The Third Badge: Team Galactic Advances!
Tenki thought about what he heard earlier from Looker.
"I have received tips that the Team Galactic hideout is in Eterna City. To there, I must be off!"
Team Galactic needed to be stopped from what they were doing. Tenki felt it was his duty to take care of it. Up north, there was a tower protected by trees. Though none of his Pokemon could use cut, he figured there might be some other way to cut it. At the north tip of town, Lucas stood. Tenki walked up to him.
"Hi Lucas." Tenki said, walking up.
"Tenki…" He started, "What do you know about this tower?"
"Nothing, other than it might be a hideout for a crime syndicate."
Lucas nodded quickly. "I think we should check it out. Think you would go in with me?"
"I'd love to. We'd be partners in stopping crime!" Tenki said with a laugh. Lucas didn't laugh. Tenki quickly silenced himself.
"OK Bibarel, use Cut!" He shouted, releasing a large Pokemon. Tenki quickly scanned it.
Bibarel, Beaver Pokemon. 69.4 pounds, 3 feet 3 inches. Evolved form of Bidoof. A river dammed by Bibarel will never overflow its banks, which is appreciated by people nearby.
The large Pokemon slashed through the tree with its claws, dropping it to nothing but leaves. The two walked into the building. Immediately, a grunt noticed the two of them and walked up to them.
"Hello! It is me! Me! Hahaha! I have startled you, yes?"
"Excuse me?" Lucas said quickly.
"I am, after all, an officer of the International Police."
"It's Officer Looker, Lucas. Don't worry, he's an officer in disguise."
Lucas nodded. "Ok."
"It is only natural that I be a master of disguise." Looker told them. It was true. He looked just like a clone of all the other Grunts. He spun around, changing into his normal outfit immediately. "Incidentally, you two are first-rate trainers. Of that, I am very aware."
"You've never met me…" Lucas said quietly.
"Simply look at you!" He nodded quickly. "I therefore think you will be OK, but I must warn you to be careful anyway."
"Of course." Tenki said.
"Also, a word of advice." Looker told them, "This building, it has two stairs. One of them, a trap it must be."
"Well we can both go separate ways." Lucas said.
"Yes…" Looker said, "But the crooks of Team Galactic, they do not appear, how shall I say, smart. There should be an easy way to tell the stairs apart!" Looker spun around, switching back into his Galactic Uniform. He brought his hand up to his mouth, ordering the two to be quiet. They nodded, and were off. They chose to go together.
Several double battles followed, along with Tenki first noticing Female Grunts. They were still clones of the male grunts, just a bit more feminine. And of course, they displayed that part of the female that male's don't have, in a Galactic Uniform. Tenki did, however, encounter a new Pokemon.
Croagunk, Toxic Mouth Pokemon. 50.7 Pounds, 2 feet, 4 inches. It rarely fights fairly, but that is strictly to ensure survival. It is popular as a mascot.
Something struck Tenki and Lucas as odd. They had to battle a Scientist who looked like he wasn't part of Team Galactic. How he acted, however, proved he was fully devoted to the cause. He also had a new Pokemon.
Kadabra, Psi Pokemon. 124.6 Pounds, 4 feet, 3 inches. Evolved form of Abra. It stares at its silver spoon to focus its mind. It emits more alpha waves while doing so. It was much stronger than Abra.
Eventually, the duo reached a room with glimmering wall paper. There was a man facing a woman with pink hair with a single spike. Behind her were two Pokemon. One was a Buneary, one a pink Pokemon. Tenki scanned the other one.
Clefairy, Fairy Pokemon. 16.5 Pounds, 2 feet. Evolved form of Cleffa. It is said that happiness will come to those who see a gathering of Clefairy dancing under a full moon.
Tenki and Lucas walked up to the man. He saw them. He looked under stress.
"What is it with this Team Galactic? Why did they take our Pokemon? What are they trying to accomplish?"
"No clue…" Lucas said. "They seem like a bunch of nut jobs to me."
Tenki walked up to the pink haired girl.
"What do you want?" She asked him.
"Let these stolen Pokemon go…" Tenki demanded.
"Of course you would ask for that…" She said. "Fine! I, Jupiter, will deal with you!"
"Fine, then I will…wait what?"
"What is it?" She asked.
Tenki noticed she was wearing the same outfit as Mars. "Your name is Jupiter?"
"Yes!" She shouted, growing impatient.
"Did you change your name, or is that just a coincidence?"
"Excuse me?" She asked quickly.
