And we are back! This story got a lot more popularity than I thought it would. Thanks to everyone who has sent in an OC so far, and let's get this show on the road!
Chapter 2: Respect
I was on edge for the rest of the day, partially because I really had to use the bathroom, but mainly because of the fact that in a few hours I'd be fighting one of the toughest battles I've ever faced. Maggie was definitely right about the fact that I was at a complete disadvantage in whatever category I looked at, and I was scared that Ledian may be seriously injured by this fight. On the other hand, if I didn't win this fight we'd lose the kickball field forever, which definitely couldn't go down. I was so frazzled I wanted to scream.
Meanwhile, Dr. Noct and his Noctowl were busy teaching us the science behind TMs and HMs. He wore a simple white lab coat over a brown shirt with the Noctowl torso pattern on it, with black boots. He also had on giant red goggles that made him look like a mix between a Hoothoot and a Noctowl.
"TMs allow certain Pokémon to learn moves they would not learn by normally leveling up. It unlocks each Pokémon's true potential, and is especially useful for Pokémon with major type disadvantages."
My ears perked up at this. I was interested now.
"For example, let's look at TM90, Substitute." He started, holding up a grey CD. "Substitute allows a Pokémon to send in a decoy of itself. The opponent will hit the user thinking it's them and the decoy will take the damage, while the user can sneak for a surprise attack or heal itself. The decoy does need a sacrifice of 25% of the user's health to be used, but this downside can easily be countered with a self healing move such as Synthesis or Recover."
I looked down into my lap, where Ledian was seated. Ledian knew Moonlight, which was like Synthesis only it works better at night. The newscast said that the sun would be setting at around 4:00 today because of Daylight Savings time; just around the time classes are dismissed. A grin slowly grew across my face.
"Would anyone like to try out this little TM?" No one's hand went up, mainly because the move didn't do any real damage and sacrificed a part of their Pokémon's health. My hand shot up.
"Ahh Ledia, come on up! Ledian is able to learn Substitute, and it should be useful if he knows Moonlight." He loaded the TM into a small box with a round crater on the top. He told me to put Ledian into his Pokeball. I reluctantly obliged, considering both me and Ledian hated putting Ledian into a Pokeball. He took it and placed in the crater. He pressed a button and the box whirred and lit up. After a few seconds, a small ding rang from inside the machine. Dr. Noct released Ledian. He looked fine, more enlightened actually.
"There, now Ledian should be able to use Substitute. Let's try it out, shall we? Noctowl, use Aerial Ace!" he shouted. Noctowl's wings glowed white as it flew at Ledian.
"Ledian, use Substitute!" I commanded. Ledian nodded and closed his eyes. He glowed white and then a clone of him appeared. Noctowl hit the clone thinking it was the real Ledian, and when it made contact it disappeared in a white puff of smoke. The smoke cleared, revealing a plush green dinosaur toy.
"It works!" I yelped. Ledian flew around, a huge smile on his face. "Congrats, Ledia. Ledian now knows Substitute. I hope you find use for it in battle."
"Ohh I sure will, Doctor." I said with a big grin on my face. The final bell rung. It was showtime. I calmly walked outside to the playground, where a huge crowd was already formed. When they saw me it parted like Kyogre splitting the ocean, allowing me to walk in. Howard was already there waiting for me, a smug grin plastered on his face. His gray shades glistened in the sunset light. His Houndoom stood beside him growling. I walked up to him; I looked confident enough, but my mind was racing. I hope I could pull off this strategy.
"Glad you could make it, Small Fry. I was starting to think you were a no show." Howard mocked.
"Let's get this over with." I replied.
"You know, I'm feeling generous today. I'm going to give you one last chance to back down and save yourself a lot of trouble."
"Not a chance, Hotshot."
"Very well then. Can we get a ref?"
A 7th grader walked out between us. He wore a green outfit with a giant lilypad on his head. A Lombre stood next to him.
"Ok you guys, I want a good clean battle. Are you ready?"
I stood back, ready to go. Howard took a battle stance.
"Ok, battle begin!"
"Houndoom go! Use Nasty Plot!" Howard yelled. Houndoom growled, and three question marks appeared above his head. Suddenly, they formed to make an exclamation point. I cursed. Nasty Plot increases a Pokémon's Special Attack by 2 stages, making his Flamethrower all the more powerful.
"Now, use Flamethrower!" Houndoom shot a wall of fire at Ledian.
"Ledian, fly up, and then use Swift!" Ledian flew high into the air. Stars of energy formed around it, and then he launched them at Houndoom. They hit their mark, but seemed to have a small effect on Houndoom. Houndoom then lept at Ledian. It's right paw turned into a shadowy claw of dark energy, meaning it was using Shadow Claw. I told Ledian to use Mach Punch. Its 4 arms glowed blue and then it hit Houndoom with a flurry of punches faster than the eye could see. Houndoom was sent flying back. Thank god for Mach Punch, the only move that Ledian knew that was super effective against Houndoom. Ledian also knew Bug Buzz, Protect, Swift, Acrobatics, Moonlight and now Substitute. While these moves were very helpful, if I could just get close enough to use it Mach Punch could work.
