Reinterpretation of Pokemon White

One week had passed since Bianca departed for Opelucid City. During that time, it's been training, training, and more training. After Professor Juniper left, my Pokemon had spent the rest of the day either sparring or battling other trainers' Pokemon, winning more battles than not. The next couple days were more of the same.

I'd seen Gallade fight enough to see what he's capable of, and the Legendary Pokemon of fortune had smiled down on me again, as he has a wide variety of techniques, such as a grass-type move, Leaf Blade; a dark-type move, Night Slash; Slash, a standard normal-type move; and, of course, a psychic-type technique, Psycho Cut. However, in spite of those varied abilities, he didn't know any fighting-type moves, at least not right away.

The third day after Bianca left, I did what Cheren did, and took a bus back to Striaton City, where I paid a visit to Fennel's TM lab, and put my reward money for helping in stopping Team Plasma to good use.

Since I now had more money than the last time I'd visited the lab, I had Dewott learn the ice-type attack I noticed before, Ice Beam, which gives him yet another edge against grass-types, and will also help in taking on dragon-types, as I'll most likely be battling Iris or Drayden somewhere down the line. Lastly, I had Gallade learn all kinds of techniques: a fighting-type move, Brick Break; the two moves I had Oshawott learn the last time I was at the TM lab, X-Scissor and Aerial Ace, and lastly, the rock-type technique I saw Bianca's Pignite perform on Iris's Altaria, Stone Edge.

Altogether, that pretty much spent all 12,000 credits I earned, plus some of the winnings I got from beating other trainers, but it was totally worth it, as all those moves proved very effective in the Pokemon battles I fought on Route 2 for the rest of the day, before taking a bus back to Castelia City.

On the forth day, training continued as my Pokemon and I jogged through the city, across the Skyarrow Bridge, through Pinwheel Forest, and into Nacrene City. We spent the rest of the day relaxing and grabbing another pizza dinner, much to Rufflet's delight.

On the fifth day, I had a rematch with Lenora, and since I now have Gallade, coupled with the training my Pokemon went through, I won without too much difficulty, and received the Basic Badge, now giving me two badges.

On day six, my Pokemon and I ran back to Castelia City, and we relaxed some more, taking in the sights, but also having the occasional Pokemon battle with trainers we passed in the parks.

Finally came day seven...

---

“Let's end this quickly, Gallade! Stone Edge!” Gallade lunges toward his opponent, a large green mantis-like, bug/flying-type Pokemon, with two sharp blade-like claws, called Scyther.

A blade extends from Gallade's right elbow, glowing dull-gray, and he takes a swipe at Scyther, who leaps back, out of range.

While Gallade is primarily a short-range fighter, just like my two other Pokemon, he still has some very potent long-range capabilities, “No problem, Gallade! Psycho Cut!”

“Lade!” Gallade's left elbow blade extends, glowing pink, and he swings it at the empty air, in Scyther's general direction, creating a sharp-edged crescent-shaped wave of psychic-type energy, which flies toward the bug/flying-type.

Smiling, Burgh commands Scyther, “That's nothing to worry about. Scyther! Double Team!”

“Scyther!” Scyther splits into seven illusory images of itself, with the psychic blade passing through a false one.

After some light training in the morning, I went to Castelia Gym to take on Burgh, and the battle has been a tense one. First, I sent out Rufflet, against Crustle, a bug/rock-type, which the Eaglet Pokemon lost to. In response, I then sent out Dewott, who beat Crustle with some ease, but then Burgh's second Pokemon was Galvantula, a bug/electric-type. Dewott put up a pretty good fight, but ultimately went down. Finally, I sent out Gallade, who beat Galvantula unscathed, and now he's up against Burgh's last Pokemon, Scyther.

Scyther and its illusions start making swift sideways movements around Gallade, who looks as unsure as I am about how this latest development will play out.

Eventually the Scythers stop sidestepping, and start charging at Gallade one by one. Gallade acts quickly, taking swipes at the bug/flying-types as they come, but all those attacks only pass through.

Finally, Burgh shouts, “Now's your chance, Scyther! Wing Attack!”

“Scyther!” Scyther, the one that happens to be right behind Gallade, charges with its blades glowing sky-blue.

“Gallade! Behind you!” I yell.

“Galla?” Gallade exclaims in surprise.

Too late. Scyther reaches Gallade and delivers a powerful slash, with steam pouring out of the cut that was formed on the psychic/fighting-type's back.

“Gall...” Gallade is bent forward, stunned from the blow he just received.

As Gallade recovers, Burgh says, “One more should do the trick! Double Team!” Again, Scyther splits into several images. Sigh... I'd expect an artist to show a little bit more originality than using the same tactic again, but whatever wins a battle, I guess...

At the same time, however, Gallade's body momentarily radiates a bright blue light. I know what's going on, and it should turn things around. I can't help but smirk.

Suddenly, Burgh isn't looking so joyous, “I don't like that look, Ria. Care to share what's on your mind?”

“You'll see...”

Suddenly, Gallade is zipping around the arena, moving so fast, he's a green and white blur, only clearly visible when he momentarily stops to attack an illusory Scyther, which he does to one after another.

I was hoping for this when Scyther tried to blindside the Blade Pokemon: Gallade's ability, Steadfast. Whenever he gets caught off-guard, he then becomes insanely fast.

With Gallade going from Scyther to Scyther, with only a second's interval in between (very reminiscent of what Lenora's Raticate did when Gallade was a Ralts, performing the same move), Burgh totally knows the Blade Pokemon won't be fooled for long, and he orders the bug/flying-type to counterattack, “Scyther! Wing Attack!”

As Gallade reaches another Scyther, its claws glow sky-blue, and it takes a swipe at the psychic/fighting-type. At that moment, however, Gallade vanishes with a blur, causing Scyther to attack nothing but the empty air in front of it. Gallade reappears behind his opponent, and is doing exactly what I would have commanded: His blades are already extended, and both are radiating dull-gray light. Using Stone Edge, Gallade delivers two powerful slashes to Scyther's back, dull-gray flames erupting out of both scars that are formed.

“Awesome work, Gallade!” I say, giving a thumbs-up.

Gallade nods back at me, “Gall!”

“Scy...” Scyther staggers forward, and then falls to the ground. Gallade just nailed the bug/flying-type's critical weakness, and I'd rarely seen a Pokemon get up after that... and Scyther proves to be no exception, as he doesn't get up for more.

Burgh recalls Scyther, sighing, “... And I lose yet another Gym battle, not that I'm complaining. I was fully aware of your skills, Ria, and I knew this day was going to come eventually...”

I recall Gallade, and say, “Well, you still got Cheren to beat...”

“I doubt that will last much longer,” says Burgh, “He's a strong trainer too, and he'll inevitably beat me sooner or later.”

“I guess...”

Burgh approaches me. He holds his closed hand down to me, and opens it, revealing a Gym Badge, which looks like an insect's wing, “Anyway, since you won your Gym battle with me, and all, you have earned the Insect Badge. Wear it proudly, you hear?”

“Thanks,” I say, taking the badge, and pinning it onto my vest to keep the Trio Badge and Basic Badge company. Three badges... one more, and I'll have won half of them. I remember that Cheren told Bianca that after a trainer win three badges, s/he can rightly consider himself or herself strong... so... I guess this is the proof that I qualify as a 'strong' trainer. Wow... what a feeling...

---

I return to the Pokemon Center, and hand in my Pokemon to be healed.

I take a quick trip to the bathroom, and once again, I can't help but satisfy my inner narcissist by admiring myself in the mirror, looking at the three badges on my vest. Looking better and feeling better. I try to picture what I'd look like with nine badges pinned to it. Also, I fought Burgh once and only once, making him the first Gym Leader that I didn't need to have a rematch against.

I return to the lobby, still waiting for my Pokemon to be fully recovered. I take a map offered for free at the front desk, called a Town Map, though it's really a detailed layout of the entire Unova region, rather than just a single town as the name might imply, so it's a tad lost on me, but it's handy, nonetheless.

I examine where I can go from Castelia: Unless I want to hop on Dewott's back, which he's too small and I'm too big for, head out of the harbor, and ride the waves back to the Unova peninsula, there's only one way to go from here: north. Directly north of Castelia City, there is a large yellow patch, labeled Route 4, and it's an unusual sight, seeing as the rest of the map is colored lush green, watery blue, and mountain/city gray, so it really stands out.

North of that yellow zone, however, is the next town along the way, Nimbasa City: Unova's chief cultural center, birthplace of those Pokeflicks I like so much, home of the region's sports teams, and the site of the once-a-decade Unova Championship Tournament, the single largest Pokemon competition in the region, which decides the new Champion.

Still, that out-of-place yellow patch has me a little worried, not to mention it's by far the biggest Route in the region. I decide to ask the front desk about it.

The lady at the counter tells me that Route 4 is a 100% oasis-free desert, primary inhabited by ground-type Pokemon, and a few other types that don't require water to survive. The sun beats down hard on that area, especially in the summer, and sandstorms are a regular occurrence. Anyone who's unprepared will most likely die a slow, agonizing, generally unpleasant death from dehydration, and for his/her corpse to be buried by the sandstorms, never to be found. In other words, it's a cheery, wonderful, happy place...

Luckily, there is an easy way to avoid dying out in some Arceus-forsaken wasteland: a subway tunnel, created in part by several Excadrills, which runs from the Castelia-Route 4 checkpoint, under the desert, and into Nimbasa City. All right! My next destination is so set!

After getting the info I need, I return to a chair next to the Center's entrance, and wait for the announcement that my Pokemon have been fully healed.

The Pokemon Center door opens, and in walks Cheren, accompanied by Servine, Sawk, and his latest Pokemon: a white and dark-gray colored bird Pokemon, which he bought at the Pokemon Sale at the Route 3 daycare. It used to be called Starly, the Starling Pokemon, a normal/flying-type, but since then, Cheren's been training it like there's no day after tomorrow, though I did manage to get through to him to give it a short break, and take a day to check out the city. Still, it didn't take long for the little bird to evolve into its second form, Staravia, which is what's keeping my friend company right now.

Also, Cheren's Ralts finally evolved into Kirlia... and he wasn't the least bit thrilled to hear the news that his Dawn Stone won't work on it. Still, it's nice to see a Kirlia that I can actually think of as a girl. Cheren still decided to keep his Dawn Stone around, if only not to feel like he was defeated by circumstance.

Cheren is dressed in a light white t-shirt and a blue pair of running shorts, and he's sweaty all over, and looks like he's about to faint. He glances at me, but only nods. I'm actually a little puzzled; I suggested a jogging route for Cheren, since, let's face it, you don't exactly look good if you don't participate in at least a little of one's Pokemon's training. I'd taken his athleticism, or lack thereof, into consideration, and the route I planned out, after getting somewhat accustomed to Castelia City's layout, is only a little over a half-mile, but he looks as if he had just gotten back from an all-day triathlon.

I know Cheren isn't very athletic, but the kind of fatigue he's showing after just a short jog looks a little over-the-top, even for him. Is he okay...? What am I thinking? Of course he is! I just underestimated how out-of-shape he is, but his body will adjust sooner or later.

“Glad to see you've taken me up on my suggestion,” I say, grinning ear-to-ear.

Cheren collapses into a nearby chair, and and recalls Servine, Sawk, and Staravia. It take a couple minutes for his breathing to slow down enough to talk, “How... do you do it... Ria?”

Still grinning, I answer, “I told you before, and I'll tell you again: Keep doing it. Your body will get used to it eventually.”

Cheren pause for a couple seconds, but then says, “I'll take you word for it. It's just... very hard...”

Milking this situation for all it's worth, I add, “It's good for you, y'know? If all you ever do is sit around, reading books, you'll get fat and die an early death,” I then wink, “And take it from me, big boy: girls just love a guy who's at least reasonably health conscious.”

Cheren leans back in his chair, and is silent for a little while, though I'm not really sure over what, as he doesn't look the least bit embarrassed by my playful amateur attempt at flirtation (am I really that unappealing? Damn...), “Whatever...” Deciding it's a good time to change the subject, he then asks, “So, how did your Gym battle go?” He looks at me for a split second before adding, “Never mind. I see you have three badges now. It looks like I'm now the one who's officially behind...” During the week since Bianca left, Cheren challenged Burgh again, but for a second time, he lost. He obviously didn't take it well.

“You'll get it,” I say, “I mean, Burgh said that sooner or later, you'll beat him.”

Cheren manages a slight smile, “Good to hear. Hopefully, Staravia will give me the edge I need...”

“I wouldn't place all my hopes on it,” I tell Cheren, “Burgh's first two Pokemon were Crustle and Galvantula. Rufflet didn't last long in my battle. I won because Gallade just barely managed to defeat Burgh's Scyther.”

“So, you beat a flying-type with a fighting-type...” observes Cheren, “No doubt due to that Stone Edge attack you had Gallade learn. Sawk knows the same move, but both times I fought Burgh, he sent out Scyther, and that oversized insect is simply too fast for Sawk to land any hits...”

“The same would have gone for Gallade,” I say, “but he was blindsided during the battle, which caused him to go into 'Steadfast Mode,' and suddenly, Scyther moved like a Shelmet by comparison.”

“It's unfortunate Sawk lacks such an ability,” says Cheren, “Still, I plan to train a little more, and give Burgh one more go in a day or two. If I fail again, I'll move on and come back later when I have more Pokemon with an advantage over bug-types.”

“Not a bad idea,” I say, “It's gotta suck to lose to a Gym Leader twice, let alone three times...”

“Now that you've defeated Burgh, what is your next move, Ria?”

I answer, “I'm heading to Nimbasa City. I plan to spend the rest of the day checking the city out with my Pokemon, and then taking on the Gym Leader the next day,” I answer.

“I wish you luck with that,” says Cheren, “Whether I win or lose to Burgh, I plan to go there next, so I imagine we'll meet up at the Pokemon Center eventually.”

“Alrighty,” I say, “Well, I'll see you then.”

The Center's intercom lets out its jingle and announcement, “Ping ping ping-ping-ping~ Ria from Accumula Town, your Pokemon have been healed, please retrieve them at the front desk...” It wasn't really necessary to make that announcement over the intercom, as I can see a nurse speaking the exact words into a microphone, but it looks like it's time to move.

I say to Cheren, “It looks like it's time for me to head out.”

“Good luck,” says Cheren.

“You too,” I say as I rise from my chair.

---

From the Center, I head straight to the Castelia-Route 4 checkpoint. Apparently, Castelia's northern area is surrounded by high, clear walls to keep the desert's sandstorms from extending into the city. As I wait for the next subway to arrive, I stand by one of those walls, and watch a sandstorm in progress. Despite the fact that it's easy to travel anywhere in Unova, via public transportation, it's generally encouraged for trainers to hoof it from one town to the next, providing plenty of chances for them to handle the great outdoors, for their Pokemon to train by battling wild Pokemon, and to capture new ones as well. However, the desert is a different story, and I think I can make an exception just this once.

There is one thing I'll give the desert, though: journeying through it is probably a lot more interesting than the ride under it. The subway trip takes about three hours, which, admittedly, proves Route 4 is one tiny desert as deserts go, but it feels longer, as there's nothing to look at out the subway's windows, except the blackness of the tunnel, with the occasional light.

Luckily, 'three hours' is not synonymous with 'forever,' and the subway finally arrives in Nimbasa City.

Apparently, Nimbasa City is the nexus of all of the region's subway routes, as the station has different trains set to depart to places all across Unova proper: Opelucid, Undrella, Mistralton, and generally anywhere and everywhere.

I ascend the stairs out of the subway station, step into the sunlight, and take my first steps on the white-stone roads of Nimbasa City. According to the Town Map, it's really not that much bigger than Nacrene City, not that it's immediately noticeable with all the decorations the place has, as well as the large structures. I guess it could be considered showy, but in this case, I feel it fits, as opposed to Striaton City, where the decorations just come off as pretentious.

From where I stand outside the station, I can already see the large sports stadiums (which get converted into Pokemon battle arenas when that time of the decade arrives) in the distance, as well as a ferris wheel, said to be one of the largest in the entire world.

I send out Dewott, Rufflet, and Gallade, and we spend a day on the town, doing things like going to the amusement park and riding said ferris wheel, to watching a football game at one of the stadiums.

Finally, we participate in an amateur Pokemon Contest, which is kinda like a Pokemon battle, but the object, instead of knocking out the opponent's Pokemon, is to provide a greater visual spectacle for the audience, combining one's Pokemon's powers with the trainer's creativity. It was fun to try, even though I didn't do very well, at least compared to the impossibly choreographed presentations of the other trainers (the best I could do was set up a flashy 'sword fight' between Dewott and Gallade). In fact, some Pokemon trainers' careers revolve around contests, rather than battle. There was one other downside, besides losing, however: the trainers have to look nice, which means I was forced to wear a frilly dress. Ick. At least it was pink, my third-favorite color.

Overall, I guess that whole experience taught me that my expertise in Pokemon training lies in battles, rather than contests.

After the Contest, I use my winning for beating Burgh to buy my Pokemon a congrats-on-winning-Gym-battle/nice-try-in-Contest feast.

With all Nimbasa City has going for it, however, the Pokemon Center turns out to be standard fare: two floors, with one room for all the trainers to sleep. It's actually a lot like the Nacrene Center, only more modern. Ah, well... what else is new?

---

The next day comes along, and it's time to get back to business.

After a quick breakfast, I ask the Pokemon Center's front desk where Nimbasa Gym is. As it turns out, it's in the amusement park. The amusement park? Seriously? I have to wonder what the Gym Leader I'm about to face off against is like. I mean, Cilan, Cress, and Chili are waiters, and their Gym is in a restaurant; Lenora is an archeologist, and her Gym is in a museum; Burgh is an artist, and his Gym is in an art gallery. If the Nimbasa Gym Leader hangs out in an amusement park, what could s/he be? A clown?

---

I head to the amusement park, where the big ferris wheel is located, and I regret spending my Pokemon battle winnings as freely as I did yesterday, and I have to pay 700 credits to get into it, which, as nice as the park is, is highway robbery.

The reason I didn't notice the Gym during my last visit to the park was because, as I found out from one of the park's employees, it's in the area of the roller coaster, which I didn't go anywhere near, since, back when I was seven, I learned the hard way that my stomach does not handle such a ride well.

All the Gyms I'd been to so far have been establishments that served a secondary purpose, but the Nimbasa Gym is a different matter entirely. When I reach the area of the roller coaster, next to the line of people waiting for the next ride, I see a staircase headed underground, with a nearby sign saying, “Nimbasa Gym! Leader: Elesa, The Shining Beauty. The Gym Leader is IN.” The word, 'IN' has a flap under it, and I imagine turning it up would change the word to 'OUT.' Still, it looks like I've come at a good time.

Also, 'The Shining Beauty?' Cheren said that Gym Leaders tend to give themselves titles to personify themselves with the Pokemon type they specialize in, but the word 'shining' could imply a few types, such as steel-type, which can be shiny in sunlight, like that metal bird the Professor rode off on after Bianca left, or fire-types, since fire shines. If I'm right, and the Gym Leader specializes in steel-types or fire-types, then, seeing as I have a fighting-type and water-type, I'd say I totally got this! The Leader's title also says 'beauty,' which seems to imply who ever she is (I can't imagine 'Elesa' being a guy's name), she could be a real narcissist. Oh yeah, I'm so gonna enjoy beating this next Gym Leader!

The stairs lead down to a tunnel, which extends for a little ways. It's well-lit and along one wall is the list of qualifies trainers. Compared to the ones I saw at Nacrene Gym and Castelia Gym, however, the list is pretty short. Either the Gym Leader I'm about to go up against is really tough, or she hasn't been around often.

It isn't long until I reach another flight of stairs takes me back to the surface. When I emerge, I'm inside a glass dome. Outside, the roller coaster tracks circle around the dome. Cars pass by, going through half-pipes and loop-de-loops, but I can barely hear the screams of the riders, so the glass must be pretty thick. Still, it looks like, for once, I shouldn't expect an audience, as the dome isn't visible from the line waiting for a ride, and the people who can see will only catch split-second glimpses of the action. Also, this time, it seems the 'Gym' isn't even a building!

Fifty feet away from where I emerge, at the other side of the dome, across a marked battlefield, is a compartment, not unlike the ones I saw the Striaton Gym Leaders use, a chair, and someone sitting in said chair: a young woman, presumably the Gym Leader, thumbing through some magazine, looking at it dreamily, like she's in her own little world. “Ahem!” I have to fake clearing my throat to catch her attention.

“Hm?” She looks up from the magazine, clearly revealing her face to me, and I actually recognize this person! By that, however, I don't mean 'recognize,' as in someone I know personally, but rather, someone I'd see practically everywhere, from television commercials, to practically every other billboard in Castelia City, to magazine ads, and advertisement in general for Pokemon training products: short blonde hair, icy blue eyes, yellow and black clothes... it's a model who seems to have been getting a lot of recognition lately. If the old belief that a camera steals someone's soul happens to be true, I imagine Arceus is not exactly pleased with her...

“Are you... the Nimbasa Gym Leader?” I ask.

“That's right,” says the Gym Leader in a nonchalant tone, with an equally nonchalant expression, “My name is Elesa. I take it you're a challenger? If so, you're lucky. You actually picked a time I'm not off on a photo shoot.”

I shrug, “Cool... I guess. So... you're, like, that model that's been everywhere lately...”

Elesa hesitantly nods, “I am. Still, being a model is not all I thought it would be when I started the career, hardly ever getting any sleep, constantly being called out to pose for a camera, and being a Gym Leader too. I'm hoping a more appealing girl enters the picture soon, so I'll have more free time on my hands.”

Pleasantly surprised by the fact that Elesa isn't really as conceited as I was expecting, I ask, “But... aren't you happy to be so good-looking?”

Elesa shrugs, “Somewhat. It's not bad, but sleep seems much better right now.”

“So... why is your Gym in an amusement park?” I ask, “Seems like a strange place for a model-slash-Gym Leader to hang out.”

For the first time, Elesa gives the faintest trace of a smile, “I love the roller coaster; it's always been my favorite carnival ride. It reminds me of a time in my life that was free of expectations and stress.”

I find myself smiling as well. Wow, for someone I'd always thought of as some kinda sex symbol, she seems to have some child-like side to her. I guess I should look at this as a lesson along the lines of books, judging, covers, and what not to do, “Um... anyway, my name is Ria. I've come to challenge you, and stuff, but if you're tired, then I can come back later...”

“You're sweet,” says Elesa, “Still, I have no idea when I can get a good night's sleep, so I'd say we'd best battle now, rather than later. However, would you mind if we made our battle quick? Even though I'm not the one doing the attacking, it can still be tiring if it drags on for too long.”

“Sure thing,” I say with a nod.

“Very well, then...” Elesa slowly rises from her chair, “'Ria,' was it? I see you have three badges. That officially makes you a middle-tier Pokemon trainer; no longer an amateur in the eyes of the Pokemon League as a whole. Of course, you can expect the Gym battles to get significantly more difficult from here.”

“That's no news to me,” I say, “The more badges, the tougher the Gym battles. It's basic stuff.”

“I'm glad to know you're aware,” says Elesa, as she opens the compartment by her chair, “At any rate, this will be a three-badge Gym battle. We will both use two Pokemon in a double battle. That means two Pokemon from each side will battle alongside one another. The side where both Pokemon are rendered unable to continue fighting is the side that loses. Are you experienced with double battles, Ria?”

“Yeah, kinda,” I say. I was aware that battle involving two and even three Pokemon from each side existed, but it was really only during unofficial showdowns with Team Plasma that I'd actually commanded multiple Pokemon at once...

“Good to know...” Elesa pulls two Pokeballs out of her compartment. I catch a glimpse of their centers, and my heart sinks hard: Yellow, the color for electric-types. Crap, how could I be so stupid? The word 'shining' has more to do with electric-types than it does with steel-types or fire-types. As the battles with Lenora, Burgh, and even Team Plasma had taught me, electric-types are now the new grass-types for Pokemon my guys are at a disadvantage against...

Still, this doesn't mean I'll lose. I just have to choose my Pokemon carefully. I'll use Gallade, of course, since he's my only Pokemon that doesn't have a disadvantage against electric-types, and I guess my next-best Pokemon for this situation is Dewott, as he'd had luck in the past against electric-types, both Pokemon and attacks.

“Are you prepared?” asks Elesa.

“I nod my head, “Yeah.”

“Then let our match begin,” Elesa tosses her Pokeballs into the field, as do I.

“Dewott! Gallade! Let's do this!”

“Electabuzz... Emolga...”

Dewott and Gallade appear on my end, while two Pokemon appear on Elesa's: one is three and a half feet tall, yellow, and semi-humanoid with some cat-like features, like a tail and black zigzag stripes, but also a pair of short antennae. The other is much smaller, at a foot and a half, and looks like a flying squirrel, mostly white with a black back and tail, and yellow features, like its cheeks an the insides of its flaps; it's pretty cuddly-looking, actually, which is not the kind of Pokemon I'd seen Gym Leaders use often, since Striaton Gym.

My Pokedex identifies the semi-humanoid Pokemon as Electabuzz, the Electric Pokemon, and the squirrel as Emolga, the Sky Squirrel Pokemon, which, besides being electric-type, is also flying-type; so much for Gallade holding the neutral ground in this battle of types...

Raising her voice for the first time since I arrived, Elesa commands, “Electabuzz! Focus on Dewott! Emolga! Gallade is your target!”

“Buzz!”

“Olga!”

Electabuzz charges at Dewott, while Emolga spreads its flaps and takes to the air above Gallade.

If Dewott and Gallade focus exclusively on Electabuzz and Emolga, respectively, I'm doomed for sure.

Since Elecabuzz looks like the stronger of Elesa's two Pokemon, I command Dewott and Gallade, “Both of you! Concentrate on Electabuzz!”

“Dew!”

“Llade!”

Dewott and Gallade turn their attentions on Electabuzz, who is charging at Dewott with its fist reared back and glowing yellow.

I decide to start with my classic surprise tactic with Dewott, “Dewott! Aqua Jet, then Razor Shell!”

“Wott!” Dewott instantly bolts toward Electabuzz, and is onto it almost instantaneously. However, at the moment, the Electric Pokemon leaps back, performing two midair backflips, and lands twelve feet away from the Discipline Pokemon.

The thought to have Dewott use Water Gun, and get Electabuzz from a distance, crosses my mind, but I know from the battle with Lenora exactly how that would play out: Electabuzz would have the stream collide with its electrified fist, and shock Dewott that way. Instead, I command, “Gallade, hit Electabuzz with Psycho Cut!”

“Gallade!” Gallade extends one of his elbow blades, and with it glowing pink, swings it in the Electric Pokemon's general direction, releasing a blade of psychic energy.

As soon as the blade is released, though, Elesa yells, “Emolga! Thunder Wave!” From behind, Emolga swoops down at Gallade, and releases a cloud of electrified dust from his flaps, which engulfs the Blade Pokemon.

“Ga... all...” Gallade whirls around, his body flashing blue, showing that Steadfast is now in effect, and swings his blade at Emolga, but the squirrel Pokemon immediately ascends, narrowly avoiding the attack. From there, with his body crackling with bright static sparks, Gallade slumps to one knee, trying to move. Crap! Now, it doesn't matter if Gallade is faster from Steadfast; his entire body had been paralyzed, and he can barely move!

Meanwhile, while Elesa's attention is on Gallade and Emolga, Electabuzz bolts toward Dewott and throws an electrified punch, which the water-type manages to block with one of his scallops, but then the electric-type throws another punch, catching the Discipline Pokemon in the gut, stunning him, followed by a haymaker, which sends him flying. Steam erupts out of every area a punch connected with, and Dewott slams against the ground hard.

Elesa commands, “Electabuzz! Thunderbolt! Emolga! Acrobatics!”

Electabuzz's body crackles, and I know it's about to use that electric attack Lenora's Persian used, but this time, Dewott isn't on his feet to use Aqua Jet and cut it short. At the same time, Emolga dives toward Gallade again. The Blade Pokemon manages to momentarily resist the paralysis, and sends a Psycho Cut attack up at the Sky Squirrel, but it swiftly dodges the psychic blade, and closes in on the psychic/fighting-type.

Electabuzz releases its Thunderbolt attack, which engulfs Dewott, while Emolga flies past Gallade, clipping him with its flap, and inflicting a steaming cut in the side of the Blade Pokemon's head.

“Dew...”

“Gall...”

Severely weakened, my Pokemon groan, while both of Elesa's are still at full strength. This is a middle-tier Gym battle? This battle is shaping up to be a bigger disaster than my first round with Cilan!

My Pokemon aren't down yet, but the outcome is clear; I have no chance of winning now. All Electabuzz and Emolga have to do now is deliver the finishing blow, and there's little Dewott or Gallade can do to counter it. There's no point in letting my Pokemon get hurt any more. This battle is as good as decided...

“Electabuzz! Thunder Punch! Emolga--”

As Elesa is partway through commanding her Pokemon to deliver the decisive attacks, I do as the Professor instructed me to do in a situation like this, not that I ever imagined I would, and raise my hand in the universal sign for surrender, “We forfeit.”

“A smart move,” says Elesa, “Electabuzz, Emolga... At ease.”

“Buzz.” Elecabuzz drops its battle stance.

“Emol.” Emolga returns to the ground.

I hold out Dewott and Gallade's Pokeballs, “Nice try, you guys. Take a good rest, and I'll get you to the Pokemon Center, pronto.”

“Wott...”

“Gall...” Both of my Pokemon look back at me apologetically as I recall them.

Elesa recalls her Pokemon and says, after looking me over, “Judging by the Pokeball's color, your third Pokemon is a flying-type. You weren't prepared to battle electric-types, were you?”

I sigh and shake my head, “Nope... They've always been a problem...”

“Great trainers are prepared for any Pokemon,” says Elesa, “You should see to it that electric Pokemon no longer present as much as a threat to you before you think of challenging me again.”

“No kidding,” I say, “Well, I guess I have quite a bit of catching and training ahead of me...” I turn for the stairs.

“Ria...” calls out Elesa.

I glance back, “What's up?”

Again, Elesa give a slight smile, “Thank you for listening to me... before the battle. It's nice to freely talk to someone.”

“No prob,” I say, “You're not what I imagined you'd be like.”

I descend into the tunnel, considering my next move. I can't put it off any longer; I need something to counter electric-types with! It's common knowledge among trainers the the single most effective Pokemon to take on an electric-type with is a ground-type. Ground-types aren't fazed by electric attacks at all, and ground-type attacks are strong against them. I had a chance to have Gallade learn a ground-type attack called Bulldoze at Fennel's TM lab, but I passed that up in favor of a bunch of other techniques. There was even the choice of a move called Earthquake, the single most powerful ground-type move there is, but it was the most expensive by far, costing almost 18,000 credits, and that was with Fennel's discount!

Still, just having some ground-type moves might not be enough. I could probably use a ground-type Pokemon as well, and why not? Dewott, Rufflet, and Gallade have already had more than enough training to handle themselves effectively, and it's high time for a forth Pokemon anyway.

I even know where I can find some ground-types, but that fact doesn't make me happy, as said place is Route 4, that sand-covered wasteland. Ter-freaking-riffic... Still, moves like this are necessary to become a stronger trainer, I guess...

---

With my next move decided, I head to the Pokemon Center to heal up Dewott and Gallade before I strap on some Go-Goggles, wrap myself in a poncho, make my supply bag several pounds heavier with bottles of Fresh Water, all of which I bought at the Center store, and we head out to take a leisurely afternoon stroll in the hot, sandy desert.

Unfortunately, I had the good luck to arrive during the busy time of day, with trainers coming and going, and Dewott and Gallade are at the back of a long line of Pokemon needing to be healed. The nurses said I'll probably have to wait about an hour and a half. Losing a Gym battle, having to wait a while for Pokemon to be healed, journeying out into the desert... Yup, today is just turning up roses.

As we wait, Rufflet and I do as we did at the Nacrene Center, and watch TV, which is once again tuned in to the news.

I sit back in a chair, with Rufflet in my lap, and my brain on autopilot, at least until a familiar sight appears on the screen. It's funny I was thinking of the Nacrene Pokemon Center just now, because I'm looking at Nacrene Museum/Gym! I was only there a few days ago! I wonder what's up...

The reporter announces, “I am standing here in front of Nacrene Museum, where a mysterious heist had taken place...”

I cover my forehead with my hand. Crap... Did Team Plasma try to make off with the skull again?

The reporter continues, “With me, I have the museum's director, Lenora.” The camera pans slightly to the right, and Lenora comes into view, “Lenora, what was stolen, exactly, and how?”

The reporter extends her microphone toward Lenora, who explains, “What was stolen was a fossil. It was discovered recently, and it appears to be a prehistoric insectoid Pokemon. So far, it seems to be one-of-a-kind, as no other fossil like it had been discovered thus far. Some colleagues of mine were on their way over to take it with them to Hoenn, clone it, and see what they can discover, but just last night, it had suddenly vanished...”

The reporter brings the mic back to her mouth, “Recently, Team Plasma had attempted the theft of a skull from one of your museum's exhibits. Do you believe they might have been behind this heist as well?”

Lenora responds, “Possibly, but if so, they had vastly altered their methods. Before, they appeared in plain sight, and ran away with the skull, using smoke bombs to cover their escape. Luckily, with the aid of some helpful trainers, we managed to prevent them from getting away with it...”

I grin. I wonder who she's talking about...

Lenora continues, “However, this theft appears to have taken place in the middle of the night. Ever since the Team Plasma incident, security had been heightened, and the alarm was set to go off at even the slightest sign of an intrusion, but that did not happen. Cameras were in place, but it seems they were momentarily jammed between midnight and 12:10AM, so whoever did it worked fast, but carefully. Police are still examining the museum, but they have yet to turn up any clues. If Team Plasma really was behind this, they must have sent some real professionals this time...”

Wow... that's weird... Even with all the security, some previously undiscovered fossil just up and vanished? It's a lot different than before, but I'm not about to rule out Team Plasma as the culprits. After all, for all the convincing I got that they were nothing but a bunch of trainers who were amateurish at best, suddenly, some really strong trainers, able to match Gym Leaders, showed up, and totally proved to me that I'd underestimated them. Why shouldn't they have professional thieves as well?

Oh well, there's nothing I can do about it right now, and if I ever see Team Plasma again, I'll confront them about the bug fossil. For now, though, I'm gonna focus on beating Elesa. Route 4, here I come...

---

Meanwhile, in Castelia City, at a park running alongside the river, and looking up at the Skyarrow Bridge, N takes one last chance to take in the majestic sights. Around him, people are sitting on the grass, having picnics, playing with their Pokemon, or some combination of the two. The Pokemon seem so happy, N observes, It's a shame that behind all the smiles, there exists a world of violence, where Pokemon suffer.

At his sides are his two latest allies: a yellow rodent Pokemon with a back covered in brown quills, Sandslash, and a large red camel-like Pokemon with two humps on its back, in the appearance of volcanoes. The two Pokemon are called Sandslash and Camerupt, respectively, with the former being a ground-type, and the latter being a fire/ground-type. It took some preparation, but N befriended them on Route 4, and with their aid, he overcame Castelia Gym, and claimed the Insect Badge mere hours ago.

On the extensive list of qualified trainers at the gallery/Gym, he noticed one of the more recent entries, reading “Ria (3).” She's certainly making progress, isn't she?

N and his Pokemon friends sit at the riverside, with N sipping a cup of lemonade, while Sandslash and Camerupt eat berries as they spend their last moments in the big city, before riding to the other side of the desert and challenging Nimbasa Gym.

N isn't looking forward to parting company with his two earth-dwelling Pokemon friends, but their time together is not over yet, as he can still travel with them to Nimbasa City, and beat the Gym there, before finally having them return to their home in the desert.

As he's about to finish off his lemonade, N starts to feel uncomfortable. It's not a feeling he's used to, but it's not new either, as he'd experienced it a few times when his friends told him told him stories about how they were mistreated by humans, and became overcome by anger... and that's what N feels: anger, specifically that of a Pokemon.

N looks around and the various Pokemon in the company of humans, but even if what he's looking at are facades, they don't seem to be overcome by rage.

Finally, he notices what Pokemon is so upset as he emerges from the river with a large splash. What appears is a large serpentine dragon-like Pokemon, with blue scales and a yellow underbelly. He recognizes it instantly: a Gyarados, a vicious Pokemon feared by many, human and Pokemon alike. While N generally dislikes the classifications humans had decided to label Pokemon with, the title they gave Gyarados, 'the Atrocious Pokemon,' is not without understandable reasons.

