The Challenger stood ready and willing to take on the Gym Leader of SunnyShore City. The girl holding a Pok'eBall ready to throw, waiting for the robot referee to wave the flag in which would start the match. She breathed deeply and slowly. The palms of her hands where already sweating, nervous as she was. This was the only Badge she needed before she could enter the Sinnoh League. Having acquired the seven shiny polished ones form other hard won battles.
"I've been looking forward to this for a long time."
The Gym Leader, Volkner, looked at his challenger. He could see his simple words had already seemed to have shaken her, but she was still willing to go thought with this. He knew what this meant to her. To win after all the training she done. Nothing would be put to waste as the match soon began.
"The Gym Leader, Volkner Vs The Challenger, Blossom. It will be a three on three battle, and will be over when all three of one side is unable to battle. Further more only the Challenger will only be allowed to substitute Pok mon. Let the Match Begin..."
With a flick of the wrist the Pok eBall left the hand of their owners. Allowing release of the power inside at their command.
"GO-"
"I CALL FORTH-"
"JOLTEON!"
A look of shock spread across Volkner's face as he looked upon the opponents Pok'emon. The Jolteon pawed at the ground as a Tauros would getting ready to charge. Its fur standing on end, the look on its face told another story form the one on its Trainers. His own Jolteon bared his fangs at the enemy, ears perked for any command. The gym battle had caught the attention of the town s people, and awaiting challengers. They watched and cheered for whoever they sought would definitely win. Each ignoring calls and whistles of the restless crowd, it was on.
"Use Toxic, and make it wide spread!"
The purple like substance shot forth, spraying out in a way that looked like it was raining. It hit the marked target, making the other twin like Pok'emon suddenly cry out in pain as the effects too place.
"Synchronoise"
The electric fox cried out. Making a noise that sounded almost exactly like that of Blossom's Jolteon, in turn causing little pigments of purple to be created around said opponent. Injecting themselves into her also causing pain, for she too cried out just as the twin had.
"What?"
Volkner smiled, catching her off guard was funny in itself, but this was a match and he had to stay alert.
"Jolteon! Are you ok?"
"JOLT!"
She lifted her head to indicate that she was. Eyes glared at the defiler. How dare he infect her. He would definitely pay by losing this battle. She would oh So make sure of it.
"Attract!"
Standing very alluring, then winking, catching the attention of the opposite of her. The hearts all pink, sparkly and multiplying flew at the male fox. Hitting dead on. His vision changing of her. Instead of seeing a ruffled flea bag enemy, he saw her as a princess and he the prince to save her.
"Rapid shadowball, then dig!"
The knight stood still, his head switching in between the Princess and his King. Which was the right choice? Save the Damsel in distress or betray his king?
"Thunder Fang!"
The young female fox shot forth, electric saliva dripping as she bound upon the distressed knight. She wouldn't bite, their love to strong for them to hurt each other anymore. The tables turned as he took the hit, not doing much damage, but drawing enough since to know it was false. Taking the command he was issued, balls of energy flung forth at every which angle. It seemed impossible to miss. They glowed with a purple-blackish aura, leaving a streak like a comet. The body of the attacker disappeared underground as soon as a barrage took to the field. Thought losing site of his beloved he followed orders. The female fox dashed away, the comets chasing her.
"Discharge, hit them all before they hit you!"
The built up electricity taking leave. It was a blitz of connect the dots lighting up. The power behind it causing a wave of pulsing power, leaving a feeling of relentless force. Both Trainers having to raise a hand to keep dirt from entering their eyes, as well as the blinding light.
"Now Jolteon, get in the way of her attack!"
The dirt parted a path as the fox popped out, taking the electricity with it. Energy ran through the veins of blood inside the yellow fox, regaining health,he had yet to lose. Igniting his love further as she feed him more power, he knew now that she was just following orders. Should he?
"DODGE IT!"
