stay upright before he finally dropped back to the scorched earth. Blue fire still crackled across the field. Smoke and embers veiled the ground.

No sign of Romulus. The crowd was dead silent. Revane didn’t move. No call. No confirmation. Only the distant hiss of fire…

And then—a silhouette. Sol squinted—just in time to see Romulus burst from the flames, charging like a demon reborn. The Mega – no, regular Houndoom slammed into him horn-first, driving all the air from Sol’s lungs in one brutal tackle—the same attack that shattered stone in round three and won Romulus the match against Doug.

“He’s… unharmed?” Volcan blurted, eyes wide.

“That was a full-power Blue Flare!” Luke barked, stunned. “That’s Reshiram’s move – the power of a god! That’s like… taking an exploding star to the face!”

Neilla squinted at the field. “Wait. Why’s he in his base form now?” she asked slowly.

Volcan blinked, realization dawning. “Maybe… Solar Power was draining him too fast? Or…” His eyes widened. “No way. That son of a bitch.”

Lashanne leaned forward. “It’s Flash Fire,” she said flatly. “Base form Houndooms have it; it’s rare, but he must be one of the ones who has it. He deliberately switched out of Mega so he could absorb the Blue Flare, and power himself up in the process.”

Volcan smacked his forehead. “He used Sol’s strongest attack to juice himself like a power core,” he said, incredulous.

Minato’s voice was tight. “Which means... he’s stronger now in base form than he was as a Mega Houndoom,” he shook his head in disbelief. “That clever bastard. He planned this. He wanted Sol to cut loose.”

As Sol recovered from the potent gut-check he had just taken from Romulus, he could see the energy radiating from the Houndoom. His body was emitting so much heat, it was causing waves over his form, and his eyes were barely visible behind a pallid, blue glow that had filled them, now filled with the power of Reshiram’s almighty Blue Flare…

Sol’s attack - which would have toppled nearly any other opponent, had just made Romulus more powerful than ever before - even more so than his Mega Evolution under the harsh sun he had summoned.

“Now, this battle ends,” Romulus said, his tone a stark contrast to the heat radiating from him.

Sol coughed a bit and spat on the ground as he wiped his face on his arm, looking back at Romulus and the amount of power he was exuding. “...So, you got Flash Fire too, eh?” he asked, though rather than looking nervous or defeated, Sol was grinning wider, maddeningly so. “This battle ain’t ending yet, old man…! It’s just getting exciting!!”

With that, he once again unleashed an Earthquake attack by punching the ground as hard as he could, causing the ground under the Houndoom’s feet to shake violently.

At the same moment, Romulus unleashed a Solarbeam. Silence fell—then a thundercrack of sunlight burst from his jaws, cutting clean through Sol’s Earthquake and slamming into him mid-attack. The beam drove into his chest and carried him off his feet, hurling him backward like a comet into the arena wall, still burning as he hit.

Sol peeled himself off the wall, clutching his ribs—but still grinning. He laughed, wild and unshaken, then hurled a volley of scattered Focus Blasts, firing at every angle where Romulus might dodge. But the Houndoom didn’t move. Each blast struck dirt around him, until one neared—and he calmly incinerated it with a Flamethrower, eyes never leaving Sol.

The moment the flames cleared, Sol struck, bursting through the smoke with a brutal headbutt that rocked Romulus back. Before the Houndoom could recover, Sol locked his arms around him in a crushing bear hug.

“Got you, bitch!” He growled, then took off into the air and soared above the arena walls and into the open skies, then turned and angled himself facing downward and dropping like a meteor with Romulus held slightly ahead of him, aiming to slam him into the ground with as much force as he could manage. Romulus once again jumped to the right, narrowly avoiding Sol’s attack.

Then, with a snarl, he attacked, lunging at Sol and leaping onto his back, where he clamped his jaws on the Typhlosion’s shoulder with a powerful Crunch attack, shifting his weight and pulling Sol off his feet. As if suddenly having turned into a wild beast, Romulus continued to pull Sol around, thrashing and snarling, never giving him the chance to push himself up to find any leverage.

“Get OFF me!!” Sol growled, letting himself get pulled and falling on top of Romulus, letting his own weight crush him before he rolled back to his feet. When the Houndoom scrambled to rise again, Sol was already lashing out with a Double Kick to send him stumbling again, then spun and hurled another Focus Blast while he was stumbling.

This time, Romulus didn’t have the chance to get out of the way; the Focus Blast struck his flank and sent him skidding across the arena on his side. His vision swam, but still he rose, forcing himself back onto his feet and facing the Typhlosion again, though he could feel he was reaching his limit against him. He had to finish this, soon…

Sol stumbled a bit himself, blinking a few times as he felt his limit being reached as well. “Alright… NOW is where we finish it.” He said, then he tensed and summoned forth everything he had left with a mighty roar, sending a pillar of white-hot fire upward into the sky. He then held out his arms and growled as he began channelling a Focus Blast in one paw, and a Solarbeam in the other, before crashing the two attacks together and melding them into one focused orb of energy.