“Gyyyyyyyyar!” the Gyarados roars. Around him, humans and Pokemon start to run away. N doesn't know what has this Gyarados so upset, but at the same time, it's not worth pondering, as he know it takes very little to make them lose their tempers, like something was annoying it, minor as it may seem to anyone else.

At N's sides, Sandslash and Camerupt are quivering, which is understandable, as earth-dwellers don't handle the attacks of sea-dwellers very well. N is frightened as well, but he decides it's worth a try to reason with the water-borne Pokemon, “Gyarados, please calm yourself. We are not your enemies.”

“Gyyyyyyyyyyarrrr!” Gyarados roars again as he starts eying N, Sandslash, and Camerupt. N knew reasoning with it was a long-shot. He has the ability to communicate with a befriend most Pokemon, but there are a few, like Gyarados, that have temperaments beyond reasoning with.

Before N and his friends can retreat and let the sea-dweller's anger run its course, however, Gyarados suddenly snaps its head down, and takes Sandslash in its jaws, biting hard.

“Slaaaaaaaaaaaash!” Sandslash screams out in agony.

“Sandslash!” yells N. He tries to think of a way to save his friend. He doesn't like the plan he comes up with, but if it can save Sandslash's life... He extends his arm toward the Gyarados, “Camerupt, please save Sandslash! Try Flame Burst!”

“Ruuupt!” Camerupt responds, as fireballs erupt from his humps, and descend on Gyarados, but the sea-dweller only shrugs them off, becoming angrier.

Gyarados continues biting down on Sandslash, shaking her, and then lets go, slamming her against the ground.

“Sandslash!” cries N.

“Slaaa...” Sandslash groans, blood rapidly pumping out of the deep punctures created by Gyarados's fangs.

The Gyarados turns his attention toward Camerupt just as a distant voice yells, “Manectric! Thunderbolt! Now!”

From out of the trees dashes a Manectric, a four-legged blue and yellow thunder Pokemon. It's body crackles with sparks, and then sends a wave of lightning at the sea-dweller. Yellow flames erupt from where Gyarados was struck, and it falls back into the water with a massive splash.

N feels bad for the Gyarados, but his attention is focused on Sandslash.

“Sandslash! Hold on!” N kneels next to Sandslash, gets a potion out of his supply bag, and he sprays the wounds that were inflicted. The wounds disappear, but Sandslash doesn't look any livelier.

The Manectric and its trainer, a dark-haired male teenager, rushes over. “Awesome job, Manectric,” he says to his Pokemon.

“Ectric!” The Manectric responds with a nod.

“Return!” the trainer recalls his thunder Pokemon back to its Pokeball, and turns his attention toward N, “Hey, are you alright, man?”

N ignores the trainer, and his focus is still on Sandslash, “Sandslash! What's wrong?”

The trainer, observing the ground, says, “It lost a lot of blood. It looks like your Sandslash was mortally wounded by that Gyarados.”

“No!” yells N, tears springing forth, “No, Sandslash! Don't die!”

“Sla...”

“What are you waiting for?” asks the teenager, “Return it to its Pokeball and take it to the Pokemon Center!”

“A Pokeball is a prison!” yells N in a mix of sorrow and anger, “I'll never use those things!”

The teenager is stunned by N's reaction, but then explains, “Hey, man! A Pokeball is the reason why Pokemon can battle so fiercely, but never die! It's common knowledge that when they're recalled, their functions are put on hold and they enter a painless sleep-like state, so they can remain alive inside the ball and be brought to a Center to be completely healed. You can think of Pokeballs however you want, but if you want to save your Pokemon's life, you need one! Here!” The trainer reaches into his supply bag, pulls out a standard Pokeball, and holds it out to N.

N takes  the capsule and hesitates. He never wanted to use one of those capsules people use to confine and control their Pokemon with, but Sandslash's life is more important than his ideals at the moment, and if what the trainer says is true...

“I'm sorry,” N whispers as he lightly tosses the Pokeball at Sandslash. With a flash, the earth-dweller vanishes. There is a pause as the capsule lays in the grass for a few seconds, and finally, there's a click, along with the ball's center turns brown.

“Okay,” says the trainer, “Now take it to the Pokemon Center so it can be healed.”

“Okay...” N picks up Sandslash's Pokeball with mixed feelings. He actually captured a Pokemon! What have I done? he wonders. Still, Sandslash will survive now... right?

The trainer says with a slight laugh, “You don't use Pokeballs? As a trainer, you're one of a kind, man. After this, though, you might wanna change your mind.”

N pauses for several seconds before saying, “Thank you...”

“No problem, man,” the trainer walks away.

---

With Sandslash's Pokeball in hand, N and Camerupt head toward the Castelia Pokemon Center, a place he dislikes, as that's where trainers, with all their capturing and battling ways, congregate.

Before setting off on his journey, N was given a counterfeit trainer's card, but he was reassured that it would pass as a real one of he ever needed it. Sure enough, the nurses at the front counter saw it, and took Sandslash's Pokeball, no questions asked.

As he glances around the lobby, waiting for Sandslash to be fully healed as that trainer had told him, N feels awkward about being part of such a scene, it's not quite as bad as he was expecting. Sure, there are trainers here and there, trading Pokemon as if they are some commodity, but most of them don't seem like terrible people, despite their ethical shortcomings.

More than anything, though, N's eyes are on the trainers' Pokeballs, in all the forms they take. He thought it was the single most evil thing mankind had ever come up with, but part of the reason they were invented was to save Pokemon lives? It's deplorable that said lives were potentially thrust into a situation that widely and regularly requires their salvation to begin with, but...

Still, even though trainers don't always come off as cruel, Pokemon under trainers at least act happy, and Pokeballs aren't just devices for the confinement and control of Pokemon, the fact remains that humans use Pokemon for their own ends, they get hurt as a result, and that is worth putting an end to... isn't it?

With his confusion rising, N recalls a few of his friends' stories, and feels a little better, but it's not as effective as it used to be for solidifying his resolve. Nothing is as black and white as it once seemed. Things would have been so much easier if he never--

N's line of thought suddenly halts as an idea occurs to him: black... and white...

There is a question lingering in N's mind, and it's a question to which he absolutely must find an answer, but he cannot find the solution on his own. However, it's not a inquiry he can find an answer to with the aid of his followers, nor even his caretakers, but there are still a lot of people who could potentially help. However, in his experiences, one such possibility stands out among the others... Yes... she could be the one to help him find an answer...

With a sigh, N takes his Xtranceiver from his pocket and enters a frequency. On the screen appears a young woman with thin, stringy purplish hair, and a bright smile. “Hello, young master!” she greets.

A couple trainers pass by, glancing at N strangely, probably regarding the 'young master' comment, but they move on, don't say anything, and go about their business. “Good afternoon, Anthea,” greets N with a smile he reserves only for a few humans. Anthea is one of N's childhood friends and caretakers, along with her sister, Concordia, as well as one of the few people N feels he can speak freely to.

“Is there anything I can help you with?” asks Anthea.

N hesitates before responding. No turning back. “... Yes... Yes there is, Anthea,” says N. He lowers his voice so no one nearby can hear him, “Is the Shadow Triad available right now?”

“They should be soon,” answers Anthea, “what might you need them for?”

“Reconnaissance,” N quickly answers, “There is a certain trainer I must find!”


TEAM UPDATE


The end of the Castelia arc, and the beginning of the Nimbasa arc.

I figured it made more sense for there to be an easy way to skip past Route 4, since, seeing as I live in Arizona, in the middle of the desert, I know just how unforgiving that terrain is, and it's not just someplace a teenager can cross over the afternoon, like in the game.

With all the problems Ria's had against electric-types up to this point, I figured it would be best to have the battle with Elesa be a short one, as the outcome is fairly predictable.

I was thinking of doing more with the Pokemon Contest, but I couldn't for the life of me, figure out what.

Anyway, I hope you found this latest installment enjoyable, and sorry for the delay, considering this is fairly short, compared to the last couple.

Last edited by Valin on Sun Aug 07, 2011 6:31 am, edited 1 time in total.

This chapter was pretty good and I'm enjoying the amount of development you're giving Ria and N, especially N with him having to adapt to the ways of the trainer and questioning his ideals.

However, I feel like you moved a little too quickly in the beginning, mostly skipping over the two Gym battles. I can kind of see why you summed up the rematch against Lenora since the first battle was pretty close, but watching the rematch would have also been nice to see how much Ria improved. Also, I would have loved to have seen more of the battle with Burgh since that was the first time Ria fought against him. Just summing up the first 2/3 of the battle didn't really do it justice I thought.

What I did like though was how you handled Route 4 considering that regular people still have to go between Castelia and Nimbasa. The way you described the amusement park and Elisa's Gym was pretty good too. And Elisa's personality was just win all around. I liked how Ria instantly got this impression of Elisa only to find that she was dead wrong about the Gym Leader.

There's a misspelling in the beginning of the post, with "payed" instead of "paid." Nevertheless, I found this chapter satisfying. I love how the stasis of Pokeballs is references, as well as the bloodiness that occurs in altercations between violent Pokemon.

As for Elesa, I think you got her interpretation wonderfully. Even though I'm not personally fond of models or modeling, you portray it as a job, something she has to slog through to make money to support her career as a Gym Leader.

This makes me think that Unova is pretty cheap with their Gym Leaders.

I wander the desert that is Route 4 aimlessly. Luckily, the people at the Route 4-Nimbasa checkpoint were diligent in making sure the people who venture out are prepared for the harshness of the area. When I first went there, draped in a cheap brown poncho, with my Go-Goggles, goggles designed for the dual purpose of protecting the wearer's eyes from sandstorms and being tinted, like sunglasses, so the sun is not as bright, wrapped around my forehead, I was turned away, being told to buy a wider-brimmed hat, to further prevent sunstroke, and get a scarf, so no sand can fly into my mouth, and gloves, so every last inch of my body is protected from the sun.

I went back to the Center and bought those additional supplies, and more water while I was at it, as I couldn't be too careful.

Now, probably looking like a drifter from some cliché western or samurai film, I pass through the checkpoint, and into the desert. Luckily, despite the overall unpleasant experience, there are a couple bright spots. Firstly, the sandstorm had thinned out slightly, so I can see more than a few feet in front of my face, and secondly, the people at the checkpoint lent me a cheap GPS, providing a rough map of the entire desert, and my location in it, which is an Arceus-send, because otherwise, every direction I look is as good as any other. I knew the desert would be a brutal place, but the necessary preparations are more thorough than I imagined. Well, whatever it takes to survive this place...

According to the GPS, there is one location, out in the northwest end of the desert, called the Desert Resort, but the only 'resort' I need is going back to Nimbasa City after my business out on Route 4 is done, and the sooner that happens, the better.

Unfortunately, I'm not having much luck. I should have expected that out in the desert, in all its vastness, Pokemon probably wouldn't readily appear around the corner. Plus, most ground-types live underground. While a thought occurs to me that it could have done me a world of good to bring a shovel, at the same time, it would take an inhuman amount of willpower to do manual labor out in these conditions...

I pull up my sleeve and check my watch: almost 5:00PM. I'd been out for about three and a half hours, and nothing had turned up yet, and all I wanna do is head back to Nimbasa City! Wahhhhh! Yes, I know complaining isn't very becoming, but there's only so much a person can take!

I notice my supply bag is gradually becoming much lighter, and it's easy to know why. Between the heat, and being as bundled up as I am, all to prevent possible sunstroke, I'm sweating swimming pools, and I'd been going through my Fresh Water bottles like crazy. I reach into my poncho and my fingers brush Dewott's Pokeball. After all, I have a Pokemon that produces its own water, but suddenly, my heat-and-sweat addled mind manages to recall a lecture Professor Juniper considered to be so important, she actually slapped me with a ruler if I showed even the slightest sign of spacing out: Don't drink water-type Pokemon water.

Apparently, a few water-types are natural hosts to a virus, which infects people and Pokemon alike if they are to drink their water. The good old Prof told us that the Pokemon brand of H2O apparently doesn't taste any different than regular water, but, as far as researchers can tell, it's very hard, if not impossible to tell which water-types hold the virus. As for the virus itself, the illness inflicted slowly kills those infected over the course of many years. Apparently, the illness is not too bad, at first, but it gets worse as the human/Pokemon grows older. Also, as a double-whammy, it's if someone catches it, it's hereditary, like cancer, infecting some offspring, at least in the case of humans, but not all. Bottom line: water-type water is not suggested as an alternative to good old bottled water.

With the knowledge that drinking some Dewott-manufactured H2O is out of the question, I check to see how many Fresh Water bottles I have left: four. I decide I should spend one more hour on Route 4, because by then, I'd be out, and the sun would be close to setting anyway.

Using my GPS as reference, I gradually inch my way back to the Route 4-Nimbasa checkpoint in a zigzag pattern, doubling as a route back to the city, while covering more ground to find Pokemon. C'mon, this is the freaking wilderness! Something's gotta turn up sooner or later!

A half-hour passes, still with nothing, and I've pretty much reached my wit's end. Ah, screw this place! I don't need a desert to find a ground-type, anyway! Maybe I'll head back to Route 3, regardless of how much that place gives me the jitters, and look for that cave where Bianca caught her Drilbur, or something...

As I let out a defeated sigh, and prepare to walk straight back to the checkpoint, however, I hear a noise, or rather, a voice, “...mar...”

Whatever that voice was, it was too deep to be human. Well, if it's not human, it's a Pokemon. Alright! What luck! Better late than never, as they say!

I pause and wait for the voice again, and I finally hear it, “Mag...” I turn in the direction I'm sure I heard it from, and inch that way. Sure enough, the voice gradually becomes clearer, “Mag... mar...” I want to call out, but I'm not gonna risk scaring a Pokemon off, after searching for so long.

At last, I see a shape, and finally, features. It's a Pokemon, alright! It's a little over four feet tall, and  looks pretty much humanoid, mostly red and yellow. It has a tail with a flame blazing from its tip, though its , right above its eyes having blazing flames as well. Its mouth also kinda resembles a duck's bill, and lastly, the air around its entire body is distorted, like the space around an active grill, and I can tell touching it would be a bad idea. It doesn't look like a ground-type, but then I have remind myself that there are other Pokemon-types that live here, as long as they don't need water... such as fire-types, which is exactly what this Pokemon looks like.

Ah, even if it's not exactly what I was looking for, I don't care! After getting a psychic-type and a fighting-type (which just happened to be the same Pokemon), the only Pokemon type left that I was hoping to have was a fire-type. No need to think twice about it! I'm so catching this Pokemon!

“Alright, come out, Dewott!” Knowing exactly which Pokemon I have is best suited to battle a fire-type, I reach into my poncho, grab Dewott's Pokeball, and send out the Dicipline Pokemon.

“Wott wott!”

The fire-type Pokemon's eyes widen, “Mag?”

I take out my Pokedex to analyze the fiery Pokemon. It's called Magmar, the Spitfire Pokemon, and, as I totally expected, it's a fire-type. Alrighty, then!

“Alright, Dewott!” I excitedly shout, “We're gonna catch this Pokemon, so go easy on it, alright?”

Dewott glances back at me, grinning, “Wott dewott!”

I extend my hand in Marmar's direction, “Dewott! Water Gu—Huh?” I'm cut short by an unusual observation.

Something is not right. Magmar isn't striking a battle stance, or even turning tail to retreat. Instead he's (it looks guy-ish, so like the opposite case with Ralts, I'm calling it a 'he,' until proven otherwise) just standing there, waving his arms. In fact he doesn't look threatened, angry, or scared. Instead he looks... like today's his birthday, he just won a million credits in the lottery, and his girlfriend accepted his marriage proposal, all on the same day. Simply put, he look ecstatic.

Magmar continues waving his arms, excitedly exclaiming, “Mar! Mar! Mar! Magmaaaar!”

“Wott?” Dewott glances back at me, looking confused. He seems just as baffled as I am.

This just might be a first. The Magmar almost looks like he... he wants to be captured! I don't think a trainer's ever tried striking up a conversation with a wild Pokemon, but... I guess someone's gotta make history...

“Um... Magmar?” I say, feeling a little awkward, “Um... I dunno what your deal is, but... are... are you saying you wanna be captured, or something?”

Magmar nods, “Mar mar!”

Dewott mostly likely has a better idea of what Magmar is saying, even though I already have a good guess, so for extra confirmation, I ask the water-type, “Is it true, Dewott?”

Dewott nods, “Dew.”

Well, this just might be a first, but still, after Elesa totally whupped me in a Gym battle, and wandering around in a brutal desert, it looks like Arceus is finally taking pity on me! I finally found a fire-type in the wild, and before even being caught, it wants to be my Pokemon. What are the odds?

I reach into my supply bag and pull out a standard Pokeball; seeing as Magmar wants to be caught, I doubt I need anything stronger. I hold the capsule out so Magmar can see it, “Alright, Magmar... You're sure? You don't wanna... y'know... fight back, or something?”

Looking mildly annoyed, Magmar nods repeatedly, “Mag! Mag! Magmar!”

“Alright, then,” I say, “Welcome to the team...” I toss the Pokeball at Magmar.

Suddenly, something unexpected happens. When the Pokeball is at the height of its arc toward the Spitfire Pokemon, something comes flying out from the sandstorm, colliding with the Pokeball, reflecting it back at me, missing my head by inches, and then comes back the way it came. I just caught a brief glimpse of what hit the Pokeball, but it looked like... a bone?

Looking totally irate, Magmar starts shouting back in the direction the bone-thing came from, “Magmarmagmar! Mar! Mag mag!”

A silhouette emerges from the sandstorm, leaps up, and comes down, slamming Magmar across the face with  the bone. Magmar swivels back several feet, with steam rising from the side of his head.

“Magmar!” I yell, as if he's officially my Pokemon already.

“Mar...”

The silhouette approaches and comes into plain sight: mostly brown, one two legs, exactly one foot shorter than Magmar, has a tail, carries a bone, and his (again, male, until proven female) head is... skull-like (whether it's a helmet, or its head has no skin, I dunno, but I really, really hope it's the former), with his brown eyes shining through the sockets... Oh, and he looks really upset.

I analyze the new Pokemon with my Pokedex. He's called Marowak, the Bonekeeper Pokemon, and he's a ground-type. Well, it looks like I'd found a ground-type... finally...

Magmar turns toward Marowak, while Dewott and I watch on. From there, they get into some kinda argument, yelling in their own languages.

“Mar mar! Magmar!”

“Maromaro! Wak! Wak! Marowak!”

Along with the words, there's body language and everything, and for some reason, I can just tell that the argument is about more than just Marowak coming outta nowhere and hitting Marmar with its bone.

I decide to ask Dewott, “Hey, Dewott... Since you probably have a better idea of what they're saying... do they know each other, or something?”

Dewott gives me a troubled look, and nods. He obviously knows something I don't...

The Marmar/Marowak argument rages on, until Marmar starts blowing flames at Marowak, which engulfs the ground-type, and he makes a dash in my direction, yelling with a look of anger and desperation on his face, “Mag mag mag!”

Baffled, I ask, “Huh? What's going on?” I'm not really expecting an answer I can understand, though. What I wouldn't give to have N here with me right now...

“Wott wott!” Dewott points at my supply bag, and then at Magmar. Okay, I think I get the message: Magmar is basically saying, 'Catch me sometime this instant,' or something along those lines...

As I reach into my supply bag for another Pokeball, however, Marowak, still engulfed in fire, tosses his bone. It spins toward Magmar's back, slams him hard, causing steam to burst out, knocking him to the ground, and the 'club' returns to its thrower. Marowak drops down in the sand, and puts out its flames with the good old stop, drop, and roll method. In no time, he's back on his feet, wincing, and his attention is now on Dewott and me, and he doesn't look like he's in the mood for a friendly chat.

“I dunno what's going on,” I say to Dewott, “but it looks like we have a battle on our hands! Get ready!”

“Dewott wott!” Dewott draws his scallops, and he charges at Marowak, who retaliates with a charge of its own. Marowak swings its bone club, which Dewott blocks with one of his scallops, and then with the other, slices the ground-type with a Razor Shell attack, which sends Marowak staggering back.

“Good job!” I say to Dewott, “Now, Aqua Jet and another Razor Shell! Let's go!”

“Deeeeeew!” Dewott zips across the ground at the still-stunned Marowak, and with both of his scallops glowing blue, he slashes the Bonekeeper twice, leaving steaming scars.

“Waaaaaak!” With a yell, Marowak is knocked to his back.

Well, I came here to find a ground-type, and I found a fire-type too. It means more work, but there's no rule against catching both. Still, since Marowak is the one who's hostile, I guess I'd better focus on him first!

I pull a standard Pokeball out of my supply bag and toss it at Marowak. The Bonekeeper vanishes with a flash, and the capsule lands in the sand. After the beating Marowak just received from both Dewott and Magmar, I was expecting the ball to just shake a little, but it's rolling all over the place and jumping too! That ground-type desperately wants out!

Sure enough, there is another flash, the Pokeball splits in two, and Marowak is back, looking as PO'd as ever. Geez, what did I ever do to him? No problem, though. I'll just have to wear the ground-type down a little more...

“Water Gun!” I command Dewott.

“Dew!” Dewott opens his mouth and fires a blast of water at Marowak. However, the ground-type veers out of the path of the attack and charges. Marowak leaps toward Dewott, and swings its bone club hard horizontally. However, Dewott successfully ducks under the attack, and counters with a third Razor Shell attack, causing Marowak to stagger back again.

“Try Ice Beam!” I yell.

“Wott!” Dewott's scallops glow light-blue, and he then thrusts them in the ground-type's direction. The scallops release two beams of condensed cold air, which merge partway, and pierces its way through the middle of Marowak's body, leaving a steaming hole. The Bonekeeper Pokemon sinks to one knee, using his club for support.

Okay, there's no way Marowak can break free again after all that. This time, I pull a Great Ball out of my bag, toss it, and Marowak disappears into it. The capsule rolls through the sand slowly at first, but gradually becomes faster. What the heck? Does this Pokemon run on batteries, or something? C'mon, just a few more seconds, and...

There's a flash and the Great Ball splits in two. Marowak has reappeared and is back in action, damn it...

“Wak... wak... wak...” Marowak is bent over and wheezing loudly. Breaking free of the Great Ball must have been though some feat of massive willpower, as the Bonekeeper's obviously reaching his limit. However, I noticed something. Marowak's eyes are bloodshot and still angry, if maybe a bit weary. He doesn't just seem to be avoiding capture. Whatever his issues are it's like they run much deeper than that. Still, I'll capture him somehow, and hopefully get everything smoothed over. Since it looks like the ground-type and Magmar know each other, hopefully the fire-type can help out with that.

“Mag...” Speaking of Magmar, he gets up on one knee and one arm, looks at Marowak, and blows out a small cloud of sparks, which singe the ground-type. For the third time, the Bonekeeper slumps to the ground.

“Thanks,” I say to Magmar.

“Mar...” Magmar looks back at me, grinning wearily.

This Marowak's been pretty defiant, and no matter how much I thought I wore it down, it always managed to break free of each Pokeball I used. Still, as defiant and upset as it is, there's only so much strength a living thing, even a Pokemon, can muster.

Marowak tries to get up, but its strength gives out, and it collapses.

Okay. I don't think the ground-type can take anymore, but just to make sure, I'll use the strongest Pokeball I have. I pull the one and only Ultra Ball Professor Juniper gave me out of my supply bag, and throw it. For a third time, Marowak disappears.

The Ultra Ball rolls through the sand, sometimes jerking back and forth, and even jumping, but it doesn't burst open. Finally, after an eternity of ten seconds, there's the long-awaited click, and the ball's center turns brown. Finally...

I pick up Marowak's Pokeball. Yes! I did it! It took quite a bit of doing, but caught a ground-type! With that thought, I add the forth occupied Pokeball to my belt.

Dewott and I turn our attention to Magmar. “Hey, are you alright?” I ask, before realizing it's a pretty dumb question, considering the damage it took from Marowak's attacks.

“Mag... mar...” Still, Magmar looks happy, even relieved, and nods. I have no idea what issues wild Pokemon can possibly have, but it looks like this Magmar wants a trainer, and with my question, he looks like Jirachi just granted his dearest wish, or something; Because (not to sound narcissistic) I just proved I'm not a jerk, or something? I'm not sure I'll ever know for sure...

“Alright,” I say, “I'll admit, it's pretty strange to find a wild Pokemon that wants to be captured, but I always wanted a fire Pokemon, so, once again... welcome to the team, Magmar. I'll get you to the Pokemon Center, and you'll be as good as new.”

“Mag... mag...” Magmar slowly nods.

I pull another standard Pokeball out of my supply bag, and toss it at Magmar. After the fire-type vanishes, the capsule falls to the ground, and doesn't show any signs of resistance. Finally, there's a click, and the center of the ball turns red.

I scoop up Magmar's Pokeball, and add the fifth capsule to my belt, leaving just one empty holder. One more Pokemon, and I'll have reached the limit.

I look down at Dewott, grinning, “Alright, Dewott! We caught Magmar and Marowak! Let's get out of this desert, and head back to the Nimbasa Pokemon Center!”

“Wott dewott!” responds Dewott, no doubt happy to have two more allies. I recall the Discipline Pokemon, and, using the GPS for guidance, make a beeline back to Nimbasa City.

---

A couple days after getting out of the desert turn out to be annoying.

After I had 'M & M' healed at the Center, I started training them, initially by asking them to spar with one another. As expected, Magmar is obedient, following my commands with enthusiasm, but Marowak, whose attitude hadn't changed much after being captured, ignores my orders and just walks away to sulk nearby. I try asking what the ground-type's deal is, but he refuses to even talk to me.

Magmar and my other Pokemon try talking some sense into the Bonekeeper, but none of them have any luck. The only time I see any rise out of Marowak at all is when Rufflet, my most battle-happy Pokemon, gets annoyed by the ground-type's attitude, and starts attacking him, and he fights back. Even though Dewott, Rufflet, Gallade, as well as Magmar, after I toughened him up a bit, have all proven they can beat the stuffing out of Marowak, the ground-type still doesn't get with the program, so obviously it has nothing to do with it thinking I'm a bad trainer.

I look up some info about Marowak on my Pokedex, as that has helped in the past for figuring out Rufflet and Ralts, but this time I found out little, besides the fact that they are good at using bones as weapons, very savage, both which I already had a pretty good idea of, there might be a Marowak graveyard somewhere in the world, and that they communicate by tapping rocks. Whatever's up with the ground-type, it seems to be purely personal.

With Marowak aggravating me more and more as time goes on, refusing to be a team player, the thought occurs to me to release him back into the desert; after all, if he's unhappy with me, wouldn't it be better for him to return to the wild? However, if I can't get Marowak to open up to me, just what does that say about me as a trainer? This can't be the first time a trainer has had difficulty with a Pokemon, and I'm sure others had succeeded. No, as hard as it is, I won't give up on him.

As for Magmar, he'd quickly proven that Rufflet has a competitor for the most combative Pokemon on my team, as whenever they spar, both of them look like they're in Heaven... a heaven of claws, talons, scrapes, blood, and even un-heaven-like fire, but Heaven. Really, Magmar seems to enjoy fighting very much, and I think I get why he wanted to be captured: Pokemon battles fought by trainers are where all the strong opponents are, so maybe Magmar wanted in on that scene.

Still, as happy as I am that the fire-type likes me, at least, most of my thoughts are preoccupied on getting Marowak to open up. I decide to work the 'Ria & company are a fun little bunch' angle, and take all five of my Pokemon out to do fun stuff, like having yet another a pizza dinner one night (this can't be healthy...), and a salad dinner on another, watch another football game, watch a Pokemon Contest, check out a studio and watch part of a Pokeflick in the making, etc. Still, Marowak keeps to himself, and is generally unpleasant to me and my other four Pokemon.

---

Finally, during an evening in the Pokemon Center's lobby, after another failed attempt at trying to cheer up Marowak, I pretty much reach my limit. I call the Professor to see if she might have any insight at all on what's with the ground-type.

I pull out my Xtranceiver and punch in Professor Juniper's frequency. Two rings later, she on the screen, smiling her permanent smile, and I have to wonder if her cheekbones ache at all, “Good evening, Ria. How can your mentor help you this time?”

“Well...” I begin, “I guess, seeing how you keep tabs on Bianca, Cheren, and me, you'd probably noticed that I caught a couple new Pokemon...”

“I know,” says the Professor, “For the record, Cheren also got a new Pokemon...”

“Starly,” I say, “though it's now a Staravia. I know about that one.”

“So did Bianca,” adds the Professor.

“I didn't know about that one,” I say, “I know you're not allowed to share it, though. I'll find out sooner or later.”

“Anyway, you caught a Marowak and Magmar. Not bad finds, Ria,” says Professor Juniper. Suddenly, her smile disappears, “But... it's... very strange, though...”

“Huh? What's up?”

“Seeing as you're in Nimbasa City, I imagine your latest two Pokemon came from Route 4. Many ground-types and a few fire-types live there, after all.”

“As usual, you're right,” I respond, “But what's so strange about that?”

The Professor responds, “It's possible to catch a Marowak on Route 4; They're a rare find, but there have been sightings and captures. Magmar is a different story, however...”

“How so?”

“Magmar are somewhat common in certain parts of Sinnoh, and occasionally seen in Kanto and Johto, but there are no records of wild Magmar being found in Unova... at least not until now...”

“Well, rock on!” I say, “I guess I made history!”

The Professor, however, doesn't look as cheerful, which is unusual for her, “Route 4 had been searched up and down by researchers, but a Magmar had never been found. Did you happen to notice... anything unusual?”

“Well, yeah,” I say, “The Magmar I caught wanted to be captured. He didn't resist, or anything. I'm guessing he wanted in on being a Pokemon under a trainer. He seems to like fighting, so maybe he wanted strong opponents, or something?”

“If that's the case,” says the Professor, “The Magmar must have had a good idea of what it was getting itself into, like it knew what it would be like to be a Pokemon under the care of a trainer. No wild Pokemon behaves that way, except...”

“Except...?”

“... Except a Pokemon that was released into the wild by a trainer. This might also explain why that Magmar was running wild in Unova at all. That's the only explanation that makes sense.”

“Let me get this straight,” I say, “You're saying someone just let Magmar go?”

“Or so I hypothesize,” responds Professor Juniper.

I shrug, “Well, that trainer's loss is my gain. Magmar's an awesome Pokemon, so I wonder why someone wouldn't want him anymore.”

“Who knows?” says the Professor, “It was pretty irresponsible of that trainer, though, as it's generally encouraged to return a Pokemon to where it was originally caught. Still, the legal age in which people can become trainers in other regions is much lower than in Unova, so maybe Magmar's original trainer was too young to know any better.”

“The reason I'm calling,” I say, “actually has more to do with the Marowak I caught. I mean it seemed to actually know Magmar, and the two of them argued when I found them. The Marowak then attacked Magmar, and turned on me. It really, really didn't want to be captured, by the way. It took a major beating, but still escaped a Pokeball and Great Ball, until I finally caught it with my Ultra Ball. Now, he won't cooperate with me at all. He doesn't even try to communicate with me or my Pokemon. In fact, he seems... miserable. Rufflet didn't like me much at first, either, but at least he listened to my commands...”

The Professor is silent for a while, before answering, “This is pure conjecture, but, if my assumption is correct, maybe Marowak and Magmar had the same trainer. In some respects Pokemon have ideals that vary differently than humans, like they never try to run if caught.”

“Cheren once told me something like that,” I say, “Hearing it from you, Professor, I guess it's true.”

Professor Juniper continues, “In other respects, however, the ideals of Pokemon and humans can be eerily similar, and can respond differently to the same situation. Maybe the Magmar was sad to be released, and was happy to have found a new trainer; Under the same circumstances, maybe the Marowak felt betrayed, and became distrustful of Pokemon trainers. I can't say I know for sure, but it's a guess, at least.”

I shrug, “Makes sense. So, now what?”

Professor Juniper answers, “Assuming I'm right, show Marowak you won't betray it. Convince it you will be loyal through and through... assuming that 'Ghetsis,' man, or whoever, doesn't play with your head again.”

“Not gonna happen,” I say, “I'd learned stuff since then.”

“Good,” says the Professor, “I wish you luck, Ria. Gaining a Pokemon's love and trust is one of the most challenging parts of being a Pokemon trainer. Oshawott and Ralts were trained to follow you, and you were lucky Magmar was so willing, but you can't count on that being the case all the time. Pokemon count on trainers to bring out their potential, but gaining their unconditional friendship is another matter... and it's the most important part of all.”

I nod, “I understand, Professor. I was thinking of letting Marowak go, but... if your theory is correct, I'll only be confirming its distrust toward trainers. I guess I'd better keep at it...”

The Professor smiles, “Good plan, Ria, good plan.”


TEAM UPDATE

Last edited by Valin on Sun Jul 10, 2011 5:54 pm, edited 1 time in total.

The next day, with renewed resolve to be friends with Marowak, thanks to Professor Juniper, my 'project' to promote fellowship among me and my Pokemon continues.

In the late morning, I take them to the amusement park. Now it might sound strange to do this, but it's not really unusual, as there are several other people around me with Pokemon accompanying them, just as long as they fit within the size limit posted at the park's entrance, which is to say, small to human-sized; Anything Onix-big, however, is an equally big no-no. Some of the rides are even custom-made for both Pokemon and humans. Someone sure was thoughtful.

The first thing I do is buy each of my Pokemon (sans Magmar, as I highly doubt he's into frozen snacks) a Vanillite Special at a food stand. My Pokemon enjoy their treats (as strange as it is to see a mature-looking Pokemon like Gallade enjoying a cup of frozen yogurt, like he's Ralts all over again), even Marowak, as he doesn't turn it down, which I take as progress. I guess the best thing I can do to convince him that I won't abandon him is to have him hang out with my Pokemon, since they can communicate with him a lot better than I can, and have him understand how happy they are with me, and hopefully through them, he'll know that we'll be together for a good long time.

“So, what do you guys wanna do?” I ask my Pokemon. I gesture to attractions throughout the amusement park as I make suggestions, “The house of mirrors? The swing ride? The freefall? The ferris whe--”

“Slash! Slash! Slaaaaash!”

“Hm?”

A high pitched Pokemon cry, loud enough to catch the attention of whoever's nearby, suddenly turns our heads. The voice's owner is is a three-foot-tall yellow rodent Pokemon, with long claws and brown quills covering its back, looking kinda like a cross between a mouse and hedgehog.

Next to the Pokemon is a human, with long green hair, dressed in monochrome-colored clothes. His back is to us as he buys a lemonade from a food stand. After getting his drink, he glances back at us, smiling his blank, creepy smile.

“Hello, Ria,” says N, in an oddly pleasant tone, “Our paths cross again.”

“Huh?” So far, I'd met N outside Accumula Town's square, and in the middle of Pinwheel Forest. This guy just seems to show up out of nowhere, and it was strange enough that we met by sheer coincidence twice, so far. Granted, unannounced meetings isn't too uncommon among Pokemon trainers, as when they stay in a town, they have a common lodging in the Pokemon Center, but even though N and I are both trainers, the former being eccentric as trainers go, granted, this is now our third meeting, again, outside a Pokemon Center, and I have to wonder if this is really coincidental.

I response to N's greeting, raise my hand in a slight wave, and say, half-jestingly, “Hiya, N. I'm flattered you find me interesting enough to stalk me, but that's seriously uncool.”

N tilts his head to the side, and responds, a little too innocently, “'Stalk you?' What are you talking about, Ria? Right now, we are having a purely coincidental meeting.”

My eyes narrow, “You sound even more suspicious when you phrase it that way. Anyway, what's up, N? Are you here to make me look bad in front of my Pokemon again?”

N shakes his head, “Not at all. Actually, I would like to apologize to you about that. I should have noticed your Pokemon were content, and I ignored that fact, completely. Still...” N glances among my Pokemon, “You appear to have more company now. It looks like your Ralts has evolved into Gallade in a very short time. It's amazing how fast Pokemon can evolve, when it take eons for humans to do the same. My congratulations to you, Gallade.”

With a grin, Gallade nods, “Gall.”

N continues, “It also looks like a Marowak and Magmar have joined your group as well. They are not often found in Unova...”

“So I'm told,” I say.

N kneels down, “You may call me N. It's a pleasure to meet you, Magmar and Marowak.”

Magmar smirks, “Mag.”

Without a word, Marowak looks away and continues working away at his frozen yogurt. Friendly guy...

“Okay, N. What's the deal?” I say.

N stands up straight, “'Deal?' Whatever do you mean, Ria?”

“Why are you being so nice?” I ask, “Last time, I got the impression you didn't like me very much.”

“I feel we may have gotten off on the wrong foot,” says N, “I desire to right that wrong.”

I blink a couple times, “Um... alright. Apology accepted... I guess.”