The battle went on for a while. Despite the type disadvantage Ledian and I held our own well. Howard and Houndoom weren't too shabby either. They were really fast able to keep up with even Ledian's fast flying. That Flamethrower and Dark Pulse were annoying to deal with, but were easily countered with a Protect or a simple dodge. I looked up at the sky; the sun was slowly setting, and there were even some stars coming out. Perfect; now to break out the plan. I winked at Ledian and he knew what to do. He tried to use Acrobatics on Houndoom, who took the bait and countered with Flame Charge. Ledian was sent flying, and acted to have a hard time getting up. I loved my little actor. Howard was oblivious to the act. He held a smug grin as another fire started inside Houndoom's mouth.
"Time's up you big bug. Flamethrower, full power!" Houndoom launched a wall on inferno at Ledian, torching the ground. The smoke cleared, and there wasn't a burnt Ledian, but instead a plush dinosaur toy.
"What?" Howard yelled.
"It was a Substitute!" Scrappy said.
"That's right. I may be in the 5th grade, but that doesn't mean I don't know a thing or two about strategy. Now Ledian, Mach Punch go!"
Houndoom didn't even have time to look before he was struck hard in the jaw by a Mach Punch from Ledian. He was sent sliding back toward Howard, and his dizzy eyes showed he was down for the count.
"Houndoom is unable to battle. Ledian wins!"
The crowd cheered as I ran and hugged Ledian. He smiled as he used Moonlight to heal himself. The crowd got silent as Howard stood up and walked over to Houndoom. He patted him on the head and then gave him a Full Restore. The two then walked over to me. Then he did something I didn't expect; he stretched out his hand for me to shake it.
"That was some battle there, Bugger. I didn't expect you to put up such a fight."
"Well I couldn't let you take the kickball field. I always stand up for my friends no matter what."
"Good stuff kid. You definitely have my respect. I'm going to keep to my word and not give you or your friends any trouble, but if you even think about kicking that ball near the playground…"
"It won't I promise!" I said chuckling. He nodded and walked away, Houndoom close behind him. The crowd dispersed seeing the show was over. Suddenly, I was hoisted up by a cheering Matt and the rest of the crew.
"Ledia, that was EPIC!" Scrappy exclaimed.
"Woohoo, great job!" Toby cheered.
"That was a pretty sweet trick. Didn't really see that coming." Maggie added.
"And the best part, you befriended Howard. That's like catching a Shiny around these parts!" said Mary.
"Ahh, it wasn't anything. I'm just glad we got the kickball field." I said with a smile.
"Yeah, well it's getting late; I'm going to head home. See you guys tomorrow! Great match Ledia!" Galvin said walking home. We all said our goodbyes and we headed home. Meanwhile, a group of 8th grader stood on the roof of the building. They saw the whole thing from a bird's eye view.
"Yo Nate, you seeing this?" Chang said. He wore a yellow shirt and orange cargo pants and shoes. He had flaming red hair that matched the color of his Charizard that stood behind him.
"Yeah, I'm looking Chang. Looks like the little bug's got some swag now. I got half a mind to squash it like a Weedle." Nate growled. He wore a purple camo shirt and matching cargos. He had purple eyes and black hair. A mighty Nidoking stood next to him.
"Sounds like a plan to me. We can't have no 5th graders trying to rule the school." Stephen added. He wore a green blazer and pants with a green fedora. His Sepirior hissed behind him.
"Alright then, sounds like a plan. Time to show these twerps who's boss!" Nate declared.
"I think all of you are idiots." Another voice said. The boys looked back at a girl who calmly sat on the railing. She wore a simple black dress that came up slightly above her thighs with black leggings under them. She had crimson and black hair that was wrapped in a long ponytail that almost reached her legs. She wore red nail polish and red flats, with black bracelets. A Zoroark leaned slyly on the railing, its trademark smirk on its face.
"Zora, what are you doing here?" Nate asked.
"Making sure you Slowpokes don't do anything stupid. Do you guys really think you're going to scare this girl? She stood up to Howard with no fear in her heart, a person you guys shrivel up to. How do you think she'll react to you three? She'll eat you punks up and spit you out."
"Pssh, you're talking reckless, Foxy. What's a Ledian going to do against a full grown Nidoking?" Nate snickered. Nidoking roared for added effect.
"I don't think you see what I'm getting at here. She's obviously a natural battler, that or she had a really good mentor back in her hometown. Whatever the case may be, she's bound to give you hell. Get that through that thick skull of yours and your final year here just might be enjoyable."
"You know what, fine, I'll let her go. But don't come crying to me when these young punks are taking our spots on the Battle Team."
"Oh shut it, Nate. Don't you guys have bedtimes or something?" Zora said, rolling her eyes. She walked down the flight of stairs that took her back into the building. Nate rolled his eyes. "Bitch." He muttered.
Back at home, I took a long shower, thinking about my day today. I really liked this school. The classes, the teachers, the atmosphere all appealed to me. Sure there some kids I just wanted to strangle sometimes, but besides that I really have high hopes for this year. I got into my pajamas and jumped into the bed. Ledian nuzzled into his nest. What will tomorrow bring. I guess I would find out in 8 hours or so. I wished Ledian a good night and turned off the lights, and dreamed of flying with a giant swarm of Ledyba and Ledian. Only this time Galvin, Matt, Scrappy, Bella, Maggie, Toby, Mary, Ms. Bok, Mr. Tei, and even Howard were all flying with me. My brain worked in crazy ways…