The Trainer's shout fell on deaf ears as the final wave of pulsating power took hold over both Jolteon, sending them tumbling. The ShadowBalls, having had an extra kick form the discharge, came full force as it too hit them. The crowd fell quiet as the smoke over took the battle field. Slowly, ever so slowly the smoke dispersed. Hushed tone filled the stadium as all looked on in utter shock. Each Jolteon lay in a heap of entanglement.
"Both Pok'emon are unable to battle, this round is a draw."
"Nice work Jolteon, return."
"Awesome Jolteon, return."
The two disappeared into their balls for a restful sleep. The Gym Leader smiling at the other. This was what a battle was to be, a head to head combat of strength and strategies, as well as a combo of chance, luck and a little bit of emotion mixed into it all. A trilling life to live. Another Pok'emon, another round. One down two to go. Odds unreadable as the first ended in a draw. Either could win.
"Electivire Go!"
"Call you forth Onix!"
Each titian, in their own way, appeared. The people in the stands crying out as the next round was to being.
"VOLKNER WIN THIS! SHOW THAT SQURIT WHOSE BEST!"
"OVER HERE VOLKNER, SHOCK HER TIL SHE DROPS!"
"GO ONIX, ROCK THIS JOINT!"
Shouts alike came to and from each person it seemed. Volkner may have been the Gym Leader, but it didn't always mean he was the one that was always wanted to win. Challengers all alike deserved a cheering section. So that s what they were given.
"Elec! Elec! Electivire!"
"RAAAAAR!"
Onix stood a far greater height, then Electivire, the height he stood always seem to intimidate all opponents, this time thought it seemed he was facing a titan amongst titans.
"Give the ground a shake will you Onix?"
Volkner's eyebrow rose at the way she gave a command. It seems she's learned a new way to interact with her Pok'emon since he had last battled her. This would make it the three'd time she s come back, each time proving more and more of how much she and her crew were growing, and each time using different Pok'emon to achieve the goal of winning. Fire in the soul was apparently a disease since the last few rounds of Trainers were not as boring as he had thought beforehand. Ash had really done a number for him it seemed. Knocked from his thoughts as the ground suddenly began to quake below. Electivire taking damage from the ground move.
"Awesome Onix, now while their recovering use Bind!"
With balance lost the electric type had no time to move even if a command had been issued. He was suddenly grabbed by the giant snake of a monster, having the life squeezed out of him, he held on. Blossom could see the clam look on the male before her, then a smile.
"Alright Electivire, Ice punch back to back!"
Form where Electivire was within the grasp of the larger titan he had the perfect angle to strike. The swirling wind wrapped around the fists and was launched at the rock being before him.
"RAAAAAAAAR!"
The icy touch was slowly gathering on the places hit over and over relentlessly. Onix endured it as he tried to bind Electivire's arms, but the tails of the other keep him from doing so as they were wrapped around his own.
"What will you do now, Sunnyside?"
'What to do? What to do?'
"RAAAAAAR!"
The tension on him was released as Onix feel to the ground, the ice having been too much. His lungs expanded as much needed air filled them. Onix sat before him, chipped ice along his side. The rock hard snake liftted himself up with the last of his energy.
"Tivire..."
"Reeeeeeeeer."
The giant Pok'emon collapsed. His energy spent. Electivire on the other hand, still standing, winded a little, and some of the adrenaline wearing off. Thought still ready to rumble.
"Onix is unable to battle, Electivire is the winner."
"What was that about taking me down a notch?"
"Let's give them a show."
The crowd waited in anticipation, circling a young Trainer as she stud facing away from them. A different colored Rattata on her shoulder, a Raichu in her arms, and a Charmander at her feet. Laid out before them in the circle stood hoops, jumps, balls and any other kind of equipment. The kids in the crowd making the most noise as she turned. They hardly ever got to different kinds of Pok'emon, especially ones that could perform. Their eyes glued to the spot, not only the Pok'emon, but the outfit she were. It collared around her neck, looking like a combination of a bathing suit as it came down, dangles hanging from the collar and the leg holes. The dark and light purple making a mixture combo. Matching wrist and anklet bands. Two shawls hung from her hips, both black and loosely, but not enough to fall off form her rapid movement. Her hair long, in a Ponyta's tail.