N turns his attention back to my Pokemon, “Your Pokemon still seem to love you very much, perhaps even more so, now... except Marowak.”

“Good to know,” I say with mixed feelings, “Actually, N, I was kinda hoping I would see you again.”

“You were?” asks N.

“Yeah,” I say, “I could use you as a translator again. You see, I just recently caught Magmar and Marowak...”

N pulls his cap's visor down, concealing his eyes, “I see...” I guess he wasn't too happy to hear it, but he doesn't pursue the issue.

“Anyway, they seem to have a history. I talked to my mentor, and she had a guess, but it might be better if I knew from them exactly what that history is.”

“So, you still can't understand their words...”

“Dude, are you expecting me to? No one knows exactly what Pokemon say.... except you, I guess.”

N nods slowly, “Yes, I suppose I'm expecting too much of you, Ria...”

“What?” I ask, “You were actually expecting something of me?”

“Pay it no more mind,” says N, “There's a favor I want to ask of you, actually.”

“Really?” I ask, “Care to tell me what?”

“All in due time,” says N, “It's only fair that a favor is answered with a favor, so I will perform the favor you request of me, and translate your Pokemon's words to you, as long as you do me a favor afterward.”

“Thanks,” I say, “I really appreciate it.”

I kneel down to Magmar's level, as I'm sure he'll be more willing to chat that Marowak is, “Hey, Magmar? I was wondering what history you have with Marowak. Please tell me...” I gesture toward N, “This guy here somehow knows what Pokemon say, and he's gonna translate your words for me, so please...”

Magmar responds, “Mag mag.”

N translates, “He said, 'You got it, Ria.'”

N said 'he.' Well, that answers the mystery surrounding Magmar's gender.

“Alright,” I say, “So... what's you history?”

“'Wakky and I used to be Pokemon under a trainer named Millie,'” says Magmar through N, “'She was a pretty strange person, catching Pokemon whose names start with the letter 'M,' or evolved into Pokemon whose names began with 'M,' like in the case of Feebas, and Wakky, back when he was a Cubone.'” So, Marowak's a 'he' too, huh? So all five of my Pokemon are male. After being told many times throughout my life to be more ladylike, there's something oddly appropriate about this. Still, it looks like the Professor was right, after all, about Magmar and Marowak having an original trainer.

Magmar continues, “'Millie was really nice to us. We trained, we battled, we had fun with her. She was only a trainer for a few months, and didn't seem to have any major goal as a Pokemon trainer, other than the joy of battles, but we were happy, anyway. I always trained as hard as I could to convince her that she can challenge stronger opponents.'”

“Is 'Wakky' what this 'Millie' person nicknamed Marowak?” I ask Magmar.

Magmar shakes his head, “'Nope, that's what I nickname him.'”

I scoff, “Anyway, Millie sounds like a strange trainer, with the whole 'M' thing. Oh well, whatever she's into, I guess. What happened to have her release you two?”

Magmar explains, “'Millie lives in the place you guys call 'Kanto,' but she traveled to 'Unova' to look for a Pokemon called Mienfoo. While we were traveling, we stopped in a town somewhere, where some human guy was giving some big lecture to a bunch of humans. I was outside my Pokeball at the time, so I got to hear it. The dude said his name was... I dunno, 'Getty?' 'Gensey?' Man, some human names are strange...'”

Through my own experiences, I have an idea of where Magmar is headed. I venture a guess, “... Ghetsis?”

Magmar nods, “Mag, magmar.”

I notice N is pausing.

“N?” I say. N looks like he's lost in thought, as I walk over, and wave my hand in front of his face, “Hey! Earth to N~”

“Sorry,” says N, “Magmar said, 'Yeah, that sounds about right.'”

Magmar continues, and N translates, “'Anyway, 'Ghetsis' said a bunch of stuff about 'Pokemon Liberation,' like how trainers should set their Pokemon free, how neither race is living up to their potential, and stuff like that. I thought no one was gonna buy into that, but ever since then, Millie wasn't the same. She was much quieter, and every time she used to greet us with a smile before, she looked at us with sadness at times, and confusion at others. We no longer battled or even trained. Finally, she gradually let each of us go, one after another, crying every time, and apologizing to us... Feebas... Mime Jr.... Mightyena... and finally, Wakky and me.'”

“Magmar... Marowak...”

“'As we wandered the desert, Wakky went from sad, to confused, to bitter, calling Millie... calling humans in general, traitors. He wasn't there to see the speech, so I tried to explain what was up, but I couldn't change his mind. As for me, I knew that there were plenty of humans that wouldn't let their Pokemon go, since after the speech, I saw people walk away, calling it nonsense, and I knew not all humans were of a like mind on it. I hoped we would find another caring trainer that would take us in, and our lives of training and battling would continue... and eventually, we found you, Ria. I stepped in to size you up. You sent out Dewott, and the two of you didn't seem distant from each other; no doubt in one another at all, and I knew we just might have found the trainer we'd been looking for. However, Wakky was unconvinced, but I knew if he took a chance with you, he'd learn that there are humans who wouldn't abandon us, so I did what I could to help you catch him.'” Magmar looks at me pleadingly, “'Please... don't give up on him, Ria. It was hard to see him become so angry at Millie, who loved him so much, and I don't want him to think of you the same way.'”

I quietly nod, and then say to Marowak, “Hey... Marowak... 'Wakky,' whatever you wanna be called... I'm sorry about Millie. I'm sure that must have been hard. However, I'd seen one of Ghetsis's speeches myself, and sure I questioned myself as a trainer for a little while, but we kept at it. I won't let you go, alright? If you give me a chance, I promise I won't disappoint you. If I do, you can go on, and hate humans for as long as you live, but please... just trust me. Dewott, Rufflet, Gallade... you guys believe in me... Don't you?”

My other Pokmon nod their confirmation, “Dew.”

“Flet.”

“Galla.”

Marowak is silent for a little while, before answering, “'... If you're partners really trust you that much, then fine; I'll give you a chance... on one condition.'”

“What would that be?” I ask.

“'... You'll call me 'Marowak.' I hate being called 'Wakky.'”

I nod, “You got it, Marowak. Welcome to the team.”

“'Fine. Again, I'll just give you one chance. Don't let me down... Ria.'”

Magmar grins, “'That's the first time he's ever called you something other than 'trainer' or 'human.' That's a start.'”

After another pause, N says, “Are you satisfied, Ria?”

“Yeah,” I say, “Thank you so much, N!”

N gives a half smile as he looks off to the side, “I rather you didn't thank me for that, Ria.”

“Fine, then. Thanks for nothing,” I say sarcastically.

“Since I did you a favor,” says N, “Will you do the favor I ask of you?”

“Yeah,” I say, “Name it.”

N looks off in the direction of the ferris wheel, “I want to ride the ferris wheel. I would like you to come with me, Ria.”

“Um...” Under most circumstances, I'd interpret something like that as an invitation to date, but N said it so matter-of-factly, I can tell he has something less frivolous in mind, “Yeah. Sure thing, N.” What is N up to? I can tell he has more on his mind than just wanting to go on one of the rides...

---

N and I make our way through the park, followed by our respective Pokemon. Finally, we reach the ferris wheel, a giant contraption, with round pods, vaguely resembling Pokeballs, with their bottom halves being red, and their top halves being a clear silver. There is a long line of people waiting to ride on it, which is no surprise, seeing as it's one of the biggest ferris wheels in the world, and there are no shortage of people who want to see the views it has to offer.

The whole time we're in line, N seems lost in thought. Finally, I break the silence, talking about the situation as if it were a date, even though I'm sure that's not the case, “Oh my, N, sweetheart. I thought we'd be talking more on our first date. After all, we are trying to know each other, right? Girls like a guy who talks, making a joke every now and then.” Behind me, I hear Rufflet, Magmar, and N's rodent Pokemon trying to stifle their laughter. Yup, I got a million of 'em, don't I?

N responds, straight-faced, delivering another Giga Impact to my womanly pride, “Wait until we're on the ferris wheel, Ria, then you'll know plenty of things about me.”

“Um... okay...”

Twenty long minutes later, it's finally our turn. I have my Pokemon go first as a pod descends toward us, “Hey, you guys go first. N wants to talk to me alone.”

My Pokemon nod in response, “Dew.”

“Ruff!”

“Gall.”

“Mag!”

Even though I'm sure I got things smoothed over with Marowak, he nods without a word. I guess he's just the silent type.

N says to his rodent-like Pokemon, “Sandslash. Please join them.”

“Slash!”

My Pokemon and N's get into a ferris wheel pod. A few seconds later, the next one arrives, and N and I hop into it. As soon as the door's closed, N says, “At the speed the wheel is turning, as well as its size, I estimate a full rotation would take 18 to 22 minutes.”

“Is that what you wanted to talk to me about?” I ask, “That's... very interesting info.”

“Do you think I'm oblivious to your sarcasm, Ria?” asks N sternly.

“Dude, it was a joke, alright? C'mon, N. You obviously want to talk to me about something. Care to start sharing it? I'll admit, you're a mysterious guy, and I'm kinda interested in hearing your tale.”

“Allow me to unravel the mystery, then,” says N, “You are aware of Team Plasma, aren't you?”

“Yeah, unfortunately...” I say, “Going through Striaton, Nacrene, and Castelia, I ended up fighting them in every single one. At least I hadn't run into them here.”

“Actually, you have,” says N.

“Huh? What do you mean?” I ask, “I usually know a Team Plasma member when I see one.”

“I am a member of Team Plasma,” says N, “Particularly, their king.”

A few seconds of silence fills the ferris wheel pod, until I finally say, “Um... 'king?' As in, the head honcho of a monarchy, that old political system? By that, do you mean you're Team Plasma's...?”

“'Leader?'” says N, “Yes, I am.”

I take a moment for this news to sink in. Well, the ideals N had expressed before was some of the same stuff I'd heard Team Plasma members talk about, but I didn't think he was one of them, let alone their leader...

Finally, I get something out, “Well, you're a lot younger than I thought their leader might be, seeing as the higher-ups I'd met are all old dudes.”

“I'd learned of the plight of the Pokemon in this world,” explains N, “I knew they are suffering under humans, and I desired to help them. I was approached by many of the world's foremost geniuses, who believed humans and Pokemon would both be better off if separated, and, with my wish to free Pokemon. Our reasoning differed, but we had a common interest. They asked me to lead an organization that would fight to make our dream a reality.”

“Hate to break it to you,” I say, “but your organization is a bunch of hypocrites. They don't like calling themselves Pokemon trainers, but they use Pokemon to fight, just like any trainer, and I'd even seen them do things no honorable trainer would do, like abuse a Pokemon to produces the results they wanted. Also, what about you, N? You openly admit you're a Pokemon trainer, having Pokemon battle, even though you believe trainers make Pokemon suffer. Just who do you think you are?”

N pulls down his cap's visor, and says, “I'm sorry about that 'abusing' incident you mentioned. I'd recently been appraised of your actions, and I can only assume you're referring to a Munna you met in the Dreamyard. For that, I apologize; Those members were way out of line. However, each of us have our own ideals on how the world can be changed. Many Sages and soldiers within Team Plasma believe waging war on Pokemon trainers is one method; Other believe using the powers Pokemon possess; Ghetsis believes touching people's hearts through reason is an effective method. As for our members using Pokemon, I don't entirely disagree with the hypocrisy you mentioned, Ria. However, with so many people in this world utilizing Pokemon, how else can we counter them? Pokemon are superior creatures, after all.”

I shrug, “Alright, fine. So... what about you, N? You still haven't told me why you're a Pokemon trainer. If you think Pokemon suffer by fighting battles for humans, why are you doing the same thing?”

N answers, “While many Team Plasma members believe in 'force' and Ghetsis believes in 'reason,' the thing I believe in is 'power.' After all, that's what a lot of people in this world seem to believe in, as well. Am I wrong?”

I'm taken aback. I never thought of it that way, but N just might be right. After all, all trainers aim to become more powerful, and I'm no exception to that fact.

N continues, “The more powerful the trainer, the more respect and authority they have. Tell me, Ria... which trainer stands above all others?”

“The Champion?” I answer.

“Correct. As the single most powerful trainer, the Champion makes and even changes, the rules Pokemon trainers must live by. That said, a Champion, if inclined to, can even put an end to Pokemon training altogether.”

With the pieces all coming together, I guess at what N's reason for being a trainer is, “... You wanna be Champion, don't you?”

“Yes. That is the goal of my quest.”

It's a weird idea for someone to become Champion, only to say, 'I am the Champion, the greatest trainer in Unova, and Pokemon training is bad! Now, stop being trainers, everyone, and let your Pokemon go!' Still, in a twisted way, N's plan makes more sense than any other method I'd seen Team Plasma use so far, and if he succeeds, he could very well do just that. After all, the Champion is the head honcho of the Pokemon League, which oversees all Pokemon training activity.

In spite of that revelation, however, I laugh, “Heh... Hahaha! Okay, seriously, N. Your world-changing plan isn't bad on paper, but... there's no way you can become the Pokemon League Champion. I mean, you let your Pokemon go after you'd asked for their help for a little while. Champions achieve their position because their Pokemon, who they'd trained in the long run, are so powerful. You're just starting from scratch again and again and again! You've been lucky to win...” For the first time since our latest meeting, I look at N's shirt, and notice how many badges he'd won since our encounter in Pinwheel Forest, “... four badges so far, but you're seriously gonna hit a major road block sooner or later, whether it be a Gym Leader, or the Elite Four. I'm telling you, it's not gonna work.”

Despite what I'd said, however, N smiles, “I promise you I will succeed, Ria. You may be right about my methods as a trainer, but if I can enlist the help of a Pokemon, more powerful than anything, not even the Champion will be able to stop me...” N grabs my shoulder and pulls me in close, our faces just inches apart. My heart pounds from the sudden action, and the proximity to Team Plasma's leader, “With Reshiram's aid, I will inevitably defeat the Champion, and become unbeatable, unlike any other.”

With my face feeling hot, I shove N away from me, his back hitting the other end of the pod, which in turn, rocks violently, and I feel we're about to break loose until the rocking slows. Despite what I just did, N is still smiling, not looking the least bit hurt.

When I can manage words again, I ask, “Wh-what the heck is Reshiram?”

N shakes his head in disappointment; whether it's genuine, or just a way to mock me, I don't know, “It looks like you don't know your Unovian lore very well.”

“Whatever,” I say. Suddenly, another thought occurs to me, “So... why are you telling me all this? Seriously?”

N is quiet for almost a minute before answering, “... Call it an invitation, Ria. After all, you once said you want to become Champion yourself, didn't you. If so, try to stop me. Prove to me through your power that Pokemon trainers are in the right... if you can.”

“Why are you even bothering?” I ask, “I mean, you know how my Magmar and Marowak felt about being released by their old trainer. Heck, you're the one who translated their words. You know my Pokemon are happy, and I promise you, mine are not the only ones who feel that way about their trainers. Where is this idea of yours, that Pokemon are suffering coming from, exactly?”

Suddenly, N's demeanor makes a complete 180, and a single tear runs down his cheek. Whatever just got to him, I wish I could take back what I just said, “It's possible you could be right, Ria. As I'd traveled, I'd learned things about trainers and Pokemon. How Pokemon seem to respect their trainers; How Pokeballs, which I had previously thought of as prisons and contraptions of control, can even save the lives of Pokemon. However, have you ever met a Pokemon that has suffered, Ria? I mean, really suffered?”

I shake my head, “No...”

“If you did, would you honestly try to defend your fellow trainers, whose Pokemon get hurt? I'd known many Pokemon, hundreds, in fact, that had to serve cruel humans, wishing they could die, but couldn't, as those humans use Pokeballs to prevent them from doing so. Being forced to train past their limits... being denied food and sleep if those humans weren't satisfied... Pokemon that had lived so horribly under humans, that they had been scarred, beyond recovery, for the hundreds of years they have left to live, having nightmares every single night.”

“I...” I have nothing to say, because N has a point. I've heard of trainers like the ones he mentioned. Team Rocket, Team Galactic... Criminal organizations in other regions that had used Pokemon as tools toward their own nefarious ends, never treating them with the love all trainers should treat their Pokemon with. Sure, during my journey, I'd seen trainers that might have been a little hard on their Pokemon, but in a way that was far from cruel, as it was all for the sake of becoming stronger, and beneath the strictness was a genuinely caring person who wanted the best for his or her partners. I'd never seen a Pokemon whose spirit had been broken to the degree N described, and after hearing it, I don't want to, as I might end up having nightmares, myself.

Feeling disturbed, I say, “But... not all trainers are like that... and you know it, N...”

“But as we speak, out there, somewhere, Pokemon are suffering, and as long as trainers can do as they please, they will continue to suffer, and there's nothing anyone can do. Maybe even all Pokemon are suffering. After all, Pokemon training has existed for thousands of years, and maybe Pokemon, even yours, Ria, force themselves to believe they're happy, as that's the only way they can cope.”

Even though my mind is racing right now, I raise my voice in response, “That's a bunch of Tauros-crap, N! You're really trying like heck to believe whatever you want to believe if you're telling yourself that. You were there with Cheren and me when Ghetsis gave that speech in Accumula Town, weren't you? You know something? What that Sage of yours said actually got to me! That night, I offered to let Oshawott go, and you know what? On his own free will, he stayed! In Pinwheel Forest, my Pokemon could have told you whatever they thought about me, without me knowing, aware that I'm not perfect, and you know how that turned out! Look, I hate the fact that there are Pokemon who suffer, and I despise the people that make them suffer, but most trainers are good people, who really care about their Pokemon!”

The pod has now passed the ferris wheel's apex, and is descending. N stares out at the landscape, with a distant view of Opelucid City, and beyond that, the mountain, the summit of which is the location of Unova's Pokemon League HQ, “That's the very reason I'm telling you this, Ria. In spite of your shortcomings, you are obviously as kind and caring as your Pokemon claim. In another life, I might have agreed with you, but I'd heard of too much plight Pokemon had suffered to just ignore it; Even now, it continues. For them, I will become Champion, making Pokemon training illegal, and don't believe for a moment I can't do it, Ria. If you really believe your Pokemon trainer ilk are in the right, become the Champion and stop me.”

“I dunno what you have planned, exactly, to make it happen,” I say, “but I will defeat you, somehow.”

N smiles, looking creepier than ever, “As I said, you are most welcome to try.”

---

The rest of the ride goes by in silence. Finally, our pod arrives back at the ground, where the six Pokemon between N and I are waiting.

N walks out, saying, “Let us go, Sandslash.”

“Slash!”

Without another word, N and his rodent Pokemon walk away. All this time, I thought Team Plasma was fighting a futile battle. As Ghetsis said in Castelia City, the use of force makes enemies, and as Cheren said in Accumula Town, a speech, no matter how persuasive and charismatic, cannot sway the world as a whole, but N's plan... as ridiculous as it sounds, his 'power' plan will inevitably work if he becomes Champion. Also, what is 'Reshiram?' I'd never heard of it, but in the context in which N was speaking, it sounds like it could be a Legendary Pokemon; What other kinda Pokemon could overcome a Champion's as easily as N described? I'd write the idea one would help N off as nonsense, but he seemed so sure of himself, I can't help but feel... like everyone's days as Pokemon trainers are numbered.

At the same time, as much as I know I have to beat N at becoming Champion, the way his mood changed when he talked about the Pokemon that suffered... He was genuinely moved. I can't claim to know what's going on in his head, but I know nothing I could have said would change his mind, and he will fight tooth and nail to make 'Pokemon Liberation' a reality.

In fact, what N said even made me feel somewhat guilty, but then I look at my Pokemon: Dewott, who stayed with me, when he had the chance to leave... Rufflet, ever the fun-and-battle-loving little bird, who seems to enjoy every second he spends with me... Gallade, determined to become powerful enough to better protect me... Magmar, who continued to believe in humans, even after being released... and Marowak... Marowak... if N forces all trainers to release their Pokemon, I would have to release him too, even when I promised I wouldn't. No! I don't care if 'Reshiram' is a Legendary Pokemon! I know my Pokemon are my protectors, my allies, my second family, and above all else, my friends... I can't lose, I just can't! I must become more powerful for the sake of my Pokemon... and all the trainers and their Pokemon, who need one another!

With a deep breath, I say to my Pokemon, “Well, let's enjoy the rest of today... but tomorrow, are you guys ready to train harder than ever?”

My Pokemon nod, “Dew.”

“Ruff!”

“Gall.”

“Mar!”

Marowak hesitates and then silently nods as well.

My Pokemon and I go about the amusement park, having snacks and going on rides. As good a time as my Pokemon are having, however, my mind is continuously preoccupied with the recent events that taken place.

The Champion... The strongest Pokemon battler and the commanding voice of trainers. It was something I was thinking about trying to become, ever since Cheren told me that I had potential as a trainer (sure, at the time, he just told me that to make himself feel better, but still...), but until now, I never really took it seriously. I mean, I was fine with just being a trainer, having my Pokemon become as strong as they can be. It's something people, like Cheren, dream of, but for me, it was nothing more than a goal I may or may not achieve, but now... now, if no one can stand against N, Pokemon training will become a thing of the past.

Thanks to what N told me, it's time to seriously shoot for the Championship, and the next step toward that is to defeat Elesa.


The ferris wheel scene. Obviously, more stuff was discussed than in the game, and I'm hoping N's reasons for continuing along his path, despite all the other stuff he'd learned, was believable.

Last edited by Valin on Tue Jul 12, 2011 9:39 pm, edited 1 time in total.

I have to say I like N's plan. It's working within the law to change the law.

As for Magmar and Marrowak, I like them. They are good additions to the team that not only diversify the types, but the personalities and battling skills. I'm quite happy that someone now has a fully evolved Pokemon.

A couple more days pass, and the whole time, my little heart-to-heart with N still feels like it's something that happened mere hours ago... but at the same time, a long time ago. Damn it... why did N have to tell me, of all people, about this... Burden me with that information?

A couple run-ins with Team Plasma was bad enough, but now, N had to drop that exploding Voltorb, and he's challenging me to become Champion, with the unity between thousands of trainers and millions of Pokemon on the line, so yeah... no pressure there...

With N's presence constantly in my head, and consequently, the need to train my Pokemon to become strong enough to eventually become Champion-level, nothing has been the same. As time had passed, that feeling of excitement about aiming to become Champion had subsided, and now, I feel bitter. How did I used to feel about being a trainer again?

Until now, Pokemon training and aspiring to become Champion had been fun; an adventure that brought me and my Pokemon closer together. Now, it's a freaking mission. Damn you, N...

On more than one occasion, I'd been staring at my Xtransceiver, wondering what frequency to enter. I mean, Cheren's wanted to become Champion a lot longer than I have, so isn't he better suited for this task? What about Bianca? I dunno what her ambitions are right now, but she has a shot too, doesn't she? However, if I tell them, will they have to go through with what I'm dealing with right now? Nothing feels the same, and it's a change I absolutely hate. All I wanna do is run home, screaming at the top of my lungs, so how would they react?

I think about calling Professor Juniper, who I'd always consulted whenever I had problems, but I hesitate on contacting her, as well. Since when had the Professor have to deal with a situation which could mean the end of the world as we know it?

Over the last two days, I'd trained my Pokemon like they'd never trained before, from more sparring matches than I can count, to all of us jogging around the perimeter of Nimbasa City, to battling many other trainers. We'd been training from dawn to dusk, and in little time, Marowak's power is up to that of everyone else's, and everyone becoming stronger in equal measure.

Finally, by sunset on the second day, outside the Pokemon Center, after we'd beaten yet another Pokemon trainer, I say to my five partners, “Alrighty, everyone. I think it's time to call it a day. Tomorrow, we're gonna take on Elesa, and win!”

My Pokemon nod in response, but then they stare at me, as if they're expecting something, with the exceptions of Magmar and Marowak, as they are the team's newcomers, and aren't entirely used to us yet.

My Pokemon and I stare at each other for several seconds, their faces saying 'C'mon, Ria, I'm waiting...' but what are they waiting for? My gaze shifts from one Pokemon to the next, lingering on each. Finally, I stare at Rufflet, whose tongue licks the upper part of his beak, like he does whenever he's eying a pizza, and the realization hits me like a Mega Punch. Of course they're expecting something! After we train as hard as we have, they are expecting a reward, like a fancy dinner, or something else. Isn't that always how I trained them? Train, reward, train, reward; a nice little payback to motivate them. How could I have forgotten that? How about that, Ria? N's messed your head up that bad...

Still, for my Pokemon's benefit, I react like it's a joke, and comically slap my forehead, “Oh, where is my mind today? You guys want something, don't you? Now let's see...” My mind scrambles for fun things we can do. The thought of another Pokemon Contest crosses my mind, but that doesn't sound like a good idea, after my Pokemon have trained for two days straight. A pizza dinner? I doubt my Pokemon will object, but c'mon, Ria; is that really the best you can come up with in Unova's cultural center? We've already done the amusement park and watched some sports games; isn't there something else... Hm...

I snap my fingers as an idea pops into my head, “The Musical! Yeah! Let's get a little culture into our lives.”

My Pokemon react with varying levels of enthusiasm, with Dewott and Gallade looking happy with the idea, Rufflet and Magmar just shrugging, like 'Yeah, sure. It could be fun,' and Marowak, being as pleasant a fellow as ever, reacting like 'Whatever. I don't care.'

---

After we get a quick chicken dinner at the Pokemon Center, we head to downtown Nimbasa, just a few blocks away from the sports/Pokemon Championship arenas, to a three-story building, with a fancy multi-colored flashing sign, saying 'Pokemon Musical' above the entrance.

The Pokemon Musicals are something Nimbasa City is known for, which I had heard of, but really don't know much about. Growing up, I hadn't been too big into 'cultural' stuff, like plays, and the like; after all, aren't movies the 'modernized' version of plays? What's the point? It's something I never quite got, but I'd known people, like Cheren, Bianca, and all the parents between the three of us, who had occasionally traveled to Striaton City and went to a theater located there. I never participated, but maybe this could enlighten me, though it's more for the sake of my Pokemon, to give them experiences outside of just training all the time, even though, now, it's more important than ever.

We enter the theater, and, surrounded by mostly white and pink lavishness, it isn't long until we reach a line of people in front of the front counter, taking turns buying tickets. I notice some people are dressed casually, while others are dressed all fancy, so at least this isn't a strictly high-class event.

Most of the other people have Pokemon accompanying them, and one of the even has an Onix! Beyond the front desk, however, is a doorway wide enough for such a large Pokemon to fit through. The designers of this theater sure had all the bases covered, didn't they?

“... Ria?” a familiar voice from behind me says.

I glance back and see Cheren entering the theater, accompanied by Servine, Sawk, Kirlia, and Staravia.

“Hey, Cheren!” I call out.

Around us, our respective Pokemon give their greetings to one another as well, or so I assume.

“When did you get here?” I ask, as my friend gets in line behind me.

“Just today,” answers Cheren, “I plan to challenge Nimbasa Gym tomorrow. I was wondering if I'd find you at the Pokemon Center, but I'll admit that this is one of the last places I'd expect to find you.”

“What can I say? This journey is just filled with stuff to try out. How did your second rematch with Burgh go?”

Cheren lets out a sigh, and gestures at the badges on his jacket: he still only has the Trio Badge and Basic Badge.

“... Not very well, huh?”

“Better than my previous attempts,” says Cheren, “Burgh started with Shelmet, while I sent out Staravia. It took some doing, but Staravia won. However, Burgh's second Pokemon was Galvantula, and it beat Staravia... Servine too. Sawk finally defeated Galvantula, but Burgh's third Pokemon was, surprise of surprises, Scyther. I commanded Sawk to counter with Stone Edge, but once again, Scyther was too fast. It fought back with Wing Attack. Sawk's ability, Sturdy, allowed him to withstand the attack, but then a Quick Attack finished it. It's frustrating that every trainer under the sun has managed to defeat Burgh, except me.”

“Darn...”

Cheren lowers his voice so his Pokemon, conversing with mine, can't hear him, “Too many of my Pokemon are at a disadvantage against bug-types. It was best to move on, and come back later with a more varied team. Did you challenge Nimbasa Gym yet, Ria?”

I slowly nod, “Yeah...”

“I take it you lost?”

“Again, yeah.”

“I heard from someone at Castelia's Pokemon Center that the Nimbasa Gym Leader specializes in electric-types. Since you only had Dewott, Rufflet, and Gallade at the time, I thought you might.”

“Gee, thanks so much,” I say sarcastically, “Still...” I gesture at Marowak, “That Pokemon there... he's a ground-type. After I lost, I found him out on Route 4. He's my trump card when I challenger her again, tomorrow.”

“Well, good luck to both of us, then,” says Cheren.

“What brings you here?” I ask.

Cheren shrugs, “I like plays; you know that, Ria, and besides, I suppose your influence is rubbing off on me. It's good to do something fun with my Pokemon every now and then. When it comes to bonding, there is only so much battling can accomplish. I suppose that might be part of the reason I'm behind you and Bianca right now...”

“Maybe,” I scoff, “Pokemon are more than fighting machines, after all.” I feel a pang of guilt. After all, I almost forgot how my Pokemon and I do fun stuff together, in my quest to become powerful enough to defeat N. Was it even necessary for me to train my Pokemon as hard as I did over the last couple days? Sure, they don't seem to think any less of me, in fact, Rufflet and Magmar, in particular, seemed thrilled by the prospect. Still, haven't I been doing fine before N revealed his big scheme to me? Even with the heightened sense of urgency, I should still be raising my Pokemon like we're family? Should I really stop now, just because there's some weird king guy with some world-changing ambitions out there, challenging me?

Cheren analyzes Magmar and Marowak with his Pokedex, “Besides the ground-type, you finally got the fire-type you always wanted. Good for you, Ria.”

“IIRC, you were looking for an electric-type at the Pokemon Sale, back on Route 3. I guess there are some types you're partial to, as well.”

“True,” says Cheren, “There's a place in Unova called the Chargestone Cavern, located somewhere on Route 6, on the way to Mistralton City, which is known to be home to countless electric-types. It's certainly a place I plan to visit when I reach that point. Also, like you, I'm interested in finding a fire-type, as such a Pokemon will ensure my victory against Burgh for certain.”

“You can find a few on Route 4,” I say, “There's where I met Magmar.” I figure it's unnecessary to mention that Magmar isn't native to Unova, since the Professor said that there are fire-types in general that live on Route 4.

Cheren shakes his head, “That kind of terrain is far to treacherous for me. There are plenty of other places to look.”

“I hear ya...”

“Um... you want tickets, don't you?” To our surprise, while Cheren and I were talking, we hadn't payed the line any mind at all, and now, we're next at the counter.

“Y-yeah...” Cheren and I get our wallets and dig out the necessary credits.

---

The eleven of us (Me, Cheren, and our Pokemon), enter the main area of the theater, with the stage and seating, and it's quite a sight. The room is huge, and like most places in Nimbasa City, it's accommodated for people and Pokemon alike. Above us, there are two balconies, and to our sides, upon entering, there is a large flat area, where there are several larger Pokemon. The seats are of various sizes and elevations for both humans and ground-based Pokemon of various sizes, and high above everything, there is a perch for bird Pokemon.

Rufflet and Staravia fly to the perch, and Magmar stays in the back with the larger Pokemon as not to burn anything or anyone with his constantly blazing body, while the rest of us find appropriate seating.

Before long, the show begins. There is a forest-like background while music plays and various Pokemon dance to it. Still... what the heck am I watching? Is this supposed to be some kinda story? The music and Pokemon are obviously trying to convey something, but... what?

“I don't get it,” I dumbly whisper to Cheren, sitting next to me.

“Ah, Ria... so uncultured,” says Cheren, condescendingly.

“Well, excuse me for being a cavewoman...”

“The music and Pokemon could be telling you any number of things,” says Cheren, “Use your imagination.”

Putting Cheren's advice to practice, I try to make sense of what's going on onstage, and in a twisted way, stuff starts to come together. Of course, everyone else in the theater might be interpreting it differently. Huh... I never looked at anything that way before. I feel smarter already.

---

The next day, I wake up in the Pokemon Center's sleeping quarters. I check the clock, and find out it's ten in the morning. Well, I was out pretty late, watching the musical...

I get out of bed, and check the bunk above mine, where Cheren was sleeping, only to find it empty. How about that? Cheren is the under-exercised one between the two of us, and yet, he's not the one who sleeps in. How does that work?

Thinking back on it, last night was better than I was expecting, and another educational experience for me. Also, I think I learned a little something about myself, in regards to both Pokemon training, and stuff in general: I'm a quick learner, as long as the stuff that needs to be learned is hands-on. If everything was an active experience, I bet I could be a genius... maybe.

I grab a couple bagels as today's breakfast from one of the Center's food stands, and an apple for each of my Pokemon.

As soon as we're done eating, I recall my guys, and head out the door, en route to the Gym. I figured I'd challenge Elesa, first thing today, assuming she's not off at a photo shoot, or whatever models do, and depending on how the battle goes, I'll decide how the rest of the day will go, whether I train more, or move on from Nimbasa City.

---

I enter the amusement park, and head straight for the Gym. The sign says that Elesa is 'IN.' How fortunate.

I head into the tunnel that runs under the roller coaster, and toward Elesa's arena. As I approach the other end of the tunnel, though, it becomes apparent that there's already a battle in progress.

I hear the telltale sounds of Pokemon shooting electricity, and Pokemon cries, including “Sssser... vine!” and “Saaawk!”

A voice commands, “Servine, use Coil!” No need to guess twice. Cheren is in the middle of his battle with Elesa.

Anxious to see how Cheren's battle will go, I rush to the other end of the tunnel, and up to the arena. Sure enough, Cheren is battling Elesa. Like the time I last fought her, it's a double battle.

Cheren's Pokemon are Servine and Sawk, while I actually recognize both of Elesa's. One is Electrode, which I remember a member of Team Plasma using in Castelia City, while the other is very distinguished among Pokemon: Yellow, pointy ears, red cheeks, zigzag-shaped tail; It's a Pikachu.

Also, I see something strange: Servine is coiled around the middle of Sawk's body. Just what the heck is Cheren thinking?

With trainers and Pokemon alike so wrapped up in their battle to acknowledge my presence, Elesa extends her hand toward Servine and Sawk, “Pikachu! Electrode! Thunderbolt!”

“Troooode!”

“Chuuuuuu!”

Electrode and Pikachu both shoot powerful blasts of lightning at Servine and Sawk... or more specifically, Servine, is it moves its body to intercept the attacks. The grass-type takes the electric attacks, wincing, but not looking all that hurt. I guess this means grass-types are resistant to electric-attacks. A new lesson is learned.

As for Sawk, he doesn't seem hurt at all. Suddenly, I get it! Sawk is wearing Servine, like armor, to defend itself against electric attacks. Holy crap! I never would have thought of that! It makes perfect sense that the Pokemon Musical was up Cheren's alley: he has more of an imagination than I do, and he's utilizing it. Even though I'm the one with more badges, I feel inferior...

As soon as the two electric-type Pokemon are done with their futile attacks, Cheren immediately commands, “End this quickly, Sawk! Earthquake!”

'Earthquake?' Cheren actually managed to afford that move at a TM lab? Well, it was a few days before he came to Nimbasa City, so maybe he made a pretty credit battling fellow trainers. I know I did over the past couple days.

“Saaaaaawk!” Rearing back its fist, glowing brown, Sawk dashes toward Electrode and Pikachu. The two electric-type counter by shooting more lightning, but once again, Servine absorbs the attacks. Sawk leaps up a few feet, and slams its fist into the ground, hard. The entire arena begins to tremor, and the ground beneath both Pikachu and Electrode explodes up, repeatedly slashing them with concrete and subterranean rocks.

“Troooo...”

“Kaaaa...”

With both electric-types covered in more steaming scars than I can count, they both go down at the same time.

Elesa, whose thoughts about this latest development are not clearly registering on her face, recalls Pikachu and Electrode.

“Hey, that was pretty cool!” I call out to Cheren.

Cheren glances back, “Ria?”

“Oh, you know each other?” asks Elesa, as she puts Pikachu and Electrode's Pokeballs into her compartment, and pulls out something, which I can only assume is a Gym Badge.

“Yes,” answers Cheren, as he recalls Servine and Sawk, “We come from the same town. We've been friends since the sixth grade.”

“At any rate,” says Elesa, as she walks over to Cheren, “You have shown yourself to be a very strong and clever battler, and it's only right that you have won the Bolt Badge...” She hands a yellow zigzag-shaped badge to Cheren, who takes it, and pins it to his jacket.