"Well, it makes no sense that both Mars and you would be in Team Galactic without changing your names."
"Enough of this! Now, I choose…"
"No, I wanna figure this out!" Tenki shouted.
"Yes, the commanders changed our names after devoting our lives to Team Galactic. Now, let's battle!" She shouted, releasing a Zubat.
"Buizel, you're up!" Tenki shouted releasing Buizel.
"Buuui!" Buizel shouted, eager to fight.
"Use Water Gun Buizel!" A jet of water slammed into the Zubat. It rebalanced itself.
"How insolent of you! Eat this then child! Wing Attack Zubat!" Jupiter shouted. Zubat's wings glowed white as it slammed into Buizel.
"Another Water Gun Buizel!" Tenki shouted. Zubat took the attack, but started to lose energy. Jupiter ordered another Wing Attack. Buizel looked hurt. Tenki finished off the Zubat with a third Water Gun. As Jupiter returned her Pokemon, so did Tenki.
"All right! Come back Buizel!" Tenki said. He returned Buizel into his Net Ball.
"OK, time to finish this! Skuntank, you're up!" She said, releasing a Pokemon. The entire building began to smell retched. Tenki stole a quick scan.
Skuntank, Skunk Pokemon. 83.8 Pounds, 3 Feet, 3 inches. Evolved form of Stunky. It attacks by spraying a horribly smelly fluid from the tip of its tail. Attacks from above confound it.
"Attacks from above. OK Castform! You can do it!"
"Caaas!" Castform shouted in excitement, staring at Tenki. He had a more determined look in his eyes. Tenki didn't understand.
"What are you trying to say?" Tenki asked him.
Castform looked up, "Cas!" Tenki smiled.
"Ok then." He said quickly. "Castform, you're up!"
"Quick Skuntank! Smokescreen!" The Pokemon shot black smoke out of the tip of his tail, which wrapped up to the top of his head. Surprisingly, it didn't smell, it simply blinded Castform.
"Castform!" Tenki shouted. "This is it! Use Hail!"
"Caaaaaaas!" Castform shouted. He closed his eyes and the air got cold. A white cloud appeared in the room above them. Soon, small bits of ice began to fall. Then, the transformation happened. Some of the falling hail magnetized to Castform. It melted and Castform turned blue. The melted ice formed around him, making a graceful Pokemon. He floated higher.
"What is happening?" Jupiter asked.
"It's hailing inside?" Lucas asked.
"Castform is the weather Pokemon, after all! Now, time to show what he is really capable off!"
"Whatever!" Jupiter shouted, hail digging into Skuntank. The hail falling towards Castform seemed not to affect him. "Use screech Skuntank!" The Skuntank let out a piercing cry. Castform struggled in pain.
"Powder Snow Castform, now!" Castform shot out icy wind which combined with the Hail to become more chilling. However, Castform's aim seemed to be off. Again, the hail pelted into Skuntank. Jupiter saw this as a good opportunity to lower the accuracy of Castform more with another Smoke Screen. Then, Castform shot off another Powder Snow. This time, it struck its target, and not only that, but Skuntank stopped moving! It was frozen!
"Yeah! Good job Castform!"
"No luck! Use Night Slash Skuntank!" The Skuntank returned to normal immediately. It rushed forward, slashing into Castform with a glowing black claw. Castform reeling backwards in pain. He wouldn't be able to take another hit.
"Powder Snow, again!" Tenki shouted. It hit its target. However, Tenki could tell Castform wouldn't be able to take another hit. In response, Tenki rushed out, despite the hail, and applied a potion. In response, Jupiter threw a Sitrus Berry at Skuntank, and it ate it. Skuntank attacked with another Night Slash. Then, to Tenki's dismay, the hail ceased.
"No!" Tenki shouted. "Castform, come back!" Castform floated back to Tenki's shoulder. "Ponyta!" Ponyta appeared, ready to fight.
"Night Slash!" Skuntank slashed at Ponyta. Ponyta dropped to its knees. Tenki rushed out, healing his beloved Pokemon with a potion. Tenki had to follow through with his growl policy.
"Growl at him Ponyta!" Ponyta did so. The Skuntank showed to fear.
"Smokescreen!" The policy of this Pokemon was the same. Weaken its targets stats.
"Growl!"
"Fine! Screech!" Now Skuntank was lowering the defenses of Ponyta!
"Growl again!"
