Not much to say except MEGA DISCLAIMER: *pulls out Keystone and Mega Ring again*
I highly suggest you don't read this chapter if Falkner is your hubby. I know, sounds random, but I paint him rather OoC to clash against Bugsy's and Morty's personalities. I mention, in fic, that Falkner acts this way specifically to Bugsy and Morty, but I know some fangirl is gonna get mad. Just take it with a grain of salt, okay?
Also, the InTheDarkshipping is pretty mild in this chapter. I more-so wanted to establish how the other Gym Leaders fit into this story before I get into the heavy lovey-dovey-fluffy stuff.
(I don't own Pokemon. If I did, I'd make it rain with my Blastoise.)
Neither Bugsy, Jasmine, nor Scyther were surprised by the sights present in the banquet room before them.
The first thing that was in their perception was Janine running down a wall and jumping into a chair, scaring the living daylights out of Will, who was idly chatting with Sabrina. The young ninja gave a mischievous grin to her father, Koga, who was trying his hardest not to laugh at the psychic's scared antics.
Some other occurrences in the room included Lt. Surge's Raichu trying to steal cookies from a party table set up in the back of the banquet room, Bruno and Chuck yell-talking about Bruno and Chuck things, Green nervously mumbling something into his PokéGear, and Whitney madly giggling about something to Erika. Everyone else in the room was either quiet or tending to whatever Pokémon they had out.
Bugsy gave a quick nod and goodbye wave to Jasmine as he rushed to a chair, its postion in between Falkner and Morty. Not the most desirable seat in the house, but being near Morty might resolve any tension between him and the Flying-Type master. Besides, Falkner seemed distracted watching Janine's surprise attack. Scyther stealthily walked to and stood behind Bugsy's chair quietly, handing its master the book back.
On the other hand, Jasmine sat in between Erika and Clair, the former happily greeting her. Whitney, who was sitting on the left of the Grass-Type Gym Leader, reached over and gave her fellow Johto friend a high-five.
After Will calmed down, he gave a harsh scolding to Janine. The Poison-Type Gym Leader looked less-than thrilled, but Koga was still laughing. Losing interest, Falkner diverted his attention to Bugsy.
"Hey, Bug Boy, nice to see that you've made it here," the Flying-Type master said sarcastically.
Bugsy clutched his book, trying not to get mad in the first two minutes sharing the same room as the other Gym Leader. Falkner may have put on the persona of being very quiet and devoted to only his birds and his father, but Bugsy knew otherwise. He found himself often the subject of his unrequited and vent-like teasing, and he hated it. He thanked Arceus that Union Cave separated them in most circumstances.
"Hmm, you're rather quiet today. Why are you so late?" Falkner continued to push. Bugsy stayed silent, opening his book to read. He could sense that Scyther was deathly still.
"Maybe he doesn't want to talk today," Morty's usual lazy voice was accompanied by uncharacteristic sad droning. Bugsy began to run through the reasons why in his head.
Falkner put his hands in the air, as if surrendering. "Well, it's not like he had to leave his boyfriend to go to this very important meeting."
If Bugsy wasn't as well acquainted with Morty as he was, he would've expected the Violet City native's comment to be an insult directed at his questionably feminine fashion sense. However, glancing over at Morty's sullen face, he knew that wasn't the case. Falkner must've adopted insulting Morty during the bug researcher's absence.
"Eusine doesn't visit much, so of course I'd be upset that he comes to Ecruteak the same day as our meeting…" Morty mumbled. "He couldn't stay long, so I guess I won't be able to see him when I get home."
Falkner sighed. "You better tell that Suicune-obsessed freak how you feel before it's too late,"
Morty glared at Falkner, a slight blush on his pale cheeks, but didn't say anything else. Bugsy, on the other hand, did.