“Thank you,” says Cheren, as he turns to exit the area of the battlefield. I seem him wearing an expression I'd rarely seen him show: He's grinning, and it's not a slight grin, but rather, ear-to-ear, with his face slightly pink. Whether it's because he finally won his third Badge, after a long losing streak to Burgh, or the fact that a model's hand briefly brushed his when she handed him his badge, I don't know. Maybe he'd just proven he's into women after all; I was getting worried.

Cheren notices me staring at him, and his grin immediately disappears, but his face turns even redder, “What?”

“Oh nothing,” I say, with me now being the one who's grinning.

“Anyway, I imagine you're here to battle Ms. Elesa...”

“Like you had to guess,” I respond, as I step forward.

“So, you have returned, Ria,” says Elesa, “I take it you're prepared for electric Pokemon this time?”

“Guess we'll see,” I say.

“The rules are the same as last time,” says Elesa, as she gets a couple Pokeballs out of her compartment, “Three-badge Gym battle, two-on-two, double battle.”

“Sounds good,” I say, “Let's do this!”

I briefly think about which Pokemon to send out. One is Marowak, no two ways about it. As for the second... Well, not Dewott or Rufflet, obviously, and if Elesa uses Emolga again, Gallade might not be the best choice, either. However, Magmar stands a neutral chance in such a scenario. Alright, it's decided!

Elesa and I toss our Pokeballs into the field. Marowak and Magmar appear on my end, while the same two Pokemon Elesa used before, Electabuzz and Emolga, appear on her end. Perfect!

Elesa raises an eyebrow, “A ground-type. You really did come prepared this time. Still it doesn't mean you'll win...” She raises her voice, “Electabuzz! Emolga! Both of you focus on Magmar!”

“Buzz!”

“Mol!”

Emolga takes to the air, while Electabuzz's body crackles with electricity. Emolga quickly flies toward Marmar, who counters by blowing fire, but the Sky Squirrel Pokemon takes evasive action, dodging the attack, and flies over Magmar, releasing a cloud of electrified dust from its flaps. Crap, it's Thunder Wave!

However, Marowak holds his bone aloft, and it glow a bright white color. Electabuzz fires a Thunderbolt attack, but the stream of lightning veers away from Magmar, and into Marowak's bone. At the same time, Emolga's dust also flies to Marowak as well, like a magnet, both electric attacks being dispelled.

I analyze what Marowak just did with my Pokedex, and “Ability: Lightningrod,” comes up as a result. A smirk spreads across my face, as I quickly glance over the basic info. Apparently, Marowak's ability allows him to draw all electric attacks toward him, making them useless. Nice! This is better than I ever hoped for!

Elesa frowns, “Hm? So its ability is Lightningrod? This could be a problem...”

Okay! As long as Marowak's in the battle, Magmar doesn't have to worry about any electric-type attacks Elesa's Pokemon will use. No problem!

However, Elesa clearly reached a similar realization, as she says, “Change of plans! We must take Marowak down first. Electabuzz! Use Ice Punch!”

“Buzzz!” One of Electabuzz's fists starts to radiate light-blue light, and it charges at Marowak. It throws a right hook, but Marowak leaps back, barely dodging the attack, and lands several feet away. However, the humanoid electric-type presses its assault and charges again.

“Be careful, Ria!” calls out Cheren behind me, “Ground-types are weak to ice-type attacks!”

Well, Elesa came prepared, didn't she? However, I doubt an ice-type attack will do well against a fire-type.

“Magmar!” I shout, “Cover Marowak!”

“Mag!” Magmar dashes and slides in between Marowak and Electabuzz. Making due, Electabuzz throws its icy punch, originally meant for Marowak, at Magmar instead. Magmar is minimally fazed,  but Electabuzz backs away, screaming.

“Buuuuuuuuuuzz!” Electabuzz is shaking it hand, which is engulfed in fire.

I'd seen this happen a lot of times in training, whenever a Pokemon attacks Magmar directly. Magmar's ability: Flame Body. His constantly blazing body usually burns anything that touches him.

I issue my commands, “Take Electabuzz down, Marowak! Bone Club! Magmar! Focus on Emolga! Confuse Ray!”

“Maro!” Marowak jumps over Magmar, and charges at Electabuzz, while the Spitfire Pokemon turns and looks up at the Sky Squirrel Pokemon, which swoops down at the fire-type.

Magmar's eyes glow purple, and they shoot a gray beam at Emolga, who dodges to the side, and swoops past Magmar.

“Emolga! Aerial Ace!” commands Elesa.

Emolga instantly performs a U-turn, faster than Magmar can react, and performs another fly-by, this time clipping Magmar with one of its flaps.

Magmar winces, “Mar...”

Luckily, Magmar's Flame Body burned Emolga. However, Elesa is unfazed, “Put it out, Emolga! Agility!”

“Mol!” Emolga's movements suddenly cranks up to eleven, and the momentum puts out the fire. Crap...

Meanwhile, Marowak swings his club at Electabuzz, but the electric-type is pretty quick, and it leaps away. Marowak, like all my Pokemon, sans Magmar, is best at close-range, but he can fight at long-range too.

“Bonemerang!” I command.

“Wak!” Marowak rears back, his club radiating brown light, and he throws it at Electabuzz. The attack connects, leaving a steaming bruise. Electabuzz staggers back, stunned, while the bone flies back to Marowak, who catches it out of the air.

Getting back to Magmar and Emolga's end of the battle, things aren't going as well for the Spitfire Pokemon. Emolga, with its heightened speed, flies back and forth, clipping Magmar repeatedly, and thanks to said speed, whatever fire catches gets blown out quickly. Magmar counters with various Flamethrower attacks, blowing powerful blasts of fire, but Emolga manages to dodge those.

“Keep putting on the pressure, Emolga,” says Elesa, “Double Team!” Emolga suddenly splits into eight images of itself. Damn, it was bad enough when there was just one Sky Squirrel to deal with, but now there are seven fakes as well. After seeing Burgh's Pokemon using it, and now Elesa's, it sure seems like a popular technique among Gym Leaders...

At the same time, Marowak advances on Electabuzz, swinging his club, which the Electric Pokemon jumps away from, and then lunges forward with both of its fists radiating light-blue light. Electabuzz delivers one Ice Punch attack, which connects with Marowak's head, sending him reeling back. The electric-type tries to follow it up with a second, but Marowak manages to duck under it, and counterattack by thrusting his club into Electabuzz's gut. The Electric Pokemon staggers back, and Marowak follows up with his Bone Rush technique, swinging his club wildly, showering his opponent with heavy blows, each leaving a steaming bruise. Since it looks like Marowak has gained control of the situation, I focus the majority of my attention on Magmar's end.

Magmar, who had taken considerable damage from Emolga's repeated attacks, tries to counter as the eight Sky Squirrels converge on him with his Flamethrower attack, blowing a continuous stream of fire, and trying to sweep through as many Emolgas as possible, hoping to nail the real one, but has no luck.

The Emolgas fly by Magmar, with most passing through him, and one clipping him. As only a single Emolga actually touched the fire-type and briefly caught fire as a result of Magmar's ability, the Spitfire Pokemon uses that fact to his advantage to find the real one, but Emolga is one clever little squirrel, and its images fly up, performing various acrobatic maneuvers in midair, and overlapping with one another, causing me, and consequently, Magmar, loses track of the real one, and they swoop again.

Magmar is having a problem here. If only he could... an idea occurs to me: If only he could hit all of them at once.

I know one such move in Magmar's arsenal, which should help. The other day, after winning quite a bit of money by beating a well-dressed, rich-looking trainer who was so confident in winning, that he put a whopping 11,000 credits on the line, I paid a visit to Nimbasa's TM lab. There, I found a move Magmar could learn, which sounded extremely powerful. When it was put into practice, however, I was so scared I was about to get caught up in the attack, that I told Magmar never to use that technique, unless I told him to. I don't like said move, but it should get Magmar out of his current dilemma.

“Magmar!” I yell, “Go ahead and use Overheat! Get 'em all at once!”

“Mag,” Magmar glances at me and nods. “Maaaaaaaaaaaar!” His body starts to shake and turn bright red as heat so intense, I can feel it from where I'm standing, builds up in his body.

At the same time, Marowak delivers a decisive blow to Electabuzz, knocking out the electric-type. It tries to get up, but its strength gives out, and Elesa recalls it. Okay! One down and one to go!

As the Emolgas are about to perform another fly-by on Magmar, the Spitfire Pokemon releases an explosion of fire from his entire body so intense, my vision is momentarily filled with nothing but bright orange, and I break out in a hot sweat. Behind me, I hear Cheren let out a yelp, which is understandable, as that was the aspect of the technique that scared the crap out of me before, thinking I was about to get incinerated. Still, it totally did the trick! Burned badly, the fake Emolgas disappear, and the real one is sent flying, and lands back first on the ground.

“Mol...” Gritting its teeth, Emolga gets back to its feet, flaps its arms, and slowly lifts off the ground. Again, I'm amazed by how much fortitude Pokemon have, still being able to fight after getting fried repeatedly. Still, it's obviously an act of sheer willpower that the Sky Squirrel Pokemon is still standing.

“Mag... mar...” However, another drawback to Overheat, this one concerning Magmar himself, is that it takes a ton of energy for him to use it. The fire-type slumps to the ground in exhaustion, trying to support himself with one arm.

“M-molll...” No doubt as an act of desperation, Emolga's body crackles with electric sparks, and it sends a bolt at Magmar. However, it no doubt forgot about Marowak, who comes in charging, bone extended, drawing the attack away from Magmar. With his club glowing reddish-brown, Marowak jumps up, above Emolga, and swings his club down hard, slamming the electric/flying-type into the ground.

“Mo... l...” Marowak lands next to Emolga, waiting to see if it can still fight, but the Sky Squirrel doesn't even try to get up. It's beaten, completely.

With a slightly humbled smile, Elesa recalls Emolga, “Hmph... Good battle, Ria.”

“Hey! Awesome work, you guys!” I call out to Magmar and Marowak, grinning widely.

“Mag mag...” Magmar smiles weakly, while Marowak just slings his club over his shoulder, and looks away from Elesa, as if to say, 'Hmph. Waste of time.' What a sport...

As I recall my two Pokemon, Cheren offers a complement of his own, “It looks like I'm the one who's behind again. Anyway, that was amazing, Ria. Your Pokemon sure are powerful.”

Elesa returns Emolga and Electabuzz's Pokeballs to the compartment, and pulls out what I can only assume is a badge. She walks across the arena to me, “It looks like your Pokemon have become stronger and your skills have improved, Ria. It's only right that you receive your forth badge.” She outstretches her arm, and hands me the same zigzag-shaped badge she gave to Cheren. I quickly pin it to my vest. All right! With this, I've won half of the Gym badges!

“Thank you,” I say.

Elesa lets out a yawn, “It's only noon, but I think I should call it a day before long. Back-to-back battles sure wear me down. Hopefully, I won't get called in for a photo-shoot...”

“Hey, I hope you can get some time off soon,” I say, “Losing sleep, because of your career has got to suck...”

Elesa smiles wearily, “A major understatement. A couple hundred boys in school regularly glance at you, and someone from a modeling agency compliments you, and you think you're on easy street for the rest of your life. Maybe I should quit, and be a Gym Leader full-time. It's battles with trainers like you two, that make it such a thrill.”

I shrug, “I wish more guys would glance at me, personally. Still, if Pokemon battling makes you happy...”

Elesa stares at me for a couple seconds, “How about you, Ria? I maybe a popular model at the moment, but I'm not happy being one. Likewise, you're a powerful trainer, but do you like being a trainer?”

I'm about to give an immediate 'yes,' but I hesitate. Do I? I thought I did, but after N's big revelation, I've just been getting more and more confused about being a trainer. I'm gradually forgetting how I felt about being a trainer before then. I guess confusion cannot comprehend clarity...

Still, I answer, feeling unsure of myself, “Um... Yeah. I mean, I studied to be one for a while. Why wouldn't I?”

“I'm just curious,” says Elesa, “Ria... Cheren... I imagine the two of you can go much further as trainers. I hope I'll find out where you make it.”

“Thank you,” says Cheren.

“Yeah,” I follow up, “Well, take care and good luck, Elesa.”

Cheren and I descend into the tunnel, leaving the arena.

As we're halfway through the tunnel, however, glancing at the list of qualified trainers, which will no doubt have “Cheren (3)” and “Ria (4)” added before the end of the day, Cheren stares at me intensely.

Blushing slightly, I say, “Um... What's with that look, Cheren?”

“I want to know what's going on with you,” says Cheren flatly.

“What are you talking about?” I ask, “I got my forth badge, so I'd say things are going pretty swell right now.”

“That's not what I meant,” says Cheren, “When Elesa asked you if you like being a trainer, you hesitated. Why was that? You love being a trainer, and you know it, Ria. Since you started, you've been taking notes, trying to learn as much as possible, and enjoying the time you spend with your Pokemon, both in and out of battle. I'll admit that I thought you set a good example, and I tried following it, from occasionally training alongside my Pokemon to taking breaks from training every now and then, to do something fun with my Pokemon, having us bond more; You opposed my plan to have one of my Pokemon be kidnapped, and when you said so, I knew you were right.  In fact, in some ways, I even envy you, so why this sudden change of heart? What are you hiding?”

As much as I want to say 'Nothing,' I know Cheren too well to know he's not gonna buy it. With a defeated sigh, I say, “I'm just... confused right now...”

“About what? If I can help, then...”

I tell Cheren the whole truth, about N telling me his plans to become Champion, probably looking to gain the aid of a Legendary Pokemon, and how everything seemed different when I felt I absolutely had to become Champion, rather than just aspiring to it.

Cheren pauses for a few second to take everything in, and says, “I'll admit, N's goal sounds pretty unrealistic, being so confident that this... 'Reshiram,' will help him, if it's indeed a Legendary Pokemon. If I had to guess how you're feeling, I'd say the heightened sense of urgency, feeling you have to defeat N, has made you feel pressured or overwhelmed. Does that sound about right?”

I nod, “Yeah. I guess that sums it up nicely...”

Cheren stares at the qualified trainers list and sighs, “Being a trainer... being the Champion... I spent most of my life aspiring to that goal, so being forced to release my Pokemon would be a problem...”

“Is that the only reason you don't want N to separate you from your Pokemon?” I ask.

“Of course not,” says Cheren, “Of course, I'm fond of my Pokemon, but we have a common goal, I'm sure. Still, no matter what N or Ghetsis say, it won't do humans or Pokemon any good to have us live separately, especially after so many Pokemon have been highly trained, and trust their trainers. As such, I feel a certain responsibility to take on the goal of stopping N, myself, so... let me shoulder some of the burden, Ria. We'll work on defeating him, together.”

“Are you sure about this?” I ask, “I mean, don't you feel pressured too, knowing this?”

“Maybe,” says Cheren, “It seems like quite the herculean task to dump on a couple teenagers, who only became trainers not too long ago, but you heard Elesa, right? She thinks we can make it far, and let's face it... if I say so myself, we've become very powerful in the short time we've been trainers, so let's do it. For now, let's try not to worry about N, and just keep going with our journeys, like nothing has happened. Fighting battles, winning badges, becoming closer with our Pokemon... That's what it takes to become a Champion, or so a lot of Champions have said throughout the history of Pokemon training.”

I pause, then shrug, “Try to forget, huh? Well, with all N had said, it almost doesn't seem real. Sure, Cheren, for now, let's just keep journeying. So, what's your next move? Since you now have three badges, Burgh won't take it easy on you anymore.”

“Like he was before...” Cheren sighs, “I won't be able to beat him as I am, so I'll journey deeper into Unova, and win whatever other badges I can, and hopefully find another Pokemon I'll need to defeat Burgh with. For now, let's go together to the next town along the road: Driftveil City.”

“Sounds like a plan,” I say, “Let's get our Pokemon patched up, and get this show on the road.”


... And that ends the Nimbasa arc.
I hope the part about Ria feeling overwhelmed by what N told her came across believably enough, as I can't imagine most people would initially respond well to such a large responsibility.

Also, there are a couple questions I would like to ask of the readers:
1) Does this story still have its "spark?" By that, I mean, is this story still as good as it was at the beginning, or has the quality diminished since?
2) Are there any characters you like in particular, human or Pokemon?

Last edited by Valin on Fri Aug 17, 2012 1:39 am, edited 1 time in total.

In my opinion, the story has improved. The three characters aren't the rather flat versions they once were in the games, and even the NPCs have been given good personalities. I think it still has 'the spark.'

My favorite character would have to be Cheren. I identify so much with him, with his drive to succeed and be the best.

After heading back to the Pokemon Center and waiting about a half-hour for our Pokemon to heal, Cheren and I head to the northwest part of Nimbasa City, and arrive on Route 5, which is, thankfully, not a desert. In fact, it's just a road with forest on both sides, no different than Routes 2 and 3.

Still, the rather featureless area does kinda help my mood. It's a reminder of my journey, before all that N business came along, and the wave of nostalgia reminds me of just how fun and carefree things used to be... with the exception of that night with the Purrloins and Liepards, that is.

The two of us send out Gallade and Kirlia to guard us if any wild Pokemon show up, and we start walking. Cheren says, looking over a Town Map, “It should take us the better part of the day to reach Driftveil City, but if we just keep going, we should make it before dark.

“Good,” I respond, “Don't wanna spend the night out here, with all the dark-type prowling around, looking for dinner.”

“It shouldn't be too bad now,” Cheren tries to reassure me, “You now have five Pokemon, and the Ralts those dark-type were supposedly trying to eat, if I heard correctly, is a Gallade now. We should now be a lot safer.”

Gallade adds some words of his own, along with a reassuring smile, “Gall gallade.”

“Thanks,” I say, “Well, if it comes to that, I'm counting on you, Gallade.”

“Gall.”

---

A couple hours pass as me, Cheren, and our respective Pokemon continue along Route 5. As much as I'm trying to shut out my encounter with N, and try to live my life as a trainer as normally as possible, as I was encouraged earlier, there is one part of my our conversation that I wonder if Cheren can shed some light on, “... Cheren?”

“Hm?”

“Um... Well, seeing as you're smarter than me, and stuff, I was wondering if you know anything about Reshiram...”

“Are you still thinking about what N told you?” asks Cheren, “Please try not to worry about it, at least for now.”

“Well, I'm just wondering. I mean, seeing as 'Reshiram' seems to be a big part of N's plan, I think we should both know as much as we can about it. When I asked N, he just told me that I wasn't very well-versed in my Unovian lore, so I was wondering if you had more insight on the subject.”

“In regards to 'Reshiram,'” says Cheren, “Whether or not it's a Legendary Pokemon is not something we're entirely certain of, but as for the lore, Unova doesn't have as many legends surrounding it as, say, Sinnoh or Johto, but there is one that stands out, about the region's origins.”

“Cool,” I say, “Care to share?”

“Basically, it's about two dragons, which made Unova the way it is. However, the legends never specifically said what those dragons were called...”

“Oh, well. I guess it's better than nothing...”

“Kir kir!”

“Gall gallade!” Gallade and Kirlia point ahead, up the road. What we see is definitely not something that can be causally overlooked. There are people all over the place, mostly trainers, by the looks of things, as there are at least a dozen Pokemon battles going on at once. Seeing as it's all going on in the same place, there's gotta be some kinda event.

“I wonder what's going on,” I say.

“Whatever it is, it's clearly geared toward Pokemon trainers, and participating will only help us,” states Cheren, “Let's take a closer look.”

Cheren, Gallade, Kirlia, and I approached the large group of trainers and battling Pokemon, weaving our way through the plentiful, but still spread-out crowd, being careful not to step into the middle of a match.

All around, there has got to be roughly twenty trainers, give or take, and everyone is engaged in a Pokemon battle... except for one, who is sitting cross-legged on the ground, and watching all the battles contently. He's a scruffy-looking man, looking somewhere in his late forties, with about four day's growth of beard, wearing a yellow poncho with red highlights, and white, somewhat worn pants, neither of which look like they'd been washed recently, unkempt long red hair, done into a ponytail in the back, and he wears his Pokeball belt around the back of his neck, with both ends hanging down his front. He's definitely not the kind of trainer who had spent the majority of his nights at a Pokemon Center, but there's also something... oddly familiar about him...

“That guy...” I say to Cheren, pointing at the scruffy man, “Call me crazy, but I swear I'd seen him somewhere before...”

Cheren stares for a few seconds, and then says, “Yeah... you're not alone on that Ria, but where...?”

We stare for a few more seconds. Finally, something clicks, and I'm not the only one, as I see Cheren's eyes widen in realization as well. Sweet egg-hatcher of Arceus...

“The Champion!” exclaim Cheren and me at the same time. I didn't recognize him right away, as he had shown some wear and tear since the last time I'd seen him, on TV, specifically. Back then, he was dressed nice and well-groomed, but since then, he hadn't made any televised appearances at all! I thought he just had an Elesa-esque dislike for his position, as far as the media is concerned, but now, here we find him, far away from Pokemon League HQ: The Champion, Alder!

Our simultaneous exclamation manages to take Alder's attention away from the battles around him, and he looks at Cheren and me. Any trainer in Unova would look up to this guy, so Cheren and I suddenly find ourselves standing erect, as if we were in the military, and a CO was walking by.

Alder apparently has a gift for reading minds, because upon seeing us, he says in a deep, but clear, voice, smirking, “Hey, now! At ease, soldiers. I'm sure you two recognize me, but let's not forget we're all trainers here. I'm just a little luckier than most, that's all. Don't be shy.”

A can't help but smile a little. Man, what a laid-back guy.

Cheren stammers at little, “Um... Sorry, this is just quite a surprise, suddenly running into you like this,  Champion Alder.”

Still smirking, Alder waves his hand reassuringly, “Hey, when you get right down to it, we're nothing more than trainers, within the same class of people. You can be yourself around me, so just call me 'Alder,' alright?”

“Y-yeah, sure thing... Alder,” says Cheren.

Alder says, addressing the trainers around him, causing the battles to pause, “Well... it looks like we have a couple more trainers joining us!” He gestures toward Cheren and me, “Will the two of you care to introduce yourselves?”

“Yeah,” I say, “I'm... Ria.”

“Cheren,” Cheren introduces himself.

“Well then, let us welcome Ria and Cheren...” says Alder to everyone, “Will the rest of you introduce yourselves?”

One by one, the trainers surrounding Alder give Cheren and me their names, and then get back to their battles.

“So... what's going on here?” I ask Alder.

Alder answers, “Oh, I was just passing through, when a small group of trainers recognized me, and asked me for some advice. Soon enough, more people walked up, then more, and before I knew it, a mass training session started. Well, Ria and Cheren, I'm probably gonna be here for the rest of the day, so feel free to join in. After all, your Pokemon can only get so strong by practicing with each other. The real strength that can be gained comes from competing with other people, and that's what this little session is all about. Take it from 'His Championship,' himself.”

Well, if the strongest trainer in Unova said it, there's not a whole lot of room to doubt him. Besides, it's a chance to trainer under the Champion himself! This is a great opportunity!

Cheren obviously reaches a similar realization, because he nods in response to Alder's offer, “We will. Thank you so much Cham-- I mean, Alder.”

Alder rises to his feet, “Well, it looks like everyone is preoccupied, so how would one of you like to try your luck against the Champ himself?”

Both Cheren and me hesitate. A battle... with the Champion?

Alder heartily laughs in response to our hesitation, “Hahaha! Don't worry, I'll go easy on ya!”

I think about it. I doubt this is a battle I can win, but... to beat N, I'm gonna have to supersede Alder sooner or later. I guess now's a good chance to see how I measure up.

I raise my hand, “I will! I'll try!”

“Aren't we brave?” says Alder, grabbing a Pokeball from his belt, which I notice has a light-green center, “Still, I think you've gotta be, since you've got four badges. No small accomplishment. Your Gallade looks like he's had quite a bit of training. I'd say you have potential.”

Gallade, who had no doubt overheard our conversation, and learned that Alder's the Champion, looks extremely humble, “Lade...”

I blush, “Um... Thank you.” Words cannot describe how flattered I am right now. A compliment from the Champion himself, saying I have potential...

“Now...” says Alder, backing away from Cheren, Kirlia, Gallade, and me by several feet, putting enough distance between us for a Pokemon battle, “Let's see what your Gallade can do.”

“Alright!” I say, “Gallade! You're up!”

“Gall!” Gallade steps forward and strikes a battle stance.

Alder tosses his Pokeball into the field, “Come out, Accelgor!” The Pokemon that appears on Alder's end is... well, something. It's three feet tall, mostly wrapped in black bandages, and its head looks like a red mask. It kinda looks looks like a ninja... mummy... thing. “This is a training battle, Accelgor, so no attacking until I say so.”

“Accel!” Accelgor peers through its mask at Gallade, hopping up and down, arms folded in front of it.

From the color on the Pokeball Alder used, I know Accelgor is a bug-type. I'd already fought Burgh, so I know what move Gallade can use, that should work. I extend my arm, “Okay, Gallade! Use Stone Edge!”

“Gall!” Gallade dashes toward Accelgor with his blades extending from his elbows, glowing dull-gray.

Alder grins, “Well, well. Your Gallade is a little quicker than most Gallades I'd seen in my time. Still, compared to Accelgor...”

Accelgor stands still as Gallade closes in on the bug-type. Is it up to something?

Finally, Gallade delivers a slash, but all of a sudden, Accelgor is gone, and Gallade attacks nothing but air.

I glance around. What happened? Where did Accelgor go? Finally I look down, and see the bug-type on my end of the field with its back to me. What the heck? Did it teleport, or did it actually move? If its the latter, this is officially the fastest Pokemon I'd ever seen, putting even Burgh's Ninjask to shame! I didn't even see a blur!

“Behind you!” I yell to Gallade, “Try Aerial Ace!”

“Gallade! Gallade!” Gallade whirls around and charges again. With his blades now glowing sky-blue, he leaps up, and descends on Accelgor. Again, however, Accelgor vanishes, and Gallade ends up slashing the ground, creating a couple deep gashes in the earth.

Shoot! Accelgor is too fast! Still, we could work this fact to our advantage. It's so fast that whenever Alder tells it to go on the offensive, it can catch Gallade off-guard easily, and that should cause Steadfast to kick in, and Gallade could then better match Accelgor's speed! Until then, we'd best keep attacking and hoping we get lucky.

“Haha! It looks like someone doesn't have a very good poker face,” laughs Alder, as Accelgor reappears in front of him.

“Huh?” I suddenly notice I was smirking.

“Let me guess,” says Alder, grinning widely, “You're hoping Accelgor will blindside Gallade, and activate his ability. You have skill if you recognize a situation where your Pokemon's abilities will work best, but yours isn't the first Gallade Accelgor has fought, and he knows better than to catch one off-guard.”

“Gall!” Apparently, Gallade was thinking the same thing as me, as he grits his teeth in frustration.

My heart sinks a little as well. So much for that strategy...

“It's behind you again!” I tell Gallade, “Give Psycho Cut a shot!”

Gallade performs another about-face, now with his elbow-blades glowing pink, and he sends a psychic blade Accelgor's way. However, Accelgor suddenly sidesteps, causing the attack to approach Alder instead. Oh crap!

“Gallade!” I yell.

“Gall!” Gallade raises one of his hands, makes a fist, and the psychic blade vanishes before I find myself in a position where I owe the Champ a big apology. Still, Alder didn't seem the least bit fazed the entire time.

Accelgor performs another invisible movement, and appears in the middle of the battlefield. Gallade charges and swings his blades, attempting another Stone Edge attack. Unsurprisingly, Accelgor dodges yet again, and this time, reappears standing on top of Gallade's blade. The bug-type leaps up, and bounces off Gallade head like a trampoline.

With irritation clearly registering on his face, Gallade turns and attacks, but again, no luck. From there, Gallade is running around the battlefield, taking swipes at Accelgor, wherever it appears, whether the attack is Psycho Cut, Aerial Ace, or Stone Edge, but not a single technique connects.

“Accelgo~!” Accelgor says in a taunting tone as it zips all over the battlefield.

“Gallade! Gallade!” Gallade roars in frustration.

Alder says, “Your Gallade is fast and strong, no doubt about it, but I don't think you're very well-aware of his other skills.”

“What do you mean?” I ask.

“Gall?”

Alder explains, “You need to check your Pokedex more. Still, in this case, I'll give you a freebee.  Gallade can sense thoughts, and predict his opponent's actions. Still, it needs a clear head and quite a bit of focus to do so.”

I nod in response. Clearly Alder is trying to teach me something here, and who am I to turn down a lesson from the Champion? “Okay... Hey, Gallade? Try to chill a little, and concentrate.”

“Gall...” Gallade takes a couple deep breaths, closes his eyes for a few seconds, and then opens them. He looks at Accelgor, “Gall!”

“Let's continue, Accelgor!” Alder calls out.

Accelgor dashes around the battlefield, while Gallade stands still, and closes his eyes again. After a few seconds, his eyes burst open, and he whirls around to his eight o' clock position, and swings his blade, sending a Psycho Cut attack at nothing but air. At that moment, however, Accelgor appears in the psychic blade's path.

“Gor!” With a yelp, Accelgor turns his body, narrowly dodging the attack. Still, it was much closer than any other attack Gallade had attempted so far.

“That was awesome!” I call out, “Keep at it!”

“It looks like the lesson's been learned,” Alder tells Accelgor, “Feel free to go on the offensive.”

“Cel!” Accelgor starts zipping around the battlefield again, and once again, Gallade closes his eyes in concentration.

Suddenly, Gallade quickly turns, just as Accelgor extends its arms, and sends a large green orb of some kinda energy at Gallade. Gallade reflexively raises one of his blades to guard against it, but while that's going on, Accelgor is dashing around the field, sending even more of those attacks the psychic/fighting-type's way from all directions. Even if Gallade could tell what Accelgor will do, his physical abilities won't let him counter in time, I realize.

Soon, he's getting bombarded from all sides by the orbs. I get out my Pokedex, and find out the move Accelgor is attacking Gallade with is called Energy Ball, a grass-type technique.

Finally, after taking half a dozen Energy Ball attacks, Gallade slumps to his knees, defeated. Accelgor reappears in front of Alder.

Alder holds out Accelgor's Pokeball, “Heh. A fine job as always. Take a good break.” With those words, the Champion recalls Accelgor.

I sigh as I pulls a potion out of my supply bag, and work on healing Gallade's wounds. After all I and Gallade had learned, we lost anyway. I can't help but let out a small ironic chuckle. To think I actually thought I stood a chance against the Champion, even for a moment. What a dummy I am...

“Hey, why the long face?” asks Alder, “Don't tell me you suddenly forgot who you were fighting against. Not to sound conceited, but I don't think you should be too hard on yourself for losing to me.”

“I know,” I say, “I just thought for a moment Gallade and I could win...”

Cheren steps in. “We're both trying to become Champion,” he says, “It's just apparent that Ria still has a ways to go.”

Alder lets out another carefree laugh, “Haha! So, you're trying to overthrow the master himself, huh? Not an easy task. Believe me, I should know; It wasn't a walk in the park beating the last guy who was in my position. Anyway, don't feel bad you lost, Ria. Every step of that battle meant improvement for Gallade. Running around, trying to score a hit; Gallade will be faster after that. As for focusing and reading minds...”

“You were holding back, and letting Gallade do that,” I say, “No opponent would give Gallade the time to perform it otherwise. Besides, if Gallade knew what his opponent will do, Steadfast is rendered meaningless.”

Alder grins, “You're pretty bright. It's no wonder you've won four badges. Yeah, few opponents will leave Gallade alone long enough for him to focus as deeply as he did, but even a slight amount of that focus can do wonders, like helping him sense the presence of an opponent through all the illusions, if one were to use Double Team. A lot of trainers love that move, after all, but if you send out Gallade, and have him focus his thoughts for even a few seconds, it could be rendered useless.”

My face lights up. I never thought of it like that, and Alder was right, as I had fought a couple Gym Leaders who were totally into Double Team. “Hey, I kinda like that. Thank you so much, Alder.”

“Not a problem,” says Alder, looking around at the other trainers, some of whom had finished their battles, “Well, it looks like some of the other trainers are ready for new opponents, so have some battles and learn lots, you two.”

Cheren and I nod in response. I stand up, and hold out Gallade's Pokeball, “Hey, you did an awesome job, Gallade. Take a good rest. I'm sure what we learned here will come in very handy.”

“Gall gall!” Gallade grins.

“Return,” With that, Gallade vanishes with a flash and returns to his Pokeball.

---

Cheren and I spend the day battling with other trainers, under Alder's supervision.

Many more trainers arrive, and even a doctor who was on his way to Nimbasa City from Driftveil, and brought a miniature version of the machine that's apparently used in Pokemon Centers to heal Pokemon, which all the trainers made full use of.

The whole time, Alder gives more one-on-one lessons with many of the trainers, and I wasn't the only one who was enlightened by just what skills a Pokemon can have, deep down. I overhear one trainer ask him how he knows so much about each individual Pokemon. His answer: “When you've been a trainer as long as I have, and had as many battles, each day offers something new to learn. Pokemon researchers know a lot of stuff, but sometimes, it's witnessing things first-hand that offers the most knowledge.” I can't help but analyze those words a bit. Despite his seemingly laid-back nature, it's by no fluke that Alder is the Champion. Can I really expect to live up to his power and knowledge? He was absolutely right about how witnessing things first-hand offers the most knowledge; That's a realization I reached myself on my journey, so maybe we're not so different, but one of things I 'learned first-hand,' was just how strong a Champion can be. At the same time, though, can N really beat him, even if Reshiram is a Legendary Pokemon? I try to take reassurance in that, but that the same time, the power of a Legendary Pokemon is something I, and many trainers, have never witnessed, so I have absolutely no basis for comparison.

Still, taking Alder's words to heart, I try to gather as much knowledge as I can from every battle I have with the many trainers practicing here, and gradually, everything I used to feel about being a trainer, before N's big reveal, is coming back to me! Cheering my Pokemon on... me and my opponent laughing when a battle turns out being very close. Being a trainer really is a good time, and isn't that what matters? Just how had N grown up to not make him realize such a thing as a trainer, himself?

I have a brief training session with one trainer, who has his Mothim perform Double Team many times, and, putting Alder's lesson to good use, Gallade tries to attack the real one, after focusing his thoughts for a few seconds, and he never once misses a target! I realize just how much the knowledge I'd gained has made both me and my Pokemon stronger battlers. Still, the other trainers have gotten some inspiration of their own, and I find myself winning some battles, but losing others, but every one is a fun new experience. This is what being a Pokemon trainer is all about!

Meanwhile, Cheren and one other trainer, in particular, seem to really be getting along. The trainer is a girl, about our age, with tanned skin, implying she's most likely from Hoenn. They initially battled, with Cheren sending out Kirlia, and the girl using a three-foot-tall yellow chicken-ish fire-type Pokemon, with long claws on its arms, my Pokedex identified as Combusken, a fire/fighting-type, which is a platinum star in my book. Since then, they'd been chatting constantly, about what, however, I hadn't really been keeping track of, as my focus had mainly been on battling as many trainers as possible, and getting whatever I can out of them, whether it be new knowledge about what Pokemon are weak to what attacks, or what skills or moves my Pokemon are capable of. Still, one thing I did notice is that Cheren and the Hoennian have been showing off one another's Pokemon, and, as much as I'd like to conclude that 'Miss Hoenn' and Cheren are looking like a cute couple, their faces aren't indicating any joking or flirting at all (not that I was expecting that kinda thing from Cheren). In fact, it looks serious and solemn. Either they skipped the dating and went straight to the quarreling, or there's something else going on here. Still, it's probably best if I don't cut in.

As the hours fly by, whenever I'm not having a Pokemon battle, I'm periodically glancing at Cheren and the Hoennian girl, wondering what's up. Finally, I see them, with Sawk and Combusken. Still, the two Pokemon aren't just standing at attention. Rather, a whole range of emotions are registering on their faces. Parts of them looks sad... other parts look worried... Just what are those two doing to their Pokemon?

Sawk walks over to the Hoennian girl, while Combusken walks to Cheren's side, and finally, the two trainers exchange the Pokemon's respective Pokeballs, and recall them. Suddenly, I get it. I'd heard of it, but with all the time I'd spent with my Pokemon, I never fathomed the logic behind it: They traded Pokemon, Cheren trading Sawk away for Combusken! Afterward, Cheren and other the other trainer get back to doing what everyone else is, and battling. I wonder what Cheren was thinking, trading away a Pokemon he'd spent so much time with.

---

Sunset arrives, and the crowd of trainers gradually thins out, with some riding fast ground-based Pokemon away in the directions of Nimbasa or Driftveil, and others taking to the skies on fully-evolved flying-type Pokemon. All the trainers, however, thank Alder before they take off.