"Ladies, Gentleman, Kids of all ages! Prepare to be amazed as my partners give you a show!"
Motioning with her hand, the Rattata jumped from her shoulder, making its way to the many aligned hoops. Each a different color, five in total. With a wave of the same hand, it was off, taking leaps and bounds, all perfectly executed. Clapping the crowd ahh'd at the thought of how hard it was to train the brown mouse to do it. The kids giggled, laughed and hollered. The girl bowed, she waved to her Pok'emon. A sudden commotion caught everyone s attention. Breaking through the crowd, pushing shoving, a man stood.
"Cheap trick. Not at all fancy. Some show."
"Raichu! RAI!"
"Ratta!"
"You let your Pok'emon do the talking for you? Persian got your tongue?"
The man laughed at his own joke. He far taller then she, not at all intimidated. A little grin came to her face.
"It's for the kids. I asked them to say when they wanted me to 'UP' our game. All they have to do is say so, am I right?"
"YEAH!"
The young ones answered her question. The air seem to go stale after. He stepped forward, the same for her side, thought she stayed where she was, with the Charmander behind her hiding, almost it seemed.
"Is there something you wish to see?"
"Yes, you jump through the hoops. Entertain me."
"As you request."
With sleight of hand, before their very eyes five larger of the same colored hoops seem to appear. Placing them up she got into position. She bowed to the insulter and the crowd. Getting set. The man eyed her. He wasn't happiest in the bit, a scowl on his face, glaring daggers. He wished she dead, if only his glaring daggers could kill. Then all of a sudden his face lit up.
"WAIT!"
She stopped, looking up at him. Something seemed amidst. Her Pok'emon watched him closely. Never could be too careful. People could be curel, They had to protect one another and lve with it.
"Yes?"
"Have you fur ball electrify the two on opposite sides of the middle and have the rest set on fire by your scale hid..."
The guy's face was alight with a veil smirk, but that changed when he looked at her eye to eye. He could have sworn a look of pure evil pasted her face, but he must of been seeing thing as a neutral expression was plastered on the young lass.
"Of course. Nuray, Soot. If you please."
The two did as asked. The metal of the round holes began to suddenly glow, as the others began to sizzle with electrify. Sparks and pieces of ash could be seen coming off them. The sound of humming was low in key, sounding in the background.
"Ladies, Gentleman, Kids... Don't try this at home"
The audiences held with baited breathe. Thoughts of how crazy the girl was came to mind as she dashed forward. The air seem to slip most as she jumped and soared through the wind, giving her the look of having wings. Back flipping the first hoop a flame, again the first shocking one, then so on the rest. They looked on in 'awww' as she finished in a hand stand, the dangling beads following gravities law. Her Raichu stopping his task. All three rushing up to her, starting to speak at once as the circle erupted in a frenzy of shock and amazed.
"Hot enough for you, sir?"
His face red with anger, walking up, he almost poked her in her face if it wasn't for officer Jenny. Grabbing his hand. The words she spewing only fell on deaf ears as she tuned them out and turned back to her captive guests. The rush of living on the edge not soon forgotten. Bending down to her partners level, looking each in the eyes she smiled. Another satisfied customer, always happy to help. People continued to buzz form the excitement.
"Who s my good boys?"
"Rai! Rai!"
"RATTATA!"
"Char?"
She smiled rising, moving the three to the side. She gave a kick to the hoops, clattering as the hit the ground. They bowed again for good measure. She motioned for the Rattata to climb on her shoulder. He did so. Showing the crowd her arms, going thought all the things to show something she didn't have.
"Arashi, Please show the crowd that I have no gloves or any sort of place to hide or store anything."
The mouse did as asked, picking here and there at her skin. He moved back to her shoulder and shook his head. She smiled, walking over to a random person in the semi-circle. She held her hand high in the air.
"Please do not be alarmed if Arashi climbs on to your shoulder, if you are squeamish please remove yourself from the crowd now."
