The afternoon sky over Celadon City was painted in hues of orange and pink. The weight of what was to come seemed to hang in the air. The stadium was already being prepared for the grand finale of the Intermediate Tournament, and announcements echoed through the city. But far from the noise, on a quiet terrace of the Pokémon Center, Ray sat silently, gazing at the horizon.
Beside him, Pidgeot rested on the railing, his wing wrapped gently in fresh bandages. Charizard was fast asleep in a corner, utterly exhausted, while Dragonair floated serenely, eyes closed, regaining strength.
Ray held his PokéGear in his hands, though he wasn't looking at the screen. His mind replayed every battle, every decision. From the day his journey started, he had never imagined coming this far—and now, he stood one step away from victory.
"You look tense," said a familiar voice.
Ray turned.
Kira stood behind him, fully recovered and dressed in casual clothes, a soft smile on her face. She still wore a light bandage on her arm but walked confidently.
"Shouldn't you be resting?" Ray asked, not scolding—just concerned.
"I've rested enough. Besides, I wanted to see you," she replied, sitting beside him and looking out at the sunset.
A comfortable silence settled between them.
"Are you ready for tomorrow?" Kira finally asked.
Ray let out a short laugh, though his eyes remained serious. "I will be. But I won't lie—Ritchie's strong. His Pikachu is… something else."
"I know," Kira nodded. "But so are you. Don't forget that."
Ray looked at her, noticing something different in her gaze. There was warmth, concern, and perhaps a hint of pride. She knew him better than anyone.
"Thanks, Kira. For always being there," he said quietly.
She lowered her eyes. "Likewise."
At that moment, Pidgeot gave a soft cry. They both looked toward him as he turned his head skyward. Following his gaze, they saw test fireworks lighting up the sky in brilliant colors, a rehearsal for tomorrow's final.
They sat there in awe until Kira spoke again.
"When the battle starts… don't hold back," she said with quiet intensity.
Ray blinked in surprise.
"I don't mean against Ritchie," she clarified. "I mean you. Don't put limits on yourself. Don't be afraid to show who you really are. That's what makes you special."
Ray swallowed. Her words struck deep.
"I will," he replied. "Not just for me. For you. For everyone who's supported me."
Kira looked down, her voice barely a whisper. "I'm glad."
Pidgeot shifted, letting out a quiet coo. Charizard stirred slightly in his sleep. Dragonair opened one eye, watching them silently.
"When this is over… would you come with me to the top of Celadon Tower?" Kira asked suddenly, as if the words had slipped out.
Ray raised an eyebrow. "Is that a date?"
She flushed instantly. "No! I mean—maybe? I just thought… to watch the sunset."
Ray chuckled. "Sounds nice. If I win, I'll go with you."
"And if you lose?"
"I'm not going to lose."
They both laughed softly, easing the tension in the air.
That night, as Kira returned to her room, Ray stayed behind with his Pokémon. He pulled out a small notebook from his bag and flipped to a blank page.
Final Strategy Plan – RAY vs RITCHIE
Beneath the title, he began sketching ideas, moves, combinations, and predicted responses. He had studied Ritchie enough. He knew Pikachu was his ace, but Ritchie was more than just that Pokémon. He was a sharp, instinctive trainer—and perhaps, like Ray, deeply connected to his team.
"This will be the toughest battle of all," Ray murmured. "But I'm not alone."
He looked at his three partners. Pidgeot. Charizard. Dragonair.
"No matter how strong Ritchie is… we got this far together. And together, we'll finish this."
Meanwhile, somewhere in the stadium, Ritchie trained silently. Sparks danced around him as Pikachu practiced under the crescent moon. Both trainer and Pokémon knew—everything would change tomorrow.