"Geez, Falkner, can you just lay off of us for thirty seconds? We don't need you butting into our personal lives," the younger Gym Leader spat, turning to face Falkner. He glared menacingly into his colleague's eyes, er, eye (as his other one was covered by his distinct flip).
Falkner gave a forced, nervous laugh. "Don't think you scare me, Bug Boy. Who said I can't have a little fun?" He took a Pokéball out of his vest pocket, letting loose a Hoothoot, which landed peacefully on the bird master's shoulder. Bugsy flinched.
"Heh, your little freaky-fear of birds is entertaining, Bug Boy!" Falkner laughed, scratching under the Owl Pokémon's chin. "Not Flying-Types, just birds."
Bugsy recollected himself. "Falkner, just stop. I don't want to talk to you anymore." He turned back around and continued reading his book. He glanced up to see where Jasmine was, as well as to see if she witnessed his embarrassing retort. Thankfully, she wasn't, and she seemed to be torn between Erika and Whitney, who both were talking to her at the same time.
Jasmine caught his glance and smiled at him. Bugsy smiled back, and the only thing that ruined the tender moment was an urgent Scyth! and Hoot Ho-! that was screeched from behind his chair.
Bugsy turned around in a flash to see Falkner's Hoothoot on the ground, struggling to get up, as his Scyther stood defensively in front of his chair. The Bug-Type Gym Leader could only figure that Falkner had told his Pokémon to sneak up on him, to only be defended by his Scyther. He would've almost laughed at this occurrence, but Falkner's face was deathly pale.
"My precious Hoothoot!" He screamed, scooping up and cradling the Owl Pokémon. From what Bugsy could see, the Hoothoot didn't even take any damage; Scyther didn't even use a move. That didn't stop Falkner from growing extremely angry.
"Bugsy, you and me are going to battle after this meeting, I'll make sure of it! That'll teach you not to mess with my birds!" Falkner said, glowering. He returned Hoothoot to its PokéBall, and then turned around in his chair so he was facing Brock, who had just sat down.
Bugsy sighed and put his hands to his temples, not wanting to glance up. He knew they had just made a scene and he didn't need eighteen pairs of eyes staring at him.
"Don't fret, Bugsy. He's always like that, specifically to us, but he's always like that," Morty reassured.
Bugsy looked up, seeing the Ghost-Type Gym Leader looking at him gently with half-lidded eyes. He was thankful for his friend's concern, but wasn't entirely moved, and felt embarrassed to have such a respected figure concerned with him.
And thus came Bugsy's least favorite part of being a Gym Leader: the feeling of being inferior. Bugsy was no stranger to the fact he was the youngest Gym Leader in Kanto and Johto, probably all the other regions, too. The only other Gym leaders he could infer were at least close to his age were Janine, Jasmine, and Whitney, but they all had to be at least a year older than him. Maybe Roxanne, Tate, and Liza of Hoenn, Maylene from Sinnoh, and Cheren and Iris from Unova were on the younger side, too, but he wasn't assuming. He just knew he was the runt of the huge Gym Leader litter, and he was treated as such. The type he specified in, Bug, also wasn't the classiest, and the only attention it seemed to draw was from Aaron of the Sinnoh Elite Four (not that Bugsy was complaining, it was an honor). Maybe, in that regard, being chortled at by Falkner and soothed by Morty was how it was supposed to be; he was a little kid, at least ten years younger than most of the Gym Leaders.
His attention was diverted when a large, booming Drago- Niteee! echoed throughout the room. Everyone hushed, except Green, who was still yell-whisper-talking into his PokéGear.
"Gramps! He's up there, I tell you! Now, the meeting's startin'! … Bye!" He turned his phone off and slammed it on the table. "Sorry. Continue."
That was the moment the huge, orange Dragonite flew in an open window, with Lance, the Dragon Master, standing firmly on its back. He hopped off and landed perfectly next to his seat at the head of the table.
"Bravo, bravo!" cheered Lt. Surge. His Raichu stood on the table, stuffing itself with cookies.