“Let’s see if ya got the balls to try and deflect this!” He growled, grinning and once more began to laugh that crazed laugh again. As he laughed, Romulus caught signs of sparks of what appeared to be… black flames flickering off of Sol’s already white hot flames.

Seeing Sol about to unleash his great finale, Romulus touched his Mega Stone again; he hadn’t used its full charge before, and with another howl to call forth another Sunny Day, he returned to his Mega Houndoom form again… But something had changed.

Steam hissed from Romulus’ body as the very air around him wavered with heat, distorting his form. Even Luke and Minato had to switch to Aura Sense just to track him… and instantly regretted it.

Luke recoiled. Romulus’ aura blazed like a solar flare — overwhelming, impossible to process. It was no longer just Romulus. With the energy he’d stolen from Sol’s Blue Flare, stacked atop his Mega Evolution and Solar Power’s sun-fed boost, his strength had skyrocketed beyond recognition.

Beyond even Giratina. Maybe even beyond Necrozma.

“How did he…?” Luke whispered, forced to shut off his Aura Sense before it blinded him. “His aura… It’s like a Blessed, but even brighter.”

“I can’t see aura,” Volcan muttered, wide-eyed, “but I can feel that power. I think he just outclassed every Blessed we’ve ever seen — and he’s not even one of them!”

“He absorbed Reshiram’s Blue Flare,” Lashanne said, fingers on her temple, trying to do the mental math. “Then re-Mega Evolved under another Sunny Day, and Solar Power just added another half again on top of that… I—I can’t even quantify it. He’s stronger than most Legendaries.”

Volcan stared in disbelief. “The strain… That kind of power has to be tearing him apart.”

Luke’s thoughts flashed to his own Hyper Surge — and the pain, the danger of pushing too far. Romulus was walking the same knife’s edge Luke had during his battle with Mewtwo.

“He better let that power out soon,” Luke said, jaw tight. “Or it’s going to tear him up from the inside.”

Sol, seeing Romulus power up to the extreme, could only laugh hysterically as he held his attack ready.

“About damn time you brought out the big guns, old man!!” He exclaimed, then his gaze hardened. “Too bad ya brought it out this late in the game… Now you ain’t gonna get a chance to use it…!” He said, then he powered up his Blast Burn and spat it onto the glowing orb, further empowering it, but also making it more unstable as a result.

“Eat this!!” Sol hollered. “SUPERNOVA!!!”

Sol’s arms recoiled as the blast shot forward, a deafening shockwave ensued as he let it loose, the blast carving into the arena floor as it rocketted toward Romulus.

Looking briefly behind him, and then back at Sol, Romulus had a decision to make. First, he did something unexpected, running toward the oncoming attack - catching every spectator in the arena off guard, wondering what he could be thinking, until he let loose another Solarbeam… But not at Sol.

He jumped, and fired the attack at the ground beneath him, colliding with Sol’s blast at the same time that it launched the Houndoom skyward, legs folded into his body as he was launched higher, and stopping only when he flew above Sol.

The Typhlosion, realizing his target was no longer below him, looked up as Romulus fell toward him. His forepaws ignited with Foul Play again, landing one paw-strike to Sol’s shoulder as they met, bending him back, and slamming the other against his chest. Then, his third attack… Another Dark Pulse, but as it erupted from his mouth, it was more akin to a Dark Meteor, bursting forth from his maw with all the force of a God Pokémon’s signature attack, confined into one blow that struck Sol like a boulder falling from space.

As powerful as he was, not even Sol could endure the damage Romulus had just put out. With a gag, he was sent crashing into the ground with bone crushing force, almost crashing through the ground from the force of the impact. There he laid in that crater, motionless. His Blessed form expiring and his flames extinguishing until only smoke was exuding from his neck vents…

“Winner!” came Revane’s voice. “Romulus takes the victory!”

The audience throughout the arena was hesitant to respond for a few seconds, as though in denial that the clash they had born witness to was finally over… But as Romulus stood in the middle of the ring, devolving back to the form of a regular Houndoom again, they finally exploded into applause. All except for Team Vanguard and their friends, unable to fathom what they had just seen.

“I… Have no words…” Volcan mumbled, almost robotic. “Nothing… Can describe… What we just saw here.”

“Romulus…” Luke muttered, a look of concern and disapproval present on his face as he looked at the Houndoom. “You played a very dangerous game…”

Almost as if on cue… Romulus suddenly collapsed, falling onto his side and causing the arena to fall silent as gasps of shock and shouts of concern began to echo from the stands. Revane rushed over to Romulus, the Dusknoir hastily picking him up with his large hands while the others stared in disbelief.