"Poison Gas!" Skuntank let out a putrid gas from its tail. Ponyta sharply inhaled in its confusion, poisoning itself. Tenki quickly applied an antidote, giving Skuntank a turn to attack. "Night Slash!" Ponyta took the attack, surviving the attack without being heavily phased. Still, Tenki continued in lowering its attack. "Another Poison Gas!"
"God!" Tenki shouted. He figured it was pointless to cure the poison now if the Skuntank would just poison him again!
"Growl!" Skuntank seemed unaffected.
"Nightslash!" Ponyta avoided the attack.
"Please, Ponyta, use the Growl Attack!"
Skuntank grew irritated. "Finish it with a Night Slash!" Ponyta collapsed. Tenki returned him.
"Buizel!" A single Night Slash knocked Buizel unconscious. "Fine. It's up to you Castform!"
Castform floated onto the battlefield. "Cas!"
"Smokescreen!" Castform grew even more blind.
"Hail!" Castform transformed again.
"Night Slash time!" Castform was hit with dual Night Slashes.
"Attack Castform! Powder Snow!" It froze Skuntank! Tenki got hope again! But, just as earlier, it thawed out immediately
"I'm getting sick of this. Skuntank, don't hold back! Night Slash!" Castform spun around in surprise, dodging the attack.
"Ok Castform! All of your power! Powder Snow!"
Castform landed a critical! The attack knocked Skuntank unconscious! The hail stopped immediately, and Jupiter returned her Pokemon in shame.
"Losing to some child…being careless cost me too much…" Jupiter said.
Castform lazily listed and landed on Tenki's shoulder, exhausted from the battle.
"You disgust me Jupiter…" Tenki said.
"Like I care what you think…" She said in a smirk. "You're tough anyways. It's ok, though. Our official Pokemon statue investigation is finished. Mars has collected energy from the Valley Windworks. We're pretty much finished here."
"How come you Galactic's just come up with excuses to leave when you lose a battle?"
"We're pretty much finished here. I'll let you in on one little thing. Our boss is researching the myths of ancient Pokemon." She picked up her bag, "With the power of mythical Pokémon, he will become the ruler of Sinnoh…I suggest you keep out of Team Galactic's affairs from now on. This is your last warning!"
"I suggest you stop telling random kids all of your plans."
With that, Jupiter laughed. An honest laugh. She darted away, leaving the small Pokemon behind. The man walked up to Tenki.
"I got my Clefairy back! And it's all thanks to you! But that Team Galactic…"
"Don't worry about them…" Lucas said, "They should never be a problem with people like me and Tenki about.
"They said, 'Clefairy came from space. Hand it over!' Their logic baffles me still. It's like they are from space!"
"I wouldn't be that surprised…" Tenki said with a giggle.
"Anyways, they're gone now. Thank you very much!" He said, picking up the Clefairy and Buneary. "I can't thank you enough right now, but cruise by my Cycle Shop, OK? Both of you." Then he smiled and left.
"Well, you did fantastic in that battle. That Castform of yours…it's something else."
"Thanks Lucas." Tenki said. "He's hurt, and Buizel and Ponyta are unconscious. I need to heal them."
"Ok, go heal them. I'll see you again sometime. Great fighting crime with you!" He let out with laugh.
After his Pokemon were healed, he left for the Bike Shop, just south of the Pokemon Center. Right before entering, Cynthia noticed him.
"Oh, there you are!"
"Hi Cynthia." Tenki said.
"I was looking for you. I've got something nice." She said.
"I'm…I'm sure you do…" He said, blushing.
"I wanted you to have these Pokemon Eggs. Will you accept them?" She said, pulling out two Eggs.
"Oh! Castform hatched from an egg after recently arriving here in Sinnoh." He said looking up at Castform. "Of course I'll accept the Eggs from you." He said, gently cradling the two eggs.
"That's wonderful!" She said happily. "The Pokemon inside the eggs are happy, too. I'm sure of it! Since you have already hatched an Egg, I don't need to tell you anything about it." She smiled, "More data for your Pokedex! I'll see you around!"
"Thanks Cynthia! Goodbye!" She walked off. Tenki gently put the two eggs in his bag. He wondered what Pokemon were inside them.
He walked into the Bike shop. The man saw him and walked up to him. "Here, I already gave your friend a bike, and it's your turn!" He rolled a bike to him. It was very light! "It folds up to the size of a Pokeball, so you can fit it in your bag." Tenki boxed it up and put it in his bag.
"Thank you!" He said, getting ready to leave. "But I've got places to go."
