Hey guys! Sorry if I didn't have some introduction in the Prologue. So anyways, here's the 2nd chapter! BTW, I'm an OK updater…I probably can update either once a day, once every 2 days, or every 3 days. I'm busy with school, sorry .

Anyways, enjoy!

"All right!" shouted Paul. Then, he looked around, feeling himself blush. He knew that he had acted too child-like.

Cynthia smirked. "Then let's get started! Six-on-six battle! Paul, send out your Pokémon, and let the battle begin!"
Paul slowly unlatched a Poke Ball from his belt. "Gastrodon, stand by for battle!"
He threw the Poke Ball, and the Gastrodon emerged.

Cynthia nodded slowly. "Garchomp is part Ground-Type, and Gastrodon is Water. You've learned Pokémon advantages, Paul."
Paul shuffled his feet, embarrassed at the Champion's praise. "Learned it at the Trainer's School in Jubilife City…it's the 1st city…" he mumbled.

Cynthia did not reply to this. "You may have the first move, Paul!"
Yes! I can show off my new strategies! Paul thought. "Gastrodon, Ice Beam, up into the air!"
Gastrodon shot a beam of ice straight up.

"Garchomp, wait till it comes back down. Then, at the last moment, dodge!"
Paul was expecting this. As soon as the Ice Beam came down and Garchomp moved to the side, he yelled, "Gastrodon, another Ice Beam at Garchomp! Quick!"
The Pokémon shot another blast of ice at the Garchomp.

Garchomp noticed just in the nick of time, and tried to shield itself with its wings. The Ice Beam attack deflected off its wings, but some of the attack hit Garchomps underbelly, and being part Dragon-Type, it was super-effective.

"Nice job, Gastrodon! We actually made a hit on Garchomp! Even though it's just a tiny bit, I've improved since last time!"
Cynthia smiled; she remembered last year's Paul to be cold and calculating, demanding power from his Pokémon. Otherwise, he would release them back into the wild.

"Don't worry, Garchomp! Now, use Dragon Rush!"
Garchomp soared into the air, and a blue aura surrounded it.

"Not again," moaned Paul. "If the same effects take place, it'll knock out Gastrodon, just like last year with Murkrow…"
Because any Pokémon targeted with Dragon Rush will be instantly frozen with fear, Cynthia remembered satisfactorily.

But she had another plan. While Gastrodon trembled with fear, she changed the attack. "Switch to Giga Impact, quickly!"
Paul gave a sigh of relief, and Cynthia looked at him strangely. She thought that since Giga Impact was a more powerful move, Paul would be more terrified! The reason Paul sighed is that his Gastrodon could put up another fight, instead of just standing there, waiting to be knocked out like a coward.

"Use Muddy Water, Gastrodon! And do your best to cover most of the battlefield!" Paul called out.

As soon as Garchomp switched to Giga Impact, Gastrodon snapped out of its fear. It unleashed a torrent of muddy water, swamping the battlefield like a tidal wave.

Garchomp had nowhere to hide. It was blasted squarely by the attack. Despite the super-effectiveness, Garchomp shook its head from side to side, and continued on with the Giga Impact attack.

Gastrodon was helpless as the Giga Impact smashed head-on into the poor Pokémon. Gastrodon fainted immediately.

Paul recalled his Pokémon. "You did well, Gastrodon! Rest up now."
Cynthia was surprised. After all, last year he actually forgot to take his Pokémon to get healed! And now he was praising the Pokémon…Cynthia shook her head.

A lot can change in a year, Cynthia, she chided to herself. Don't be overconfident. Paul has changed…

She shook herself back into the real world. Her Garchomp was standing strong, only hit by two attacks. Cynthia knew that her beloved Pokémon had never lost a battle before. But Paul was standing on the other side of the battlefield with an obvious smirk on his face. Cynthia was confused. She had two questions now: What would be Paul's next Pokémon…and why was he smiling? After all, he HAD lost his first Pokémon…

So, did ya like it? Huh? Huh? :P

As always, I love reviews! Constructive criticism is ALWAYS appreciated; just don't be rude. That's all I ask!
Reviews make me happy! So, read and review please!

PEACE OUT,

Joelle/Phoenix