“What happened?” Lashanne asked.

“The strain must’ve overwhelmed him,” said Volcan. “Now that he’s let out all that power and the battle’s over…”

“The backlash is catching up to him… just like it did with me.” Luke added, shaking his head. “Damnit… that’s two Pokémon that seem to have taken inspiration from what I did against Mewtwo!”

Romulus was rushed out of the arena by Revane, while the medics ran out to assist Sol, loading him onto a stretcher and carrying him away. Luke’s eyes lingered on Romulus until he was out of sight, feeling an unseen tether pulling him toward the Houndoom…

Before he knew it, he broke into a run, and started heading for the infirmary…

By the time Luke arrived, he found Gallia standing over Romulus - along with, to his surprise, King Calyrex, the two of them placing glowing limbs upon the Houndoom, administering a combined Heal Pulse to the Houndoom, who seemed to only be sleeping.

“How is he??” Luke practically demanded, bursting into the room frantically.

“Extremely weak and comatose,” said Gallia. “But, alive, and no lasting damage to his body. He’ll recover… But it will take time.”

“How much time?” Luke asked, afraid to hear the answer.

“Difficult to say yet,” replied Calyrex, shaking his head. “As strong as Romulus is, he took more power into his body in that fight than I think most Pokémon would be capable of handling all at once.”

Before Luke could voice another question, he heard the door opening again, seeing Luminara rushing into the infirmary, with Marilla held in her arms. “Romulus!” She cried out, practically barging past Luke and kneeling next to him, with Marilla jumping out of her arms and standing on the bed next to him, licking his cheek to get him to wake up.

Luminara looked at Gallia and Calyrex with a desperate look in her eyes. “Please, do whatever you can to help him. I don’t care what it takes, just make sure he recovers!”

“We will do everything we can,” promised Calyrex. “For now, I must ask that you please let us work.”

She nodded softly, gently scooping up Marilla in her arms and stepping back next to Luke, glancing at her son apologetically. “Sorry…”

Luke waved her off. “It’s fine. I was just as frantic as you.” He assured her softly, reaching over to give Marilla reassuring scritches atop her head.

Suddenly, Gallia started, looking at Romulus’ face. “Wait… He's waking up,” she said to the two Lucario.

Sure enough, Romulus’ eyes were slowly opening, his breathing laboured as he struggled with the effort of just opening his eyes. Luminara quickly walked back to Romulus and knelt next to him, gently touching his face with her paw.

“Romulus? Can you hear me..?” She asked softly, yet with a desperate tone in her voice.

He could only manage a grunt in reply, but she felt him tilting his head in what might have been an attempt at nodding. She breathed a sigh of relief, once again letting Marilla down in front of him where she began to nuzzle him ceaselessly. Romulus mustered what strength he could to lift his head, trying to lean into Marilla’s nuzzling, rumbling an unformed word from his throat.

“He is exhausted,” said Calyrex, “but, he awoke, which is good. I can sense no other lasting damage to his body, either.”

“Thank Arceus…” Luke breathed, placing a paw over his chest to calm his rapidly beating heart.

“This does pose one other problem, at least where the tournament is concerned,” said Calyrex, looking at Luke. “After that climactic battle with Sol, he will not be fit for further combat for some time, now…”

Luke heard Volcan’s voice chime in behind him, looking briefly to see the Blaziken, along with Ignus, Lashanne and Minato, entering the infirmary. “Wait, does that mean… Romulus is out of the tournament?” he asked.

“That, or he must elect someone to take his place, according to the tournament rules,” said Calyrex. “If a fighter cannot continue participation, they can select a stand-in fighter to take their place. Otherwise, their failure to participate must be considered a disqualification.” He looked at Romulus. “And, in his present state, Romulus will not be able to continue competing for several days, at least. Even once he can walk again, this fatigue will not have passed; he has at least a week, maybe longer at his age, of recovery time before he is combat-ready again.”

“So, he has to pick someone to stand in for him,” said Lashanne. “But, what’s the catch?”

“It cannot be a fighter who has already been eliminated from the tournament roster,” replied Calyrex. “And, with this being the championship round…”

“Every registered fighter, including us, has already been taken out,” Volcan finished for the king. “There’s no one left.”

“Which means…” Minato turned to Luke slowly. “You’d be the champion by a technicality.”

Luke firmly shook his head. “I won’t accept that.” He said in a firm tone. “I’d rather be disqualified than accept a win based on the opponent’s inability to fight.”

Volcan looked at Calyrex. “Isn’t there some other way?” he asked. “It’s the Championship round; there must be some loophole or exception in the event this happens.”