"Use the gears efficiently! You can change them to alter how fast the bike moves!" He said.
"Perfect, thanks again!"
It was getting dark, so Tenki spent the night in the Pokemon center. After these eggs hatched, he would have five Pokemon. When he awoke, he looked at his map on the Pokénav. There were two evident routes. One that led south and one that led east. Tenki decided to head east first, and turn back if it was a dead end. He was especially gentle with his bag due to the Pokemon Eggs in the bag. He didn't want to damage them. He began to think about them more. Two new hatched Pokemon meant two new Pokemon that were going to be unfamiliar to the world, and have no idea how to fight. It was ok though, his current Pokemon would teach them! He began to set east riding his new bike. The gears were quite easy to use.
He found new Pokemon along his bike ride that he got a chance to scan.
Bronzor, Bronze Pokemon. 133.4 pounds, 1 foot, 8 inches. There are researchers who believe this Pokémon reflected like a mirror in the distant past.
Chingling, Bell Pokemon. 1.3 pounds, 8 inches. There is an orb inside its mouth. When it hops, the orb bounces all over and makes a ringing sound.
Hoothoot, Owl Pokemon. 46.7 Pounds, 2 feet 4 inches. It marks time precisely. Some countries consider it to be a wise friend, versed in the world's ways.
A hiker told Tenki about the giant mountain that stood in the center of Sinnoh. It was called Mt. Coronet, and it linked many different regions of Sinnoh. It, however, was a tough place to navigate. The path to the east was a dead end. That is, until Mt. Coronet. Tenki figured it would be best if he didn't try to navigate it for the time being.
He returned and departed south. The south road, called the Sinnoh Cycling Road, was a vast straight with different trainers. It reminded Tenki of his home. Along the way, he met new Pokemon.
Pikachu, Mouse Pokemon. 13.2 pounds, 1 foot 4 inches. Evolved form of Pichu. It occasionally uses an electric shock to recharge a fellow Pikachu that is in a weakened state.
Staravia, Starling Pokemon. 34.2 Pounds, 2 feet. Evolved form of Starly. Recognizing their own weakness, they always live in a group. When alone, a Staravia cries noisily.
After he departed from the road, he took to the areas below the bridge. He encountered, again, a new Pokemon.
Gligar, FlyScorpion Pokemon. 142.9 Pounds. 3 feet, 7 inches. It glides as if sliding. It startles foes by clamping on their faces, and then jabs with its poison stinger.
There was a cave entrance under the road. He entered and began to explore, but failed to find anything important. He did, however, find a small blue Pokemon. He thought about catching it but decided against it.
Gible, Land Shark Pokemon. 45.2 Pounds, 2 feet, 4 inches. It attacks using its huge mouth. While its attacks are powerful, it hurts itself out of clumsiness, too.
Finally, Tenki's exhaust brought him back down the mountain. He saw Oreburgh in the distance. Maybe he was simply heading back to Oreburgh? He ran back and spent an hour at the Pokemon Center, healing up.
He realized that the bike path was the area he caught his Ponyta. Ponyta remembered the area when Tenki let him out. There was a sharp sandy waterfall that Tenki couldn't get up earlier without his bike. This way, he could continue east. One of the Eggs in his bag would twitch occasionally. The other, however, remained still and cold.
Tenki continued to head easy, battling trainers along the way. He scanned a new Pokemon.
Nosepass, Compass Pokemon. 213.8 Pounds, 3 feet 3 inches. When endangered, it may protect itself by raising its magnetism and drawing iron objects to its body.
After somewhat of a walk, he saw the entrance to a cave. It was another entrance to Mt. Coronet. Dawn was sitting on a ledge next to her Chimchar. She noticed him and hopped down.
"Hi, Tenki! How's your Pokedex coming along?" She asked.
"Well, I'm getting there." Tenki said.
"Cas!" Castform said in excitement.
"Well, me? I'm somewhere between fantastic and, uh, hopeless…" She blushed. "But this isn't about me! I've got something nice for you! Tenki, chose which hand you want." She said, holding out concealed hands. Tenki pointed to her right hand. "I see…you want the VS. Seeker."
"What was in the other hand?" Tenki asked.
"Another VS. Seeker. For Lucas…" She said, blushing. "Well, using that VS. Seeker, you can find trainers who want a rematch with you." She looked at his wrist. "Oh, I see you also got a Pokétch."
"Yeah, a while ago." Tenki said, holding it up.