She nodded. Arashi took a running start up her arm and dove into the crowd head first. He moved jumping form one shoulder to shoulder. Sniffing here and there. He hoped onto a woman's shoulder then on her, what he assumed, was her son's shoulder.
"Ttata! Ratta!"
He began to pull at the boy's sock. The People parted as he stepped forth.
"Seems Arashi has taken a liking to you. Want to help us out in a trick?"
He nodded. The Rattata climbing back onto his shoulder. She motioned for the Pokemon, Soot, the Charmander brought two fairly large green balls, while Nuray, the Raichu, brought an armful of smaller multicolored balls. Taking the balls from Soot she held it, he running back to get another two small stands that looked like a bowl. Placing the large balls on each a small distance away from each other.
"Alright Arashi, Soot. When you re ready."
Brown and orange flashed as they sprang on top of the ball, balancing from days and weeks of practice. The boy blinked, then joined in on the laughing with the crowd, the young Charmander having jumped right over his ball. His Trainer walking over and placing him on it, giving him a smile.
"Char-man-der..."
"So'k."
Nuray walked over to stand beside the boy. A frown on his face. They had no reason to laugh when it could have happened to anyone. They quieted down, waiting and watching at what would happen. The small crowd seemed to have grown since they started, all wanting to know what the commotion was about.
"Now all you have to do is take the balls from Nuray and throw them to Arashi, who will then juggle them with soot."
She nodded to him. Taking one ball after another he threw them. Just like she said, the mouse caught them and threw it to his trick partner. Then another was added, giving them two, then three, four. As the fifth one came, missing the target, instead bouncing off landing on the ground. Ignoring it they continued to throw and catch the balls until none where left. Then to make things far harder the Ring Master gave a wave of both her hands. The Pokemon atop the spheres using their feet began to roll them off their stools, rolling in circles around each other, keeping up the juggling. Practice of paw coordination keeping them from falling. The crowd roared with excitement and clapping.
"Thanks for your help. Here."
Ring Master took off one of her shawls on her hips and retied it around the smaller boys. Says word of thanks he ran back to his mother's side showing off his new accessory.
"Ok guys, time to finish this trick off."
With the signal given Arashi and Soot each throw one ball to Nuray the three'd partner in the little side show. With his tail he began to also juggle balls while Arashi and Soot continued to roll around him on top of their spheres. Finally they tossed the spheres into a basket, as each finished they bowed where they stood.
"I hate to say dear folks but that is the end of our little side show. Hope to see you at the big one Saturday. Bring your friends, the whole family. Come early to get some of the other attractions we will have set up."
The crowd cleared slowly as they aww'd. Sad that it was over. As the clean up was never fun. Loading each thing onto the small wagon. Everything being thrown on, having to be gone through later.
"RATTATA! RATTATA! RATTA!"
Arashi's frantic voice whipped the small crew around, seeing a man holding the struggling Pokemon on a little girl's shoulder. Instinct kicking in he maneuvered his head, biting hard, the man yelped, dropping him. He scurried over and up into his Trainer's protective arms.
"Seems Arashi has found another volunteer."
"Excuse me?"
"My Princess, Asmara. I am her father. Your RAT-tata found another volunteer. He was on her shoulder."
The Trainer looked at the man as she claimed him down, petting his back slowly and holding him near her heart beat. A soothing lullaby. He was tall, but had the air of 'rich' around him, dressed in a fancy suit, his hair combined to the side. The little girl wear a pink dress, a matching bow in her long hair, blowing in the breeze.
"Doesn't work that way. You where holding him there and the show is over. We're packing up."
She turned back, thinking they would have gotten the idea. The little brown fur ball, climbing onto her shoulder, watching Nuray guard their Trainer's back. He saw the man look back at his daughter, motioning for her to hold on.
"But he FOUND another VOLUNTEER..."
The man was putting emphases on words, he wanted to stress. That much she could gather, so she turned back as he opened his mouth. Waiting, arms crossed. But he stood there just gaping like a Magikarp out of water.