Lance cast a smug look in the direction of the Lighting American. "Why thank you, Surge. I have kept you all waiting long enough. Shall we start this meeting?"
"If you don't do any more fancy tricks, cuz…" Clair muttered.
The meeting went exactly as Bugsy envisioned. The topics of the PWT and Battle Frontier both came up, and while there wasn't a definite plan for the Battle Frontier, Lance did tell his 20 underlings that they would leave for the PWT in a month.
As the meeting progressed, Bugsy found himself idly casting a glance in Jasmine's direction, only to find her looking at him. The bug researcher would immediately find heat rising to his cheeks as he turned his direction back to whoever was speaking. This happened a good six times.
Probably the next most interesting event happened at the mention of Red. Bugsy couldn't quite tell who brought the former Champion up, but the mention of the Pallet Town native's name earned sullen faces from every Gym Leader and Elite Four member at the table, a wincing expression from Lance, and an outburst from Green.
"We have to look for him, people!" Green yelled, standing on his chair. No one looked surprised at this action; it had only happened every meeting that took place since it was established. "He's been up there on that damn mountain for Arceus-knows-how-long, and we're not doing anything to help!"
Karen shot a cool and calm expression at Viridian's Gym Leader. "You seem rather concerned… but have you ever considered Red's position? He wanted to go there for a reason, so let him do what he wishes."
Green got down off of his chair and sulked out of the room. Now that was different.
Lance clapped his hands together. "Aaaand that ends our monthly Gym Leader Meet. The next one will be right before we leave for the PWT, so I'll see you all there!" The Dragon Master snapped his fingers as his Dragonite landed beside him. He jumped on it and soared out of the open window.
As the Gym Leaders and Elite Four began to file out, Bugsy hopped out of his chair in search of Jasmine with Scyther in tow. It was awkward, mostly because they "just" met, but he really had a strong desire to see her again. However, before the bug researcher could even step forward, Falkner's strong hand caught his arm.
"Where are you going, Bug Boy? We have a score to settle," Falkner's voice was steely calm.
Bugsy spun around and glanced up nervously. 'Oh, yeah… of course…" Before he could even finish his statement, Scyther slapped Falkner's hand off the boy, glaring at the other Gym Leader.
"Scyth!" The Mantis Pokémon challenged.
Falkner grinned. "This is gonna be good…"
Bugsy gulped. He glanced around really quick to see if Jasmine was still behind, but to no avail. It seemed all the Gym leaders were gone besides Morty, who was looking at the two curiously.
"Have fun, you two." Morty gave a dismissive wave as he walked out. "I have to see if my "Suicune-obsessed freak of a boyfriend" is still around."
As the Ecruteak native walked out, Falkner grinned at Bugsy again. "Meet you outside, Bug Boy."
Just outside the boathouse, what an unconventional place!
The sun was beginning to set, casting lazy orange and yellow waves on the buildings of Olivine, as well as on the ocean.
Falkner stood on one end of the pavement, about fifty feet separating him from Bugsy and Scyther.
Falkner threw a PokéBall up in the air. "Go, Pidgeotto!"
In a flash was white light, a Pidgeotto popped out, its brown feathers reflecting the sunlight in a beautiful manner.
"My Pidgeotto is gorgeous, wouldn't you say?" Falkner asked his colleague.
Bugsy flinched, but Scyther stepped in front of the purple-haired boy.
"Scythe-Scyther." it said defiantly, and stood across from the Bird Pokémon.
"Well then, let's begin. Pidgeotto, start out with a Twister!"
"Pidgeo!" the bird cried. It flapped its wings in the direction of Scyther, whipping up a small but powerful tornado. It began to approach the opposing Pokémon.
Bugsy got over his bout of fear. "Scyther! Use Double Team!"
"Scyther!" the Mantis Pokémon cried. In an instant, illusionary copies of it swarmed the battlefield. The Twister hit some, however, the ones it blew and knocked out were not the real one.