"Yup, then you can have this too, then." She said, sliding a USB mini-hub into the watch. "You deserve it for all your hard work, Tenki."
"Nice, what App?"
"It's called the Dowsing Machine." She said. "It locates unseeable items. Tap on the screen and if a dot appears on the grid, then there's an item concealed there."
"Great, thank you so much!" Tenki said. "Unfortunately, there's nothing I can give you."
"Just keep working on your Pokedex! That's all I'd want!" She said happily. "Professor Rowan is counting on us!" She waved and left.
Tenki entered the cave. It had the same scent and feel as Coronet from up north. As he walked, he noticed the man from Eterna earlier. He walked up the Tenki.
"According to one theory, Mt. Coronet is where the Sinnoh region began." He told him.
"I'm sorry? Do I know you?" Tenki asked him.
The man looked over. Tenki looked over. Tenki looked back to the man.
"…In a newly created world…" He paused, "A world where only time flowed and space expanded."
"A newly created world…?" Tenki asked him.
"There should have been no strife." He faced Tenki again. "But what became of that world?"
Tenki began to think about the rages between Groudon and Kyogre. Only the power of Rayquaza stopped them from their fight. "Things happen because people want what they can't have…" Tenki told him.
He shook his head, in disgust. "Because the human spirit is weak and incomplete, strife as spread. The world is being ruined by it…I find this state of affairs to be deplorable." He then quickly walked out of the cave from where Tenki had entered.
"You think he is with Team Galactic Castform?" Tenki asked him.
"Cas…" Castform said in confusion.
Tenki soon departed from the cave. It was fairly late, maybe somewhere around 5 PM. Along the way to the next town, which his map depicted was "Hearthome City", Tenki picked more berries and did a few more battles. He saw four new Pokemon.
Mime Jr., Mime Pokemon. 28.7 Pounds, 2 feet. It mimics the expressions and motions of those it sees to understand the feelings of others.
Bonsly, Bonsai Pokemon. 33.1 Pounds, 1 foot, 8 inches. It prefers an arid atmosphere. It leaks water that looks like tears when adjusting its moisture level.
Ralts, Feeling Pokemon. 14.6 Pounds, 1 foot 4 inches. If its horns capture the warm feelings of people or Pokémon, its body warms up slightly.
Combee, Tiny Bee Pokemon. 12.1 Pounds, 1 foot. The trio is together from birth. It constantly gathers honey from flowers to please Vespiquen.
Finally, Tenki arrived in the city. As soon as he walked towards the city, a Buneary darted towards him. It stopped at his feet and jumped.
"Near?" It shouted in curiosity. A lady came running after it. She saw Tenki.
"Oh, thank goodness that you happened to be there!" She said, picking the Pokemon up. "If it weren't for you, who knows how far away my Buneary could have run…" She smiled at her Pokemon. "Baby Buneary, back into the Poke Ball you go!" She said returning her Pokemon.
"I'm Tenki." He told her, holding a hand out. "This is Castform."
"Cas!" Castform said from his shoulder. She shook his hand.
"I'm Keira!" She told him. "I'm a Pokemon Contest Judge. Be sure to drop by the Contest Hall so I can thank you properly!" She waved, shuffling away.
Tenki went and rested at the Pokemon Center for the evening. It was getting late, after all. At this point, one of the eggs was making erratic noises while the other just moved occasionally. Maybe one would hatch soon! Tenki was excited to find out what new Pokemon he would soon have.
He decided to check out this "Contest Hall". Pokemon Contest had originally started in Hoenn, so Tenki knew quite a bit about them. As soon as he walked in, he saw Lucas talking to a lady. That lady was also talking to Keira. Tenki walked up.
"Oh! My hero!" She said as he walked closer. Lucas smiled when he saw him.
"Hey Tenki! Long time no see!" He said. "How is it we never see each other on our travels?"
"Anyways!" Keira said, "I need to thank you for earlier! Please take this accessory!" She said, handing Tenki a canister of glitter.
"This is my mother by the way, Tenki." Lucas said, pointing to the other lady. Tenki smiled and shook her hand.
"Well, I hope you two participate in a contest some time!" Keira told them. They both smiled and nodded.
"I'm not really into contests…" Lucas told his mom.
"What about you Tenki?" She asked him.
"I might try it. Aside from my main battling and adventure, that is."
"Well then, I hope you have a great time!" Lucas said. The two left the building. Tenki was about to go and register for a contest when…he noticed someone. She looked odd. Large purple hair, jets of purple shooting out of her scalp. Tenki went up to her.