After enough trainers have left, Alder announces to whoever's left, “Well, I guess that's that for today. It's been great watching each and every one of you and your Pokemon grow, and I'm sure you all have bright futures ahead of you as Pokemon trainers. Keep applying everything you've learned here, and I promise you will go far. Keep training and remember to love and trust your Pokemon, as they love and trust you, and any of you will have the makings of a Champion!”

The crowd of trainers start speaking at once, giving several variations of what can be summed up as 'Thank you' or 'You're so cool, Alder!'

Suddenly, a thought occurs to me, and even with as much fun I had today, I can't believe it slipped my mind to bring it up.

“Alder!” I call out as I maneuver through the crowd to the Champion, who had just sent out a large moth-like Pokemon with six orange wings and a fuzzy body.

As Alder is about to climb on the moth's back, he notices me, and says, “What is it... 'Ria,' right?” I can't blame him for momentarily forgetting my name, considering all the trainers he'd talked to today.

If N's aiming to be Champion, he'll no doubt have to defeat Alder. I'd better let him know, “Um... Alder? There's this trainer I know. He's a bit of an oddball, but he's kinda against people using Pokemon, and he wants to take over as Champion, so he can order people to stop catching and battling Pokemon.”

Alder blinks a couple times, “Really? That sounds like an interesting young man, but if he doesn't believe in the bond humans and Pokemon have, I doubt he'll be able to defeat me.”

“I hope you're right...”

Cheren rushes over, “Alder! There's something I would like to ask you, if you don't mind.”

“I guess I'm popular to the end,” says Alder, “Go ahead.”

“How come no one's heard from you for so long?” asks Cheren, “You're still the Champion, but you stopped making appearances, and now, we find you here, far from the Pokemon League.”

Alder pauses, then responds, “There are just some things more important than being a Champion, and there are other things that change. That is all. Now, let me ask the two of you a question: What is a Champion to you?”

I wasn't expecting the question, so I hesitate, but Cheren speaks up almost immediately, “The strongest of all trainers, of course!”

Alder nods in understanding, “That's a pretty common way of putting it, and it's an admirable goal to aspire to as a trainer, but there are some things you should ask yourselves: Why do you want to be Champions? What is so important about strength? What's wrong with just being a trainer, with no fancy title attached?”

Cheren hesitates, and I see a look of conflict on his face, “Well... I...”

Alder says, “Without those realizations, 'Champion' is nothing more than a title. Anyway, I want you to think about it.”

“I see,” says Cheren.

Alder says to his moth-like Pokemon, “Okay, Volcarona! Let us be off!”

“Voooool!” With a screech, the Pokemon takes off, with the Champion in tow.

---

The trainers without a fast ground Pokemon, or a fully-evolved flying Pokemon, knowing they won't make it to the next city before dark, start making camp, and, of course, Cheren and I are no exceptions.

I pull a small plastic case I bought back in Accumula Town, but hadn't used until now, out of my supply bag. Inside, folded into a compact lump, is a miniature tent, the same kind all the other trainers are pitching, with the only difference being the colors; Mine is black, both because it's my favorite color (second being white and third being pink. Go ahead and laugh) and because it doesn't stand out during the night.

Cheren pulls a similar tent kit out of his supply bag, his being blue, and pitches it adjacent to mine. At the other tents around us, trainers are crawling in for the night, with two Pokemon, mostly fighting-types or bug-types, standing outside each tent. Each pair of Pokemon has one sleeping, and the other standing guard, so I guess they're working in shifts. As for Cheren and me, we send out Staravia and Rufflet, respectively to guard us.

Cheren and I crawl into our tents. The bottoms have some padding, so if I were to be sleeping on top of a rock, it's considerably less unpleasant. However, that's the only upside to sleeping in one of these things. It's so small, I actually have to bend my knees a little to fit, not to mention narrow, without a single space to put my supply bag, except on top of me. Also, the night is warm and humid, and I'm starting to sweat. I can tell I'm gonna have a heck of a time getting to sleep. As much as I dislike sleeping in a Pokemon Center, with snoring trainers, at least they have AC, as well as a shower. Man, have I been spoiled, or what? From the way Alder looked, he'd probably been living like this regularly.

However, the worst part about it, is that this is my second night outside a town, and my first night of sleeping in the middle of nowhere, with dark-types on the prowl. Still, having a Pokemon stand guard is a matter of trust between trainer and Pokemon, so I'll just have to put my faith in Rufflet to ward off any nocturnal Pokemon. Still, my tent and Cheren's are not the only ones in the area, so I doubt a lot of wild Pokemon will come here anyway.

Using the backs of my arms as a pillow, I close my eyes, and get started counting Mareep, when I hear Cheren's voice. Since the fabric of the tents are paper-thin, he doesn't have to raise his voice at all and I hear him as clearly as if he's laying right next to me, “Hey, Ria? Are you asleep?”

“Totally,” I answer, and then make some exaggerated snoring noises.

I hear Cheren chuckle a little, “Very funny, Ria. Sometimes I wish I had your sense of humor.”

“I wasn't always like this,” I say, “Ever since I was attacked by a wild dark-type when I was twelve, I'd tried coping with my trauma by trying to regularly entertain myself, making a joke or sarcastic remark about whatever I see or experience. Trying to see the world through some kinda comedic light really helped me out.”

“I see...”

“So, what's so important that you're making my trip to Dreamland so much harder than it already is?”

“... What did you think of Alder?”

“He's a cool guy,” I answer, “I always thought of a Champion as someone who had some no-nonsense outlook, and made severe remarks if he saw a trainer who was raising his or her Pokemon wrong, but Alder was so... easygoing and easy to talk to. Why do you ask, Cheren?”

“I don't know what I think of him, personally,” says Cheren, “I mean, he's the strongest trainer in Unova. How can he be so half-hearted about his position?”

“'Half-hearted?'”

“He's out on a Pokemon journey, instead of being at the Pokemon League, battling the most powerful trainers possible. How can power mean so little to him?”

“Beats me,” I say, “He said there things more important than being a Champion. I guess it's just the way he rolls. By the way, Cheren, I saw you trade your Sawk away for Combusken. Care to explain why?”

“I needed Combusken,” says Cheren, “Combusken is a fire/fighting-type, with flying-type capabilities. No Pokemon is more perfect for battling Burgh with.”

“Riiiight,” I say, “Beating Burgh... That totally justifies giving away a Pokemon you'd spent so much time raising.”

“Trading Pokemon is a common practice among trainers,” says Cheren, “Of course, there are some people, like you, as it turns out, Ria, who become very attached to their Pokemon and won't part with them, and that's fine.”

“Did you even notice that look on Sawk's face?” I ask, “It looked sad and worried.”

“Not too surprising,” says Cheren, “Still, the other trainer and I took the time to get our Pokemon to know one another, and reassure them that they will be well taken care of with their new master. I vowed I would take good care of Combusken, and so did the other trainer for Sawk. I intend to make good on my word, take care of my new Pokemon, and train it to be the strongest it can be.”

“I dunno,” I say, “as long as you promise to take good care of Combusken, and you're sure Sawk will be happy, I guess.”

“There's no need to be so skeptical,” says Cheren, “That trainer and I traded frequencies, so I can check up on Sawk and she can check up on Combusken. It's not like I'm saying goodbye to Sawk forever.”

“Good,” I say, “I thought you were completely separating yourself from Sawk.”

“I'm not as heartless a trainer as you seem to think, Ria.”

Cheren and I remain silent for a few minutes, and I try to get back to sleep, but now, there's a lot of stuff on my mind: an undeniable ingredient for a crappy night. I recall what Alder told us before he took off, about what we find so important about being strong, and being a Champion, and all that. Before N, being a Champion was something I just thought I'd try for, something to compete with Cheren over, but Cheren had actually dreamed of it... spending most of his life in preparation to pursue that goal. Suddenly, a question answers my mind; a question that had never occurred to me in the six years I'd known Cheren.

“Cheren?”

“Hm?”

“I can't believe I never asked this, but... why do you want to be Champion?”

“Why not? It's the goal I'd spent most of my life pursuing.”

“Okay, let me rephrase that: Why did you even bother pursuing it in the first place? What about it is so important to you, that you'd been so dedicated?”

Cheren is silent for several seconds. I try to picture what expression is on his face inside his tent. Finally, he breaks his silence, “Why not? It's the goal in life I chose.”

“Why did you choose it, then?”

Cheren starts using a tone I wasn't expecting. He sounds... irritated, “Why is it so important that you know this? It's my goal in life, and that's all there is to it, just like some people want to be Pokemon Rangers, and others want to be police officers. Please, Ria. Just stop asking me.”

“Dude! What crawled up your rectum? I was just wondering.”

“Sorry,” says Cheren, “I... just have my reasons. That's all.”

“Yeah, sure...” There is no more conversation. Now with my mind fuller than ever, I undergo the nigh impossible task of sleeping. Man, this is gonna be a long night...

---

… and a long night it was. It took almost forever to get to sleep, and when I did, it was probably just for a couple hours, at most, seeing that it's about daybreak when I crawl out of my tent, positive that I won't get any more sleep than I did.

With everyone else still asleep in their tents, through some Arceus-driven miracle, I fold up my own tent and head into the woods with Rufflet, so he can train by battling some wild Pokemon.

It occurs to me that ever since arriving in Unova proper, I'd never really fought any wild Pokemon, seeing as Magmar and Marowak were previously under the care of another trainer. Sure enough, true to what I'd heard, the wild Pokemon around here are indeed tougher than their peninsula counterparts, but still no match for Rufflet.

Thanks to some light research I did with my Pokedex, I'd learned that out of my Pokemon, Gallade and Marowak are fully evolved, while Dewott and Magmar apparently still have one more form they can each evolve into, but Rufflet hadn't evolved at all, nor evolved from something. Still, it's gotta happen eventually. For now, all Rufflet's gotta do is just keep training, and it's bound to happen sooner or later. Actually, when I encountered N in Pinwheel Forest, didn't he say it was Rufflet's dream to evolve?

A couple hours pass as Rufflet and I train in the wilderness, before we return to the campsite, where most of the trainers are crawling out of their tents, and getting ready for a brand new day, including Cheren. After the two of us eat a breakfast consisting of our beef jerky rations, while we feed our Pokemon some berries Rufflet and I picked in the woods (apparently, Pokemon can eat every kind of berry there is, while some may or may not be poisonous to humans), we're back on the road to Driftveil City.

Since we have the entire day to make it to Driftveil, Cheren and I go at a casual pace, occasionally stopping to have our Pokemon spar. Strangely, however, we don't see a lot of other trainers coming in the direction opposite of Driftveil City, and I was hoping to get in some battles with people other than Cheren.

Unfortunately, the leisurely pace Cheren and I had been going at along Route 5 suddenly turns into a sprint when it begins raining.

While Route 5 is pretty much a straight road, it goes on seemingly forever, the fact that there's practically no place decent to take cover from the rain is frustrating. Even more frustrating, however, is when we're dashing, hoping to make it to Driftveil as soon as possible, and Cheren, being Cheren, runs out of steam, and I have to slow down for him. All the while, the rain starts getting heavier to the point that viability is becoming an issue, and to top all that off, the sky starts flashing, with thunder accompanying it.

Geez, up until now, it's been a pretty dry summer, but when the rain decided to show up, it sure made a grand entrance, and while Cheren and I had all the good fortune to be out in the middle of nowhere, no less!

“Hey, Cheren!” I yell over the din of rapidly pounding rain and the occasional thunder, “Are we almost to Driftveil City? Hate to say it, but our clothes are getting drenched out here, and if we don't find shelter soon, we're so gonna catch a cold!”

Cheren looks over his Town Map, which is becoming increasingly soggy, “I can't imagine it's too far from here, but I'm not positive. Unfortunately, Route 5 doesn't exactly have any notable landmarks, so I have no way of telling how far along we are, exactly.”

“Maybe we could take cover in our tents?” I suggest, “At least until the storm passes?”

“It might help for a little while,” says Cheren, “but they can only do so much good, as they aren't exactly waterproof, and it won't take long for the rain to leak through. Besides, we don't know how long it will take for the rain to pass.”

“Crap...” I mutter, “I'm getting cold here. Got any bright ideas, Cheren? You always do...”

Cheren stops and thinks for a moment, “How about sending out Magmar, Ria? Its Flame Body ability should give off heat to whatever surrounds it.”

I grab Magmar's Pokeball from my belt, “Not a bad idea, Cheren... but couldn't the rain hurt him?”

“Rain has never killed a fire-type Pokemon,” says Cheren, “If there's flames on one's body, they're too powerful to be doused. Still, it would be unpleasant for Magmar, nonetheless. However, I do have another idea...” Cheren gives a brief summery and we set off to do what he suggests.

The two of us head into the woods nearby, and grab two long branches. Afterward, we take out my tent, but instead of pitching it, we tie its two ends to the branches, making it something of a makeshift umbrella for me and Cheren. It's a rather crummy umbrella, but it does manage to reduce the rain pounding on us. Finally, I send out Magmar, who walks between us, while Cheren and I hold up the two ends of the umbrella, the fire-type's body giving off soothing heat. Man, I was lucky to find such a Pokemon...

---

With Magmar and the 'umbrella,' the walk to Driftveil City becomes more bearable, but still unpleasant, overall. As I'm about to ask Cheren the quintessential, 'Are we there yet?' question, however, we see something a short distance up the road: something very tall, and red, and totally impassable.

“That should be the Driftveil Drawbridge,” announces Cheren, “If so, Driftveil City is on the other side.” I'd heard of the Driftveil Drawbridge, also known as the Charizard Bridge. It's one of the five bridges, which includes the previously-crossed Skyarrow Bridge, that are the pride and joy of Unova.

“Well, that's cheery,” I say, “It looks like the drawbridge is up!”

“Mar...” Magmar sighs in disappointment.

Cheren says, “We can't just turn around, and go back to Nimbasa City. We gotta get across it somehow...”

With no direction to go, other than forward, we head toward the raised drawbridge. As we get closer, we spot a small booth next to the bridge. We rush up to it, and see a middle-aged man, in a darkly colored uniform, inside.

Cheren calls out to the man, “Hey, can you lower the drawbridge for us?”

“No can do,” says the man, “I have orders from the Boss to keep it up. There's a bit of a situation going on in Driftveil City, you see.”

“What kinda situation?” I ask, “It's gotta pretty bad if you can't let a couple kids cross it to get out of this rain!”

“Oh, Team Plasma's pulling stuff,” explains the man, “Y'know, stealing Pokemon from trainers, and all that. We're trying to round them up. The drawbridge is raised to give them one less escape route.”

I bite my lower lip and nod. Yup, it looks like my reprieve from getting caught up in Team Plasma's shenanigans is officially over. Still, as much as I'd rather not put up with them, right now, it's better than standing around in a rainstorm that's gonna last for Arceus-knows-how-long, and freezing to death.

I speak up, “Um... We've fought with Team Plasma before... and if it will get us out of this rain, we could help. Um... Do you mind, Magmar?” Magmar wasn't with me during my previous entanglements with Team Plasma, but he's chatted with my other Pokemon enough that it wouldn't surprise me if they were mentioned once or twice to him.

Magmar stares at me for a little while, before nodding his head, “Mag.”

“We're fairly accomplished trainers,” says Cheren, “I'm sure we might be able to help.”

The man in the booth looks Cheren and me over, and says, “Let's see what the Boss has to say...”

The man picks up a Xtransceiver from a small shelf next to him and punches in a frequency. A couple rings later, an gruff-sounding adult male voice barks, “Yeah, what is it? Y'know I'm busy right now, so ya better make it good.” Since the communicator is facing the man, Cheren and I can't see who he's talking to.

“Sorry about that Boss,” says the man, “Um... there are a couple teenagers here... a boy and a girl. They're Pokemon trainers. They claim to have fought Team Plasma before, and they're offering to help in exchange for being let into the city. One of them appears to own a Magmar.”

“Y'don't say,” says the 'Boss,' “How many badges?”

The man quickly looks Cheren and me over, and than answers, “The boy has three, and the girl has four.”

The 'Boss,' pauses for a few seconds, and then says, “Well, it sounds like they might have some skill as trainers. Awright, they're hired, so send 'em over!” 'Hired?' “It's rainin' Skitties and Houndours out there, so tell 'em to change into dry clothes and get their Pokemon fixed up at the Center if they gotta; They hafta be warm and toasty where they're goin' after all. From there, they're headin' to the Cold Storage Dome, got it?”

“Understood,” says the man.

“Good! Raise the drawbridge again where they're settin' foot in my city, y'hear? Also tell 'em not to dawdle!”

“Will do, Boss.” The transmission ends. The man says to Cheren and me, “Well, I'm sure you heard most of that. Head to the Pokemon Center first, and then head to the southernmost part of the city, where the Boss is waiting. Since the Boss has hired you two, you are his employees now, and he's a very strict and powerful man who's the last person you'll want as an enemy, so if you ignore this, you'll regret it.”

Cheren shrugs resignedly, “It looks like we don't have a choice...”

“Alright, let's just do this,” I say.

“Mag...” Magmar adds.

The man pulls a lever, and the Driftveil Drawbridge slowly lowers. As soon as it can be walked on, we start making our way across it.

Before we even set foot in the city, we've been employed by some guy we don't even know, and it looks like we have another showdown with Team Plasma ahead of us. It looks like our Driftveil adventures are gonna be interesting to say the least...


TEAM UPDATE


With Alder, we've reached the last major character introduction, so I hope I pulled him off alright, as well as 'the Boss.'

Anyway, I hope you found this installment enjoyable.

Also, 300 pages!

Last edited by Valin on Mon Jul 18, 2011 3:43 pm, edited 1 time in total.

"...Skitties and Houndours..."

"Sweet egg-hatcher of Arceus."

Oh goodness, these just crack me up. Now I'm curious on who this egg-hatcher is. Time? Space energies? The strength of Arceus itself? I don't know, but it is a funny expression.

As for the chapter itself, I found your interpretation of trading the most notable. You acknowledged the weakened bonds between new trainer and traded Pokemon (lowered happiness in-game), communication with original trainer, and the planning of care and training for both.

I love how something as simple as "I'm N, King of Team Plasma" had such a profound effect on Ria. In the games the ever stoic Player Character just goes about business as usual, but for the more developed and fleshed out Ria, I liked how shaken up it made her and how she feels like the big reveal has corrupted her convictions as a trainer.

I was eagerly waiting for Alder's appearance to see what you would do with him and you certainly didn't disappoint Valin! I like how laid back and carefree he acted while still being grounded enough that he's able to help younger trainers improve themselves.

I also love how you portrayed trading Pokemon between trainers for much the same reasons as Secad.

The Driftveil Drawbridge is not as long as the Skyarrow Bridge, but it still goes on a ways, crossing a wide expanse of water.

As for the Driftveil City itself, it, like most of the towns in Unova, isn't big enough to justify its title of 'city,' but other than that, it give off a somewhat city-like feel, seeing as it's definitely in the process of urbanization, with many of the building looking brand-new, and others in the middle of construction, so it sure seems like a rich place. There is one feature in particular that stands out, though: a huge... actually, make that colossal... dome-shaped structure, that stands high above all the buildings in Driftveil. In fact, it's almost as tall as some of the skyscrapers in Castelia City! The dome's main color is a very clear white, like snow, and just looking at it gives me the chills, compounding that with the coldness of the rain. Before the drawbridge was lowered, we heard the 'Boss,' whoever he is, say that after we go to the Pokemon Center, he wants us to go to the 'Cold Storage Dome,' which is apparently at the south end of town. Well, it's a dome, and it's to the south, so I guess that's where Cheren and I are headed.

Even though there are signs for directions, they don't do much to help, since the Pokemon Center is right there, on the main road of the city, straight off the drawbridge, after a three minute walk.

The Pokemon Center, like everything else in the city, looks brand-new or recently renovated, with the tiled floor so well-waxed, Cheren and I can see our reflections on it, white-and-blue walls, without the slightest hint of filth, upholstered furniture that looks like it was bought yesterday, and a flat-screen high-definition TV on one wall.

Like most Centers, it's a two-floor building, but this one is primarily composed of two large rooms, with only smaller rooms off to the sides. The front counter, living quarters, shops, food stands, and dining area are all located in a single large room that makes up the first floor. The second floor, connected to the first by a tubular elevator located up the center of the building, is a room filled with countless comfy-looking double-mattress beds, with no bunking at all, and the bathrooms and shower rooms are located off to the far ends of the area. The whole Center is just so... modern! This place alone probably cost more credits than most people make in their entire lifetimes. Whoever's in charge of the city most likely has more money than Arceus... if Legendary Pokemon even need money.

In spite of how amazing the Pokemon Center is, however, it's kinda... eerie. Besides Cheren and me, there are only a few other trainers. I guess with the city's entrances blocked, there aren't a lot of visitors right now. Actually, the city in general has been pretty empty. Sure, the rain might have contributed, but with the whole Team Plasma thing, is it possible the place is currently on lockdown?

Doing as we're told, I hand Magmar, who might have been worn down a bit by the rain, in at the front counter to be healed. Afterward, Cheren and I head upstairs, to the bathrooms, to change out of our wet clothes, into some dry ones, which is quite a relief. Afterward we discuss what's next.

Well, we're headed to a place that's obviously cold, so we need to make preparations. Luckily, Pokemon Centers have shops facilitated for every form of outdoor survival, so our latest investments are winter jackets, as well as some thick-fabric jeans for me, since my usual jeans-shorts attire has too much of my legs exposed for winter-like conditions.

During the last few minutes of Magmar's recovery, Cheren and I check the TV in the Center's living quarters, which, as usual, is tuned in to the news, which is playing exactly what we've been hoping for: a weather report, so we can find out how long the rain's gonna last.

The weatherman reports, with a map of the region to his back, completely covered over by indications of moderate to heavy precipitation, “All across every inch of Unova, rain is falling, even on Route 4! In some areas, massive storms with fierce lightning and heavy winds are brewing. Witnesses have reported sightings of the Legendary Pokemon, Thundurus, which wanders the world, taking a lightning storm wherever it goes, and rain in places outside its immediate proximity. As long as Thundurus wanders Unova, the rain won't stop, so let's hope this powerful being leaves the region soon.”

Cheren puts a hand on his forehead, “Thundurus, huh? It hasn't been known to move on quickly, so we may need to expect the rain to last for at least the next several days.”

“Wonderful...” I sigh. I guess I'm gonna have to invest in an umbrella or a water-proof poncho...

---

After Magmar is fully healed, Cheren and I, making good of our unwritten contract with the 'Boss,' head due south, in the direction of the ever-omnipresent giant white dome.

As we get closer to the dome, it gets larger and larger, and I feel like a Voltik by comparison. However, I can't see inside of it, because between the rain outside and cold inside, the glass, clear plastic, or whatever the thing's made of, is covered by thick condensation. There's a large metal door on its side, which would be hard for thieves to bust through.

Once we're at the foot of the dome, not knowing who to look for, exactly, we find a small group of people, bunched closely together: mostly men, with a few women, all dressed in black suits and sunglasses, despite the fact that the current weather doesn't require the latter piece of attire.

One of the men in black asks Cheren and me, “Are you two the trainers who recently entered the city, by order of the Boss?”

“Unless some came right before us, yeah,” I answer.

“Prove it,” says one of the women in black, “Show us your badges.”

Cheren and I unzip our jackets, which we're wearing over our regular clothes, and give the darkly-dressed people (which I'm going to refer to as “dark-suits” from here on) a view of the badges pinned to our clothes.

“Is this satisfactory?” asks Cheren.

Another one of the men in black says to someone in the closely bunched together group, “As we heard, the boy has three badges and the girl has four.”

A voice inside the group, unmistakeably the same one we heard the guy by the drawbridge talking to on his Xtranceiver, says, “Awright. It looks like the new employees have arrived. Better late than never, I always say.”

The crowd of dark-suits part, revealing a dark-haired man, roughly in his mid-fifties, about my height, exactly, with a somewhat portly build, wearing mostly brown expensive-looking leathery clothes and an equally lavish white wide-brimmed hat. Even though his height and build aren't imposing, the deadly-serious look on his face is, and I know it won't take much for this guy to start yelling at the top of my lungs, and it's no doubt gonna be brutal. I don't even need to ask; this guy, without a doubt, is the 'Boss.'

The 'Boss' eyes Cheren and me, his severe expression never changing, “Hmph! I here expected the two of ya to look a little tougher fer yer accomplishments, but badges don't lie.”

“Are you the person everyone calls 'the Boss?'” asks Cheren, clearly watching his tone, as not to get on the 'Boss's' bad side.

Regardless, though, the 'Boss' looks irritated by Cheren's question, “Fer such a smart-lookin' kid, ya sure say dumb things. Didn't ya hear my associate? Anyways, the name's Clay, but that's 'Boss' to the two of ya. I let the two of ya in, 'cuz ya said ya'll can help out with our Team Plasma problem, and that means ya now work for me, so I'm expectin' ya'll ta pull yer weight 'round here, otherwise, yer prohibited from challengin' this here city's Gym. That's the reason ya came, right?”

“Well, yeah,” I say, “But... um... with all due respect... Boss, are you really allowed to keep us from doing that?”

I'm expecting a massive verbal reaming, but instead, the Boss... Clay... whoever, just looks at Cheren and me smugly, “Yes I can, and yes I will, if ya'll plan ta freeload off my hospitality. Everythin' ya seen and will see in this here city is because of me, and I own everythin'. Simply put, I am Driftveil City. Also, I'm Driftveil Gym's Leader, so if I don't want ya challengin' my Gym, ya ain't challengin' my Gym.”

“Yer this here city's--” The Boss gives me a hard look and I stop myself, realizing I'm getting affected by his manner of speech, “Um, I mean, you're the Driftveil Gym Leader?”

The Boss gives me a hard look, “Did I stutter, sweetheart?”

I just shake my head in response, trying not to let my contempt over his 'sweetheart' remark show on my face.

“Well, we're here,” says Cheren, “We wouldn't be if we planned to go back on our word. What will you have us do, Boss?”

For the first time, the Boss gives a somewhat positive expression, “Spoken like a true employee. I like that! Awright...” The Boss take a quick breath, “... Team Plasma's been causin' trouble 'round these parts, and nobody, but nobody, causes trouble in my city, so I rounded up some of my best trainers, and went after 'em. Those thieving varmints stood no chance, and we got the Pokemon they went and stole back, but they're now hidin' like th' dirty cowards they are. We blocked off th' exits and looked all over this here city, but found nothin'. The last place they can possibly be is in here...” He gestures at the giant dome, “The Cold Storage Dome: my biggest and proudest investment, and I don't like that they're in there. As it turns out, though, it's a very big place, with lots of places ta hide, and I hired trainers like th' two of ya ta search th' place up and down, but still, too little ground's bein' covered, so I want ya'll ta go in there and look for 'em. When you find their hidin' place, send some kinda signal, and the carvery'll come chargin' in, got it?”

“'Signal?'” I ask, “Like, what kind?”

The Boss looks at me with irritation, “Be creative, sweetheart! One of ya got a Magmar, don'tcha? Send a Smokescreen skyward, or somethin'. I don't care.”

“Yeah. Alright.”

“One more thing,” says Cheren, “Since you're the Gym Leader, and I'm assuming these darkly-dressed men and women with you are your bodyguards, why aren't you in there yourselves?”

“I'm a man who values progress,” says the Boss, “I say it's worthwhile fer trainers to improve their skills, instead of letting the older folks hold their hands, so I hired four trainers, all with three badges or more, ta search and find Team Plasma. As long as we're at th' door, they ain't getting' away, and we'll be comin' along when we see a signal, so doncha worry, alright. Now git in there and start searchin', y'hear?”

“I understand,” says Cheren, “I'll admit, it's dangerous, but it is a way to see how strong we've become as trainers.”

The Boss gestures to one of the dark-suits, “You! Let these kids in!”

“At once boss,” says the dark-suit, who walks over to the large metal door on the side of the dome. He enters some kind of code on an adjacent panel, and the door opens with a loud metallic screech.

Without a word, Cheren and I enter the dome, and the metal door slams shut behind us, as if to seal us in. Guess there's no way to go, except forward.

With the name, 'Cold Storage Dome,' I got the idea this place is a glorified freezer... and fundamentally, it is, but it's an interesting sight, nonetheless. All around, there are warehouses of various sizes, some being one floor, and others being up to four stories tall. In other areas, there are large containers, not unlike those found in a train yard. The warehouses and containers are arranged in rows, with space between them, which I can only describe as... roads. This place is like a ghost town.

The most interesting part, however: it's... snowing! The ground is covered by about a foot of snow, crunching beneath our feet, with more coming down, and I wish I bought boots, along with my jacket and jeans.

“Snow?” I say, “How is it snowing in here?”

“That's how.” Cheren points up, at the top of the dome. At various points, there are round machine things, with icicles dangling from their edges, which the snow is falling out of. At the dome's apex, there is a giant fan, which spreads the snow to every corner of the area, “Those round things must be converting the rain into snow,” Cheren observes. Suddenly, there is a frigid blast of wind, blowing snow toward us. We look where it came from, and see a large fan on the dome's outer wall. Unpleasant as it was, though, it really feels like winter came early this year.

“Wow! What a freezer!” I exclaim, realizing I sound like a clip of hilariously bad voice-acting from some zombie game, “The Boss, or Clay, or whatever we're supposed to call him, said this was his biggest investment, and he said that he's responsible for everything else in Driftveil City too... like the really lavish Pokemon Center we were at. Just how much money does that guy have?” To make something as elaborate as this place, instead of just making a plain old freezer, I'm guessing the Boss had some excess money on his hands, and he was really bored.

“He's clearly a businessman,” says Cheren, “Undoubtedly a very successful one.”

“And he's a Gym Leader, and the mayor...” I add, “Like that Drayden guy, minus an adopted daughter who's stress incarnate...”

“I'm not so sure about the 'mayor' part,” says Cheren, “Someone else probably holds that position, but the Boss appears to be so successful, he's the single most influential entity in this city.”

“Holy Arceus...” I say, “That guy at the bridge wasn't kidding about him being a powerful man... if anything, it was an understatement. I'm glad we didn't just turn away from this and make an enemy out of him...”

“We still might if we don't get to work, and look for Team Plasma,” says Cheren.

“True enough,” I say, and then grin, “Besides, since he says we're his employees, he's gotta pay us, right? With all the money he has, I bet the credits will just be rolling in.”

Cheren smiles wryly, “All the more reason to start looking. Let's go, Ria.”

“Okay!”

---

The search begins, and we quickly notice that there is no shortage of places to hide out here. The whole freezer is about the size of a small town... in fact, it's probably as big as Accumula Town, including its Nuvema Town district, if not just slightly smaller than the rest of Driftveil City. On top of that, not only are there warehouses up to four stories in height, but most of them have basements too, which are so freaking cold, touching the food stored in them would probably burn me. I have a feeling Team Plasma wouldn't hide out in such places, since no form of life, outside ice-type Pokemon, could live down there.

Of course, the outsides of the warehouse basements are not exactly warm either, and after spending about an hour or two here, it becomes apparent that there's only so much the winter clothes can do. Still, I guess I'd better count my blessings, since it's still way better than the alternative of not buying winter protection at all.

Oh yeah... and speaking of ice-type Pokemon, it quickly becomes apparent that the dome is more than just a freezer, but an ecosystem in and of itself, as there are actually Pokemon of that very type making their home here, seeing as there are no trainers nearby. Whether they were intentionally made to live here for effect, maintaining the coldness of the place, or had somehow came to make this place their habitat is unknown.

On the roof of one warehouse, I see a Vanillite floating around, and by that, I don't mean a Vanillite Special, the frozen yogurt my Pokemon and I ate on occasion, but the actual Pokemon the treat was based off of, and I chuckle a little.

As for Cheren, however, upon seeing the ice-type Pokemon that live here, he's become extremely attentive of his surroundings, being very quiet and intently glancing around. He's obviously aware of something.

“What are you looking for?” I ask Cheren.

“Shh,” exclaims Cheren, trying to quiet me, “There's a... certain Pokemon we might find here. I want to make sure we don't scare anything off.”

“Yeah, okay...” Cheren seems to have a certain Pokemon, obviously an ice-type, in mind, and unlike me, who was interested in finding any old fighting-type, fire-type, and psychic-type at the beginning of my journey, just as long it was those types, Cheren seems to be looking for one kind of ice-type in particular, as he's not interested in any of the Vanillites, Cubchoos, Snovers, or any other relatively common Pokemon wandering around here.

After a half-hour passes of Cheren's added objective, I can't keep holding my curiosity back, “Whatever Pokemon you're looking for, are you sure it's here? Besides, we're supposed to be looking for Team Plasma in here, not Pokemon.”

“I consider it a bonus,” says Cheren, “As for whether it's here or not, I'm not entirely sure, but since wild ice-type Pokemon reside here, there's a chance. As for Team Plasma, it doesn't look like they're going anywhere, since the Boss and his bodyguards have the entrance guarded, and maybe one of the other trainers supposedly in this place will find them. Still, we've been making an honest effort of looking for them so far, so I doubt the Boss will be too upset. After all, someone has to find them, right?”

“I guess so,” I say, and then grin and shrug, “Well, we've been pulled into a job we didn't ask for, so what's a little insubordination? Sure, I'll keep an eye out for any Pokemon out of the ordinary in this place, but I'm gonna focus on finding Team Plasma. I kinda wanna battle the Boss, after all, as well as get whatever reward he might have in mind for us.”

“Sounds fair. Thanks, Ria.”

---

More time passes. Both of us are quiet for different reasons. I try to keep my ears open for human voices, and use my eyes to find any wild Pokemon around her we haven't found yet, while Cheren's focus is undoubtedly on the Pokemon alone. Still, neither of us are having any luck.

A couple times, other people pass by, definitely the other trainers the Boss hired, all about our age, who I'm guessing were already in Driftveil City when Team Plasma started stuff. Sure enough, they they have at least three badges, so they can totally hold their own if any entanglements with Team Plasma were to come up. Still, our interactions are limited to just a few nods and words of greeting, before we go our separate ways.

As we walk along a road lined by warehouses on both sides, with me running back and forth to quickly scan them as we go, Cheren suddenly halts me, whispering “Hold on...”

“What's up?” I ask.

Cheren points at a patch of tall yellow grass protruding up from the snow, obviously long-dead, between a warehouse and a large container. I see the grass ruffling as something much shorter than the  is moving through it. I hear a small voice coming from it, “Snor...”

Cheren kneels down, gathering some of the gradually-accumulating snow into a snowball, and throws it into the grass, where its moving. Immediately, a Pokemon leaps up in alarm. It's basically a two-and-a-half foot tall black... head-thing, with a permanent grin, beady blue eyes, and tiny arms and feet, looking like it's wearing a triangle-shaped orange and yellow cloak.

“That's it!” Cheren exclaims, as he grabs a Pokeball from his belt, “That's the Pokemon I've been looking for!” He tosses his capsule, and his brand-spanking new Combusken appears.

Cheren points at the wild Pokemon, who's staring at us in alarm, “Combusken! We're gonna capture that Pokemon, so go easy on it!”

“Combusk!” Combusken says in response, which sounds obedient enough, if still maybe a little unsure of its new trainer. I guess that Hoennian trainer talked Cheren up to it convincingly enough.

Combusken leaps several feet into the air, while I analyze the Pokemon Cheren's so interested in with my Pokedex. It's called a Snorunt, the Snow Hat Pokemon, and it's an ice-type, naturally.

Snorunt... something sounds familiar about that name, but where have I heard it?

The Snorunt spreads its arms, and tiny shards of ice appear around it, which then shoot up at Combusken, but between the training it got from the Hoennian trainer and Cheren, the attack is useless against it, as it easily counters the technique in midair, by batting away whatever shard don't miss with its arms and feet.

“Get it with Quick Attack and Double Kick!” commands Cheren.

Combusken lands in the grass behind Snorunt, who turns to face its opponent, but the fire/fighting-type is onto it in an instant, moving as fast as Dewott does when he's using Aqua Jet. Combusken delivers a kick before the ice-type can react, which sends it staggering back in our direction, followed by a second kick, both leaving steaming talon-shaped marks on Snorunt's body.

Cheren pulls a standard Pokeball out of his supply bag, and throws it at Snorunt. The ice-type vanishes with a flash, the capsule falls into the snow. It weakly rolls around, so I guess Combusken took a good chunk out of the Snow Hat Pokemon's stamina. Finally, the ball stops rolling, and there's a click, along with the center turning light-blue, announcing Cheren's fifth capture.

Cheren picks the capsule up, attaches it to his belt.

“Excellent work, Combusken,” says Cheren.

Combusken looks back at its trainer and slowly nods, with the slightest smile.

“Return,” says Cheren as he holds out the Young Fowl Pokemon's Pokeball and recalls it.