“Well, yes,” replied Calyrex. “Romulus can still select a fighter from outside the roster. But it must be mutually agreed upon by him, the fighter in question, and Romulus’ opponent - namely, Luke, if he is unwilling to accept the default.”

An unsettling silence fell upon the room at that point that seemed to last for ages. No one had any suggestions for what to do, as those that could potentially stand in for Romulus had already been defeated… Luminara however, had a hesitant look in her eyes as the silence continued, then she hardened her gaze and looked at Calyrex.

“…I will do it.”

Volcan sputtered, looking at Luminara as though she had grown a second head. “Say what now?!” he finally managed to get out.

“I will represent Romulus in the Championship match.” She repeated, looking firmly at Volcan. “If anyone has any objections, feel free to claim them now.”

“But… If you take his place, then you have to fight-” he looked at Luke, trailing off.

“Her own son,” Lashanne added. “And not just in a sparring match; this would be an all-out battle!”

“It would be no different than when Luna fought Sol,” Luminara pointed out. “And even then, Luke would be fighting a parent anyway, be it myself or Romulus.”

“It’s entirely different!” Minato exclaimed. “He’s only related to Romulus by marriage law. You are his birth mother!”

At that, Luminara fixed her firm gaze squarely on him. “I know you well enough to suggest that if you were to fight your son in this tournament, you would show him no leniency.” She stated. “He’s a grown man now, just like my son is. You would treat him as such, or at the very least, he would demand that you do.”

“You…!” Minato grit his teeth, wanting to dispute her claim, but the words died in his throat. “…Damn you for actually making sense!”

“Luminara… Are you sure?” Lashanne asked. “There’s a reason you stayed out of this tournament, isn’t there?” She looked at Marilla. “Even if it was mostly for the new little one, still…”

“I did. But now, Romulus is down—and I see capable babysitters all around me,” she said, glancing at Volcan, Lashanne, and Minato. “Besides, if Luke can beat me, it’ll be as good as beating Romulus. After all, ever since we got together, we’ve found to be equals in battle.”

Lashanne grimaced. “I mean… I suppose,” she said.

“I…” Volcan rubbed the back of his head. “Well, if it’s within the rules.”

“It is, but again, only with certain parameters met,” Calyrex stated. “Romulus must agree to allow Luminara to take his place, and, Luke must also agree to take her as an opponent. If either of them disagrees, then we are back to square one.”

The king turned his gaze on Luke. “What say you, Captain Luke?”

Luke looked squarely at his mother, reading her expression and her readiness to take over where Romulus left off. Then he let out a sigh as he closed his eyes, then reopened them with enough intensity to match Luminara’s.

“I accept these terms.” He said firmly.

With that, Calyrex turned to Romulus, who now - thanks to the healing administered by Calyrex and Gallia, had strength enough to raise his head. His eyes lingered on Luminara, meeting her gaze for a time - as though a silent conversation were being held between the pair. After a moment, he looked at Calyrex.

“Accepted…” he barely managed to say.

“Very well,” said Calyrex. “As of now, Romulus, Luminara shall take your place as championship combatant. She and Luke shall do battle this evening at sundown.”

Romulus nodded his head slowly. Then looked at Volcan as the Blaziken came over. “I’ll look after Marilla,” he promised. “After all, she’s my little sister too, right?”

Romulus half-smiled and nodded to Volcan. With his approval, Volcan turned his attention to the little Houndour, still nestled against her father’s chest, and offered her his hand. She slowly walked over and sniffed Volcan’s hand a few times, then perked up as she recognized her mother’s scent on him, then began butting her head gently against his head before giving it a few licks.

With that, Volcan gently picked Marilla up and cradled her, letting her rub her head against his feathery chest. “She’ll be in good hands,” he promised.

“You’ll miss the match,” Lashanne pointed out. “She can’t come into the colosseum herself.”

“I’ll watch on the outside monitors. That way it won’t upset her.”

“Smart,” Minato said, nodding before gesturing for the others to leave.

Calyrex gave one final glance between Romulus, Luminara, and Luke. “Get some rest, Captain Luke. Of the two of you, only you fought today. You’ll need all of your strength.”

Luke nodded. As the others left, he turned to his mother. “I guess… I’ll see you out there.”

She reached out, brushing his face with her paw. “You’ll do fine, son. Just don’t hold back. In that ring, we’re not mother and son—we’re warriors.”

Luke gave a small smile. “Wish me luck.”

Ignus raised a paw with confidence. “You got this, Papa. We believe in you.”

He met Ignus’ eyes and smiled, then looked to Luminara one last time.
“Win or lose… I’ll make you proud, mother.”

She smiled at him. “I know you will,” she replied.

The world would soon watch a son challenge the one who gave him life… and only one would walk away as Champion.