"Hello…" Tenki said. She spun around.
"Yes? I beg your pardon?" Her voice sounded very foreign. "Ah, oui, Contests you are here for! I hope very much you enjoy them."
"Well, I'm actually on a badge hunt." He told her.
"Well…" She said, "Incidentally, Fantina, the Gym Leader of Hearthome, is also a Contestant."
"Is that right?" Tenki asked.
"She is, how do you say, trés fantastique!" She said happily.
"Maybe I will compete with her!" Tenki said in a smile.
"Fantina being myself, of course!" She said happily. Tenki laughed. "Mmm, let me see…you also seem to be trés strong. Enfin, so it shall be. After you compete in a contest, I'll battle you at the Gym." She walked into the contest viewing area. She probably wanted to see Castform perform.
Tenki entered Castform for a beauty contest. The lady at the counter told him that Castform would do the best there.
The first stage of the Contest was to dress your Pokemon. Castform picked out his outfit himself. The theme was "The Colorful". Castform utilized the flitter powder, along with some golden feathers and golden puffs. He did look very colorful.
Tenki's challengers entered with a Psyduck, Cherubi, and a Buizel. They all looked less colorful than Castform. However, not that many people paid attention to Castform.
The second part of the competition was dancing. Trainers were required to allow Pokemon to participate by themselves. Castform did, however, do well. He showed off his ability to float. Thanks to Castform's amazing performance, he was leading in points!
Next, the actual competition began. The point of this was to use moves to show off to the judges. Since Tenki was in first place, he got to go first.
Castform opened up with Powder Snow, appealing to Keira. There were two other judges too, but Keira was the only one that Castform recognized. She seemed impressed by the grace of the ice. Next up was Buizel. He appealed with an Aqua Jet to one of the other judges. The other judge seemed less impressed than Keira. The Psyduck appealed to the same judge as Buizel, causing his attention to slip. He used fury swipes. For Cherubi, it used growth on the last Judge. Her name was Jordan. The other Judge that was appealed to twice held the name Dexter. Keira was satisfied with Castform's performance.
The next volley started. Buizel went first, appealing to Dexter. He used a Water Gun. Dexter was impressed by how well Buizel managed to pull off the beauty of the move. However, Cherubi also appealed to Dexter. He used Solar Beam, so it was still appealing. To Dexter's dismay, Psyduck also appealed to Dexter! What luck! He used Confusion. Tenki was up. Castform used Sunny Day. Keira was, once again, impressed by Castform's performance.
The third Volley. Cherubi went first, appealing to Jordan with a Magical Leaf. She seemed impressed. Psyduck appealed to Dexter with fury swipes, and Buizel also appealed to him with Aqua Jet. Finally, Castform appealed to Keira with Hail. Keira gave Castform all of her attention. She was impressed.
Fourth volley. Buizel appealed to Dexter with Water Gun. Then, Psyduck to Jordan with Fury Swipes. Castform appealed again with Powder Snow to Keira. She remained impressed. Then, Cherubi used growth to appeal to Dexter. Castform had been the only one to appeal to Keira.
That struck the end of the competition. The judging had begun.
"To the winner of the Visual Competition…" Dexter announced, "A three way tie between everyone…excluding Buizel! Buizel takes first place for Visual!"
An extreme sheer from the crowd. They seemed satisfied. Dexter stepped backwards and Jordan stepped forwards.
"Our Dance competition was close…" She announced, "But a two way tie for first and second! For first…Castform and Psyduck! Congratulations!"
Castform spun in happiness. Overall, Castform was in first place!
"Finally…the acting competition. This determines out final winner!" Keira said, standing up. "4th place goes to…Cherubi!"
Cherubi showed joy. He couldn't tell he got last.
"Third place goes to…Psyduck!"
Psyduck followed. He couldn't tell that he got second to last.
"And out runner up…" Keira said, "Is Buizel! Which means Castform is out winner!"
"CAAAAAS!" Castform shouted in joy!
Castform was awarded a ribbon. He wore it with pride. Keira thanked Tenki for participating. Fantina saw him and nodded slowly. She would be waiting for him at the Gym. It was still early, Tenki decided to go rest in the Pokemon Center for a while. Nothing had changed about the Eggs. Tenki felt like he hadn't been spending enough time with Buizel. He decided to help train him in the Gym.
When Tenki entered the Gym, a man at the front of the gym noticed him and walked up to him.
"Hey, there!" He said, "Seems like you are ready to get another badge!"