Cheren doesn't take the time to celebrate his latest capture. Instead, he's pulling out his Xtransceiver and entering a frequency. Before I can ask who he's calling however, there is a single ring tone, and then, as I look over my friend's shoulder, Professor Juniper appears on the screen. “Hello, Cheren,” she greets, and then stares for a bit, no doubt taking notice of me, “Oh, and Ria too!”

“Hello, Professor Juniper,” Cheren greets.

“Hey, Professor!” I add.

“How can I help my two favorite students?” asks the Professor.

“Are you at your lab right now?” asks Cheren.

The Professor gives us a half-grin, “Where else would I be? It's like my home away from home.”

“Good,” says Cheren, and seeing as he's not affected by, nor contributing to the Professor's attempts at humor, he totally means business right now, “I just captured a Snorunt.”

“I haven't checked your record yet,” says the Professor, “but congratulations! All three of you now have five Pokemon.”

“Bianca made another capture?” I ask.

The Professor shakes her head, “No. I've finished my research on the Eevee she got, and returned it to her.”

“Anyway,” says Cheren, “Ria analyzed the Snorunt I caught with her Pokedex, so I imagine you have a picture of it in your database. Do you have any way of telling whether it's male or female?”

I'm about to ask Cheren if it matters, until that very inquiry jogs my memory. Now I remember where I got the name, 'Snorunt,' from! That's the other Pokemon that can evolve with the Dawn Stone, so long as it's a girl. Cheren still has the one Lenora gave him, and I now I get why he was specifically looking for one: so his reward from the Team Plasma incident in Nacrene City wouldn't go to waste.

“Hold on,” says the Professor, “This will take a few minutes...” She puts her Xtransceiver to the side, and all we see on-screen for the next couple minutes is the ceiling of the lab, with the sound of the Professor typing on a keyboard. Finally, her face reappears, beaming, “This is about your Dawn Stone, isn't it, Cheren? In that case, you'll be happy to know it's...” The Professor pauses, as if she's expecting a drumroll, “... female!”

From his refection off his communicator's screen, I see Cheren smile at the news, “Good!”

The Professor grins, “Oh, and as a fun fact, Cheren, ever since you traded Sawk away, all your Pokemon have been female. Your taste in women is... unique.”

Cheren jolts at that revelation, “Erk!” Even though I knew before that revelation that Cheren's Kirlia and Snorunt are female, I can't help but lightly chuckle at the relative irony. I guess this means I can refer to any Pokemon Cheren sends out as 'she' or 'her.'

I decide to keep my all-male team a secret, so I don't get teased... at least until the Professor gives Cheren a reassurance, “However, you're not the only one in the world, Cheren, seeing as Ria is surrounded by men.”

Cheren glances back at me, and say, straight-faced, “It looks like you're more popular than you though among the opposite sex.”

“Shut up, Pokestud!”

“Anyway, since we're on this... fascinating subject, what about Bianca?” asks Cheren.

The Professor answers, “Oh, she has mixed company. Pignite and her most recent Pokemon are male, while Musharna, Eevee, and Drilbur are female.”

“'Musharna?'” I say, “So Munna evolved?”

“Yes, 'she' did,” says the Professor.

“Where's Bianca now?” I ask.

“She's been in Opelucid City for a good while, though she spent at little time to the east, in the direction of Nacunosa Town,” answers Professor Juniper, “but recently, she headed west to Icirrus City, so keep going as you are, and you're bound to meet up sooner or later.” With that info, I'm guessing she'd been training with Iris for a little while, or something like that, before resuming her journey for badges.

“Good to hear,” I say, “It'll be interesting to see what she's been up to behind our backs.”

“By the way, are you in Driftveil City's Cold Storage Dome?” asks the Professor.

“Are you tracking our Pokedexes?” asks Cheren.

“Last time I checked, you were on Route 5, heading in the direction of Driftveil City. The reason I can tell is the way you're dressed, and wisps that appear when you talk.”

“Oh, I guess you're right,” I say, noticing the mist appearing as I speak, “Yeah, to get into Driftveil City, we agreed to help look for some Team Plasma guys, who might be hiding here.”

“I see...” says the Professor contemplatively, “Normally, I'd advise against this, but you have become much stronger, and you're not alone, are you?”

“No,” says Cheren, “There are some other people here too, looking for them.”

“Good,” says Professor Juniper, “Well, happy hunting, you two.” The transmission ends.

“Well, now that you have Snorunt, let's focus on finding Team Plasma,” I say.

“Yeah, sure thing,” says Cheren.

---

The hunt continues, and I'd have to guess Thundurus is somewhere in Driftveil City's area, because the snow's coming down heavier than ever, and the gloomy weather sure isn't doing my mood any favors. I mean, I know this is a big place, but how can a group of guys be hidden for so long?

“Blindly looking isn't getting us anywhere, so do you have any detective-esque ideas, like you did in Castelia City?” I ask Cheren, “It would be nice to find Team Plasma before we catch hypothermia.”

“Unfortunately, I don't,” says Cheren, “If it weren't raining outside the dome, their trail would be easy to find, as they'd leave footprints, but since there is precipitation, along with the fans that emulate wind, that trail is gone. Any footprints we find from here could belong to anyone, like the other trainers.”

“So, Cheren: Ace Detective has met his match, huh?” I say, “There's only so much mankind can do against a mechanized Mother Nature...”

“Sarcasm can only do so much for our situation,” says Cheren,”I doubt the Boss is gonna let us out until we, or one of the other trainers, find Team Plasma.”

“How long can they possibly stay here in this heat... or lack, thereof?” I ask.

“Quite a while, I imagine,” says Cheren, “Team Plasma's uniforms may be a bit strange, but they do look relatively warm...”

“Yeah, I guess it finally pays to wear those things,” I say, “I was wondering how they could stand wearing them in the heat.”

Cheren adds, “Plus, since there's always a group of them, they can share one another's body heat. As for food, well, all kinds of foods stored here are probably edible, provided they're frozen snacks.”

“True,” I agree, “I bet they have a lifetime's supply of popsicles, ice cream, and Vanillite Specials here to survive off of...”

An artificial breeze blows through, showering us with snow, and the frigidity is starting to get to me.

“Hey, Cheren?” I say, “We've been at this for a while. I'm sure even the Boss won't mind if we take a short break.”

“Not a bad idea,” says Cheren.

If only for a better view of the place, Cheren and I carefully climb up a stack of crates, onto the top of a large container. From there, I send out Magmar, my living campfire, whose presence melts the snow around him, and we sit in my fire-type's warmth.

After three minutes, the snowfall dies down a bit, giving us more visibility of the area, and about a minute after that, we see it: smoke rising from somewhere at the far end of the area.

Well, the Boss told us to send smoke skyward of we found Team Plasma, but if I had to guess what this means, someone else did. The Boss also said this means the cavalry will come charging in... well, I guess this means Cheren and I now count as the 'cavalry.'

“It looks like break time is over,” says Cheren, “Let's get to where that smoke is coming from!”

“Right!” I recall Magmar, and the two of us slide off the container and trudge our way through the snowy streets as fast as we can, toward the smoke.

---

Cheren and I dash through the complex of warehouses and containers, making our way to the smoke's origin. We make it a couple blocks, until Cheren starts slowing down.

I look back at Cheren, exclaiming, “I know how tired you can get when running, but try to endure it, alright? We gotta get there, pronto!”

“I... I...” Cheren suddenly slumps to one knee, and he starts wincing.

I lower my voice a bit, “Cheren?”

Cheren moans, “No... not now...”

Noticing this obviously isn't a simple case of fatigue, I carefully say, “Huh? What's wrong, Cheren?”

Suddenly, Cheren covers his mouth starts coughing. From the get-go, the coughs are deep, heavy, and sound much worse than something allergies bring on.

Cheren's hacking fit goes on for about fifteen seconds, until it subsides, and he's breathing heavily. I catch a glimpse of his hand, and flinch at what I see: tiny red speckles. Is that... blood?

“Cheren!” I cry out. I have an impulse to ask that he's alright, but it's clear he isn't. Instead, I ask, “Did you come down with something? I'm calling 211!”

“Don't...” breathes Cheren, “Don't... call...”

I pause as I go for my Xtranceiver, and exclaim, “What? Like heck I'm not! You were coughing up blood! This sure isn't just some run-in-the-mill cold!”

Cheren grabs a Pokeball from his belt, “Kirlia...” She sends out his psychic-type. I don't know why, but whatever. I dial a '2', and I'm about to double-tap '1' until Cheren gives a command, his arm outstretched toward me, “Disable!”

Suddenly, there's a bright flash. My hand stops cold, and I can't move it. I try forcing it, but I can't move my hand toward my Xtranceiver at all. Just as a test, I move my arm around, away from my communicator, and nothing is stopping me. Guessing I'm now alright, whatever just happened, I go for tapping the numbers on my Xtransceiver, but again, my hand freezes. I notice Kirlia's arms are outstretched, and her eyes are glowing pink. Just what the heck did she do to me?

Cheren says, after taking a deep breath, “If your brain gives the motion for you to try to dial that number, you'll freeze in place. I won't let you.”

“What the heck are you doing?” I demand, “You need help!”

“No...” Cheren rises to his feet, “It's just a passing thing. I promise I'll be alright. Let's just get to the site, and stop Team Plasma.”

“Can you?” I ask.

“I said it just passes,” insists Cheren, “That's just something that happens every now and then. I'll tell you about it later, but for now, let's just go.”

“Alright,” I say, “If you're so desperate, that you'd send out a Pokemon to stop me, I'll just take your word for it, but you'd better start talking when this is over!”

Cheren holds out Kirlia's Pokeball, “Kirlia! Return!” Kirlia gives Cheren a concerned look as she disappears. Whatever's going on, I'm guessing not even Cheren's own Pokemon know, so it must be something he wants hidden.

We get back to running. Granted, Cheren does seem a little weathered by what just occurred, but his skin isn't pale, nor is he sweating, so I guess what happened indeed was just some passing thing.

Still, what did happen? I try like heck to force myself not to ask questions, until this whole thing is done.

(Continued next post...)

Last edited by Valin on Sun Jul 24, 2011 3:22 am, edited 1 time in total.

(Continued from previous post...)

---

It takes us about eight more minutes to arrive where the signal was coming from. A large canister of some sort, a trash can or something like that, is producing the smoke, and nearby, a big battle between hordes of Pokemon is already in progress!

Four trainers, two male and two female, are already there, sending out their Pokemon to counter the wave of opposition emerging from a dark-blue container.

Cheren and I rush in to join the other trainers. One of the trainers, a young man, a little older than us, says, “Hey, I remember you guys!”

As Cheren and I grab our Pokeballs from our belts, my choice being Rufflet, I respond, puzzled, “Huh, what do you...?” I suddenly remember him as one of the trainers from Alder's training session yesterday. I think he flew away on a bird Pokemon afterward, which probably means he's here right now, because he could easily bypass the Driftveil Drawbridge, “Yeah, you're from yesterday!”

“Glad you guys could make it to the party!” says the trainer, “Let's see if our training paid off!”

“Totally!” I say, “Let's do this!”

I send out Rufflet and Cheren sends out Combusken. Both of us go for our Pokedexes, so we know what we're up against.

Whatever Team Plasma guys are hiding in the container, it looks like they have us outnumbered, as the crowd of opposing Pokemon is so dense, I can't see past them. Still, assuming these Team Plasma guys are mediocre trainers, just like most of the others, I'd say we have a clash of quality against quantity, and I have a preference for the former. Still, since Castelia City, I'm guessing there might be some toughies among the group, so I'd better keep my eyes open.

My eyes scan the Pokemon Team Plasma sent out, looking for an opponent Rufflet would be good against. Before I can start analyzing guys one by one with my Pokedex, though, I see one Pokemon I know about by heart: a tall, very muscular gray Pokemon, that would be humanoid, if not for its four arms. I'd seen escorts between Accumula Town and the Nuvema Town district use this Pokemon many times: it's a Machamp, a fighting-type. It's no doubt got a lot of power, but Rufflet has the type advantage, so I guess we'll go for it, “Rufflet! Your opponent is the Machamp! Attack it with Aerial Ace!”

Rufflet swoops toward Machamp, and passes it, slashing it with his talons, and leaving a steaming gash in his wake. The fighting-type lets out a half-pained, half-enraged yell.

“Again!” I command.

Rufflet does a swift U-turn. Machamp turns and swings two of its arms at the Eaglet Pokemon, but he flies between them, slashing at where the two armpits meet, leaving another sizzling cut.

As Rufflet turns to deliver a third, and hopefully decisive blow, Machamp seems to be calming down for some reason. Rufflet closes in, and Machamp throws a quick punch with one of its upper arms, which Rufflet, being quicker, maneuvers under, but it turns out to be a trick, as the Superpower Pokemon then grabs the Eaglet Pokemon by his lower body with its two lower arms. Not good!

As Rufflet struggles, swinging his wings and talons wildly, the latter inflicting shallow wounds to the the Machamp's arms, a voice behind the fighting-type commands, “Machamp! Cross Chop!”

“Chaaaaaaa!” Machamp raises its arms to come down with two karate chops.

Doing some quick thinking about what moves Rufflet can do in his current state, I come up with something that might work, “Rufflet! Block with Wing Attack!”

As Machamp's arms come down, Rufflet raises his wings in their path, glowing sky-blue. The karate chop attacks collide with the wings, and Machamp winces as steam rises from its hands, its grip on Rufflet loosens.

The Eaglet Pokemon takes advantage of Machamp's momentary stun and his close proximity, and delivers a Peck attack to the fighting-type's abdomen. Machamp slumps to its knees in pain, and goes down, being recalled by whatever Team Plasma guy's in charge of it.

“That was awesome!” congratulates a fellow trainer, “Let's keep this up!”

While Rufflet looks for another opponent, Cheren's Combusken is busy with an adversary of her own: a brown, bipedal rat-like Pokemon with crazy-looking eyes, called a Watchog, a normal-type and the evolved form of Patrat, which I know, because we've seen that kind of Pokemon all over the place in the wild.

As Combusken closes in on Watchog, its eyes glow pink, and I remember a Noctowl used that same move in Castelia City to put Rufflet to sleep; 'Hypnosis,' I think. The attack taking effect, Combusken's charge gradually slows.

“Jump and blindside it!” Cheren commands quickly.

Combusken suddenly jumps over Watchog, out of its technique's path, landing behind it, just outside the container. Watchog turns to face Combusken, but the Young Fowl Pokemon breaks into a Quick Attack, zooming past the normal-type's blind spot, and then springing toward her opponent, delivering two swift kicks to Watchog's back, both leaving a steaming mark. The Watchog is sent flying onto its front, and it vanishes as its grunt recalls it. So far, so good.

A blue humanoid, duck-like, water-type Pokemon, my Pokedex identifies as Golduck, belonging to a trainer on our side, grapples with another water-type, a crocodile-ish blue Pokemon, belonging to Team Plasma, my Pokedex identifies as Croconaw.

“Rufflet!” I yell, “Help the Golduck out!”

“Ruff!” Rufflet swoops down and lands on Croconaw's head.

“Croc?” The Croconow's attention on Golduck shifts toward the Eaglet Pokemon, standing on its head. The water-type swipes its claws upward, but at that moment, Rufflet flaps his wings and flies away. With Croconow's guard now wide open, Golduck delivers flurry of scratches with its claws, which takes the opposing water-type out.

“Thanks,” says a female trainer next to me, “A little teamwork sure helps.”

Overall, Team Plasma's Pokemon stand little chance against those of experienced trainers, and the crowd of opposing Pokemon gradually thins out. At the back of the container are about eight Team Plasma grunts, as well as a guy in a tall hat and an ornate black robe. Judging by how he's dressed, I'm guessing he's another one of those Sage guys, who, of course, thinks that stealing Pokemon form hard-working trainers will make all the world's problems go away. He looks a little younger than Ghetsis, the Sage I saw on the helicopter in Pinwheel Forest, and the two at the hideout in Castelia City, but whatever. He huddled in the back of the container, shivering wildly.

As a Team Plasma grunt recalls a Pokemon that was knocked out by one being commanded one of our fellow trainers, he calls out, “Please, Sage Zinzolin! We can't hold them off on our own! We need your Pokemon to help us!”

“O-okay...” shivers 'Sage Zinzolin' as he shakily gets to his feet. Man, this guy must really hate the cold. With a shaking arm, he pulls two Pokeballs from his robe and tosses them. The Pokemon that appear are a four-foot-tall, skinny, brown humanoid Pokemon with scythe-like claws and a flat head, while the other is a three-foot-tall blue Pokemon that looks like a cross between a snail and a squid, with a helix-shaped shell, with spikes protruding from it, and tentacles. I recognize the former Pokemon... at least as a fossil I was checking out in Nacrene Museum... 'Kabutops,' was it? As for the other, my Pokedex identifies it as 'Omastar.'

“Those are prehistoric Pokemon!” exclaims Cheren.

“Whatever,” says the trainer from Alder's session, “They're still Pokemon, and ours can take them!”

“So, the guy in the robe is joining the fight,” says the other male trainer, “No problem! He'll be as easy as all the others!”

“Don't underestimate him,” says Cheren, “We fought men like him in Castelia City, and even the Gym Leaders had trouble with them.”

“Seriously?” says a dark-haired female trainer.

“Yeah,” I say, “Unfortunately, the Gym Leader here decided to leave his dirty work to us...”

'Sage Zinzolin' huddles down again, and says to his resurrected Pokemon, “Um... Do your best, you two. It's too cold for me to think, so act on your own!”

Kabutops and Omastar, who look pretty embarrassed to have such a nut as a trainer, half-heartedly respond, “Tops...”

“Oma...”

Still, despite their trainer's shortcoming, the two prehistoric Pokemon start out strong.

Omastar withdraws into its shell, and, as a spiked wheel, rolls out of the container, plowing through whatever Pokemon are in its path, including Combusken. With it, among the Pokemon knocked out by the attack, Cheren recalls the Young Fowl Pokemon.

Meanwhile, Kabutops comes out swinging its claws wildly, cutting through our side's Pokemon. Rufflet ends up getting caught up in the attack, and is sent flying back, landing at me feet. He tries to get up, but his gash looks pretty deep, and it seems the best thing I can do is recall him, which I do.

“Damn it!” yells a female trainer, who recalls one of her Pokemon, which was defeated by Omastar, and grabs another Pokeball from her belt, “These ones are on a different level, completely!”

With the Team Plasma grunts now smirking, four of them send out Pokemon to back up Kabutops and Omastar.

“There's no end to this!” exclaims a male trainer.

“C'mon!” the other female trainer tries to encourage her comrade, “We still have most of our Pokemon left! We can do this!”

We glance and nod at each other in agreement, “Yeah!”

As our four fellow trainers send out Pokemon to counter the grunts' new wave, Cheren mutters to me, “Ria, do any of your Pokemon know grass-type attacks?”

“Yeah; Gallade,” I say.

“Both of those prehistoric Pokemon are rock/water-types,” says Cheren.

Know what Cheren is getting at, I nod. Cheren sends out Servine, while I send out Gallade.

While the other trainers' Pokemon are busy holding off the new wave the grunts sent out, I have Gallade moves in to intercept Kabutops, while Servine counters Omastar.

“Leaf Blade!” I command. Kabutops swings one of its claws at Gallade, who raises his arm in the attack's path, and blocks, as his blade extends from his elbow. With his free elbow-blade radiating a green aura, the Blade Pokemon moves his blade to counter Kabutops's other claw, which glows dull-gray, a Stone Edge attack, I'd guess.

However, Gallade's blade, having attack type advantage, cuts clean through the scythe-like appendage, sending a severed triangle-shape flying off Kabutops. Gallade then attacks and opens a gash on the ancient Pokemon, with green flames bursting out.

The attack to the critical weakness no doubt inflicted massive damage on Kabutops, but to my surprise, it's still standing.

Wincing, Kabutops splits into five images of itself. Double Team, huh?

“You know what to do, Gallade!” I call out through cupped hands, “Finish it!”

Since Gallade's back is to me, I can't see if he's closing his eyes to concentrate, but the group of Kabutops leap toward the Blade Pokemon, who just stands in place heedless of the illusions as they leap at him, and harmlessly pass through him. Finally, he makes a move when the forth Kabutops closes in, and Gallade lunges forward, dodging a swipe from the prehistoric Pokemon's intact claw, and delivering a second Leaf Blade attack. With another flaming cut, Kabutops slumps down. Alright! Alder's lesson sure paid off!

I can't help but smile victoriously. We... we actually beat a Sage's Pokemon! Sage Zinzolin shakily recalls Kabutops, the severed piece of its claw vanishing too. I guess it will be in one piece again, once healed at a Pokemon Center, or wherever Team Plasma goes to heal their Pokemon.

Meanwhile, Omastar, still inside its shell, rolls at Servine at a high speed.

“Quick, Servine! Coil up and defend yourself!” commands Cheren.

“Ssssser!” Servine wraps her body around tightly, and Omastar rolls into what's normally the Grass Snake's back end. Omastar's spikes hack away at Servine, drawing a greenish blook-like substance, but she holds her ground.

With Omastar in Servine's direct proximity, Cheren commands, “Leaf Tornado!”

Leaves rapidly detach, instantly grow, and detach again from Servine's tail, until several are swirling around her and Omastar, the latter getting caught in the full force of the technique.

The leaves gradually cut away at Omastar's shell, and in no time, it's practically engulfed in green flames.

“Star! Star!” Omastar yells as it emerges from its shell, which turns out being a big mistake, as Servine uncoils, leaps several feet away, and wildly lashes its tail in the version of the Vine Whip attack it picked up at Striaton Gym, after watching Cilan's Pansage.

With Omastar now outside the protection of its shell, it gets completely worked over with lashes, each one delivering a small flaming gash, and the prehistoric Pokemon withdraws again, and falls on its side. It doesn't emerge, and I guess that means it had enough. Sage Zinzolin recalls Omastar, yelling, “No! That's impossible!”

“Apparently n--” As Cheren retorts, something suddenly catches his eye. Servine starts glowing with green light. Gradually, her serpentine body extends several-fold, to a length of about eleven feet, and as her serpentine form becomes thicker, her arms and legs get completely absorbed into her body. Finally, some flap-like extensions appear around her head, resembling the upper end of a cape.

“Sssssssssserperior!” The light clears, and the grass-type isn't Servine anymore, as she had become strong enough to evolve.

Cheren and I analyze the new Pokemon with our Pokedexes. Snivy's latest and final form is called Serperior, the Regal Pokemon, a grass-type.

“Servine...” says Cheren, looking thrilled his first Pokemon had just evolved into her strongest form, “This is most excellent!”

“Dude, that's awesome!” I call out to Cheren. The other trainers offer some congratulations of their own, but quickly focus on the battle again, since our business isn't done yet.

In under a minute, with Gallade and Serperior joining in to help, the other trainers' Pokemon quickly defeat the new ones the Team Plasma grunts had sent out, and the battlefield is completely cleared of opposition.

“Do... do any of you have anymore Pokemon?” Sage Zinzolin asks the grunts; They just shake their heads in response.

“Whew...” wheezes a female trainer, “We did it... somehow...”

“No! No! I won't be caught!” cries Sage Zinzolin as he pulls another Pokeball out of his robe, and throws it. Some people just don't know when to give up. How can a guy Ghetsis claimed to be this really smart dude be such an idiot?

The new Pokemon that appears is a five-foot-tall gray dinosaur-ish Pokemon, with blue highlights, and a very hard-looking head surrounded by spikes. My Pokedex identifies it as Rampardos, a rock-type.

“Another prehistoric Pokemon!” Cheren says.

“No problem!” says one of the male trainers, “As tough as it looks, it won't beat all of our guys!”

“Rampardos! Charge!” yells Zinzolin, “Defeat all of them!” Yeah, like that'll happen, pal, I think.

“Raaaaaam!” Rampardos leans its head forward and charges. It runs out of the container and across the ground, where our Pokemon stand to counter it...

However, to our complete surprise, the ground suddenly explodes under Rampardos, sending it flying up a few feet, with steaming scars inflicted by the rocks that erupted out from under it, and landing on its side. As the ancient Pokemon tries to recover, however, a voice behind us yells, “Trap it with yer Sand Tomb!” Suddenly, the ground caves in, like a funnel, sucking Rampardos down, struggling in vain to free itself. A Pokemon jumps up out of the funneling ground, and lands near us, being so heavy, the ground tremors slightly. It's a seven-foot-long gray hippopotamus-like Pokemon, with a shell on its back, which pours out a seemingly endless stream of sand, which spreads across the snowy ground.

We turn to look at the voice behind us. The Boss, dressed in a black leather coat, is standing there, with his arms crossed. He's flanked by many dark-suits.

“Boss?” says one of the male trainers.

The Boss gives us a slight grin, and says, “Well, I'd say ya'll did a fine job of fightin' these Team Plasma thieves. The buncha us came when we saw that there signal, but I thought I'd see how ya'll performed. Ya'll ain't gunna improve, if I was holdin' yer hands.” The Boss turns his attention toward Team Plasma, and, more specifically, Sage Zinzolin, “I take yer in charge of this here bunch?”

Sage Zinzolin stutters, “I... I...”

“I'll take that as a 'yes,'” says the Boss, “Well, it looks like ya'll ain't got nothin' left, so we're roundin' ya up, after we ask ya some questions.”

“Oh...” Sage Zinzolin suddenly passes out. It looks like he really didn't want to be caught. One of the grunts takes Rampardos's Pokeball off the Sage, and uses it to recall the prehistoric Pokemon, which is still struggling against its sand trap. Afterward, the grunts, knowing they have no way out of the current situation, bow their heads, accepting defeat.

“Good move, there,” says the Boss, as he holds out a Pokeball, “Hippowdon! Git back here!” The hippo-like Pokemon vanishes, and the caved in ground gradually fills up. He turns to us, and says, “Well, we'll take everythin' from here. Head on outta this cold place here, but wait outside, y'hear? I'm prepared to reward ya'll handsomely fer all yer help. Great help an' great work means great rewards, I always say.”

I can't help but smile. I knew we'd get a great reward for helping out. I recall Gallade, Cheren recalls Serperior, and the rest of the trainers call back their respective Pokemon, as well. We exchange some high-fives for a battle well-fought, and started heading toward the exit. As unpleasant as the rain is, it's bound to feel a lot better, compared to this place.

---

We make our way through the complex, en route to the entrance. About halfway I start slowing my pace, letting the other trainers walk ahead. I give Cheren, walking alongside me, a sideways glance and stare. No more needs to be said. He's no doubt aware of our unfinished business about the blood-coughing incident.

“Let's hear it,” I say, without any further explanation.

Cheren stops walking, causing me to stop as well, and pauses for several seconds. He lets out a deep sigh; He's clearly not looking forward to what he's about to say. After a pause, he speaks up, “Let's just say... I'm unwell.”

“No crap,” I say, “... So... why didn't you let me call 211 again?”

“I want as few people as possible to know about it,” answers Cheren. He knows I'm look for more explanation, and explains, “It's not any old disease. Have you ever heard of the illness that comes when someone drinks the water from a water-type Pokemon, which carries a certain virus?”

“Well, yeah,” I say, remember when I recalled that lesson on Route 4, “Professor Juniper gave us a lecture on it once, and we'd learned about it in school. It's pretty common knowledge.” I suddenly stop short, as it dawns on me where Cheren might be going with this, and my heartbeat increases.

“Well, there was a time it wasn't,” says Cheren, “Sometime ago, it's unclear when, exactly, one of my ancestors made the mistake of drinking the water of a Pokemon that was a natural host for the virus. As you'd probably heard, the virus is semi-hereditary, passed through the generations, affecting some descendants, but not all. What you probably hadn't heard is that the original drinker may not be affected, but later generations might. There had been no record of the disease in my family's history, but when I was five, I had an attack like the one you were unfortunate enough to have witnessed. The doctor concluded that it was that virus. There had been some debate, of course, but all symptoms pointed toward that.”

I can't believe what I'm hearing. This has to be some kinda sick joke! Cheren's just making an unfunny attempt at dark humor, that's all. Of course, that's what I wish were the case, but Cheren said it so solemnly, he definitely telling the truth. Overcome by worry, I manage to get out some words, “So... does this mean... does this mean you'll...?”

“... Die?” Cheren completes my sentence. He sits on a crate next to a warehouse, and answers, “Yes... I will...”

I'm still having trouble believing this. This whole thing feels so surreal. Cheren... that quiet studious boy I'd noticed throughout school, growing up... who looked so lonely, Bianca and I felt sorry for him and we became friends... difficult sometimes, and can be of questionable morality at other times, but always reliable, and a good friend... desiring to become the most powerful trainer possible... Someday, he's... just like that... he's gonna...?

I managed to make my way to the side of the crate Cheren's sitting on and lean against it as my strength leaves my legs. I look at the snow-covered ground, not wanting Cheren to look at the facial expression I no doubt have right now...

We're silent for about a minute, until I finally say, “Why didn't you tell us?”

“I don't want anyone worrying about me,” says Cheren, “I knew I'd have to tell you someday, of course, but for now, I didn't want anyone knowing, except my parents. I'm still young, so the disease isn't too bad right now; The symptoms only seldom appear; it was unlucky you were there to witness such an incident. Of course, as I grow older, these attacks will come more regularly and become worse. I didn't want any special treatment because of this, and just try to be normal in the eyes of everyone else, so that's why I'd been trying to keep it a secret from everyone...”

“Oh, Cheren...” A tear stains the snow I'm looking down at. Now I wish I hadn't been there to witness that attack, and be learning this stuff now. The expression, 'ignorance is bliss,' had never meant more to me.

We're silent for about a minute or two. In the distance, I hear the Boss yelling at the top of his lungs, no doubt questioning the members of Team Plasma, but that's the furthest thing from my mind.

Finally, I get out one of the most important questions in my mind, “... When?”

“Not for a long time,” Cheren answers, “It won't be next year, or in five years, or probably even in a decade from now, but the doctor said it's unlikely I'll live past the age of forty...”

“I see...” I take some relief in that. At least we won't have to say goodbye for a long time.

After a little more silence, Cheren says, “Ria, last night, you asked why I wanted to be Champion. It's because I want to do something to be remembered by. Champions are entered in the Hall of Fame, and are never forgotten. I want to be remembered as someone who accomplished great things in his time, and live on in everyone's memory. Not be someone who had just come and gone from this world.”

“'Accomplish great things...'” I echo, “Is that the reason you thought of letting Ralts get kidnapped so we could find Team Plasma's hideout? So you could make some great accomplishment and be remembered?”

“Something like that. Yes.”

More silence. As I think about what Cheren said, I feel terrible. I'm a trainer, and I'm trying to supersede Cheren and claim the title of Champion for myself. Cheren wants to be remembered before leaving this world, so what are my reasons? Stopping N? Something to have a rivalry over? Should I even be doing this?

Cheren, as if he read my thoughts, says, “Ria, if your having second thoughts about being my rival, don't. I told you on the night we agreed to go on this journey, that I need strong opponents, as I can't rightly become Champion without overcoming them. Don't let this change anything between us. I'm expecting you to be a major obstacle on my path. I want the title of Champion because I earned it, not because people felt sorry for me.”

“Yeah. Okay...”

Cheren gets to his feet, walks around to my side of the crate, and kneels in front of me, “I know this is hard to take, but please try not to let this change anything between us. Just... try to make some snappy remark, like you always have, like back at the Pokemon Sale, when you said you'd get back at me for raising your hopes for my own benefit, by stealing my dream.”

I search my thoughts for some smart-alleky remark, but I'm not exactly feeling witty right now. C'mon, Ria! Think! Cheren wants you to cheer him up! Getting sad over this isn't what he wants!

Finally, a half-baked remark comes to mind, “Well... um... If you can't beat me here, hopefully there are still Pokemon and battles in the afterlife...”

Cheren smiles, “That's the Ria I know. I know this is shocking, but I don't want this to change who you are. Just try to forget about it for now. I won't be leaving for a long time, after all.”

“I'll try to remember that, but it's not easy...”

“One more thing,” says Cheren, “Please keep this between us. Don't tell anyone about this. Not Bianca, not Professor Juniper; no one.”

“Okay.” I'm not about to question Cheren on that, as I kinda wish I hadn't learned about this, myself.

Suddenly, we hear a loud sound, like glass shattering. We look upward, in the not-too-far distance, and see a part of the upper dome's glass being shattered by some kinda beam. From there, and bunch of various flying Pokemon swoop into the Cold Storage Dome, being rode by people, who I can't make out from the distance they're at from us, but judging by the white and gray colors, it's pretty easy to tell they're from Team Plasma. At the head of the group is a black dragon-like Pokemon, with six wings, and I notice its rider, with the green hair and ornate robes. It looks like Ghetsis is leading the group.

“Let's try to put this behind us for now, and check what's going on,” says Cheren.

After a brief pauses, I nod, “Okay...”

We run back toward the container where Team Plasma was hiding, since that's no doubt where they're headed. Within a couple minutes we arrive, with out backs to a warehouse wall, out of sight, and spy on what's transpiring.

All the members of Team Plasma we defeated are tied up with ropes. It looks like Zinlolin had recovered, and he looks relieved by the appearance of other Team Plasma members.

As I carefully peer around the corner, the Team Plasma members that arrived, about seven in number, stand, with the flying-type Pokemon they rode in on situated near each of them. Ghetsis climbs off the back of his Hydreigon, and approaches the Boss, saying, “... My name is Sage Ghetsis, of Team Plasma...”

The Boss glares at Ghetsis, “Y'don't say. Well, whattaya want?”

Ghetsis responds, in a calm tone of voice, “I will make this short and simple, Clay of Driftveil City. I would very much appreciate it if you let my colleagues go.”

The Boss responds, “Yeah? Well, they were causin' trouble in my city, and we don't take kindly to that. If they think they can mess with us, they'd better be prepared for a good ol' wuppin'. If ya'll are here ta cause trouble as well, ya better get ready for some major retaliation.”

“Of course,” says Ghetsis, completely unfazed by the Boss, “I have no doubt that you and your followers are all highly skilled trainers, and you would fight valiantly. However, we have this city surrounded, and if you refuse to turn over my allies, I will see to it that we attack. Regardless of the battle's victor, I imagine there will be much destruction to your city, and I would hate to see that happen, after all you've done for it.”

The Boss pauses a moment and thinks, “Ya talk a mean game, Sage Ghetsis, and I'd like nothin' more than a good ol' showdown, but ya may have a point, now. If it means avoidin' some unneeded harm, lettin' these thieves go is a small sacrifice. Just don't let me catch any of ya in my city again.”

“You have made a wise choice,” says Ghetsis, “Now release my comrades.”

The Boss yells to some nearby dark-suits, “Ya heard 'im! Untie th' lot of 'em!”

The dark-suits get to work, loosing the ropes binding the members of Team Plasma, and soon, all of them are free.

“Thank you so much, Sage Ghetsis!” says Zinzolin in relief.

“I'm going to have a word with you about your methods,” says Ghetsis to Zinzolin, “But first, we will return to the castle.” Ghetsis turns toward the Team Plasma members who accompanied him into the dome, “See to it that they have transportation.”

“At once, Sage Ghetsis!” says one of the grunts. They toss Pokeballs, and nine more flying-type Pokemon appear. The now-released members of Team Plasma, and Zinzolin hop on the backs of the Pokemon, and Team Plasma flies away in a flock, leaving through the hole in the dome they came in from. Ghetsis hops onto the back of his Hydreigon, and follows them out.

As soon as Team Plasma is clear of the dome, the Boss says to the dark-suits, “I hate lettin' the rotten buncha them go, but at least they're now outta my sight. C'mon, let's get outta here.”

Having seen all we need to see, Cheren and I make a dash for the dome's exit. Along the way, Cheren says, “It looks like Ghetsis isn't the saint most people thought he was. Granted, after seeing the methods most Team Plasma members resort to, I didn't have a good feeling about him, regardless.”

“I dunno,” I respond, “He might have been bluffing. Still, it looks like he's not all about reason, like I was led to believe.” After finding out N is the leader of Team Plasma, nothing about them surprises me anymore.

---

We exit the dome into the rain, but compared to where we just were, it's pretty pleasant outside. The four trainers we fought alongside are already outside, waiting for us.

“What took you guys so long?” asks one of the female trainers.

“Oh, that winter dome is such an interesting place,” I say, “I just thought we'd hang around in there a little longer, before we join you.”

None of our fellow trainers seem to buy my story, but they don't ask anymore questions.

A few minutes later, the Boss, and the dark-suits walk out of the Cold Storage Dome. The Boss takes off his winter coat, and hands it to one of the dark-suits, before saying to us, “Ya'll did a very fine job of teachin' Team Plasma a lesson there, and I'm gunna see to it that yer payback is worth it.”

