[attr="class","skullimg"]

[attr="class","skulltitle"]導通抵抗

[attr="class","skullbody"]Toto may have done a number on Ruby, but the feeling was assuredly mutual. The Blastoise's chest heaved as he rocked back and forth on his heavily-diminished shell, fighting not just to stand but to even breathe. His body had reverted back to that of a regular Blastoise, Ruby having knocked the Mega-ness right out of him in a beautifully executed swing. His eyelids were heavy. His movements were slow. At times, his head started to droop, only a quick punch to his own side keeping him awake from the pain.[break][break]

It wasn't until Ruby dropped to her knees that Toto finally rocked onto his feet. As he stood, and she fell, he let out roar of triumph and defiance. As he did so, he, too, buckled, barely able to catch himself with a single arm. Ruby had battered him to hell and back, but he'd barely managed to outlast her. With that, victory was Isaac's.[break][break]

Johanna was all smiles and tears as she approached, her clapping just as loud and proud as the audience's own. Isaac returned Toto to his ball, shooting him an equally proud smile, before stepping forward to meet Johanna in the middle.[break][break]

His previous gym challenges had been either in the Minor Leagues or non-combat focused challenges. As much as Johanna may have believed Isaac to be the better battler, she was actually the first true combat challenge he had faced in this capability. She was his senior in this regard, and their intense, close battle served as both a symbol of how far he'd come and a sign of how much he had yet to learn.[break][break]

He hoped that Johanna would treat it as a sign of how far she'd come as well.[break][break]

He accepted the badge with a gracious smile. Then, with the cat of shared names already out of the bag, he scooped his friend up in a quick, warm hug. "I'm so proud of you," he whispered, knowing full well that Johanna was only scratching the surface as a long, exciting journey.[break][break]

With that, he pulled back, proudly mugging for the crowd. Toto and Zephyrus exploded from their Pokeballs behind him, trying their hardest to join him in his pose. Unfortunately, they were just a little too worn out from their explosive battle to stay awake. As if on cue, they passed out simultaneously, Isaac too busy grandstanding to notice why he was suddenly cast in shadow.[break][break]

Alas, poor Isaac. One minute, he was basking in triumph. The next, he was squashed beneath a pair of passed-out champions.

[break][break]

[break]