"Cas!" Castform shouted. He was more pumped up from the Contest victory.
"OK, well, if you are going to succeed in this gym, you are going to need a flash light…"
It was good. The entire Gym was pitch black dark. There were lamps with small purple lights all over, which looked like some kind of Pokemon. Tenki still scanned some new Pokemon.
Gastly, Gas Pokemon. 0.2 pounds, 4 feet 3 inches. Born from gases, anyone would faint if engulfed by its gaseous body, which contains poison.
Haunter, Gas Pokemon. 0.2 Pounds, 5 feet 3 inches. Evolved form of Gastly. It likes to lurk in the dark and tap shoulders with a gaseous hand. Its touch causes endless shuddering.
Drifloon, Balloon Pokemon. 2.6 pounds, 1 foot 4 inches. Because of the way it floats aimlessly, an old folktale calls it a "Signpost for Wandering Spirits." It was the "Balloon Pokemon" that Tenki heard about from the Valley Windworks.
Misdreavus, Screech Pokemon. 2.2 Pounds, 2 feet 4 inches. A Pokémon that startles people in the middle of the night. It gathers fear as its energy.
Half way through the Gym, something happened. He heard what sounded like a huim. Then in an instant, A Duskull appeared in front of him! The sheer shock knocked him off his feet, when the Duskull floated up and away. Castform and Tenki relaxed. Tenki recognized the Duskull from back home. It looked just like the lamps in the Gym.
Finally, Tenki made it to Fantina. She saw him and smiled as he approached.
"Ohohoho!" She let out, "Finally, you have arrived! Since I moved to Sinnoh, always I try to learn new things!" She said.
"I'm not from here either." Tenki said.
"They hold Contests in this city? I say to myself, enfin, I will excel!" She smiled at Tenki. "That is why I dress this way. C'est une performance!"
"Yeah…" Tenki said awkwardly.
"Also, I study Pokemon very much. I have come to be Gym Leader. And, uh, so it shall be that you challenge me."
"All right!" Tenki shouted.
"But I shall win. That is what a Gym Leader does, non?" She smiled. "Duskull!" A Duskull formed before her. Tenki stole a scan.
Duskull, Requiem Pokemon. 33.1 Pounds, 2 feet 7 inches. It loves the crying of children. It startles bad kids by passing through walls and making them cry.
"Scaring me earlier with your Duskull?" Tenki said with a smile.
"I'm not following?" Fantina said. She honestly didn't understand. Tenki forgot about it. One of the other trainers could have had a Duskull.
"Castform, you're up first!" Tenki shouted. "Open up with a Powder Snow!" Castform shot off Tenki's shoulder and spat snow. Duskull seemed mostly unaffected.
"Fu-twa sight Duskull!" Fantina shouted. A purple aura surrounded Duskull.
"Another Powder Snow!" Castform spat more snow at Duskull.
"Will-o-wisp!" Duskull threw a red flame at Castform, scorching him. Castform whimpered in pain.
"Another Powder Snow Castform!" More snow spat at Duskull.
"Pursuit!" Duskull punched Castform with a glowing cloth. Then, the Future Sight took effect. Castform was doing OK. Tenki was proud.
"You're doing great Castform!" Tenki shouted.
"Another Future Sight Duskull!" Again, Duskull surrounded itself in a blue aura.
"Powder Snow!" Tenki had no choice but to keep up the ice attacks, Castform had forgotten how to use the others.
"Pursuit!" Castform stood strong. The next Future Sight took hit. Castform finally began to lose his energy.
Both Tenki and Fantina healed their Pokemon. It was looking grim.
"Hail!" Castform summoned Hail, and the cloud appeared. Castform went under his transformation.
"Prepare another Future Sight!"
The battle was starting to become repetitive. Tenki, however, was fresh out of healing items.
"Thanks for changing to Ice Type! Shadow Sneak Duskull!" Duskull turned to darkness and appeared behind Castform, smacking him.
"Powder Snow!" Duskull took the attack, un phased. Or so Tenki thought. Duskull had stopped moving! It was frozen! The Future Sight slammed down on Castform. Even frozen, Duskull remained fighting. Tenki took the chance to apply a Burn Heal. Duskull finally snapped out of it.
"Future Sight!" And the hail stopped.
"Castform! Another Powder Snow!" The snow brushed against Duskull.
"Burn him again!" The familiar fire surrounded Castform, scorching him.