“How much are you gonna pay us?” asks the trainer from yesterday.

“Not a single credit,” answers the Boss, which warrants some raised eyebrows and incredulous looks. “Aw, don't gimme that,” the Boss follows up, “Instead, I'm givin' ya these.” He outstretches his hand toward a nearby dark-suit, who give him a six cards. The Boss holds them out toward us, like he's holding a hand in a game of poker, “These here things are 20,000 credit gift passes ta the Driftveil Market, where you can find anythin' and everythin' ta help out with yer Pokemon trainin' be it evolution stones, or trainin' equipment. There ain't any shortage of stuff ya can buy with these.” I was hoping for some actual money, but still, even though Cheren and I hadn't been to the Drifveil Market yet, being able to buy 20,000 credits worth of stuff there sounds like a pretty sweet deal.

The Boss walks to each of us, handing out a gift card. When Cheren gets his, he says, “Thank you, Boss.”

“Aw, stop it with that 'Boss' stuff,” says the Boss, “Ya did yer job, so ya ain't my employees no more, so now it's 'Clay' to th' lotta ya.”

The Bo-- er, Clay, hands me my gift card last. It's black, and has the words “Driftveil Market” written on it in golden 3D lettering, with the number “20,000” written under it.

Clay says, giving us his usual strict look, “Use 'em wisely, y'hear? I'll be waitin' fer ya'll at my Gym, but just 'cause ya helped out here don't mean I'm gonna take it easy on ya, so train hard!” With those words, Clay walks away followed by his band of dark-suits. The other trainers nod contently at their gift cards and walk away as well.

I look at Cheren, thinking about his terminal condition, but try to find relief in the fact that he won't be going anytime soon. As hard as it is, I have to think of him like the Cheren I'd always known. Maybe I should channel my disbelieve over that revelation to try to give the situation some semblance of normalcy, not that it makes things much easier. Still, looking at Cheren now, he doesn't look like he's feeling under the weather.

Cheren stares at me for several seconds. I'm pretty sure he knows I'm still absorbing the news about him. Still, as if nothing's wrong, Cheren says, “It's getting late, so let's go back to the Center. First thing tomorrow, let's put our rewards to good use.”

I force a smile and nod, “Yeah. Sounds good.”

Even as we walk back into the city, with the rain pounding down on us, I wonder how Cheren can be so calm about what's going to happen. He said the first attack came when he was five, so I guess it isn't a stretch that he'd had a lot of time to come to terms with it, or since he still has about twenty-three years left to live, maybe he's just living day-to-day, like everyone else, like he has an eternity ahead of him.

All I know for sure is that I gotta get past this for my friend's sake. Giving in to worry is the last thing he wants from me, and understandably, he doesn't want anyone else suspecting it.

I try striking up a plain old conversation with Cheren, “So... that was quite an adventure, huh?”

“Indeed,” says Cheren, “The things in this world never cease to amaze me. I'm really glad I'm on this Pokemon journey. I wonder how much more powerful I can become, and I wonder the same thing about you and Bianca. I never imagined the two of you could become such skilled trainers. As the Champion said, sometimes experiencing things first-hand is the best way to learn.”

I force a slight chuckle, and say, “Yeah. It sure looks that way. Hopefully we'll find something at the Driftveil Market that can take us another big step further.”

TEAM UPDATE



The big reveal behind Cheren's motivations is something I'd been pretty jumpy about. Originally, I thought of it having something to do with childhood bullying, which can be related to, but at the same time, not very exciting. Eventually, I thought of a terminal illness, which I thought could really give Cheren some major depth, but at the same time, I wondered if it was maybe a little too dark, or out-there, or worst yet, the story would jump the shark because of it. Still, I personally liked it, so I figured I'd use it.

Still, I feel like I might have taken a risk, and I wonder what the readers think of it. If this is acceptable, I'm pretty confident in every decision I'll make from here on.

Last edited by Valin on Sat Jan 14, 2012 7:57 pm, edited 2 times in total.

Finally, those ridiculous short-shorts are gone! I hated those things on my player character. From the waist up, Hilda was acceptable. Now Ria has proper pants.

Gosh, yes! YES! Serperior has made her arrival. I would love to see her use her serpentine body and length to advantage in battle.

20,000 credit gift card? May I say that is an awesome gift? I would totally buy up all the incense if I wasn't trying to save for the max money held in the game.

Ah, the water virus. As it is 'semi-hereditary' it reminds me of an STD given to some offspring during vaginal childbirth (for woman to child transmission) or conception (for man to child cell-changing viruses).

Good chapter imo. There is no doubt that the "reveal" was done well. However, what were your motivations for this circumstance? Was it just to give Cheren a reason to become the Champion past "I WANNA BE THE VERY BEST HURR DURR"? I believe that's what was his reasoning was in the games, I mean Alder questioned him on it, but he never really answered, just decided to bond with his Pokémon a bit more or something like that. =/

Also lol @ that bit about Cheren and Ria's Pokémon's genders. =P

There is no doubt that the "reveal" was done well. However, what were your motivations for this circumstance? Was it just to give Cheren a reason to become the Champion past "I WANNA BE THE VERY BEST HURR DURR"?

Thank you so much for your opinion on the matter. As for my motivations, yeah, pretty much. I mean, Ria and Bianca's reasons for being trainers went beyond simply wanting to be trainers or Champions, and I felt it was only right for the same to apply to Cheren.

Aw no! Cheren (What can I say? He's my favorite character in this too)! I love the idea of a terminal illness, it gives him a great amount of depth and a very believable reason for wanting to be the champion. I love the additional touch Ria gave there though, feeling guilty for trying to become the champ to stop N. However, it is possible for it to work out both ways.

Oh, and that ? on Bianca's trainer card has been annoying me ever since it appeared there... but you said they'd probably bump into each other soon so that little annoyance should hopefully soon disappear... hopefully >>

Of the nigh-countless things this journey has taught me, it's that sleep sure helps refresh the mind. It's doesn't entirely erase my troubles, but it plays a big part of continuing to move forward. For example, the revelation of Cheren's big countdown sure hit me hard, and it was practically the only thing I thought about ever since we finished our business in the Cold Storage Dome. After a good night's sleep, however, while it's still shocking, even depressing, news, I start looking at it in a different light, or maybe I'm even seeing it from Cheren's point-of-view: it won't be an issue in a long time, so we'll just  worry about it when the time comes.

For these reasons, when I see Cheren the next day, his terminal illness just feels like a background detail. After all, the way I'd seen Cheren up to this point outweighs the shocking new news about him, so I rely on that fact to try and get our relationship back on track.

In the Driftveil Pokemon Center, I'd had the best sleep than I did any night since my room became a disaster area, courtesy of some rambunctious young Pokemon, and I was forced to start sleeping in Centers, before my journey even got underway. Besides the double-mattress bed, which was like sleeping on a cloud (or at least what I imagine a cloud would feel like, if one were made of cotton instead of vapor), the snore level was pretty minimal as well, since there were so few trainers in Driftveil City, due to the entrances being blocked off. The only trainers in the entire sleeping quarters were me, Cheren, the four trainers from the Cold Storage Dome, two other trainers we saw in the Center, before setting off for the oversized snow globe (both of whom have only one badge each, so I guess they didn't meet Clay's requirements), and about three other guys, who arrived late that day, after the Team Plasma incident.

I could have slept all day, if not for Cheren insisting for me to wake up, his justification being that it's noontime. After reluctantly crawling out of bed, I grab some pancakes for brunch, which were totally gourmet stuff, as Pokemon Center food goes, and feed some more berries to my Pokemon. Man, the food and lodging in this Center are top-of-the-class. This is officially the best Pokemon Center in Unova, if not the world. Too bad I can't live here.

---

After eating, Cheren and I head straight to the Driftveil Market.

With everything else in the city, I was expecting a sprawling shopping mall, despite the 'market' aspect, but, as it turns out, it's pretty underwhelming. The Driftveil Market is a one-floor building, though a fair amount of horizontal area is covered, with a cross-shaped road, with shops set up on the sides... and by shops, I mean temporary establishments run by merchants. Still, the place is bustling with people and Pokemon, so this place is undoubtedly a popular spot for traveling salesmen to set up shop at. The very center of the cross-shaped road has a glass dome (I guess I just found out what Clay's favorite shape is), with a battlefield inside, so it seems part of this place is designated for Pokemon battles, probably to entertain the vendors, who spend the better part of their day here.

The selection is extremely varied. One shop sells Pokeballs outside the the the plain old standards, Great Balls, and Ultra Balls, like some that work better at in the dark, called Dusk Balls, and others, called Luxury Balls, supposedly cut from the same cloth as the Capture Stylers Pokemon Rangers are known to use, which convey feeling of friendship to a Pokemon, and possibly make them friendly with a trainer from the get-go. Considering what it took to get Rufflet and Marowak on friendly terms with me, I purchase three of the latter, deducting 1,000 credits from my gift card.

Another shop has all kinds of evolution stones, including Dawn Stones. Cheren and I send out our Pokemon, to see if the merchant knows if any of our Pokemon can evolve with them, but aside from Snorunt, who Cheren already has a stone for, none of ours fit the bill.

As we look around from shop to shop, someone calls out to us from behind, “Hey! Guys!” We turn around to see two of the trainers we fought alongside in the Cold Storage Dome, both of whom are about our age. One is a boy, not the one from Alder's session, with brown hair in spikes angled off to one side, wearing somewhat high-end white clothes and blue pants. The other is a girl with short black hair, wearing a white jacket over a blue shirt and worn-down jeans. Both of them are wearing four badges on their clothes, so they seem to be about the same level as me. Seeing as they're together, either they got along well after yesterday's camaraderie, or they knew each other before then.

“How's it going?” I say to our ex-allies.

“I was wondering if we'd find you or the others here,” says the dark-haired girl.

“No shortage of things to find here,” adds the spiky-haired boy.

“Have you found anything interesting?” asks Cheren, “The selection is great, but we haven't found much we need.”

“We certainly have,” says the boy, “Equipment that could help out greatly with the training aspect of our careers.”

The girl adds, “The two of you were awesome yesterday, beating that robed guy's prehistoric Pokemon, so it would be a waste for you guys to pass it up.”

“Sounds helpful,” says Cheren, “Lead the way.”

The two trainers lead us through the market, to a shop, run by a middle-aged man, and a preteen girl.

“Hello there,” says the shopkeeper, “I see you've all won yourselves a lot of badges! Well, since your Gym battles are only going to get tougher and tougher from here, you'll need to train your Pokemon hard, and for that, you've come to the right place!”

“What exactly do you sell?” asks Cheren.

The preteen girl, who I'm guessing is the shopkeeper's daughter, holds up a red band. The band is pretty small, but the girl has a look on her face that implies that the band is much heavier than it looks, “We... ugh... sell these.” With the strained look on her face, she's clearly looking forward to putting it down.

“What are they?” I ask.

The girl puts down the red band, and says, “They're weights and suppressors for your Pokemon to wear while training. It'll be hard on 'em, but once they come off, they'll be stronger than ever! The thing I just showed you is called a Power Bracer. If you got a Pokemon that's good at using its physical force for close-range battles, this will power them up tons.”

I think for a moment, and of my five Pokemon, Dewott, Rufflet, Gallade, and Marowak are good for close-quarter brawls. “I have four Pokemon like that,” I say.

Cheren adds, “Of my five, two fit that description.”

The shopkeeper holds up another band, this one purple, with a couple blue crystal-like things on it. Unlike the Power Bracer the girl was holding up, by his reaction, this one doesn't seem to be too heavy, “This one's called a Power Lens! While some Pokemon rely on physical power, other fight using  energy-based attacks. This will suppress that power, and it will become much stronger when it comes off, given some training!”

Well, this shop seems to be up my alley, seeing as Magmar mainly fights by breathing fire.

The vendors explains a bunch of other bands they sell, and overall, depending on what's being worn, they can supercharge a Pokemon's strength, endurance, physical fortitude, energy, resistance, and mobility. They also add that there's a certain limit to what Pokemon can withstand in that regard, and it's safest to focus on two aspects for each. It all sounds like advice from a video game, but it's appealing, nonetheless. For me, it's a no-brainer. Strength-increasing Power Bracers for Dewott, Rufflet, Gallade, and Marowak, an energy-increasing Power Lens for Magmar, and speed-increasing Power Anklets for all five.

The shopkeeper's daughter notes that by the bands I bought, it's clear that my preferred battle style is  total offense. She makes it sound like a bad thing, but I don't think so, as it's worked so far, and I heard somewhere that the best offense is a good defense.

After sending out my Pokemon and explaining the benefits the bands will bring, I buy the items I have in mind, 15,000 credits total, and start strapping them onto each. With most of my Pokemon being humanoid, I fasten Power Bracer's to Dewott, Gallade, and Marowak's arms, and Power Anklets to the legs of all my Pokemon, except Rufflet, who's a bit of a puzzle, seeing as he's my only non-humanoid. In his case, I strap Power Bracers to his legs, seeing as he mainly attacks with his talons, and wrap a single Power Anklet around his waist, so he'll fly faster when it comes off. Finally, I wrap the Power Lens around Magmar's body, being careful not to burn myself. Apparently, the bands are fireproof.

Once I'm done fastening the bands to all my Pokemon, my arms are totally sore. They were much heavier than they look, about fifty pounds each, if not heavier, and the effect they have on my Pokemon is evident, as most of them are struggling to stay upright, and Rufflet is flapping hard to stay afloat. As for Magmar, his flames are a bit smaller. Again, I reassure them that they'll be stronger than ever after the bands come off.

As for Cheren, he purchases some of the same bands I do, but others that improve their defenses. The shopkeeper's daughter comments that his battle style focuses on his Pokemon's greatest strengths. Again, I feel inferior.

---

Cheren and I part company with the other trainers, and we continue checking out the other shops. While Cheren is enthralled in checking out the wares at a shop that sells foods that have been scientifically proven to improve Pokemon performance (according to the shopkeeper, at least), I glance around at the other shops, until I see a salesman at one making a 'come hither' gesture at me.

I point at myself in the universal sign for “me?”

The shopkeeper nods, and then motions for me again.

I approach the merchant, saying, “Yeah? What's up?”

“I saw you at one of the shops earlier,” begins the shopkeeper, “and I noticed you happen to own a Magmar.”

“I do,” I say, “What about him?”

“I have something that might interest you,” says the shopkeeper, putting on some nearby oven mitts, which, up until now, I thought were for sale, reaching under his counter, and pulling up a glowing red  cube, which kinda looks like a miniature furnace, placing it in front of me.

“What is that?” I ask.

“This is called a Magmarizer,” explains the shopkeeper, “This is a very rare item, which houses immense amounts of fire-type energy. If a Magmar absorbs the energy from one, in time, it will evolve.”

Okay... now I'm interested, “Huh? You mean with this box here, Magmar can evolve?”

“That it can,” says the shopkeeper.

“Hm...”

Recalling Professor Juniper's lesson on evolution stones and getting Pokemon permission, I guess the same would apply to weird glowing red boxes too. With that thought I send out Magmar, “...Mar?”

“Hey there, Magmar!” I greet, “Do you see this box, here? Apparently, this is called a 'Magmarizer,' and if absorb the energy from this thingamajig, you can--”

“Mag mag!” Before I can finish my explanation, my every power-hungry fire-type rushes over the the Magmarizer as fast as he can manage in his Power Anklets, leaps up, and grabs hold of the Magmarizer. The Pokemon and the box become enveloped in a bright red aura, the glow of the Magmarizer gradually diminishing.

Sigh... Why did Professor Juniper give me that lesson on asking Pokemon for permission, again? Both Kirlia and Magmar leaped right in when the chance was presented to them. Still Magmar went and used the box without me paying for it first. With the shopkeeper glaring at me, I sigh resignedly, and say, “... How much?”

“7,000 credits,” answers the shopkeeper.

“Great...” Using the remaining 4,000 credits on my gift card, plus 3,000 from my own pocket, placing me close to bankruptcy yet again, I pay off the shopkeeper. Still, I don't think it's a huge loss, since I'd probably have ended up buying the Magmarizer, anyway.

A minute later, the Magmarizer loses its glow completely, and the aura surrounding the Spitfire Pokemon dissipates, but Magmar is still Magmar.

“Mar?” Magmar looks at his hands, clearly wondering if anything about him had changed.

“Um... Isn't he supposed to evolve now?” I ask.

“It will in time,” the shopkeeper answers, “Now that your Magmar has the energy from the Magmarizer, he has the potential to evolve, but he still has to become strong enough for the evolution to take place, like most Pokemon.”

“Alright,” I say. I turn my attention to Magmar, “Alright, Magmar. Let's keep working hard, got it?”

Magmar nods enthusiastically, “Mag mar mar!”

---

Close to a week passes, and everyday is training, training, training. I gotta admit, as much as I like being a trainer, this career sure can be redundant sometimes.

Apparently, Thundurus has taken a liking to Unova, since during all that time, it's been raining nonstop. Luckily, as much as the Legendary Pokemon of thunderstorms seems to like this region, he must hate Driftveil City, since the rain rarely becomes brutal, and there's usually moderate precipitation. Still, Cheren and I regularly invest in disposable plastic rain ponchos, since a lot of our training time is spent outside.

The training has usually consisted of grueling physical activity, mostly jogging and sparring, and the weights and suppressors have never come off during all that time. Even when the Pokemon are not actively training, they still need to walk around in the weights, and when eating, the ones wearing the Power Bracers have to exert themselves a little, just to lift their food, so even casual activities count as training.

For a few days during that time, the trainers we fought alongside have joined in on the training, and it's nice to get training partners outside of Cheren. Eventually, they decided their Pokemon had enough training, went to challenge Clay, and move on. We did, however, exchange frequencies, so we could have another battle someday. How about that? I actually made some new friends.

I have to admire the extent in which Pokemon are naturally born warriors, since in all the time they'd been wearing the Power Bracers/Anklets/Lens, they never complain. In fact, even as they wear down from the training by the end of the day, they seem appreciative of wearing them, as they know that when it comes time to take them off, their powers will greatly increase. It's clear that Pokemon love battling and training more than anything.

I said it before, but it's amazing how fast Pokemon become stronger. In about five or six days, they became so accustomed to the weights and suppressors, they moved around and fought as easily as they did before they came on.

We remove the Power Whatevers from our Pokemon, and spend one last day of training to see how they improved, and the results are nothing short of amazing, being faster and stronger than ever. With that revelation, Cheren and I decide we're probably more than ready to take on our next Gym.

---

Meanwhile, in an unknown location...

The robed man stands in a dark room, illuminated primarily by the purplish light shining from a glass tube, with an insectoid Pokemon suspended inside it, with red eyes, and half of its mummy-like form covered in violet armor; An ancient Pokemon, cloned from a fossil. No other Pokemon like it has been discovered, so by that logic, it may have been a Legendary Pokemon, and if not that, still an extremely powerful being. Either way, whatever strength it once had is about to be multiplied by the power that is modern technology. The robed man stares at the cyborg Pokemon in amazement, eager to witness the final result of the experiment in progress.

A dark figure, dressed in black, with long white hair, appears behind the robed man, seemingly out of nowhere. Most of the figure is concealed, and not just limited to his/her body, as the figure even speaks through a voice-changer, making his/her very gender questionable. In a scratchy, almost eerie voice, the figure says, “You summoned me, my master?”

The robed man turns around, “Yes, I did. I have an assignment for you.”

“Name your will, and it shall be carried out.”

The robed man smiles, “There is... someone our king has taken an interest in; a certain Pokemon trainer. I doubt this individual shall be of too much consequence, but she could end up being a thorn in the side of our great order. Your compatriots have recently gathered information on her, and that investigation has revealed much, including a certain weakness, that can be easily exploited, and can utterly crush her. I want you to find this trainer, and use that weakness against her. This should make her think twice about getting involved in our affairs.”

“It shall be done,” responds the dark figure obediently.

“I don't doubt you success,” says the robed man, “but this person is proving to be a very powerful trainer, so she isn't to be underestimated. As such, I will lend you one of my Pokemon for the job...” He pulls a Pokeball out of his robe, and hands it to his servant.

The dark figure sends out the Pokemon s/he had been loaned. The Pokemon screeches in a metallic voice, “Shaaaaaaarp!”

The robed man says to the Pokemon, “Bisharp... you are to assist my servant for a mission. Do not fail me.”

“Bish...”

The dark figure recalls the Pokemon, Bisharp.

“Thank you, my master,” says the dark figure.

“Be off,” says the robed man, “I expect nothing less than outstanding results.”


Sorry about the long delay. My leave from work had recently ended, and I just hadn't had all that much energy to write when I had the chance to, hence the relative shortness of this installment.

Still, yes, in this interpretation of the Pokemon world, EV training does exist, though the way I described the Power items were a little different than their in-game counterparts. Still, I hope the concept made a good game-to-story transition.

Last edited by Valin on Tue Aug 02, 2011 1:58 pm, edited 1 time in total.

This is actually quite similar to how I think the items work. (The feathers I don't get, though. ) I forget the precise name for it in basic psychological terms, but it is basically how the nerves in our skin fire less often the more we wear or have something touch our skin, like a watch, shirt, or hat. That's why people occasionally forget their glasses when wearing them.

I know I should have expected it. None of the Gyms thus far are what I'd expect for a place where big Pokemon battles are supposed to take place. Of course, Driftveil Gym, located at the top of a knoll on the outskirts of Driftveil City, is no different, but this time it's not even big enough for a Pokemon battle. It's basically a small simple white structure, just big enough to be a two-room cabin. I'd have no idea this place was even a Gym, if not for the sign next to the entrance, saying, “Driftveil Gym. Leader: Clay, The Underground Boss.”

As Cheren and I stand in front of the 'Gym's' front door, just a simple white door, with an aging doorknob, I say, “Well, Gyms sure haven't stopped catching us off-guard.”

Cheren pauses in thought, then says, “Clay appears to fancy himself, 'The Underground Boss,' so maybe this place is like Castelia Gym, where the building is just at the surface, while the actual arena is underground. Also, the title implies that 'the Boss' specializes in ground-types.”

“Well, that's cheery news,” I say, not using that statement sarcastically for once, “I have Dewott and you have Serperior.”

“We also both have flying-types,” Cheren adds, “They can dodge ground attacks with ease.”

“Alright, then!” I say grinning, “We totally--”

“Let's not instantly believe we 'got this,' as you like to put it, Ria,” Cheren cuts in, always having a mood-killing statement ready, “Both of us have a good number of badges, after all. Clay no doubt has tricks prepared for trainers of our levels.”

“Well, whatever,” I say, “All we gotta do is put our faith in our Pokemon and stay on our tippy-toes, right?”

“Spoken like a true trainer,” says Cheren, smiling wryly, “Let's get this challenge underway.”

Cheren twists the doorknob, and we enter the supposed Gym. Inside, the inner wall is pained white, just like the outer wall, decorated with painted pictures of Clay, surrounded by gold frames (no egomania here). There is a door in the back of the room, and a blue carpet covers the floor.

Finally, we see Clay at the leftmost side of the room, leaned back in a chair, using his mahogany desk as a footrest, and barking into a Xtranceiver at someone, “Why are ya even callin' me about this? I'm expectin' ya ta git yer job done, so git yer job done. If ya don't there're at least a hundred applicants that would love ta take yer place. Now, I'm busy, so git back ta work!” Clay snaps the Xtransceiver shut, and turns his attention to Cheren and me, his demeanor taking a complete 180, “Well, if it ain't my former employees... Rio and Cherry, was it?”

“It's Cheren,” says Cheren flatly, clearly no amused by the mistaken name of 'Cherry,' while I'm trying to suppress a laugh; I can't believe I never thought of that nickname myself, “Don't you remember the names of your own employees?”

Clay looks at us smugly, “Hey, I pay my employees enough credits to afford a condo in Undella Town. Beyond that, I owe th' lot of 'em nothin'. Anywho, th' two of ya must be here fer yer Gym battle. Since I gave ya those gift cards, I now owe ya nothin' fer yer help, so I ain't goin' easy on ya'll.”

“Fine by me,” I say, “We're not gonna become any stronger if you go easy on us.”

“Likewise,” says Cheren, “We are aiming to become the strongest trainers possible. We're expecting you to to use your full power, as the Pokemon League permits you for trainers of our level.”

Clay grins, “I like th' two of ya. Yer like me; Always aimin' fer th' top, doin' what it takes ta git there. I'm gonna enjoy our little showdown. Follow me, will ya?” Clay gets up from his desk, and walks to the door at the far side of the room, with Cheren and me following behind.

The room beyond Clay's office is the polar opposite in terms of appearance: with a concrete floor, and drab gray walls, with absolutely no decorations, whatsoever, and plenty of dust bunnies. It also looks greatly aged, compared to the other room, and I wonder if the office was a more recent installment, and this room represents what the building originally was. Only one thing looks recent: an electronic sign on the wall, which scrolls through a long list of qualified trainers.

In the middle of the drab room, there is a platform, with a control console. We stand on it, and Clay presses a button. With that, after a brief metallic creak, the platform lowers into the earth. We descend into a dark shaft, with only the yellow lights at the platform's corners providing illumination.

As we descend, Clay decides to strike up some trivia, “Welcome, kids, to th' place where I made my first million... and my second... my third, too. When I was a lad, I came to this here land, once known as Driftveil Town, made up of nothin' but a few cheap shacks, and let my ground Pokemon play around a bit... and completely by chance, they found evolution stones... lotsa evolution stones of all kinds, and I began my own mining business, which made me money beyond what I had any right ta expect. From there, I learned all I could about business, and Driftveil Town, a nowhere place in th' boonies, turned into Driftveil City, a civilization that'll no doubt supersede Castelia City within a decade. Yup, sometimes all it takes is one good moment in a man's life to turn it around.”

“Interesting story,” says Cheren, “It seems you were very lucky.”

“Damn straight,” says Clay, “How about th' two of ya? Ever wanted ta be rich?”

I answer, “It doesn't sound bad, but I'm not sure what I'd do with even half the money you have...”

Ironically, Clay laughs heartily, “Haw haw haw! Good answer. Yup, money is power, and ya can do a lotta things with it, but sometimes it's th' simple things in life that are th' best. That's why I'm a Gym Leader, even though life would be much less hectic if I weren't. There was a time I wanted to be a great trainer, but I found a fortune instead. Of course, I can't forget what my dreams were before, so Pokemon battles are a good reminder of that. Ask yerselves if ya truly love bein' trainers, and how long ya plan ta keep doin' this. Are ya gonna make a lifelong career of it, or are ya gonna move on someday?”

I think about it for a moment. That's a very good question. I mean, I like being a trainer, and I plan to stick with my Pokemon for as long as I live, but when I start doing this for a while, then what? Will I still be a trainer, or will I end up doing... something else? I realize just how little thought I'd given to my future.

Of course, Cheren doesn't need to think about his answer at all, “I plan to be a trainer for the rest of my life, and become the Champion. That's what I'd devoted my life to.”

Clay nods in understanding, “Ya seem pretty sure of yerself, there. Well, if ya have a big goal, keep pursuin' it, y'hear?” Clay has no idea just how much meaning there is behind Cheren's answer.

---

As we descend deeper into the earth, the hotter it becomes, and I'd have brought water along if I knew this was gonna be the case. Finally, the ride down stops, and we arrive in a tunnel. It's dimly lit, but not by artificial lighting. Instead, the place is illuminated by large crags sticking from the walls and ceiling, which crackle with blue electricity.

“What is this place?” asks Cheren.

Clay spreads his arms, “Th' old mine, as it expanded, eventually connected to part of the Chargestone Cavern, located off Route 6. This is a small part of it.”

I look around, admiring the calming blue light emitting from the electricity, “It's a pretty place.”

“C'mon,” says Clay, walking ahead, “Th' battlefield's just up ahead.”

Clay leads us a quarter-mile through the tunnel, until we reach a large area, with a high ceiling, about sixty feet up, with large electric stones protruding from all around, altogether giving off a great deal of bluish illumination. The middle of the area has a battlefield carved into it. Looks like this is where the battle's gonna take place. That was quite a trip.

Upon our arrival, a group of tiny yellow electric bug Pokemon, called Joltik, skitter away, deeper into the cavern. Clay walks toward the far end of the battlefield, where there is a machine of some sort, with six trays on its top, like the kind used to teleport Pokeballs, using the Pokemon Transfer System. Clay takes out his Xtransceiver, enters a frequency, and mutters something into it so quietly, Cheren and I can't hear him. By the time he reaches the other end of the field, four Pokeballs appear in four of the machine's trays with a flash, each with brown centers. It looks like Cheren was spot-on with the ground-type theory.

Clay glances back at us, “Ya ready? Let's git this battle started.”

“Um... Aren't you gonna ask who you wanna fight first?” I ask.

“Aw, I'm a tough man, so I'll fight th' botha ya,” says Clay, “Th' rules fer this here match'll be be double-tag, two-and-two-on-four. Th' two of ya'll battle against me, and you'll be usin' two Pokemon each, and I'll be usin' four. Two of my Pokemon are used fer three-badge battles, and the other two fer four-badge battles, so ya can consider this here Gym battle a three-and-a-half-badge battle.”

“You want to fight both of us?” asks Cheren, “Isn't that against Pokemon League regulations for Gym battles?”

Clay waves his hand dismissively, “Aw, what th' league don't know won't hurt 'em. Yeah, I gonna fight th' both of ya. One more thin', by th' way. Even if ya win this here battle, but one of ya gits th' botha yer Pokemon knocked out, that person ain't gittin' no badge.”

“So if we're both to get a badge, both of our Pokemon have to be standing?” I ask to confirm.

“Ya got it,” says Clay, “Ya done askin' questions? Let's git started, then!” He grabs two of the Pokeballs from the trays behind him, and waits for Cheren and me to decide which our first Pokemon will be. For me, it's a no-brainer: Dewott, all the way. Cheren, on the other hand, take a little longer, and I'm having trouble understanding why. C'mon, send out Serperior! Grass-types have a total advantage over ground-types! What about this is rocket science?

Cheren makes his selection, and the three of us toss our Pokeballs into the field, “Let's do this, Dewott!”

“Froslass! You're up first!”

“Let's do this here thing, Torterra! Claydol!”

The two Pokemon Clay sends out are a huge green turtle-like Pokemon, about seven and a half feet in length, with brown legs and underbelly, and a small tree growing out of its shell, and a levitating round five foot tall black Pokemon, with stubby legs and arms, and large red eyes ringed around its body.

As for Cheren, he sends out a four foot tall white Pokemon, floating a couple inches off the ground, with a body resembling a kimono, complete with a red sash, and arms that hang from the sides of her head, which looks mask-like, with purple skin behind it. This Pokemon used to be the Snorunt Cheren caught in the Cold Storage Dome, and it still was for a couple days into the training, until he finally used his Dawn Stone, evolving it into the Pokemon that's with him now: Froslass, the Snow Land Pokemon, an ice/ghost-type.

If I were Cheren, I'd have gone with Serperior, but Froslass is a pretty good choice too for fighting ground-types. I guess he wants to see how she'll perform in a Gym battle...

Both of the Pokemon Clay sent out are ground-types, of course, but both have secondary types as well, according to the Pokedex, with the turtle-like Pokemon, Torterra, being a grass/ground-type, and the floating Pokemon with the red eyes, Claydol, being a ground/psychic-type.

Cheren smirks, no doubt at his good fortune, seeing as Torterra has a critical weakness to ice attacks.

The battle begins. Clay commands, “Torterra, Dewott is all yers! Claydol, guard Torterra!”

“Tort!” Torterra turns toward Dewott.

“Dol!” Claydol hovers close to its partner.

Cheren commands, “Froslass! Break through Claydol if you have to, then take Torterra down! Ice Beam!”

I give my own command, “Dewott! Leave Torterra to Froslass, and focus on Claydol! Razor Shell!”

“Lass.”

“Dew!” Our respective Pokemon respond to our commands.

Dewott unsheathes one of his scallops (which are actually called 'scalchops,' as I found out, when I did some further research on the Discipline Pokemon with my Pokedex), and charges toward Torterra and Claydol, with a heightened amount of agility. Froslass, however, is much faster. Floating above the ground, she glides swiftly, almost as if she's ice skating, appropriately enough, dodging a psychic blast from Claydol with ease, circles around to Torterra's back, and stops as she extends her arm, her hand radiating light blue energy, charging to fire a ray of ice.

“Claydol!” yells Clay, “Counter that there Ice Beam with Gyro Ball!”

“Doool...” Claydol's body radiates a silver color, and it starts spinning rapidly, its eyes blending together in a solid red blur. Froslass fires her Ice Beam, but Claydol intercepts it before it can hit Torterra, and beam and Pokemon clash. Claydol should normally be weak against an ice-type attack, but according to the Pokedex, the move Claydol is using, Gyro Ball, is a steel-type move, and as long as the ground/psychic-type is using that attack, it's resistant to Ice Beam.

Moving against the Ice Beam, attack, Claydol closes in on Froslass, at least until Cheren commands, “Froslass! More power!” Froslass fires a beam from her other hand, to join the first, and Claydol is pushed back about a foot, before it pushes against the attack again, albeit much slower this time. I guess Cheren is trying to break through Claydol's defenses. If Froslass stops her counterattack, she'll be hit for sure.

Meanwhile, I have my own battle to worry about. Dewott, while rushing in to help Froslass is countered by Torterra.

“Leaf Storm!” Clay commands. A flurry of razor sharp leaves shoot from the tree on Torterra's shell, and at Dewott, who positions his scalchops in front of him to deflect the projectiles as they come. Working swiftly, Dewott defends against most of the leaves, but other get through his defenses, leaving steaming cuts. Finally, the grass/ground-type's onslaught ends, and it stands in place out of breath. I guess that attack takes a lot out of it, though that attack definitely took quite a bit out of Dewott as well.

I was so preoccupied with the fact that Froslass is an ice-type, and supposedly has a big advantage in this battle, that I forgot Dewott has an ice-type attack as well, and realize that the Snow Land Pokemon isn't the only one here capable of taking down Torterra.

“Ice Beam!” I command. Dewott's scalchops glow light blue, and he thrusts them at Torterra, sending a cold laser its way.

“Withdraw and recover your strength!” Clay counter-commands. At that order, Torterra's head and legs disappear into its shell, and at the last second, Ice Beam attack harmlessly leaves a small patch of ice on it, with white blue flames surrounding it. Still, with Torterra out of action for the moment, it's time to assist Froslass! In my peripheral vision, I can see that Froslass's defense against Claydol isn't going so well, and her Ice Beam attack ends as a result of the ice/ghost-type's exhaustion. No longer being countered by Froslass's attack, Claydol closes in.

“Use Aqua Jet, and intercept Claydol!” I command Dewott. The Discipline Pokemon breaks into an instantaneous dash, his training making him faster than ever, and within a second, he's between Claydol and Froslass. Apparently, Torterra's Leaf Storm attack did a ton of damage, as when Dewott holds out his scalchops, Torrent takes effect, resulting in blue auras extending from them to take the shape of swords, which Dewott positions in front of him in a X shape to catch Claydol.

The spinning Claydol connects with the swords, sparks flying, and Dewott struggles to hold his ground as they deadlock.

“Cheren!” I yell, “While Claydol is busy, take care of Torterra!”

Cheren nods in response, and commands, “Froslass! Take this opportunity to attack Torterra!”

“Lass!” Froslass bolts away from Dewott and Claydol, and over to Torterra, who is emerging from its shell, clearly since hiding isn't doing much good.

Cheren and Clay give their commands at the same time, “Froslass! Ice Beam!”

“Torterra! Earthquake!”

Froslass extends her arm, preparing to deliver another frozen attack, while Torterra pushes itself up, so that its standing on its hind legs, ready to pound down hard on the ground with its fronts.

Torterra slams the ground, while Froslass fires her Ice Beam. The ice-type attack connects with the grass/ground-type's head, causing light-blue flames to burst from it, while there is a powerful vibration throughout the arena, and I guess the cavern is pretty well-fortified, as I'd expect something like this to result in a cave-in. Cheren, Clay, and I try to maintain out footing, while Claydol disengages Dewott and levitates upward, and the ground bursts beneath Dewott and Floslass, slashing them with subterranean stones that erupt up. Still, right after the attack, Torterra collapses in a heap, so at least that's one down on Clay's end.

Froslass is knocked onto her back, while Dewott is down on one knee, shakily using his scallop-swords for support. Needless to say, both of our Pokemon are in rough shape from that Earthquake attack.

Clay recalls Torterra, and barks to Claydol, “Claydol! Finish Dewott off with Charge Beam!”