"DADDY! I WANT ONE NOW!"
"Darling-"
"I WANT IT NOW! DO SOMETHING! IF YOU DON"T I'LL HOLD MY BREATHE UNTIL YOU DO!"
Asmara stood there holding her breathe, seconds passing. She tapped her foot and crossed her arms as the other girl did, trying to look intimidating. The face of the father paled.
"Please Young lady just a small trick? I'll pay you."
He looked back at his daughter. Her face becoming a light blue, darkening slowly. She made a muffled sound, as thought she couldn't hold it. The adult got on his knees, the dirt embedding itself into the fabric of his pants.
"Darling breathe. Don't do this."
Walking over she turned Asmara to her and poked her checks. The younger of the two growling and glaring. She just grinned and glared back.
"Nice try kid. If I can look a Gyarados in the face and smile, then you re easier than a Happiny in a nursery. AND you sir need some backbone. How hard was that? But Like I said before, the show is over..."
"But I want one of what that boy got..."
"Look, I only give them out during shows, but rarely."
"Fine, I don't want one. There stupid anyway. Take me to the toys store daddy, Please?"
"Of course princess."
Looking on they walked away the unnamed Trainer just shook her head, disappointed. A brat will always be a brat. She continued on with the work at hand. To get done so she could get on her way. Nuray looked up at his Trainer, suddenly hugging onto her leg.
"Rai rai?"
Sitting down she allowed the three into her lap, for the furs and internal heat she was warm on the windy day. But short lived as she placed them all in the back of the wagon and began the trek to camp, pulling it. It may have been a short trip, seeing as how it was just outside the city limits, but with time thinking can make things seem longer. One foot in frount of the other, the sounds of metal cling and clanging. If you listened to it closely enough it might have even been a little music to it.
"Flygon is unable to battle, the winner is Volkner."
The Dragon lay on the torn battle field, eyes swirling form a hard defeat. In the stands people cheering even thought a lost was on hand they enjoyed the show, so they gave it up for the challenger. They soon cleared knowing that it was the last battle of the day, having being almost evening. Surely they were tired, thought saw it unfair that they'd have to wait till tomorrow for their battle.
'So close. Nice work guys, we'll work some more AND then defeat him. I'll then have bragging rights.'
Volkner didn't like the look on her face as he approached. Grinning with an evil glint in her eyes. Scary at times, she was still his cousin.
"Don't think too hard, might hurt yourself."
The look that crossed her face caused the elite fire type user to bust a gut laughing, grabbing on to the wall just to stay up on his feet. Flint made his presents know to her.
"That s not funny, Flint. I was thinking about when I finally defeated-"
"Volkner, still got that 'spark?'"
"Hehe Yeah. That Ash really opened my eyes. I had forgotten how much fun it was. And the challengers these days, I'm always on the edge. Could go either way."
"DON'T IGNORE ME! I"M STILL HERE!"
"We're not ignoring you Sunnyside. That was a hard match like last time."
"Yeah but still not enough, thought we had you this time. Hey your coming tonight aren't ya Flint?"
"Coming where?"
Arms crossed she gave the fire user a look. Turning away from him pouting, then suddenly dashing form the since, she turned back expecting them to be there.
"Where you going?"
"Gotta make sure I'm ready! And rest up the Team! Make sure your both there!"
With those words said she left both older men to themselves. She ran down the hall and out the door heading to the Pokemon center where a Nurse Joy always awaited Trainers of all ages. Down the streets ignoring the automatic sidewalks, under the bridges and down the final path to the very place. Entering she looked around, seeing more people then usual.
"Evening Blossom, the usual?"
"Hey Nurse Joy, please."
"Chansey!"
"Chansey Chan?"
"Here you are."
"Chansey."
"How was the battle?"
The nurse looked quiet curious as she questioned the trainer visiting her. She had known the child for many years, seen her come and go on her visits. She didn't realize she was opening wounds that where mint to be forgotten, left in the past. Not thrown back in ones face.