A few more Scyther remained in the arena. "Pidgeotto! Use Aerial Ace! Find the real one!" Falkner ordered.
Pidgeotto flew up higher into the air, followed by a glowing white stream of air. It turned around and descended, locking onto a specific Scyther.
"Quick, Scyther, use your Aerial Ace, too!" Bugsy yelled. Scyther also jumped into the air, followed by a stream of light. The Bird and Mantis Pokémon were now coming at each other at full force.
When they slammed into each other, a wall of force erupted outwards. Bugsy almost felt like he was going to be blown back, but he kept his place. After a split second, Scyther crashed through Pidgeotto, causing the bird to fall to the ground.
"No, stop, enough! I can't witness my prized Pidgeotto being hurt anymore!" Falkner rushed over to his limping Pokémon's side.
"Good job, Scyther." Bugsy grinned. He walked over to Scyther and stroked its back.
"Scythe! Scyyy!" it purred.
Falkner looked up mournfully at his fellow Gym Leader. "How did your Aerial Ace overpower mine? I've been training that move for ages!"
Bugsy shrugged. "Well, we both got a power boost because both Pidgeotto and Scyther are Flying-Types. Aerial Ace isn't the strongest move, but my Scyther's ability, Technician, powers up normally weak moves!"
Falkner and even his now conscious Pidgeotto looked engrossed in Bugsy's explanation. "Wow, you really know that Scyther of yours."
Bugsy rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "Well, as they always say, the one who learns the rules of the Bug Pokémon learn to rule the Bug Pokémon…"
Falkner's brow furrowed. "Who said that?"
"Me, weren't you listening?"
"Oh, yeah."
The two were silent for a second. Falkner got up, returning his Pidgeotto to its PokéBall. "I think I know what I have to do. I need to understand my Pokémon's abilities better to use them to my advantage. Thank you for teaching me that, Bugsy."
"O-Oh, no problem, Falkner!" Bugsy replied shyly, just realizing that Falkner wasn't using that obnoxious nickname.
"Well, I'm back off to Violet City. Hopefully, we can battle again soon!" Falkner gave a small wave to Bugsy, sent out his Honchcrow, and then flew off into the east.
Bugsy slumped to the ground. "Hey, Scyther. That was anticlimactic, wouldn't you say?"
"I t-thought it was…amazing…" a small voice spoke. Bugsy jumped to his feet in surprise. It was Jasmine!
The Steel-Type Gym leader smiled at Bugsy timidly. "Even though you were at a disadvantage, you were still able to find your opponents weakness. That's… wonderful…"
"O-Oh, w-w-well, it's nothing…" Bugsy stuttered. Of course, what were the astronomical chances she would be watching…
Jasmine smiled again. "Hey, if you aren't busy, do you mind going to the Olivine Café with me? I-if you're not busy… that is…"
Bugsy perked up. "Sure! What do you say, Scyther?"
"Scyth," Scyther gave an amused look.
"D-don't look at me like that." Bugsy said as heat rose in his face.
Jasmine giggled. "C'mon, let's go…" The slightly taller girl reached down and took Bugsy's hand. The pair (plus Scyther) walked away from the boathouse in the direction of the café, almost unconsciously lacing their fingers together.
oops i sacred and original shipped
In all honesty, Sacredshipping has recently become one of my Mega OTPs. *pulls out Keystone and yaddayaddayadda* Its currently ties with JeffTony, which is really something, because NOTHING TOPS MY GAY ADOPTED CHILD FROM WINTERS AND HIS BOYFRIEND. Except my wife and his husband apparently... (I'm also really pissed that Eusine flat-out bitch slaps Morty in the anime. Like chill, please? But they are still very much an adorable ship. I may write about them one day... Maybe in this fic...)
Anyway, I digress. Please feel free to R&R! Until next time!