Claydol's lower end starts to crackle with electricity. With Dewott barely able to move, there's no way he's gonna dodge it, so all he can do right now is counterattack! “Dewott!” I yell, “Counter Claydol with Ice Beam! Now!”

“Dewwww...” Dewott continues leaning on one sword, while he slowly levels the other up at Claydol... keyword being 'slowly.' Being quicker on the draw, Claydol fires an electric beam, which pierces through the Discipline Pokemon, leaving a steaming wound. Reaching his threshold, Dewott loses his grip on his weapons and falls onto his back. It looks like he's down.

“Nice try, Dewott!” I say, holding out the water-type's Pokeball, “Return!”

Clay grabs his next Pokeball. Meanwhile, Froslass, as she gets back upright, sends another Ice Beam attack Claydol's way, but the ground/psychic-type dodges it, like it say it coming from a mile away... and probably did, seeing as it has eyes ringed around its body, and therefore has 360-degree vision. Crap... that Pokemon doesn't have much in the way of blind spots...

Clay sends out his next Pokemon, “Yer up, Excadrill!” On Clay's end, a mole-like Pokemon with a dark body, covered in red streaks, long metal claws, as well as a metal horn on its head, appears.

I think about which Pokemon to send out next. My first impulse is to send out Gallade, since he knows Leaf Blade, but I'm so hung up on Claydol's lack of blind spots that I second-guess it. We need something that can counter Claydol's vision...

I have an idea, but it's a controversial choice, as it's not a Pokemon a trainer should send out against ground-types. Still, it has a move that can cripple Claydol's vision, and seeing as the Pokemon Clay just sent out, Excadrill, is a steel-type, as well as a ground-type, it's not a choice that just has a single use. Okay... Let's see how this works out...

I send out my next, and last, Pokemon, “Magmar! Let's do this!” The Spitfire Pokemon appears on my end.

Clay laughs, “A fire-type? Haw haw haw! I wasn't expectin' that from a four-badge trainer, darlin'!”

“Mar! Mar!” Magmar shouts at Clay indignantly.

“I hope you know what you're doing, Ria,” says Cheren, which warrants a glare from Magmar, “even if our side wins, if Magmar gets knocked out, you won't get a badge.”

“Yeah, I know,” I mumble.

“Awright...” says Clay, “Th' girl is down to 'er last Pokemon, so let's see to it that th' boy is too! Froslass is yer primary target, so take 'er out, y'hear? Excadrill! Dig! Claydol! Psychic attack!”

“Exca!”

“Dol!” Clay's Pokemon respond.

“Magmar!” I shout, “Take Excadrill down with Flamethrower!”

“Mar!” Magmar charges across the arena at Excrdrill, takes a deep breath, and blows out a powerful burst of fire, which had increased in rage since his training with the Power Lens. However, the Spitfire Pokemon wasn't fast enough, as Excadrill swiftly slashed away at the ground, and went under before the attack could hit. As for Claydol, it starts firing powerful blasts of psychic-type energy at Froslass, who quickly, but narrowly avoids the attacks.

I command Magmar to use the move I intended to counter Claydol's vision with, “Magmar! Blind Claydol with Smokescreen!”

“Maaaaaaar!” Magmar inhales, and then blows a thick cloud of smoke at Claydol, while it's preoccupied with Froslass.

Claydol get engulfed in black haze. It tries flying outside the cloud, but a ring of smoke follows it, like a blindfold. Still, Claydol tries to remain on the offensive, and fires a psychic blast, which ended up being so far off-target, Froslass didn't even need to dodge.

Cheren glances at me with a slight smile, “Good going, Ria... Alright then...” Cheren shouts out to the Snow Land Pokemon, “Froslass! Hit Claydol with Shadow Ball!”

“Froooooos!” Froslass raises her arms, and a gray orb materializes above her, gradually growing. Claydol attempts to counterattack with another psychic blast, but Froslass leaps back, avoiding it. Finally, once the orb is the size of the average beach ball, she hurls it at the ground/psychic-type.

The Shadow Ball attack scores a direct hit, and Claydol tumbles to the ground. It still has some fight left in it, though, since it slowly starts levitating again.

As Froslass is about to launch a follow-up attack on Claydol, however, she notices the ground underneath her starting to shift, and she leaps back, just as Excadrill bursts out of the ground, attempting an uppercut with its razor-sharp claws, which just manages to graze the ice/ghost-type.

As Froslass is about to attempt a counterattack, however, Excadrill rakes its claws through the ground, and hurls a combination of dirt and mud into Froslass's face, stunning her, “Laass...”

Looking smug, Clay points at Excadrill, “Awright, Excadrill! Time ta finish it off! Metal Claw!”

“Excaaaaa!” Excrdrill's claws being to glow, and it leaps toward Froslass, who is trying to regain her sight, after being blinded by the Drill Pokemon's dirty trick. Magmar rushes in to help his ally out, but it doesn't look like he's gonna get over there in time...

Cheren frantically yells, “Quick, Froslass! Destiny Bond!”

“Lass...” Froslass's body begins to pulse with dark gray energy.

Clay shouts to Excadrill, “Gah! W-wait! Hold it, Excadrill!”

Too late. Excadrill rakes Froslass with its claws, leaving three steaming scars on her body. As she slumps to the ground, however, Excadrill gets engulfed by dark gray energy, and it falls to the ground in unison with the Snow Land Pokemon. Both Pokemon are down.

Cheren recalls Froslass, “Great work, Froslass. Rest easy.”

Clay recalls Excadrill, and  growls, “Destiny Bond... I hate that damned move. Yer a clever boy, Cherry!” This time, I don't think the error in naming was an accident...

Clay reaches for his last Pokeball, and sends out his last Pokemon, “Awright! Yer up next, Mamoswine!”

The last Pokemon that appears on Clay's end is an eight foot long brown creature, with a pig-nose and elephant tusks. According to my Pokedex, this Pokemon, Mamoswine, is a ground/ice-type.

As for Cheren, he pauses as he thinks about which his last Pokemon should be. Of course, I mentally scream at him to make the obvious choice of Serperior. Sure, Mamoswine is part ice-type, which could be a problem for the grass-type, but Magmar can easily back her up against that. C'mon, Cheren!

Cheren looks at Claydol, then a Magmar, finally makes his choice, and sends out his second Pokemon, still deciding not to make any by-the-book Pokemon choices, “Go! Kirlia!” With that declaration, Cheren's Kirlia appears.

Kirlia? It's not a bad Pokemon, or anything, but out of Cheren's Pokemon, she'd be one of my last choices for this battle. Still, seeing as I, myself, already made a controversial Pokemon choice, I'm in no position to call Cheren out on it.

Clay laughs, “Haw haw haw! I was thinkin' ya wanted a badge!”

“Kir kir!” Kirlia glares at Clay icily.

“You haven't won yet,” states Cheren.

“Aw, whatever,” says Clay, “Mamoswine, ya can take th' both of 'em down easily. Earthquake!”

“Mamooooooo!” Mamoswine squats down, like it's preparing to jump.

“Quick, Kirlia!” shouts Cheren loudly, “Skill Swap! First Claydol, then Magmar!”

“Um... What?” I question.

With a mighty leap, Mamoswine propels itself several feet into the air, almost touch the ceiling. While that's going on, Kirlia points one of her arms at Claydol, and there is a pink flash between them. Then, slightly lifting off the ground, Kirlia points her other arm at Magmar, and there's another flash.

“Mag?”

“Cheren, what are you...?” I'm cut off by an unusual sight: Magmar is... flying? Well, levitating is probably more like it, but still, he's off the ground! Magmar moves his legs, running on empty air, but quickly gets adjusted.

“Ria!” yells Cheren.

I snap out of my trance. I'll have time to ask questions later. All I know now is that Magmar is flying somehow, which will make Earthquake useless against him, but Kirlia, whose body is now pink and radiating heat, is not so lucky.

Mamoswine slams the ground hard, and the cave shakes violently.

“Magmar!” I yell, “Help Kirlia! Quick!”

“Mar mar!” Magmar flies over to Kirlia, grabs her outstretched arm, and lifts her off the ground, just as the surface under her explodes. The jagged rocks still slash up her ankles a bit, and Magmar takes some scrapes as well, but both of them the full force of the Earthquake attack. Kirlia climbs up Magmar's arm and clings to his back.

While Magmar and Kirlia managed to avoid Mamoswine's Earthquake attack, however, it still managed to hit one target: Claydol, which I now noticed was laying helpless on the ground.

Cheren explains, “Kirlia's Skill Swap allows her to trade abilities with her target. First, she took Claydol's Levitate ability, preventing its flight, and taking the skill for herself, then passed it on to Magmar.”

“I see,” I say, “So that's the reason Kirlia is all pink and hot now? Because she gave Magmar Levitate in exchange for Flame Body?”

“That's right.”

After the hit it took from Earthquake, Claydol stirs around for a little bit, but then lays still. Three down, one to go!

Growling, Clay recalls Claydol, “Well ain't you somethin', boy! Still, I'm gonna see to it that at least one of yer Pokemon goes down before this is over!”

“Try it!” I challenge Clay, “With Magmar flying, and Kirlia being his passenger, ground-type attacks are no good against either of them!”

“Oh, I still have tricks, missy!” says Clay, “Mamoswine! Hail!”

“Mamoooooo!” With Clay's command, the temperature in the cave suddenly plummets by about sixty degrees, if not more, and snow suddenly materializes around Mamoswine, and swirls around it, spreading outward to the point, where the confines of the battlefield turns into a tiny localized snowstorm. It's very thick, and while we can see the Pokemon, we can't see to the other side of it, where Clay is.

The storm extends upward, causing Magmar and Kirlia to get caught up in it. It buffets them a little, but Magmar stays afloat, with Kirlia clinging to him tightly.

“Okay...” I say, “So Mamoswine made a snowstorm. Whatever. Magmar! Swoop down, and use Flamethrower!”

“Mar!” Magmar descends toward Mamoswine, inhales, and releases a powerful blast of fire. Just before the attack would have hit, however, Mamoswine suddenly vanishes, and a few seconds later, reappears well away from where it was originally standing.

“What?” I exclaim.

Cheren observes, “Its ability must be Snow Cloak. Froslass has the same skill. I would have used that very strategy, if Hail didn't hinder your Pokemon...”

“That's right,” says Clay, “As long as this here snowstorm's goin' on, Mamoswine can hide in it and reappear anywhere. Ya ain't hittin' 'im!”

I command, “Stay afloat, Magmar, while we think of a plan!”

“Mar!” Magmar ascends higher, well out of Mamoswine's reach.

“Ain't gonna work!” taunts Clay, “Mamoswine! Blizzard!”

“Mamooo!” with another cry, the already-low temperature in the cave drops even further, probably into the negatives, which sucks, seeing as Cheren and I aren't dressed the way we were in the Cold Storage Dome. There is a blast of wind, which almost knocks us off our feet, followed by another that does. The snowstorm becomes thicker, and we can't even see our Pokemon anymore.

A few seconds of that unpleasantness later, the temperature rises slightly, and the snowstorm thins a bit. When we can see our Pokemon again, Magmar is still airborne, but it seems Kirlia was blown off, and is now on the ground, and her hands and knees, looking about as good as someone who had just taken a thirty foot drop can. The Emotion Pokemon shakily gets back upright.

“Kirlia!” yells Cheren.

“Awright, Mamoswine,” says Clay, “Time ta finish off Kirlia. Use Take Down!”

Cheren frantically looks around the arena, and finally, Mamoswine appears directly behind Kirlia, charging at the psychic-type. He yells, “Kirlia! Behind you!”

Reacting quickly, Kirlia leaps to the side, avoiding the full force of Mamoswine's charge, but still gets grazed by its tusks. Kirlia turns and attempts to counter by firing a psychic blast at the ground/ice-type's backside, but it disappears into the snowstorm.

Not good! Kirlia can't take much more. “Magmar!” I yell, “Get down, and cover Kirlia!”

“Mar mar!” Magmar descends, and hovers near Kirlia, looking for where Mamoswine will appear next.

Clay laughs, “Haw haw haw! Now you can git 'em both! Use Take Down again!”

“Kirlia!” shouts Cheren, “Use Magical Leaf!”

“Kir!” A bunch of glowing leaves materialize around Kirlia, and she launches them.

The leaves arc around in midair, and fly toward Mamoswine, who appears at Magmar and Kirlia's left flank at a charge. Just before they hit, however, Mamoswine vanishes again.

Clay says, “Mamoswine will just dodge anythin' ya try! That attack ain't gonna hit.”

Cheren grins slightly, “Who said I plan for the attack to hit?”

“What?”

The leaves are circling around in midair, clearly waiting for Mamoswine to appear again, and I get what Cheren means. They'll home in on Mamoswine, and reveal where it's coming from! Geez, Cheren's totally on top of things this time!

The leaves suddenly shoot toward the area behind Magmar and Kirlia, and with that, I command, “Magmar! Follow the leaves and use Flamethrower!”

“Mag!” Magmar whirls around, and blows a powerful blast of fire, which catches Mamoswine off-guard, and it charges right into it. Flames and steam erupt out of Mamoswine's front end, and it stands stunned.

Cheren nods, and we command out Pokemon to deliver their finishing moves, “Magmar! Take it down with Fire Blast!”

“Kirlia! Psychic attack!”

Magmar takes a deep breath, and blows out a huge fireball the size of an exercise ball. At the same time, Kirlia extends her arms in front of her, and fires a powerful pink blast of psychic energy. Both attacks slam into Mamoswine, and it collapses, not even trying to get back up.

Cheren and I glance at each other, and smile. Oh, man! We totally did it! It was a close call for Cheren, but his smarts really helped us out in that tight spot! Magmar and Kirlia nod at each other, and share a hi-five.

“Ah, damn...” sighs Clay as he recalls Mamoswine. As soon as the ground/ice-type disappears with a flash, the snowstorm subsides, the temperature greatly increases, and the relief is immediate.

Clay returns his four Pokeballs to the trays on the machine, and they vanish. He then squats down, and pulls something out of a compartment, on the contraptions lower end, no doubt the badges we'd won.

At the same time, however, Kirlia's body becomes enveloped in a pink aura, and Magmar's glows bright red, followed by his body becoming completely engulfed in fire.

“Huh? What's up, Magmar?” I question.

Cheren says, “Kirlia... you're... evolving?”

Sure enough, Kirlia becomes a pink silhouette, which changes shape. She becomes taller, matching Gallade's height, her 'tutu' thing expands and extends into a full gown, the horns disappear from her head, and reappears, jutting through her chest. The pink light disappears, revealing the spikes on the side of her face, and her hair, which had shifted into two curls.

While Kirlia was changing shape, Magmar was still veiled in flame, but when it cleared, he became a completely different Pokemon. He'd become much bulkier, and now stands at a height of a little over five feet, despite having legs that are short in comparison to what Magmar looked like. His duck-like bill disappeared, and a mouth with pink lips appeared in its place. The two flames on his head had fused together into one flame, his shoulders are completely ablaze, and his tail had become one large mass of fire. There are four pink spikes extending out of his back, and finally, his arms are thick and yellow.

The Pokemon Kirlia had evolved into matches the picture Professor Juniper showed me of Gallade's alternate form: Gardevoir. My Pokedex gives additional info that it's called the Embrace Pokemon, and it, unlike Gallade, is 100% psychic-type.

As for the Pokemon Magmar evolved into, my Pokedex identifies it as Magmortar, the Blast Pokemon, a fire-type.

The two new Pokemon shout out in their new cries, “Gardevoooir!”

“Mag... mortar!” Magmortar's right hand sinks into his arm, and he raises it aloft. With his arm now resembling a cannon, he fires a sizeable blast of fire toward the cave's ceiling. Oh man! First Gallade's blades, and now, Magmortar's cannons! This is too cool. After a week of hard training, it looks like the Magmarizer's energy finally worked its magic!

“Magma-- I mean, Magmortar!” I shout, “Dude, you look awesome and stronger than ever!”

Magmortar grins in response, “Mort!”

Cheren says, smiling, “Congratulations, Gardevoir. Your power will no doubt be helpful for the battles ahead.”

“Gardevoir...” Gardevoir holds her gown outward and respectfully curtsies.

Cheren and I recall our newly evolved Pokemon, just as Clay approaches, “Well, ya kids sure showed me. Boy, yer brains, and girl, yer Pokemon's brawn, were one heckuva combination, so it's no wonder I lost this here battle.” Clay holds his hands out toward us, each with a brown pin, looking like a chunk of subterranean earth, cut in half, “Ya won, so I'm givin' th' botha ya th' Quake Badge!”

Cheren and I take our badges. I pin mine to my vest, and Cheren pins his to his jacket.

“Thanks,” I say.

“Yes, thank you,” adds Cheren.

---

Clay takes us back to the surface, gives us a prize money reward befitting of a gazillionaire, of 10,000 credits, and we walk out of the building, en route to the Pokemon Center.

“Dude, I envy you,” I say to Cheren, “I never would have thought of the stuff you did during that battle...”

“You did well enough,” says Cheren, “Besides, that move you used to hinder Claydol's sight advantage shows that you are, in fact, capable of strategy, so you needn't be too hard on yourself.”

“Thanks, man,” I say, “So... um... The next town along the way is Mistralton City, so that's where we're headed next.”

“Actually, that's where you are headed next,” says Cheren, “As for me, I'm going to return to Castelia City and challenge Burgh again.”

“Are you sure you can do it this time?” I ask, “I mean, he beat you in a two-badge Gym battle, so how do you think a four-badge battle will go?”

“I imagine I should do well enough,” says Cheren, “Combusken has a complete advantage over bug-types. I can't imagine Staravia is too far from evolving, and Froslass, as a ghost-type, is strong against bug-type attacks.”

“Ghost-types are strong against...? Good to know,” I say, having learned a new lesson.

---

Cheren and I head to the Pokemon Center, and get our guys fixed up. From there, we go to the Driftveil City-Route 6 checkpoint, located at the western end of Driftveil, where, after we wish each other luck, we part company. Cheren waits for the subway, which will take him to Nimbasa City, and from there, Castelia City, while I move on ahead to Route 6.

Route 6 is a nice little secluded place. It's a forest path, which runs alongside a creek. Of course, the rain is still falling, but I try to think of what this Route would look like on a nice day. The water seems clean, and I imagine the sun reflecting off of it. Man, talk about bad timing...

In a forested area nearby, I see a herd of deer-like Pokemon rush by: Deerlings and Sawsbucks... Professor Juniper told us about them once. Apparently, they change form, according to the season. Since it's the middle of summer, their fur is green. According to the Pokedex, they are normal/grass-types. The thought of catching one of them, and filling my team's remaining sixth slot, crosses my mind, but they are clean out of sight before I can do anything. I totally hesitated on that one.

The Professor mainly gave Bianca, Cheren, and me pointers on how to be responsible Pokemon trainers, how the various trainer gadgets, like Pokeballs, work, and survival tips, like not wandering around at night, especially while you're still a fledgling trainer (which I screwed up to follow through on), not doing anything to provoke more aggressive Pokemon, like Gyarados, and not to drink water-type water (which one of Cheren's ancestors screwed up to follow through on).

However, she occasionally gave basic tips on Pokemon battling, and one point she stressed was to catch Pokemon of various types and be prepared for anything. Of course, I zoned out a lot of the time, and several such lessons about Pokemon match-ups flew over my head, as I thought all I needed was a fighting-type and fire-type to get by, thinking they were the best Pokemon types there are... Geez, was I really like that at one point? It's hard to believe now...

As I walk, I take my notebook, which now has all but a few pages filled, out of my supply bag, and look over the stuff I learned. My sixth Pokemon... I need to be mindful of what kind of Pokemon I need to round out my current team.

I think about the Gyms I'd fought so far. Grass, Normal, Bug, Electric, and Ground... I'd lost to three of those Gyms before finding a Pokemon that I needed for a rematch, so for the most part, I have those bases covered. I also know about Opelucid Gym, which specializes in dragon-types, but Dewott and his Ice Beam should help, plus dragon-types don't have a distinct advantage over most Pokemon anyway. The other two Gyms I have to battle I don't know anything about, but at this point, I have a wide enough variety of Pokemon with me, that I imagine I'll have a decent chance.

I thumb through my notebook, looking at various types, which Pokemon I have, and which moves they know to counter them. Fire... I have Dewott and Marowak; Fighting... Gallade is part psychic-type, and I have Rufflet too; Steel... Gallade is good there too, as is Magmortar and Marowak, so I have that one totally covered; Flying... Rufflet, being a flyer himself, can negate their tendency to easily get out of attack range of melee fighters, plus Magmortar can attack from a distance, and both Gallade and Marowak know rock-type attacks; Ice... Gallade and Magmortar are good there; Poison... Gallade and Marowak all the way...

I go through the types, and figure out ways to counter them, but I finally reach a few dead ends: Water-types... Dewott, being a water-type himself, can resist water attacks, and Gallade knows Leaf Blade, a grass-type attack, but other than that, I don't have much going for me in that department. Ghost-types can also be a problem, and I have few distinct edges over psychic-types too. So what Pokemon types could round out my team? Well, an electric-type could, as would a grass-type, or... a dark-type...

My mind wanders back to the night I was attacked by all those dark-type Pokemon. I had countless chances to catch one then, but the thought never occurred to me. I reluctantly replay that night in my head, thinking about how I felt then, and end up rewinding even further to five years ago, and self-analyze my overall relationship with dark-type Pokemon. Was I really just uninterested in catching one of those Purrloins or Liepards, or...?

My train of thought is cut off the the sound of a deep male voice behind me, “Is your name Ria, age 17, only daughter of a family that resides in Accumula Town's Nuvema Town district?”

“Huh?” I whirl around and see someone who looks just as obsessed with playing dress-up as the lower-ranking Team Plasma members. It's a man with long white hair, wearing a sleeveless skintight black suit and a mask coverrng the lower half of his face. Just like Team Plasma grunts look like knights, this guy looks like a ninja. Just what kind of world am I living in?

“Who... the heck are you?” I ask. One of my hands are reaching down to my Pokeballs. I don't know if this person-thing is a friend or foe, but I have such a bad feeling, that first impressions lean me toward the latter, “And how do you know so much about me? If I happen to have a fan club, I'm sure attracting some weird groupies...”

“Gathering intelligence is part of my job,” says the black-clad figure, “As for who I am, I am a member of Team Plasma's Shadow Triad, so I have no name. It has come to my master's attention that you have interfered with our order's business on multiple occasions, and I am here on a mission to see to it that you stop.”

“By 'master,' you mean N, right?” I say, “I dunno what you're being told, but your 'king' doesn't seem to mind me much, and he even challenged me to try to foil him, so I kinda doubt he'd send some weirdos after little old me.”

“My master and his reasons for my presence here are none of your concern,” says the 'Shadow Triad' dude, “I would prefer it if you just do as I'm asking, and agree to turn the other cheek if you find a situation that involves Team Plasma, but it doesn't seem you'll be that easily persuaded. As such, I'm afraid I will have to force you to comply.”

Yup, he's an enemy. Figures. “Try it!” I challenge the mystery man, “I've fought you Team Plasma guys before, and I've only been getting stronger. I'll beat you, just like all the others!”

“You are welcome to try,” says the figure, reaching down to his belt, and drawing two Pokeballs.

I grab two Pokeballs of my own, and we send our Pokemon out. I send out Gallade and Marowak.

The first Pokemon the shadow guy sends out is a three foot tall black cat-like Pokemon, with long dangerous-looking claws, and feather-like growths on its lower back and left ear.

The second Pokemon is Gallade's height, with a red head, shoulders, and legs, as well as silver forearms and feet. It has a golden axe-like appendage on its head, a bladed 'rib cage,' and blades extending from its forearms.

My Pokedex identifies the first Pokemon as Sneasel, the Sharp Claw Pokemon, a dark/ice-type, and the other as Bisharp, the Sword Blade Pokemon, a dark/steel-type. I smirk upon finding out that information. Both of them have a critical weakness to fighting-type attacks.

Between the two of them, Bisharp looks more dangerous, so I figure Gallade, having had more battle experience, is a better match for it. As for Sneasel, its ice-type could be a problem for Marowak, but he is capable of Brick Break, a fighting-type move, so he stands a chance, at least.

I shout out, “Okay! Gallade, go after Bisharp! Marowak, Sneasel is yours!”

“Attack,” says the dark figure to his Pokemon, “Remember who your target is.” What the heck is it talking about?

Gallade and Marowak charge at their respective opponents.

Marowak leaps toward Sneasel, swinging his club, but the Sharp Claw Pokemon evades by leaping over the Bonekeeper's head in a swift movement. Dang, it's fast! Sneasel lands, and springs toward Marowak's back, its claws glowing light blue. However, Marowak's reflexes were sped up after his training with the Power Bracers and Anklets, and reacting swiftly, his club glows reddish brown, and he turns to face his opponent, his weapon positioned defensively. Claws and club clash, and the two Pokemon are in a deadlock.

Meanwhile, Gallade dashes toward Bisharp, extending his blades. Bisharp, who actually kinda strikes me as a Pokemon that can be considered Gallade's evil cousin, extends the blades on its forearms, and assumes a defensive position.

“Gallade! Brick Break!” I command.

“Gall!” Gallade's blades glow reddish-brown, and he rears back to strike at Bisharp.

The dark figure commands, “Bisharp. Guard yourself with your own Brick Break.”

“Bish!” Bisharp's blades, like Gallade's, glow reddish-brown.

The two Pokemon's blades collide, and then again. Both Blade Pokemon engage in a swift succession of clashes, attacking, defending, counterattacking, and so on, and the Bisharp is matching Gallade move for move. Still, based on type, Gallade should have a much greater advantage than this! Just how strong is this Bisharp?

While Marowak and Sneasel are deadlocked, the Sharp Claw Pokemon is the first to deliver a counterattack, and pushes Marowak back with its foot. Instead of performing a follow-up attack on the Bonekeeper, like I was expecting, however, Sneasel turns its attention on... me!

“Snea!” Sneasel jumps toward me, and with my heartbeat steadily increasing, I back away, my arms reflexively in front of me. With my attention focused on my attacker, I don't see the tree root I end up tripping over. Sneasel stands in front of me, raises its claws, and I get the shakes big time. Just what's going on? Even battling Team Plasma all those other times, none of them sicked their Pokemon on us directly. I mean, once a trainer no longer has any Pokemon that can fight, they're completely at the mercy of his or her opponent, so why is this happening?

Just as Sneasel is about to strike, however, something collides with the back of its head: Marowak's club. The Sharp Claw Pokemon falls on its front and the club returns to Marowak. He charges at the dark/ice-type, leaps up, his bone glowing reddish-brown, and he swings it down hard with a Brick Break attack.

Reddish-brown fire erupts out of the bruise Marowak's attack inflicted, and Sneasel lays limp.

“Th-thank you, Marowak...” I gasp.

“Hmph. Return...” The Shadow Triad guy recalls Sneasel.

Gallade is still busy with Bisharp, their blades clashing repeatedly. Marowak dashes toward them to assist Gallade, but the sight of the ground-type getting further away causes a wave of panic to crash through me, and I frantically gasp, “No, Marowak! Come back! Protect me! Please!”

“Maro?” Markwak glances back at me, and stares for several second, but then nods, and walks back toward me.”

“Th-thank you...” I'm suddenly self-aware of just how pathetic I probably look to my Pokemon. I'm the one who's supposed to be in control, but ever since Sneasel attempted an attack on me, my fear has firmly gripped me. Before the battle, the figure I'm fighting told his Pokemon to 'remember who their target is.' Does he mean me? He already knew so much stuff about me, somehow. Does that mean he knows about my fears too? His Pokemon are dark-types, after all. Is that what this is about?

“Gallade!” I screech, “Take down Bisharp! Take him down now! Use Close Combat!”

“G-gall!” Gallade delivers a flurry of slashes with his left blade so fast, there are after-images. It's a powerful fighting-type move he perfected after the Power Bracers came off. C'mon, this has to beat Bisharp! Please, Gallade!

Moving swiftly, Bisharp either blocks or dodges most of Gallade's slashes. Finally, one gets through the Sword Blade Pokemon's defenses, opening a large gash across Bisharp's chest. Bisharp staggers back, stunned, but something is wrong: only steam is coming from the wound, not reddish-brown fire, like there should. Gallade hit Bisharp's critical weakness, after all. What gives? Just what is this Bisharp made of?

“Gall... Gall...” The major drawback to Gallade's Close Combat attack is that it really wears Gallade down when he uses it. Trying to catch his breath, he stares at Bisharp, who is just leaned back from the blow it received.

“Shaaaaaaaarp!” With a screech, Bisharp suddenly recovers, and bolts to and past Gallade in an instant, slashing him as it passes. When Bisharp reappears, its blades are glowing a blackish color. It just used the dark-type attack, Night Slash.

“Gaaaall!” Gallade slumps to one knee in pain, clutching his wound.

“Ga-Gallade!” I yell.

The dark figure says, “Very good, Bisharp! You truly are a Pokemon worthy of my master. Now strike your target.”

“Shaaaarp!” Bisharp charges at Marowak and me. Marowak lunges toward the Sword Blade Pokemon, and swings his club, but Bisharp blocks the attack with one of his blades, and delivers a powerful slash with his other, which sends the Bonekeeper flying and landing in the nearby creek.

Now that I'm completely undefended, I shakily reach for my Pokeball belt, but Bisharp had advanced too close, and its rearing back to strike.

“Gahhh!” I back away, my arms raised defensively. Bisharp delivers a slash, which opens gashes on both of my arms. The strength in my legs give out, and I'm on the ground, Bisharp standing over me, looking down on me coldly. No... no... this is it, isn't it? This is where I'm gonna die? Please no!

Suddenly, Bisharp disappears with a flash, returning to its Pokeball.

“That should be enough,” says the dark figure.

“Ah... ah...” My entire body is shaking, several horrible thoughts are racing through my mind, my eyes are tearing up, my body is covered in a cold sweat, and I feel slightly nauseous.

“It's true what I'd heard,” says the black figure, “You never truly recovered from your trauma, and it took another attack from a dark-type to make you relive your fear. I will leave now, but I hope you realize what happens when you try to get caught up in Team Plasma's affairs.” With those words, the dark figure disappears, appearing to meld into the shadows.

Even though the Team Plasma guy is out of sight, however, my mind is so preoccupied with how I feel that he might as well still be here.

No... this can't be happening! Not again! This is a full-on panic attack like the ones I used to have! I feel so helpless and hopeless. I feel like the world's about to end.

I want something, anything, to protect me! Should I send out the rest of my Pokemon? But... what if they turn on me and attack me? Ah, what am I saying? I know my Pokemon better than that! They trust me and I trust them! They'd never do that! I take a deep breath. You're just having some weird thoughts, Ria. Your imagination is running too wild... Oh, just listen to myself... I sound like a freaking psycho.

Gallade and Marowak walk over, and, judging by the looks on their faces, I probably look as pathetic as I feel. For their sake, I should be holding myself together a lot better than I am. I realize how selfish I'm being, but at the same time, I'm too preoccupied with my thoughts to convincingly come off as anything but how I am right now. Still, I should say something... anything...

“Gallade... Marowak...” I manage to get out, “I'm sorry you have to see me like this, but please... just stay here with me...”

“Gall.”

Using a small first-aid kit I bought before I began my journey, I shakily disinfect the cuts Bisharp had inflicted on my arms. It only grazed me, so the bleeding isn't that bad, and the injury as a whole is just an afterthought to what's going on in my head. I wrap the wounds with bandages, and from there, I sit on the damp ground for a couple straight hours, as I try to recall how I dealt with my panic and anxiety in the past.

Okay... Try to calm down... Take slow, deep breaths. Other than that, just let this thing run its course. You're not going crazy, Ria, no matter how much it feels that way... At least I hope I'm not...

More time passes, and gradually, my breathing, thought process, and heartbeat slow down, and the sweating subsides. I still have a case of the anxiety-driven shakes, and the feeling of uneasiness is still there, but I feel a little better, overall. Still, now that my mindset is somewhat normal again, I start feeling regretful about how self-absorbed I was to care about anything else, including my Pokemon, who should be looking up to me.

I need to do something about this. I spent months living in fear five years ago, and reliving that experience is the last thing I want to do.

I look at Gallade and Marowak, “Thanks, you guys. I'm sorry you had to see that. It's a long story.”

Gallade nods in understanding. Marowak, however, looks away from me in a 'hmph!' fashion. I sure didn't do any favors for my already-shaky relationship with the Bonekeeper...

With a sigh, I recall my Pokemon. While Pokemon can help me with a lot of things, my own internal issues isn't one of them. I need to talk to another human about this. I don't know what I'm expecting from that, exactly. Part of me is hoping a little chat will just make this all go away, but deep down, I know that's not true. I guess, if anything, it's to get this all out of my system, and maybe get some advice.

The more I think about it, the more I realize that, like that Team Plasma guy just said, I wasn't even remotely cured of the trauma I experienced five years ago. All that happened was that time softened the blow, and the meds I took for a couple years since stabilized my mood, but it had never really gone away. Now that I'm a trainer, being around Pokemon regularly, including dark-types, I just can't keep living like this, and I need to put a stop to it somehow, not just for myself, but my Pokemon too, who expect a strong trainer in me. I need to find a way of dealing with it for good, but how?

I get my Xtransceiver out of my supply bag, and thumb through my list of contacts, wondering who can help me with my current predicament. I guess the Professor would be a good bet. Pokemon can be dangerous sometimes, and I doubt I'm the only one who'd had to deal with the stuff I did five years ago. Behind every trainer, there's a Professor, and part of their job is to help trainers, after all, and Professor Juniper has given me great advice throughout my Pokemon journey.

I enter the Professor's frequency, and a couple beeps later, she appears on the screen, beaming, “Why, hello, hello, Ria!”

“How's it going?” I say, making an extremely forced attempt at coming off as cheerful.

However, Professor Juniper manages to see right through me, “Uh oh. Ria seems to be having a bad day. That's a tad unexpected, considering you just won badge #5 a few hours ago. I had this mental image of you happily skipping through the rain to Mistralton City, raring to win your next badge, so what happened to knock you off the top of the world?”

“Well, Professor...” I explain what happened with the Team Plasma member, how his dark-type Pokemon deliberately attacked me, and the fact that in turn, it reopened an old wound, resulting in a bad panic attack.

“I see...” says the Professor.

“Have any more good advice?” I ask.

The Professor is silent for several seconds. Not a good sign. Finally, she speaks up, “Ria... Don't forget how the circumstances were different back then. You weren't a trainer yet, and you were helpless against that wild Pokemon. Also, don't forget that figure from Team Plasma had his Pokemon attack you. Pokemon are only as good or as bad as their trainers, after all, so are you sure your fear isn't misplaced?”

“Yeah, I know,” I say, “I should be more concerned about that black-clad Team Plasma guy, and I try to remind myself of that, but when that Sneasel and Bisharp attacked me, all I could think about was how I felt back then. In Castelia City, we talked about how I didn't want to be afraid anymore, and how this journey could change me... but it just isn't that simple, and I can't do this alone. In your experience, have you had any other students like me?”

The Professor shakes her head, “I'd been a researcher for a long time, but I'd only recently taken up the role of being a mentor for trainers. You, Cheren, and Bianca are my only students.”

“I see...”

The Professor tries to give me a reassuring smile, “Chin up, Ria. I might not have all the answers you're looking for, but I know someone who might.”

“Who?”

The Professor smiles, “My dear old daddy, Professor Cedric Juniper. He'd been a mentor for several trainers over the years, so he's had a lot more experience at this than I have. Maybe you could visit him, and see if he can help you with your troubles.”

“I'm listening,” I say, “Where can I find him?”

“He's currently vacationing in Undella Town,” says Professor Juniper, “How about you head there, and I'll call him and ask him to meet you at the Pokemon Center. How does that sound?”

I nod at the Professor, “Okay. Sounds good to me. I'll head that way right now!”

The transmission ends. I slowly get to my feet and head back toward Driftveil City, and from there, to take a subway to Undella Town.

Back in Pinwheel Forest, my Pokemon apparently told N he looks forward to watching me grow. Well, in one way or another, it's high time to do a little 'evolving' myself. For my Pokemon and myself, I'm gonna beat this thing somehow! I don't know how, exactly, but hopefully Professor Juniper's dad has the answers I'm looking for.

TEAM UPDATE


This... was a very difficult installment to write, and I really hope it ended up alright. I had several ideas for the battle with Clay, so I had to get that aspect organized. The part I'm a little more concerned about however is the psychological side of things, hoping that part was convincing enough.

Anyway, this ends the Driftveil arc. Up next is a brief Undella arc.

Last edited by Valin on Sat Nov 10, 2012 2:49 am, edited 2 times in total.