"Jolteon was knocked out at the same time as his. Onix lost to his Electivire and Flygon lost to Electivire as well but still caused him some damage and made him pass out not to long after it was over. we didn't even get to Luxray."
"Don't worry dear, I'm sure with some more training you will."
"Thanks Nurse Joy, I'll be back in a while to pick them up, take good care of'em?"
"You know I always do."
The same smile she always gave reassured the trainer that her Pokemon where in good hands. She left the Pokemon Center and headed anywhere her feet took her, having memorized the place years ago let her think as she walked. she had a lot to think about. If the badge wasn't won soon she would miss the league, not wanting that she would have to find some way to defeat the electric warrior before her. The path curved up ahead, taking her to the lighthouse. Entering she took the elevator to the top, looking out over the city and sea, enjoying the view eased her troubled mind, even if only for a minute. The view was always breathe taking, the way the waves beat against the rock trying to gain access. The way that the Wingull and Pelipper flew around along the cliff side below. The sunset was the best of all, the way the sun hit the water at just the right angle was perfect. Staring at it until it disappeared over the horizon.
Time would not wait, seeing as how darkness was about. Heading back to the Pokemon center Blossom picked up her Pokemon and headed back to the Gym. Maybe after some sleep she could come up with a way to train and finally beat Volkner, truly a goal to behold. Changing into her Pj's, consisting of a purple tank top and short shorts. She laid down her wary head.
"Night Sunnyside..."
"Night Volk..."
Half asleep the performing Trainer was back at her camp, after climbing up and down hills. Dropping the wagon where it was, she was greeted by some of the family Pokemon that had grown with her over the years. It was a fairly large area in which they had settle, just outside the city. It was needed for all to practice. She had diceided on her way up that she would sort thought the equitment in teh morning after breakfest, they'd have to prepare for the show coming up. Reform moves, pair up with cernten ones, who would be doing what and all before show time. A normal days work she suposed.
(Mistress!)
"Rawr!"
"Hey-"
Interrupted by a yawn, she rubbed her eyes, looking more tired then necessary. Approaching her stood a Lucario and Houndoom, each approaching. The Houndoom rubbing her head against the hand, which responded by petting and caressing her head and under her jaw. The Lucario stood to the side, allowing the leader first praise. He then aproched for his turn, thought tired she raised her other hand and scratched under his jaw, both of their favorite place, beside the ears.
"-Guys, everyone else head to bed?"
(Yes.)
"No trouble?"
(No-)
"Rawr!"
"What happened?"
Before her the Lucario's eye suddenly began to glow. Having done this many times before she expected the 'knocking' feel in her mind. Closeting her eyes she could feel the pull as he showed her want had happened. The picture was at first fog bound, but slowly became clear. Illuminating off the fog two figures became clear, one a Marowak and the other a Breloom, several others where in the back, unclear, most liklywatching the fight, if you coudl call it that. The Marowak was seen to have hit the other, words where past between the two but knew not what they speak. Again the bone club struck home, hitting the poor Breloom in the head once again. That was all that needed to be seen. Feeling like her mind was closed off and shoved back into her head she opened her eyes to see the world again.
"How was it stopped?"
(Well Pride apologized, even thought he might not have mint it. GrandMother Pistol half satisfied left it at that.)
"Well remind me of it tomorrow, I'm too tired to wake them up for another all nighter. Good Night BackFire, Revolver."
(Good Night Mistress.)
"RAWR, Reer."
"Oh uh, RappiedFire didn't get involved in any way? No shape or form? No fighting? No nothing?"
The Pokemon just shook their heads, surprising as how that had not been the case. Nodding The Trainer headed on in her bowtop wagon to sleep the rest of the night away. Arashi, Nuray, and Soot on her heels, tired they too was. Today had been one of Arashi's first days in the spot light. Nerves he did all right. With more practice he would surely be one of her best. The door shut behind them with a loud slam, the hounds flinching at it. The two guard hounds remaining alert to any and all sounds. Protecting what was now their home and family. Each one on the opposite side of the door, no one got in or out without them knowing.