"Don't let up! Another Powder Snow!" The attack was critical! It knocked Duskull unconscious. Castform let out a weak cry of happiness, losing all strength. Then, from the combined damage of the burn and Future Sight attack, Castform collapsed. He couldn't take any more. Tenki picked him up.
"What a strong little Pokemon!" Fantina said.
"You did amazing Castform." Tenki reaching into his bag. "Buizel, you're up!" Buizel appeared, eager for a fight.
"Haunter!" She shouted. "Open with a Shadow Claw!" Haunter shot forward, slicing into Buizel. Buizel spun around. He was OK.
"Pursuit, Buizel!" He slammed into Haunter with a glowing fist, Haunter reeling from the pain.
"Hypnosis!" She shouted. Haunter store into Buizel's eyes. He collapsed. He wasn't hurt, just asleep.
"Buizel!" Tenki shouted.
"Shadow Claw Haunter!" Dark claws dug into Buizel, knocking him unconscious. Tenki returned him.
"OK, my last Pokemon! You've pulled through before, you can do it again! Ponyta!" Ponyta formed, eager to battle. Fantina healed her Pokemon. "Flame Wheel!" It meant nothing, the damage from Flame Wheel returned it to its original standing. "Finish it Ponyta! Another Flame Wheel!" Haunter fell downward, the damage too much. Tenki did it! Two Pokemon had been defeated!
"It's not over! Mismagius!" A large Pokemon appeared. Tenki scanned it.
Mismagius, Magical Pokemon. 9.7 Pounds, 2 feet 11 inches. Evolved form of Misdreavus. Its cry sounds like incantation. It is said that the cry may rarely be imbued with happiness-giving power.
"My final Pokemon. Quite a fair standoff, yes?" She said. "Confuse Ray Mismagius!" Mismagius shot out a ball of rainbow colored light. It collided with Ponyta.
"Flame Wheel!" Ponyta had trouble listening, but obeyed, slamming into Mismagius. It burned the Pokemon. Ponyta came to its senses immediately.
"OK Mismagius!" She shouted, "Another Confuse Ray!"
Ponyta got hit, but ignored it.
"Flame Wheel!" Ponyta slammed into Mismagius. Tenki could tell…she was going to heal it.
"Never give up or surrender!" She shouted. "Shadow Ball!" Fantina didn't heal it! Ponyta took the hit with pride.
"Finish it Ponyta! Flame Wheel!" Ponyta slammed into Mismagius, knocking it down and unconscious. Fantina returned her Pokemon. Tenki returned his.
"Phew…" Tenki said.
"You are fantastically strong. I know why I have lost…" She said quickly. "But still…I am dumbfounded! So very, very strong! You, your Pokemon, so strong!"
"Thank you…" Tenki said awkwardly.
"Your power is admirable! I shall honor it with this Gym Badge!" She handed him the Relic Badge. He happily took it.
"Yeah! My next Badge!" He slotted it into the case. "My 3rd Badge!"
"Also, I have a TM for you." She said, handing him a disc. "It's for Shadow Claw. Perhaps a Pokemon you catch later can make use of it?"
"Thank you." Tenki said, taking it. Then, the Duskull from before appeared between Fantina and Tenki. It startled them both, causing Tenki to fall off his feet. It was a small Duskull. Fantina laughed. Tenki, however, had a ghostly look on his face. Not as ghostly as Castform, however.
"Cas…" Castform said, looking at Tenki's bag. It looked smaller than normal. Tenki gave Castform an awkward look and opened it.
"NO!" He shouted.
"What is wrong?" Fantina asked him. Tenki pulled one Egg out. It made small movements. He then dumped his backpack. Shell pieces fell out. Tenki had shattered the Egg on his fall.
"Cas…" Castform said sadly.
"Why is it just shells?" Fantina asked.
"Because I just shattered it…" Tenki said. The Duskull floated down to Tenki, resting near him.
"Why are there no remains of Pokemon? If it's just shells, it might have harbored a ghost type, and it just left the shell, and that's why it broke so easily? Otherwise, why didn't the other Egg brake open?"
"Cas…" Castform said quizzically.
"Oh…you think…?"
"This Duskull is so young…" She said. Tenki looked to the Duskull. It was an infant Duskull. Duskull matured, left the Egg halfway in the Gym, and then spooked him! Tenki and Castform let out deflated sighs.
"One way to find out." Tenki said. He pulled out a Pokeball, and shot the laser at the Duskull. It turned to light and retracted into the ball. Tenki had not only just got a badge, but the fourth member of his party.